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


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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

Wall Chargers

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


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


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


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

Wireless Chargers

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


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


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


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

Portable Chargers

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


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


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


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


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

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

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


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

• iPhone 16: $799


• iPhone 16 Plus: $899


• iPhone 16 Pro: $999


• iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199

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

• iPhone 16: $699


• iPhone 16 Plus: $799

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

• iPhone 16: $619


• iPhone 16 Plus: $699


• iPhone 16 Pro: $759


• iPhone 16 Pro Max: $929

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

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

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

The lower-end iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus also have a Camera Control and Apple Intelligence.
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The Apple Sports app now supports men's and women's golf, along with improvements to soccer and tennis coverage.


Version 3.7 of the app introduces support for every PGA and LPGA tournament, with live leaderboards, round-by-round scorecards for every golfer, and real-time updates in the app, widgets, and Live Activities. The app already supported the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, F1, Premier League, and more.

Golf fans can follow along as each tournament unfolds with access to live scores for all official PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events, including the majors, starting this weekend with the PGA’s WM Phoenix Open.

Fans can track their favorite players through each event with hole-by-hole results and individual scorecards alongside live leaderboards, plus scores from every round during each tournament throughout the year.

Apple has also expanded the soccer lineup with support for Copa del Rey, Coppa Italia, Coupe de France, and DFB-Pokal. In addition, tennis coverage now supports real-time stats, making it easier to keep up with the action.

The Apple Sports app launched in 2024, offering a convenient way to glance at live scores and statistics. It is available on the iPhone in the U.S., the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and select other European countries.
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New M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are slated to launch in the near future, according to information shared with MacRumors by an Apple Premium Reseller.


The third-party Apple retailer said that ‌MacBook Pro‌ stock is very low currently because there is an imminent new product introduction. Apple typically coordinates supply with retail stores ahead of a new model launch to avoid leaving resellers with too many outdated machines.

Over the weekend, Bloomberg said that the new MacBook Pros are going to launch alongside macOS Tahoe 26.3 during the February/March timeframe, and we are getting closer to the software's release date. Today's Xcode 26.3 release candidate launch also suggests that a debut isn't far off.

It's atypical for Apple to introduce an Xcode release candidate without also providing iOS and macOS release candidates, and we haven't seen the iOS 26.3 or macOS 26.3 RCs yet. Holding back a macOS release candidate is sometimes an indication that the RC contains information that Apple doesn't want to leak. If the M5 Pro and M5 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ models are going to come out alongside macOS Tahoe 26.3, it's possible that the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 RC includes new model identifiers that would give away the upcoming launch.

Apple has most commonly held macOS release candidates for a few days to a week. Prior to when new M3 Macs came out in October 2023, for example, Apple provided the iOS 17.1 and accompanying Xcode release candidate on October 17, but held the macOS 14.1 release candidate. New Macs were introduced on October 23, and then the macOS 14.1 RC came out on October 24. Apple followed the same pattern ahead of the first M1 Macs in November 2020, and the M2 Mac mini in October 2022. In each case, Apple held the macOS RC while launching the iOS and Xcode RCs.

What's different in this situation is that we haven't seen the iOS 26.3 RC either, so the hold time is less clear. Apple could debut new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models as soon as tomorrow, then release both RCs. There's also a possibility we have to wait a week or two before new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models come out, especially if the RCs aren't quite ready to go and another beta update is planned.

It's not entirely clear why Apple released the Xcode 26.3 RC now instead of holding it, but it does include agentic coding tools that Apple worked with Anthropic and OpenAI to implement, so Apple may have committed to a specific schedule for the functionality.

All signs suggest that we're going to get the M5 Pro and M5 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ models soon. Apple already released the standard 14-inch M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌, but higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models have yet to be refreshed.

The reseller that spoke to MacRumors also said that HomePod mini supplies are drying up with many models sold out, but there is no official word on whether that's because of supply chain issues or because of an imminent update. ‌HomePod mini‌ stock has been dwindling since October 2025, so stock continuing to be low doesn't give us new information on the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2, unfortunately.
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With Xcode 26.3, Apple is adding support for agentic coding, allowing developers to use tools like Anthropic's Claude Agent and OpenAI's Codex right in Xcode for app creation.


Agentic coding will allow Xcode to complete more complex app development tasks autonomously. Claude, ChatGPT, and other AI models have been available for use in Xcode since Apple added intelligence features in Xcode 26, but until now, AI was limited and was not able to take action on its own. That will change with the option to use an AI coding assistant.

AI models can access more of Xcode's features to work toward a project goal, and Apple worked directly with Anthropic and OpenAI to configure their agents for use in Xcode. Agents can create new files, examine the structure of a project in Xcode, build a project directly and run tests, take image snapshots to double-check work, and access full Apple developer documentation that has been designed for AI agents.

Adding an agent to Xcode can be done with a single click in the Xcode settings, with agents able to be updated automatically as AI companies release updates. Developers will need to set up an Anthropic or OpenAI account to use those coding tools in Xcode, paying fees based on API usage.

Apple says that it aimed to ensure that Claude Agent and Codex run efficiently, with reduced token usage. It is simple to swap between agents in the same project, giving developers the flexibility to choose the agent best suited for a particular task.

While Apple worked with OpenAI and Anthropic for Xcode integration, the Xcode 26.3 features can be used with any agent or tool that uses the open standard Model Context Protocol. Apple is releasing documentation so that developers can configure and connect MCP agents to Xcode.

Using natural language commands, developers are able to instruct AI agents to complete a project, such as adding a new feature to an app. Xcode then works with the agent to break down the instructions into small tasks, and the agent is able to work on its own from there. Here's how the process works:

• A developer asks an integrated agent to add a new feature to an app.


• The agent looks at the current project to see how it's organized.


• The agent checks all relevant documentation, looking at code snippets, code samples, and the latest APIs.


• The agent begins working on the project, adding code as it goes.


• The agent builds the project, then uses Xcode to verify its work.


• If there are errors or warnings, the agent continues to work until all issues are addressed. It is able to access build logs and revise until a project is perfect.


• The agent wraps up by providing a summary of everything that happened so developers have a clear view of the implementation.

In the sidebar of a project, developers can follow along with what the agent is doing using the transcript, and can click to see where code is added to keep track of what the agent is doing. At any point, developers can go back to before an agent or model made a modification, so there are options to undo unwanted results or try out multiple options for introducing a new feature.

Apple says that agentic coding will allow developers to simplify workflows, make changes quicker, and bring new ideas to life. Apple also sees it as a learning tool that provides developers with the opportunity to learn new ways to build something or to implement an API in an app.

"At Apple, our goal is to make tools that put industry-leading technologies directly in developers' hands so they can build the very best apps," said Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "Agentic coding supercharges productivity and creativity, streamlining the development workflow so developers can focus on innovation."

The release candidate of Xcode 26.3 is available for developers as of today, and a launch will likely follow in the next week or so.
This article, "Xcode 26.3 Lets AI Agents From Anthropic and OpenAI Build Apps Autonomously" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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We're just over one week away from Valentine's Day, which falls on Saturday, February 14 this year. Similar to years past, many third-party Apple resellers and accessory companies have opened up notable discounts on Apple products and accessories to coincide with the holiday.

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.

Additionally, there are a few solid discounts on Apple products like AirPods, Apple Watch, and iPad. In this article you'll find deals from third-party retailers collected first, including special Valentine's Day themed sales from AT&T, ZAGG, Casely, and more.

Valentine's Accessory Sales

• Best Buy - Save up to 50% on select TVs


• Nomad - Save 49% in Nomad's overstock sale


• OtterBox - Save 30% on cases, 50% on charging accessories, and more


• Anker - Save up to 40% on essential accessories


• Sonos - Save up to 20% off soundbars, speakers, and subwoofers


• AT&T - iPhone 17 Pro at no cost with eligible trade-in


• Samsung - Save on Samsung monitors and TVs


• ZAGG - Save up to 75% during clearance event


• Casely - Save 10% sitewide with code LOVE10


• Casetify - Buy 2 get 20% off with code LOVE2026

AirPods

Amazon this week has major discounts on a few AirPods models, including some of the best prices of the year so far on AirPods 4. You can get the base AirPods 4 for $99.99 on Amazon, down from $129.00.



Amazon also has the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for $119.99, down from $179.00. We did track both of these these at a lower prices during the 2025 holiday season, but these deals never returned and today's is the best we've seen so far in 2026.

AirTag

Amazon has the first generation AirTag 4-Pack for $69.98 this week, down from $99.00. This is a second-best price on the accessory, and just a few dollars away from the record low price.

Apple Watch

Amazon this week has the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 on sale for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. This is only the second time so far in 2026 that we've tracked $100 markdowns on the Series 11, and nearly every aluminum model is on sale right now.




If you're shopping for cellular models, you can find record low prices on multiple models this week on Amazon. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $399.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $429.00, down from $529.00.

iPad

There are numerous iPads on sale in early February, and we're starting with a $49 discount on the 11-inch iPad at Amazon. You can get the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad for $299.99, down from $349.00, which is the best price we've tracked in 2026 so far and an overall second-best price.





Amazon this week is also providing record low prices on multiple models of the iPad mini 7, starting at $399.99 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. Best Buy is also matching many of these iPad deals, and in some cases it has better delivery estimates.





Amazon recently introduced discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, including both 11-inch and 13-inch models. Prices start at $899.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch iPad Pro, down from $999.00.




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

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This article, "Valentine's Day Deals: Get Low Prices on AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Apple just released the second-generation AirTag, five years after the original model debuted. There's been a lot of time for Apple to come up with improvements, so we thought we'd test out the new model to see what's changed, and whether it's worth upgrading from the first-generation ‌AirTag‌.


Unfortunately, Apple didn't update the design of the ‌AirTag‌ 2, so it looks almost identical to the original model. The only thing that's changed is the text on the back, which is now in caps and includes wording about the IP67 waterproofing, and that doesn't count as any kind of design change.

It would have been nice to have different design options or a rechargeable battery, but the ‌AirTag‌ is the same coin shape and it still uses CR2032 batteries. Apple didn't mention anything about battery life improvements, so the ‌AirTag‌ 2 still lasts about a year before you need to swap it out.

While there aren't external updates, Apple did boost connectivity. The ‌AirTag‌ 2 uses an upgraded version of Bluetooth and it has a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, so it can be tracked from further away over Bluetooth, and the close-range Precision Finding feature works over longer distances.

According to Apple, Precision Finding works from up to 50 percent further away, so when you lose your ‌AirTag‌ indoors or are close to it, a UWB-enabled iPhone (the ‌iPhone‌ 11 and later) can lead you right to it. Apple also enabled Precision Finding on the Apple Watch Series 9 and later and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, which is super useful. You can't use an Apple Watch to locate an original ‌AirTag‌ nearby, and it's probably the best addition to the second-generation version.

You can even add a quick access toggle for Precision Finding to the Apple Watch for instant access to tracking down an ‌AirTag‌ without digging through menus. It's a much more natural way to find your items.

In our testing, Precision Finding on the Apple Watch worked reliably, tracking down an ‌AirTag‌ indoors even with walls and furniture in the way. The interface is the same as the Precision Finding interface on ‌iPhone‌, just scaled down to an Apple Watch size. You'll get a directional arrow and distance to help you accurately track down the ‌AirTag‌.

When pitting the original ‌AirTag‌ against the ‌AirTag‌ 2 with ‌iPhone‌ Precision Finding, the ‌AirTag‌ 2 was clearly superior. Both AirTags were tucked inside a backpack, and placed out of line of sight.

The original ‌AirTag‌ had a hard time with walls and objects, and required us to be closer to the backpack to get a connection. The ‌AirTag‌ 2 picked up signal from much further away, and kept the signal as we walked toward the backpack. It even worked with the ‌AirTag‌ 2 on a different floor, and kept its connection in a large office building.

Apple also updated the internals of the ‌AirTag‌ 2 to upgrade the sound, and it is noticeably louder. It is a pretty big improvement in audibility, and you will notice the difference between the two. The sound is sharper and easier to pinpoint, and it is much less likely to blend into background noise. It makes it easier to find items, but it also improves the ‌AirTag‌ 2's anti-stalking capabilities. It's harder to tuck an ‌AirTag‌ away and mute its sound, and Apple also made the speaker module more difficult to remove with additional adhesive.

The ‌AirTag‌ 2 is still priced at $29, with Apple offering a pack of four for $99, so it's a solid deal, especially with the tracking improvements. For most people, it's probably not worth upgrading to an ‌AirTag‌ 2 if you already have an original ‌AirTag‌, but if you're someone that heavily relies on AirTags on a regular basis, it could be a good idea to pick up a couple of the second-generation versions.
This article, "AirTag 2 Hands-On: What's New and Should You Upgrade?" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released iOS 16.7.14 to address an iOS 16.7.13 issue that caused some older iPhones in Australia to be unable to connect to emergency services.


The update is available for the iPhone 8, ‌iPhone‌ 8 Plus, and ‌iPhone‌ X models, and it will allow these devices to place calls to emergency services in Australia. Apple's release notes say that iOS 16.7.14 fixes a mobile network problem that prevented emergency calls.

After Apple released iOS 16.7.13 last week, it became clear that the software interfered with the emergency call situation in Australia, which has been a problem since December. Apple pulled the update, but not until some people had already downloaded it.

Last Thursday, Apple released a carrier settings update for Telstra customers in Australia that temporarily fixed the issue by adjusting network-related settings.

Australian mobile network operators have been improving support for emergency calling on their networks, which has led to some older iPhones being unable to connect to emergency services in some situations. Apple has been pushing new software to address the issue, including the recent iOS 26.2.1 update.

iOS 16.7.4 can be downloaded by opening up the Settings app on the ‌iPhone‌ and going to Settings > General > Software Update. There is also an iPadOS 16.7.14 update available for older iPads.
This article, "Apple Releases iOS 16.7.14 to Address iPhone X and iPhone 8 Emergency Call Issue in Australia" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Sonos this week kicked off a new home theater equipment sale, with big discounts aimed at anyone preparing for a Super Bowl party. This sale includes deals on Sonos smart speakers, sound bars, subwoofers, and more.

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

One highlight of the event is the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar at $899, down from $1,099, which matches the all-time low price we saw over last holiday season. For a cheaper soundbar, you can get the second generation Beam for $369, down from $499.



Additionally, the new Sonos sale has a few bundle deals, which combine a few different home audio devices at one discounted price. This includes the 2 Room Set with Era 100 for $358 ($80 off), Premium Entertainment Set with Arc Ultra for $1,599 ($399 off), and more.

• Arc Ultra Soundbar - $899, down from $1,099


• Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar - $369, down from $499


• Era 100 Speaker - $179, down from $219


• Era 300 Speaker - $379, down from $479


• Sub Mini - $399, down from $499


• Sub 4 - $759, down from $899

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.

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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.


The user known as "Instant Digital" today claimed to share several key details about the design of the foldable ‌iPhone‌:

• The volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the right, similar to the iPad mini.


• The Touch ID power button and Camera Control continue to be located on the right edge of the device, just like other recent iPhones.


• The left side of the device is smooth and does not have any buttons.


• The front-facing cameras feature a single punch-hole design, resulting in a smaller ‌Dynamic Island‌.


• The back left of the device features an ‌iPhone‌ Air-style camera plateau, containing two horizontally arranged cameras, the microphone, and the flash. Unlike the iPhone Air, the camera plateau appears to be completely black and not match the color of the device's body.


• The only "confirmed" color option is said to be white, but a single additional color is expected to be available upon launch, giving customers just two choices.

The motherboard is apparently located on the right side of the device. As to not run cables across the screen to the left side for the volume buttons (where they are located on all other ‌iPhone‌ models), Apple is said to have decided to run them directly upwards, which maximizes internal space.

The internal structure purportedly features an innovative stacked design, with the space being almost entirely dedicated to the display and battery. It is also said to feature the biggest battery ever used in an ‌iPhone‌.

Instant Digital has a good track record for Apple rumors and has provided some strikingly accurate information, such as the imminent launch of 2023's Yellow iPhone 14, the frosted back glass of the ‌iPhone‌ 15 and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus, the Apple Watch Series 9 as a minor refresh, spatial video capture on the ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro, the iPad Air and iPad Pro's move to a landscape front-facing camera, the M4 ‌iPad Pro‌'s nano-texture display option, the iPhone 16 Pro's battery capacities, and continued Apple Watch band compatibility through the Apple Watch Series 10.

For the iPhone 17 Pro alone, the leaker reported the device's 256GB base storage configuration and its improved telephoto camera, as well as its improved battery life, thermal design, and display brightness. As a result, their reports are worth taking seriously.

Other rumors suggest that Apple's first foldable ‌iPhone‌ will feature a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display, a 5.5-inch cover display, ‌Touch ID‌, two rear cameras, the A20 chip, and the "C2" modem. It is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max later this year.
This article, "First Foldable iPhone Design Details Revealed" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Amazon today has brought back a few $99 discounts on the iPad mini 7, starting at $399.99 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. This is only the second time in 2026 that we've seen prices this low on the iPad mini 7 on Amazon.

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

Additionally, you can get the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $499.99 and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $699.99, both $100 discounts and available in multiple colors. These sales are all solid second-best prices on the iPad mini 7.





Additionally, you can pair a new iPad mini with the Apple Pencil Pro for $94.99 on sale right now on Amazon, down from $129.00. If you're shopping for a cellular model of the iPad mini, only Best Buy has $100 discounts on these models at this time.



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.

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Apple's first foldable could feature the biggest ever iPhone battery and eclipse rival devices, according to a known leaker.


In a new post, the Weibo user known as "Fixed Focus Digital" says that the foldable's battery could be over 5,500 mAh in size, which would make it the largest capacity of any current or previous ‌iPhone‌. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the biggest ‌iPhone‌ battery to date at 5,088 mAh.

Competing foldables already on the market feature a noticeably smaller battery than the rumored size. The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a battery capacity of 5,015 mAh, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a 4,400 mAh battery. As a result, any foldable smartphone from Apple with a battery over 5,500 mAh in size would be class-leading.

Last year, the leaker known as "yeux1122" said that Apple was testing a battery for the device in the 5,400–5,800 mAh range, citing supply chain sources. A March report from the same Korean account claimed that Apple has placed a heavy focus on improving power efficiency while slimming down key components of its foldable ‌iPhone‌, with battery life said to be a key priority for the company. Separately, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the device will use high-density cells to deliver superior battery life.

Apple's first foldable ‌iPhone‌ is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display, a 5.5-inch cover display, Touch ID, two rear cameras, the A20 chip, and the "C2" modem. It is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max later this year.
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Amazon this weekend has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. This is only the second time so far in 2026 that we've tracked $100 markdowns on the Series 11, and nearly every aluminum model is on sale right now.

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

You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. On Amazon, you'll find four of the 42mm GPS models on sale at this all-time low price, and four of the 46mm GPS models on sale as well.




If you're shopping for cellular models, you can find record low prices on multiple models this week on Amazon. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $399.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $429.00, down from $529.00.




Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.

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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 today.

"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.

macOS 26.3 remains in beta testing, but the update should be coming soon, with a wide release expected in February. Gurman was careful to also mention March, but this seems rather unlikely, unless the macOS 26.3 beta testing cycle drags on longer than expected, or the new MacBook Pro models are tied to macOS 26.3.1 or later.

As of now, we expect the macOS 26.3 Release Candidate to be seeded in the first half of February, so a new MacBook Pro announcement could be just around the corner.

In October, AppleInsider's Marko Zivkovic was first to report that MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips were "expected to ship with macOS 26.3," so this rumor has now been shared by multiple sources.

Beyond the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, no major changes are expected for these models.

In late 2026 or in 2027, the MacBook Pro is expected to receive a major redesign, with rumored features including an OLED display with touch capabilities, M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, a thinner design, and built-in cellular connectivity.


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Amazon is offering discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup this weekend, including both 11-inch and 13-inch models. The highlight this time around is a return of a low price on the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro, which is on sale for $899.00, down from $999.00.

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

Many of the deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during the holiday season. Amazon provides an estimated delivery date around February 5 for free delivery, but Prime members should see earlier delivery dates in many cases.




There are fewer 13-inch M5 iPad Pro models on sale this time around, but the ones that are on sale have reached record low prices. You'll find $149 off three Wi-Fi models, with prices starting at $1,149.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi 13-inch M5 iPad Pro, down from $1,299.00.

11-Inch M5 iPad Pro

• 256GB Wi-Fi - $899.00 ($100 off)


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,099.00 ($100 off)


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,499.99 ($99 off)


• 1TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,576.00 ($123 off)


• 2TB Wi-Fi - $1,851.00 ($148 off)


• 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,999.00 ($100 off)

13-Inch M5 iPad Pro

• 256GB Wi-Fi - $1,149.99 ($149 off)


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,349.99 ($149 off)


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,749.99 ($149 off)

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

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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.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
This article, "Top Stories: Apple Creator Studio, AirTag 2, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's newly launched AirTag 2 and Apple Creator Studio.


Earlier this week, Apple announced the second-generation ‌AirTag‌, marking the first major update to its item tracker since the product's introduction in 2021, with improvements focused on tracking range, audio output, and device support rather than changes to its physical design.

The new ‌AirTag‌ uses a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that extends Precision Finding range by up to 50%, adds support for Precision Finding on compatible Apple Watch models for the first time, and includes an upgraded Bluetooth specification designed to improve general tracking range. Apple also says the built-in speaker is up to 50% louder, making it easier to locate items in noisy environments.

• AirTag 1 vs. AirTag 2 Buyer's Guide: All 15+ Differences Compared

Externally, the ‌AirTag‌ remains visually similar to the original and continues to use a replaceable CR2032 coin battery with more than a year of battery life, while Apple has made a significant number of internal changes. The second-generation ‌AirTag‌ is priced the same as before at $29 for a single unit or $99 for a four-pack, is compatible with existing ‌AirTag‌ accessories, and requires devices running iOS 26.2.1 or later.

Apple also launched Creator Studio, a new all-in-one subscription aimed at content creators. For $12.99 per month, or $129 per year, Creator Studio provides access to Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage, consolidating tools for video editing, music production, image editing, and live performance. The bundle replaces Apple's long-standing one-time purchase model for these apps with a subscription approach, while keeping standalone versions available for users who do not want access to the full package.

Beyond bundling existing apps, Creator Studio introduces a set of AI-powered features that are exclusive to subscribers. These include transcript and visual search in Final Cut Pro, enhanced beat detection and new dynamic titles, AI-assisted session players and harmonic analysis in Logic Pro, and new design and warp tools in Pixelmator Pro, which is now available on iPad for the first time. The subscription also unlocks premium AI features in Apple's free productivity apps, including Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, with Freeform support coming later.

Creator Studio is available now via the App Store, with a one-month free trial for all users and a three-month trial for customers who purchase a qualifying new Mac or ‌iPad‌. The subscription supports Family Sharing for up to six people, and features discounted pricing for students and educators.

The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.



If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's plan to turn Siri into a chatbot with iOS 27, alongside plans for new hardware such as an AI pin.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
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