We're long overdue for an Apple TV update, and there have been rumors about an imminent refresh since late last year. It's now sounding like we're not going to get a new version for several months because of Siri delays. If you're holding out for a new model, here's a recap on what to expect when it eventually comes out so you can decide whether to continue to wait, or buy now.
Design
Apple TV design updates are few and far between, and that's not changing in 2026. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black plastic material.
We're expecting the 2026 Apple TV to be indistinguishable from the existing Apple TV on the exterior.
New Chip
A new A-series chip will be the main Apple TV update, and rumors suggest that it will get the A17 Pro chip that Apple first used in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Compared to the A15 Bionic in the current Apple TV, the A17 Pro is a big update, and it's a good reason to hold off on buying the current model. The A17 Pro is built on a 3-nanometer process for faster speed and better efficiency, and it has hardware-accelerated ray tracing for higher-quality graphics in games.
Given that Apple has held the Apple TV update for so long, it's entirely possible it'll get an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM update is possible too, especially if the Apple TV has any kind of Apple Intelligence support.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
The next Apple TV is supposedly ready to launch at any time, but new Siri features are the holdup. Apple wants to debut the Apple TV with the smarter version of Siri that's in the works, and it's not ready to go.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the Apple TV is linked to "new artificial intelligence features" that Apple has postponed until September 2026. Apple intended to launch the Apple Intelligence Siri features in spring 2026, but the company was still experiencing issues with Siri. At this point, we're not going to see new Siri capabilities until iOS 27, which also means a delay for all the devices that Apple is holding.
Along with the Apple TV, the rumored home hub and a next-generation version of the HomePod are waiting on Siri.
Updated Siri features will likely require more RAM and a faster chip, so if you want the smarter Siri on the Apple TV, that's another reason to wait before making a purchase.
Wi-Fi
The Apple TV could get Apple's N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Wi-Fi 7 works with the 6GHz band offered by newer routers.
6GHz connectivity is faster and less congested, which you generally want for a device designed for streaming content.
Bluetooth
The Apple TV 4K could get Bluetooth 6 for connecting devices like controllers and earbuds.
Pricing
There might be a cheaper version of the Apple TV available because there have been rumors of a price drop.
Apple could release two models, one that's higher-end and one that has lower specs and a lower price tag, or it could keep the existing Apple TV around as a low-cost option.
Launch Date
If the new version of Siri has been pushed to iOS 27 and the Apple TV is tied to that update, we're not going to see the Apple TV refreshed until September 2026 or later.
Apple today provided public beta testers with the first releases of upcoming iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and tvOS 26.5 updates for testing purposes. The public betas come four days after Apple provided the betas to developers, though Apple seeded updated iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 betas to developers earlier today.
After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section of the Settings app on each device.
iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and macOS Tahoe 26.5 include a new Suggested Places feature for recommending nearby locations to visit, and Apple is also gearing up to start showing ads in Maps.
Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users again, and there are proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables in the EU.
Today marks the 16th anniversary of when Apple released the first-generation iPad. After Steve Jobs announced the iPad on January 27, 2010, it launched a few months later on April 3, 2010.
Apple's original iPad looked like a larger version of the iPhone, featuring thick bezels, a 9.7-inch multitouch display with a 1,024 x 768 resolution, a Home Button, and a 30-pin dock connector. The iPad was the first device that Apple released with a custom-designed chip, the Apple A4.
The concept of a tablet device like the iPad actually predated the iPhone, and Apple had a prototype project in the works in 2004. Then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs wanted to prioritize the iPhone, so the iPad was put on hold until after the iPhone was established.
Apple priced the iPad at $499, and Jobs called it a "magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price." Like the iPhone, the iPad dominated the tablet space, and it still continues to do so today. Apple sold a million iPads in the first month, and while competitors like Microsoft and Samsung quickly came out with competing tablets of their own, the iPad has no match.
Apple has led the global tablet market for over a decade and no competitor comes close to matching its tablet market share. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, Apple's market share was 44.9 percent, with Samsung the next closest at 14.7 percent.
Apple has expanded its iPad lineup over the years, and we now have multiple sizes at multiple price points. The 11-inch iPad is available for those who want a low-cost option, while the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air are mid-range products with a Mac chip. The 8.3-inch iPad mini is available for those who want a smaller-sized tablet, and for those who want top-of-the-line performance with Apple's latest Mac chip, the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models are available. This article, "Happy Birthday, iPad: Apple's Tablet Turns 16" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Repair site iFixit today shared a teardown of Apple's new AirPods Max 2 headphones, and as expected, there are few changes. iFixit says the AirPods Max 2 are "basically the same" as the original AirPods Max headphones that came out in 2020.
A comparison of the internal components of the AirPods Max 2 and the USB-C AirPods Max indicate the headphones are identical, and opening them up requires the same steps. The only difference is the updated H2 chips inside each earcup.
Apple hasn't addressed the common failure points in the AirPods Max, such as condensation that builds up in the earcups in humid environments, and Apple doesn't have parts or repair manuals available.
iFixit suggests that if Apple made instructions and components available through its self-service repair program and made the battery and USB-C port more accessible, the AirPods Max would be repairable and could have a much longer lifespan.
With no updates to the AirPods Max 2 design, the headphones are no more repairable than the prior-generation models. iFixit gave the prior version a repairability score of 6/10.
Apple is now selling M4 iPad Pro models in its online store for refurbished products, allowing customers to purchase like-new models at a discounted price.
There are both 11-inch and 13-inch options available, in multiple storage configurations. Apple is offering Wi-Fi and Cellular refurbished models, and silver and black color options.
Pricing on the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro starts at $759, down from the original $999 price. The 13-inch model is priced starting at $1,019, down from the original $1,299 price. Entry-level models are Wi-Fi only with 256GB of storage.
Apple released the M4 iPad Pro models in May 2024, but this is the first time that refurbished models have been available for purchase. Apple discontinued the M4 iPad Pro models with the launch of the M5 iPad Pro in October 2025.
Apple sells refurbished devices with the same one-year warranty that comes with a new Apple product. Refurbished iPads feature all manuals and accessories, plus Apple has a testing, repair, repackaging, and cleaning process to make sure that refurbished products are identical to new devices. Refurbished products are eligible for AppleCare+ protection.
Apple today seeded revised first betas of upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming four days after Apple seeded the initial betas.
Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update. It's not clear why Apple has seeded new beta updates, but there may be a bug fix that couldn't wait for the second beta.
iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include new Siri capabilities, suggesting any Siri updates are being held until iOS 27. The Maps app has a Suggested Places feature for recommending locations to visit nearby based on trends and recent searches, plus Apple is laying the groundwork for ads.
Apple is again testing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. Apple tested the feature in iOS 26.4, but removed it before the update launched.
In the European Union, Apple is testing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables like earbuds and smartwatches.
If you often find yourself adding a track to an Apple Music playlist, going back, and then adding it to other playlists, iOS 26.4 includes an option that could save you bags of time: You can now select multiple playlists when adding a song.
Previously, tapping Add to Playlist would take you to a list of your playlists, and you could only pick one at a time. In iOS 26.4, there's a new multi-select option that lets you check off as many playlists as you like in one go. Here's how it works.
In the Music app, find the song you want to add.
Long press the song, or tap the three-dot menu (...) next to it.
Tap Add to Playlist.
In the bottom-right corner, tap the new multi-select button.
Select all the playlists you want to add the song to – each one gets a red checkmark.
Tap the checkmark button in the top-right corner to confirm.
The header at the top of the screen will update to reflect how many playlists you've selected, so you can keep track before confirming.
It might seem like a minor addition, but if you maintain several playlists organized by mood, genre, or occasion, it eliminates so much back-and-forth navigation. It's no exaggeration to say that some users will have been waiting years for this option.
In iOS 26.4, Apple has also given albums and playlists a new fullscreen design so that the album artwork colors style the entire background of the track list and other UI elements to give each album a more immersive, authentic look. To check out what's new, make sure your iPhone is up-to-date with the latest version by going to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update.
The rear will see a slight design shift as well. Apple is reportedly dropping the two-tone look found on iPhone 17 Pro models in favor of a more seamless aesthetic, with improved alignment between the Ceramic Shield back glass and the aluminum frame. The devices are also expected to come in a special red color.
The camera system will undergo more substantial changes. Both Pro models' main 48-megapixel Fusion camera are rumored to feature variable aperture, which would allow users to control the lens opening to manage light intake and depth of field. The aperture would function similarly to a DSLR camera, giving photographers greater control over focus sharpness and background blur in different lighting conditions. Additionally, Samsung is developing a new three-layer sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro, designed to reduce noise, improve dynamic range, and enhance camera responsiveness compared to Sony's current sensors.
The Camera Control button is also getting a simplification. Rather than supporting both capacitive touch gestures and pressure sensing as on the iPhone 17, the iPhone 18 will rely on pressure sensing alone, reducing manufacturing complexity and the cost of repairs, while improving ease of use.
The A20 Pro chip will mark Apple's debut of a 2-nanometer processor, with a reported 15% speed increase and about 30% better power efficiency compared to the A19 Pro. The chip will use TSMC's Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module technology, integrating RAM directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine rather than mounting it separately, which should improve performance and battery life while reducing the physical footprint of the chip.
The iPhone 18 Pro models will also feature Apple's C2 modem, which is expected to bring faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and support for mmWave 5G in the United States, a capability absent from the C1 and C1X modems used in earlier iPhones. Other upgrades include Apple's N2 wireless chip and 5G satellite internet.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch in September 2026, with the standard iPhone 18 and the lower-end iPhone 18e following in spring 2027. A foldable iPhone is also expected to debut alongside the Pro models in the fall. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's announcement of its 37th annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where the company is expected to unveil a major Siri overhaul alongside iOS 27, macOS 27, and other next-generation operating systems.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also email us at podcast@macrumors.com or head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
This week was the launch of the AirPods Max 2, and Amazon has the first cash discount on these brand new headphones for launch week. Below, you'll also find great deals on the M5 MacBook Air, 2026 Studio Display, and M4 iPad Air.
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.
Apple's new AirPods Max 2 launched this week, and Amazon is one of the only retailers offering any sort of discount on the headphones. You can get the Midnight and Starlight color options for $529.00 on Amazon, down from $549.00.
M5 MacBook Air
What's the deal? Take up to $84 off M5 MacBook Air
Amazon has introduced a few new record low prices on the new M5 MacBook Air this week, with up to $84 off these notebooks. The biggest markdowns can be found on the 13-inch MacBook Air, but there are still some solid deals on 15-inch models as well.
Apple Studio Display
What's the deal? Take $100 off the new Studio Display
Apple just launched the new line of Studio Displays last month, and Amazon already has a few $100 discounts on select models. You can get the Standard Glass Studio Display with Tilt-Adjustable Stand for $1,499.00, down from $1,599.00, an all-time low price.
Last month saw the launch of all of Apple's new products, and Amazon is already offering good discounts on many models of the M4 iPad Air. We're seeing up to $80 off both the 11-inch and 13-inch models, which is solid for a brand-new product.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Earlier this week, Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 26.5 to developers. The software update is relatively minor so far, which is not too surprising given that Apple is likely shifting its focus towards iOS 27. Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and the update should be released in September.
Below, we outline what is new in iOS 26.5 so far, along with rumored iOS 27 features.
End-to-end encryption for RCS is a security feature that ensures that messages sent between supported iOS 26.5 and Android devices are encrypted and cannot be intercepted and read by a third party while they are being delivered.
Apple already tested end-to-end encryption for RCS in the iOS 26.4 beta, but the feature did not make it into the final release of iOS 26.4 last week. It remains to be seen if the feature launches with iOS 26.5, or if it will be removed again before beta testing ends and return at some point during the iOS 27 software cycle.
Last month, Apple announced that ads are coming to the Apple Maps app on the iPhone and iPad in the U.S. and Canada starting "this summer," and there is evidence of Apple preparing for that within iOS 26.5's code.
Apple says businesses in the U.S. and Canada will be able to place ads in search results and at the top of a new "Suggested Places" section in the app.
"Ads on Maps will appear when users search in Maps, and can appear at the top of a user's search results based on relevance, as well as at the top of a new Suggested Places experience in Maps, which will display recommendations based on what's trending nearby, the user's recent searches, and more," says Apple.
Similar to the ads that are already shown in App Store search results on the iPhone and iPad, ads in Apple Maps will have an "Ad" label, and Apple promises strong privacy protections. For example, Apple says a user's location and the ads they see and interact with in Apple Maps are not associated with a user's Apple Account.
In the iOS 26.5 beta, Apple is working to extend iPhone features like notifications, Live Activities, and AirPods-like pairing to third-party smartwatches and headphones in the EU, as required under the Digital Markets Act.
Apple's long-awaited Siri revamp is finally expected to arrive with iOS 27.
The more personalized version of Siri will have understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls. For example, during its WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps.
That is not all, though, as iOS 27 will reportedly feature a dedicated Siri app with its own chatbot functionality and conversation history, or users will be able to tap into third-party chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude through a so-called "Extensions" feature in the app.
Similar to Grammarly, the keyboard "expands autocorrect by offering alternative words."
iOS 27 is not expected to include any major Liquid Glass design changes, but the update may add a system-wide Liquid Glass slider for precisely adjusting the opacity of the interface. A similar slider already exists for the Lock Screen's clock.
Of course, these are only the known or rumored features so far.
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for more than five more months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices.
Variable Aperture: The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models is rumored to have a variable aperture, which would allow users to control the amount of light that passes through the camera's lens and reaches the sensor. This would provide greater control over depth of field. However, given that iPhones have smaller image sensors due to smartphone size constraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be.
A20 Pro Chip: Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip is expected to use TSMC's first-generation 2nm process, whereas the A19 Pro chip is 3nm. With a 2nm architecture and a new packaging design, the A20 Pro chip should deliver solid year-over-year performance and power efficiency gains.
C2 Modem: Apple's custom C1 cellular modem for 5G and LTE debuted in the iPhone 16e last year, and that was followed by a C1X chip in the iPhone Air. Apple says the C1X modem is up to twice as fast as the C1 modem, and the most power-efficient modem in an iPhone ever. The improvements should continue with Apple's third-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models.
N2 Chip: Most of the iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air are equipped with an Apple-designed N1 chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Apple says the N1 chip also improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to have Apple's next-generation N2 chip, but it is not yet known what improvements would come with this upgrade.
Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone in September, followed by a standard iPhone 18 model, a lower-end iPhone 18e, and potentially a second-generation iPhone Air early next year.
Students and developers who won the lottery to attend the WWDC 2026 Special Event at Apple Park on June 8 have started receiving their invites.
Apple is holding a WWDC keynote viewing at Apple Park, but space is limited so invites were done on a lottery basis. Apple accepted submissions from those interested in attending until Monday night, and winners are now being notified.
Developers and students who won a spot will take part in an all-day event. The day will begin with the keynote viewing at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, followed by the Platforms State of the Union, Apple Park tours, and a dinner. Attendees will be able to connect with Apple engineers and experts.
Current Apple Developer Program members, Apple Developer Enterprise Program members, Apple Entrepreneur Camp alumni, and Swift Student Challenge winners from 2024 to 2026 were eligible to apply, with attendees chosen by random selection.
Apple does not charge a fee for the Apple Park special event, but the company does not cover transportation or lodging. Out-of-state attendees will need to purchase airfare, hotel accommodations, and transportation to Apple Park.
WWDC 2026 will take place from June 8 to June 12. Developers and students not selected to attend the Apple Park event can follow along with WWDC through Apple's developer website and app. Apple plans to share 100+ WWDC sessions that walk through all of the new features, and developers can attend interactive group labs and get one-on-one help from Apple engineers.
App developer Clément Sauvage has designed a set of enamel pins for Apple fans who want to commemorate WWDC 2026 and Apple's 50th anniversary. Sauvage is offering the pins on Kickstarter, and plans to start shipments in May ahead of WWDC.
The pins feature the Apple developer logo, the Apple Intelligence icon, Apple's "spaceship" and rainbow at the Apple Park campus, the entrance to Apple's Infinite Loop campus, the Swift logo, and more. A single pin is available for 10 euros, while a full set of eight WWDC-themed pins is priced at 45 euros.
Sauvage has done enamel pin sets in 2021 and 2024, so this is his third offering. There are some add-on pins from prior years available as well.
Apple often designs its own WWDC pins that are given to developers that attend the WWDC Special Event, but the pins are not available for general purchase.
The latest version of Apple's 140W USB-C Power Adapter included with 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip has an issue for some.
After the 16-inch MacBook Pro was updated last month, customers in some countries began to notice that Apple's 140W USB-C Power Adapter that comes with it has a subtle design change that breaks compatibility with Apple's Power Adapter Extension Cable.
Specifically, while the charger continues to have a removable plug, Apple has apparently tweaked the design of the underlying male connector with two pins. The connector now has a slimmer pill-like shape, whereas it previously had a modified C7 design. Due to this change, the new charger does not work with Apple's Power Adapter Extension Cable, which still has a female connector designed to match the previous male connector.
The redesigned male connector (on the right in the photo)
Oddly, Apple's product page for the Power Adapter Extension Cable says the cable is compatible with its 140W USB-C power adapters, despite this issue.
Apple's discontinued World Travel Adapter Kit is also incompatible with the version of Apple's 140W USB-C Power Adapter with the redesigned male connector.
The new design has been spotted in Australia and China, but other customers have said their power adapters are not affected, so it is a hit-or-miss situation. We have yet to confirm exactly which countries are impacted by this issue, or if the 140W USB-C Power Adapter that Apple sells separately is affected by this change anywhere.
Anker this week launched a useful new accessory for your desk, debuting the 10-in-1 Nano Power Strip. Priced at $70, the Nano Power Strip has a unique clamp design that puts multiple ports on your desktop while eliminating cable clutter.
I was able to test out the Nano Power Strip ahead of when it launched, and found it to be a useful alternative to standard under-desk power strips. The power strip comes in black or white and it's made of plastic, but the matte finish adds aesthetic appeal, as does a silver front plate for some of the ports.
The clamp is adjustable with an included knob and it fits desktops from 0.6 inches to 1.8 inches. Unfortunately, I have a Parsons-style desk that's too thick to use the power strip as intended, so it's worth measuring. With my thicker desk, I can still attach it to a leg or the back of the desk, but it doesn't put all of the outlets in the ideal position. There are silicone pads at both sides of the clamp to keep furniture from being scratched.
There are two outlets at the top, two outlets at the bottom, and two outlets at the sides, for a total of six outlets. There are two USB-C ports with 70W max charging (split between 45W and 25W when charging two devices), and two 12W USB-A ports. 70W isn't going to charge a MacBook Pro at its maximum speed, but it's enough for day-to-day use, and it'll fast charge most other Apple devices. I do wish there was more USB-C power and one less USB-A port, but it's easy enough to use one of the top outlets to plug in one of Anker's small multi-port power adapters.
With the power strip positioned at the edge of a desk, the two outlets on the top of the device are accessible from the desktop. The four other outlets are accessible from the bottom of the desk, so cables can be hidden away. The USB-A and USB-C ports are also meant to be used from the desktop, and the above-desk portion is slim, coming in at under an inch.
Because the Nano Power Strip attaches to a desk, it stays secure when plugging things in to the ports or the top outlets, which is convenient. I don't need to hold it down to unplug something, and it doesn't move around on a tabletop. If you've ever had a power strip with a bunch of heavy cables plugged in, you probably know what a hassle it can be trying to keep it upright.
The Nano Power Strip is a surge protector, and Anker says that it has overload, short-circuit, and temperature control.
Apple has continued posting short videos featuring its new Little Finder Guy mascot on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, taking advantage of the popularity of the anthropomorphized Mac Finder icon.
The short videos promote the MacBook Neo through a series of Mac tips, all of which include Little Finder Guy in cute poses. A video about journaling features the character with a book and a pen, while another about the Passwords app has Little Finder Guy with a magnifying glass.
Apple has shared nine Little Finder Guy videos this week, and on TikTok, the thumbnails for the videos come together to make a Little Finder Guy mosaic on the Apple TikTok page.
Now that Apple has likely completed its Little Finder Guy image on TikTok, videos with the character could stop or become less frequent, but Apple might opt to keep the mascot around because of how it's caught on.
Apple introduced Little Finder Guy after launching the MacBook Neo in early March, and Apple users immediately liked the character. Stephen Hackett of 512 Pixels created a 3D print version, and Basic Apple Guy has a series of mockups, plus stickers for sale. PCalc's James Thomson also made a set of 5K Little Finder Guy wallpapers.
As of April 1, payment processing is no longer available for purchases made across the App Store and other Apple services in Russia, according to Apple.
In a new support document, Apple said new purchases, in-app purchases, and subscription renewals are no longer available in Russia unless a user already has funds in their Apple Account balance, which can continue to be used.
This change affects the following services and items:
Apple Arcade
Apple Fitness+
Apple Music
Apple Podcasts subscriptions
Apple One
App Store purchases and subscriptions
Apple TV purchases and subscriptions
iTunes Store purchases
iCloud+
Ringtone & Tone purchases
Apple said apps and content that users previously bought will remain available, and it ensured that iCloud data will remain accessible after an iCloud+ subscription ends. More details are available in Apple's support document.
Apple reportedly took this action in response to an order from the Russian government, which allegedly hopes that the lost services revenue from Russian users will pressure the company to add some popular Russian apps back to the App Store, after those apps were removed due to sanctions arising from Russia's war with Ukraine. The order would presumably end if Apple were to make those apps available again.
When macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26 launched last September, Apple quietly removed Safari's Compact tab layout – the option that merged the address bar and the tab bar into a single, space-saving row. If you were a fan of it, you will have been out of luck for months.
The good news is that Apple has brought it back. In macOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, the Compact tab bar is once again available as an alternative to the default Separate layout. Here's how to enable it on both platforms.
On Mac
Open Safari.
In the menu bar, click Safari ➝ Settings....
Click the Tabs pane.
Next to "Tabs Layout," select Compact.
The address bar and tab bar will immediately merge into a single row, freeing up vertical screen space.
On iPad
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap through to Apps ➝ Safari.
Under "Tabs," tap Compact Tab Bar.
That's all there is to it. If you decide you prefer the standard layout, simply retrace your steps and select Separate (on Mac) or Separate Tab Bar (on iPad).
The Compact layout can be handy on the smaller screens of the MacBook Air or iPad mini, where every pixel of vertical space counts. It's worth trying if you've never used it, just be aware that tab titles are truncated more aggressively in this view, so when switching between many open tabs you'll have to rely more on favicons than on page names.
Apple today shared a trailer for Widow's Bay, a mysterious new "genre-bending" horror-comedy series set to premiere on Apple TV on Wednesday, April 29.
Widow's Bay is described as a "quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England," but apparently "something lurks beneath the surface."
Matthew Rhys stars as Mayor Tom Loftis, who is trying to revive the struggling community.
"There's no Wi-Fi, spotty cellular reception and he must contend with superstitious locals who believe their island is cursed," Apple explains.
"Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination," adds Apple. "Miraculously, he succeeds: tourists are finally coming. Unfortunately, the locals were right. After decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true, start happening again."
Apple says Widow's Bay blends genuine horror with character-driven comedy.
The first three episodes in the 10-episode season are set to premiere on Apple TV on Wednesday, April 29, and one additional episode will come out every Wednesday through June 17, with a special two-episode release on Wednesday, May 27. The series is created and executive produced by Katie Dippold, and Hiro Murai directs five episodes this season.
In the U.S., Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month or $129 per year, with a free one-week trial available for new subscribers. Apple TV is also included in Apple One and Peacock bundles, with all of the options outlined on Apple's website.
You can stream Apple TV in the Apple TV app, which is available on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, select smart TVs, on the web at tv.apple.com, and more.
Despite releasing more than 10 new products so far this year, Apple has yet to hold a traditional event with a live-streamed video in 2026.
While anything is possible, our best guess at this point is that Apple's next event will likely be its annual developers conference WWDC in June, with standalone live-streamed Apple Events this April or May currently looking improbable.
Apple then had a busy March, unveiling the iPhone 17e, iPad Air models with the M4 chip, MacBook Air models with the M5 chip, MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the all-new MacBook Neo, a new Studio Display, a higher-end Studio Display XDR, AirPods Max 2, and Nike Powerbeats Pro 2.
Apple also introduced new color options for select iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and the iPhone's Crossbody Strap. The new colors include the likes of Bright Guava, Vanilla, Soft Pink, Clementine, and Electric Lavender.
Announcement Dates
Here is when Apple announced each new product so far in 2026:
AirTag 2: January 26
Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop: January 26
iPhone 17e: March 2
New Accessory Colors: March 2
iPad Air with M4 chip: March 2
MacBook Air with M5 chip: March 3
MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips: March 3
Studio Display (2026): March 3
Studio Display XDR: March 3
MacBook Neo: March 4
AirPods Max 2: March 16
Nike Powerbeats Pro 2: March 17
Rumored Products
Here is what to expect from Apple later this year, according to rumors.
Beyond the usual annual updates to iPhones and Apple Watches, Apple's all-new smart home hub is finally expected to launch later this year, once the more personalized version of Siri arrives. We are also expecting a foldable iPhone, a MacBook Pro with an OLED display, and long-awaited updates to the Apple TV and HomePods this year.
MacBook Pro with OLED display: A major redesign towards the end of 2026, with M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, an OLED display, a touch screen, a Dynamic Island, and a thinner design. On this device, which could also be named MacBook Ultra, macOS 27 is expected to offer a touch-friendly interface.
Home
Apple TV:A17 Pro chip with support for the more personalized Siri, and Apple's N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. A built-in FaceTime camera has been rumored for a future Apple TV, but it is unclear if that will arrive with the next model.
HomePod mini:S9 chip or newer with support for the more personalized Siri, Apple's N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, improved sound quality, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and potentially new color options like red.
Face ID Doorbell: A video doorbell with Face ID and HomeKit Secure Video, wirelessly connects to a compatible deadbolt lock.
Apple Event Timing
As we mentioned above, our best guess at this point is that Apple's next event will likely be its annual developers conference WWDC in June. The reason for this is that very few Apple products if any in the list above are rumored to be launching imminently, with all of the new smart home products and related accessories in particular reportedly held up until the more personalized version of Siri is finally ready later this year. This makes standalone live-streamed Apple Events this April or May seem improbable.
Siri's long-awaited revamp is expected to arrive as part of iOS 27, which should be available in beta starting in June and widely released in September.
The only product in the list above that might arrive before WWDC is an iPad 12 with Apple Intelligence support, but it would have been more fitting for Apple to announce that device alongside the new iPad Air last month, so even the entry-level iPad might not be updated again until the second half of this year.
WWDC runs from Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12 this year. The conference primarily focuses on Apple's latest software platforms, which will include iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27 this year, but Apple has also announced new hardware during its WWDC keynote in some years. The last time that happened was at WWDC 2023, when Apple unveiled the Vision Pro, the first 15-inch MacBook Air, Mac Studio models with M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips, and a Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra.
If history repeats itself, the product most likely to be unveiled at WWDC 2026 could be the next Mac Studio, which would be powered by the existing M5 Max chip and an all-new M5 Ultra chip. Apple skipped an M4 Ultra chip, resulting in the current Mac Studio having a mishmash of M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. This time around, the M5 Ultra chip would not extend to the Mac Pro, as the desktop tower has been discontinued entirely.
Of course, Apple could always surprise us, so stay tuned.