It was a busy week in the Apple world, with Apple announcing the discontinuation of the Mac Pro, releasing iOS 26.4 and other updates, and officially announcing dates for this year's Worldwide Developers Conference.


This week also saw the AirPods Max 2 become available to order while we heard some fresh details about upcoming Apple hardware, so read on below for all the details!

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Apple Confirms Mac Pro Is Dead, No Future Models Planned

It shouldn't be much of a surprise considering it hadn't been updated in three years and there have been no rumors of anything coming in the future, but it was still a bit sad to see Apple officially discontinue the Mac Pro this week. And yes, Apple's infamous $700 kit to add wheels to the Mac Pro has also been put out to pasture.


Arriving 20 years ago as an Intel-based upgrade to the PowerPC-driven Power Mac G5, the Mac Pro evolved from a traditional tower workstation to a compact cylindrical form factor and back again over the years, but while it was intended to serve the high-end professional market, it was never upgraded as frequently as other Macs and its role has largely been usurped by the Mac Studio that carries a much lower starting price.

Apple Releases iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 With New Emoji, Playlist Playground, Purchase Sharing Changes and More

Apple this week released iOS 26.4 and related operating system updates, delivering several improvements but not the revamped Siri we'd been hoping would make an appearance in these releases. That major revamp now looks like it may not come until iOS 27.


iOS 26.4 does bring a number of new features like the AI-driven Playlist Playground in Apple Music, eight new emoji characters, concert listings in Apple Music, CarPlay enhancements, and more.

Alongside iOS 26.4, other releases included macOS Tahoe 26.4 with the return of the compact tab bar option for Safari and a new battery charge limit setting, plus tvOS 26.4 with a new Genius Browse content discover feature, subtitle styling, and more.

Apple Announces WWDC 2026 Will Take Place June 8 to 12

Apple has officially announced that its annual developer conference will take place during the usual timeframe, kicking off with a keynote on Monday, June 8, and running through Friday, June 12.


WWDC will be a hybrid event again this year, with developers able to attend virtual sessions and labs free of charge. There is a lottery, however, for developers to enter for a chance to attend the Monday keynote sessions in person at Apple Park.

We're expecting to see Apple unveil significant AI advancements this year after a number of delays, and the company has confirmed that those advancements will be a major focus of WWDC.

AirPods Max 2 Now Available for Pre-Order With First Deliveries as Soon as April 1

Apple this week began accepting pre-orders for the AirPods Max 2 headphones that were introduced on March 16. In the U.S., Apple's online store intially listed a delivery timeframe of April 1 to April 3, although orders placed today may arrive a few days later than that.


Priced at $549, the ‌AirPods Max 2‌ feature the same design as the original AirPods Max, but Apple updated the over-ear headphones with an H2 chip that adds new capabilities already offered by other AirPods models. Amazon is already offering small discounts on select colors.

The AirPods Max 2 aren't the only new audio product launched by Apple in the past week, as the company's Beats brand also released new special-edition Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 featuring Nike's signature neon green-yellow "Volt" color.

New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Remain 'Ready' to Launch

Apple has unveiled quite a few new products this month, but the wait continues for the next-generation Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models.


In his Power On newsletter this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said new versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini have been "ready" since last year, but he reiterated that Apple has held off on releasing them until the more personalized version of Siri and other Apple Intelligence upgrades are released later this year. In a live Q&A on Thursday, Gurman indicated that a new full-size HomePod is in the same predicament.

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Apple this week announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features.


Rolling out on April 14, the service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single interface to manage devices, employees, communications, and customer engagement across Apple's ecosystem.

The effort will also bring ads to Apple Maps, starting "this summer" in the United States and Canada.

Apple Reportedly Preparing 'Biggest Set of iPhone Revamps' Ever

Apple is working on "the biggest set of iPhone revamps in the product's history," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


In an in-depth profile of Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus, who is widely considered to be the leading candidate to become Apple's next CEO whenever Tim Cook steps down, Gurman said Ternus is "overseeing the biggest set of iPhone revamps in the product's history, including a foldable model this year and a version with an edge-to-edge screen that could arrive as early as 2027, for the device's 20th anniversary."

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Just when you thought Apple was done with product announcements for a little while, this week saw one last drop with the AirPods Max 2 making their appearance.


This week also saw fresh rumors about iOS 27 coming later this year while an iOS 26.4 release looks to be right around the corner, and Apple kicked off a series of events around the world in celebration of the company's upcoming 50th anniversary, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

Top Stories

Apple Announces AirPods Max 2 With H2 Chip and More

In a surprise move, Apple this week unveiled AirPods Max 2, with key upgrades including the H2 chip, increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation.


The new AirPods Max have the same overall design as the previous generation, with most of the new features coming from the upgrade to the H2 chip, but they do bring a nice set of audio improvements and a new Camera Remote function for the Digital Crown. If you're a current AirPods Max owner and are considering an upgrade, be sure to check out our buyer's guide comparing the two generations.

AirPods Max 2 will be available to order starting Wednesday, March 25, with a launch to follow sometime in early April.

iOS 27 Will Reportedly Be Like Mac OS X Snow Leopard

In his Power On newsletter this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated that iOS 27 will be similar to 2009's Mac OS X Snow Leopard, in the sense that one of Apple's biggest priorities is bug fixes for improved performance and stability.


That isn't to say, however, that the update will be completely devoid of new features, as we have already heard about a number of them that are in the works beyond the significant revamp to Siri that has been repeatedly pushed back. Perhaps most notable for those who dislike the Liquid Glass redesign that arrived in iOS 26, Apple is said to be aiming to include a system-wide slider to allow users to adjust the Liquid Glass effect.

Here Are Apple's Release Notes for iOS 26.4

Apple this week seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 26.4 and related updates to developers and public beta testers, representing the final versions that will be provided to the public if no additional bugs are found.


Apple shared full release notes for iOS 26.4 as part of the seeding, revealing a few previously unknown changes including a fix for a keyboard accuracy bug and a change to App Store Family Sharing that will allow adults in a group to use different payment methods.

iOS 26.4 also includes support for AirPods Max 2, so the update will definitely be released by the time those arrive in early April, but the iOS 26.4 public release could come as soon as next week.

iPhone Fold: 5 Things We've Learned About Apple's Foldable

It's been a big couple of weeks for foldable iPhone rumors. In case you missed any of them, we've recapped five recent rumors that we previously covered. It sounds like display production for the device may be about to get underway as Apple looks toward a launch later this year, potentially as late as December.


In other foldable smartphone news, Samsung is discontinuing its Galaxy Z TriFold after just three months on the market. The innovative device unfolds twice to reveal a massive 10-inch inner display.

Apple Kicks Off 50th Anniversary With Surprise Alicia Keys Concert in New York

As part of its upcoming 50th anniversary celebration, Apple is hosting gatherings "around the world" throughout the month of March to celebrate human creativity and ingenuity.


The series kicked off with a surprise concert by Alicia Keysat Apple's retail store overlooking the main concourse at New York City's iconic Grand Central Terminal, with MacRumors in attendance for the event.

Tim Cook then traveled to China for a performance by Li Yuchun at the company's Taikoo Li store in Chengdu, with events in additional countries planned for the next few weeks.

Apple CEO Tim Cook Responds to Retirement Rumors

After a flurry rumors late last year going back and forth about whether his retirement as Apple CEO might be imminent, Tim Cook addressed the rumors in an interview with Good Morning America's Michael Strahan earlier this week.


While Cook referred to the idea as "a rumor," he did not explicitly confirm or deny that he will be stepping down as CEO any time soon, though he did say "I can't imagine life without Apple."

In a separate brief interview with Nikias Molina at the Alicia Keys concert, Cook reiterated that Apple still sees a long life ahead for the iPhone, even as rumors have suggested the company is looking to integrate its technology into other personal devices like augmented-reality glasses and an AI-powered pendant that will be able to gather information from the world around you. "There's so much left that we can do with the iPhone," said Cook. "I think it's going to continue to be the center of people's digital lives."

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After Apple's big week of announcements, this week saw all of the new products officially become available, so reviewers and general users alike are now getting their hands on them and putting them through their paces.


Apple also started ramping up plans for celebrating the company's 50th anniversary coming up on April 1, with Tim Cook sharing a letter addressing the milestone and the company even hosting a brief musical appearance by Alicia Keys at its Grand Central Terminal store in New York City, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

Top Stories

Apple Announces 50th Anniversary Plans

Apple this week announced that it plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary, which is on April 1. Ahead of the big date, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared a "50 Years of Thinking Different" letter.


"While Apple is known for looking forward, this milestone offers a special moment to reflect on the journey that has brought the company here, to celebrate the people and communities who have thought different with us, and to honor the enduring values that continue to guide our work," said Apple, in a press release.

Apple has also launched a new "Hello Apple" account on Instagram where it will share company news, stories, product marketing, and more, while journalist David Pogue has just released a new book chronicling the history of Apple over its first 50 years. And on Friday, Apple hosted a surprise musical appearance by Alicia Keys at its Grand Central Terminal store as part of the anniversary celebration.

Apple Released Seven New Products This Week

As of Wednesday, the seven new Apple products that were announced last week became available at Apple Stores and started arriving to customers.


The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world. Apple Stores have inventory of the new products for both walk-in customers and Apple Store pickup, but availability varies, so make sure to see if your local store has stock via Apple's online store.

Apple Could Launch Three New 'Ultra' Devices This Year

Apple is planning to launch at least three new "Ultra"-class devices this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


While it is unclear whether the new products will carry the "Ultra" name, Apple is planning to launch at least three such devices this year: Apple's first foldable iPhone with an expected price tag of at least $2,000, higher-end AirPods Pro equipped with infrared cameras, and a premium MacBook Pro with touchscreen OLED display that may sit above the current MacBook Pro models in the lineup.

Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 4

Apple is continuing to test the iOS 26.4 beta, and the latest update became available for developers and public beta testers earlier this week.


As testing goes on, there are fewer new features in each beta, but this week’s release adds new emoji characters and support for the new iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air, and makes a few other changes.

Apple 'HomePad' to Offer Magnetic Snap-to-Wall Feature and More

Apple's upcoming "HomePad" will offer a magnetic snap-to-wall feature and more, according to the leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami."


In a post on X this week, Kosutami said that one of the HomePad prototypes features a MagSafe-like snap-to-wall capability, along with doorbell integration. It is said to be heavily reliant on Apple Intelligence.

With Apple's ongoing delays for the enhanced Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, it appears the HomePad may not launch until this fall. Updated Apple TV and HomePod models may also be waiting for the upgraded Siri.

iPhone Fold to Feature iPad-Style Multitasking and Layouts

While Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone will run iOS and not iPadOS, it will function as more of a hybrid device, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


The iPhone Fold will reportedly be able to run two iPhone apps side by side on the large internal display, which will be roughly the size of an iPad mini display. Apple is also revamping its apps to support sidebars for this mode, and third-party developers will be able to adapt their apps to use them as well. The iPhone Fold will, however, lack the more extensive multitasking capabilities of iPadOS and will not be able to directly run iPad-optimized apps.

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It looks like our first major Apple product announcements of 2026 are right around the corner, with Apple announcing a "special Apple Experience" for members of the media scheduled for March 4 where we're expecting to see them get hands-on time with several newly announced products.


In other Apple news this week, the first betas of iOS 26.4 and related updates include some new features and enhancements, while we heard a bit more about the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max coming later this year, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

Top Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Apple this week invited members of the media to a "special Apple Experience" taking place simultaneously in New York, London, and Shanghai on Wednesday, March 4.


Rather than a traditional Apple event, it sounds like these "experiences" will be opportunities for the media to get hands-on time with a variety of products being announced at the start of or slightly before the event time.

It actually sounds like we may be getting several days of press release announcements in the first part of the week, culminating in the media experiences on Wednesday. While we don't know exactly what products will be announced that week, there are a host of new products expected in the near future including the iPhone 17e, M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models, new iPads, and more.

Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 1

Following last week's release of iOS 26.3, Apple this week seeded the first betas of iOS 26.4 and related updates.


While it doesn't include the more personalized Siri we had been hoping for, there are a bunch of changes and new features in the update.

One of the more interesting changes being prepped for in the release is support for CarPlay video over AirPlay, which will allow users to stream Apple TV and other video content to their car's infotainment screen while their vehicle is parked.

Five iPhone 18 Pro Features Revealed in New Report

While the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max should have very similar designs to their predecessors, they are likely to be getting an array of new features and upgrades to attract customers.


Research analyst Jeff Pu recently outlined five upgrades he's expecting to see in the new models, and we've recapped a full list of ten reasons why you might want to wait for the new models if you're considering buying now.

Apple Reveals How Many iPhones Are Running iOS 26

With the transition to the controversial new Liquid Glass design in iOS 26, some users appear to have been holding off on upgrading, but new data released by Apple last week suggests the impact is relatively small.


Apple adoption data shows roughly the same share of devices are running iOS 26 at this point as were running iOS 18 a year ago, although the company did wait three weeks longer to release data this year. So while it appears adoption is lagging a bit this year, it's not a massive difference.

Toyota Rolling Out Apple Wallet Car Keys on iPhone

Toyota, the world's largest car manufacturer, is finally rolling out support for Apple's digital car key feature, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start compatible vehicles from the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch.


Signs of the impending support were discovered back in December, and we've seen our first report of vehicles in the wild supporting it with the new 2026 RAV4.

Apple Launching New 'Sales Coach' App

Apple plans to launch a rebranded "Sales Coach" app on the iPhone and iPad later this month, according to a source familiar with the matter.


"Sales Coach" will arrive as an update to Apple's existing "SEED" app, and it will continue to provide sales tips and training resources to Apple Store and Apple Authorized Reseller employees around the world. For example, there are articles and videos highlighting everything from reasons to upgrade to a newer iPhone to popular iPad features.

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The iOS 26.3 release looks to be right around the corner with a highly anticipated iOS 26.4 update following right behind, so Apple software rumors were big in the news this week.


Hardware wasn't left out, however, as we're still awaiting a few early-year launches like the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, while we're also looking further down the road at major new products coming later in the year like the first foldable iPhone, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

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iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available to beta testers ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.


Be sure to check out our recap of known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far so you're ready for the updates!

First Foldable iPhone Design Details Revealed

Apple's first foldable iPhone will feature relocated volume buttons, an all-black camera plateau, a smaller Dynamic Island, and more, according to design leaks from a known Weibo leaker.


A separate leaker has indicated the foldable iPhone could feature the biggest-ever iPhone battery and eclipse rival devices, checking in at over 5,500 mAh in size. That would make it the largest capacity of any current or previous ‌iPhone‌, as the iPhone 17 Pro Max has the biggest battery to date at 5,088 mAh.

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.


In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, and in his Power On newsletter this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said he was told that CarPlay Ultra will come to at least one major new Hyundai or Kia vehicle model "in the second half of this year."

It is unclear if he is referring to Hyundai's upcoming IONIQ 3, as previously reported, or if it will be a different model.

Apple Changes How You Order a Mac

Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro.


There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an iPad.

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


"Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter this week. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from February through March," he explained.

This comes as third-party retailers are seeing stock of the existing models dwindle.

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching.


In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart home in the app entirely. In addition, users who do not upgrade will miss out on newer features like robot vacuum cleaner support, and they will not receive important security fixes and performance improvements.

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It was a busy week with Apple's first real launches of 2026, led by the release of the Creator Studio app bundle and the second-generation AirTag.


We also got some rumors about Apple's plans for Mac updates in 2026, timing on the more personalized Siri finally arriving, and a significant acquisition by Apple, so read on below for all the details!

Top Stories

Apple's 'Creator Studio' App Bundle Now Available for $12.99 Per Month

Apple this week launched the new Creator Studio bundle that was initially unveiled earlier this month, providing content creators with access to six Apple apps for $12.99 per month or $129 per year.


Creator Studio includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad, along with Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on the Mac. Final Cut Pro is Apple's video editing software, Logic Pro is for audio editing and creation, and Pixelmator Pro is an image editing app that Apple purchased in 2024.

The Creator Studio bundle unlocks AI features that are not otherwise accessible in these apps, plus it adds new features to free apps like Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, with Freeform coming later.

Be sure to check out our initial hands-on overview if you're thinking about subscribing to the bundle.

Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More

Apple this week introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker.


The new AirTag is equipped with a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, enabling the Precision Finding feature to work up to 50% farther away from an item compared to the previous-generation model, according to Apple. The new AirTag also has an upgraded Bluetooth chip for improved overall range outside of Precision Finding mode.

Apple also introduced this year's Black Unity band for Apple Watch, a Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop featuring the red, green, and black colors of the Pan-African flag.

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Apple released iOS 26.2.1 this week to support the new second-generation AirTag, but the company also released a slew of other iOS updates for older devices that can't run iOS 26. That includes an iOS 12.5.8 update for the iPhone 5s and 6, which is remarkable considering the iPhone 5s will turn 13 years old later this year.


The iOS updates released this week for older devices extend a certificate required for device activation, iMessage, and FaceTime, allowing these aging devices to remain functional for those who are still using them.

Apple Reportedly Aiming to Upgrade the MacBook Pro Twice This Year

Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display models in the first half of this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


In his Power On newsletter this week, Gurman added that redesigned MacBook Pro models with an OLED touch screen "should be hitting toward the end of 2026," meaning that the MacBook Pro line would be upgraded twice this year.

It would be a rare but not unprecedented move for Apple to update the MacBook Pro twice in a year, but while previous rumors had indicated the M6 generation could arrive in either late 2026 or early 2027, Gurman now seems to be leaning more heavily toward the update arriving before the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the wait for the M5 Pro and M5 Max models continues.

Here's When Apple Plans to Unveil a New Siri Powered by Google Gemini

A more personalized version of Siri powered by Google Gemini is expected to be introduced next month, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


"The company has been planning an announcement of the new Siri in the second half of February, when it will give demonstrations of the functionality," he wrote, in the latest edition of his weekly Power On newsletter.

The interim improvements to Siri will come ahead of a much bigger upgrade to include chatbot functionality and significantly more capabilities in iOS 27, which will be introduced at WWDC in June.

Apple Just Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever After Beats

Apple has been criticized by some observers for slow-rolling its entry into AI technology, with some suggesting the company needs to make a major acquisition to try to catch up to rivals already establishing themselves in the space.


Apple made a bit of a splash this week with its acquisition of Q.ai, which uses AI to analyze facial expressions to understand "silent speech." It's not nearly a deal on the scale of acquiring one of the major chatbot players, but at a valuation of nearly $2 billion, according to reports, it appears to stand as Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever behind Beats in 2014.

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Apple rumors are starting to pick up now that we're a few weeks into 2026, and this week saw some potential clarity around conflicting iPhone 18 Pro rumors, plus some new word on Apple's plans for Siri.


This week also saw a report that Apple is working on some sort of AI pin while also making progress toward a major MacBook Pro revamp, so read on below for all the details!

Top Stories

iPhone 18 Pro Leak: Smaller Dynamic Island, No Top-Left Camera Cutout

Over the last few months, rumors around the iPhone 18 Pro's front-panel design have been conflicted, with some supply chain leaks pointing to under-display Face ID, reports suggesting a top-left hole-punch camera, and debate over whether the familiar Dynamic Island will shrink, shift, or disappear entirely.


According to frequent Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital, however, early reports from Chinese and Korean sources about the possible relocation of an infrared Face ID component were later mistranslated in some English-language coverage, leading to incorrect claims of a hole-punch camera. In fact, the Dynamic Island will remain on the iPhone 18 Pro and simply be roughly 35% narrower. That smaller Dynamic Island interpretation has also been corroborated by respected display analyst Ross Young.

Apple's OLED MacBook Pro Launch Moves Closer With Panel Production

Rumors have been pointing toward Apple launching a revamped MacBook Pro with OLED displays late this year or early next year, and things appear to have taken a step forward this month with a report claiming that Samsung's production line that will produce displays for the new laptop has gone into operation.


The MacBook Pro is just one of five Apple products expected to gain OLED displays in the next few years as Apple continues to adopt the more advanced display technology.

Before the MacBook Pro gets OLED displays, there's still another update to the current version in the works to add M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. with rumors and shipping delays suggesting a launch could be coming fairly soon.

A Siri Chatbot is Coming in iOS 27

Apple plans to turn Siri into a chatbot that will rival Anthropic's Claude, Google's Gemini, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, Bloomberg reported this week. Apple did not initially plan to introduce a chatbot, but their popularity forced Apple executives to reconsider.


Codenamed Campos, the ‌Siri‌ chatbot will be integrated into iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, replacing the current version of ‌Siri‌. It will have the same natural language conversation functionality as chatbots like ChatGPT, and it will be accessible by using the "‌Siri‌" wake word or by holding down the side button on an iPhone or iPad.

The chatbot version of Siri arriving in iOS 27 later this year will follow the initial upgrade to a more personalized version of the current Siri that we expect to arrive in just a few months with iOS 26.4.

Apple's Next iPhone: What to Expect From the 2026 iPhone 17e

We're likely just weeks away from Apple's next iPhone launch, with the company set to introduce the ‌iPhone‌ 17e. The ‌iPhone‌ 17e is a follow-up to the iPhone 16e that came out in February 2025, and rumors suggest that it could have some welcome improvements.


Check out our recap of all the rumors we've heard about the next version of Apple's cheapest iPhone model to help decide if it might be the right one for you.

Apple Developing AirTag-Sized AI Pin With Dual Cameras

Apple is working on a small, wearable AI pin equipped with multiple cameras, a speaker, and microphones, reports The Information. If it actually launches, the AI pin will likely run the new Siri chatbot that Apple plans to unveil in iOS 27.


The pin is said to be similar in size to an AirTag, with a thin, flat, circular disc shape. It has an aluminum and glass shell, and two cameras at the front. There is a standard lens and a wide-angle lens that are meant to capture photos and videos, while three microphones are designed to pick up sound around the wearer. An included speaker allows the pin to play audio, and there is a physical control button along one edge. The device is able to wirelessly charge like an Apple Watch.

iPhone 18 Rumored to Feature Much Brighter Display

Apple's iPhone 18 will feature a significantly brighter display, according to a Chinese leaker.


In a post this week on Weibo, the user known as Instant Digital said that Chinese supplier BOE has little hope of making panels for the ‌iPhone 18‌ because Apple's brightness requirements for the next-generation device are unprecedentedly high. This suggests that the ‌iPhone 18‌'s display will see a considerable leap forward in terms of brightness.

While the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch in the usual September time frame, the regular iPhone 18‌ isn't expected to launch until early 2027.

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Things were busy in Apple software land this week, with the public release of iOS 26.1 and updates for Apple's other platforms being quickly followed by the round of 26.2 betas with plenty more changes in store.


On the hardware side, we're still wondering whether we'll see anything more released before the end of the year, but either way, 2026 is shipping up to be a big year for Apple with updates across almost the entire lineup and likely some new entrants as well.

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Everything New in iOS 26.1

Some six weeks after the initial release of iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and other major operating system updates, Apple this week released the first significant follow-on updates with the 26.1 versions.


iOS 26.1 adds a new toggle to adjust the transparency of Liquid Glass, an option to turn off the Lock Screen swipe gesture to access the Camera, a new "slide to stop" button on the Lock Screen for alarms and timers to reduce accidental dismissals, new Apple Intelligence language support, and more.

Everything New in iOS 26.2 Beta 1

As is frequently the case, the public release of iOS 26.1 was almost immediately followed by the first developer beta of iOS 26.2 as Apple begins testing the next update ahead of an expected December release.


Changes discovered in the first beta so far include a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen clock, updates to the Sleep Score feature, the ability to set alarms for reminders, and more. EU users will get access to Live Translation on AirPods with the update, though they will lose automatic Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch.

Report: Apple to Launch These New Products in 2026

Apple is gearing up to release at least 15 new products in 2026, according to a new recap from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and it is likely to include a long-awaited revamp of the company's smart home platform.


It's possible we could even get a few more updates to products like the Apple TV and HomePod mini before the end of 2025, but if you're waiting for additional new Macs, you're almost certainly going to need to wait until next year.

Leaker Outlines Potential New Colors for iPhone 18 Pro

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models could be available in a new rich and warm color option, according to a known leaker.


The Weibo user known as "Instant Digital" has claimed that next-year's ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro models will be available in one of the following color options: coffee, purple, or burgundy. Despite some initial media confusion thinking Apple might release all three of the rumored colors, the leaker later clarified that Apple is currently still in the decision phase will only move forward with production on one of them.

New Version of Siri to 'Lean' on Google Gemini

The new, more powerful version of Siri reportedly coming around March or April of next year will apparently leverage a custom version of Google Gemini as Apple continues to try to catch up to the competition with its own AI capabilities.


Apple will reportedly pay Google in the neighborhood of $1 billion annually for a 1.2-trillion parameter AI model to power Siri.

The Best Early Black Friday Apple Deals

It's already November, which means the holiday shopping season is getting underway ahead of the Black Friday rush later this month.


We're keeping tabs on the best early Black Friday deals on Apple products, while retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Samsung have been sharing their early sales and plans for the rest of the month.

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This article, "Top Stories: iOS 26.1 Released, iOS 26.2 Beta, iPhone 18 Rumors, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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After a flurry of Apple releases in September in October, the calendar has now turned to November, but that doesn't necessarily mean Apple is done making news for 2025.


Beyond those nearer-term software and hardware update expectations, this week saw fresh rumors about the iPhone 18 lineup, several future Mac and iPad models, and more, so read on below for all the details!

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Apple Seeds iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 Release Candidates

The public releases of iOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, and related updates appear to be right around the corner, with Apple seeding release candidate versions of all of the updates this week.


iOS 26.1 brings several new features and changes, including a toggle to adjust the opaqueness of the new Liquid Glass design. We took a look at whether using the Clear or Tinted design, as well as trying several other accessibility adjustments that can affect the Liquid Glass look, has any impact on battery life, but didn't find anything significant.

iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Support Full 5G Satellite Internet

While Apple has been gradually building out satellite-related features for its lineup of iPhone and more recently Apple Watch models, all of the features have so far been limited to low-bandwidth applications like messaging.


That may change next year, however, with a new report claiming that Apple is working on adding support for full 5G satellite internet access as soon as next year in the iPhone 18 Pro models.

In other iPhone 18 rumors this week, we heard about potential for a simpler Camera Control design in next year's phones, as well as a DSLR-style variable aperture for the Main camera on iPhone 18 Pro models. The base iPhone 18 may also see a 50% bump in memory to 12GB, matching the higher-end models.

Apple TV 4K Could Still Launch Before 2025 Ends: All the Rumored Features

Apple is designing an updated version of the Apple TV 4K, and rumors suggest that it could come out sometime in the next couple of months. We're not expecting a major overhaul with design changes, but even a simple chip upgrade will bring major improvements to Apple's set-top box.


We've rounded up all the latest ‌Apple TV‌ rumors in a recent article and accompanying video, so be sure to check it out for an overview of everything we may see in the forthcoming update.

Apple Reportedly Moving Ahead With Ads in Maps App

Apple Maps could feature integrated ads as soon as next year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.


In his latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that Apple's plan to bring more ads to iOS is "gaining traction," with the Maps app being next in line. The project will apparently give restaurants and other businesses the option to pay to have their details featured more prominently in search.

Apple Expanding OLED Displays to iPad Mini, iPad Air, and MacBook Models

We've known for some time that Apple has been working to bring OLED displays to the MacBook Pro, but a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reveals Apple's OLED plans are much broader than that.


Gurman says the iPad mini will gain an OLED display as early as next year, while the iPad Air will be updated with OLED no sooner than 2027. The iPad Pro was updated with OLED last year.

On the Mac side, following the MacBook Pro in late 2026 or early 2027, the MacBook Air should also eventually be upgraded to OLED, but probably not until 2028 at the earliest.

M4 MacBook Air vs. M5 MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide

Apple has now refreshed both tiers of its MacBook lineup in 2025, first updating the MacBook Air with the M4 chip and just this month introducing the MacBook Pro with the new M5 chip, so how do the latest models compare?


While the 13- and 15-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ continue to start at $999 and $1,199 respectively, moving to the 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ requires spending at least $400 more. For some buyers, the extra cost is unnecessary; for others, the Pro's hardware advantages meaningfully change the experience in ways the Air cannot match even with higher configurations. Our latest guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these two popular laptops is best for you.

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This article, "Top Stories: iOS 26.1 Imminent, iPhone 18 Rumors, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In July, Apple sued well-known YouTuber Jon Prosser and his acquaintance Michael Ramacciotti over alleged theft of the company's trade secrets, after Prosser leaked some iOS 26 details in videos uploaded to his YouTube channel Front Page Tech. If you are not caught up on the lawsuit, read our initial coverage to learn more.


Earlier this week, Prosser told The Verge he has "been in active communications with Apple since the beginning stages of this case," despite Apple's attorneys indicating he missed his deadline to formally respond to the complaint. The court entered a default judgment against Prosser last week, citing his failure to respond.

"The notion that I'm ignoring the case is incorrect," said Prosser. "That's all I am able to say."

In a court document filed on Thursday, Apple's attorneys said they are aware that Prosser has "publicly acknowledged" the complaint. However, they said he "has not indicated whether he will file a response to it or, if so, by when."

As for Ramacciotti, Apple said he has agreed to respond to the complaint by October 29.

In a statement filed with the court, Ramacciotti's attorneys said he is "not a professional leaker," but rather "a lifelong Apple fanboy who failed to fully appreciate the value and proprietary nature of the information that he learned about iOS 26."

Ramacciotti had "no intent to monetize this information" when he contacted Prosser, they said.

Apple is concerned that Ramacciotti "intentionally deleted relevant evidence," including "several hundreds of thousands of text messages," after the company advised him of the need to preserve evidence on July 23. His attorneys disputed this assertion.

Apple and Ramacciotti have informally discussed a potential settlement, and these talks were "ongoing," according to the court filing on Thursday.
This article, "iOS 26 Leaker Being Sued by Apple is Actually a 'Lifelong Apple Fanboy'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The calendar has flipped over to October, but that doesn't mean Apple is done with product launches for 2025. We're still expecting updates to several product lines, and Apple has a history of making announcements in October so we'll be keeping a lookout for news.


Several of those upcoming products have already leaked thanks to Russian YouTubers and U.S. regulatory databases, although release timing remains a bit unclear. This week also saw the release of bug-fix updates for iOS and other platforms, while have had a bit more time for our thoughts on Apple's new iPhones to firm up, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

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Apple Event in October? Here's What to Expect

Apple's annual iPhone event is in the rear-view mirror, but rumors suggest the company plans to release at least a handful of additional products before the year ends.


Will there be another Apple event this October, or will we see a string of press releases to introduce the new products? Check out our look at Apple's recent October announcement history and our overview of what's rumored to be launching soon.

New iPad Pro With M5 Chip Leaked in Unboxing Video

Russian YouTube channel Wyslacom appears to have done it again. A year after leaking the M4 MacBook Pro with an unboxing video, they've repeated the feat with the upcoming M5 iPad Pro.


While the device looks essentially identical to the current model, it does mark the premiere of the M5 chip, and the video includes some good benchmarks of the new chip.

FCC Leaks Upcoming MacBook Pro and More

The United States Federal Communications Commission has inadvertently confirmed several upcoming releases from Apple, including a new MacBook Pro that is likely an M5-based model expected later this year or early next year.


The documents also confirm several new iPads that are likely to be the M5 iPad Pro, and a new Vision Pro that has been previously rumored to be coming with a chip bump was also revealed.

Apple Releases iOS 26.0.1 With Fixes for Wi-Fi, Cellular, and Camera Issues on iPhone 17 Models

Apple this week pushed out an iOS 26.0.1 update to address several bugs from the initial iOS 26 release and the new iPhone hardware, including Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and Camera issues on the new iPhones, cellular network issues, app icon tinting problems, and more.


Apple also released macOS Tahoe 26.0.1 to address an issue with M3 Ultra Mac Studio machines being unable to update to macOS Tahoe, as well as minor watchOS 26.0.2, visionOS 26.0.1, and tvOS 26.0.1 updates.

Review: A Week With the iPhone 17 Pro

We've now had a chance to spend some extended time with Apple's latest phones, and MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has put together his thoughts on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the ultra-thin iPhone Air.


The Pro models are showing impressive battery life gains and thermal improvements, while the upgraded front-facing camera delivers nice quality improvements for selfies. The upgraded Telephoto lens is also a welcome addition, and he's yet to see any durability issues despite some early concerns over scratches seen on demo units.

The iPhone Air is a dream to hold, and its titanium frame is beautiful and strong, but there's no hiding that the device comes with some compromises like shorter battery life and only a single rear camera.

LG UltraFine 6K (32U990A) TB5 Display: Pre-Orders Now Available

Back in January at CES, LG announced what it said is the first 6K display to support Thunderbolt 5, and it is now available for pre-order from retailers like B&H Photo. The display will run you $2,000, but if you think of it as an alternative to Apple's $5,000+ Pro Display XDR, that pricing starts to look a lot better.


You'll get a 6,144 x 3,456 display with daisy-chain support, 96-watt power delivery for a connected laptop, and tilt, pivot, height, and rotation adjustments, as well as DisplayPort and HDMI inputs alongside Thunderbolt 5.

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This article, "Top Stories: October Apple Event?, New Hardware Leaks, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's annual flagship iPhone event has come and gone for 2025, but we're still digesting all of the details from this week's big announcements.


There was lots to unpack with eight major new products plus related accessories and other announcements, so read on below for all the details on this week's debuts!

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Everything Apple Announced at This Week's Event in 13 Minutes

Apple this week held its "Awe Dropping" fall event to debut new iPhone 17 models, the super-thin iPhone Air, three new Apple Watch models, new AirPods Pro 3, and more. It took Apple more than an hour to introduce the new devices, but we've recapped everything in a quick 13-minute video for our readers who want a short but detailed overview of what's new.


We've also rounded up our full event coverage, so make sure to take a look at our articles to avoid missing any key details about Apple's updated devices.

Apple Announces iPhone Air With Ultra-Thin Design

Perhaps the highlight of Tuesday's event was the iPhone Air (that's right...no "17" in the name), Apple's new ultra-thin phone measuring just 5.6 mm thick and starting at $999.


It features a titanium frame with a polished mirror finish, Ceramic Shield 2 with 3x better scratch resistance and 4x better crack resistance on both sides of the device, a 6.5-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion technology, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a new 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera, and more.

Apple Announces iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max With New Design, Larger Battery, and More

Apple's high-end Pro and Pro Max models have gotten significant overhauls for the iPhone 17 lineup, including a new aluminum unibody design with a large camera plateau featuring three 48-megapixel cameras.


Ceramic Shield 2 is included on the front and rear of the devices for greater durability, there's an A19 Pro chip with significant performance improvements, improved thermal management thanks to a vapor chamber cooling system, and more.

Both models are available in Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange color options, with pricing starting at $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Apple Announces iPhone 17 Featuring Larger 6.3-Inch Display With ProMotion Support

Apple this week unveiled the iPhone 17, featuring a larger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display that includes ProMotion technology for the first time on a non-Pro model. It starts at $799 for 256GB of storage.


The iPhone 17 features Ceramic Shield 2, the Center Stage front camera, a pair of 48-megapixel rear cameras, longer battery life, and more.

Apple Announces AirPods Pro 3 With Better Active Noise Cancellation, Heart Rate Monitor, and More

Apple this week announced the AirPods Pro 3 during its "Awe Dropping" event at Apple Park. The new ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ feature better Active Noise Cancellation, better in-ear fit, upgraded audio, and IP57 sweat and water resistance.


One major new feature is a new custom-built heart rate sensor and integrated workout experience. With just ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ and an iPhone, users can track their heart rate and calories burned during workouts, and even close their Move ring and earn awards in the Fitness app.

Apple Watch Series 11 Announced With Hypertension Detection, Sleep Score, and More

Apple introduced updates for all three of its Apple Watch lines this week, headlined by the Apple Watch Series 11. It features hypertension detection, improved scratch resistance, 5G connectivity on cellular models, improved battery life, and more.


In addition to the Series 11, we also got new Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 models, bringing many of the same improvements.

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Buckle up for a busy week with Apple's annual iPhone event taking center stage on Tuesday, where we'll be seeing a bunch of new hardware as well as a final preview of iOS 26 and other operating system updates ahead of their public release.


Rumors are continuing to fly about what we should expect from the new iPhone lineup and other devices, with speculation about price increases running rampant as well, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

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Awe Dropping: Everything Coming at the September 9 Apple Event

Apple is holding its annual iPhone-centric event on Tuesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This is the biggest Apple event of the year, and we'll see Apple unveiling new iPhones, new Apple Watches, the AirPods Pro 3, and possibly some other surprises.


Check out our comprehensive guide highlighting everything that we're expecting to see at the "Awe Dropping" event based on current rumors.

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

We're just days away from the big event, but we're continuing to hear more last-minute details about the upcoming lineup. A fresh report claims that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will see a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements.


For a recap of everything else we've heard about the Pro models, be sure to check out our recent overview covering the chip, camera, and more. And on the accessory front, we've gotten an interesting glimpse at an alleged first-party clear case which may not be quite as clear as previous versions.

iOS 26: 5 New Features in the Wallet App

iOS 26 adds several features to the built-in Wallet app on the iPhone, providing a new way to track your online shopping, an update to boarding passes, and more. We've outlined everything new in the Wallet app in our dedicated guide, so be sure to check it out.


In a bit of a surprise, Apple seeded new developer and public betas of iOS 26 and other upcoming releases this week. This was an unusually late round of betas with the event right around the corner. Apple should be seeding the final release candidate versions to beta testers immediately after Tuesday's event, with a full public release likely coming the following week.

Base iPhone 17 Pro Could Cost $200 More But With Doubled Storage

Pricing estimates for the iPhone 17 lineup are all over the place, with some sources expecting price increases for at least the iPhone 17 Pro and potentially for the iPhone 17 Air compared to the current Plus-model price point.


Those price increases could, however, see some storage capacity bumps at those starting prices to help cushion the blow for some customers.

Under One Week Until iPhone 17: Here's What We Know

The base iPhone 17 will be the cheapest of the new flagship lineup, and while it should get some welcome upgrades, it will probably the tamest update Apple has in store.


While we should get some new color options, the overall form factor should be nearly identical to the iPhone 16. It will get the usual chip and camera upgrades, potentially a display update for 120Hz ProMotion, and a range of additional improvements. Read up on everything we're expecting in our dedicated overview.

Foldable iPhone Coming in 2026, Foldable iPad to Follow in 2028

Apple plans to release a foldable iPhone in 2026, and will then follow it up with a foldable iPad in 2028, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said this week.


Multiple sources have now confirmed that Apple is planning to release its first foldable ‌iPhone‌ in 2026, with the device coming as part of the iPhone 18 lineup. Launch timing on a larger-screened foldable device has been more uncertain.

Lighter, Cheaper Vision Air Coming in 2027

Apple plans to release a lighter weight and more affordable version of the Vision Pro in 2027, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.


The upcoming device, which he refers to as the "Vision Air," will supposedly be over 40 percent lighter than the current model. The Vision Pro weighs in at round 1.375 pounds, so a version that's 40 percent lighter should come in at under a pound.

Kuo also says the Vision Air will be over 50 percent cheaper, which could make it much more attractive to prospective buyers. The Vision Pro costs $3,499, which means a half-priced version would be $1,750.

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This article, "Top Stories: iPhone 17, New Apple Watch Models, and More Expected at Tuesday's Event" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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It's finally official! As expected, Apple will be holding its annual flagship iPhone event on Tuesday, September 9, and we're expecting to see several new iPhone models, some new accessories, new Apple Watch models, and perhaps a few more announcements.


Apple has plenty more announcements in the pipeline beyond next month's event, however, including a host of new products coming through the first half of next year and several exciting changes for the iPhone lineup over the next few years, so read on below for all the details!

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Apple Event Announced for September 9: 'Awe Dropping'

Apple will hold its annual iPhone-centric event on Tuesday, September 9, at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California, according to an announcement that went out this week. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with select members of the media invited to attend.


We're expecting a number of announcements at the event, with Apple's event logo potentially hinting at a few aspects of the upcoming iPhone models. Apple reportedly has a host of product launches planned for the coming months, but many of them won't be appearing at next month's event in order to spread things out and keep the focus on the new flagship iPhone models and related products.

iPhone 17 Air is Launching Soon, Here Are All the Rumors

While we're getting four new iPhone models at Apple's upcoming event, the most intriguing one is the so-called "iPhone 17 Air," a new ultra-thin model replacing the traditional Plus model in the lineup.


We're expecting a thin body of around 5.5mm with a wide rear camera bump, a 6.6-inch display, just one rear camera, and an ultra-thin battery that will result in shorter battery life than other models, but some users may find that tradeoff worth it.

Apple Has Reportedly Considered Releasing iPhone 17 Air Bumper Case

We're continuing to hear more about potential accessories for the iPhone 17 lineup, and beyond a battery case to help give the iPhone 17 Air additional battery life, we're now hearing that Apple has at least considered releasing iPhone 4-style bumper cases with no rear panel in an effort to provide some protection while still emphasizing the thinness of the new model.


In other case news, previous reports of a new "TechWoven" material have been joined by rumored colors for "Liquid Silicone" cases similar to those Apple has offered for many years. And finally, we've seen our first alleged look at the Crossbody Strap accessory that will be able to attach to Apple's new cases.

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 12 New Features

Rumors about the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max have been building for months, and with an official unveiling now right around the corner, we've recapped all of the features we're expecting to see in the new models.


From a redesign with an aluminum chassis and large rear camera bump to new colors including an orange or copper option to camera improvements and more, this year's Pro models should see some significant changes.

From iPhone 17 Air to iPhone 20: Apple's Redesign Timeline

The upcoming iPhone 17 Air is just the first step in a rapid-fire effort to remake the iPhone lineup over the next few years, as recapped this week by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


Following the new ultra-thin Air model this year, we should see Apple introduce its first foldable iPhone next year, and in 2027 we may see a special 20th-anniversary model with a wraparound display and no bezels at all.

AirPods Pro 3 Expected to Launch This Year With Key New Feature

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects Apple to release new AirPods Pro this year, and he said the earbuds will have a key new feature: heart rate monitoring. A similar feature was introduced earlier this year on the Powerbeats Pro 2.


We're also expecting a number of design changes for the new AirPods Pro, including a smaller case with a hidden capacitive pairing button and a disappearing status light. The earbuds themselves may also see a redesign to shrink the size a bit and allow for a better fit.

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Apple's annual September event with new iPhone and Apple Watch models and potentially a few other announcements is coming up quickly, so we should be hearing something soon about an official date.


We're continuing to hear rumors about those iPhone and Apple Watch models, plus a few other products that are a bit further down the line. Apple is also putting the finishing touches on iOS 26 and related operating system updates in advance of next month's event, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

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Apple Working on All-New 'Charismatic' Operating System

Apple's long-rumored home hub device and eventual tabletop robot will run on a new operating system code-named "Charismatic," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


The new home-focused operating system will reportedly blend elements of tvOS and watchOS and revolve largely around clock faces and widgets. Siri voice commands and touch input will be supported, as well as multi-user support with automatic facial recognition.

For more on Apple's smart home plans, be sure to check out last week's episode of The MacRumors Show.

iPhone 17 Pro Max's Internal Design With Metal Battery Allegedly Leaks

Alleged images of the iPhone 17 Pro Max's internal design have surfaced, offering a potential look inside the device before it is announced by Apple next month.


The images show that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will apparently feature two versions of a metal-covered battery, an L-shaped one to be used in models that still have a physical SIM card tray and a more rectangular one for models that lack a physical SIM card tray, such as those sold in the United States.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Just Weeks Away: Eight Reasons to Upgrade

We're only weeks away from Apple's annual iPhone event and along with the new iPhone 17 series, we're going to get a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time since 2023, and it should deliver a few upgrades.


We're also expecting minor updates for the mainstream Series 11 model, and perhaps a bit more significant changes for the budget third-generation Apple Watch SE that should be seeing its first update since 2022.

For those users looking further ahead, one report claims at least one Apple Watch model will see a "significant redesign" in 2026, with a possibility of Touch ID for biometric authentication.

Here's Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 7

Apple is nearing the finish line on development for the initial public release of iOS 26, pushing out new betas to developers and public beta testers this week.


The redesigned Blood Oxygen feature that rolled out to Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models in the U.S. last week is now included in iOS 26 and watchOS 26 betas, while there's now an option to receive notifications when the new Adaptive Power mode in iOS 26 turns on to help save battery.

Apple Rumored to Launch 'TechWoven' Cases for iPhone 17 With 'Crossbody Strap' Option

Earlier this week, we got our first glimpse at what will reportedly be Apple's new premium case material for the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, replacing the highly criticized FineWoven cases that debuted alongside the iPhone 15 lineup.


A subsequent leak indicates the new material may be dubbed "TechWoven," with the cases available in a number of colors for the various models. Previously seen lanyard attachment points on Apple's first-party cases for the iPhone 17 lineup may instead be intended for a "Crossbody Strap" accessory mentioned on the alleged case packaging.

Apple Releases iOS 18.6.2 With Security Fixes

Apple this week released minor iOS 18.6.2, iPadOS 18.6.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.6.1 updates delivering security fixes. According to the Apple's security support document, the updates address a memory corruption issue that could occur from being sent a malicious image file.


Apple says it's aware that the issue may have been actively exploited in an "extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals," so while most users are unlikely to be targeted, it's still a good idea to make sure your devices are updated.

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This article, "Top Stories: All-New Apple Operating System, iPhone Leaks, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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