Apple's New Split iPhone Launch Strategy Corroborated in Latest Report
Apple's rumored plan to split its iPhone launch cycle beginning this year has gained additional credibility, with a new report from Nikkei Asia corroborating earlier claims from The Information, Bloomberg, and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to Nikkei's sources, Apple will prioritize its first foldable iPhone along with iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models for the second half of 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 will ship in the first half of 2027. An updated iPhone 18e is also expected to appear in the first half of 2027. Nikkei's report does not mention this. It does note however that a second-generation iPhone Air is in Apple's pipeline, though it is not expected this year. The staggered approach aims to both optimize resources and maximize Apple's revenue from premium models amid rising memory chip costs and supply chain pressures, according to the report. One supplier executive told Nikkei that a smoothly functioning supply chain is "one of the key challenges" this year, adding that a marketing strategy change also factored into Apple's decision to prioritize its premium devices. The report also notes that Apple is facing additional pressure as some of its suppliers have shifted resources toward AI companies like Nvidia, Google, and Amazon. Notably, Apple explicitly mentioned iPhone supply constraints during its recent earnings call on Thursday. The pressure comes at a key time for Apple's ambitious new device: mass producing a foldable iPhone requires more complicated manufacturing techniques and new materials, so it's crucial for Apple to minimize production issues leading up to and during its expected launch in the fall. For Apple's part, it has not officially confirmed any changes to its traditional annual fall iPhone release schedule.Tag: NikkeiThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Was Caught Off Guard by AirPods Pro 3 Popularity
AirPods Pro 3 demand was so strong after the earbuds launched in September that their popularity reportedly "caught Apple off guard." "AirPods Pro 3 were supply-constrained during the quarter, and we think we would have grown year over year if we would not have been constrained," Apple CEO Tim Cook told Reuters, in a report published alongside Apple's record-breaking earnings results for the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year. He is referring to Apple's Wearable, Home, and Accessories category, which saw around a 2% drop in revenue year-over-year. AirPods Pro 3 no longer have any extended delivery delays on Apple's online store, so it would appear that Apple has caught up on supply by now. AirPods Pro 3 feature increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, longer battery life per charge, heart rate monitoring during workouts, improved fit for many users, increased water resistance, a new XXS ear tip size, and more.Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Responds to Fast-Rising RAM and Storage Chip Prices
On an earnings call with equity analysts today, Apple CEO Tim Cook responded to fast-rising RAM and SSD storage prices in the supply chain. Cook said that rising memory chip prices had a "minimal impact" on Apple's gross margin in the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year, but he does expect a "bit more of an impact" on the company's gross margin in the current quarter. Cook added that Apple is aware of the rising prices and "will look at a range of options to deal with that" over the long term, if necessary. Apple reported record-breaking revenue of $143.8 billion last quarter, up 16% year-over-year, and it is predicting similar 13% to 16% year-over-year growth and gross margin of 48% to 49% in the current quarter, so the company is still reporting impressive earnings results despite concerns surrounding memory chip prices. This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Reaches 2.5 Billion Active Devices
There are now more than 2.5 billion active Apple devices, the company announced today. "We are also excited to announce that our installed base now has more than 2.5 billion active devices, which is a testament to incredible customer satisfaction for the very best products and services in the world," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a press release announcing the company's record-breaking earnings results. Apple said it had more than 2.35 billion active devices in the year-ago quarter, and the number continues to rise. It shows that Apple has a massive opportunity to sell services, ranging from Apple Music subscriptions to iCloud+ storage plans.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple CEO Tim Cook Says iPhone Demand Was 'Simply Staggering' Towards End of 2025
Apple today reported earnings results for the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year, including record-breaking $143.8 billion revenue that was up 16% year-over-year. These results were driven in part by exceptionally strong iPhone sales. iPhone revenue in the quarter was $85.2 billion, a new all-time high. That is up from $69.1 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 23% increase. "iPhone had its best-ever quarter driven by unprecedented demand, with all-time records across every geographic segment," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, in Apple's press release announcing its earnings results. Cook told CNBC's Steve Kovach that demand for the iPhone last quarter was "simply staggering" and beat Apple's expectations. The latest iPhone lineup includes the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple does not break down iPhone revenue on a model-by-model basis, and it did not comment on which models were most popular last quarter. The quarter encompassed the 2025 holiday shopping season, so it is safe to say that a lot of people were gifted a shiny new iPhone last month.Related Roundups: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone AirBuyer's Guide: iPhone 17 (Neutral), iPhone 17 Pro (Neutral), iPhone Air (Buy Now)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Reports Record-Setting 1Q 2026 Results: $42.1B Profit on $143.8B Revenue
Apple today announced financial results for the first fiscal quarter of 2026, which corresponds to the fourth calendar quarter of 2025. For the quarter, Apple posted revenue of $143.8 billion and net quarterly profit of $42.1 billion, or $2.84 per diluted share, compared to revenue of $124.3 billion and net quarterly profit of $36.3 billion, or $2.40 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Apple set all-time records during the quarter for total revenue, earnings per share, iPhone revenue, and services revenue. Total revenue was up 16 percent year-over-year, while earnings per share rose by 19 percent. Gross margin for the quarter was 48.2 percent, compared to 46.9 percent in the year-ago quarter. Apple also declared a quarterly dividend payment of $0.26 per share, payable on February 12 to shareholders of record as of February 9."Today, Apple is proud to report a remarkable, record-breaking quarter, with revenue of $143.8 billion, up 16 percent from a year ago and well above our expectations," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "iPhone had its best-ever quarter driven by unprecedented demand, with all-time records across every geographic segment, and Services also achieved an all-time revenue record, up 14 percent from a year ago. We are also excited to announce that our installed base now has more than 2.5 billion active devices, which is a testament to incredible customer satisfaction for the very best products and services in the world."As has been the case for over five years now, Apple is once again not issuing guidance for the current quarter ending in March. Apple will provide live streaming of its fiscal Q1 2026 financial results conference call at 2:00 pm Pacific, and MacRumors will update this story with coverage of the conference call highlights. Conference call starts at 2:00 p.m. Pacific - No need to refresh Loading live updates... var reportinglive = new reportinglive_module;reportinglive.init();Tag: EarningsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Called Out in New 'Encrypt It Already' Campaign
The non-profit Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) today launched an "Encrypt It Already" campaign that calls on tech companies such as Apple, Google, Meta, and others to implement or expand end-to-end encryption on their platforms. iCloud already provides end-to-end encryption for more than a dozen data categories by default. For users looking for additional protection, Apple offers an optional feature called Advanced Data Protection, which extends end-to-end encryption to iCloud Backup, Notes, Photos, Voice Memos, and more. But, the EFF wants Apple to go further. For example, the EFF said Apple and Google should deliver on a promise to implement end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging. Last year, Apple said it planned to add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to the Messages app in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS updates, but it did not provide a specific timeframe. Starting with the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for carriers to be able to support end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging. iMessage has already supported end-to-end encryption by default since 2011. The EFF also called on Apple and Google to offer users per-app AI permissions, so Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini can be turned off in certain apps. The non-profit organization said it is also important how tech companies communicate new implementations of end-to-end encryption. It encouraged the companies to write blog posts that summarize key details, publish technical papers and user documentation that go into further detail, and follow best practices for data minimization. The EFF encourages people to use Apple's feedback form to let the company know that additional end-to-end encryption support is important to them.Tag: EFFThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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MacBook Pro: What to Know as Wait Continues for M5 Pro and M5 Max
The launch of Apple Creator Studio on Wednesday would have been a fitting opportunity for Apple to unveil new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, but unfortunately it looks like that was nothing more than wishful thinking. For now, all we have is a broad timeframe from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who expects new MacBook Pro models "in the first half of the year." The next window for Apple to update the MacBook Pro might be tied to the upcoming release of macOS 26.3. In October, AppleInsider's Marko Zivkovic said the MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are "expected to ship with macOS 26.3," at least as of the time that he wrote that. macOS 26.3 remains in beta testing, but it should be coming out soon, with a public release expected in the first half of February. Like the Apple Creator Studio launch, though, the release of macOS 26.3 could come and go without any new MacBook Pro models. But, until a more specific release date is rumored, this is all we have to go on for now. Keep in mind that Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak has often put out a social media teaser for upcoming launches lately, including for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M5 chip most recently. He did not put out a teaser before the new AirTag, but that was merely an accessory. So, perhaps we will have to wait for that. Beyond the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the next MacBook Pro models are not expected to have any major changes. We recommend skipping the next models, unless you really need to upgrade, as the MacBook Pro is expected to receive a major redesign with an OLED touch screen, a thinner case, and more as soon as late 2026. While reports have said there is a chance that the redesigned MacBook Pro does not arrive until 2027, there is precedent for two MacBook Pro refreshes in one year. In 2023, Apple released MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January, followed by models with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips in October. In the meantime, the wait for the models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips continues.Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Caution)Related Forum: MacBook ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Just Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever After Beats
Apple today confirmed to Reuters that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that is working on artificial intelligence technology for audio. Apple paid close to $2 billion for Q.ai, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone and audio brand Beats in 2014. Q.ai has developed technology that can "analyze facial expressions" to understand "silent speech," according to the Financial Times. "Patents filed by Q.Ai show its technology being used in headphones or glasses, using 'facial skin micro movements' to communicate without talking," the report said, adding that this could pave the way for "non-verbal discussions" with Siri. Q.ai CEO Aviad Maizels previously founded another Israeli startup, PrimeSense, which was also acquired by Apple in 2013. Apple used PrimeSense's technology to develop Face ID, which debuted on the iPhone X in 2017. Q.ai's founding team will join Apple, including Maizels, Yonatan Wexler, and Avi Barliya. Apple's chipmaking chief Johny Srouji described Q.ai as "a remarkable company that is pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning," in a statement shared with Reuters. "We're thrilled to acquire the company, with Aviad at the helm, and are even more excited for what's to come." This acquisition comes as Apple's former design chief Jony Ive has been working with OpenAI on a new AI device, and as other companies like Meta have released AI-powered devices such as the Meta Ray-Ban glasses with an in-lens display.Tags: Apple Acquisition, Financial TimesThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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AirTag 1 vs. AirTag 2 Buyer's Guide: All 15+ Differences Compared
Apple's new AirTag introduces a series of small improvements, so how does it compare to the original model from 2021? The second-generation ‌AirTag‌ arrives five years after the original, bringing improvements to tracking range, speaker output, and internal design while retaining the same outward design and accessory compatibility. At the same time, first-generation AirTags remain available from some retailers at reduced prices, raising the question of whether the newer model is worth choosing over the original, or whether the earlier ‌AirTag‌ still makes sense as a lower-cost option. The comparison below outlines every difference between the two generations, including Apple-announced feature upgrades and hardware changes identified through teardowns. While both models perform the same core function of tracking items through the Find My network, there are some small differences worth noting: ‌AirTag‌ (first-generation, 2021) ‌AirTag‌ (second-generation, 2026) First-generation Ultra Wideband chip Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Shorter Precision Finding range Up to 50% farther Precision Finding range Precision Finding on iPhone only Precision Finding on ‌iPhone‌ and Apple Watch (Series 9 and later and Ultra 2) Earlier Bluetooth implementation Upgraded Bluetooth with increased range Bluetooth identifiers rotate at standard intervals Bluetooth identifiers rotate more frequently Standard speaker volume Up to 50% louder speaker Chime note in F Chime note in G Works on earlier supported iOS versions Requires iOS 26.2.1 or later Reset without a required wait between battery removals Reset requires battery out for at least five seconds each cycle 11g weight 11.8g weight (around 7% heavier) Back text listing "Assembled in China" and "Designed by Apple" Back text in all-caps listing IP67, NFC, and ‌Find My‌ Thicker main PCB Thinner main PCB with revised battery connectors, and additional test pads and markings Smaller speaker coil Slightly larger speaker coil Speaker magnet more easily removable Speaker magnet more firmly secured and harder to remove Wider box with flat printed text and plastic pull tabs Redesigned narrower box with updated artwork, raised UV printed text, and paper pull tabs Folio-style inner tray holding up to two rows of two AirTags Redesigned inner tray with simpler design holding up to four AirTags For buyers choosing between the two ‌AirTag‌ models, the decision depends less on basic tracking and more on how and where an ‌AirTag‌ is typically used. Both generations rely on the same ‌Find My‌ network for long-distance location updates, offer similar battery life, and work with the same accessories, so neither model is considerably better for general item tracking. The second-generation ‌AirTag‌ is likely to benefit users who frequently rely on Precision Finding rather than approximate location. The extended Ultra Wideband range makes it easier to determine the specific location of items, while the louder speaker improves audibility in noisy spaces or when an ‌AirTag‌ is buried inside a bag or suitcase. Support for Precision Finding on compatible Apple Watch models also makes the newer ‌AirTag‌ more convenient for users who often leave their ‌iPhone‌ behind. The first-generation ‌AirTag‌ remains a practical option for the overwhelming majority of use cases, such as tracking keys, backpacks, or household items that are usually misplaced within short distances. If available at a meaningful discount, it may offer better value for users who do not need Precision Finding at extended range, do not use an Apple Watch for item location, or simply want basic ‌Find My‌ functionality at the lowest cost. For existing ‌AirTag‌ owners, there is certainly no pressing need to upgrade. For new buyers, the second-generation ‌AirTag‌ simply offers the most complete feature set and greater flexibility going forward, acting as a moderate specification bump over the previous model.Tag: AirTagThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Here's Everything Apple Released This Week
Following a quiet start to 2026, the final week of January has been a busy one for Apple so far. There are new versions of the AirTag and the Black Unity band for the Apple Watch, and the Apple Creator Studio bundle is now available. Apple also released iOS 26.2.1 and watchOS 26.2.1 updates, and iOS 26.3 beta testing continues. While the launch of Apple Creator Studio would have been a fitting opportunity for Apple to unveil new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, unfortunately it looks like that proved to be nothing more than wishful thinking. We have recapped our coverage of these topics below. New AirTag Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More 10+ Things to Know About the New AirTag 2 New AirTag's Improved Precision Finding Requires These iPhone Models AirTag 2: These Airlines Offer Feature That Helps Find Your Lost Bags Precision Finding on Apple Watch Doesn't Work With the Original AirTag Teardown Reveals AirTag 2 is Full of Hidden Changes New Black Unity Band Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch Band Apple Creator Studio Apple's 'Creator Studio' App Bundle Now Available for $12.99 Per Month Apple Creator Studio Hands-On: What You Get for $12.99 Per Month Apple Updates Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro With These New Features Apple Updates Keynote, Numbers, and Pages Apps With New Free and Paid Features Pixelmator Pro Launches on iPad With Apple Pencil Support and More Apple Stops Selling $200 'Pro Apps' Bundle With Final Cut Pro and More Software Updates Apple Releases iOS 26.2.1 With AirTag 2 Support Apple Releases watchOS 26.2.1, Adding Precision Finding Support for AirTag 2 Apple Seeds Third Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Developers Apple Seeds Third Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Public Beta Testers iOS 26.3 Adds Privacy Setting to Limit Carrier Location Tracking Warning: These Continuity Features Are Broken on Latest iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Betas iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After LaunchThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Amazon Discounts Anker's Most Popular MagSafe-Compatible Chargers, Power Stations, and More
Amazon this week has a few notable sales from popular brands like Anker, Ecovacs, and Jackery. These include discounts on everything from MagSafe-compatible chargers to portable power stations and robot vacuums. 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. Amazon has discounts on multiple Anker charging accessories, including products like the 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube for $99.98, down from $149.95 and the SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern for $169.99, down from $249.00. You can find these deals and more in the lists below, and this time around none require any coupon codes. $50 OFFAnker Charging Cube for $99.98 $79 OFFAnker Power Station + Lantern for $169.99 Anker 6-in-1 USB-C Power Strip - $79.99, down from $109.99 140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $64.99, down from $99.99 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $99.98, down from $149.95 SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $169.99, down from $249.00 SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $429.00, down from $799.00 SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $799.00, down from $1,499.00 Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station + Solar Panel - $349.00, down from $499.00 Explorer 1000 V2 Portable Power Station - $424.65, down from $799.00 Explorer 1500 Portable Power Station - $898.99, down from $1,399.00 HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station - $1,299.00, down from $2,499.00 HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station + Solar Panels - $1,598.99, down from $2,999.00 HomePower 3600 Plus Portable Power Station - $2,099.00, down from $3,699.00 Ecovacs Deebot N20 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop - $161.49, down from $199.99 Deebot T80 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop - $499.99, down from $999.99 Deebot X9 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop - $699.00, down from $799.00 Deebot X8 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop - $749.00, down from $1,099.99 Deebot X11 OmniCyclone Robot Vacuum and Mop - $1,099.00, down from $1,499.99 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

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Apple Stops Selling $200 'Pro Apps' Bundle With Final Cut Pro and More
Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio this week, Apple has quietly stopped selling its valuable "Pro Apps Bundle for Education" (archived link). "Pro Apps Bundle for Education" included one-time-purchase versions of Apple's Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps at a steep discount, with U.S. pricing set at $199.99. Purchasing each of the included apps separately costs $629.95, so the bundle provided more than $400 in savings. While the bundle was sold through Apple's online education store since its launch in 2017, there was no student or teacher verification system in the U.S. and certain other countries, so most customers were able to purchase it. Anyone who already purchased the bundle can continue to use the apps. Apple also appears to be cracking down on sharing the apps included in the bundle. According to a MacRumors tipster, sharing the apps with others as a ZIP file no longer works, as the recipient will receive an error when opening the apps. Apple Creator Studio is a new subscription bundle that provides access to Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on the Mac and/or iPad, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. One-time-purchase versions of all six apps remain available on the Mac for now. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium content" in apps like Pixelmator Pro, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and later Freeform.Tags: Apple Creator Studio, Pro Apps for EducationThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Lockdown Mode is an optional security feature designed by Apple to provide maximum protection against highly sophisticated digital threats. When enabled on your Apple device, it greatly reduces exposure to complex attacks by restricting certain features and network connections. Keep reading to learn how to use it across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. For most users of Apple devices, the standard iOS, iPadOS, and macOS security protections should be sufficient, whereas Lockdown Mode is aimed at users who could be targets of cyberattacks, such as journalists, activists, and government employees. That said, any user can enable it on their device for what Apple calls an "extreme" level of security. Lockdown Mode Protections When enabled, Lockdown Mode strictly limits or disables the functionality of features, apps, and websites. Lockdown Mode protections include the following: In the Messages app, most message attachment types other than images are blocked, and some features like link previews are unavailable. Incoming FaceTime calls from people you have not previously called are blocked. Incoming invitations for other Apple services from people you have not previously invited are also blocked. Some complex web technologies and browsing features, including just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless the user excludes a trusted site from Lockdown Mode. This protection applies to Safari and all other web browsers using WebKit across the ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, and Mac. Shared albums will be removed from the Photos app, and new shared album invitations will be blocked. When a device is locked, wired connections with other devices/accessories are blocked. Configuration profiles cannot be installed, and the device cannot enroll into mobile device management (MDM), while Lockdown Mode is turned on. Certain network protocols and services are restricted. How to Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone and iPad Lockdown Mode is turned off by default on ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌, but you can enable it by following these steps. Open the Settings app. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security. Scroll to the bottom and tap Lockdown Mode. Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode. Review the information about what features are restricted, then tap Turn On & Restart. After the restart, Lockdown Mode will be active. You can confirm this by returning to Settings ➝ Privacy & Security ➝ Lockdown Mode, where a toggle will show that it's on. How to Enable Lockdown Mode on Mac Open System Settings. Click Privacy & Security in the sidebar. Under the "Security" section at the bottom, click Lockdown Mode. Click Turn On Lockdown Mode. Review the protections and click Turn On & Restart. Your Mac will restart and Lockdown Mode will be enabled when it boots up. How to Turn Off Lockdown Mode Whether you're on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, these are the steps to follow: In Settings on iPhone/iPad (or System Settings on Mac) go to Privacy & Security ➝ Lockdown Mode. Tap or click the Lockdown Mode toggle to turn it off. Confirm that you want to turn it off. Your device will restart to leave Lockdown Mode. Configuring Allowed Websites and App Exceptions While Lockdown Mode is active, some websites and certain app features may be blocked for security. Apple allows you to add exceptions in some areas. For example, in Safari, if a site is blocked by Lockdown Mode, you may be offered an option to allow website exceptions. This lets specific sites load normally while Lockdown Mode remains enabled. Some third-party apps may also appear in a list in Settings ➝ Privacy & Security ➝ Lockdown Mode ➝ Configure Web Browsing, and you can turn off Lockdown Mode for those apps individually. This lets an app continue to function normally if it was being restricted by Lockdown Mode's web content limitations. This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple's Fifth Avenue Store is Closing Overnight Next Week, Here's Why
Apple's iconic Fifth Avenue store in New York City is normally open 24/7, but it will be closed overnight on some days next week. According to Apple's website, the store will be closing at 10 p.m. local time each night on Monday, February 2 through Wednesday, February 4. The store will re-open each morning at 8 a.m. local time during this period. Apple is closing the store to complete maintenance on the signature glass cube entrance, according to a source familiar with the matter. Apple's official explanation is "preservation work." Opened in 2006, Apple Fifth Avenue features a street-level glass cube entrance, leading to an underground store. Apple's CEO Tim Cook and other company executives often attend the store for major new product launches. The store's cube has been outfitted with everything from a giant Apple Vision Pro headset outline to colorful Siri glow in recent years.Tag: Apple StoreThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Faces Lawsuit Over Continuity Camera Patent and Antitrust Claims
Apple this week got sued in a New Jersey Federal court by the maker of mobile video app Camo, alleging Apple stole its technology when the company integrated its Continuity Camera feature into iOS 16 in 2022. Released by London-based Reincubate in 2020, the Camo app enables iPhone and Android smartphones to be used as webcams for desktop-based video calls. Apple's Continuity Camera serves a similar function within its own ecosystem, allowing an iPhone to be used as a wireless webcam with a nearby Mac that is signed into the same Apple Account. Reincubate said the tech giant copied patented features from its Camo app and incorporated them into its mobile operating system in order to "redirect user demand to Apple's own platform-tied offering." According to the lawsuit, Apple "actively induced and encouraged" Reincubate to develop and market Camo for iOS, then later copied its functionality and built it into iOS as Continuity Camera. "In most of those cases, Apple has not actively induced the developer to test and build software," the lawsuit said. "Here, Apple actively cultivated a relationship of trust with Reincubate, induced the company to share technical details, beta builds, and market data, and leveraged that privileged access to inform its own development of Continuity Camera."Reincubate called Apple's conduct an example of "Sherlocking," which refers to Apple building an app or system feature that duplicates functionality previously offered by a third-party app. "Rather than competing with us, Apple deployed a series of obstacles to tilt the playing field, infringed our IP, and did so in service of preventing competition from rival platforms," Reincubate CEO Aidan Fitzpatrick said in a statement given to Reuters. "Apple competes fairly while respecting the intellectual property rights of others, and these camera features were developed internally by Apple engineers," Apple responded in a statement. Aside from accusing Apple of infringing its patents, Reincubate's suit was filed as an antitrust claim, alleging that Apple violates U.S. law by locking users into its ecosystem and preventing them from switching to competitors. Reincubate has requested unspecified monetary damages and court orders that would block Apple's alleged misconduct. Tags: Apple Antitrust, Continuity, Apple LawsuitsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Pushes Carrier Settings Update to Fix Telstra Issue on iPhones Running iOS 16.7.3
Apple has released a carrier settings update for Telstra customers in Australia that resolves the issue affecting iPhones running iOS 16.7.3, which was released and then made unavailable to download by Apple earlier this week. The fix is delivered via a carrier bundle update, which adjusts network-related settings such as connectivity and calling features, without requiring an iOS update. Affected users who updated to iOS 16.7.3 before Apple stopped signing it can install the bundle on their iPhone by going to Settings ➝ General ➝ About, where a prompt to update carrier settings should appear. Once installed, the Service Provider field in Settings should display "Telstra 54.1," said the telecommunications company in an updated support document. The original issue that caused Apple to unsign iOS 16.7.3 prevented some older iPhone models from connecting to the Telstra network, including via emergency calls to 000. As things stand, iOS 16.7.3 remains unavailable to download. It's still unclear if Apple will re-sign it, with the carrier bundle available separately, or whether it will issue a new point release of iOS with the bundle packaged in.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iPhone 16 Tops List of World's Best-Selling Smartphones in 2025
Apple's iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone globally in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research's latest report. Apple and Samsung devices dominated the top 10 list for the fourth consecutive year, accounting for 19% of overall smartphone sales. Apple claimed seven of the top 10 spots, while Samsung captured the remaining three. Launched in September, the iPhone 17 series achieved 16% higher sales than its predecessor during its first full quarter, driven by strong demand in the U.S., China, and Western Europe. Counterpoint said the base iPhone 17 model was the standout performer, registering the highest growth among all devices and climbing the rankings compared to where the iPhone 16 debuted in 2024. Counterpoint attributed the growth to the iPhone 17's upgrades, such as a higher refresh rate (120Hz vs 60Hz), and larger base storage (256GB vs. 128GB). The more affordable iPhone 16e, launched in spring 2025, also contributed additional sales with its more accessible $599 entry point into Apple's ecosystem. In fifth position, Samsung's Galaxy A16 5G became the best-selling Android smartphone of 2025, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra secured a flagship spot for the second consecutive year in ninth. The S25 Ultra grew more than 3x year-over-year in Japan, according to the research firm. Looking ahead, Counterpoint expects premium flagship devices to increase their presence in 2026 as rising memory prices disproportionately impact entry-to-mid-segment devices. Apple still sells iPhone 16 models as part of its smartphone lineup. Priced starting at $699, the previous-generation device features an A18 chip that supports Apple Intelligence, a dual-lens camera system, a Camera Control button for quick camera access, and a customizable Action button.Related Roundup: iPhone 16Tag: CounterpointRelated Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Google Chrome Gets Gemini Side Panel and Agentic Browsing Features
AI-powered browsing features have become a battleground among browser makers in recent months. OpenAI launched its Atlas browser in October, while Microsoft Edge and Opera have also introduced AI assistants and automated browsing capabilities. And now Google is upping the ante. The company has announced a slew of new AI features fro Chrome, including a persistent sidebar for the Gemini chatbot and "auto browse" capabilities that can perform web tasks on your behalf. The update moves Gemini from its previous floating window into an always-available side panel on the right side of the browser, which inevitably shrinks the browsing window. Google, however, says the redesign allows you to multitask more easily, since you can keep your main tab open while using the AI assistant for separate tasks, such as comparing products across multiple tabs or summarizing reviews from different websites. Chrome is also gaining Nano Banana integration, Google's AI image generator. You can now transform images directly in the browser window using text prompts, without needing to download files or switch tabs. The headline feature though is "auto browse," which is currently rolling out to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. According to Google, the agentic tool can handle multi-step tasks like researching hotel and flight prices, filling out online forms, scheduling appointments, and managing subscriptions. Google says it can even identify items in a photo, search for similar products, add them to a shopping cart, and apply discount codes. The company says it even does all this while staying within a specified budget. Auto browse can use Chrome's built-in password manager (with user permission) for tasks requiring login credentials. The feature is designed to pause and ask you for confirmation for sensitive actions like purchases or social media posts, according to the company. Lastly, Google plans to add "Personal Intelligence" to Chrome in the coming months. The feature lets the browser remember context from past conversations you've had with it and provide more personalized assistance. Google hasn't specified a Chrome version that will include all of these features, but the company said the Gemini sidebar support and Nano Banana integration are rolling out now as a server-side service update. Tag: Google ChromeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Signs Deal for Brandon Sanderson's 'Cosmere' Universe Movies and TV Shows
Apple has signed a deal with popular fantasy author Brandon Sanderson for film and TV rights to Sanderson's "Cosmere" universe, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sanderson has a large body of work, but some of his most popular fantasy books could be adapted first. Mistborn could be turned into a movie series, while The Stormlight Archive is being considered for television. Mistborn is a book series that's split into two eras, with the first three books featuring a group of magic-using metal manipulators or "Allomancers" overthrowing a dystopian empire. The second set of books follows the exploits of Wax and Wayne, two lawmen with magical abilities in a more modern setting. There are two additional eras planned for the same Mistborn series, so Apple has access to content that could result in a dozen movies. The Stormlight Archive currently features five epic fantasy books, each of which could easily be used for multiple seasons of a TV show. The Stormlight Archive is a classic good vs. evil tale, featuring the Knights Radiant against Voidbringers who want to conquer the world. Sanderson has 10 total books planned for The Stormlight Archive, but the "Cosmere" universe also includes many other standalone novels, all of which are linked together. Sanderson is one of the most well-known current fantasy authors, and in addition to his own books, he finished Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time after Jordan passed away. A TV show based on the Stormlight Archive is already in the early stages of planning. Blue Marble, a film studio run by Pachinko producer Theresa Kang-Lowe, is set to produce. Kang-Lowe has an exclusive content production deal with Apple. Apple won the deal after Sanderson met with multiple potential partners. Apple agreed to give Sanderson unprecedented control over screen translations, so he will write, produce, and consult on any TV shows or movies that Apple makes about the Cosmere universe. Sanderson is known for having some of the most popular Kickstarter campaigns to date, raising close to $100 million by selling his books.Tag: Apple TV PlusThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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HEL (Helsinki) on 2026-02-10
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 10, 00:00 - 08:00 UTCFeb 4, 14:06 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in HEL (Helsinki) datacenter on 2026-02-10 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.

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HEL (Helsinki) on 2026-02-11
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 11, 00:00 - 04:00 UTCFeb 4, 13:10 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in HEL (Helsinki) datacenter on 2026-02-11 between 00:00 and 04:00 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.

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IAD (Ashburn) on 2026-02-11
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 11, 05:00 - 13:00 UTCFeb 4, 10:30 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in IAD (Ashburn) datacenter on 2026-02-11 between 05:00 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.

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IAD (Ashburn) on 2026-02-10
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 10, 05:00 - 13:00 UTCFeb 4, 10:26 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in IAD (Ashburn) datacenter on 2026-02-10 between 05:00 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.

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Maintenance for Linode Cloud Manager, API, CLI, and Cloud IAM
Feb 4, 07:00 UTCCompleted - The scheduled maintenance has been completed.Feb 4, 05:00 UTCIn progress - Scheduled maintenance is currently in progress. We will provide updates as necessary.Jan 7, 20:20 UTCScheduled - The Linode Cloud Manager, API, and CLI will be offline for scheduled maintenance between 05:00 UTC and 07:00 UTC on February 4, 2026. During this window, running Linodes and related services will not be disrupted, but account management access and Support tickets will be unavailable.Please ensure that you complete critical or important jobs in the Cloud Manager or API before the maintenance window. We will update this status page once this event is complete and Linode customers have full access to all Linode services.Customers who need assistance from Linode Support during this time will need to call 855-454-6633 (+1-609-380-7100 outside of the United States) to contact our Support team. Please note that our Support team will not be able to assist with issues related to the Cloud Manager or API, authenticate users to their accounts, or respond to Support tickets for the duration of the maintenance window. As soon as our Support team regains access, we will answer tickets in the order they are received.Impacts on Current Linode Customers:Current Linode customers will not be able to log in to the Cloud Manager, interact with the API, or perform any administrative or management functions. This includes Create, Remove, Boot, Migrate, Back Up, Shut Down, etc.The scheduled maintenance will impact the Kubernetes API. Dynamic aspects of LKE that rely on the Linode API will also be impacted, to include items such as autoscaling, recycling, rebooting, attaching/detaching PVCs, Node Balancer provisioning, as well as the ability to create new clusters. Cluster nodes and running workloads will not be affected.Impacts on Users Trying to Create Linode Accounts / Awaiting Account Authentication:While the Linode Cloud Manager is offline during the maintenance period, we are unable to accept requests for new accounts or authenticate accounts for users awaiting full account access.Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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LAD (Luanda) on 2026-02-05
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 5, 01:00 - 05:00 UTCFeb 4, 04:31 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in LAD (Luanda) datacenter on 2026-02-05 between 01:00 and 05:00 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.

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FRA (Frankfurt) on 2026-02-05
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 5, 01:00 - 05:00 UTCFeb 4, 01:42 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in FRA (Frankfurt) datacenter on 2026-02-05 between 01:00 and 05:00 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.

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MSP (Minneapolis) on 2026-02-11
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 11, 08:00 - 12:00 UTCFeb 3, 22:10 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in MSP (Minneapolis) datacenter on 2026-02-11 between 08:00 and 12:00 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.

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CFC (Cacador) on 2026-02-11
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 11, 02:30 - 05:45 UTCFeb 3, 21:08 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in CFC (Cacador) datacenter on 2026-02-11 between 02:30 and 05:45 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.

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EWR (Newark) on 2026-02-11
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 11, 07:00 - 12:00 UTCFeb 3, 19:28 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in EWR (Newark) datacenter on 2026-02-11 between 07:00 and 12:00 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.

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Infrastructure Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 24, 19:00 - 23:00 PSTFeb 3, 11:20 PSTScheduled - We will be undergoing scheduled maintenance during this time. During the maintenance window, customers may experience elevated API and dashboard error rates. Webhooks and customer email logs may be temporarily delayed. Any requests that result in errors can be safely retried.

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Duo CA Pinning Bundle Update – Action Required for Out-of-Date Clients Impacting DUO48, DUO67, DUO68, DUO69, DUO70, and DUO81
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 5, 11:00 EST  -  Apr 16, 01:00 EDTFeb 3, 14:04 ESTScheduled - Beginning February 2nd, customers running out of date applications and clients that connect to Duo’s servers will experience connection/authentication failures. If you are impacted by this, you will want to ensure that you update all affected applications and Duo Mobile apps on devices to the latest version with the new Duo CA pinning bundle. This change is related to Cisco Field Notice FN74372, which provides additional details about the update and its impact: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/field-notices/743/fn74372.html You can identify if you are impacted by navigating to the "Unsupported Clients Log" report in the Duo Admin Panel found at Reports > Unsupported Clients Log. You can use this report to find and update any apps/clients running affected software versions. For full details and guidance, including the minimum unaffected versions and how to update these clients, please refer to our documentation: https://help.duo.com/s/article/9451

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NRT (Tokyo) on 2026-02-06
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 6, 16:30 - 21:00 UTCFeb 3, 19:12 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in NRT (Tokyo) datacenter on 2026-02-06 between 16:30 and 21:00 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.

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Duo CA Pinning Bundle Update – Action Required for Out-of-Date Clients Impacting DUO48, DUO67, DUO69, DUO70, and DUO81
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 4, 15:00 EST  -  Apr 16, 01:00 EDTFeb 3, 13:56 ESTScheduled - Beginning February 2nd, customers running out of date applications and clients that connect to Duo’s servers will experience connection/authentication failures. If you are impacted by this, you will want to ensure that you update all affected applications and Duo Mobile apps on devices to the latest version with the new Duo CA pinning bundle. This change is related to Cisco Field Notice FN74372, which provides additional details about the update and its impact: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/field-notices/743/fn74372.html You can identify if you are impacted by navigating to the "Unsupported Clients Log" report in the Duo Admin Panel found at Reports > Unsupported Clients Log. You can use this report to find and update any apps/clients running affected software versions. For full details and guidance, including the minimum unaffected versions and how to update these clients, please refer to our documentation: https://help.duo.com/s/article/9451

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DFW (Dallas) on 2026-02-06
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Feb 6, 08:00 - 13:00 UTCFeb 3, 19:02 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in DFW (Dallas) datacenter on 2026-02-06 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.

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