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Best Apple Deals of the Week: Apple Studio Display Hits Lowest Prices in Months, Plus Accessory Discounts From Satechi and More

This week saw a wide range of Apple-related deals, including some of the lowest prices we've seen in months on the Apple Studio Display, plus solid discounts on the M4 Mac mini, Mac-compatible monitors from Samsung, popular desktop accessories from Satechi, and even more.

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.

Amazon Sale



  • What's the deal? Take up to $450 off popular accessories

  • Where can I get it? Amazon

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here




Amazon this week has a few notable sales from popular brands like Ecovacs, Jackery, and Anker. These include discounts on everything from MagSafe-compatible chargers to portable power stations and robot vacuums.



Apple Studio Display



  • What's the deal? Take up to $450 off Apple Studio Display

  • Where can I get it? Woot

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here



Woot this week started a new Apple sale that includes some of the lowest prices we've tracked on the Studio Display in months. The items that we're focusing on in this sale are all in new condition and come with a one year Apple limited warranty, but there are other items that are refurbished.

Prices on the 27-inch Studio Display start at $1,349.00 for the standard glass/VESA mount adapter, down from $1,599.00, and also include all of the nano-texture glass options. We haven't tracked deals on the Studio Display in quite a while, so these are solid markdowns for anyone who's been waiting for a sale.

Mac Mini



  • What's the deal? Take up to $130 off M4 Mac mini

  • Where can I get it? Amazon

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here






Amazon this week has a few models of Apple's M4 Mac mini on sale at low prices, starting at $499.99 for the model with 16GB RAM/256GB SSD, down from $599.00. Discounts reach up to $130 off in these sales, and this time around there is also a discount on the M4 Pro model.

Satechi



  • What's the deal? Take 20% off Satechi's new products

  • Where can I get it? Satechi

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Note: Use code CES2026 to see this discount.


Note: Use code REFRESH20 to see this discount.



Satechi announced a few products at CES this month, and to mark the launch it's providing a 20 percent discount on these devices for early adopters. You can use the code CES2026 at checkout to get 20 percent off all five of Satechi's newest products.

Additionally, Satechi recently kicked off a new sale that has its most popular desktop accessories at 20 percent off for a limited time. To get this discount, enter the code REFRESH20 at checkout on the accessories found in Satechi's "Desk Refresh Collection."

Samsung



  • What's the deal? Save on Samsung monitors and TVs

  • Where can I get it? Samsung

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here





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

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




Deals Newsletter


Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

This article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Apple Studio Display Hits Lowest Prices in Months, Plus Accessory Discounts From Satechi and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Top Stories: iPhone 18 Pro Leaks, Siri Chatbot, Apple AI Pin, and More

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.

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: iPhone 18 Pro Leaks, Siri Chatbot, Apple AI Pin, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's Siri Chatbot in iOS 27: Everything We Know

Apple is planning to upgrade Siri twice in the coming year, adding personalization features in iOS 26.4 before turning the personal assistant into a full chatbot in iOS 27.


As long as timelines don't change, we'll see the ‌Siri‌ chatbot as soon as June 2026. Here's everything we know so far.

SiriBot


With iOS 27, Apple will change the way that ‌Siri‌ works. Right now, ‌Siri‌ can answer basic questions and complete simple tasks, but you can't engage it in a back and forth conversation, get help with multi-step tasks, or ask complicated questions.

Based on the current ‌Siri‌ chatbot rumors, ‌Siri‌ will be able to do all of that and more with the upcoming upgrade, and it will work like competing chatbots.

Apple wasn't initially planning to introduce a full chatbot that users can interact with similarly to Claude or ChatGPT, but chatbots have become too popular for Apple to ignore. Simply adding AI capabilities to apps and features isn't enough for Apple to stay competitive with the way people have embraced chatbots for everything from web searches to coding help.

Google has already integrated Gemini into a range of Android devices, and chatbots like ChatGPT have hundreds of millions of weekly active users.

Siri Capabilities


According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, ‌Siri‌'s chatbot capabilities will be "embedded deeply" into Apple's products at the system level. ‌Siri‌ won't be an app, but will instead be integrated into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS like ‌Siri‌ is now.

Siri Activation and Interface


Users will activate ‌Siri‌ in the same way they do today, speaking the ‌Siri‌ wake word or pressing on the side button of a Siri-enabled device. ‌Siri‌ will be able to respond to both voice and text-based requests.

We don't yet know what the new ‌Siri‌ interface will look like. Apple will need to make big changes to the way that ‌Siri‌ looks and feels if it wants to match functionality offered by companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.

People are used to opening up an app and having a full text interface that includes conversation history, and it's not clear how Apple will provide that if there's no dedicated ‌Siri‌ chatbot app. People will want to be able to access their past conversations and have tools for uploading files and images.

It's possible activating ‌Siri‌ could lead to an app-like interface that takes over the iPhone, iPad, or Mac's display, but that will be a departure from ‌Siri‌'s current minimalistic design. Apple could alternatively log conversations in a place like the Notes app, or in the clipboard on the Mac.

Gurman says that ‌Siri‌ won't be an app, but that might mean that it won't only be an app. There could be some kind of dedicated chatbot app that people can use, with ‌Siri‌ also able to be activated and used on a system level and in and across apps.

What Siri Chatbot Can Do


It sounds like the ‌Siri‌ chatbot will be able to do everything that current chatbots can do, and more.

  • Search the web for information

  • Generate images

  • Generate content

  • Summarize information

  • Analyze uploaded files

  • Use personal data to complete tasks

  • Ingest information from emails, messages, files and more

  • Analyze open windows and on-screen content to take action

  • Control device features and settings

  • Search for on-device content, replacing Spotlight


‌Siri‌ will also be integrated into Apple's core apps, including Mail, Messages, Apple TV, Xcode, and Photos. ‌Siri‌ will be able to search for specific images, edit photos, help with coding, make suggestions for TV shows and movies, and send emails.

iOS 26.4 "LLM Siri" vs. Chatbot Siri


In iOS 26.4, Apple plans to introduce a new, updated version of ‌Siri‌ that relies on large language models, or LLMs. Apple has been working on this version of ‌Siri‌ since Apple Intelligence features were added to iOS 18, but it was delayed because ‌Siri‌'s underlying architecture needed an overhaul to run LLMs.

Starting in iOS 26.4, ‌Siri‌ will be able to hold continuous conversations and provide human-like responses to questions, plus ‌Siri‌ will have new personalization features that will let it do more than before. What ‌Siri‌ won't have, though, is full chatbot capabilities. Here's what we're expecting:

Personal Context


With personal context, ‌Siri‌ will be able to keep track of emails, messages, files, photos, and more, learning more about you to help you complete tasks and keep track of what you've been sent.

  • Show me the files Eric sent me last week.

  • Find the email where Eric mentioned ice skating.

  • Find the books that Eric recommended to me.

  • Where's the recipe that Eric sent me?

  • What's my passport number?


Onscreen Awareness


Onscreen awareness will let ‌Siri‌ see what's on your screen and complete actions involving whatever you're looking at. If someone texts you an address, for example, you can tell ‌Siri‌ to add it to their contact card. Or if you're looking at a photo and want to send it to someone, you can ask ‌Siri‌ to do it for you.

Deeper App Integration


Deeper app integration means that ‌Siri‌ will be able to do more in and across apps, performing actions and completing tasks that are just not possible with the personal assistant right now. We don't have a full picture of what ‌Siri‌ will be capable of, but Apple has provided a few examples of what to expect.

  • Moving files from one app to another.

  • Editing a photo and then sending it to someone.

  • Get directions home and share the ETA with Eric.

  • Send the email I drafted to Eric.


You're not going to have a chat-like interface for back-and-forth conversations with ‌Siri‌ when iOS 26.4 launches, but the personal assistant should be very different than it is now. Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi told employees last summer that the ‌Siri‌ revamp was successful. "This has put us in a position to not just deliver what we announced, but to deliver a much bigger upgrade than that we envisioned," he said.

Siri Redesign


With all of the new functionality coming to ‌Siri‌, Apple is planning to make visual design changes. It's not quite clear what that will entail, but for the upcoming table-top robot that's in the works, Apple has tested an animated version of ‌Siri‌ that looks similar to the Mac's Finder logo.

Apple could start rolling out that new, more personalized design when ‌Siri‌ gets the major iOS 27 revamp.

Memory


Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini can remember past conversations and interactions, retaining a memory of the user. Apple is said to be discussing how much the ‌Siri‌ chatbot will be able to remember.

Apple may limit conversational memory to protect user privacy.

Naming


‌Siri‌ is getting a major overhaul, but Apple will probably continue to refer to it as ‌Siri‌. It'll just be a much smarter version of ‌Siri‌.

Underlying Architecture and Servers


Apple has inked a deal with Google that will see Gemini powering upcoming versions of ‌Siri‌. Apple plans to use Gemini for the iOS 26.4 updates that it is introducing, and Google's technology will also power the ‌Siri‌ chatbot.

"Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology," the two companies said in a statement in January.

The ‌Siri‌ chatbot specifically will rely on a custom AI model developed by the Google Gemini team. Gurman claims that the custom model is comparable to Gemini 3, and that it will be much more powerful than the model behind Apple's upcoming iOS 26.4 features.

Apple and Google are also discussing running the ‌Siri‌ chatbot on Google's servers powered by Tensor Processing Units, probably because Apple doesn't yet have the infrastructure to handle chatbot queries from billions of active devices per day.

In the future, Apple will be able to transition ‌Siri‌ to a different underlying model, so when the company does have in-house LLMs powerful enough to compete with ChatGPT or Gemini, it can move away from Google. Apple will also potentially be able to offer chatbot capabilities in China by partnering with a Chinese AI company.

China restricts foreign companies from offering AI features in the country.

Platforms


‌Siri‌'s chatbot functionality will be the key new feature in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, and ‌Siri‌'s capabilities will be integrated into the ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, and Mac. ‌Siri‌ chatbot features could also come to other platforms like visionOS and tvOS.

Cost


There is no word yet on whether there will be some kind of fee associated with the ‌Siri‌ chatbot. The ‌Siri‌ chatbot won't be able to run entirely on device, and Apple is going to need major cloud processing power. Without taking into account any development or hosting costs, Apple is paying Google approximately $1 billion per year for access to Google's models.

Companies like Google and OpenAI spend billions on infrastructure and compute costs each year, and no AI service is entirely free. Apple will likely need to charge something, but it could do what Google has done with Gemini.

Google offers a free version of Gemini on Pixel smartphones and other Android devices that have integrated AI. The basic version of Gemini is able to answer questions, summarize text, write emails, and control apps and smartphone features.

Android users can pay $20 per month for Gemini Advanced to get access to the more advanced version of Gemini that offers better reasoning, longer context for analyzing bigger documents, and improved coding.

Launch Date


Apple is planning to introduce ‌Siri‌'s chatbot capabilities when it announces iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 at the June Worldwide Developers Conference. If the chatbot features aren't ready to go, Apple will likely hold off on showing off the new functionality because of the major mistake it made with iOS 18 and ‌Apple Intelligence‌.

The ‌Siri‌ chatbot is expected to be introduced in the new updates in September after several months of beta testing.
This article, "Apple's Siri Chatbot in iOS 27: Everything We Know" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Best Apple Deals of the Week: Apple Studio Display Hits Lowest Prices in Months, Plus Accessory Discounts From Satechi and More

This week saw a wide range of Apple-related deals, including some of the lowest prices we've seen in months on the Apple Studio Display, plus solid discounts on the M4 Mac mini, Mac-compatible monitors from Samsung, popular desktop accessories from Satechi, and even more.

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.

Amazon Sale



  • What's the deal? Take up to $450 off popular accessories

  • Where can I get it? Amazon

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here




Amazon this week has a few notable sales from popular brands like Ecovacs, Jackery, and Anker. These include discounts on everything from MagSafe-compatible chargers to portable power stations and robot vacuums.



Apple Studio Display



  • What's the deal? Take up to $450 off Apple Studio Display

  • Where can I get it? Woot

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here



Woot this week started a new Apple sale that includes some of the lowest prices we've tracked on the Studio Display in months. The items that we're focusing on in this sale are all in new condition and come with a one year Apple limited warranty, but there are other items that are refurbished.

Prices on the 27-inch Studio Display start at $1,349.00 for the standard glass/VESA mount adapter, down from $1,599.00, and also include all of the nano-texture glass options. We haven't tracked deals on the Studio Display in quite a while, so these are solid markdowns for anyone who's been waiting for a sale.

Mac Mini



  • What's the deal? Take up to $130 off M4 Mac mini

  • Where can I get it? Amazon

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here






Amazon this week has a few models of Apple's M4 Mac mini on sale at low prices, starting at $499.99 for the model with 16GB RAM/256GB SSD, down from $599.00. Discounts reach up to $130 off in these sales, and this time around there is also a discount on the M4 Pro model.

Satechi



  • What's the deal? Take 20% off Satechi's new products

  • Where can I get it? Satechi

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Note: Use code CES2026 to see this discount.


Note: Use code REFRESH20 to see this discount.



Satechi announced a few products at CES this month, and to mark the launch it's providing a 20 percent discount on these devices for early adopters. You can use the code CES2026 at checkout to get 20 percent off all five of Satechi's newest products.

Additionally, Satechi recently kicked off a new sale that has its most popular desktop accessories at 20 percent off for a limited time. To get this discount, enter the code REFRESH20 at checkout on the accessories found in Satechi's "Desk Refresh Collection."

Samsung



  • What's the deal? Save on Samsung monitors and TVs

  • Where can I get it? Samsung

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here





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

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




Deals Newsletter


Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

This article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Apple Studio Display Hits Lowest Prices in Months, Plus Accessory Discounts From Satechi and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The MacRumors Show: Apple's Upcoming Siri Chatbot and AI Pin

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's plan to turn Siri into a chatbot with iOS 27, alongside plans for new hardware such as an AI pin.



Apple reportedly plans to turn Siri into a chatbot that will rival Anthropic's Claude, Google's Gemini, and OpenAI's ChatGPT later this year. Apple's chatbot will apparently be able to search the web, generate content like images, help with coding, summarize information, and analyze uploaded files.

It will be able to leverage personal data on a user's device to complete tasks, and it will result in a much improved search feature. Apple is also said to be designing a feature that will let the ‌Siri‌ chatbot view open windows and on-screen content, as well as adjust device features and settings.

‌Siri‌ will integrate directly into all Apple apps, including Photos, Mail, Messages, Music, and TV, and it will be able to access and analyze content in the apps to respond to queries and requests. There will be voice and typed interface options.

Apple plans to power the chatbot with a custom model based on Google Gemini. It may even run on Google's servers. The ‌Siri‌ chatbot will purportedly be the key new feature in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.

In related news, Apple is said to be working on a small, wearable AI pin equipped with standard and wide-angle cameras to capture photos and videos, a speaker, microphones, and a physical control button. The pin is said to be similar in size to an AirTag, with a thin, flat, circular disc shape and an aluminum and glass design.

This week also saw rumors that Apple's smart home hub device will tout a robotic swiveling base, with a heavy emphasis on AI features. It is expected to finally be released in the spring, following a heavily delayed launch.

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 CES 2026, Apple Creator Studio, and the confirmation that Google Gemini will power the next-generation version of ‌Siri‌.

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.
This article, "The MacRumors Show: Apple's Upcoming Siri Chatbot and AI Pin" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Get Super Bowl Ready With Samsung's Big Sale on TVs and Monitors

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

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

Starting with monitors, you can get the 32-inch Smart Monitor M9 4K OLED for $1,299.99, down from $1,599.99. This version of the Smart Monitor line launched last summer, and Samsung's discount today is a match of the record low price on the display.



Another notable monitor discount is the 43-inch Smart Monitor M7 in White for $359.99, down from $499.99. You'll also find the 32-inch Smart Monitor M8 for $399.99, down from $699.99.


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




For even more savings, anyone interested can watch Samsung's Super Bowl-themed Vision AI commercial to stack on an extra 10 percent off at checkout. The video is under 1 minute long, so it's worth it if you're shopping for one of Samsung's high-end TVs or monitors this month.

TVs



Monitors



Galaxy Products




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




Deals Newsletter


Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

This article, "Get Super Bowl Ready With Samsung's Big Sale on TVs and Monitors" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Get Up to $199 Off Apple's M5 MacBook Pro on Amazon

Amazon today has dropped the price of the new M5 MacBook Pro to $1,449.00, down from $1,599.00. This is the 10-Core model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, and it's a solid second-best price on the M5 MacBook Pro.

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, the 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro has hit $1,599.99 on Amazon, which is a $199 discount on the notebook. Both models have estimated delivery dates around January 13, and right now we're not tracking any deals on the high-end 1TB model.




This version of the MacBook Pro launched in October and it comes with the newest M5 chip, which offers up to 15% faster CPU performance and up to 45% faster graphics when compared to the M4 chip. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.




Deals Newsletter


Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

This article, "Get Up to $199 Off Apple's M5 MacBook Pro on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Generate Apple Music Playlists With ChatGPT

Apple Music is now available as an extension within ChatGPT, meaning you can search for songs, create playlists, and discover new music through OpenAI's chatbot. Here's how to set it up and what makes it worth using.


What You Can Do With Apple Music in ChatGPT


ChatGPT's integration with Apple Music has the potential to change how you discover new music by letting you describe what you're looking for in natural language. Instead of typing specific search terms like you would in Apple Music, you can ask the chatbot for "upbeat 80s songs for a road trip" or "calm instrumental music for studying," and ChatGPT will understand the context and mood you're after.

You can even combine multiple criteria, like "jazz fusion tracks under five minutes with prominent saxophone," and ChatGPT will accurately unearth what you're looking for in ways that standard keyword searches simply aren't capable of achieving.


You can request custom playlists based on specific criteria, ask for song recommendations, or explore music by decade, genre, or artist. And once ChatGPT creates a playlist, you can preview each track, and save the playlist directly to your Apple Music library with the option "Create Playlist in Apple Music." You can also save individual tracks using the + buttons.

The Apple Music extension requires a ChatGPT account and works with both free and paid ChatGPT tiers. You don't need an Apple Music subscription to search the catalog, generate playlists, or listen to 30-second preview clips, but you will need an active subscription if you want to save content to your library.

How to Connect Apple Music to ChatGPT


Before you can start discovering new music with the help of AI, you'll need to connect Apple's streaming service using ChatGPT's extension. You only need to do it once.

  1. Open the ChatGPT app and tap your profile in the sidebar.

  2. Under "Account" settings, tap Apps.

  3. Tap Browse Apps, then choose Apple Music in the extensions library.

  4. Tap Connect, then choose Connect Apple Music.

  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to sign into your Apple Account and permit the access request.


If you're on desktop, you can perform the same steps in the ChatGPT app for Mac. Alternatively, go to https://chatgpt.com/apps in a browser and open the Apps section in ChatGPT – you'll find the Apple Music extension there. Once connected, the extension remains active across your devices signed into the same ChatGPT account.

One More Thing


Apple Music extension in ChatGPT's "Apps" section

ChatGPT can search Apple Music's catalog and create playlists, but it can't access your listening history or existing playlists. The integration only has permission to add songs to your library, so your personal data stays private.
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10 Reasons to Wait for This Year's iPhone 18 Pro

Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.


One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year, adopting a two-phase rollout starting with the iPhone 18 series. That means the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold will be released in September 2026, followed by the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in spring 2027.


Overall Design

iPhone 17 Pro Style

Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will largely retain the same design as the iPhone 17 Pro models. The rear camera system will look identical to the current generation, featuring a raised "plateau" with three lenses arranged in a triangle. Display sizes are also expected to remain unchanged, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max continuing to use 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch panels, respectively – the same dimensions introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro series. iPhone 18 Pro models could drop the current two-tone look of the rear casing found on the iPhone 17 Pro in favor of a more seamless aesthetic. For the next-generation models, Apple has apparently updated the back-glass "replacement process" to minimize the color difference between the Ceramic Shield 2 glass and the aluminum frame, resulting in a more unified appearance.

Thicker Chassis

Bigger Battery?

According to one rumor, the body of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, raising the device's weight to around 243 grams. That would make the iPhone 18 Pro Max approximately 3 grams more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which is currently the heaviest model Apple has produced. We don't know the exact reason for the alleged thicker design of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, but a larger battery is the most likely cause.

Smaller Dynamic Island

Under-Screen Face ID?

Rumors continue to circulate about whether the iPhone 18 Pro models will introduce under-display Face ID, but reports remain divided on when the technology will actually arrive. The feature would move the TrueDepth camera system beneath the display, eliminating the need for the current Dynamic Island cutout.

According to Wayne Ma of The Information, Apple is targeting a design without a Dynamic Island, replacing it with a single pinhole camera in the upper-left corner of the screen. However, other sources dispute that claim. Display analyst Ross Young believes under-display Face ID is possible for the iPhone 18 Pro, but says a smaller Dynamic Island will still be present. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has echoed this view, reporting that the new models will feature a slimmed-down Dynamic Island rather than removing it entirely. Apple is also said to be testing new camera miniaturization technology to reduce the size of the front-facing camera currently located within the Dynamic Island.

Meanwhile, Chinese leaker Instant Digital has offered yet another version of events, saying the Dynamic Island will shrink in size, but that under-display Face ID and camera technology won't debut next year. Overall, the consensus suggests Apple may be refining the Dynamic Island before fully transitioning to an all-screen design in future generations.

A20 Pro Chip

2nm Process

The iPhone 18 Pro models will use Apple's A20 chip, based on TSMC's 2nm process for power and efficiency improvements. A move to 2nm fabrication increases transistor density, which will enable higher performance. The A20 series is expected to deliver roughly a 15 percent speed gain and about 30 percent better efficiency compared with the A19 series used in Apple's iPhone 17 models.

Apple's A20 chip will be packaged with TSMC's Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology, suggesting at least some A20 chips will have RAM integrated directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, rather than sitting adjacent to the chip and connected via a silicon interposer. This could contribute to faster performance for both overall tasks and Apple Intelligence, and longer battery life from improved power efficiency.

C2 Modem

Replacing Qualcomm

Apple plans to include its next-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models, according to supply chain analyst Jeff Pu. The chip will succeed the C1 modem, which debuted in the lower-cost iPhone 16e as Apple's first in-house cellular modem, and the C1X modem chip in the iPhone Air, which Apple says is up to 2× faster than the C1. The C2 is expected to bring faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and support for mmWave 5G in the United States – a feature missing from the C1 and C1X.

Apple's modem roadmap is part of a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on Qualcomm, which currently supplies 5G modems for the rest of the iPhone lineup. The company has been working on developing its own cellular chips for years, aiming for deeper integration and greater control over power management and performance.

New Camera Sensor

Samsung-Made

Samsung is working on a new three-layer stacked image sensor, reportedly intended for the iPhone 18. The sensor, referred to as PD-TR-Logic, integrates three layers of circuitry, which would improve camera responsiveness, reduce noise, and increase dynamic range. The leak comes from a source known as "Jukanlosreve," who claims the sensor is being developed specifically for Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup. Sony has long been Apple's sole image sensor supplier, so Samsung's entry would be a big shift in the iPhone's camera supply chain.

Variable Aperture

DSLR-Style

Apple intends to equip this year's iPhone 18 Pro models with a variable aperture lens, according to reports. Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station claims the main rear camera – what Apple calls the 48-megapixel Fusion camera – on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. A variable-aperture system physically adjusts the lens opening, letting more light in for low-light shots or narrowing the opening for brighter scenes and deeper depth of field.

The main cameras on the iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro all use a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, where the lens is permanently set to its widest setting. With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro would allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. This would mean more control over depth of field, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in November 2024 that Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models will get the feature.

5G Satellite Internet

Non-Terrestrial Data

According to a report by The Information, Apple plans to add support for 5G networks that operate via satellites rather than Earth-based towers as early as next year. This advancement would allow future iPhones to gain full internet connectivity through satellite, not just limited emergency features.

If Apple meets the 2026 target, the first devices to feature 5G satellite internet would likely be the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-rumored foldable iPhone. Apple partners with Globalstar for its iPhone satellite features, but there is currently no service that delivers full 5G satellite internet directly to a smartphone, and the report did not specify who would supply it.

Simplified Camera Control

New Design

Apple is reportedly working to simplify the Camera Control button's design on iPhone 18 models in order to reduce costs. The current Camera Control button on iPhone 17 models uses both capacitive and pressure sensors beneath a sapphire crystal surface. The capacitive layer detects touch gestures, while the force sensor recognizes different pressure levels for taps, presses, and swipes.

However, according to the Weibo-based account Instant Digital, Apple will remove the capacitive sensing layer and retain only pressure sensing recognition in the second iteration to achieve all Camera Control functions on the iPhone 18. The simplified version is not about reducing functionality in the button, but about saving money. The current solution is said to be very expensive for Apple and is generating costly after-sales repairs.

New Colors

Three in Testing

Apple is rumored to be testing three new color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models: burgundy, brown, and purple. A burgundy finish would mark the first time the Pro and Pro Max models have been offered in any shade of red, apart from the lighter (PRODUCT)RED used on earlier devices. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max were previously available in Deep Purple, and Apple has never released an iPhone in a genuinely brown color.
Related Roundup: iPhone 18
Related Forum: iPhone

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Five New iPhone Features Rumored for iOS 27

Though it's been just a few months since iOS 26 launched, we're already hearing rumors about the next-generation version of iOS, iOS 27. iOS 27 will be introduced at Apple's June WWDC 2026 event before it launches in September 2026.


We don't know all of the details about iOS 27 yet, but we do have some information about what to expect.

"Snow Leopard" Update


iOS 27 will apparently focus on bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements to boost performance rather than new features. It's been referred to as a "Snow Leopard" update, because that was a version of macOS that Apple famously claimed had "zero new features" because it was all about fixing the existing software.

Apple engineers are reportedly going through iOS 26 to look for bloat, bugs, and any other issues impacting performance that can be fixed in iOS 27.

iPhone Fold


In 2026, Apple plans to launch the first foldable iPhone, a device rumors have taken to calling the ‌iPhone‌ Fold. The ‌iPhone‌ Fold is expected to have a ~5.4-inch display when folded, and a ~7.7-inch display when it's opened up like a book. It will be shorter and wider than other foldables on the market, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. At around 5.4 inches when closed, the ‌iPhone‌ Fold's outer display will be the smallest we've had since the ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini.

With Apple going back to a smaller display and simultaneously introducing a 7.7-inch display that's larger than any ‌iPhone‌ display to date, we're going to need some updates to iOS. iOS 27 will focus on introducing new interfaces and experiences for a larger display and a display that shifts between multiple sizes.

We haven't heard specifics on how Apple will tweak iOS to accommodate the ‌iPhone‌ Fold, but we could see some iPad-like options such as side bars and perhaps even multitasking views with support for multiple windows.

Liquid Glass


iOS 27 will likely include refinements for the Liquid Glass design that Apple introduced with ‌iOS 26‌. There have already been some changes in the iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2 updates, but iOS 27 will provide Apple with the opportunity to make larger adjustments to respond to customer feedback.

Apple Intelligence


We're supposed to get the much smarter version of Siri in an iOS 26.4 update planned for spring 2026, but it's likely even more Apple Intelligence capabilities will follow in iOS 27.

We don't know specifics yet, but several existing ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features could expand to additional apps.

Apple is also working on a "World Knowledge" Siri search feature that would provide information on general search queries, which will likely be included in ‌Siri‌'s iOS 26.4 update. If it's not in iOS 26.4, the add-on ‌Siri‌ feature could instead come in iOS 27.

Siri


With iOS 27, Apple could update Siri's design. ‌Siri‌ will get its major overhaul in iOS 26.4, but a new visual look is supposedly planned for iOS 27. There are no specifics about what the redesign might entail, but rumors linked to Apple's upcoming tabletop robot suggest that the company might introduce a version of ‌Siri‌ that's more animated, similar to the Mac Finder logo. That more animated version of ‌Siri‌ could also come to the ‌iPhone‌ and iPad, and we could see it first in iOS 27.

Health+


Apple is developing a paid Health+ service with nutrition planning and medical suggestions, and we could see that introduced as part of iOS 27.

The medical tool would explain different health metrics and trends from the Health app, offering up personalized guidance for health improvement.

New Satellite Features


Apple is working on several new satellite features for the ‌iPhone‌, and it's possible some features could be introduced as soon as iOS 27. Timing on Apple's satellite improvements is unclear, though, and behind-the-scenes updates from Apple's satellite partner Globalstar are required.
Rumored features:

  • Apple Maps via satellite

  • Photos in Messages via satellite

  • Satellite API framework for third-party apps

  • Satellite over 5G

  • Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky


Some of these features might require new hardware, but options like ‌Apple Maps‌ via satellite would not require components beyond what's available now.

Launch Date


New versions of iOS, macOS, and Apple's other software platforms will be previewed in June at WWDC before launching in September just ahead of when new ‌iPhone‌ models come out.
Tag: iOS 27

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Apple Card Will Move From Goldman Sachs to JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase has reached a deal to take over operation of the Apple Card, reports The Wall Street Journal. Barring any "last minute hiccups," the deal should be announced shortly after over a year of negotiations.


Reports began circulating over two years ago that current Apple Card issuer Goldman Sachs was looking to end its partnership with Apple as part of an effort to scale back on consumer banking products amid steep losses.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Goldman Sachs is unloading its roughly $20 billion of outstanding Apple Card balances at a discount of more than $1 billion, a rare move for co-branded account deals like this. But higher-than-average delinquency rates and high exposure to subprime borrowers made it more difficult for Goldman Sachs to find a buyer.

JPMorgan Chase's interest in taking over as Apple Card issuer was reported over a year ago, and by this past summer Chase appeared to be the front-runner.

Alongside its new Apple Card partnership, JPMorgan Chase will reportedly launch a new Apple savings account, but existing users with Apple savings accounts at Goldman Sachs will not be automatically transitioned and will need to decide whether they want to stay at Goldman Sachs or open new accounts with Chase.

Update 2:27 pm: Apple has officially announced the change to Chase, with the transition expected to occur in approximately 24 months. Apple Card will remain on the Mastercard network following the shift.
"We're incredibly proud of how Apple Card has transformed the credit card experience for customers by delivering innovative tools that empower users to make healthier financial decisions," said Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. "Chase shares our commitment to innovation and delivering products and services that enhance consumers' lives. We look forward to working together to continue to provide a best-in-class experience and exceptional customer service with Apple Card."
Apple has also posted an FAQ about the transition.
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OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health With Apple Health Integration

OpenAI today announced the launch of ChatGPT Health, a dedicated section of ChatGPT where users can ask health-related questions completely separated from their main ChatGPT experience.


For more personalized responses, users can connect various health data services such as Apple Health, Function, MyFitnessPal, Weight Watchers, AllTrails, Instacart, and Peloton. Last month, MacRumors discovered icons related to Apple Health within the ChatGPT app, and today's announcement makes the integration official. Once connected, ChatGPT will be able to access your health and fitness data from Apple Health, including movement, sleep, and activity patterns.

ChatGPT Health can also integrate with your medical records, allowing ChatGPT Health to analyze your lab results and other aspects of your medical history to inform its answers to your health-related questions. OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT Health is not intended to provide diagnoses or treatment and is not a substitute for consulting with medical professionals, but it can be used to help understand results or prepare for upcoming appointments.

Privacy and security are always major concerns when it comes to health records, and OpenAI says ChatGPT Health has been developed with multiple layers of encryption and operates as a separate space with enhanced privacy. Data from ChatGPT Health is not used to train ChatGPT's foundation models by default, and users who start health-related conversations in the general ChatGPT interface will receive suggestions to move the discussions to the Health section.

ChatGPT Health is launching with a waitlist to join a group of beta users, with users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans outside of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom eligible to start. Medical record integrations and some apps are only available in the United States at the current time. Access to ChatGPT Health will expand to all users on web and iOS in the coming weeks.
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AirPods Pro 3 Drop Under $200 for the First Time in 2026

Best Buy today has a match of the record low price on the AirPods Pro 3, available for $199.99, down from $249.00. This is the first time in 2026 that we've tracked the AirPods Pro 3 at this low price, which matches the best deal we saw over the holiday season. Right now, only Best Buy has this best-ever price on the AirPods Pro 3.

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.

This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and has 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts.



Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.




Deals Newsletter


Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Best Apple Deals of the Week: Start 2026 Off Right With a New Apple Watch Series 11 at Lowest-Ever Price

It's 2026, and we're kicking off the New Year with all of the best Apple-related discounts you can find online this week. Many of these are matching the low prices we saw over the holidays, including AirTags, Apple Pencil Pro, and Apple Watch Series 11.

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

Apple Watch



  • What's the deal? Take up to $100 off Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11

  • Where can I get it? Amazon

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here




The New Year is a great time to invest in an Apple Watch and all of its activity tracking features, and this week Amazon has record low prices on multiple Apple Watch Series 11 models.

AirTag



  • What's the deal? Take up to $34 off AirTag

  • Where can I get it? Amazon

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here




Apple's AirTag 4-Pack returned to the low price of $64.98 this week on Amazon, down from the original price of $99.00. If you're shopping for a single AirTag, Amazon has the AirTag 1-Pack for $19.00, down from $29.00.

Jackery and Anker



  • What's the deal? Take up to 65 percent off Jackery and Anker accessories

  • Where can I get it? Jackery and Anker

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here




Anyone shopping for portable power stations can find up to 65 percent off Anker and Jackery's best accessories this week. Each retailer is hosting a New Year's sale for its most popular charging accessories, with major savings on these high-priced power stations that match Black Friday prices in many cases.

Apple Pencil Pro



  • What's the deal? Take $34 off Apple Pencil Pro

  • Where can I get it? Amazon



Apple Pencil Pro is still available for its all-time low holiday price of $94.97 this week on Amazon, down from $129.00. This has been one of the more consistent deals of the holiday season, and we aren't sure how long it will stick around into the new year.

Samsung



  • What's the deal? Save sitewide on Samsung TVs, monitors, and more

  • Where can I get it? Samsung

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here



Samsung is holding a New Year's sale this week, introducing great deals on monitors, storage accessories, TVs, Galaxy smartphones, and home appliances. Many of these deals are the exact same all-time low prices we tracked during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

TVs

Monitors


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




Deals Newsletter


Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Low-Price 12.9-Inch MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Reportedly Launching Early This Year

Apple plans to introduce a 12.9-inch MacBook in spring 2026, according to TrendForce.


In a press release this week, the Taiwanese research firm said this MacBook will be aimed at the entry-level to mid-range market, with "competitive pricing."

TrendForce did not share any further details about this MacBook, but the information that it shared lines up with several rumors about a more affordable MacBook, which is expected to be equipped with a version of the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip. Apple is expected to release the laptop by March or April of this year.

In the U.S., the entry-level MacBook is expected to have a starting price between $599 and $899, with $699 or $799 being most likely. It would slot in below the MacBook Air, which starts at $999 (but is frequently on sale on Amazon for as low as $749).

A18 Pro specs include a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The chip's performance is similar to the M1 chip, so this new MacBook could effectively be a replacement for the old MacBook Air with the M1 chip, which Apple still sells through Walmart for $599 and even as low as $549 during a recent Black Friday sale.

With an A18 Pro chip, this MacBook might have only 8GB of RAM, whereas all current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models start with at least 16GB of RAM. The chip also lacks Thunderbolt support, so the new MacBook would likely be equipped with regular USB-C ports, with slower data transfer speeds and external display limitations.

Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was first to reveal that Apple is allegedly planning a more affordable MacBook. In June, he said the laptop will have around a 13-inch display, and the A18 Pro chip. Kuo said potential color options include silver, blue, pink, and yellow, so it could come in bright colors like the iMac.

Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes later exclusively reported that this MacBook will be equipped with a 12.9-inch display like some current or past iPad Air and iPad Pro models, whereas the MacBook Air has a slightly larger 13.6-inch display.

TrendForce appears to be siding with the 12.9-inch display size.

The lower-cost MacBook could have a lot in common with the discontinued 12-inch MacBook, including an ultra-thin and lightweight design. Hopefully, it is announced within the next few months, following endless rumors from several sources.
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Apple Announces New Fitness+ Workout Programs, Strava Challenge, and More

Apple today announced a number of updates to Apple Fitness+ and activity with the Apple Watch.


The key announcements include:


  • New Year limited-edition award: Users can win the award by closing all three Activity Rings for seven days in a row in January.

  • "Quit Quitting" Strava challenge: Available in Strava throughout January, users who log 12 workouts anytime in the month will win an Apple Watch badge in the app.

  • New multiweek programs: From January 5, the "Make Your Fitness Comeback program" will be available for Strength, HIIT, and Yoga. Each week builds on the previous one to help users progress.

  • Fitness+ Artist Spotlight returns: New workouts featuring music from KAROL G and, from February 5, Bad Bunny.

  • New Time to Walk episodes: Starting January 19, new episodes feature actor and producer Penn Badgley, Spice Girls member, singer, songwriter, and TV personality Mel B, and actor Michelle Monaghan.


Apple added that many people abandon New Year's fitness resolutions by the second Friday of January, known as "Quitter's Day," but Apple Watch users appear far more likely to stay on track. An analysis of four years of data from around 100,000 participants in the Apple Heart and Movement Study found that, after a seasonal dip in activity during November and December, average daily exercise minutes rise sharply in January and continue increasing into spring.

More than 60% of users boosted their exercise by over 10% in the first two weeks of January compared with December levels. Nearly 80% of those users maintained the increase through the rest of January, and 90% of that group sustained higher activity levels through February and March. The findings are based on participants who consistently wore an Apple Watch and shared Activity data as part of the long-running study conducted with major U.S. health institutions.
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What Do You Want to See From Apple in 2026?

As we shared in our annual What to Expect Guide yesterday, 2026 is going to be a busy year for Apple. There are a lot of firsts in development, including the first foldable iPhone and the first OLED MacBook, plus an all new home hub device that will kick off Apple's major expansion into smart home devices and robotics.


We'll get new M5 Macs and new iPads early in the year, along with an updated ‌iPhone‌ 17e. In the spring, we're expecting iOS 26.4 with the revamped version of Siri, and the home hub, a new Apple TV, and a new HomePod mini could launch in that same timeframe.

We're aware of what's likely to launch based on rumors and past release information, but we'd love to hear from the MacRumors community. What do you want to see Apple release this year?

Are you excited for the new version of ‌Siri‌? Planning to get an ‌iPhone‌ Fold? What do you want to see from iOS 27 and macOS 27?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and take a look at our What to Expect guide for an overview of the current rumors. We'll be hearing a lot more about Apple's 2026 plans in the coming months, and you can count on us to have in-depth coverage of every rumor that surfaces.

If you want to discuss Apple's 2026 products, our MacRumors forums are an excellent resource, plus they're a great place to get help on current Apple products and software, or to find like-minded folks in the Apple community.

Our readers and our forum members continue to make MacRumors the number one source for Apple news, rumors, and advice, so thank you for being here! MacRumors celebrated its 25th birthday this year, thanks to the MacRumors community. We're looking forward to another year of rumors and product launches in 2026, and we hope you are too. Happy New Year!
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No iPhone 18 Launch This Year, Reports Suggest

Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 model this year, according to a growing number of reports that suggest the company is planning a significant change to its long-standing annual iPhone launch cycle.


Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the ‌iPhone 18‌ is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving the ‌iPhone 17‌ in the lineup as the latest standard model for over 18 months. This would mark the first time Apple skips an entire calendar year without releasing a new generation of its flagship non-Pro ‌iPhone‌.

For more than a decade, Apple has introduced its mainline ‌iPhone‌ lineup in the fall, with all core models launching simultaneously in September. That pattern is expected to change this year, when the company is widely rumored to split its upcoming ‌iPhone‌ releases across two distinct release windows rather than unveiling the entire lineup at once. Under this strategy, Apple is expected to prioritize higher-end models in the fall while delaying lower-cost or standard models until the following year.

As a result, Apple is not expected to ship the ‌iPhone 18‌ in 2026. Instead, reports indicate that Apple plans to launch the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro, ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max, and foldable ‌iPhone‌ in the usual fall timeframe, while holding the standard ‌iPhone 18‌ back until the spring of 2027, where it will launch alongside the ‌iPhone‌ 18e and iPhone Air 2.

The rumored change is tied to Apple's expanding ‌iPhone‌ lineup. With the introduction of the iPhone 16e and ‌iPhone Air‌ in 2025, the expected debut of the first foldable ‌iPhone‌ in 2026, and the continued presence of older models like the iPhone 16 and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus, there could be at least eight distinct ‌iPhone‌ models on sale from Apple by the end of 2026. A staggered release schedule would allow the company to further differentiate its models, give them a longer sales window without internal competition, and spread ‌iPhone‌ launches more evenly across the year.

Supply chain analysts have also pointed to manufacturing and logistics benefits as a factor behind the rumored shift. By spacing out launches, Apple could reduce production bottlenecks, better manage component supply for advanced technologies, and smooth revenue recognition across fiscal quarters rather than concentrating ‌iPhone‌ sales in a single period.
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Everything Apple Is Releasing in 2026: iPhone Fold, LLM Siri, Low-Cost MacBook and More

If rumors are accurate, 2026 is going to be a huge year for Apple. We're expecting the first foldable iPhone, an all-new home hub device, updated displays, and possibly, the first OLED MacBook Pro and the first AI smart glasses.


Apple will split its ‌iPhone‌ launches, introduce a low-cost MacBook, and debut a much smarter, LLM-based version of Siri. In our 2026 guide, we've outlined everything we know about the new products coming from Apple in 2026, based on current rumors.

iPhones


While we'll get a low-cost ‌iPhone‌ 17e in 2026, the iPhone 18 that's normally sold alongside the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro models is supposedly being held back until 2027, which means there won't be a standard ‌iPhone 18‌ in 2026. September 2026 will see Apple launching the foldable ‌iPhone‌ and the Pro ‌iPhone‌ models, so be prepared to spend some cash if you want a brand new ‌iPhone‌ in 2026.

iPhone 17e (Early 2026)


An ‌iPhone‌ 17e is expected in early 2026. It could have a refreshed design with slimmed down bezels and a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, giving it a more modern look that's more in line with the iPhone 17 lineup.


Another rumor says that it will have slimmer bezels but no ‌Dynamic Island‌, so it is not clear if it will have a notch or a ‌Dynamic Island‌.

While the iPhone 16e did not include a magnetic ring to allow it to attach to MagSafe chargers, the ‌iPhone‌ 17e could include ‌MagSafe‌ compatibility.

iPhone 18 Pro (September 2026)


The ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro models will look a lot like the iPhone 17 Pro models, but there could be some changes to the display thanks to new Face ID technology. We're expecting the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch size options, with the same bezel, display quality, and rear camera setup with the camera plateau that was introduced in 2025.


Apple may have finally figured out under-screen ‌Face ID‌, so 2026 could be the year that the ‌Dynamic Island‌ disappears, allowing for more screen space. Rumors suggest that the ‌Face ID‌ components will be under the display, but there will be a hole-punch camera cutout at the top left corner of the screen. It will be a noticeably different look compared to the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ models, and if the ‌Dynamic Island‌ is indeed going away, there will be some loss of functionality. Apple uses the ‌Dynamic Island‌ to display Live Activities and other important notifications.

Rumors suggest the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max could be slightly thicker than the 17 Pro Max, and there's also a chance Apple could use a frosted glass material for the ‌MagSafe‌ charging area to reduce the two-tone appearance between the glass and the aluminum frame. Rumored color options include burgundy, brown, and purple, but Apple is expected to choose just one to go along with more traditional colors like silver.

With the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro models, Apple is expected to introduce its first chip built on a new 2-nanometer node, the A20. With an updated process, the A20 chip could be up to 15 percent faster than the A19, and up to 30 percent more power efficient, perhaps leading to battery life improvements. Apple is also rumored to be implementing a new packaging technology (Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module, WL-MCM).

Apple currently uses an SoC that integrates the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, Secure Enclave, and other supporting components like the Image Signal Processor onto a single die, but RAM is a separate chip that's stacked on top of the SoC during the packaging process. If the A20 is upgraded with WL-MCM technology, RAM will be added at the wafer level (before the wafer is cut into chips) instead of the packaging level (after the wafer is cut), reducing interconnect delays.

With WL-MCM, RAM is more closely integrated with the other chip components, improving memory bandwidth, reducing latency, and boosting efficiency.

The ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro models will continue to feature a triple-lens rear camera setup with Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses, but the main wide-angle lens could get an upgrade. Rumors suggest Apple will add a variable aperture, which would allow users to control the amount of light that's hitting the lens for better performance in low lighting conditions and more control over depth of field. All prior iPhones have had fixed apertures.

Apple might tweak the Camera Control button, eliminating the swipe-based touch gestures and the haptic feedback. It is easy to accidentally change image parameters when taking a photo because of the Camera Control button's swipe controls. Apple added a setting to disable the swipe functionality in iOS 26 after user complaints, but the button might be better off without it.

The ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro could get Apple's C1X modem, or an upgraded C2 modem that supports mmWave 5G. Current ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ models use Qualcomm modems, but Apple is ready to expand its in-house modem technology to the entire ‌iPhone‌ lineup. An N1 networking chip with combined Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread is expected.

Foldable iPhone (September 2026)


The first foldable ‌iPhone‌ is on track to launch in September 2026, coming seven years after Samsung released its first foldable smartphone. Naming hasn't been announced, but rumors have taken to calling it the "‌iPhone‌ Fold."


Apple is going with a book-style design, so the ‌iPhone‌ Fold will open and close like a book. When the display is open, it will be around 7.6 inches, and when it's closed, it will be around 5.3 inches. It's said to look similar to an iPad mini when it is unfolded, and it will use OLED display technology.

Apple is prioritizing thinness, and so the foldable ‌iPhone‌ could be just 4.5mm when it's open, making it Apple's thinnest device by far. When closed, it could be between 9mm and 9.5mm.

The foldable ‌iPhone‌ won't have a notch or a ‌Dynamic Island‌, and rumors suggest that it might not have ‌Face ID‌ at all. Apple could instead use a Touch ID side button, similar to an iPad. There will be a camera in the top-left corner of the display for taking selfies, and there will also be a pair of rear cameras.

Apple has been focused on ensuring the ‌iPhone‌ Fold doesn't have a noticeable crease when it's open, a problem that the company has reportedly solved with display improvements and a strong, durable hinge made from Liquidmetal. The crease is said to be "nearly invisible" when the ‌iPhone‌ is unfolded.

Apple will use the 2-nanometer A20 chip for its fall 2026 iPhones, including the foldable ‌iPhone‌.

The ‌iPhone‌ Fold isn't going to be cheap, and rumors suggest the price will be between $2,000 and $2,500. The most recent information is on the higher end of that range.

iPads


Several iPads are getting updates in 2026, but most will be minor refreshes. The ‌iPad mini‌ is an exception, because rumors say it could get an OLED display. There's no iPad Pro rumored for 2026, with the next update expected in 2027.

iPad (Spring 2026)


A 12th-generation ‌iPad‌ could come out in spring 2026, likely around March. There are no changes expected for the design, so it will continue to have an 11-inch edge-to-edge display, ‌Touch ID‌ Side Button, USB-C, and thicker bezels than other ‌iPad‌ options.


The next low-cost ‌iPad‌ is expected to use Apple's A19 chip, which is the chip that Apple used for the ‌iPhone 17‌. It is built on a 3-nanometer process and it will offer major speed and efficiency improvements over the A16 chip that's in the current model.

The A16 chip that Apple used in 2025 does not support Apple Intelligence, but the A19 does, so that will mark a major update for Apple's affordable tablet. The 2026 model should be able to support ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features that are unavailable with the 2025 model.

The A19 also offers hardware-accelerated ray tracing and similar features for improved gameplay. The 11th-generation ‌iPad‌ has 6GB RAM, but Apple will need to bump that up to 8GB for ‌Apple Intelligence‌.

It is unusual for Apple to use such a new chip in its most affordable device, but the company may want to ensure that the ‌iPad‌ is able to keep up with all of the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features coming in 2026, such as the new version of ‌Siri‌.

iPad Air (Spring 2026)


The iPad Air will get an early 2026 update, around the March/April timeframe. No design changes are rumored for the ‌iPad Air‌, so we can expect the same 11-inch and 13-inch size options.


Apple will upgrade the ‌iPad Air‌ to the M4 chip. The M4 CPU is up to 30 percent faster than the M3 CPU, while the GPU is up to 21 percent faster.

In actual use, you may not see much of a difference between the M3 and M4 on the ‌iPad Air‌, though you might experience modest improvements with system intensive games and tasks like video editing.

The ‌iPad Pro‌ was upgraded with fast charge functionality with the update to the M5 chip, and that's something that could trickle down to the ‌iPad Air‌.

The ‌iPad Air‌ could get the N1 networking chip and the C1X modem.

iPad mini


The next-generation version of the ‌iPad mini‌ is rumored to feature a major technology upgrade, with Apple set to adopt an OLED display. The ‌iPad mini‌ will be the second tablet to adopt OLED after the ‌iPad Pro‌.


Along with an OLED display, the ‌iPad mini‌ 8 is expected to have a more water resistant design that better holds up to splashes and even submersion in water. Apple is creating a vibration-based speaker system that uses the display or chassis to produce sound, eliminating the need for a traditional speaker.

With the surface vibration speaker, Apple could remove the speaker holes in the ‌iPad mini‌, making it better able to withstand exposure to moisture.

Leaked Apple code suggests that the ‌iPad mini‌ will feature the A20 Pro chip. That's the next-generation chip that we're expecting Apple to use in the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro models, so if the ‌iPad mini‌ is using the same chip, it could come out around the same time as the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro.

If Apple ends up going with the A19 Pro instead, the ‌iPad mini‌ could launch earlier in the year.

With OLED display technology and the more water resistant design, the ‌iPad mini‌ 8 could be $100 more expensive than the current model.

Macs


Apple will refresh the Mac lineup with M5 chips early in the year, plus there's a new low-cost model. Later in the year, there's a possibility we'll get an M6 OLED ‌MacBook Pro‌.

Low-Cost MacBook (Early 2026)


Apple is going to release a low-cost MacBook in 2026, with the device set to be more affordable than the $999 MacBook Air. With the affordable notebook, Apple is aiming to better compete with cheap Chromebooks and Windows PCs.


Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the low-cost MacBook will have a display that's around 13 inches in size. The ‌MacBook Air‌ has a 13.6-inch display, so the more affordable MacBook could be slightly smaller. It's sounding like it won't be too far off from the 13-inch ‌MacBook Air‌, though.

There are no details on how thick it might be, but Apple probably won't prioritize a thin design for a machine optimized for a low price. Since the ‌MacBook Air‌ can run fine with an M-series chip and no fan in an enclosure that's 0.44 inches thick, there's no reason for the MacBook to be any thicker than that.

The low-cost MacBook will have a standard LCD display with no mini-LED technology or ProMotion refresh rate. It could come in bright colors like the iMac, with Kuo suggesting Apple will offer it in silver, blue, pink, and yellow.

Apple is planning to use its A18 Pro chip in the MacBook. We first saw the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro models. The chip is built on Apple's second-generation 3-nanometer process, featuring 8GB RAM and support for ‌Apple Intelligence‌.

It's fast and efficient, and more than capable of handling day-to-day tasks. In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the A18 Pro offers single-core CPU performance scores at the level of the M3 Ultra, and multi-core performance scores higher than the M1 chip that Apple used in the first Apple silicon ‌MacBook Air‌. Metal scores that measure GPU performance are also similar to the ‌M1‌ chip Metal scores.

The A18 Pro will be equivalent to the ‌M1‌ for some tasks, and faster for other tasks. Apple no longer sells the ‌M1‌ ‌MacBook Air‌ from its own store, but it has offered the machine through Walmart at a $599 price point.

There are no specific details on price as of yet, but Bloomberg claims it will cost "well under $1,000." The ‌MacBook Air‌ is priced starting at $999, so it would need to come in under that.

Apple could launch the low-cost MacBook in the first half of 2026. Updates are planned for the ‌MacBook Air‌ in early 2026, so the low-cost model could launch sometime in that same timeframe.

MacBook Air (Early 2026)


Apple is working on an updated ‌MacBook Air‌, and rumors suggest that it will come out in the first few months of 2026. It's going to get the M5 chip, but no other new features are rumored. The design will remain the same, and we'll get the same 13-inch and 15-inch size options.


Based on updates to the 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, it could also get a faster SSD, and there might be a new color option to replace the light blue from 2025.

MacBook Pro (Early 2026)


14-inch and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to join the M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ that came out in October 2025.


The M5 Pro and M5 Max will have more CPU cores and better GPUs for improved performance, with the chips available in both 14-inch and 16-inch machines. Apple is also expected to add faster SSDs to the new machines.

As with the ‌MacBook Air‌, no design changes are expected for the early 2026 refresh, with a major overhaul coming in the final months of 2026 or the early months of 2027.

Mac mini (Mid-2026)


There is a new version of the Mac mini in development, with M5 and M5 Pro chips. So far, there are no rumors of design changes or other updates, but the ‌Mac mini‌ could get the same SSD improvements as Apple's 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌.


Mac Studio (Mid-2026)


The Mac Studio could come out in the same timeframe as the ‌Mac mini‌. Apple didn't release an M4 Ultra chip, but there will be an M5 Ultra.


Sometime around the middle of 2026, the ‌Mac Studio‌ will get M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip technology. The M5 Max will offer much faster CPU and GPU performance than the M5, and the M5 Ultra will double the M5 Max.

We haven't heard rumors of design changes or any other updates for the ‌Mac Studio‌ as of yet.

Mac Displays (Early to Mid-2026)


Apple hasn't released a new display since the Studio Display launched in 2022, but there are apparently two new models that are in development and slated for release in 2026.


The next-generation version of the Studio Display could feature the same 27-inch screen size, but with mini-LED technology instead of LCD. mini-LED means better HDR, brightness, contrast, and colors. The current Studio Display has an A-series chip inside, and the next-generation version could get the A19 Pro that Apple used in the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌.

There are actually two displays in development, but it's unclear if that's the next Studio Display in two sizes, or a Studio Display and a more expensive Pro Display XDR successor.

OLED MacBook Pro (Late 2026/Early 2027)


Apple is developing a revamped touchscreen OLED ‌MacBook Pro‌ that uses next-generation M6 chip technology. It's not yet clear if the machine will come out in late 2026 or early 2027, but 2026 is a possibility.


If Apple does debut the OLED ‌MacBook Pro‌ in late 2026, it will be a year with two ‌MacBook Pro‌ refreshes. Apple has done that once before when the M2 Pro and ‌M2‌ Max chips launched in early 2023 followed by M3 chips later in the year, but it is a rare occurrence.

Rumors suggest that the OLED ‌MacBook Pro‌ will feature a hole-punch camera without a notch, maximizing the available display area. The design could be closer to the ‌iPhone‌'s ‌Dynamic Island‌, but there is no sign that Apple plans to adopt ‌Face ID‌ on the Mac. Touch integration will be added to the Mac's screen for the first time, and Apple plans to adopt a reinforced hinge that stays stationary when the display is touched, and cuts down on any vibration associated with touch-based gestures.

OLED technology offers better brightness, a higher contrast ratio with deeper blacks and whiter whites, better colors, and less power usage for battery improvements.

The design of the MacBook will also be updated, and it will have a thinner, lighter chassis. There will be a keyboard and trackpad as usual, with the touch gestures augmenting existing functionality.

The M6 could be built on TSMC's 2-nanometer process, introducing speed and efficiency improvements for impressive gains in battery life without compromising power. The OLED ‌MacBook Pro‌ could also be the first MacBook to incorporate 5G connectivity, with Apple including a C2 chip in the device. The C2 chip is Apple's rumored second-generation in-house modem that will support mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G speeds.

With an OLED display and touchscreen technology, the ‌MacBook Pro‌ could see a price increase. Apple may also limit the features to higher-end, more expensive models.

M5 iMac (Timing and Status Unknown)


The ‌iMac‌ could get an M5 chip at some point in 2026, but timing isn't clear. We haven't heard anything about the ‌iMac‌ in some time, and there are no rumors of design changes or major updates on the horizon.


There have been nebulous rumors of an ‌iMac‌ with a larger display, but there's no sign that such a Mac is still in active development.

M5 Max iMac (Timing Unknown)


Leaked internal software suggests that Apple is developing a new version of the ‌iMac‌ that includes an M5 Max chip. Max chips are typically reserved for "Pro" machines, so it's entirely possible that Apple is planning to launch a new ‌iMac‌ Pro at some point in 2026.


Nothing else is known about this mysterious ‌iMac‌, and it could also be a machine that Apple uses exclusively for internal testing. If there is a larger-screened ‌iMac‌ in the works, it could feature mini-LED display technology, similar to the rumored Studio Display 2. Sizing is unclear, but it would presumably be larger than the standard 24-inch ‌iMac‌.

Mac Pro (Timing Unknown)


Apple is probably going to release a new Mac Pro at some point, but it's unclear when. Bloomberg originally said a ‌Mac Pro‌ would come before the end of 2025 with some kind of M4 chip, but that didn't happen, so now 2026 or later is the only option.


It's possible the ‌Mac Pro‌ will get a refresh with the M5 Ultra chip when the ‌Mac Studio‌ does, but we haven't heard confirmation of that and Bloomberg says it's not going to happen. The ‌Mac Pro‌ is reportedly on the back burner at Apple, so no new model could come at all.

If Apple refreshes the ‌Mac Pro‌ this year, it will get Thunderbolt 5, and it will likely support at least 512GB RAM and 16TB storage, because that's what the M3 Ultra chip supports.

Home Products


We didn't get a new HomePod mini or Apple TV in 2025, so those are expected in 2026, plus Apple is working on a new home hub device.

Home Hub (March/April 2026)


Apple is working on a home hub or "command center" that will serve as a centralized location for controlling smart home products, listening to music, making video calls, getting the weather, looking things up with ‌Siri‌, displaying photos, making notes, viewing calendar events, and more.


The device has an all-display design that resembles an ‌iPad‌, with a 7-inch display. It's said to be similar in size and shape to two iPhones placed side-by-side, but Apple is designing two variants. The first version is designed to be mounted on a wall, while the second version has a speaker base that looks similar to a ‌HomePod mini‌ and can be placed on a desktop or countertop.

The home hub will have its own operating system, and while there won't be an App Store, Apple apps will be available as widgets.

Built-in sensors will be able to determine when someone is near the home hub, and the features displayed will change based on presence. If no one is by the hub, it might show information like the time and temperature, but if someone approaches, it could shift to an interface for adjusting the temperature.

Presence detection will enable features like turning on the lights when someone enters the room, and it might also be able to tell one person from another. The home hub will play music, and it does have a camera that can be used for video calls.

Touch-based interactions will be available for widgets, but the hub will be heavily reliant on ‌Siri‌ voice commands. ‌Siri‌ could have a personified look on the hub, with one design described as a version of the Mac Finder icon.

While screen-based smart home devices like the Echo Show are available for under $200, Apple could price the home hub somewhere around $350. Price could vary for the version with the speaker base and the wall-mounted version without it.

Apple is aiming to launch the home hub sometime in the March to April 2026 timeframe.

HomePod mini (Early 2026)


A new ‌HomePod mini‌ is ready to launch, and it could launch in early 2026. The ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 will get an updated S-series chip based on the Apple Watch S10, and there will be new color options.


We haven't heard anything about other features that could come to Apple's small speaker, but no design changes are expected.

Apple TV (Early 2026)


Like the ‌HomePod mini‌, the next ‌Apple TV‌ 4K won't look any different, but it will get an updated A-series chip, like the A17 Pro or A18. The new chip will support ‌Apple Intelligence‌, so the next-generation ‌Apple TV‌ could be more capable than before.


Apple is expected to add the N1 networking chip to the ‌Apple TV‌ with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support.

The ‌HomePod mini‌ and the ‌Apple TV‌ are linked to Apple's smart home platform and serve as smart home hubs for Matter, the cross-platform protocol that opens up the number of smart home accessories that are compatible with HomeKit.

AirTag 2 (Early 2026)


The AirTag 2 supposedly isn't getting a new design, but it will have an updated Ultra Wideband chip and a speaker that's harder to remove to prevent tampering. Leaked Apple code suggests it will get improved pairing, more detailed battery level reporting, and improvements to tracking AirTags that are moving and in crowded places.


Apple Security Cameras (Late 2026)


Rumors suggest that Apple is designing its own indoor security cameras that will connect to ‌HomeKit‌ and interface with the planned home hub.


Cameras designed directly by Apple would offer unique integrations with Apple devices, and would offer greater privacy than competing devices because of Apple's dedication to privacy and security. The first cameras could come out as soon as late 2026, and we could see other accessories like doorbells follow.

Wearables


Apple could introduce AI smart glasses as soon as 2026, plus we're expecting new Apple Watch models.

Apple Watch Series 12 (September 2026)


No big design updates are expected for the 2026 Apple Watch, and another major design refresh isn't planned until 2028 at the earliest.


There are no health features that are ready to go, though Apple is working on non-invasive blood glucose monitoring.

It's been a long time since the Apple Watch got a major processor update, and with the ‌iPhone‌ shifting to a 2nm chip, 2026 could also be the year that the Apple Watch gets a speed boost. Apple could introduce a new S12 chip.

Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE


Apple doesn't update the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch SE on an annual basis, so it's not clear if we're going to get new models in 2026 yet.


AI Smart Glasses (Late 2026 Introduction)


Apple is working on smart glasses that will rival Meta's AI Ray-Bans, and we could see them as soon as 2026. Rumors suggest that Apple will show off the glasses late in the year, but a launch won't happen until 2027.


Previewing devices and features early has not worked out well for Apple with the canceled AirPower and the delayed ‌Apple Intelligence‌ ‌Siri‌ implementation, so it's still not clear if an early introduction will happen.

The smart glasses are expected to include cameras, speakers, sensors, and AI integration, but no displays will be included. The glasses will let users do things like take photos, listen to audio, make phone calls, and get answers to questions.

Processing will be done on the ‌iPhone‌, and Apple is aiming to make the glasses a fashion accessory with multiple material and frame options.

AirPods Pro (Late 2026)


Even though the AirPods Pro 3 were just released in 2025, Apple analyst ‌Ming-Chi Kuo‌ believes that another AirPods Pro update is coming in 2026.


The AirPods Pro could get an infrared camera for enhanced spatial audio with the Vision Pro and support for in-air gestures. It's possible the AirPods Pro won't be a new version, but a higher-end update to the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌.

Software


We'll get iOS 27 at WWDC as usual, but the next major update will actually happen in spring when Apple releases iOS 26.4.

iOS 26.4 with LLM Siri (March/April 2026)


Right around March or April, Apple will release iOS 26.4, an update that's expected to introduce some major changes to ‌Siri‌. The software is supposed to include the smarter, more capable version of Siri that Apple debuted way back in June 2024.


Apple has held off on launching the home hub because it is waiting to debut the smarter, more capable version of ‌Siri‌ that's been in the works since ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features launched in iOS 18. The original plan was for a better version of ‌Siri‌ to come out in an iOS 18 update, but Apple decided ‌Siri‌ just wasn't good enough to do what it wanted.

‌Siri‌ was delayed so Apple could overhaul the underlying architecture that powers the personal assistant. The new ‌Siri‌ will be more similar to ChatGPT or Claude than the ‌Siri‌ of today, incorporating large language models to answer complex queries and complete more complicated tasks.

Here's what Apple originally promised ‌Siri‌ would be able to do with ‌Apple Intelligence‌:

Personal Context


With personal context, ‌Siri‌ will be able to keep track of emails, messages, files, photos, and more, learning more about you to help you complete tasks and keep track of what you've been sent.

  • Show me the files Eric sent me last week.

  • Find the email where Eric mentioned ice skating.

  • Find the books that Eric recommended to me.

  • Where's the recipe that Eric sent me?

  • What's my passport number?



Onscreen Awareness


Onscreen awareness will let ‌Siri‌ see what's on your screen and complete actions involving whatever you're looking at. If someone texts you an address, for example, you can tell ‌Siri‌ to add it to their contact card. Or if you're looking at a photo and want to send it to someone, you can ask ‌Siri‌ to do it for you.

Deeper App Integration


Deeper app integration means that ‌Siri‌ will be able to do more in and across apps, performing actions and completing tasks that are just not possible with the personal assistant right now. We don't have a full picture of what ‌Siri‌ will be capable of, but Apple has provided a few examples of what to expect.

  • Moving files from one app to another.

  • Editing a photo and then sending it to someone.

  • Get directions home and share the ETA with Eric.

  • Send the email I drafted to Eric.


This summer, Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi said that transitioning ‌Siri‌ to new architecture was a success, and that the personal assistant is going to be an even bigger update than expected.

"The work we've done on this end-to-end revamp of ‌‌Siri‌‌ has given us the results we needed," Federighi told employees. "This has put us in a position to not just deliver what we announced, but to deliver a much bigger upgrade than that we envisioned."

Apple decided to use AI technology from Google, so ‌Siri‌ will in part be powered by a Google Gemini model that Google designed for Apple. ‌Siri‌ will be as capable as Gemini since it is using the same underlying technology, but Apple will run the model on its own Private Cloud Compute server with no information provided to Google.

The new version of ‌Siri‌ is expected to be ready for an iOS 26.4 update planned for the same March or April timeframe rumored for the home hub.

iOS 27, macOS 27 and More


New versions of iOS, macOS, and Apple's other software platforms will be previewed in June at WWDC before launching in September. New ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features are expected thanks to the improved ‌Siri‌ that Apple will be rolling out in the months ahead of WWDC.


‌Apple Intelligence‌ could be used for nutrition planning and medical suggestions, as part of a new paid Health+ service that's coming out next year. We don't know specifics yet, but ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features could also expand to additional apps.

With iOS 27, Apple could update Siri's design. ‌Siri‌ will get its major overhaul in iOS 26.4, but a new visual look is supposedly planned for iOS 27. There are no specifics about what the redesign might entail, but rumors linked to Apple's upcoming tabletop robot suggest that the company might introduce a version of ‌Siri‌ that's more animated, similar to the Mac Finder logo. That more animated version of ‌Siri‌ could also come to the ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌.

Apple is working on several new satellite features for the ‌iPhone‌, and some of these could come in iOS 27, though timing is unclear.

  • Apple Maps via satellite

  • Photos in Messages via satellite

  • Satellite API framework for third-party apps

  • Satellite over 5G

  • Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky.


Some of these features could require new hardware, but options like ‌Apple Maps‌ via satellite would not require components beyond what's available now.

There will be new iOS 27 features that are designed for the foldable ‌iPhone‌, such as interfaces and experiences made for a larger screen.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has described iOS 27 as a "Snow Leopard" update, suggesting that Apple will focus on improving underlying performance and quality rather than introducing major new functionality.

Read More


Make sure to follow MacRumors.com and the MacRumors roundups and guides over the course of 2026 to keep up with all of the rumors we're hearing. Bookmark our What to Expect Guide and our Events Guide to see a continually updated overview of what's on the horizon.
This article, "Everything Apple Is Releasing in 2026: iPhone Fold, LLM Siri, Low-Cost MacBook and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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What's Happening With the Mac Pro?

Apple hasn't updated the Mac Pro since 2023, and according to recent rumors, there's no update coming in the near future. In fact, Apple might be finished with the ‌Mac Pro‌.


Bloomberg recently said that the ‌Mac Pro‌ is "on the back burner" and has been "largely written off" by Apple. Apple apparently views the more compact Mac Studio as the ideal high-end pro-level desktop, and it has almost replaced the ‌Mac Pro‌.

Apple is working on an M5 Ultra chip that will come out next year, but Bloomberg says the company is only planning to use it in the ‌Mac Studio‌, and not in an updated ‌Mac Pro‌. Apple has no plans to update the ‌Mac Pro‌ in 2026 in a "significant way." If we are truly at the end for the ‌Mac Pro‌, will we see Apple discontinue it when the next-generation ‌Mac Studio‌ launches?

The current ‌Mac Studio‌ has a newer, higher-end M3 Ultra chip that supports more CPU cores, more GPU cores, more maximum storage (16TB vs. 8TB), and more maximum unified memory (512GB vs. 192GB). The ‌Mac Studio‌ can support up to four 8K displays, while the ‌Mac Pro‌ is limited to three, and the ‌Mac Pro‌ doesn't have Thunderbolt 5.

The ‌Mac Pro‌ has fallen behind, and the gap will only increase with the launch of an M5 Ultra ‌Mac Studio‌. The only benefit that the ‌Mac Pro‌ offers over the ‌Mac Studio‌ is PCIe expansion slots. It's heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than the ‌Mac Studio‌ when comparing equivalent RAM and storage. For most people, there's no reason to choose a ‌Mac Pro‌ over a ‌Mac Studio‌, but some of Apple's high-end customers still need the space for things like RED capture cards and specialized audio interfaces.

Over the years, Apple has struggled with meeting the needs of pro users who want a desktop. The now-infamous "trash can" ‌Mac Pro‌ that came out in 2013 prioritized design over functionality, and the machine ended up being a failure. Apple was criticized for misunderstanding its pro user base because there was no space for internal upgrades like additional GPUs.

Apple was never able to update the trash can ‌Mac Pro‌ because it wasn't thermally capable of supporting rapidly evolving GPUs. In 2019, Apple unveiled a modular ‌Mac Pro‌ that had a more traditional enclosure able to support expansion with eight PCIe slots and three impeller fans. Apple did update the ‌Mac Pro‌ a couple of times after that, but it has once again been sidelined.

Apple is still selling the M2 Ultra version of the ‌Mac Pro‌ and it hasn't been discontinued or removed from the company's website. Until it's officially discontinued, there's a chance we could get another ‌Mac Pro‌ at some point in the future, but it doesn't sound like 2026 will be the year.
Related Roundup: Mac Pro
Buyer's Guide: Mac Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: Mac Pro

This article, "What's Happening With the Mac Pro?" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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