UK Case Claiming Qualcomm Inflated iPhone Prices to Be Withdrawn
A major UK consumer lawsuit alleging that Qualcomm inflated iPhone prices through its patent licensing practices will be withdrawn with no payment (via Reuters). The lawsuit raised on behalf of 29 million UK smartphone buyers will be withdrawn following an agreement with the British consumer association Which?, which had filed the case seeking £480 million in compensation for consumers who purchased Apple or Samsung devices since 2015. Which? alleged that Qualcomm abused a dominant market position by requiring manufacturers to obtain a license for its standard essential patents before purchasing chipsets. The lawsuit claimed this policy compelled Apple and Samsung to pay royalties even when Qualcomm chips were not used in their devices, thereby increasing the cost of smartphones sold to consumers. The case had already proceeded to trial last year before the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, but the tribunal had not yet issued a ruling. Which? said it will now apply to withdraw the case after concluding the tribunal would likely determine that Qualcomm did not coerce Apple or Samsung into licensing agreements or impose unfair terms. The organization also said it believed the tribunal would find Qualcomm's practices did not violate competition law or lead to higher smartphone prices. The withdrawal represents the latest development in a long-running series of disputes involving Qualcomm's patent licensing model and Apple's reliance on the company's cellular technology. Starting with the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, Apple is now transitioning away from Qualcomm modems to its own custom cellular chips. Tags: Apple vs. Qualcomm, Qualcomm, Samsung, United KingdomThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Amazon's Latest AirPods Deals Include AirPods 4 at $99 and AirPods Max at $449
Amazon this week has a pair of discounts on a few AirPods models, including the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max. You can get the AirPods 4 for $99.00, down from $129.00. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. This is a second-best price on the AirPods 4, which is the base model without Active Noise Cancellation. Amazon provides a February 23 estimated delivery date for free shipping, with faster delivery options for Prime members. $30 OFFAirPods 4 for $99.00 We're also tracking a $100 discount on the USB-C AirPods Max, available for $449.00, down from $549.00. This is the best price we've tracked so far in 2026 on the AirPods Max, and an overall second-best price on the headphones. $100 OFFAirPods Max (USB-C) for $449.00 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 DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Nomad Takes Up to 49% Off iPhone 17 Cases, MagSafe Stands, and More
Nomad this week has an overstock sale going on with major discounts across a few different product categories. This includes iPhone 17 cases, MagSafe-compatible charging stations, iPad folios, and much more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Nomad. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. All discounts in this sale have been automatically applied and do not require any coupon codes, and Nomad offers free shipping on orders that exceed $50 in value. You'll find a collection of iPhone 17 cases in this sale, including Nomad's Modern Case for $39 ($10 off), Modern Leather Case for $44 ($11 off), and Rugged Leather Case for $60 ($15 off). UP TO 49% OFFNomad Overstock Sale iPhone 17 Cases Modern Case - $39, down from $49 Modern Leather Case - $44, down from $55 Rugged Leather Case - $60, down from $75 Modern Leather Folio - $60, down from $75 Charging Stand One - $83, down from $119 Base One Max - $111, down from $159 iPad Cases Leather Folio for iPad Air - $63, down from $125 Apple Watch Bands Sport Slim Band - $39, down from $55 Rugged Case - $60, down from $119 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 DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

New iOS 26.4 Feature Shows Hotspot Data Usage By Device
iOS 26.4 adds a new feature to show how much mobile data connected devices have used via Personal Hotspot. Available in Personal Hotspot settings below the "Maximize Compatibility" toggle, the functionality breaks down data usage by device, with non-Apple devices simply showing up as a group of "Other Devices." Total Personal Hotspot Data usage is also displayed. Previously, there was no way to see how much data was being used by devices connected to a Personal Hotspot. The feature may be particularly helpful to those with a data limit on their carrier plan. iOS 26.4 is now available in beta to developers. A public beta will be released in the near future. Apple plans to release the update in the spring.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

OLED iPad Mini: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect
Rumors are stoking excitement for the next-generation iPad mini that Apple is reportedly close to launching. So what should we expect from the successor to the iPad mini 7 that Apple released over a year ago? Read on to find out. Processor and Performance Apple is working on a next-generation version of the iPad mini (codename J510/J511) that features the A19 Pro chip, according to information found in code that Apple mistakenly shared in August. Apple's A19 Pro chip since debuted in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models. The iPhone 17 Pro models include the higher-end version of Apple's A19 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU, while the iPhone Air uses a mid-tier A19 Pro chip with one fewer GPU core than the A19 Pro chip used in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. If the code leak is accurate for the iPad mini 8, Apple is likely to use the mid-tier A19 Pro chip found in the iPhone Air. This is based on the fact that the A17 Pro chip used in the iPad mini 7 has a 6-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with a 5-core GPU, compared to the 6-core GPU found on the A17 Pro used in the iPhone 15 Pro. Apple built the A19 Pro chip on an upgraded third-generation 3-nanometer N3P process for modest speed and efficiency improvements. The chip includes a 16-core Neural Engine, next-generation dynamic caching, and unified image compression. The GPU in the A19 Pro has an upgraded architecture with a larger cache, more memory, and Neural Accelerators that are built into each core. Apple says that this change provides 3× the peak GPU compute over the prior-generation chip. There's also an upgraded 16-core Neural Engine for AI tasks. There is an outside chance that Apple opts for the A20 Pro chip for the new iPad mini. The claim has been made by a MacRumors tipster who analyzed a macOS kernel debug kit containing internal Apple codenames. However, the iPad mini has not always received Apple's newest A-series chip at the time it was updated, so the A19 Pro cannot be ruled out at this time. iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to use the A20 Pro chip, which will reportedly be fabricated with TSMC's advanced 2nm process. Display Apple's plan to transition the ‌‌iPad mini‌‌ from an LCD to an OLED display is widely rumored. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the small form-factor tablet is likely to be the next Apple device to adopt OLED. According to a Chinese leaker with sources in Apple's supply chain, Apple has evaluated a Samsung-made OLED display for its next iPad mini model. It remains unclear whether the iPad mini 8 will feature a higher refresh rate than the 60Hz LCD display used in the existing iPad mini 7, but since the new base iPhone 17 now uses a 120Hz ProMotion panel, it would be reasonable to expect the same on the first OLED iPad mini. A separate report has suggested the ‌‌‌iPad mini 8‌‌‌'s screen could increase in size from 8.3 inches to 8.7 inches with the adoption of OLED. OLED panels can individually control each pixel, resulting in more precise color reproduction and deeper blacks compared to other common display technologies. They also provide superior contrast, faster response times, better viewing angles, and greater design flexibility. All of Apple's flagship iPhones use OLED panels, and in May 2024 the company brought the display technology to the iPad Pro for the first time. Unlike Apple's ‌iPad Pro‌ models, which feature two-stack low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED panels‌, the ‌iPad mini‌ may have a single-stack low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) panel, which would make it dimmer. Chassis Design Apple is reportedly working to give the iPad mini 8 a more water-resistant design, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The updated casing would bring protection levels closer to those of the iPhone, making the tablet safer for use in damp environments. To achieve this, Apple is said to have designed a new vibration-based speaker system that eliminates the need for traditional speaker holes. By using sound-emitting surfaces instead of open grilles, the company can reduce potential entry points for water and dust, resulting in a more sealed, durable enclosure. On the iPhone, Apple relies on adhesives and gaskets to shield speakers and other openings from moisture. The iPad mini's approach appears to go further, doing away with the holes altogether. Current iPad mini models lack any official IP rating, but the upcoming version could mark the first in the lineup to feature a certified level of water protection. Apple patents could offer further clues to the new design direction. For example, a 2014 patent outlines a "mechanically actuated panel acoustic system" that vibrates flat surfaces to generate sound, effectively turning parts of a device's chassis into a speaker diaphragm. This could potentially allow Apple to produce audio without visible speaker holes. The patent suggest Apple has been building towards a sealed, vibration-based acoustic system for several years. Release Date According to research firm Omdia, the ‌‌iPad mini‌‌ is expected to adopt an OLED display in 2027. However, Korea's ET News and ZDNET Korea have both suggested that the iPad mini will be updated with an OLED display in 2026. Bloomberg has also said the update could come as soon as this year. The most recent word on the subject comes from Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital, who claims the OLED iPad mini will be launched in the second half of 2026 at the earliest. In May 2024, it was reported that Samsung Display had started developing sample OLED panels for a future ‌iPad mini‌, with plans to initiate mass production at its facility in Cheonan in the second half of 2025. The same report claimed that Apple will bring an OLED panel to the iPad Air alongside the ‌iPad mini‌ in 2026. That outlook differs slightly from a December report by analyst firm Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) that said an 8.5-inch OLED iPad mini is planned for a 2026 launch, while 11-inch and 13-inch OLED iPad Air models are expected to follow in 2027. Ultimately, there are no rumors suggesting exactly when the next ‌iPad mini‌ will be released, but a launch in 2026, possibly alongside new ‌iPad Air‌ models in the first half of the year, is certainly a possibility. Pricing Apple's ‌iPad mini‌ with OLED display technology and improved water resistance is expected to be more expensive, and Apple could charge up to $100 more for the device, according to Bloomberg's Gurman. The ‌iPad mini‌ is currently priced starting at $499. Gurman has previously argued that Apple should consider a lower-end version of the mini, or at least a change to its current $499 starting price, given that it's up against rival products that cost a lot less. However, Apple users who are looking for a more affordable option should probably consider the 10th-generation iPad instead. Starting at $329, the iPad offers many iPad mini features, such as Touch ID and Center Stage, but at a lower price that balances functionality and affordability. This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

iOS 26.4 Lays Groundwork for CarPlay Video, Including Apple TV
Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability. The original mention of the feature appeared on Apple's CarPlay page for developers within a section specific to automakers, indicating that CarPlay with AirPlay video is something automakers will need to implement with on their end. Presumably, this is because there needs to be integration with vehicle systems to ensure that the feature can only be used while the vehicle is parked so as to hinder the potential for distracted driving. The first iOS 26.4 beta seeded to developers today includes a number of new references to ‌CarPlay‌ video playback, including features like onboarding flows, notifications, and more. Unsurprisingly, it appears that Apple TV will likely support the ‌CarPlay‌ video feature when it launches, as there are additional references to interacting with the TV app while using ‌CarPlay‌, such as a message that would pop up informing users that they will need to subscribe to ‌Apple TV‌ on their iPhone while not driving if they attempt to access subscription content. While the new code in iOS 26.4 provides evidence that Apple is moving toward launching the feature, there are no guarantees that it will ultimately become available with the public release of the update, as Apple sometimes removes code found in early betas or continues building on it in subsequent updates before the features go live. And with car manufacturers needing to add support for it on their end, it's unclear how quickly ‌CarPlay‌ video will roll out across various makes and models once the feature does launch.Related Roundup: CarPlayRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 1
Apple today provided developers with the first beta of an upcoming iOS 26.4 update, which adds quite a few new features to the iPhone. There's a video podcasts feature, updates to Stolen Device Protection, end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, an Apple Music tool for generating playlists, and much more. We've rounded up everything we've found that's new in the first beta of iOS 26.4. The beta is limited to developers right now, but Apple should release a public beta in the next couple of weeks. iOS 26.4 is expected to launch this spring. Playlist Playground ‌Apple Music‌ has a new Playlist Playground feature that lets users create a playlist with a text-based prompt. In the ‌Apple Music‌ app, there's an option to type in an idea and get automatic song suggestions for a playlist. Apple has some pre-set suggestions that include "morning coffee music," "hip-hop party songs," and "disco songs that defined the 1970s," but you can type in any idea, mood, or feeling. From there, the Playlist Playground feature will automatically generate a list of 25 songs, along with a custom title. Playlists that you create can be customized further with additional text prompts, and you can select a cover and a description. Apple Music ‌Apple Music‌ features a "Concerts Near You" feature that helps you find shows in your area and tour dates for artists that you're a fan of. Apple has redesigned albums and playlists, adding full-page artwork. Apple Podcasts With iOS 26.4, Apple is adding video podcast capabilities to the Apple Podcasts app. The feature uses HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to provide podcast creators with "unprecedented control and monetization opportunities" while also providing a high-quality viewing experience. The iOS 26.4 Podcasts app will let users switch between watching and listening to shows, with videos able to be downloaded for offline viewing. HLS ensures smooth playback regardless of network connection, so videos will work on Wi-Fi or cellular. Apple says that the new video episodes will integrate with existing ‌Apple Podcasts‌ features, including personalized recommendations and editorial suggestions in the New and Category sections. Stolen Device Protection Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default for all ‌iPhone‌ users, rather than being an opt-in feature. Apple implemented Stolen Device Protection back in 2023 after reports about a new ‌iPhone‌ theft method. Thieves would spy on an intended victim to learn their passcode, then steal the target's ‌iPhone‌. With the passcode, criminals were able to empty bank accounts, access passwords, and turn off Find My. Stolen Device Protection requires additional authentication through Face ID or Touch ID to access certain ‌iPhone‌ features like the Passwords app, Lost mode in ‌Find My‌, Safari purchases, and more. Some features are disabled entirely without authentication, while others have a one-hour security delay. End-to-End RCS Encryption for Messages With iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4, Apple is testing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for ‌RCS‌ messages, a security feature that is not currently available for cross-platform messaging. Apple has been working with the GSM Association to implement E2EE for ‌RCS‌ messages. iMessage, the messaging protocol for sending texts between iPhones, has long supported end-to-end encryption. ‌RCS‌ messages between Android devices have also featured E2EE, but there was no full encryption for Android to ‌iPhone‌ (or vice versa) communications. With the addition of E2EE for ‌RCS‌, messages between ‌iPhone‌ users and Android users will eventually be just as secure as iMessage. Messages sent by ‌RCS‌ that have end-to-end encryption will feature a lock icon in the conversation interface. As of right now, Apple is testing iPhone-to-iPhone ‌RCS‌ encryption, with the feature set to roll out for ‌iPhone‌ and Android conversations in a future iOS 26 update. Messages that feature E2EE will feature a lock icon in the conversation UI, both for iMessages and ‌RCS‌ Messages. Messages App There are new animations in the Messages app for actions like launching a new conversation. Apple Account Unified Design In the App Store, ‌Apple Music‌, and other apps that have user settings, there is a new unified Apple Account hub that replaces the existing profile feature. It offers largely the same functionality as the prior profile settings for each app, but there is a new unified design. The ‌App Store‌ merges apps and purchase history, and has a dedicated section for app updates. It now takes two taps to get to app updates rather than having them available at the bottom of the profile page. The ‌App Store‌'s navigation bar also no longer features Search as a separate button, and the search bar itself is at the top when tapped rather than the bottom. Ambient Music Widget There is a new Ambient Music widget for the Home and Lock Screen. It supports playing different built-in ambient music options for sleep, productivity, wellbeing, and more. Wallpaper and Watch Face Gallery The Wallpaper Gallery has an updated design that allows Wallpapers from each category like Weather, Astronomy, Emoji, Colors and More to be downloaded to the ‌iPhone‌. The Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app also features the same design change. Freeform Creator Studio Freeform Creator Studio is live in iOS 26.4, allowing Creator Studio subscribers to access new Freeform features. Creator Studio for Freeform adds a dedicated Content Hub that houses the Freeform shape options. Creator Studio users will be able to access free, high-quality content like graphics, photos, and illustrations that are not available to non-subscribers, plus there are AI capabilities for creating and editing images. When Creator Studio launched, Apple said the premium content and features in Freeform would be coming to the Apple Creator Studio subscription later this year. Freeform also has a new icon. Reminders The Reminders app has a new "Urgent" section. Reminders that have Urgent toggled on during creation will show up here. Urgent ensures that reminders have an accompanying alarm so you get a clear warning when a reminder is due. iCloud Web Settings In the iCloud section of the Settings app, there's now an "iCloud.com" option if you scroll all the way to the bottom of the interface. It replaces the simple "Access ‌iCloud‌ Data on the Web" toggle that was previously available. The setting includes a new "Allow Search" toggle that lets trusted Apple devices provide search results to iCloud.com. New Emoji There aren't new emoji in iOS 26.4, but code suggests that new characters will be introduced in a future beta. There are references to new emoji, and we are expecting several new emoji options. Emoji characters that are coming include trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature (aka Bigfoot or Sasquatch), fight cloud, apple core, orca, landslide, and ballet dancers. Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Devices (EU) In the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple tested a new "Notification Forwarding" setting that allows incoming notifications on an ‌iPhone‌ to be forwarded to a third-party wearable device like an Android smartwatch, but it was not included in the launch version of the software. It is back in the iOS 26.4 beta. Notifications can only be forwarded to a single device at a time, so if Notification Forwarding is enabled with a third-party wearable, the Apple Watch won't be able to receive and display notifications. Apple is adding notification forwarding to address antitrust complaints suggesting that third-party wearables should have the same access to notifications and other features as the Apple Watch. It is limited to the European Union. Proximity Pairing - EU Only In the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple also tested other Europe-only changes for third-party wearables, which were shared by the European Commission, such as Proximity Pairing. Proximity pairing allows third-party devices to pair with an iOS device in an AirPods-like one-tap way by bringing an accessory close to an ‌iPhone‌ or an iPad. Proximity Pairing was not enabled in iOS 26.3, and it too may come in iOS 26.4.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple Brings iPhone-Style Battery Charge Limits to the Mac in macOS Tahoe 26.4
The macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta that Apple released today includes a Charge Limit feature for the Mac. There is a new slider bar that lets Mac users select a charge level from 80 percent to 100 percent. The Charge Limit is a setting that's available in addition to Optimized Battery Charging, and it can prevent a Mac from ever charging to 100 percent. Apple's existing Optimized Battery Charging feature keeps a Mac from charging to 100 percent until it's needed for use, with the option using your daily charging routine to determine when to charge to full. While Optimized Battery Charging can help preserve battery life, it still regularly allows a Mac to charge to 100 percent. The new Charge Limit feature is a hard restriction that keeps a Mac's battery at 80 percent, 85 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, or 100 percent, giving users more control over the Mac's maximum charging level. Keeping a Mac's battery at 80 percent could increase battery longevity by preserving battery health over time. Charge Limit can be enabled by opening up the System Settings app, going to Battery, and clicking on the "i" button next to Charging. Apple's iPhones have had a charge limit feature since the iPhone 15 lineup launched in 2023.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Compact Safari Tab Bar Returns in macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4
The macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 betas that Apple released today reintroduce a compact Safari Tab Bar option for those who prefer that view option. Apple removed the compact tab bar option with the launch of ‌macOS Tahoe‌ and iPadOS 26.4, but there were Mac and iPad users who missed it. The Safari app on Mac and the Safari section of the Settings app on ‌iPad‌ both now feature an option to toggle on the Compact Tab Bar as an alternative to the standard Separate Tab Bar. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 are limited to developers right now, but Apple should release public betas soon. The software is expected to launch in the spring.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple Music 'Playlist Playground' in iOS 26.4 Creates Playlists From Text Prompts
The iOS 26.4 update that Apple is beta testing includes a new "Playlist Playground" feature in the Apple Music app that's designed to let users create a playlist with a text-based prompt. In the ‌Apple Music‌ app, there's an option to type in an idea and get automatic song suggestions for a playlist. Apple has some pre-set suggestions that include "morning coffee music," "hip-hop party songs," and "disco songs that defined the 1970s," but you can type in any idea, mood, or feeling. From there, the Playlist Playground feature will automatically generate a list of 25 songs, along with a custom title. Playlists that you create can be customized further with additional text prompts, and you can select a cover and a description. The Playlist Playground is available in the iOS 26.4 beta, and you can get to it by opening up ‌Apple Music‌, tapping into the Library, and tapping on the "+" button to create a new playlist. If it doesn't show up, you may need to restart your device or the ‌Apple Music‌ app. Playlists can be shared and displayed on your profile, similar to standard playlists. iOS 26.4 is limited to developers right now, but Apple will likely release a public beta in the near future. The software will launch in the spring.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tag: Apple MusicRelated Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

macOS Tahoe 26.4 Displays Warnings for Apps That Won't Work After Rosetta 2 Support Ends
macOS Tahoe will be the last version of macOS that supports Intel-based Macs, with Apple planning to phase out Intel Macs entirely following its transition to Apple silicon. Apple today reminded developers and users that future versions of macOS will not support Intel machines, and Rosetta 2 support for apps will end after macOS 27. Starting with ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4, when users launch an app that uses Rosetta 2, there will be a popup letting them know that the app will no longer work when support for Rosetta 2 ends. Apple says that it will continue to support older, unmaintained gaming titles with Rosetta along with software running Intel binaries in Linux VMs beyond macOS 27. There could also be future security fixes. Apple first announced plans to stop supporting Intel Macs with new versions of macOS back in June 2025 when it debuted ‌macOS Tahoe‌ at WWDC. Apple started its transition to Apple silicon with the 2020 launch of the M1 Mac machines, and three years ago, the company completed the transition to Apple silicon with the Apple silicon Mac Pro. macOS 27 will launch in September 2026, so the end of support for Intel-based Macs is approaching.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple Releases New Public Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4
Apple today released new public beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. The firmware is limited to developers and public beta testers at the current time, and it has a build number of 8B5034f. Apple first provided this firmware last week, but it was only available to developers at the time. Apple today started testing iOS 26.4, so it's possible the new firmware includes features related to the iOS 26.4 beta. With iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, Apple added a beta firmware update installation option that's available from the AirPods settings interface when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, which facilitates beta testing. Developers and public beta testers can use the beta option to turn on beta downloads.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

iOS 26.4 Enables Stolen Device Protection by Default for All iPhones
Starting with iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection will be enabled by default and turned on for all iPhone users. Stolen Device Protection adds extra security in case of physical ‌iPhone‌ theft. Apple implemented Stolen Device Protection back in 2023 after reports about a new ‌iPhone‌ theft method. Thieves would spy on an intended victim to learn their passcode, then steal the target's ‌iPhone‌. With the passcode, criminals were able to empty bank accounts, access passwords, and turn off Find My. Stolen Device Protection requires additional authentication through Face ID or Touch ID to access certain ‌iPhone‌ features like the Passwords app, Lost mode in ‌Find My‌, Safari purchases, and more. Some features are disabled entirely without authentication, while others have a one-hour security delay. Actions requiring ‌Face ID‌ or ‌Touch ID‌ to complete: Viewing/using passwords or passkeys saved in iCloud Keychain Applying for a new Apple Card Viewing an ‌Apple Card‌ virtual card Turning off Lost Mode Erasing all content and settings Taking certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet Using payment methods saved in Safari Using your ‌iPhone‌ to set up a new device These actions do not have a passcode backup, so you can't use a passcode to avoid using ‌Face ID‌ or ‌Touch ID‌. Actions that have a 1-hour security delay, and require two biometric authentications: Changing your Apple ID password Updating select ‌Apple ID‌ account security settings, including adding or removing a trusted device, trusted phone number, Recovery Key, or Recovery Contact Changing your ‌iPhone‌ passcode Adding or removing ‌Face ID‌ or ‌Touch ID‌ Turning off ‌Find My‌ Turning off Stolen Device Protection Prior to iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection had to be enabled manually in the ‌Face ID‌ and Passcode section of the Settings app. There is an option to remove security delays when the ‌iPhone‌ is in a familiar location, which allows full functionality at home but protection when out and about. iOS 26.4 is limited to developers at the current time, but a public beta will be coming in the near future. Apple plans to release the update in the spring.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple Begins Testing End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages in iOS 26.4 Beta
Apple is testing secure messaging between Android and iOS devices with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4. The updates introduce end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, a security feature that is not currently available for cross-platform messaging. Apple has been working with the GSM Association to implement E2EE for ‌RCS‌ messages. iMessage, the messaging protocol for sending texts between iPhones, has long supported end-to-end encryption. ‌RCS‌ messages between Android devices have also featured E2EE, but there was no full encryption for Android to iPhone (or vice versa) communications. With the addition of E2EE for ‌RCS‌, messages between ‌iPhone‌ users and Android users will eventually be just as secure as iMessage. Messages sent by ‌RCS‌ that have end-to-end encryption will feature a lock icon in the conversation interface. Carriers will need to add support for encryption, so it may take some time for E2EE to roll out to all ‌iPhone‌ and Android users. In iOS 26.4, Apple is testing iPhone-to-iPhone ‌RCS‌ encryption, and users will see a toggle for the feature in the Messages section of the Settings app. ‌RCS‌ encryption is on by default. iMessages will also display a lock icon for feature parity in iOS 26.4. E2EE for ‌RCS‌ will require Apple to update to ‌RCS‌ Universal Profile 3.0, which the GSMA published with Apple's input. Apple currently supports ‌RCS‌ Universal Profile 2.4. ‌RCS‌ Universal Profile 3.0 will also add features for editing text messages, deleting text messages, and replying to specific messages inline during cross-platform conversations. Apple released the first betas of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 today, with the updates available for developers. Apple plans to launch the updates in the spring, but while E2EE is in testing, the full functionality is not expected until a later iOS 26 update.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tag: RCSRelated Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple Podcasts Getting Video Episodes in iOS 26.4
With iOS 26.4, Apple is adding video podcast capabilities to the Apple Podcasts app. The feature uses HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to provide podcast creators with "unprecedented control and monetization opportunities" while also providing a high-quality viewing experience. "Twenty years ago, Apple helped take podcasting mainstream by adding podcasts to iTunes, and more than a decade ago, we introduced the dedicated Apple Podcasts app," said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Services. "Today marks a defining milestone in that journey. By bringing a category-leading video experience to Apple Podcasts, we're putting creators in full control of their content and how they build their businesses, while making it easier than ever for audiences to listen to or watch podcasts." The iOS 26.4 Podcasts app will let users switch between watching and listening to shows, with videos able to be downloaded for offline viewing. HLS ensures smooth playback regardless of network connection, so videos will work on Wi-Fi or cellular. Apple says that the new video episodes will integrate with existing ‌Apple Podcasts‌ features, including personalized recommendations and editorial suggestions in the New and Category sections. Creators are able to distribute through participating hosting providers and ad networks, with Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM brands supporting HLS video at launch. Creators will be able to dynamically insert video ads for broader video advertising opportunities. Podcasters can find more information on the new video feature through Apple's podcasts website. HLS video is available for testing today in the beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. iOS 26.4 will be released in the spring.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tag: Apple PodcastsRelated Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple Seeds First Betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 to Developers
Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming less than a week after Apple released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3. Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update. iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 could be significant updates that will introduce several new features. We were counting on the betas to include the smarter, more personalized version of Siri that Apple first debuted at WWDC 2024, but Apple has apparently run into issues that could see some or all ‌Siri‌ features delayed until iOS 26.5 or iOS 27. We could still get some new ‌Siri‌ capabilities, such as tools for generating images and searching the web. The update is also expected to include new emoji characters, such as trombone, treasure chest, orca, landslide, and Bigfoot. iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 are limited to developers at the current time, but Apple will likely release a public beta in the next week or two.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

First macOS Tahoe 26.4 Beta Now Available for Developers
Apple today provided the first beta of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.4 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming just a few days after Apple launched ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3. Developers can download the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 could introduce some new Siri features, though at least some of the capabilities that we were expecting have been delayed. The update is also expected to introduce new emoji characters. The beta is available to developers right now, but a public beta is expected in the next week or two.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple Releases First watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4 and visionOS 26.4 Betas
Apple today provided developers with the first betas of upcoming watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a few days after Apple launched the 26.3 versions of each platform. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required. The updates are expected to introduce new emoji characters, plus there could be new Siri capabilities, but we don't know exactly what's in the software as of yet. Apple will likely provide public beta testers with access to the tvOS 26.4 and watchOS 26.4 betas later this month, but visionOS 26.4 will remain limited to developers. The software updates will probably launch in mid-to-late March.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple May Leave iPad Pro Without Major Upgrades for Years
Apple's iPad Pro is likely to be left for years without a major update, according to a reliable leaker. The Weibo-based leaker, known as "Instant Digital," says that the ‌iPad Pro‌ will not have a major update for a prolonged period of time. The cost of the OLED panel now used in the device is unlikely to come down in price and the last major redesign apparently did not significantly stimulate sales growth. While Apple may maintain a regular iteration cycle with the device, it apparently has no intention of pursuing significant upgrades such as ultra-slim borders around the display, the likes of which are available on rival high-end tablets. In 2024, Apple introduced the first major redesign of the device since 2018. Apple added the M5 chip to it in October 2025, along with some minor connectivity upgrades. The ‌iPad Pro‌ is likely to gain the M6 chip and iPhone 17 Pro-style vapor chamber cooling at some point toward the end of 2026 or in 2027, but there have been no other rumors about the future of the product line. Related Roundup: iPad ProTag: Instant DigitalBuyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

AirTag 1 Gets Major Amazon Discount With 4-Pack at $64
Apple's first-generation AirTag 4-Pack has dropped to $64.00 this week on Amazon, down from the original price of $99.00. Free shipping options have a delivery estimate around February 21, while Prime members should be able to get it delivered a few days sooner. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Overall, this is a solid second-best price on the AirTag 4-pack that's within $1 of the Amazon all-time low price. Amazon's stock on the first generation AirTag 1-Pack has begun dwindling now that the new second generation models are here, so anyone interested in this low price on the first gen 4-Pack should pick it up while it's still around. $35 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $64.00 Apple just debuted the all-new AirTag, featuring longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. We haven't tracked any discounts on the new second generation models as of yet, so anyone who wants to save money should keep looking into the original models. 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 DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

BOM (Mumbai) on 2026-02-23
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 23, 22:00 UTC  -  Feb 24, 01:30 UTCFeb 23, 19:20 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in BOM (Mumbai) datacenter between 2026-02-23 22:00 and 2026-02-24 01:30 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

Read more »

MCI (Kansas City) on 2026-02-24
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 24, 08:00 - 13:00 UTCFeb 23, 17:04 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in MCI (Kansas City) datacenter on 2026-02-24 between 08:00 and 13:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

Read more »

MAD (Madrid) on 2026-02-27
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 27, 00:00 - 08:00 UTCFeb 23, 15:32 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in MAD (Madrid) datacenter on 2026-02-27 between 00:00 and 08:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

Read more »

EWR (Newark) on 2026-02-26
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 26, 09:00 - 17:00 UTCFeb 23, 15:46 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in EWR (Newark) datacenter on 2026-02-26 between 09:00 and 17:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

Read more »

MAD (Madrid) on 2026-02-26
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 26, 00:00 - 08:00 UTCFeb 23, 15:30 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in MAD (Madrid) datacenter on 2026-02-26 between 00:00 and 08:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

Read more »

All Deployments – Entra 504 Gateway timeouts
Feb 23, 10:04 ESTInvestigating - We are currently investigating an issue where 504 Gateway timeouts are present when accessing Entra when Duo is called for MFA.

Read more »

LAX (Los Angeles) on 2026-02-23
Feb 23, 14:30 UTCIn progress - Scheduled maintenance is currently in progress. We will provide updates as necessary.Feb 23, 14:24 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in LAX (Los Angeles) datacenter on 2026-02-23 between 14:30 and 16:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

Read more »

[US Deployments]: Duo Phone Call Authentication Failures for US Region
Feb 23, 09:02 ESTInvestigating - We are currently investigating an issue causing an abnormal phone call authentication success rate for the US region.Please check back here or subscribe to updates for any changes.

Read more »

UPDATE: **Summary** Google Chat is experiencing Issue with creating a new conversations **Description** Our engineering team continues to investigate the issue. We will provide an update by Monday, 2026-02-23 00:45 PST with current details. We apologize to all who are affected by the disruption. **Customer Symptoms** Users may experience errors when attempting to create new conversations or spaces in Google Chat. Existing conversations remain functional. **Workaround** None at the moment
Incident began at 2026-02-23 06:32 (times are in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)).Summary Google Chat is experiencing Issue with creating a new conversations Description Our engineering team continues to investigate the issue. We will provide an update by Monday, 2026-02-23 00:45 PST with current details. We apologize to all who are affected by the disruption. Customer Symptoms Users may experience errors when attempting to create new conversations or spaces in Google Chat. Existing conversations remain functional. Workaround None at the moment Affected products: Google Chat

Read more »

IAH (Houston) on 2026-02-23
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 23, 15:30 UTC  -  Feb 24, 00:00 UTCFeb 23, 02:22 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in IAH (Houston) datacenter between 2026-02-23 15:30 and 2026-02-24 00:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

Read more »

MAN (Manchester) on 2026-02-23
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 23, 02:00 - 06:30 UTCFeb 23, 01:12 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in MAN (Manchester) datacenter on 2026-02-23 between 02:00 and 06:30 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

Read more »

Analytics Engine API Increased 500s
Feb 22, 19:36 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is aware of and investigating an issue impacting the Analytics Engine API. Users may be experiencing an increase of 500 errors when querying. We are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.

Read more »

Emerging Service Issue – Cloud Manager Login – All Regions
Feb 21, 15:20 UTCInvestigating - Our team is investigating an emerging service issue affecting the ability to login to linode.com or Cloud Manager in all regions. We will share additional updates as we have more information.

Read more »

Mexico SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 26, 20:00 PST  -  Feb 27, 04:00 PSTFeb 20, 16:38 PSTScheduled - Our SMS carrier partner in Mexico is conducting a planned maintenance from 26 February 2026 at 20:00 PST until 27 February 2026 at 04:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to and from Mexico handsets via subset of Mexico long codes.

Read more »

BGW (Baghdad) on 2026-02-24
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 24, 14:45 - 18:45 UTCFeb 20, 23:52 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in BGW (Baghdad) datacenter on 2026-02-24 between 14:45 and 18:45 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

Read more »

Apple iPad Air 13″ M2 256GB WiFi + Cellular Tablet (2024) for $820 + free shipping
That's a low by at least $124, and you'd pay even more at Amazon, which charges $1,049. Buy Now at Best Buy Features Liquid Retina display Apple M2 chip touch ID 12MP front & back cameras

Read more »

Used Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad for $21 + free shipping
Use promo code "VIPOUTLET2026" to drop it to the best price we've seen in any condition. Buy Now at eBay

Read more »

Used Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad for $21 + free shipping
Use promo code "VIPOUTLET2026" to drop it to the best price we've seen in any condition. Buy Now at eBay

Read more »

Used Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad for $21 + free shipping
Use promo code "VIPOUTLET2026" to drop it to the best price we've seen in any condition. Buy Now at eBay

Read more »

Used Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad for $21 + free shipping
Use promo code "VIPOUTLET2026" to drop it to the best price we've seen in any condition. Buy Now at eBay

Read more »

Used Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad for $21 + free shipping
Use promo code "VIPOUTLET2026" to drop it to the best price we've seen in any condition. Buy Now at eBay

Read more »

Used Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad for $21 + free shipping
Use promo code "VIPOUTLET2026" to drop it to the best price we've seen in any condition. Buy Now at eBay

Read more »

Refurbished 24-inch iMac Apple M4 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU – Pink – FWUG3LL/A – $1,099.00
Refurbished 24-inch iMac Apple M4 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU - Pink – FWUG3LL/A $1,099.00 $1,299.00  −15% Originally released October 2024 24-inch 4.5K Retina display² 16GB unified memory 256GB SSD¹ 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports Product page on the Apple Store…

Read more »

Refurb Apple 9.7″ iPad Pro 128GB (2016) for $175 + free shipping
This first-gen iPad Pro 9.7″ comes with a pre-installed screen protector, snap-on case, and a 90-day warranty. Buy Now at UntilGone

Read more »

Refurb Apple 9.7″ iPad Pro 128GB (2016) for $175 + free shipping
This first-gen iPad Pro 9.7″ comes with a pre-installed screen protector, snap-on case, and a 90-day warranty. Buy Now at UntilGone

Read more »

Refurb Apple 9.7″ iPad Pro 128GB (2016) for $175 + free shipping
This first-gen iPad Pro 9.7″ comes with a pre-installed screen protector, snap-on case, and a 90-day warranty. Buy Now at UntilGone

Read more »

Refurb Apple 9.7″ iPad Pro 128GB (2016) for $175 + free shipping
This first-gen iPad Pro 9.7″ comes with a pre-installed screen protector, snap-on case, and a 90-day warranty. Buy Now at UntilGone

Read more »

Refurbished Apple iPad Pro 9.7″ 128GB WiFi Tablet (2016) Bundle for $220 + free shipping
That's tied with the best price we've seen for the 128GB bundle - which includes a pre-installed tempered glass screen protector, snap-on case, charger and cable. A 90-day warranty is provided. Buy Now at UntilGone

Read more »

Refurb Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 14″ Laptop for $688 + free shipping
That's $4 under our previous best ever mention, from December. You'd pay $2,000 brand new. A 1-year Allstate warranty applies. Buy Now at eBay

Read more »

Refurb Apple MacBook Pro M3 14.2″ Laptop (2023) for $1,029 + free shipping
It's the best deal we've seen for this model in any condition. It includes a 1-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay

Read more »