MacTech News

Counterpoint: 54% of Broadband CPE Shipments in 2030 will be Wi-Fi 7-based

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News items you should check out: March 11

Since I can’t cover everything, here are some recommended articles from other websites. ° From 9to5Mac: Apple has created an adorable little Finder guy to promote its adorable little Mac (the Mac Neo). ° From MacRumors: Tech columnist David Pogue’s new book...

Apple releases macOS 26.3.2 update for the MacBook Neo only

Apple has released a new software update, macOS 26.3.2, an over-the-air update only for the new MacBook Neo. According to the release notes, the update focuses on bug fixes. This means MacBook Neo will have a software update ready on day one — that day...

Apple now makes a quarter of its iPhones in India

Apple increased iPhone production in India by around 53% last year and now makes a quarter of its smartphones there, reports Bloomberg (a subscription is required to read the article). This is part of an ongoing effort by the tech giant to avoid Trump tariff when it...

German publishers don’t like Apple’s revised App Tracking Transparency rule tweaks

The German Association of the Branded Goods Industry and various other group want Apple to be forced to change its App Tracking Transparency rules, reports Reuters (a subscription is required to read the article). Apple has made some changes to appease them, but...

Apple laptops and other computing devices likely to see substantial price hikes this year

Apple laptops and other computing devices likely to see substantial price hikes this year. The global notebook market is expected to face dual pressures from weak demand and rising component costs in 2026, according to TrendForce’s latest research on the notebook...

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Opinion

Musings from Dennis: I want a Magic Keyboard with Apple Pencil support

Apple may have ditched the Touch Bar on its laptops, but I’ve love to see a super-sized Magic Keyboard with a built-in touchpad and Apple Pencil support. This would, of course, be built into Mac laptops. And Apple could offer an external keyboard with these...

A 15-incher? No, we don’t need a bigger MacBook Air

In a December 2022 note to clients — as noted by 9to5Mac — analyst Ross Young said that production of a 15-inch MacBook Air will start in the first quarter of 2023 with the laptop possibly shipping in the spring. The question is, “Why?” This isn’t the first rumor of a...

Apple patent filing involves ‘call collision resolution’ on an iPhone

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I think we’ll see iPad Pros with M3 processors late this year

A MacRumors report is skeptical that Apple will release any new iPads this year. The Sellers Research Group (that’s me) says we’ll see at least one updated tablet: an iPad Pro with an M3 processor. Apple’s M3 will be the third-generation chip for Apple Silicon...

Apple looks at methods to make the covers of its various devices stronger

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Will Apple’s ‘RealityPro’ headset be with the money (assuming you can afford it)?

A new report from The Information (a subscription is required to read the article) has stirred up a bit of controversy regarding the features it claims Apple’s upcoming augmented reality headset will sport. The article says that the device — rumored to be called the...

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Thursday March 26
04:44 pm
iPhone Dynamic Island isn't going away yet, but its days are numbered | AppleInsider
iPhone Dynamic Island isn't going away yet, but its days are numbered
Apple's push toward a true all-screen iPhone is coming into focus again, with a new leak outlining a timed shift away from the Dynamic Island toward hidden sensors.iPhone 18 render with a smaller Dynamic IslandChinese leaker Digital Chat Station claims Apple plans to shrink and relocate its front-facing sensors under the display over time. The shift would move from the current Dynamic Island to a smaller cutout, then to a single punch hole with Face ID hidden beneath the screen.The roadmap is unconfirmed, but it lines up with years of supply chain reports and analyst expectations. Apple has been steadily working to remove visible display cutouts without sacrificing Face ID performance. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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04:41 pm
Apple TV has acclaimed crime drama returning this summer | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple TV has acclaimed crime drama returning this summer
Women in Blue is one of Apple TV’s growing catalog of Spanish-language series, and following its critically acclaimed first season, the release date for season 2 has just been announced. more…
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04:07 pm
macOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 add compact tab bar in Safari | 9 to 5 Mac
macOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 add compact tab bar in Safari
When macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26 launched last fall, they removed support for an optional Safari layout: the compact tab bar. Now, the feature is back in macOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4. more…
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04:02 pm
MacBook Neo could disrupt Chromebooks and Windows PCs, analyst says it ‘opens door’ for Apple | Mac Daily News
MacBook Neo could disrupt Chromebooks and Windows PCs, analyst says it ‘opens door’ for Apple
Apple launched the MacBook Neo earlier this month, shaking up the budget laptop market. The $599 13-inch device — or $499 for students… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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03:44 pm
Deals – Big Spring Sale day 2: AirPods Max 2 first deal, MacBook Neo, MacBook Air $300 off, more | 9 to 5 Mac
Deals – Big Spring Sale day 2: AirPods Max 2 first deal, MacBook Neo, MacBook Air $300 off, more
We have now moved into Day 2 of the Amazon Big Spring Sale with a batch of fresh discounts now up for grabs. Alongside the ongoing holiday pricing on AirPods Pro 3, we have the first cash deal on the brand new AirPods Max 2 at Amazon (or $130 off with trade-ins at Best Buy). Those offers are joined by Apple’s silver 24GB M4 MacBook Air back in-stock at $300 off the list price, a chance to land MacBook Neo down at $558 shipped (‘excellent’ Best Buy open-box with 1-yr. Apple warranty), and the first deals on Apple’s new Spring Collection iPhone 17 Pro and 17e cases. Head below for a closer look. more…
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03:31 pm
Other than Apple-1, other world-changing inventions launched in 1976 | AppleInsider
Other than Apple-1, other world-changing inventions launched in 1976
Apple's 50th anniversary is also the anniversary of the Apple-1. The Apple-1 isn't the only world-changing product that came out in 1976, with many other world-changing inventions sharing the stage.The Apple-1 came out in 1976, but it wasn't the only history makerIn 1976, Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs, and Ronald Wayne shipped Apple's first product — the Apple-1. Fifty years later, absent all three founders for various reasons, the company stands as one of the world's largest technology companies by revenue. Not only is Apple vastly profitable, it has made incredible globe-spanning strides in computing, smartphones, wearables, and more.While the Apple-1 is undeniably one of the most important devices in the home computing revolution, it was hardly the only heavy-hitter that came out that year. As it turns out, incredible strides were being made across many industries, ranging from spaceflight to medtech, consumer electronics to cryptography, with many of the inventions laying groundwork for products and systems we see today. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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03:30 pm
Today in Apple history: Apple pays to use ‘iPad’ name | Cult of Mac
Today in Apple history: Apple pays to use ‘iPad’ name
On this day in 2010, Apple paid to end a trademark dispute with Japanese multinational Fujitsu over the name "iPad" in the United States. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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03:18 pm
New iPhone design with quad-curved display in the works, says leaker | 9 to 5 Mac
New iPhone design with quad-curved display in the works, says leaker
Apple’s rumored iPhone roadmap reveals plenty of experimentation and unique designs coming, and one of them, per Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, will involve a quad-curved display. more…
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02:55 pm
The Verge Explains the US Government’s Router Ban | TidBITS
The Verge Explains the US Government’s Router Ban
Sean Hollister’s lively Q&A explains why the FCC’s foreign router ban won’t recall existing routers, audit new ones, or do much of anything to improve security—it just blocks future imports unless manufacturers commit to US production.Read original article
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02:45 pm
Apple's 50th: London celebrates & Sydney Opera House is lit with iPad art | AppleInsider
Apple's 50th: London celebrates & Sydney Opera House is lit with iPad art
The latest two events in Apple's global celebration of its 50th anniversary saw iPad artists take over the Sydney Opera House, while London danced at Apple Battersea.Nia Archives and Mumford & Sons performed at Apple Battersea — image credit: AppleApple Battersea is both a store and Apple's UK headquarters, and the company often uses the iconic Battersea Power Station building in its marketing. To mark Apple's anniversary, huge Apple logos were projected on the building, and a stage was erected in front of it.The evening saw London-based Nia Archives, award-winning DJ, singer and songwriter, playing jungle scene music. Apple says she's a "dedicated Logic Pro user", and has remixed for Jorja Smith, PinkPantheress, Jamie xx, and Fred again. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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02:25 pm
Apple adds 4 new partners to its American Manufacturing Program | Cult of Mac
Apple adds 4 new partners to its American Manufacturing Program
As part of a $600 billion commitment, Apple adds partners to its American Manufacturing Program, including Bosch and TDK. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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02:24 pm
Apple’s plans for Siri in iOS 27 sound like exactly what I want | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple’s plans for Siri in iOS 27 sound like exactly what I want
Earlier this week, a Bloomberg report outlined Apple’s big plans for a Siri overhaul in iOS 27. And if it proves accurate, I’m very excited for the direction Apple’s taking with Siri. more…
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02:24 pm
Apple’s plans for Siri in iOS 27 sound like exactly what I want | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple’s plans for Siri in iOS 27 sound like exactly what I want
Earlier this week, a Bloomberg report outlined Apple’s big plans for a Siri overhaul in iOS 27. And if it proves accurate, I’m very excited for the direction Apple’s taking with Siri. more…
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02:08 pm
Apple’s rumored 200MP move would bring iPhone camera in line with competitors | Cult of Mac
Apple’s rumored 200MP move would bring iPhone camera in line with competitors
Apple may finally join the 200MP camera race, as a leak suggests it is testing a 200MP sensor for the 2027 iPhone. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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02:02 pm
Unite Pro 1.1 | TidBITS
Unite Pro 1.1
Brings a plethora of improvements following the site-specific browser's recent reset. ($39.99 new, free update, 34.1 MB, macOS 15+)
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01:58 pm
WhatsApp joins the appalling trend for AI-written replies to messages | 9 to 5 Mac
WhatsApp joins the appalling trend for AI-written replies to messages
If there’s one aspect of Apple Intelligence I really detest, it’s the suggested replies to iMessages. Meta is now emulating this with a new update to its Writing Help feature in WhatsApp. The idea is that instead of actually replying to our friends with, you know, genuine human communication, we can just have AI send something generic instead … more…
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01:58 pm
WhatsApp joins the appalling trend for AI-written replies to messages | 9 to 5 Mac
WhatsApp joins the appalling trend for AI-written replies to messages
If there’s one aspect of Apple Intelligence I really detest, it’s the suggested replies to iMessages. Meta is now emulating this with a new update to its Writing Help feature in WhatsApp. The idea is that instead of actually replying to our friends with, you know, genuine human communication, we can just have AI send something generic instead … more…
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01:58 pm
WhatsApp joins the appalling trend for AI-written replies to messages | 9 to 5 Mac
WhatsApp joins the appalling trend for AI-written replies to messages
If there’s one aspect of Apple Intelligence I really detest, it’s the suggested replies to iMessages. Meta is now emulating this with a new update to its Writing Help feature in WhatsApp. The idea is that instead of actually replying to our friends with, you know, genuine human communication, we can just have AI send something generic instead … more…
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01:45 pm
Ultimate power: Top 9 Mac Pro setups | Cult of Mac
Ultimate power: Top 9 Mac Pro setups
Truly the stuff of dreams, the top 9 Mac Pro setups from Cult of Mac's archives showcase the Apple flagship desktop's amazing power. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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01:43 pm
iOS versions: Explore every iOS version from day one to today | Macworld
iOS versions: Explore every iOS version from day one to today
Macworld iOS is at the heart of the iPhone experience. It’s the operating system on which everything else sits, while also delivering plenty of features and dedicated apps built by Apple itself. Every year (usually in September) Apple adds new features to compatible iPhones with an update to iOS, and in the months that follow more features arrive. If you want to know what the latest version of iOS is, or if you’ve ever wondered about when versions came out and what features they brought, we will answer your questions. We also show you how to check which iOS you’re currently using and how to update to the latest iteration. The latest version of iOS is iOS 26, which brings a brand new look and lots of new features. iOS 26 arrived in September 2025 and subsequent updates to iOS 26 have added new features. As of March 2026 we are at version iOS 26.4. iOS version history: Every iOS and the features it brought There are significant milestones scattered across the iOS timeline: Steve Jobs holding the first iPhone at the launch in 2007.Apple iPhone OS (2007): iOS made its debut in 2007 with the first iPhone. However, when Steve Jobs held the little device aloft revealing it to the world for the first time, it wasn’t running iOS 1. Instead, it was reported by Apple to be powered by OS X, the software for the Mac. Over time it was called iPhone OS, until finally gaining its now legendary name in the fourth generation of the software when it was shortened to iOS in 2010. iPhone OS 2 (2008): The second major release of the iPhone software was groundbreaking because it brought third party apps and introduced the App Store. iPhone OS 3 (2009): This update was designed to make it easier to find things, while at the same time adding the ability to have up to 11 pages to the Home Screen. Messages could support MMS, Video recording became possible and it was possible to save voice notes with the Voice Memos app. iOS 4 (2010): Apple changed the name to iOS and added the ability to put apps in folders for a better organised Home screen with iOS 4. The FaceTime, iBooks and Game Centre apps also arrived. The iPad also joined the scene, sharing the same operating system as the iPhone. iOS 5 (2011): iOS 5 was introduced along with the iPhone 4S in 2011, which saw the debut of Siri as a built-in part of the operating system. The Notification Centre was introduced and iCloud arrived bringing syncronisation between devices. This was the first time iOS could be installed directly on the iPhone without requiring a computer. iOS 6 (2012): This is where Apple Maps came onto the scene. Podcasts and Passbook (now Wallet) apps also arrived. iCloud Photo Stream made it easier to share photos with family and friends. iOS 6 was the last with a skeuomorphic design. iOS 7 (2013): With iOS 7 iPhone users got a redesigned user interface, which looked a lot more modern with flatter icons. iOS 7 introduced AirDrop and CarPlay. iOS 7 had a brand new look (at the time).Apple iOS 8 (2014): One of the features of iOS 8 was Continuity, which linked the iPhone, iPad and Mac together, so you could “handoff” tasks from one device to another. Family Sharing also arrived making it easier to manage a child’s iPhone. iOS 9 (2015): iOS 9 improved the Notes app, added Apple News, and featured a new Night Shift mode that removed some of the blue light that can disturb circadian rhythms and stop someone sleeping. iOS 10 (2016): There were updates to Messages and changes to the Photos app in iOS 10. A new Home app brought HomeKit control. Maps got a redesign. Universal Clipboard meant that users could copy something on a Mac and paste it on an iPhone, for example. iOS 11 (2017): Things changed significantly in iOS 11 in 2017 as it brought the first touch and gesture interface, allowing the first iPhone without a Home button – the iPhone X. There was a new Files app making it easier to access content synced or saved in iCloud and the Control Centre got a redesign. iOS 12 (2018): Screen Time, Memoji, Group FaceTime and Siri Shortcuts were new in iOS 12. iOS 13 (2019): Another major shift came with iOS 13 in 2019, as Apple’s mobile operating system for the iPad split with the iPhone, with iPadOS powering new iPads. Updates to iOS included Dark Mode, new privacy features and the ability to Sign in with Apple and hide your email address. The Photos and Apple Maps apps got a redesign and a swipe-to-type keyboard was added. iOS 14 (2020): One of the most notable additions was Back Tap, a feature that effectively turned the back of the iPhone into an extra button. Starting with iOS 14.2, music recognition was built directly into the operating system via a Shazam button. iOS 15 on iPhone 12.Foundry iOS 15 (2021): Focus Mode arrived in iOS 15 to help users manage the onslaught of notifications, Live Text and Visual Look up made it possible to interact with text within photos (Live Text) and use the camera to identify objects like plants and animals. The Safari browser received a major interface update as did Maps and the Weather app. iOS 16 (2022): One of the most visible changes in iOS 16 was the complete overhaul of the Lock screen, which allowed users to add widgets for the first time to view data at a glance without unlocking their devices. Apple added Rapid Security Responses so that it could deliver important security patches outside of an iOS update. iOS 17 (2023): NameDrop in iOS 17 made it possible to share information by bringing two iPhones together. Stolen Device Protection added a layer of security by requiring biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) before an Apple ID password could be changed. Live Voicemail meant that iPhone users could get a live transaction of a message. iOS 18 (2024): The iOS 18 update laid the groundwork for Apple’s subsequent AI initiatives. There was also a complete redesign of the Photos app, a dedicated Passwords app, Control Center Customization and Live Activities (so you could see when your dinner delivery is arriving). iOS 26 (2025): Rather than progress to iOS 19, Apple has aligned the numbering of all its operating systems according to the year with iOS 26. It wasn’t just a name change though, there was a significant visual and functional overhaul with a Liquid Glass design language. Big changes also came to the Phone app with Call Screening and Hold Assist. Live Transaltions make it easy to communicate with foreign friends and colleagues. The Camera app had a simplifying redesign and a Games app replaced Game Centre. Foundry Here’s how the latest two iOS versions compare: iOS 26 vs iOS 18. List of iOS versions and latest versions Here’s a breakdown of all the versions of iOS that have been released, when they were released, when they were last updated, and the latest iOS version. OS versionRelease dateLatest versionLatest update dateiPhone OS 1June 29, 2007iOS 1.1.5July 15, 2008iPhone OS 2July 11, 2008iOS 2.2.1January 27, 2009iPhone OS 3June 17, 2009iOS 3.2.2August 11, 2010iOS 4June 22, 2010iOS 4.3.5July 25, 2011iOS 5October 12, 2011iOS 5.1.1May 7, 2012iOS 6September 19, 2012iOS 6.1.6February 21, 2014iOS 7September 18, 2013iOS 7.1.2June 30, 2014iOS 8September 17, 2014iOS 8.4.1August 13, 2015iOS 9September 16, 2015iOS 9.3.6July 22, 2019iOS 10September 13, 2016iOS 10.3.4July 22, 2019iOS 11September 19, 2017iOS 11.4.1July 9, 2018iOS 12September 17, 2018iOS 12.5.8January 26, 2026iOS 13September 19, 2019iOS 13.7September 1, 2020iOS 14September 17, 2020iOS 14.8.1October 26, 2021iOS 15September 24, 2021iOS 15.8.7March 11, 2026iOS 16September 12, 2022iOS 16.7.15March 11, 2026iOS 17September 18, 2023iOS 17.7.2November 19, 2024iOS 18September 16, 2024iOS 18.7.7March 24, 2026iOS 26September 15, 2025iOS 26.4March 24, 2026 Which iOS versions are currently supported by Apple? In terms of new features, only iOS 26 is currently supported. When Apple introduced iOS 26 it stopped development of new features for iOS 18. The following iPhones support iOS 26: iPhone 17 Series – iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air (2025), iPhone 17e (2026) iPhone 16 Series – iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e (2024) iPhone 15 Series – iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max (2023) iPhone 14 Series – iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) iPhone 13 Series – iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) iPhone 12 Series – iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020) iPhone 11 Series – iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019) iPhone SE – iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020), iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) However, even after Apple stops developing new features for older versions of iOS, it continues to issue security updates for some time. As explained in How long does Apple support iPhones?, Apple often provides security patches for devices that can’t run the latest version of iOS. For example, in March 2026, Apple released an update to iOS 18 addressing security vulnerabilities. This patch was only available for iPhones that cannot upgrade to iOS 26, suggesting that Apple expects compatible devices to move to iOS 26 for ongoing security support. This still means older models – such as the iPhone XR and XS – remain supported, even though they cannot run iOS 26. Support extends even further back. Also in March 2026, Apple issued security updates for iOS 15 and iOS 16. Updates iOS 15.8.7 and iOS 16.7.15 patched critical vulnerabilities in older devices, including: iPhone 6s (all models) iPhone 7 (all models) iPhone SE (1st gen) iPhone 8 and 8 Plus iPhone X Notably, the iPhone 6s – launched in 2015 – continues to receive security updates, marking over ten years of support. Earlier, in January 2026, Apple also released updates for iOS 12, 15, 16 and 18 to extend support for certificates required by services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation, ensuring these features continue to work beyond January 2027. This means that even the iPhone 5s has received some support in 2026. Which iPhones support which iOS versions? Luckily, many iPhones are able to run supported versions of iOS. We run through which iPhone supports which version of iOS in a separate article: iOS compatibility: Find out the latest version your iPhone can run. You may also find this at a glance chart useful: Every version of iOS and the phones supported. Foundry So, there it is. A potted history of iOS. Want to know about all the versions of macOS? Read: Mac OS X and macOS: Every version released so far. You can also find out what the latest version of macOS is.
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Tuesday February 17
03:01 pm
Nomad Takes Up to 49% Off iPhone 17 Cases, MagSafe Stands, and More | MacRumors
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
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01:41 pm
New iOS 26.4 Feature Shows Hotspot Data Usage By Device | MacRumors
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
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10:45 am
OLED iPad Mini: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect | MacRumors
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
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03:52 am
iOS 26.4 Lays Groundwork for CarPlay Video, Including Apple TV | MacRumors
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
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Monday February 16
09:40 pm
Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 1 | MacRumors
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
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09:38 pm
Apple Brings iPhone-Style Battery Charge Limits to the Mac in macOS Tahoe 26.4 | MacRumors
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
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09:23 pm
Compact Safari Tab Bar Returns in macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 | MacRumors
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
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08:41 pm
Apple Music 'Playlist Playground' in iOS 26.4 Creates Playlists From Text Prompts | MacRumors
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
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08:08 pm
macOS Tahoe 26.4 Displays Warnings for Apps That Won't Work After Rosetta 2 Support Ends | MacRumors
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
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07:43 pm
Apple Releases New Public Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 | MacRumors
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
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06:59 pm
iOS 26.4 Enables Stolen Device Protection by Default for All iPhones | MacRumors
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
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06:49 pm
Apple Begins Testing End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages in iOS 26.4 Beta | MacRumors
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
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06:32 pm
Apple Podcasts Getting Video Episodes in iOS 26.4 | MacRumors
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
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06:09 pm
Apple Seeds First Betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 to Developers | MacRumors
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
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06:08 pm
First macOS Tahoe 26.4 Beta Now Available for Developers | MacRumors
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
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06:07 pm
Apple Releases First watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4 and visionOS 26.4 Betas | MacRumors
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
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04:40 pm
Apple May Leave iPad Pro Without Major Upgrades for Years | MacRumors
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
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03:51 pm
AirTag 1 Gets Major Amazon Discount With 4-Pack at $64 | MacRumors
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
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02:05 pm
Apple Announces Special Event in New York on March 4 | MacRumors
Apple Announces Special Event in New York on March 4
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. It is notable that Apple is specifically using the word "experience," rather than "event." Unlike a full live-streamed event from Apple Park, the March 4 event in New York is likely to be smaller in scale. The announcement of several new Apple products is believed to be imminent, including the iPhone 17e, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, eighth-generation, iPad Air, 12th-generation iPad, and more. More to follow...This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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12:40 pm
iOS 27 'Rave' Update to Clean Up Code, Could Boost Battery Life | MacRumors
iOS 27 'Rave' Update to Clean Up Code, Could Boost Battery Life
Apple's iOS 27 update will prioritize cleaning up the operating system's internals, with engineers making changes that could result in better battery life, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The effort is said to be similar to what Apple did with its Snow Leopard Mac update years ago, and will involve removing old code, rewriting existing features, and subtly upgrading apps to improve their performance. The result should hopefully be a "snappier, more responsive" OS, says Gurman. Apple is also reportedly planning some interface tweaks, but nothing as dramatic as the Liquid Glass overhaul introduced with iOS 26, which will likely comfort some users. Code-named "Rave" internally, iOS 27 will also include efficiency improvements that Apple hopes will translate into tangible battery gains for users, says Gurman. However, it's unclear whether Apple would market those improvements or simply let users discover them on their own. Gurman says getting the software into good shape is especially important as Apple prepares to launch new device categories, including a touchscreen MacBook Pro and its first foldable iPhone, both of which are expected in the second half of 2026. The cleanup effort comes alongside Apple's other major iOS 27 priority of improving its AI capabilities. The revamped, chatbot-style Siri that Apple announced in June 2024 has been repeatedly delayed, and some of its features are now expected to arrive in iOS 27 rather than iOS 26, reports Gurman. Tag: Mark GurmanThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Yeedi Vac-Accessible Smart Vacuum offers functionality its competitors don’t

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Monday March 02
08:52 pm
Multiple Destination SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance | Twilio
Multiple Destination SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 2, 15:00 - 18:00 PSTMar 2, 12:38 PSTScheduled - Our SMS carrier partner in the Czech Republic and Hungary is conducting a planned maintenance from 02 March 2026 at 15:00 PST until 02 March 2026 at 18:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Czech Republic and Hungary handsets via subset of Czech Republic and Hungary long codes.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.
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08:45 pm
Pages API and builds unavailable | CloudFlare
Pages API and builds unavailable
Mar 2, 20:45 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is aware of and investigating an issue impacting the Cloudflare Pages API and Pages builds. Customers may experience 5xx errors, and builds may fail to start or complete.We are actively working to understand and mitigate the impact.
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05:23 pm
PIT (Pittsburgh) on 2026-03-03 | CloudFlare
PIT (Pittsburgh) on 2026-03-03
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 3, 08:00 - 13:00 UTCMar 2, 17:04 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in PIT (Pittsburgh) datacenter on 2026-03-03 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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05:23 pm
GRU (São Paulo) on 2026-03-03 | CloudFlare
GRU (São Paulo) on 2026-03-03
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 3, 08:00 - 13:00 UTCMar 2, 17:08 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in GRU (São Paulo) datacenter on 2026-03-03 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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04:52 pm
JAX (Jacksonville) on 2026-03-03 | CloudFlare
JAX (Jacksonville) on 2026-03-03
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 3, 08:00 - 13:00 UTCMar 2, 16:50 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in JAX (Jacksonville) datacenter on 2026-03-03 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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02:24 pm
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Gazprombank Mobile | Twilio
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Gazprombank Mobile
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 4, 12:00 - 12:59 PSTMar 2, 05:57 PSTScheduled - The Gazprombank Mobile network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 04 March 2026 at 12:00 PST until 04 March 2026 at 12:59 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Gazprombank Mobile Russia handsets.
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01:52 pm
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – MTS | Twilio
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – MTS
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 3, 19:00 - 20:30 PSTMar 2, 05:42 PSTScheduled - The MTS network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 03 March 2026 at 19:00 PST until 03 March 2026 at 20:30 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to MTS Russia handsets.
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12:10 pm
Unable to view logs in Durable Objects dashboard | CloudFlare
Unable to view logs in Durable Objects dashboard
Mar 2, 12:10 UTCIdentified - The issue has been identified and a fix is being implemented.Mar 2, 11:58 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is aware of and investigating an issue impacting viewing logs in the Durable Objects dashboard. We are working to understand and mitigate the impact
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10:52 am
US SMS Carrier Maintenance – Small US Carriers | Twilio
US SMS Carrier Maintenance – Small US Carriers
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 3, 21:00 - 23:00 PSTMar 2, 02:23 PSTScheduled - A subset of small networks in the US are conducting a planned maintenance from 03 March 2026 at 21:00 PST until 03 March 2026 at 23:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to small US carriers handsets when sending via short codes.
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10:34 am
Challenge Pages issues with HTTP connections | CloudFlare
Challenge Pages issues with HTTP connections
Mar 2, 10:34 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is aware of, and investigating an issue with Challenge Pages not solving in insecure (http) connections.We are working to resolve the issue. More updates to follow shortly.
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09:52 am
MAD (Madrid) on 2026-03-03 | CloudFlare
MAD (Madrid) on 2026-03-03
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 3, 01:00 - 05:00 UTCMar 2, 09:48 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in MAD (Madrid) datacenter on 2026-03-03 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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09:22 am
Singapore SMS Carrier Maintenance – M1 | Twilio
Singapore SMS Carrier Maintenance – M1
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 2, 10:00 - 13:00 PSTMar 2, 01:17 PSTScheduled - The M1 network in Singapore is conducting a planned maintenance from 02 March 2026 at 10:00 PST until 02 March 2026 at 13:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to M1 Singapore handsets.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.
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09:15 am
Newark (EWR) Datacenter Increase in HTTP Request latency | CloudFlare
Newark (EWR) Datacenter Increase in HTTP Request latency
Mar 2, 09:15 UTCResolved - This incident has been resolved.Feb 27, 13:40 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to monitor for any further issues.Feb 26, 17:16 UTCUpdate - Further investigation has confirmed that Data Loss Prevention (DLP) services were not impacted by this incident.Feb 26, 17:12 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to monitor for any further issues.Feb 26, 17:08 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to monitor for any further issues.Feb 26, 10:12 UTCMonitoring - A fix has been implemented and we are monitoring the results.Feb 21, 09:57 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to work on a fix for this issue.Feb 20, 11:45 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to work on a fix for this issue.Feb 19, 16:24 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to work on a fix for this issue.Feb 19, 11:25 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to work on a fix for this issue.Feb 18, 14:36 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to work on a fix for this issue.Feb 17, 12:07 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to work on a fix for this issue.Feb 16, 12:02 UTCIdentified - The issue has been identified and a fix is being implemented.Feb 16, 10:23 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to investigate this issue.Feb 16, 10:19 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare has detected an issue regarding elevated latency affecting a subset of HTTP requests in Newark, NJ. We are actively investigating this region. Some customers using Cloudflare Data Loss Prevention (DLP) suite may see intermittent errors for traffic in this datacenter.
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08:31 am
Service degradation on DUO81 | Duo Security
Service degradation on DUO81
Mar 2, 03:31 ESTUpdate - We are continuing to investigate this issue.Mar 2, 03:30 ESTInvestigating - We are currently investigating a service degradation on our DUO81 deployment and are working to restore services as soon as possible.
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07:06 am
Delay in executing synthetics monitors | New Relic
Delay in executing synthetics monitors
Mar 2, 07:06 UTCInvestigating - Some customers in the US and EU region may experience delay in executing synthetics monitors
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