MacTech News

Apple explains its drastic price increases to ‘MacRumors’

Today Apple announced some pretty serious price increases on Mac, iPad, Vision Pro, and HomePod mini devices. In a statement to MacRumors, Apple explained why. Here’s the statement: “The consumer electronics industry is facing an unprecedented challenge. The rapid...

IDC Senior Director offers insights on the rising cost of Apple products

Nabila Popal, IDC’s Senior Director, Data & Analytics, has provided the following insights to Apple World Today about the rising costs of Apple’s products. Topline Insights: Since the memory crisis has been in play for many months, we already expected Apple to...

Apple says it’s ‘working tirelessly to find solutions’ to the eye-watering price hikes announced today

Today Apple announced some pretty serious price increases on Mac, iPad, Vision Pro, and HomePod mini devices. In a statement to Bloomberg , the giant tech says it’s “working tirelessly to find solutions.” There’s no word on what such solutions might entail. In the...

Apple wants your Mac to be able to automatically align with an external display

Apple wants your Mac to be able to automatically align with an external display as evidenced by a new patent filing for “Automatic Display Alignment Using Feature Tracking.” About the patent filing It relates generally to workstations, and more particularly to...

Counterpoint: Apple to Hit Record Market Share in Smartphones, Laptops, Tablets in 2026

Apple will gain year-over-year (YoY) market share across its smartphone, PC, tablet and smartwatch segments in 2026, according to Counterpoint Research’s Apple 360 Service. The smartphone, PC and tablet segments will record the highest-ever market share levels, says...

Macs, iPads, and the Vision Pro see ‘substantial’ price increases

As noted by MacRumors, Apple has increased Mac and iPad prices “dramatically across the board.” The hikes are due to the rising cost of memory and storage chips. Here are the changes: MacBook Neo: $699, up from $599 MacBook Air: $1,299, up from $1,099 MacBook Pro:...

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Opinion

Apple patent involves ‘warning for frequently traveled trips based on traffic

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Apple patent involves detecting cracks in windows on an Apple Car

Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. Apple has been granted a patent (number 11506623) for “systems for detecting cracks in windows.” About the patent In the patent Apple notes that vehicle windows sometimes include thin films through which ohmic heating current may be...

Apple granted patent for blood pressure measurements with an ‘Apple Cuff’

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Apple patent involves highlighting icons for search results

Apple has been granted a patent (number 11500890) for “highlighting icons for search results.” The goal is to make it easier to view results following a search for items and preferences on a Mac, iPad, or iPhone. About the patent The patent involves user interfaces...

User Survey 2022: Will iPhones Be on This Year’s Christmas List?

SellCell, a site for selling used electronics, interviewed over 2500 US iPhone users to find out exactly what their Apple-related purchase intent is in the lead up to Christmas and whether Apple devices feature on Christmas shopping lists in 2022. The survey also...

When might we see an Apple Pencil 3? And what features might it add?

The update of the iPad Pro was a bit underwhelming. I was anticipating a new Apple Pencil to go along with the upgrade, but that, along with some anticipated features for the tablet, didn’t happen. There were rumors that we could get a new Pencil with such features...

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Friday July 10
01:01 pm
∞ The Dalrymple Report: MacBook Air, iOS 27, and SF housing | The Loop
∞ The Dalrymple Report: MacBook Air, iOS 27, and SF housing
Dave recently bought an M5 MacBook Air before the price hikes took effect. That gives him three MacBook Airs and he talks about the differences he's found. Dave also has the most recent OS betas installed on several of his devices and we discuss his experiences so far. Everyone knows how expensive it is to live in San Francisco, but things have take a crazy turn in the city that is changing the housing market. Follow this podcast Show Notes: iOS 27 Lets You Add Apple TV Remote to Your iPhone's Home Screen Apple scores record 89 Emmy Award nominations Apple to increase spend with Broadcom to produce billions more U.S. chips ‘Hysteria’ Grips San Francisco’s Housing Market as A.I. Wealth Pours Shows and movies we're watching The Boroughs, Netflix Louis CK, ridiculous, Netflix
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12:31 pm
From rumors to titanium, bad debts and a new backer — Apple Card is seven years old | AppleInsider
From rumors to titanium, bad debts and a new backer — Apple Card is seven years old
With its move to JP Morgan Chase, Apple Card is facing its first major change — but don't assume that the story of how it got to here is anything but a rocky road.The physical Apple Card that hasn't changed since 2019Apple Card and all of Apple's financial services that go along with it, do seem a very long way from how the company started out. But it isn't at all far from how in the 1980s, the company looked into financing in order to sell its expensive new Macintosh.It's hard now to be certain when this started, but at least one Apple Computer-branded credit card existed in 1984. Then there was one consumer credit card and one business one in 1986, a year after Steve Jobs left the company. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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12:31 pm
Security Bite: Passkeys were supposed to have killed the password by now… | 9 to 5 Mac
Security Bite: Passkeys were supposed to have killed the password by now…
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. For years, bullish supporters have heralded passkeys as the future of sign-on, while traditional passwords are seen as the way of the past. It’s praised as a frictionless, far more secure alternative. But this week, I used normal passwords to authenticate more times than I can count. Don’t get me wrong, the adoption of passkeys has been impressive. More on that soon. However, I can’t help but reflect on the current state of sign-on and how lesser is still largely dominant in the wake of far better technology.
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12:25 pm
No, EU iPhones won't have a removable battery door in 2027 | AppleInsider
No, EU iPhones won't have a removable battery door in 2027
Despite what you might have seen on the internet, iPhones sold in the European Union will not have a removable back panel for easy battery replacement, and they probably never will. Here's why.iPhone batteries aren't changing any time soon. Image credit: AppleYou've probably seen AI TikTok slop and random Reddit posts that claim the EU will force Apple to bring user-replaceable batteries to the iPhone in 2027. But in what should be a surprise to nobody, they're all wrong.But like so much viral-yet-false information, there's a kernel of truth to it. The EU does have new iPhone battery legislation that comes into effect in 2027. Apple already meets the requirements. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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12:25 pm
No, EU iPhones won't have a removable battery door in 2027 | AppleInsider
No, EU iPhones won't have a removable battery door in 2027
Despite what you might have seen on the internet, iPhones sold in the European Union will not have a removable back panel for easy battery replacement, and they probably never will. Here's why.iPhone batteries aren't changing any time soon. Image credit: AppleYou've probably seen AI TikTok slop and random Reddit posts that claim the EU will force Apple to bring user-replaceable batteries to the iPhone in 2027. But in what should be a surprise to nobody, they're all wrong.But like so much viral-yet-false information, there's a kernel of truth to it. The EU does have new iPhone battery legislation that comes into effect in 2027. Apple already meets the requirements. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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12:25 pm
No, EU iPhones won't have a removable battery door in 2027 | AppleInsider
No, EU iPhones won't have a removable battery door in 2027
Despite what you might have seen on the internet, iPhones sold in the European Union will not have a removable back panel for easy battery replacement, and they probably never will. Here's why.iPhone batteries aren't changing any time soon. Image credit: AppleYou've probably seen AI TikTok slop and random Reddit posts that claim the EU will force Apple to bring user-replaceable batteries to the iPhone in 2027. But in what should be a surprise to nobody, they're all wrong.But like so much viral-yet-false information, there's a kernel of truth to it. The EU does have new iPhone battery legislation that comes into effect in 2027. Apple already meets the requirements. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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12:12 pm
Should you buy the MacBook Air now or wait? | Macworld
Should you buy the MacBook Air now or wait?
Macworld As of July 2026, it’s an excellent time to buy a MacBook Air, although not as good as if you were buying before June 25 when Apple increased prices by $200/£200 for each model. Apple refreshed the lineup in March 2026 with the new M5 chip. The current models are the best all-around laptop for most people, offering a good balance of price, portability, battery life, and performance. Another update to the MacBook Air is not expected until 2027, so buyers can purchase now without worrying about an imminent refresh. That said, whether you should buy now depends on your current device, budget, and what features matter most to you. Buy a MacBook Air now if… You’re upgrading from an Intel Mac: Apple’s transition away from Intel is accelerating, and support is shrinking. You need a lightweight laptop: The 13-inch MacBook Air weighs just 2.7 pounds, making it ideal for travel, commuting, and working between locations. You’re buying your first Mac: The MacBook Air is a user-friendly entry point to macOS. You need to: You’re replacing a broken or unreliable device. You’re a student: The MacBook Air is one of the best student laptops thanks to its silent fanless design, long battery life, and portability. You find a good deal: If you find the M5 MacBook Air with $100/£100 or more off grab it. As of July 2026, Amazon has $150 off the 1TB MacBook Air models, while Amazon U.K. has £149 off the same models. Don’t buy a MacBook Air now if… You already own an M2, M3, or M4 MacBook Air: The M5 improvements are meaningful but not transformative for recent Apple Silicon owners. You need power: Creative professionals should consider buying a MacBook Pro instead. The Air’s fanless design is excellent for silence and portability, but sustained workloads like 4K video exports or 3D rendering can cause thermal throttling. You want a major redesign: OLED displays, ProMotion (120Hz), and thinner chassis redesigns are rumored for 2027. You’re highly price-sensitive: It would be wise to wait for larger seasonal discounts if you can. You’re interested in refurbished pricing: Apple Refurbished discounts are typically around 15%, it there are no M5 MacBook Air available on the refurbished store we recommend waiting, unless there is a good deal on the M4 generation.
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11:50 am
Best USB-C and Thunderbolt cables for iPhone, iPad and Mac for 2026 | Macworld
Best USB-C and Thunderbolt cables for iPhone, iPad and Mac for 2026
Macworld USB-C is the modern connection standard shared by most new devices today. It comes in several different formats—USB-C, USB4 and Thunderbolt—but they all have the same reversible connector at the end and are interchangeable and backwards compatible. All of Apple’s new devices now use USB-C or Thunderbolt for charging and data transfers. Some cables are only really good for charging as their data-transfer (bandwidth) rate is too slow to be practical. In the reviews below we note both charging power (measured in watts) and data-transfer rate—measured in either megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). If you are connecting the cable to a monitor, storage device, hub or docking station the minimum data speed should be 5Gbps but go higher if you can. If you just want to use it for charging an iPhone, iPad or MacBook, the data speed matters less. We’ve tried and tested the best USB-C and Thunderbolt cables here. If you want to jump straight to our recommendations click the one that meets your requirements: Best USB-C cable for iPhone and iPad Best USB-C and Thunderbolt cable for Mac Best Thunderbolt cables for Mac You can find cheaper online but we recommend cables only from trusted brands, such as Anker, Apple, Beats, Belkin, Cable Matters, CalDigit, Native Union, Plugable, and Ugreen. When charging your precious devices, you want to be sure that you aren’t putting them at risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire in your home. Apple’s old Lightning connector was also reversible—where it doesn’t matter which side of the connector faces up or down as you plug it in—so no big change there, but USB-C is much more than just a symmetrical design. It can transfer data much faster—pushing Lightning’s 0.48Gbps to up to 120Gbps. Apple’s iPhone 15, 16 and 17 have a USB-C port, replacing the old trusty but proprietary Lightning cable that has been a part of iPhones and older iPads since 2012. Apple supplies a USB-C charging cable in the box, but if you want a single cable for fast charging and data transfers—or just a spare charging cable—we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to help you get the best one. Some are fast, some are super-powerful, some are both, a few are retractable, and some are just fun. Yes… fun! We go into more detail about everything you need to know about USB-C cables after the chart of best cables, but for now you need to know about the cable of your dreams: Which speed (measured in watts) your devices require: an iPhone needs at least 20W to fast-charge, an iPad 30W, a MacBook Air at least 70W, a MacBook Pro 100W and the 16-inch Pro 140W. While the MacBook Neo doesn’t officially support fast charging, a 30W charger will speed things up but any higher won’t likely do much more for that laptop model. Do you need it to transfer data as well as supply power? Most charging cables are limited to a rather slow 480Mbps data rate. If you want proper bandwidth as well as charging power look for at least 5Gbps or as much as 80Gbps. How long should it be: if the charger is within arms reach of your device a short cable might suffice where a long cable will just be an inconvenience, but if you want to charge your iPhone, Pad or MacBook while sat on the sofa a longer cable will make all the difference. We’ve supplied the cable data to these questions in our reviews below. The difference between USB-A, Lightning and USB-C Foundry Note that the cables reviewed here are USB-C to USB-C (or backwards-compatible Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt). Old iPhone chargers had the non-reversible rectangular USB-A connector to connect to the charger and a Lightning connector that went into the iPhone. Don’t stick with legacy USB-A at one end as the old standard is limited in data transfer speed to 10Gbps and limited in charging speed to just a rather pathetic 15W. Apple Using a USB-C charger will enable fast charging even for iPhones with a Lightning port. You can still charge an Apple device with a USB-A charger but not at the fastest speed. From the iPhone 15 onwards it’s USB-C into the charger and USB-C into the iPhone. See our roundup of the best USB-C chargers for iPhone. We have even more tips that show you the fastest ways to charge an iPhone. Best USB-C cables for iPhone and iPad Elsewhere we have rounded up the best Lightning cables we’ve seen for iPhones older than the iPhone 15. USB-A is the larger, non-reversible connector. USB-C is required for iPhone fast charging. From the iPhone 15 onwards—also with the AirPods Pro 2—you’ll need a cable with USB-C on both ends (USB-C-to-USB-C) to charge an iPhone or iPad unless you charge wirelessly: check out the best MagSafe wireless iPhone chargers. All iPads on sale today feature a USB-C connector. But even the 10th Gen iPad’s USB-C is still limited to a 480Mbps data speed. The iPad mini has a USB-C port that supports 5Gbps; the iPad Air 10Gbps; and the iPad Pro has a USB4/Thunderbolt port that can zip data along at 40Gbps. Check your iPad’s data transfer rate before choosing a new cable. For charging only, any of the USB-C cables reviewed below will be fine as 20W should be enough to charge even an iPad. But if you are connecting to other devices or syncing via cable, we recommend cables that support faster data transfers. A 10Gbps USB-C cable, such as the Cable Matters cord below, is an excellent option if you don’t want to spend a bundle on Thunderbolt. Apple 60W USB-C Charge Cable (1m) – If it must be Apple Pros Made by Apple 60W Power Delivery Robust woven design Cons Slow data-transfer speed Price When Reviewed: $19 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $19 View Deal $19 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Charging: 60W Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Colors: White Best for: Charging iPhone 15-17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro If you want every iPhone accessory you own to be made by Apple, go with Apple’s own USB-C Charge Cable as a spare USB-C iPhone charging cable—at 60W it’s powerful enough to charge even a MacBook Air. At $19 / £19 it’s a fine, if comparatively expensive, solution. Unlike Apple’s rather feeble plastic USB-C to Lightning cables, this 3.3ft (1m) charging cable has a robust woven design that means it is far less likely to fray or break with frequent winding and tugging. Apple also sells a $29 2m USB-C Charge Cable that is now also woven—it’s rated at up to 240W, overkill for an iPhone but top-end charging for any Apple USB-C device. Its USB 2.0 data-transfer speed is super slow compared to 5Gbps or faster USB-C cables but it’s the same as Lightning. That doesn’t make a difference when charging your iPhone but if you are syncing an iPad or Mac via cable, transfer speeds will be frustrating. As the iPhone 15/16/17 Pro models boast 10Gbps data transfer, this cable’s low bandwidth is a bit of a disappointment if you use the cable for syncing. It’s available in only white. If you fancy a color that matches your new iPhone or your soft furnishings, you need to read on for one of the third-party USB-C cables that we recommend—starting with the poppy Beats cables.
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11:47 am
iPhone Fold battery now rumored to have less capacity than expected | AppleInsider
iPhone Fold battery now rumored to have less capacity than expected
A leaker claims to have the specifications for both of the batteries expected in the iPhone Fold, and the suggestion is that despite its thin chassis, it will have all-day battery life.The two sides of the iPhone Fold are each expected to house a battery.A leak in February 2026 claimed that the iPhone Fold would have the largest-capacity battery of any iPhone ever, but stopped short of any specifics. Around the same time, a separate rumor said that capacity would be 5,000 mAh, and the battery would have two cells that are "3D stacked."Now leaker Digital Chat Station has posted on the Chinese social media site Weibo that the iPhone Fold will have a battery capacity of at least 4,883 mAh. This figure is said to have come from regulatory filings made by an unspecified battery supplier. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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11:15 am
Level up your Mac with these Apple accessory alternatives | Macworld
Level up your Mac with these Apple accessory alternatives
Macworld For many users, Apple’s own accessories are the first and last peripherals they get for their desktop computer. That’s understandable: you can buy a Magic Keyboard and/or Magic Mouse at the same time as your new Mac, and if you’re going second-hand, then many sellers bundle them in with the Mac they’re moving on. What’s more, Apple is a name that a lot of people trust. The problem is that these accessories are often average at best and downright poor choices at worst. Sure, many of them can do the job, but you’d get a much better experience by looking elsewhere. Here are a few ways you can improve your Mac setup by switching out Apple’s accessories for superior alternatives. It’s a quick move you won’t regret. Save your wrist with a new mouse By this point, the Magic Mouse and its slimline design are well-known enough to be pretty much iconic. Surely you’ve heard about its odd charging method, but its sleek curves and simple palette are instantly recognizable, easy on the eye, and a great match for your other Apple products. More than that, though, it’s unique among mice in that its entire top surface works as a gesture-enabled trackpad surface. That provides a lot of extra functionality and makes it a seemingly sensible choice for a lot of people. The trade-off is that this flat design is terrible for hand and wrist comfort. It provides next to no support throughout the day, and that eventually takes its toll—I actually know someone who had to stop using the Magic Mouse due to the severe pain it caused their hand. For that reason, it’s best to swap out the Magic Mouse for something better. Thankfully, there are much more comfortable and functional alternatives wherever you look. Logitech’s MX Master 4 mouse ($120 at Amazon) is one example. Unlike many rivals, it has a built-in gesture button: hold it down and move the mouse in one of several directions to perform macOS gestures. It’s not quite as seamless as the Magic Mouse, but is still a good alternative. The Logitech MX Master 4 feels great in the hand and has a lot of controls.Mikael Lindkvist There’s more to it than that, though. Importantly, it has a more comfortable shape, making it better for long-term usage. It’s stuffed with extras that the Magic Mouse lacks, such as an adaptable MagSpeed scroll wheel, a side-mounted thumb wheel, and super-quiet button clicks. As for myself, I use the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 ($160) as my daily driver. It’s extremely lightweight, which makes it supremely comfortable and eliminates any semblance of wrist strain. And it has the added bonus of being fast and agile for gaming, something that’s increasingly a consideration for Mac users these days. It has enough extra buttons for my needs, impressive battery life, plus you can use the mouse while it’s charging (unlike the Magic Mouse). Get a better keyboard When Apple ditched the butterfly keyboard and resurrected the MacBook’s Magic Keyboard for a triumphant return, there were cheers from Mac users around the world. Not only was the Magic Keyboard a far better option for Mac laptops, but it was loved by desktop enthusiasts everywhere that Macs could be found. I must confess, though, that I’m not a massive fan of Apple’s keyboard. Sure, it’s fine. There’s nothing obviously, disastrously wrong with it, especially not compared to the butterfly keyboard fiasco. But shouldn’t we aspire to more than just “fine” in our Mac setups? Shouldn’t we demand only the best experience for our fingers? The Keychron Q6 Max is Macworld’s favorite mechanical keyboard. Foundry If you share that feeling, you can do yourself a massive favor by losing the Magic Keyboard and replacing it with a proper mechanical keyboard. These are superior to membrane options like the Magic Keyboard for several reasons. Most noticeably, mechanical keys travel further when you press them. This is not only more comfortable and satisfying in use but also makes you less likely to “bottom out” and slam the keys against the keyboard’s frame while typing, which can lead to finger fatigue over time. As well as that, mechanical keyboards are not one-size-fits-all, unlike the Magic Keyboard. That means you’re more likely to find something that suits you and your individual needs. You can choose from different key switches, all of which change how the keyboard feels in use, while there are different shapes and sizes to pick from, too. Some are pretty expensive, like Keychron’s Q6 Max ($240), but you’ll definitely be getting a keyboard that won’t need to be replaced anytime soon. And there are plenty of affordable options, too. Mechanical keyboards offer almost customization, too. Many have hot-swappable switches; you can change the keycaps for a different look and feel, while software such as Via and QMK lets you create almost any key macro and combination you can dream up. And it’s worth noting that mechanical keyboards tend to be made with higher-quality components, such as metal frames and PBT plastics, which provide a superior experience and help them last longer. Now, I’ll admit that Apple’s Magic Keyboard has one advantage: the Touch ID button. That’s something you won’t get on any other keyboard, due to Apple locking down the Touch ID module with various proprietary security features. But is it worth sacrificing all the benefits of a mechanical keyboard for this one element? I’d say it’s not, especially when there are other ways to unlock your Mac that are just as fast and secure, such as using an Apple Watch. A monitor you can adjust Apple’s monitors are feature-rich and look the part, but they fall short when it comes to ergonomics. While priced like high-end monitors, base models of the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR are both severely limited in how much you can adjust them. The Studio Display can only be tilted forward and back, with no height adjustment in the entry-level edition, and the Studio Display XDR doesn’t even come with a stand unless you drop another $400. This problem extends to the iMac, too, where it’s even worse because there’s no upgrade option with extra adjustability. Back when I worked for a major technology publisher, I had to mount my work iMac on a stack of books just to get it to a suitable height. Instead of putting up with this broken situation–and suffering from the discomfort and pain that arise from an unergonomic workstation. It’s a much better idea to get an adjustable monitor. And the good news is that this doesn’t have to mean sacrificing features. Take the BenQ MA270UP, which was our pick for the best Mac monitor of 2025. It boasts a 4K resolution, a beautiful glossy panel that produces superb image quality, and 95 percent accuracy for the P3 color gamut, plus it can charge your devices up to 90W at a time. Better yet, it has a full range of ergonomic controls, including height, tilt, swivel, and rotation adjustments. There’s also a matte version with a nano-textured surface, much like Apple’s own displays. The BenQ MA2070UP is designed for use with a Mac.Foundry Those two options provide a far more ergonomic viewing setup than you get from Apple, expensive upgrade or not. They’re also specifically designed for use with Macs. For example, you can adjust the brightness of your MacBook and BenQ’s monitor at the same time by pressing the brightness controls on your laptop. You get all that for $549, a third of the Studio Display’s price and a fraction of the $4,999 Pro Display XDR. Apple’s displays have a lot going for them, but for an ergonomic experience that won’t break the bank, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Supreme speakers If you’ve come from the world of Windows laptops and decide to try a MacBook, one of the first things you’ll notice is how much better Apple’s speakers are. It’s something that a lot of people overlook, but going from tinny misery to the full-on sound blasters of Apple’s laptops is something to behold. But at the end of the day, even the best built-in MacBook speakers can’t compete with a dedicated desktop set. The same goes for Apple’s desktop Macs; while they often have extra internal space for audio output, they’re still more restricted than even a halfway-decent desktop speaker. You can remove the fabric grille on the front of the speaker for a more retro look. Audio Pro For plenty of people, Apple’s own speakers will be acceptable. But you can definitely do better by augmenting your setup with a good external set. For example, our favorite AirPlay speaker for sound quality, the Audio Pro C10 MKII W ($425 at Amazon), is a great option. It comes with 80W of audio output and supports Bluetooth, Apple’s AAC codec, plus dual-band Wi-Fi. It’s compatible with various streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and SoundCloud, and also works with AirPlay 2. And most importantly, it sounds fantastic in use. That would be a great choice to pair with your Mac, but even a couple of HomePod minis will do the trick. Don’t settle for Apple’s built-in speakers, no matter how good they sound – you’ll find even better options elsewhere.
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10:15 am
Best MacBook Neo deals: Where to buy Apple’s cheapest MacBook | Macworld
Best MacBook Neo deals: Where to buy Apple’s cheapest MacBook
Macworld Best MacBook Neo deals July 2026 These are the MacBook Neo recommendations we would confidently give to our own friends and family. They are based on the best prices right now at hundreds of resellers of Apple products. U.S deal: $6 off MacBook Neo, 512GB at Amazon U.K. deal: £93 off MacBook Neo, 512GB at Amazon The MacBook Neo is Apple’s entry-level laptop, launched in March 2026 as the most affordable MacBook ever released. It offers A18 Pro performance, a 13-inch display, and up to 16 hours of battery life. At launch the starting price was $599, but, unfortunately, Apple increased that price by $100 in June 2026. The MacBook Neo now starts at $699 for the 256GB model and $799 for the 512GB version, making genuine discounts harder to find. That’s where we come in. At Macworld, we continuously track MacBook Neo prices across major retailers, comparing them with Apple’s current pricing, previous list prices, and the lowest prices we’ve ever recorded. That means we can quickly identify which deals offer genuine value and which don’t. Aside from education pricing (which takes $100 off the price of MacBook Neo), Apple rarely discounts it’s products directly. However, retailers in the U.S., U.K., and elsewhere regularly offer savings, particularly during major shopping events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, although worthwhile deals can appear throughout the year. Below, you’ll find the best MacBook Neo deals available right now, along with advice on where to buy one for the lowest price. We also explain which configuration offers the best value and whether the MacBook Neo is the right MacBook for your needs. Best MacBook Neo deals July 2026 U.S. Deals MacBook Neo DealNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestA18-Pro, 256GB$696 at Amazon$699$599$589.99A18-Pro, 512GB$793 at Amazon$799$699$689.99 U.K. Deals MacBook NeoDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestA18-Pro, 256GB£618 Get the deal at Amazon£699£599£549A18-Pro, 512GB£699.97 Get the deal at Amazon £799£699£617.97 Is the MacBook Neo worth buying? Foundry The MacBook Neo is ideal if you want the cheapest possible MacBook while still getting Apple’s macOS. Reasons to buy Affordable price Long battery life Lightweight design Reasons to skip Limited RAM options Fewer ports Less powerful than MacBook Air People are drawn to the MacBook Neo for several key reasons: Affordability: The primary draw at launch was the breakthrough price point of $599, even now that price has risen to $699, it is $600 cheaper than the current M5 MacBook Air. This low entry price makes it a “golden ticket” for those who previously found MacBooks too expensive. Premium Design and Build Quality: Despite its budget label, the Neo maintains Apple’s high manufacturing standards. It features an all-aluminum chassis with no plastic parts, a rarity for laptops at this price range. As our reviewer noted, it feels just as premium as a MacBook Air, avoiding the “cheap” feel of competing plastic PCs. It also comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including Indigo, Blush (pink), Citrus (yellow-green), and Silver. Sufficient Performance for Everyday Tasks: While it uses a mobile-class processor, the A18 Pro’s efficiency allows it to handle general productivity with ease. You’ll be able to write documents, create spreadsheets, build presentations, visit websites, check email, manage your calendar, video conference with people, and a lot more with ease on the MacBook Neo Seamless Ecosystem Integration: For the billions of iPhone users, the Neo offers a low-cost way to access the Apple ecosystem. It supports native integrations like iPhone Mirroring, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud sync. It allows users to “go all-in” on Apple – combining a Neo, iPhone 17e, and Apple Watch SE – for a total cost significantly lower than previous years. Portability and Battery Life: At 2.7 pounds and 0.50 inches thick, the Neo is highly portable . While its battery life is lower than the Air or Pro models, it still offers up to 16 hours of video streaming or 11 hours of wireless web browsing, which is sufficient for a full day of school or general work.
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09:47 am
Best iPad Deals right now: iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro & iPad mini discounts | Macworld
Best iPad Deals right now: iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro & iPad mini discounts
Macworld The best iPad deals of July 2026 Best U.S. deals: $150 off iPad Pro, 13-inch, M5, 2TB at Amazon $118 off iPad Pro, 11-inch, M5, 2TB at Amazon Best U.K. deals: £100 off iPad mini., 256GB at Amazon Whether you’re buying your first iPad, upgrading to a newer model, shopping for work, or looking for a gift, you’ll no doubt want to find the best deal. Apple raised iPad prices in June 2026, making meaningful discounts harder to find than ever. That’s where we come in. At Macworld, we track iPad prices, comparing retailer offers with Apple’s current prices, previous pricing, and the lowest prices we’ve seen, so we can identify the iPad deals that are genuinely worth buying. Apple rarely discounts iPads directly, apart from education pricing and its Certified Refurbished Store. However, retailers in the U.S., U.K., and elsewhere regularly offer savings throughout the year, with the biggest discounts often appearing during events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Our frequently updated deals tracker covers every current iPad, including the iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and standard iPad. We monitor price changes and stock levels to help you spot genuine bargains before they disappear. Alongside the latest deals, you’ll also find buying advice explaining the differences between current and older models, potential pitfalls of buying previous-generation iPads, and whether today’s discounts are good enough or if you’re better off waiting. We also have a guide to the best Apple deals right now. Best iPad Deals July 2026 Currently, several iPad models are out of stock at Apple. While this may simply reflect strong Prime Day demand, it could also be a sign that Apple is reducing inventory ahead of the expected arrival of new standard iPad and new iPad mini models later in 2026. These are the best deals we are seeing right now. U.S. deals iPadDealNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestA16, 128GBOut of stock$449$349$271.29A16, 256GBOut of stock$549$449$349.72A16, 512GBOut of stock$749$649$499 iPad miniDealNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestA17 Pro, 128GBOut of stock$599$499$349A17 Pro, 256GBOut of stock$699$599$479A17 Pro, 512GBOut of stock$899$799$679 iPad AirDealNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestM4, 11-inch, 128GBOut of stock$749$599$519.99M4, 11-inch, 256GBOut of stock$849$699$609.99M4, 11-inch, 512GBOut of stock$1,049$899$789M4, 11-inch, 1TBOut of stock$1,349$1,099$1,016.50M4, 13-inch, 128GBOut of stock$949$799$699.99M4, 13-inch, 256GBOut of stock$1,049$899$699.99M4, 13-inch, 512GBOut of stock$1,249$1,099$999M4, 13-inch, 1TBOut of stock$1,549$1,299$1,199 iPad ProiPad ProNew MSRPOld MSRPLowestM5, 11-inch, 256GBOut of stock$1,199$999$799.91M5, 11-inch, 512GBOut of stock$1,399$1,199$999.99M5, 11-inch, 1TBOut of stock$1,799$1,599$1,399.99M5, 11-inch, 2TB$2,181 Get the deal at Amazon$2,299$1,999$1,799M5, 13-inch, 256GBOut of stock$1,499$1,299$1,149M5, 13-inch, 512GBOut of stock$1,699$1,499$1,341M5, 13-inch, 1TBOut of stock$2,099$1,899$1,723M5, 13-inch, 2TB$2,449 Get the deal at Amazon$2,599$2,299$2,083.12 U.K. deals iPadDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestA16, 128GB£409 Get the deal at Amazon£429£329£299A16, 256GB£525.17 Get the deal at Amazon£529£449£399A16, 512GB£723.71 Get the deal at Amazon£729£649£579 iPad miniDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestA17 Pro, 128GB£594.66 Get the deal at Amazon£599£499£399A17 Pro, 256GB£599 Get the deal at Amazon £699£599£519A17 Pro, 512GBOut of stock£899£799£739.97 iPad AirDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestM4, 11-inch, 128GB£743.57 Get the deal at Amazon£749£599£578.99M4, 11-inch, 256GB£842.83 Get the deal at Amazon£849£699£678.96M4, 11-inch, 512GB£1,049 at Amazon£1,049£899££869.95M4, 11-inch, 1TB£1,349 at Amazon£1,349£1,099M4, 13-inch, 128GB£939 Get the deal at Amazon£949£799£768.99M4, 13-inch, 256GB£1,041.41 Get the deal at Amazon £1,049£899£867.17M4, 13-inch, 512GB£1,239.94 Get the deal at Amazon£1,249£1,099£1,060.09M4, 13-inch, 1TB£1,549 at Amazon£1,549£1,299£1,253 iPad ProDealNew RRPOld RRPLowestM5, 11-inch, 256GB£1,163.63 Get the deal at Amazon£1,199£999£929M5, 11-inch, 512GBOut of stock£1,399£1,199£1,099M5, 11-inch, 1TB£1,799 at Amazon £1,799£1,599M5, 11-inch, 2TBOut of stock£2,299£1,999M5, 13-inch, 256GB£1,496.62 Get the deal at Amazon£1,499£1,299£1,169.10M5, 13-inch, 512GB£1,699 at Amazon£1,699£1,499£1,349M5, 13-inch, 1TB£2,089 at Amazon£2,099£1,899£1,769M5, 13-inch, 2TB£2,699 Get the deal (with nano glass) at Amazon£2,599£2,299£2,599 How we find the best iPad deals Britta O’Boyle We identify the best iPad deals by combining our expert knowledge of Apple’s product lineup (which we have throughly review, and use daily) with specialized tools that monitor prices across a wide range of retailers. By tracking discounts over time, we understand what truly great deals look like and can quickly spot offers that deliver exceptional value. In assessing deals, we look beyond the price tag to consider overall value. For example, while the M5 iPad Pro is a premium device, a substantial discount on a slightly older model may provide better value for many users. Likewise, we may highlight a strong deal on a basic iPad, pointing out that it can handle most everyday tasks for a fraction of the cost of a Pro model. Because we understand Apple’s current iPad lineup, the features of previous generations, and what’s expected from future models, we’re well equipped to advise you on which iPad to buy and the best price to pay for it, especially in the wake of Apple’s price hikes. Our process for identifying the top deals involves several key steps: We use specialized tools: We have tools that allow us to see the best deals across multiple resellers at any given time. Tracking historical prices: We track discounts and price drops throughout the year, so we know each model’s all-time low price. This helps us distinguish a genuine deal from a price that just looks good. Leveraging product expertise: Our extensive knowledge of the entire iPad lineup, including past generations and future expectations, allows us to assess the true value of a deal. For example, we consider whether a discount on an older model is significant enough to justify missing out on features available in a newer version. Monitoring key retailers: We constantly watch major retailers like Amazon and Walmart for bargains, especially during major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday. Is now a good time to buy a new iPad? Prices are unlikely to come down significantly until Prime Day in October or Black Friday in November, but that’s not the only reason to wait. We also recommend reading the advice below to understand whether Apple is likely to update the iPad you’re considering. This can help you avoid purchasing an iPad shortly before a new model is released – a situation that often leads to regret, not only because a better version arrives, but also because retailers typically discount older models once an update occurs. However, if you’re hoping to get a deal on one of the newer models, be prepared to wait. With that in mind, half of Apple’s iPad product line is due a refresh, with rumors indicating that a new iPad and iPad mini are coming before the end of 2026. Brady Snyder / Foundry Here’s a breakdown of the current iPad models to help you decide if now is the right time for you to buy: iPad (A16): This is the cheapest iPad you can buy new from Apple, starting at $449/£429 (up from $349/£329) for the 128GB model. It was updated in March 2025, at which point Apple doubled the storage at the entry level without reducing the price (at that time), making it even better value for money – obviously that’s changed now that Apple’s pushed prices up by $100. Before choosing this iPad., there are important factors to consider. While the A16 chip delivers solid performance for daily activities, such as web browsing, streaming, light gaming, it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence (the suite of AI-powered features available on other current Apple products), plus the screen isn’t as high quality as the other iPads. If you want to ensure that your iPad is future-proofed we’d recommend spending a little more to get an alternative iPad, or waiting – a successor is anticipated in late 2026. iPad mini (A17 Pro): The current model was released in October 2024 and was a significant upgrade, featuring Apple’s A17 Pro chip. This processor is powerful enough to support Apple Intelligence features, future-proofing the device for upcoming software innovations. The base model now starts with 128GB of storage, a welcome increase from the 64GB offered in previous generations. While the current iPad mini is a solid buy, there are rumors about a future model. Internal code leaks suggest a potential future update to an A19 Pro chip, which would offer a performance boost. We expect an update until later in 2026, but still recommend buying the current model at a good price. iPad Air (M4): The current models, which feature the powerful M4 chip, were released in March 2026. We think the M4 iPad Air is the best choice for most people, striking a perfect balance between performance and price. It offers superb processing power, a premium lightweight design, and great battery life, making it a versatile device for everything from streaming and gaming to more demanding work. If you need a new iPad now we recommend the iPad Air as a great buy – if you can find it at a good price. iPad Pro (M5): Now is an excellent time to buy a new iPad Pro; the current models with the M5 chip arrived in October 2025 and it is not expected to be updated again until 2027. The iPad Pro offers the most up-to-date technology on the ultimate iPad. Indeed, the M5 iPad Pro is considered the best tablet on the market, featuring a stunning Tandem OLED display, outstanding performance, and a super slim, lightweight design. Release dates and expected refreshes aside, if you are wondering if there is a good time to shop for deals on a new iPad that’s a little more straightforward. The best time of year to get a deal is when the big sales happen, such as Black Friday in November or Amazon Prime Day sales in June or July and October. Some years there is also a Spring Big Deals event on Amazon. Those are when we see the biggest discounts, but if you can’t wait for one of those sales, don’t despair: we see price drops all year round and when we see a good deal we record it here. Does Apple have sales? The deals rarely come from Apple itself. While Apple will sometimes offer vouchers as an incentive to buy a new iPad (that’s Apple’s usual Black Friday giveaway), the company never discounts prices. Apple does sell refurbished iPads at a lower price though, so that might be something to consider. If you are a student you can take advantage of Apple’s education discounts and save a little money on the full price of iPads (and Macs). And in the summer months Apple usually gives away Apple Pencils or AirPods with the sale of certain iPads (and Macs) to students in it’s Higher Education Sale. Apple gives away vouchers for Black Friday and some times as part of a “Back To School” sale in the summer months.Apple Best refurbished iPad deals The deals you will see above are generally from Apple resellers rather than Apple itself, which very rarely drops the prices. Apple does, however, sell reconditioned iPads in its Certified Refurbished store. So you might be able to grab a bargain. The iPads in Apple’s refurbished store may be ex-display stock, or they may have been returned to Apple due to a fault, but they are fully reconditioned now and come with a full year’s warranty. It’s not like buying secondhand. The U.S. refurbished store has a selection that includes: 10-inch iPad Air (5th generation), up to $200 off 11-inch iPad Air (M2, M3), up to $130 off 13-inch iPad Air (M2, M3), up to $210 off 11-inch iPad Pro (4th generation), up to $410 off 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation), up to $450 off Compared to the original price, you can save as much as $320 on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Get a refurbished iPad at Apple's refurbished store (U.S.) In the U.K. you’ll find a similar selection of iPads available from Apple’s refurbished store. You’ll find the following: iPad Air (5th generation, M2 & M3), up to £200 off iPad mini (6th generation), up to £90 off 11-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation, 4th generation), up to £680 off 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation, 6th generation), up to £450 off Top refurbished deal: 11-inch, iPad Air M2, 256GB for £549, £100 off. Get a refurbished iPad at Apple's refurbished store (U.K.) Another place to look is BackMarket US and BackMarket UK, which sells refurbished Macs and other Apple products. Amazon also has a certified refurbished store for Apple products, but we would advise against buying any products that are older than five years. Most of the products we see on the Amazon refurbished store are unfortunately very old. We have an article that explains what you need to know about buying a refurbished iPad. It includes the best refurbished iPad resellers and lots of advice about how to find the perfect refurbished iPad. OUR NUMBER ONE TIP: If you are buying an old refurbished iPad our number one recommendation is that you don’t buy one with less than 64GB storage – ideally, get 128GB or more. There is a large refurbished market for the iPad. We’d recommend taking a look at these refurbished resellers for iPad offers: U.S. refurbished resellers Amazon Renewed Back Market Best Buy Gazelle Mac of all Trades RefurbMe Walmart AlloAllo eBay JemJem Reebelo U.K. refurbished resellers Affordable Mac Amazon The Big Phone Store Envirofone Hoxton Macs The iOutlet MusicMagpie 4Gadgets Big Phone Store Tech Trade Handtec Laptops Direct Preloved We also have a guide to buying a refurbished iPhone. Macworld’s top 5 tips for finding the best iPad deal When you are searching for a deal keep the following points in mind and you should be happy with your purchase. Check the storage: Some older iPads only had 32GB or 64GB storage. We don’t think that’s enough. The good news is that Apple’s current iPad line up has 128GB storage or more, so, unless you are buying an older model, this won’t be an issue. Just make sure that if you see a deal on an old model with less storage it is priced accordingly. Some of the best deals are on higher capacity iPads. You probably don’t need cellular: You might intend to use your iPad when you are out and about. In that case spending more to get a model with cellular might appeal. Our opinion is that you can just hotspot from your iPhone to get on the internet from your iPad. You won’t need to pay for a data contract and your’ll also save yourself money on the price of the iPad itself. Check the deal you are looking at isn’t for a cellular model because a non-cellular deal will be even better! Consider refurbished: If you want a bargain and don’t mind that it’s not the latest model buying a refurbished iPad can be a great way to save money. We recommend using Apple’s refurbished store because every product is throughly tested before being sold, and you get a one year warranty with it. If you want to save more money, companies like BackMarket and Declutter. There’s more information about buying a refurbished iPad below. Shop around: If you want a deal then don’t shop at Apple! The best deals come from the various resellers who often battle it our to undercut each others prices for Apple products. Amazon is usually the best, but make sure to check the likes of Walmart, B&H and Best Buy in the U.S., and AO, Argos, Currys in the U.K. We have a list of the best places to buy an iPad below. Wait, if you can: If it’s not Black Friday or an Amazon Prime Sale keep in mind that there could be even better bargains coming. Also, if Apple is likely to be announcing new products soon, be aware that it may mean that the current range will soon be discounted even more. Apple Which iPad should you buy? The answer to this question really depends on what you need your iPad for. I want the cheapest iPad you can buy Consider the standard iPad. The cheapest iPad is the 128GB A16 iPad, which costs from $349 / £329. It’s a good option if you are likely your iPad is destined for general use, such as emails, one taking, web browsing, social networks, watching movies and reading books. It’s got a great sized screen and is light enough to pop in a bag and not feel weighed down. The iPad A16 is good, as long as you don’t mind the lack of Apple IntelligenceBritta O’Boyle I’m for an iPad to use instead of a computer If you are just planning to edit documents and spreadsheets, any iPad can be a good supplement for a computer. If you need something with a little more power then the iPad Air or iPad Pro might be a better option. Apple and other companies sell iPad cases that come with built in keyboards, so you can turn your iPad into a laptop. Read our round up of the best iPad keyboards. Foundry I want an iPad that won’t weigh too much The iPad mini is a great choice if you value portability and power. Its compact 8.3-inch screen and is the lightest iPad you can get (weighing around 0.65 pound or 293g). This makes it perfect for travelers, commuters, or anyone who values a device that can easily fit in a bag or even a large pocket. If you need a bigger screen the iPad Air is a good choice. The 11-inch iPad Air weighs just over 1 pound or 462g and is 6.1mm thick, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods and easy to take anywhere. What may surprise you is that the newest 11-inch iPad Pro is actually lighter and thinner than the 11-inch Air, at 444g and 5.3mm thick. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry I want an iPad to use for gaming If you are wanting to play the latest games on your iPad then the iPad Pro may be the one to choose. Other iPads will be able to play casual games, but to be sure of getting the power and graphics prowess necessary to play the latest games. The iPad Pro also offers a better screen with the 120Hz refresh rates that serious gamers will want. However, even the A17 Pro chip in the iPad mini ensures that the latest games and apps run smoothly, making it a powerful portable console. The Liquid Retina display is sharp and vibrant, with the highest pixel density of any current iPad. I want an iPad so I can draw The iPad is a great device for artists. Any iPad, accompanied with an Apple Pencil or other iPad stylus, will allow you to draw using an app such as Adobe’s Sketchpad (now called Adobe Fresco) which can be used for free, but has in-app purchases. If you are really serious about your art you may prefer an iPad Pro though, and you may even consider the nano-texture display option for less glare and reflections. Petter Ahrnstedt For Kids: The iPad mini is great option for Kids because its small, lightweight frame is easy for small hands to hold, and its power makes it a capable device for entertainment and learning. For Seniors: The iPad mini’s light weight makes it easier to hold for extended periods. For Students and Note-Takers: The iPad mini screen size is perfect for reading and taking notes, especially when paired with an Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (USB-C).For more information read our full guides to the best iPad for students, best iPad for kids and best iPad for the elderly. If you still aren’t sure read our guide that examines which iPad is best for you in more detail. Where to get an iPad deal You don’t have to buy directly from Apple. There are resellers that will sell you and iPad, and the best thing is that they frequently offer discounts, where Apple never does. We recommend the stores below. U.S. retailers Apple Amazon Best Buy Costco Target Walmart U.K. retailers Apple Amazon Argos Currys John Lewis Very Apple has a number of Apple Premium Resellers who stock iPads in the U.K., and also offer other services, try the following: KRCS, often the first to discount new products iStore Select Western Computer Where to buy the iPad on contract If you are looking to buy a cellular iPad, so you can always get on the internet, you may want to buy the iPad on contract from one of these networks: U.S. network carriers AT&T Verizon T-Mobile Spectrum Optimum US Cellular Xfinity U.K. network carriers EE O2 Sky Vodafone Virgin Media Three
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09:30 am
iOS 27 basically turns your iPhone and AirPods into an Apple Watch at the gym | 9 to 5 Mac
iOS 27 basically turns your iPhone and AirPods into an Apple Watch at the gym
GymKit has been one of Apple Watch’s smartest fitness features since it launched in 2017. Tap your watch to compatible gym equipment, and Apple Watch shares your heart rate while the machine sends back metrics like distance, incline, pace, and calories. With iOS 27, Apple is expanding that idea beyond Apple Watch. I tested the new GymKit on iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 experience with a GymKit-compatible treadmill. It basically gives you the Apple Watch GymKit workout tracking experience, just without the watch. This could be useful in a lot of scenarios.
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08:44 am
iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e: What to expect from the spring 2027 launch | Macworld
iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e: What to expect from the spring 2027 launch
Macworld For years, Apple has followed a predictable iPhone launch schedule, introducing new iPhones in September – the standard model and the Pro model. In the spring, Apple often releases a less expensive phone – previously the “SE” iPhones and, more recently, the “e” series. That could change with the iPhone 18 generation. This year, the most reliable rumors suggest Apple will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in the fall, along with a more expensive iPhone Ultra folding phone, but the iPhone 18 might not join them until later. So what can we expect from the iPhone 18 and 18e? Rumors are pretty thin right now, in part because most of the exciting new stuff will come with the Pro and Ultra models in the fall of 2026. Below is a summary of what we’ve heard so far about the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, based on the most recent and reliable rumors, analyst reports, and leaks, along with historical precedent. When will the iPhone 18 and 18e release? iPhone 18 delayed until the spring iPhone 18e launching in spring 2027 While Apple has launched its standard and high-end iPhone models together ever since the first Pro phone arrived in 2019, this year looks to be different. While the Pro phones will launch in the fall, Apple is expected to push the iPhone 18 launch to the spring of 2027, leaving it on shelves for a full 18 months for the first time. So if you bought an iPhone 17 at launch and are looking to upgrade, you’ll either need to spring for an iPhone 18 Pro or wait until March or April when Apple likely holds a second iPhone event. We also expect Apple to release the iPhone 18e at the same time.
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08:00 am
These Costco Memberships are $65, and they come with a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* | Macworld
These Costco Memberships are $65, and they come with a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card*
Macworld TL;DR: Get a 1-year Costco Gold Star Membership plus a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* for only $65. Sticking to a budget might not be easy, but it might be simpler if you could get all your shopping done in just one trip. That might be why more shoppers are turning to Costco. While 1-Year Costco Memberships still cost $65, they now also come with a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card*. Claiming your $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* is easy. Just complete your purchase, and then within two weeks, you’ll have your $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* in your inbox. After that, you can use it at any Costco warehouse or on Costco.com for everything from groceries and electronics to office supplies and household essentials. If you’re really trying to cut down on store trips, it may be worth it to check out the bulk offerings available at Costco, too. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by the Costco food court. The $1.50 hot dog combo remains a favorite, and there are also newer menu items to try, including the fried chicken tenders that recently went viral. This offer is only available for new Costco Gold Star Members or former members who let their membership lapse for 18 months or longer. If you’ve been considering a membership, this is a great time to get started. Get a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership plus a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card* for $65. Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $50 Digital Costco Shop Card*See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. *To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. Valid only for new members and those whose memberships (Primary and Affiliate) have been expired for at least 18 months. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Not valid for upgrade or renewal of an existing membership. Promotion may not be combined with any other promotion. Costco employees are not eligible for new member promotions. Digital Costco Shop Card will be emailed to the email address provided by the Primary Member at time of sign-up within 2 weeks after successful sign-up and enrollment in auto renewal. Digital Costco Shop Card is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Costco is not liable for incentives not received due to entry of an invalid address during sign-up. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at the U.S. or Canada Food Court. Neither Costco Wholesale Corporation nor its affiliates are responsible for use of the card without your permission. Use the provided single-use promo code when entering your payment information. A Costco Gold Star Membership is $65 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $65 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Affiliate Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.
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12:36 am
Apple TV unveils August ‘Friday Night Baseball’ schedule | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple TV unveils August ‘Friday Night Baseball’ schedule
Apple and Major League Baseball have announced the August schedule for Friday Night Baseball, with Apple TV set to stream another month of weekly doubleheaders featuring the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mariners, Cubs, Cardinals, and more. Here are the details.
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12:03 am
The best CarPlay tips and tricks | 9 to 5 Mac
The best CarPlay tips and tricks
For the majority of people, CarPlay is a must-have. Apple’s in-car experience provides a vastly superior infotainment experience than most options from carmakers. There’s quick access to your favorite apps, integration with Siri, seamless connectivity, and more. Here are all of my favorite tips and tricks for making sure you’re getting the most out of your CarPlay experience…
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Thursday July 09
11:44 pm
Govee 21-inch Smart Ceiling Light Ultra review: blurry motifs & excellent lighting | AppleInsider
Govee 21-inch Smart Ceiling Light Ultra review: blurry motifs & excellent lighting
Govee has been on a roll lately introducing new lights with interesting designs and abilities. The Smart Ceiling Ultra is a decent addition, even with limited Apple ecosystem functionality.Govee 21-inch Smart Ceiling Light Ultra review: I've tested several Govee lighting solutions previously, and none were a disappointment. My biggest issue then, which continues to today, is Govee's insistence on using its app for most functions.The Govee 21-inch Smart Ceiling Light Ultra is a large circular light with an LED panel that faces the user and a separately addressable ring of lights at the top. The LED panel is low resolution, so while it can display images, they're blurry and non-distinct. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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11:42 pm
Apple adds social media questions to App Store Connect age rating questionnaire | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple adds social media questions to App Store Connect age rating questionnaire
Apple announced today that App Store Connect now includes new age rating questions for apps with social media features. Here are the details.
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11:31 pm
Netflix looking for engagement in live TV and bundles while Apple TV app integration is right there | 9 to 5 Mac
Netflix looking for engagement in live TV and bundles while Apple TV app integration is right there
Netflix is reportedly struggling with a decline in engagement. Live TV and content bundles may be the solution, executives believe, according to a new report.
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Monday June 08
09:42 am
WWDC 2026 Swag Bag Includes Little Finder Guy | MacRumors
WWDC 2026 Swag Bag Includes Little Finder Guy
Just hours away from WWDC's opening keynote, some developers have been sharing the contents of their conference swag bags on social media. The bags are given to attendees when they register for the event, and typically contain limited-edition Apple gifts. This year, developers have been registering early at Apple's Infinite Loop campus, where they have been gifted a black tote bag emblazoned with the WWDC 2026 logo, along with a water bottle, a selection of stickers, and collectible enamel pins. There are four pins in the bag, including the Apple skull and crossbones, an Apple 50 pin, Clarius the Dogcow, and Little Finder Guy – the tiny anthropomorphized version of the Mac Finder icon that went viral after appearing in Apple's recent online marketing campaign for the MacBook Neo. wwdc 2026 apple swag #wwdc pic.twitter.com/SLgrgLxQwl— Canoopsy (@Canoopsy) June 7, 2026 MacRumors will be in attendance at the keynote, with live coverage of the event beginning shortly after 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Stay tuned to MacRumors.com and our @MacRumorsLive account on X (Twitter). We've also put together a guide explaining all the ways you can watch Apple's WWDC 2026 Keynote live as it happens.Related Roundup: WWDC 2026Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Sunday June 07
02:00 pm
Anker 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station Now $40 Off Ahead of Amazon Prime Day | MacRumors
Anker 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station Now $40 Off Ahead of Amazon Prime Day
Amazon is set to host its annual Prime Day event later in June, but you can already find massive discounts across popular accessories right now. This includes year's best prices on Anker chargers, Samsung monitors, Sonos audio products, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. An ongoing highlight of these deals is Anker's Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, available for $109.99 for Prime members this week, down from $149.99. This is one of Anker's newest accessories, and Amazon's sale today is a solid second-best price on the device. $40 OFFAnker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $109.99 The Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station features Qi2.2 support, which lets a compatible MagSafe ‌iPhone‌ charge at up to 25W. It's the same speed as Apple's ‌MagSafe‌ charger, and it is 10W faster than the standard Qi2 ‌MagSafe‌ chargers. You can also simultaneously charge an Apple Watch and AirPods with the device. We're also tracking big discounts from brands like UGREEN, Sony, Samsung, Sonos, and more in the lists below. Accessories on sale include USB-C wall chargers, MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers, portable batteries, headphones, soundbars, and monitors. Docks iVANKY 23-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 FusionDock Max 2 - $399.99, down from $499.99 Wall Chargers Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger - $27.99, down from $39.99 UGREEN 100W GaN 4-Port Charger - $33.23, down from $54.99 Anker 140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $64.99, down from $99.99 Anker 3-Port Prime Charger - $115.99, down from $149.99 Wireless Chargers Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible UFO Charger - $67.49, down from $89.99 Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Foldable Charging Station - $89.99, down from $109.99 Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $89.99, down from $129.99 Anker 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station - $109.99, down from $149.99 Anker Prime MagSafe-Compatible 3-in-1 Charging Station - $149.99, down from $229.99 Portable Chargers Anker MagGo Power Bank With Stand - $67.99, down from $89.99 Anker MagGo Power Bank 10,000 mAh - $69.99, down from $79.99 Anker Prime Power Bank 20,100 mAh - $125.99, down from $179.99 Anker SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $169.99, down from $249.00 Anker Prime Power Bank 26,250 mAh - $199.99, down from $229.99 Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $499.99, down from $799.00 Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station - $449.00, down from $799.00 Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $749.00, down from $1,499.00 Audio Sonos Beam Gen 2 - $369.00, down from $499.00 Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones - $398.00, down from $459.00 Monitors Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 Monitor - $179.99, down from $249.99 LG 27-inch UltraGear Monitor - $319.99, down from $499.99 Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 - $399.00, down from $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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10:28 am
Best Look at Foldable iPhone Design Revealed, May Only Come in White | MacRumors
Best Look at Foldable iPhone Design Revealed, May Only Come in White
Sonny Dickson today shared detailed images of a foldable iPhone dummy unit with what appears to be a finalized design, providing the best look yet at the device's look, with the suggestion that the device may only be available in white. Dummy units are non-functional units intended primarily for display purposes and accessory manufacturers, who need a high level of physical accuracy to mass produce cases and other accessories ahead of a device's announcement. Dickson first shared early-production dummy models of the foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max in April, providing the first real visual confirmation of the foldable's passport-style form factor. The latest foldable iPhone dummy is markedly more detailed than those that have previously circulated. Earlier this week, the leaker known as "Ice Universe" shared what appeared to be an image of a white foldable iPhone dummy, but Dickson's unit offers a substantially clearer view of the design and display. First look at the iPhone Fold dummy unit. It doesn't look like Apple will offer multiple colors, with white currently appearing to be the only option. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/olMzm6t6Ts— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) June 7, 2026 The images align with the wider body of design rumors accumulated so far. The device is expected to feature a book-style, passport-shaped design with a 4:3 aspect ratio, wider than it is tall and unlike any foldable currently on the market, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner OLED panel that would make it just slightly smaller than the iPad mini when open. Rumors point to an ultra-thin 4.5mm titanium frame, with volume buttons relocated to the top edge of the device, no Action Button, Touch ID in place of Face ID, and a horizontal dual-camera array on the back in an iPhone Air-style camera plateau. The latest dummy models reveal several new design aspects, such as the fact that the cover display will be edge-to-edge and slightly curved at the edges, the camera flash will be located below the rear microphone in the camera plateau, the rear microphone has a new design consisting of five drilled holes, and the front-facing camera on the inner display is located on the top left. This will almost certainly have implications for the Dynamic Island. On the device's color, Dickson's observation corroborates a report from Friday, in which the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital" suggested that there may be no black finish, with white potentially being the only option. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple planned to avoid bold colors and stick to traditional finishes. It is worth noting that several new high-end products such as the Apple Watch Ultra and Vision Pro only launched with one color option. The approach would be broadly consistent with how Apple has handled generationally significant launches before. The iPhone X debuted in November 2017 in just two colors, Silver and Space Gray, at a then-record starting price of $999. The iPhone XS that followed a year later added Gold to the lineup, and Apple may take the same incremental approach with the iPhone Ultra over time. The foldable iPhone is expected to be announced in September 2026 alongside the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, at a starting price Gurman says will cross the $2,000 threshold.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTags: Foldable iPhone, Sonny DicksonThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Saturday June 06
01:05 pm
$499 AirPods Max 2? The Best Apple Deals of the Week Are Here | MacRumors
$499 AirPods Max 2? The Best Apple Deals of the Week Are Here
This week's best Apple deals included a new all-time low price on the AirPods Max 2, which have now hit $499.00 thanks to a $50 discount at Amazon and Best Buy. You'll also find great deals on AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and LG accessories below. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. AirPods Max 2 What's the deal? Take $50 off AirPods Max 2 Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $50 OFFAirPods Max 2 for $499.00 Apple's AirPods Max 2 hit a new record low price of $499.00 this week on Amazon and Best Buy, down from $549.00. On Amazon, you'll find four colors of the headphones on sale at this price. AirPods Pro 3 What's the deal? Take $50 off AirPods Pro 3 Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $50 OFFAirPods Pro 3 for $199.00 AirPods deals were in abundance this week, with the AirPods Pro 3 also on sale at an all-time low price on Amazon. You can still get this model for $199.00, down from $249.00. AirTag What's the deal? Take $40 off first gen AirTag 4-Pack Where can I get it? Woot $40 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $59.99 Woot has Apple's first generation AirTag 4-Pack for $59.99 this week, down from $99.99. The AirTag 4-Pack is in new condition and comes with a 90-day Woot limited warranty. Apple Watch Series 11 What's the deal? Take $100 off Apple Watch Series 11 Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm GPS) for $299.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm GPS) for $329.00 Amazon this week has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. This sale includes a handful of GPS aluminum models on sale at record low prices. LG What's the deal? Save sitewide at LG Where can I get it? LG Where can I find the original deal? Right here SITEWIDE SALELG Summer Sale LG is hosting a big savings event on its website this week, with deals on monitors, TVs, home appliances, and more. Highlights of the event include up to $500 off select LG monitors and up to $1,500 off LG's best TV sets. 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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01:00 pm
Top Stories: 'All Systems Glow' for WWDC, MacBook Neo Popularity, and More | MacRumors
Top Stories: 'All Systems Glow' for WWDC, MacBook Neo Popularity, and More
Apple's big week for developers is just around the corner, and that means WWDC 2026 will also be giving everybody else their first peek at what Apple has in store for iOS 27, macOS 27 and more later this year. Other notable Apple news this week included the popularity of the budget MacBook Neo, the status of new Apple TV and HomePod mini models, iOS 26.5.1 and macOS 26.5.1 bug-fix updates, and more, so read on below for all the details! Top Stories What to Expect From WWDC 2026: Gemini-Powered Siri, iOS 27, macOS 27 and More Apple's annual developer conference WWDC returns for 2026 next week, so be sure to check out our comprehensive guide of everything we're expecting to see at Monday's keynote event. Apple this week teased the event with a new "All systems glow" tagline, a play on the phrase "all systems go," and it likely hints at Siri's rumored new design on iOS 27. Both a dedicated Siri app and a new "Search or Ask" feature in the iPhone's Dynamic Island will reportedly have a dark color scheme with glowing elements, as shown in leaked images last week. Apple has also shared new WWDC 2026-themed wallpapers, an Apple Music playlist, and a "Get Ready" video to help developers prepare to get the most out of next week's conference. MacBook Neo is So Popular That Apple Reportedly Doubled Production On an earnings call in late April, Apple's CEO Tim Cook said that customer response to the MacBook Neo was "off the charts," and the popularity of the laptop has reportedly led the company to significantly boost production. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo this week said he believes that MacBook Neo shipments to Apple were doubled from an initial target of 5 million units to 10 million units in 2026 at some point after the laptop launched in March. The MacBook Neo is quickly reshaping the low-cost laptop segment, with companies like Acer, ASUS, and Dell reacting to the shift and in some cases already introducing their own competing products. New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are 'Nearly Ready' to Launch, New Siri Remote Also Rumored New models of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are "nearly ready to go," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Both devices have been ready "for months," but Apple is holding off on launching them until the more personalized version of Siri is available, he said. "I am told the hardware for the next Apple TV set-top box and HomePod mini has been done for months and that both devices are already in active use among employees at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California," wrote Gurman. Apple Releases iOS 26.5.1 to Fix Charging Issue on iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Models Apple this week released iOS 26.5.1, a bug fix update that is only available for the iPhone Air and all models in the iPhone 17 lineup. According to Apple's release notes, the update fixes a previously documented charging issue with ‌iPhone Air‌ and ‌iPhone 17‌ models. macOS Tahoe also got a 26.5.1 release this week, and it fixes an issue that can affect certain enterprise users on Macs equipped with the latest M5 chip. First 'Confirmed' iPhone Ultra Color Allegedly Revealed in Leaked Image Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone later this year. Rumors suggest the "iPhone Ultra" will come in two color options, and a leaker shared an image this week that allegedly shows one of them. Posted on Weibo by the Chinese leaker known as Ice Universe, the image purportedly offers a first glimpse of Apple's foldable in white. The device is believed to have entered early mass production, but the model shown is likely a dummy. Regardless, fellow leaker Instant Digital has said white is so far the only "confirmed" finish that the device will be available in. The iPhone Ultra will reportedly feature vapor chamber cooling and a liquid metal hinge, with production efforts said to be ramping up now following reports of some delays due to various challenges with the complicated high-end device. iPhone 18 Pro Battery Capacities Allegedly Leaked Battery capacities for Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro have allegedly surfaced, and the numbers suggest only a modest increase over the iPhone 17 Pro. According to prolific Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is testing the iPhone 18 Pro with different battery capacities for the China and U.S. versions of the device, similar to last year's iPhone 17 Pro models. The Chinese model is said to have a roughly 4,056 mAh battery, while the U.S. model is said to have a roughly 4,288 mAh battery. In other iPhone 18 Pro rumors, the all-new variable aperture camera will reportedly cost Apple 50% more than the corresponding unit in the current iPhone 17 Pro, while some fresh dummy units revisited the expected colors for this year's Pro models. MacRumors Newsletter Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view. So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top StoriesThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Friday June 05
09:15 pm
What to Expect From WWDC 2026: Gemini-Powered Siri, iOS 27, macOS 27 and More | MacRumors
What to Expect From WWDC 2026: Gemini-Powered Siri, iOS 27, macOS 27 and More
Apple's 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference is just days away, and it's going to be an interesting event because it will give us a look at Apple's AI plans. We'll see how Apple is going to compete with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google in the months to come with an AI version of Siri and new AI features for its apps. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. iOS 27 Siri Changes Big changes are coming in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, and Apple employees haven't been able to keep quiet. We've heard details on a long list of AI updates Apple has planned, with enough detail that screenshots could be recreated by Bloomberg. Much of what's rumored relates to AI features and changes. New Siri Features Based on Apple's promises and rumors about what's coming in the new version of iOS, ‌Siri‌ in ‌iOS 27‌ will be nothing like ‌Siri‌ in iOS 26. In 2024, Apple showed us three ways that ‌Siri‌ will improve, but two years have passed and extra work has been done, so we're expecting even more than what Apple demonstrated back then. ‌Siri‌ is going to be able to draw on user data and information from Apple devices, with access to personal data for completing tasks. The assistant is also going to be able to do more with apps, and it will be able to tell what's on the screen to answer questions. Personal Context ‌Siri‌ will be able to access emails, messages, files, photos, and more, learning all about you to help you complete tasks and keep track of what you've been sent. Apple offered some examples of how personal context will work: Show me the files Eric sent me last week. Find the email where Eric mentioned ice skating. Find the books that Eric recommended to me. Where's the recipe that Eric sent me? What's my passport number? Onscreen Awareness Onscreen awareness will let ‌Siri‌ see what's on your screen and complete actions involving whatever you're looking at. If someone texts you an address, you can tell ‌Siri‌ to add it to their contact card. Or if you're looking at a photo and want to send it to someone, you can ask ‌Siri‌ to do it for you. App Integration ‌Siri‌ will be able to do more in and across apps, performing actions and completing tasks that are just not possible with the personal assistant right now. We don't have a full picture of what ‌Siri‌ will be capable of, but Apple gave a few examples of what to expect. Moving files from one app to another. Editing a photo and then sharing it with someone. Getting directions home and sending the ETA in the Messages app. Drafting and then sending an email. ‌Siri‌ will be able to complete tasks in Apple apps and in third-party apps, with developers able to expose app capabilities to ‌Siri‌. Siri Chatbot Apple needs a ‌Siri‌ app because ‌Siri‌ is becoming a chatbot. ‌Siri‌ will be like ChatGPT or Claude, able to draw on information from the web to provide answers to questions. ‌Siri‌ will be deeply integrated into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS at the system level, and can draw on device information. It will know more personal context than before, and will be able to access emails, texts, photos, calendar information, contacts, notes, and other personal data. Some of what ‌Siri‌ will be able to do: Search the web for information Generate images Generate content Summarize information Analyze uploaded files Use personal data to complete tasks Ingest information from emails, messages, files and more Write emails, notes, and texts Analyze open windows and on-screen content to take action Control device features and settings Search for on-device content, replacing Spotlight ‌Siri‌ will be integrated into Apple apps like Mail, Messages, Photos, and Apple TV. Siri Design With ‌Siri‌'s chatbot transition, Apple will be making multiple Siri-related design changes. ‌Siri‌ will largely live in the Dynamic Island, and Bloomberg says there will be new ways to access ‌Siri‌. Swiping down from the center of the iPhone's display from the Home Screen or any app will bring up a new "Search or Ask" feature in the ‌Dynamic Island‌. A glowing, pill-shaped animation will be displayed in the ‌Dynamic Island‌ to indicate that ‌Siri‌ is processing a request. When ‌Siri‌ has an answer, the ‌Dynamic Island‌ will expand into a transparent card with the result, incorporating images, info from the web, notes and other information relevant to the query or request. Swiping on the results card will bring up a conversation mode that looks similar to an iMessage chat, and there will be an option to transition to the full ‌Siri‌ app. Search or Ask replaces ‌Siri‌ Suggestions and will let users launch apps, start text messages, ask about the weather, add calendar appointments, trigger shortcuts in apps, and search the web using Apple's new AI web search feature. Search or Ask queries can also be sent to third-party chatbot services like ChatGPT instead of ‌Siri‌. While ‌Siri‌ can be accessed through a swipe in ‌iOS 27‌, Apple is keeping the "Hey ‌Siri‌" wake word and ‌Siri‌ activation through the Side button. With the new center swipe, accessing the Notification Center will be done with a swipe down on the left side of the display. Swiping down on the right side will continue to bring up Control Center. With the change to how Notification Center is accessed, notifications will now slide in from the left side of the iPhone instead of the top of the display. Apple will also integrate an "Ask ‌Siri‌" button into the menus of its apps, giving users a way to send content directly to ‌Siri‌ alongside a request. The new ‌Siri‌ interface uses dark colors with no light mode available. ‌Siri‌ UI elements have a dark background with color accents that mirror the options Apple is using in WWDC imagery. Apple's WWDC website features a white Swift bird with subtle highlights in pink, dark blue, purple, and orange. Standalone Siri App Bloomberg recently shared a mockup of what the standalone ‌Siri‌ app will look like, and it's similar to other chatbot apps like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. ‌Siri‌ will support text or voice-based conversations. The app will open with an "Ask ‌Siri‌" bar where users can type in a question. A paperclip icon will be available for attaching images, PDFs, and other documents. Apple will provide prompts with suggestions on what users can ask. Questions will resemble iMessage chat bubbles, with Apple adopting a design that is familiar to users. Responses will include links, images, and other information. A section of the app will be dedicated to past conversations that can be shown in a card-style interface with conversation summaries, or a list view. Users will be able to tap into a conversation to continue it. Siri Privacy Apple plans to lean into privacy as a central principle of its approach to AI, giving it a way to distinguish ‌Siri‌ from other chatbot options. Apple will likely aim to keep as much processing on-device as possible to limit the amount of data that leaves a user's device. Apple said that Apple Intelligence features will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute. Apple will have limits around memory, including restrictions on the information that can persist and how long it is kept. Users will be able to auto-delete ‌Siri‌ chats and requests after a set period of time, like 30 days or one year. There will also be an option to keep chats permanently, and chats will sync across Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. ‌Siri‌ can be turned off right now, as can ‌Apple Intelligence‌, and there's no sign that's going to change in ‌iOS 27‌. Users who don't want to enable ‌Siri‌ or use the new features will not have to. Siri Extensions Apple is letting rival chatbots integrate with ‌Siri‌ in ‌iOS 27‌, expanding on the OpenAI partnership that currently allows ‌Siri‌ to hand off requests to ChatGPT, Bloomberg says Apple plans to allow other chatbots like Claude and Gemini to work with ‌Siri‌, so users will be able to send questions to their favorite chatbot instead of ‌Siri‌. iPhone users will be able to select which services they want to use inside ‌Siri‌ through "Extensions" options coming to ‌iOS 27‌, iPadOS 27, and ‌macOS 27‌. The options will be available in the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ and ‌Siri‌ section of the Settings app, with Apple providing download links for chatbot apps. There will be a dedicated Extensions section in the App Store that will serve as a way to choose a third-party AI app. ‌Siri‌ will be the default for the Search or Ask interface, but rumors suggest users will be able to select other chatbots to speak with. Users will also be able to choose third-party AI services as the default for ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features like Writing Tools and Image Playground, expanding ‌Apple Intelligence‌ integration beyond ChatGPT. Apple also plans to let users choose voices from third-party AI to use instead of ‌Siri‌, so there will be a distinct audio difference between a response from ‌Siri‌ and a response from the user's chatbot of choice. ‌Siri‌ would use one voice, while responses from third-party AI options would use another voice. Google Gemini Backbone To get ‌Siri‌ up and running, Apple partnered with Google to use Gemini AI models instead of using its own AI models. Apple signed a multi-year deal to use Google's Gemini models and cloud technology for its Apple Foundation Models, and it's costing Apple somewhere around $1 billion a year. Google and Apple said that the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google Gemini models, with Gemini used to power future ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features and the more personalized version of ‌Siri‌. Apple said Google's AI technology offered the most capable foundation for its models. iOS 27 Apps and Feature Updates Camera Apple is moving Visual Intelligence from the Camera Control button to the Camera app in ‌iOS 27‌. Bloomberg has shared images of the new interface, featuring a ‌Siri‌ mode that's available alongside the existing Photo, Video, Portrait, and Panorama modes. When in ‌Siri‌ mode, the existing Camera app shutter button will feature the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ logo, letting users know the ‌Siri‌ features are available. ‌Siri‌ mode is a renaming of ‌Visual Intelligence‌, and it will make the feature more visible. Accessing ‌Visual Intelligence‌ in ‌iOS 26‌ requires users to hold down the Camera Control button or assign the feature to the Action button, and many people may not even know it exists. ‌Visual Intelligence‌ can identify objects, plants, animals, art, books, and more, searching for whatever the user snaps on Google Image Search. In ‌iOS 27‌, ‌Siri‌ will be able to answer questions about what a user is looking at, providing information from the web. Apple is adding new ‌Visual Intelligence‌ capabilities in ‌iOS 27‌, and they will be available through the Camera app ‌Siri‌ mode. Nutrition - Users can scan nutrition labels on food packaging for calorie and macronutrient tracking using the Health app. Contacts - ‌Visual Intelligence‌ will let users scan phone numbers and addresses on business cards and other print media, adding the information to the Contacts app. Apple plans to make the Camera app more customizable in ‌iOS 27‌. iPhone users will be able to replace the top row of camera shortcuts with options of their choosing, selecting features like flash, exposure, timer, depth of field, photo styles, and resolution. Camera controls, now labeled as widgets, can be placed at the top of the Camera interface in any order. Users can select widgets from a transparent widget tray that comes up from the bottom of the app and organizes widgets into categories like basic, manual, and settings. The Camera app will have the same default layout that's available now with quick tap buttons for flash, Live Photos, and Night Mode, but the customizable widget interface will be added as an advanced layout that will appeal to professional users. iPhone users can currently tap on an icon at the top right of the Camera app to access all of the Camera controls, but Apple is moving that view to the right of the shutter button in ‌iOS 27‌. The Camera app is also going to get new grid and level options that will join the existing features. Photos The ‌Photos‌ app will have an Apple Intelligence Tools section when editing an image. According to Bloomberg, there will be new Extend and Reframe options. Extend - Extend generates additional image content beyond the original frame of the photo, filling in scenery when changing the crop of an image. This tool will support expanding the edges of an image with zoom gestures. Reframe - When used with spatial photos, Reframe will let users change the perspective of an image after it's captured. Apple is also testing an AI photo editing feature that lets users request edits using natural language. Users would be able to tweak color, lighting, cropping, and other image parameters without having to use manual tools. The natural-language editing feature may not arrive in the first version of ‌iOS 27‌. Shortcuts The ‌iOS 27‌ Shortcuts app will support using natural language to create a shortcut with AI. Users will be able to tell ‌Siri‌ what they want to accomplish with a multi-step shortcut, and ‌Siri‌ will generate it. The Shortcuts app will open with a prompt that says "What do you want your shortcut to do?" with a text field to enter a description. Shortcuts that are created using AI are then automatically installed and immediately available for use. Wallet The Wallet app is getting a "Create a Pass" option so users can generate digital passes from scans of physical items like movie tickets, concert passes, and gym membership cards. Users can tap on the "+" button in the Wallet app and then scan a QR code on a pass or ticket if one is available. If there is no QR code available, there will be an option to create a custom pass. There are three pass types in Create a Pass, each with a different color. Apple is using purple for events, blue for memberships, and orange for other types of passes. Users can customize images, colors, style, and text on the digital passes. Apple is also adding an AI bill-splitting feature that will work with Apple Cash. iPhone users will be able to take a photo of a receipt and generate Apple Cash payment requests for different people. Image Playground and Genmoji Apple is updating the ‌Image Playground‌ app. The interface for generating a new image has fewer controls and a "describe a change" option for editing images that are created. Previously created images are displayed in a grid with more rounded edges, and instead of a New Image button, there's a "+" button. Apple has also been testing new models that produce more lifelike images, so we could see new image generation capabilities in ‌iOS 27‌ with better image quality. Genmoji is also getting an update so it will use fewer resources, causing less battery drain and fewer heat problems. ‌Genmoji‌ will be better quality with a new ‌Genmoji‌ model, and a Suggested ‌Genmoji‌ feature will bring up custom emoji ideas based on your media and text history. Writing Tools Apple is testing an expanded version of Writing Tools that will do more rewriting and text generation than the current version. There is a "Write with ‌Siri‌" toggle at the top of the keyboard, according to Bloomberg, along with a "Help Me Write" option that comes up when ‌Siri‌ is activated while a text field is open. Apple is going to add a dedicated AI grammar checker that will work alongside the current spell check. When writing in Messages, Mail, and other apps there will be a translucent menu that slides up from the bottom of the iPhone's screen, and it will show suggested revisions next to the original written text. Users can go through the suggestions and accept or reject them one by one, approve all of the changes at once, or ignore the changes. Other Features Wallpaper - There will be an option to generate custom wallpapers with the ‌Image Playground‌ app, with the feature built into the interface for selecting a new wallpaper. Safari - Safari will get an updated start page with four tabs for switching between favorites, bookmarks, Reading List, and history. Calendar - Rumors suggest the Calendar app will incorporate new AI features. ‌Siri‌ will also be able to draw on information in the app. Health - With a new calorie scanning feature coming to the Camera app, calorie tracking will be more prominent in the Health app. Apple was also planning a Health+ subscription service, and while that's been scaled back, there could be other AI health app changes. Weather - The Weather app will have a new Conditions panel for switching between temperature, rain, and wind from the main interface, without the need to tap into a weather module. AirPods settings - The AirPods interface in the Settings app will be simplified, with options featuring better organization. Major features like hearing health will be easier to find. AirPlay Alternatives - Apple is adding a feature that will let users beam content to AirPlay alternatives like Google Cast. It could be limited to iPhone users in the EU because it is being implemented as a Digital Markets Act requirement. iOS 27 System-Wide Design Changes There are system-wide design changes coming in ‌iOS 27‌. The separate tab bar in apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, News, and ‌Apple TV‌ will be adjusted to combine search with the other navigation options. Apple separated search in many apps when introducing Liquid Glass, but it's reverting to the original look. When using the on-screen keyboard, there's a new animation that shows the keys sliding up from the bottom of the iPhone interface, and Apple is adding redo and undo controls for easier customization of the ‌Home Screen‌'s icon and widget layouts. Apple doesn't plan to make major changes to the Liquid Glass aesthetic in ‌iOS 27‌, but the company is mulling a system-wide setting that would precisely adjust the look of the interface. In iOS 26.2, Apple added a slider that lets users adjust the opacity of Liquid Glass for the Lock Screen's clock, and that setting could be expanded to the entire operating system. iOS 27 Updates for Foldable iPhone The first foldable iPhone will be introduced in September. Rumors suggest that it will feature a 5.5-inch display when folded, and a 7.8-inch display when it's opened up like a book. An iPhone with a larger display will require major updates to iOS, and ‌iOS 27‌ will focus on building new interfaces and experiences made for a larger smartphone display. The iPhone Fold will operate like a cross between an iPhone and an iPad, but it will run iOS, not iPadOS, and it won't support ‌iPad‌ apps. When unfolded, the iPhone will have an iPad-like layout that supports multitasking with two apps side-by-side. Many of Apple's iPhone apps will have sidebars on the left of the display, with Apple providing developers with tools to easily adapt their apps to the new layout. Apple is using a wider design for the ‌iPhone Fold‌ than most foldable smartphone makers have used, and it is rumored to have an iPad-like 4:3 aspect ratio. When the iPhone is closed, it will have a standard iPhone layout that looks like the version of iOS we have now. iOS 27 Satellite Features Apple is working on several new satellite features for the iPhone, and it's possible some features could be introduced as soon as 2027. Apple Maps via satellite ‌Photos‌ in Messages via satellite Satellite API framework for third-party apps Satellite over 5G Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky iOS 27 Accessibility Updates Each May, Apple previews new accessibility features that are coming later in the year. This year, Apple showed off some new options that are expected in the ‌iOS 27‌ update. Apple is adding new ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features to VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, and Accessibility Reader. VoiceOver Image Explorer uses ‌Apple Intelligence‌ for detailed descriptions of images throughout the system, including photographs, scanned bills, and personal records. Users can press the Action button on the iPhone to ask questions about what the camera viewfinder sees, with follow-up questions supported in natural language. Magnifier brings Apple Intelligence-powered visual descriptions to its high-contrast interface for users with low vision, with support for spoken commands like "zoom in" or "turn on flashlight." Voice Control gains natural language input so users can describe onscreen elements conversationally, such as "tap the guide about best restaurants" or "tap the purple folder," rather than memorizing exact label names or numbers. Apple says the feature can also help when users want to access on-screen elements that don't have clear accessibility labels. Accessibility Reader gains support for more complex document layouts including scientific articles with multiple columns, images, and tables, plus on-demand summaries and built-in translation that retains a user's custom font, color, and formatting preferences. Generated Subtitles use on-device speech recognition to automatically transcribe spoken audio in uncaptioned video content, including clips recorded on iPhone, received from friends and family, or streamed online, across the iPhone, ‌iPad‌, Mac, ‌Apple TV‌, and Apple Vision Pro. The feature will be available in English in the U.S. and Canada at launch. iOS 27 Performance and Stability Bloomberg has described iOS 27 as a "Snow Leopard" update, suggesting that Apple will focus on improving underlying performance and quality. Apple is prioritizing cleaning up the iOS code and removing anything that's outdated, which could mean upgrading apps to improve performance and rewriting some existing features to be more efficient. The code updates could provide a more responsive, faster version of iOS. Apple is also aiming for efficiency improvements that could translate into tangible battery life gains. iOS 27 Compatibility ‌iOS 27‌ is expected to drop support for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and second-generation iPhone SE. It will be available on all other iPhones that support ‌iOS 26‌. iPadOS 27 Many of the features that are coming in ‌iOS 27‌ will also extend to the ‌iPad‌, including all of the new ‌Siri‌ capabilities. We haven't heard rumors of iPad-specific features as of yet. macOS 27 Like ‌iOS 27‌ and iPadOS 27, ‌macOS 27‌ will adopt the new version of ‌Siri‌ with chatbot capabilities, personal context and the ability to access data on your Mac, and improved integration in and between apps. A standalone ‌Siri‌ app for the Mac is likely. We've heard a lot about what ‌Siri‌ will look like on the iPhone, with it set to be integrated into the ‌Dynamic Island‌, but no detail on how ‌Siri‌ will look on the Mac. The ‌Siri‌ Mac interface will be more of a surprise. The ‌Photos‌ app feature for AI reframing and extending an image will be available, as will the text-based option to create a Shortcut with natural language commands. Grammar checking capabilities will be added to Writing Tools, and ‌Image Playground‌ and ‌Genmoji‌ will see improvements to the underlying models. Apple is experimenting with more realistic models, so ‌Image Playground‌ might be able to generate content that's not so cartoonish. Safari is expected to have a new feature that uses AI to automatically group tabs that are similar to one another, expanding on the tab groups feature. In ‌iOS 27‌, we're getting some minor tweaks to Liquid Glass, including tab bars that do away with the standalone search option and possibly a slider for adjusting the overall look of Liquid Glass, but we know less about what to expect for Liquid Glass on the Mac. There has been criticism of the Mac's Liquid Glass interface in particular, so Apple could have changes planned. Bloomberg claims Apple is working on a "slight redesign" for ‌macOS 27‌, with plans to address "quirks" with shadows and transparency. Apple is working on an OLED MacBook Pro with a touchscreen, so there could be new touch-based interface options hidden in ‌macOS 27‌. The OLED ‌MacBook Pro‌ likely isn't launching until early 2027, so it's not something we're expecting to see in the launch version of ‌macOS 27‌. macOS Naming We don't know what Apple is going to call ‌macOS 27‌, but it will likely continue to have a California landmark name. The filename of Apple's hashmoji for WWDC 2026 on X is "Project Big Bear," leading to speculation that Apple might go with macOS Big Bear. The filename could be unrelated to ‌macOS 27‌, and it's possible Apple will choose something else entirely. Apple has trademarked multiple California-themed names in the past, including Diablo, Grizzly, Mammoth, Miramar, Pacific, Redtail, Redwood, Shasta, Skyline, and Tiburon. Performance Improvements Apple has been working on refinements to macOS that will include bug fixes, performance improvements, and tweaks to boost battery life. No More Intel Macs Apple is dropping support for Intel Macs with ‌macOS 27‌, so if you have an Intel Mac, it's not going to be able to run the new Mac software. macOS Tahoe is the last version of macOS that will work on Intel Macs. Apple is also phasing out Rosetta 2 support, and ‌macOS 27‌ will be the last version of macOS that includes it. Rosetta 2 lets Apple silicon Macs run apps built for Intel Macs, so older apps that still have the outdated architecture will no longer work in macOS 28. Current Intel Macs that run ‌macOS Tahoe‌ but won't run ‌macOS 27‌ include the 13-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ from 2020, the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ from 2019, the 27-inch iMac from 2020, and the 2019 Mac Pro. watchOS 27 In watchOS 27, Apple plans to introduce new watch faces, including a variant of the Modular Ultra face. The new watch face will have a large time readout with three complications, and it will be available for all Apple Watch models. We haven't heard anything else about new watchOS 27 features, and Apple Watch software updates tend to be on the smaller side. With Apple planning to add an option for generating a wallpaper using AI on the iPhone, it's possible there could be some Apple Watch equivalent feature. Some of the new ‌Siri‌ features could work on the watch, and some of the AI features might transition, like grammar correction when writing or dictating on the watch. tvOS 27 We haven't heard anything about tvOS 27, and ‌Apple TV‌ updates are usually not super exciting. With the ‌Apple TV‌ expected to be refreshed with a chip that works with ‌Apple Intelligence‌ later this year, we could see Apple introduce some AI features for the ‌Apple TV‌. Better TV and movie recommendations are a possibility, as is a more capable ‌Siri‌ that is better at handling requests. There could also be new smart home integrations that will work alongside a centralized smart home hub Apple is rumored to be launching this year. One feature we do know about is larger text, which is an Accessibility option Apple is adding. visionOS 27 visionOS 27 will apparently be "light on new features," but it could get the same AI app updates and ‌Siri‌ changes that are coming to Apple's other platforms. New Hardware? There are several products that Apple is still expected to launch in 2026, but it's not looking like any of them are going to be unveiled at WWDC. With several new software updates to cover and an all-new version of ‌Siri‌, Apple may not want to take the focus away from its software announcements. We are expecting M5 Mac Studio and Mac mini updates at some point, plus there could be a new ‌iMac‌. Unfortunately, high RAM costs and chip shortages mean delayed Mac refreshes, and new models aren't expected until later in the year. The low-cost ‌iPad‌ still hasn't been refreshed, and updates for the HomePod mini and ‌Apple TV‌ are apparently ready to go. There's also a new smart home hub tied to the new version of ‌Siri‌, but it's not likely to come out until ‌Siri‌ sees an official launch in the fall. How to Watch ‌WWDC 2026‌ begins at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on June 8. Apple plans to stream the WWDC keynote on YouTube, the ‌Apple TV‌ app everywhere it's available, and the Apple Events website. For those who are unable to watch the livestream, we'll have live coverage at MacRumors.com and the MacRumorsLive X (Twitter) account. Launch Timeline Betas of ‌iOS 27‌, iPadOS 27, ‌macOS 27‌, tvOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 will be seeded to developers after Apple's keynote event. Public betas will come out in July, and after several months of testing, the updates will launch to the public in the fall.Related Roundups: iOS 27, macOS 27, WWDC 2026Tag: SiriRelated Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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09:14 pm
Apple Starts Selling Refurbished Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 | MacRumors
Apple Starts Selling Refurbished Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3
Apple is now selling refurbished versions of the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 at discounted prices. This is the first time the Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 have been available through Apple's online refurbished store since the devices launched last September. Refurbished pricing on the 46mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $369, down from $429, while Apple Watch Ultra 3 pricing starts at $699, down from $799. Apple Watch SE 3 40mm models start at $209, which is $40 less than the standard $249 price. Apple has limited colors and sizes available for the Apple Watch Series 11, but refurbished stock changes regularly. If you're looking for a specific color, you can check back later to see if it's in stock. Both ‌Apple Watch Ultra 3‌ colors are available, and there are also several SE 3 options in stock. Refurbished devices go through a rigorous cleaning and inspection process prior to sale, according to Apple. Refurbished products feature the same one-year limited warranty as newly purchased devices, and they are eligible for AppleCare+. Apple offers around a 15 percent discount on its refurbished products, but you can get even better prices from third-party sellers. Amazon has the Apple Watch Series 11 available starting at $299 this week.Related Roundups: Apple Watch 11, Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Ultra 3Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution), Apple Watch SE (Buy Now), Apple Watch Ultra (Neutral)Related Forum: Apple WatchThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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05:38 pm
Chrome Sets Browser Speed Records on M5 MacBook Pro | MacRumors
Chrome Sets Browser Speed Records on M5 MacBook Pro
Google's Chrome browser hit new records on browser benchmarking tools Speedometer 3.1 and JetStream 3, Google said today. Chrome earned a score of 61 on Speedometer, a five percent improvement since last year. It earned a 469 on JetStream 3, a 10 percent improvement since the beginning of 2026. Tests were done on an M5 MacBook Pro running macOS 26.0.1. Google says it holds a dual record across all browsers, beating every other Mac browser, including Safari. Google reworked JavaScript handling to boost its benchmarking scores, skipping unnecessary execution steps and inlining asynchronous operations. Inlining "fast paths" for common operations resulted in speed gains across multiple daily tasks. Improvements were also implemented for WebAssembly workloads and the Blink rendering engine, with details available on Google's Chromium blog. Google says the benchmarking wins translate into a "meaningfully faster" browsing experience for Chrome users.Related Roundup: MacBook ProTag: ChromeBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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04:58 pm
The MacRumors Show: What to Expect at WWDC 2026 | MacRumors
The MacRumors Show: What to Expect at WWDC 2026
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through all of the major rumors surrounding Apple's announcements at WWDC 2026. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos The event's tagline, "All Systems Glow," is widely seen as a hint at Siri's new design. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is rebuilding ‌Siri‌ as a full chatbot to compete with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, complete with a dedicated app, Dynamic Island integration, and a new system-wide search interface wrapped in a dark, glowing aesthetic that matches the WWDC branding. The dedicated Siri app for back-and-forth conversations is said to be modeled on iMessage, with voice input and the ability to attach images and documents. Users will reportedly be able to set conversation history to auto-delete after 30 days, one year, or never. A new system-wide interface called "Search or Ask" purportedly replaces ‌Siri‌ Suggestions entirely, triggered by swiping down from the top center of the screen. From there, users can launch apps, start texts, set reminders, trigger Shortcuts, or query Apple's new AI web search, which Gurman says Apple is positioning as a Perplexity competitor. Results apparently appear as a translucent card in the ‌Dynamic Island‌, and swiping further opens the full ‌Siri‌ app. Notification Center moves to a top-left swipe, while Control Center stays top-right. The new Siri will reportedly be able to answer multi-part questions, maintain conversational context, summarize uploaded documents, generate images, and draw on personal data across first-party apps like Mail, Messages, Photos, Notes, Contacts, Calendar, and Reminders. Apple is powering its new AI features with a custom model based on Google's Gemini, after its own models reportedly fell short. Gurman says the personalized ‌Siri‌ still carries a "beta" label in internal builds, and there is a "strong chance" it ships that way. iOS 27 will also purportedly introduce an "Extensions" feature letting users choose which AI service powers ‌Siri‌, with a dedicated App Store section for third-party integrations. Users will reportedly be able to set ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and others as the default for Writing Tools, Image Playground, and more, with third-party responses using a distinct voice so users can tell which is speaking. Apple has also reportedly held talks with developers about deeper agentic integrations, and is said to be replacing Core ML with a new Core AI framework. Apple is reportedly giving the Camera app a major overhaul, moving Visual Intelligence from the Camera Control button into a dedicated Siri mode inside the app. Apple is also purportedly making the interface fully customizable via a widget tray, letting users arrange controls like flash, exposure, timer, and depth of field. ‌Visual Intelligence‌ will allegedly also gain the ability to scan nutrition labels for Health app tracking and read contact details from business cards. ‌Photos‌ is said to be getting three new AI editing tools alongside the existing Clean Up feature. "Extend" generates content beyond the original frame, "Reframe" changes the perspective of spatial photos, and "Enhance" applies automatic color and lighting adjustments. Writing Tools are reportedly getting a grammar checker with per-suggestion accept and reject controls, and keyboard autocorrect is said to be gaining Grammarly-style alternative word suggestions. Apple is reportedly redesigning Image Playground with a simpler interface and new models producing more lifelike images. Genmoji is allegedly getting a new model that improves quality and reduces battery drain, with a Suggested ‌Genmoji‌ feature drawing on the user's media and messages. AI-generated wallpapers are also reportedly coming, with ‌Image Playground‌ built into the wallpaper picker. The Wallet app is purportedly gaining a "Create a Pass" feature for digitizing physical tickets and membership cards, and Apple Cash is reportedly getting a bill-splitting feature that lets users photograph a receipt, assign items to individuals, and send payment requests via Wallet or Messages. Shortcuts is said to be getting a natural language interface for building automations by description. Other notable changes include a system-wide Liquid Glass opacity slider that Apple apparently couldn't get working in iOS 26, the option to beam content to AirPlay alternatives like Google Cast (reportedly EU-only as a DMA requirement), and expanded satellite features including Apple Maps and photo sharing over satellite. Apple also previewed a wide range of accessibility improvements ahead of WWDC, including AI-powered descriptions in VoiceOver and Magnifier, an upgraded Accessibility Reader for complex document layouts, automatic video captions generated on-device, and a new FaceTime API for live sign language interpretation. For visionOS, Apple is adding Power Wheelchair Control using Vision Pro's eye-tracking, Vehicle Motion Cues for users in moving vehicles, and face gesture support for system actions. Leaker "Instant Digital" claims ‌iOS 27‌ will drop support for the iPhone 11 lineup and second-generation iPhone SE, requiring at least an iPhone 12, with Apple Intelligence continuing to require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. macOS 27 is said to share the same ‌Siri‌ and ‌Apple Intelligence‌ upgrades, with refinements to Liquid Glass and the same performance focus. It will reportedly be Apple silicon only, dropping all remaining Intel Macs, and is said to be the last release to include full Rosetta support. Gurman described ‌iOS 27‌ overall as a "Snow Leopard" update, with Apple prioritizing stability, code cleanup, and battery life gains alongside the new features. The keynote begins June 8 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with developer betas expected the same day and a public release in September. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel! You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or other podcast apps. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your player. If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion Apple's ‌WWDC 2026‌ keynote date, the sweeping ‌Siri‌ redesign coming in ‌iOS 27‌, Apple's latest accessibility feature previews, and the hinge troubles reportedly plaguing the foldable iPhone ahead of its expected launch in the fall. Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie. ‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also email us at podcast@macrumors.com or head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.Related Roundup: WWDC 2026Tags: The MacRumors Show, WWDC 2026Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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04:30 pm
CalDigit TS5 and Element 5 Hub Review: Two Thunderbolt 5 Docks for Apple's Latest Macs | MacRumors
CalDigit TS5 and Element 5 Hub Review: Two Thunderbolt 5 Docks for Apple's Latest Macs
CalDigit is best known for its docks and hubs, and it has two options designed for Apple's latest Macs. I reviewed the larger $500 20-port TS5 Plus last summer, and for the last couple of weeks, I've been testing the $400 15-port TS5 that launched a bit later than the premium model, and the smaller $250 Element 5 Hub. TS5 The TS5 is probably the Thunderbolt 5 dock that I would recommend if someone on the street came up to me and asked which Thunderbolt 5 dock to buy. It's smaller and takes up less space on a desk than the TS5 Plus, it has no fans like some competing docks, and it has a useful port selection. With some exceptions, it'll meet the needs of most people. Thunderbolt 5 docks are ideal for Apple's Thunderbolt 5 Macs (the M4 Pro, M4 Max, M5 Pro, and M5 Max), but they're also backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 Macs, so you can use the TS5 with almost any Mac to add ports for displays and accessories. Ports on the front: Audio jack USB-C with 10Gb/s speeds and 7.5W USB-C with 10Gb/s speeds and 20W MicroSD card slot (UHS-II) SD card slot (UHS-II) Ports on the back: Audio in/out USB-C port with 10Gb/s speeds and 7.5W USB-A port with 10Gb/s speeds and 7.5W USB-A port with 480Mb/s speeds and 7.5W 2.5 GbE Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports with 15W charging One upstream Thunderbolt 5 port with 140W charging The TS5 does not have dual USB controllers like the TS5 Plus, it has 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet instead of 10GbE, it doesn't have DisplayPort, and it has three fewer USB-A ports and two fewer USB-C ports than the TS5 Plus. The TS5 has three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports instead of two, so it beats the TS5 Plus (which only has two), but the higher-end TS5 Plus has more charging power. The front USB-C port on the TS5 Plus is 36W, as are the two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports at the back. The TS5 has the same general design that CalDigit has used for its last several docks. It's made from a space gray aluminum material with ribbing on the top and sides for dissipating heat. Though it has no fan, it never got beyond lukewarm in my testing, and I was surprised at how cool it stayed. The TS5 Plus ran much warmer when I tested it, but the smaller TS5 wouldn't keep me cozy on a freezing night. The dock's design blends in well with a desk setup, but like most Thunderbolt 5 docks, it's not going to turn any heads. I don't have space gray equipment so the color doesn't match my MacBook or my Studio Display, but it doesn't look too out of place. I wish accessory makers would adopt bolder, brighter colors, but I'm guessing gray and black are what sell. CalDigit's TS5 dock is about 5.5 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide, and a little under two inches thick. It fits well under a display, and it can be positioned either upright or on its side. There is a separate 240W power brick, and that's typical for most Thunderbolt 5 docks. Along with the power supply, CalDigit includes a braided 1-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable, and I appreciate the cable upgrade because not all docks come with nice cables. One thing I appreciate about CalDigit over some other dock makers is the info the website provides. I think the average person probably finds hubs and docks somewhat confusing, especially when it comes to determining which displays and how many external displays a dock supports with a given Mac. CalDigit has an extensive chart with all Apple silicon Macs listed, so it's fairly easy to see what your Mac will support. Thunderbolt 5 supports up to 80Gb/s speeds with bandwidth boost up to 120Gb/s for displays, twice that of Thunderbolt 4. The TS5 supports up to four 6K 60Hz displays, but only if you're using a Mac with an M5 Max chip. It'll also run dual 8K 60Hz displays, dual 4K 240Hz displays, or four 4K displays with up to a 144Hz refresh rate. When used with an M5 Pro Mac, the dock supports up to three 6K 60Hz displays, and for Macs with earlier Pro/Max chips, the dock is limited to dual displays. You can power dual 8K 60Hz displays using the TS5 with an M4 Max or M5 Max Mac, while other machines cap out with two 6K 60Hz displays. The base M-series chips have different support depending on generation too. The M4 and M5 chips can support two external displays up to 6K at 60Hz with the TS5, but M1 and M2 chips only support one. The M3 is a special exception because it supports two displays when the Mac is in clamshell mode, or one with the display open. I tested with a ‌Studio Display‌ and a ‌Studio Display‌ XDR, both of which are 5K displays. I also tested with a ‌Studio Display‌ and a 32-inch 120Hz OLED display, and I didn't run into any issues with either setup. There is one 5K display limitation that potential buyers should be aware of, and that's support for the LG UltraFine 5K monitors. The dock does not support dual LG UltraFine 5K displays unless used with an M5 Max MacBook Pro. I used every port at once and performance was as expected, but I did run into an issue with the TS5 not recognizing SSDs. SSDs that I plugged into the two USB-C ports weren't popping up, but a Thunderbolt 5 SSD was fine. Unplugging the dock and plugging it in again didn't work, but restarting my Mac did. I've had the same problem intermittently, but after the first time, unplugging the dock and then plugging it back in seemed to work. It doesn't happen every time, but losing SSD connectivity through the USB-C ports is a hassle. The TS5 has 140W host charging, which is more than enough for all of Apple's notebooks. The Thunderbolt 5 ports and the 10Gb/s USB-C and USB-A ports have offline charging so you can charge accessories with the dock when your Mac isn't connected. Element 5 Hub I also spent a short amount of time with CalDigit's $250 Element 5 Hub, which is an impressive little device. It's as small as the 180W power brick it comes with, and it's the Thunderbolt 5 option to get if you need minimal ports. The Element 5 Hub has four Thunderbolt 5 ports (one upstream, three downstream), two USB-C ports, and three USB-A ports. 90W host charging is available for a connected Mac, which is enough to keep my 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ charged. The downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports have 15W for accessories, and the USB-C ports offer 7.5W. Like the TS5, the ports work even when the hub isn't connected to a host computer. Since there are three Thunderbolt 5 ports, the Element 5 Hub can drive the same number of displays as the TS5. It doesn't have as many USB-C ports, no SD card slots, and no audio jack, but if all you need is Thunderbolt and a couple of USB-C/USB-A ports, this is the way to go. I love how little space the Element 5 takes up on my desk, so much so that I may adopt one for long-term use. I do use SD card slots, but the smaller size may be worth the sacrifice. The Element 5 is 2.75 inches wide, 4.5 inches long, and an inch thick. It's about the same size as my Thunderbolt 5 SSD, and smaller than an iPhone. If you want compact, get this dock. Bottom Line I prefer the TS5 over the TS5 Plus because of the extra Thunderbolt 5 port on the TS5. I can connect two displays and still have a port for a Thunderbolt 5 SSD, which isn't the case with the TS5 Plus. Unfortunately, I'm continually running into problem where SSDs connected to the USB-C ports on the dock don't work, and that makes it hard to recommend to someone who needs to use it for storage purposes. I can just restart the dock, but I shouldn't have to. TB5 SSDs are fine, so are USB-C SSDs connected through a Thunderbolt port. CalDigit's more expensive TS5 Plus is a better option than the TS5 if you need DisplayPort 2.1, 10GbE, or an absurd number of USB-A ports (five for the TS5 Plus vs two for the TS5). The TS5 Plus also has dual 10Gb/s USB controllers, which is useful if you want to run multiple high-speed SSDs or drives at the same time. If you only need a limited number of ports, I'd definitely recommend checking out the Element 5 Hub. It's compact, but still includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports, three USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. I didn't seem to have the same SSD problem with the TS5 Plus or the Element 5. I like CalDigit's Thunderbolt 5 docks over competing docks from Anker and Satechi, mainly because CalDigit doesn't include fans and its docks operate silently. The SSD problem might be my particular dock or my ‌MacBook Pro‌, but if you pick up a TS5, get it from a place with a return policy just in case. I like all of the docks I've tried so far, though, and they've all been good options with no major problems. I'd pick Anker's Prime Thunderbolt 5 dock if I wanted a dock with no external power supply, or Satechi's CubeDock if I wanted a built-in SSD or had a Mac mini and wanted to match it. Thunderbolt 4 docks are cheaper than Thunderbolt 5 options, but if you have a Thunderbolt 5 Mac or are planning to get one in the next year or two, it's worth going for Thunderbolt 5 for the upgraded bandwidth. How to Buy The CalDigit TS5 can be purchased from the CalDigit website or from Amazon for $400. The Element 5 Hub is available from the CalDigit website or from Amazon for $250. Note: CalDigit provided MacRumors with a TS5 and Element 5 Hub for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.Tag: CalDigitThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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03:24 pm
Foldable iPhone May Not Come in Black, Leaker Suggests | MacRumors
Foldable iPhone May Not Come in Black, Leaker Suggests
Apple has yet to finalize whether its upcoming foldable iPhone will be available in black, according to a questionable new rumor. The Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital" commented today that Apple "hasn't even decided yet whether the foldable screen will come in black," adding pointedly: "Do they have a vendetta against the color black?" The remark suggests black is at least under consideration, but has not been confirmed as part of the lineup, a notably open question for a device that is expected to enter mass production imminently and launch as soon as September. In February, the leaker described the device as coming in just two color options, with white as the only confirmed shade and the second unspecified. Instant Digital revisited that report in May without walking back any color details, keeping the two-option account intact. Today's comment does not necessarily contradict that, but introduces new uncertainty about what the second option actually is. Separately, Macworld cited a supply chain source claiming the second finish will be an indigo option similar to the iPhone 17 Pro's Deep Blue, alongside a classic silver and white model. That source also said the device will offer fewer choices than the iPhone 18 Pro models, with no bold or vibrant colors. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman similarly reported that Apple plans to "stay away from fun colors" and stick to more traditional silver/white and space gray/black finishes. Samsung Display's OLED panels for the device are already entering mass production, and ramp-up is underway. Color decisions typically feed directly into manufacturing and component procurement, all of which needs to be locked well in advance of launch. For a device as complex and supply-constrained as the foldable iPhone is expected to be, any severe late-stage indecision seems unlikely, so the rumor may simply indicate some opaqueness in the supply chain about the second color. That being said, dummy models that have surfaced so far have only been seen in white. It is also worth noting that new high-end products such as the Apple Watch Ultra and Vision Pro only launched with one color option. A limited color offering may partly reflect the practical realities of manufacturing the device at all. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has warned that early-stage yield and ramp-up challenges could constrain supply through at least the end of 2026, and that the frequently cited figure of 15 to 20 million units likely reflects cumulative demand across the product's full two to three year lifecycle, not 2026 alone. Adding color variants increases the number of SKUs to produce, stock, and allocate, which is a complication Apple has little commercial incentive to absorb when launch supply is expected to be tight regardless. The approach would be broadly consistent with how Apple has handled generationally significant launches before. The iPhone X debuted in November 2017 in just two colors, Silver and Space Gray, at a then-record starting price of $999. The iPhone XS that followed a year later added Gold to the lineup, and Apple may take the same incremental approach with the iPhone Ultra over time. At a starting price that Gurman says will "cross the $2,000 threshold", the foldable iPhone is unlikely to attract buyers whose purchasing decision is heavily determined by color options. That gives Apple room to keep the initial palette narrow. The first foldable iPhone is expected to be announced in September 2026 alongside the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTags: Foldable iPhone, Instant DigitalThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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02:56 pm
Will Apple Launch New Hardware at WWDC Next Week? | MacRumors
Will Apple Launch New Hardware at WWDC Next Week?
Apple has several hardware releases in the pipeline, but will we see any of them unveiled at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference? WWDC is primarily a software event where new versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS take center stage, but it's not unusual for Apple to introduce new hardware during the developer conference. Take WWDC 2017, for example, where Apple first unveiled the original HomePod over six months ahead of its launch. Apple has chosen to show off other major products at the annual event, like the redesigned Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR announced in June 2019. More recently, Apple unveiled the first 15-inch MacBook Air in 2023, along with the M2 Ultra chip in the Mac Studio, and the first Mac Pro powered by Apple silicon. So What Can We Expect at WWDC 2026? Probably not much. Apple has actually released a lot of updates already in 2026. We've seen the AirTag 2, the iPhone 17e, and a new iPad Air with M4 chip, along with refreshed M5 MacBook Air and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro models. Indeed, March was a big month for Apple. The Studio Display XDR arrived with mini-LED backplane technology and a 120Hz refresh rate, the regular Studio Display received a Thunderbolt 5 upgrade, and the company also debuted its industry-disrupting $599 MacBook Neo. It even quietly updated the AirPods Max with an H2 chip. But despite the flurry of spring announcements, Apple reportedly has more products waiting in the wings. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, new models of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are "ready to go" and have been "for months." So why has Apple yet to launch the new devices, and should we expect to see them at WWDC? Unfortunately, it's unlikely that we will see either of these products announced during the conference. The main reason is that Apple is holding them back until the more personalized version of Siri and other Apple Intelligence upgrades are released later this year. We'll undoubtedly see these software features previewed at WWDC, but they won't be released to the public until mid-September, so it's not reasonable to expect that the new Apple TV and HomePod mini will launch before then. The same goes for other rumored products like smart glasses, AirPods with cameras, and the smart home hub or so-called "HomePad." All of these devices will rely on an enhanced Siri and a version of Apple Intelligence that finally lives up to its promises, but we won't see these improvements go public until the fall. Mac Updates? Unlikely It's not looking good for Mac mini or Mac Studio updates arriving anytime soon, either. Apple is battling a global memory chip shortage, driven by hyperscalar companies building out AI server facilities. The squeeze has already seen Apple remove desktop Macs from its online store – Mac mini models with 32GB and 64GB of RAM are no longer available for purchase, nor is the M3 Ultra Mac Studio with 256GB RAM. Apple even went so far as to remove the ‌Mac mini‌ with 256GB of SSD storage, leaving the 512GB model as the minimum option. Apple CEO Tim Cook himself has said that the Mac mini and Mac Studio could be hard to get for months to come. Perhaps the best we can hope for is a hardware preview of Apple's smart home accessories. Other than that, the safest overriding assumption is not to expect hardware-based product launches at all until Apple's new software updates mature to a point where its AI-based features no longer carry the "beta" badge caveat, and there's no sign that's about to happen anytime soon. WWDC 2026 kicks off with Apple's keynote on Monday, June 8 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Be sure to stay tuned here at MacRumors for comprehensive coverage of all the announcements.Related Roundup: WWDC 2026Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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02:32 pm
$499 AirPods Max 2? The Best Apple Deals of the Week Are Here | MacRumors
$499 AirPods Max 2? The Best Apple Deals of the Week Are Here
This week's best Apple deals included a new all-time low price on the AirPods Max 2, which have now hit $499.00 thanks to a $50 discount at Amazon and Best Buy. You'll also find great deals on AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and LG accessories below. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. AirPods Max 2 What's the deal? Take $50 off AirPods Max 2 Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $50 OFFAirPods Max 2 for $499.00 Apple's AirPods Max 2 hit a new record low price of $499.00 this week on Amazon and Best Buy, down from $549.00. On Amazon, you'll find four colors of the headphones on sale at this price. AirPods Pro 3 What's the deal? Take $50 off AirPods Pro 3 Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $50 OFFAirPods Pro 3 for $199.00 AirPods deals were in abundance this week, with the AirPods Pro 3 also on sale at an all-time low price on Amazon. You can still get this model for $199.00, down from $249.00. AirTag What's the deal? Take $40 off first gen AirTag 4-Pack Where can I get it? Woot $40 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $59.99 Woot has Apple's first generation AirTag 4-Pack for $59.99 this week, down from $99.99. The AirTag 4-Pack is in new condition and comes with a 90-day Woot limited warranty. Apple Watch Series 11 What's the deal? Take $100 off Apple Watch Series 11 Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm GPS) for $299.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm GPS) for $329.00 Amazon this week has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. This sale includes a handful of GPS aluminum models on sale at record low prices. LG What's the deal? Save sitewide at LG Where can I get it? LG Where can I find the original deal? Right here SITEWIDE SALELG Summer Sale LG is hosting a big savings event on its website this week, with deals on monitors, TVs, home appliances, and more. Highlights of the event include up to $500 off select LG monitors and up to $1,500 off LG's best TV sets. 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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02:24 pm
iOS 27 Notifications Will Slide in From Left Side of Your iPhone's Screen | MacRumors
iOS 27 Notifications Will Slide in From Left Side of Your iPhone's Screen
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today revealed another iOS 27 change: notifications will slide in from the left side of the screen instead of from the top. In addition, accessing Notification Center on iOS 27 will require swiping down on the top-left corner of the screen. If you swipe down on the Dynamic Island area, a new "Search or Ask" interface tied to the revamped Siri will appear, instead of Notification Center. This change may be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and newer if the "Search or Ask" interface ends up requiring an iPhone model with Apple Intelligence. Apple is set to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on Monday, and the first developer beta should be available on the same day. A public beta typically follows in July, and the update should be widely released in September.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Bloomberg, Mark GurmanThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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02:21 pm
iOS 27 Will Reportedly Give Your iPhone 'Longer Battery Life' | MacRumors
iOS 27 Will Reportedly Give Your iPhone 'Longer Battery Life'
iOS 27 is rumored to be focused on bug fixes and performance improvements, and this should result in "longer battery life," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In line with his previous reporting, Gurman today said Apple is "making performance improvements aimed at extending the battery life of the iPhone," but he said it is "unclear if Apple will quantify how much longer devices will last." In other words, it remains to be seen if Apple highlights the battery life improvements during its WWDC 2026 keynote this Monday.Related Roundup: iOS 27This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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11:24 am
iOS 27: New 'Beta' Siri Features Could Be Gated Behind a Waitlist | MacRumors
iOS 27: New 'Beta' Siri Features Could Be Gated Behind a Waitlist
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has published his WWDC preview ahead of Monday's keynote, and while almost all of the iOS 27 features he covers have already made the rounds, there are a couple of details worth highlighting. As we've covered previously, Apple is turning Siri into a full chatbot that users can interact with, similar to Claude or ChatGPT. The Siri chatbot will be integrated into Apple's operating systems at the system level, and there will also be a Siri app for back-and-forth conversations. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gurman says that Siri chats will sync across devices via iCloud, making Apple's assistant similar to rivals like ChatGPT that retain history across sessions. Users' chats with Siri will also be able to auto-delete on a schedule, 30 days, a year, or never. The options will be controlled in Settings, much like Messages. Notably, Gurman says that Apple is still internally labeling the long-delayed revamped Siri as a "beta" and "preview," suggesting it won't be marketed as finished software when it arrives later this year. That may frustrate some users, given that Apple Intelligence features that were first teased in 2024 have been repeatedly delayed, but it's worth noting that the original Siri also held the same "beta" caveat for two years after its 2011 debut. As a result of the abiding "beta" moniker, Gurman says it's possible that Apple will initially introduce a waitlist for the new Siri that could gate access to certain features when iOS 27 arrives in September, similar to the initial launch of the Apple Intelligence platform two years ago. It's not clear which features they might be, though. Siri in iOS 27: Every New Feature and Change to Expect WWDC 2026 kicks off with Apple's keynote on Monday, June 8 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Mark Gurman, SiriThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Thursday June 04
11:26 pm
5+ New Features Coming in macOS 27 | MacRumors
5+ New Features Coming in macOS 27
iOS 27 has been the star of the rumors we've been hearing ahead of Apple's WWDC 2026 event, but there have also been a few tidbits about the next version of macOS, macOS 27. We don't know as much about ‌macOS 27‌ as we do about ‌iOS 27‌, so there will be some surprises in store. Liquid Glass Revision Hate Liquid Glass on the Mac? It's not going anywhere, but Apple is planning a "slight redesign." Liquid Glass transparency and shadows don't work as well on the Mac as they do on the iPhone, and Apple has some revisions in mind. Don't expect Apple to revert to the pre-Tahoe design, but minor improvements are likely. Siri Most people probably never use Siri on the Mac, but that could change with ‌macOS 27‌. The smarter, more capable version of ‌Siri‌ that we've been hearing about endlessly isn't just for iOS. ‌Siri‌ is also coming to macOS, with a new ‌Siri‌ interface planned and, presumably, a standalone ‌Siri‌ app for the Mac. We don't know as much about the ‌macOS 27‌ ‌Siri‌ interface as we do about the ‌iOS 27‌ interface, but it'll probably parallel what's coming in iOS. On the iPhone, ‌Siri‌ will be integrated in the Dynamic Island. Will Apple somehow carry that over to the Mac's notch? Who knows, but it's possible. ‌Siri‌ on iOS has a dark interface that's hinted at in WWDC graphics, and we could get that same style in ‌macOS 27‌. If you want to about the changes coming to ‌Siri‌, check out our iOS 27 roundup. AI App and Feature Updates Most of these rumors are for ‌iOS 27‌, but a lot of what's available on iOS is also available on macOS. Photos - The Photos app will include new Extend and Reframe options. Extend generates image content beyond the original frame of the photo, and Reframe lets users change the perspective of an image after it's captured. There's also a tool for natural language photo edits, but it might not be ready to go when ‌macOS 27‌ launches. Image Playground - Apple is testing new models that produce more lifelike images, plus there could be some updates to the app interface. Wallpaper - ‌iOS 27‌ is getting a wallpaper-generating feature that uses Image Playground, so it makes sense for it to be available in ‌macOS 27‌ too. Shortcuts - The Shortcuts app will let users ask ‌Siri‌ to generate a shortcut using natural language. With a short statement on what a shortcut should do, AI will whip it up and add it to the app. It'll make shortcuts much easier for the average person to use. Writing Tools - In addition to spell check, there will be a grammar check feature. Writing Tools will also support expanded rewriting and text generation capabilities. Safari - Safari is getting a feature for automatically organizing browser tabs into groups, which will be useful for tab addicts who like to see just how many tabs their Mac can handle before it starts to feel sluggish. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements Bug fixes and performance improvements will be a focus in both ‌iOS 27‌ and ‌macOS 27‌. In fact, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple is working on a "Snow Leopard-style update" for ‌iOS 27‌ and ‌macOS 27‌. Apple wants to improve the underlying quality and performance of macOS. Touchscreen Support There is a MacBook Pro with a touchscreen OLED display that's going to come at some point during the ‌macOS 27‌ release cycle, so there could be hidden touch-based tweaks. This isn't a device that we're expecting until late 2026 at the earliest (and 2027 is more likely), but researchers who like to dig into macOS code might find some hints of touchscreen support. No More Intel Macs It's the end of the road for Intel Macs. If you're still using a Mac with an Intel chip, you won't be able to upgrade to ‌macOS 27‌. macOS Tahoe is the last version of macOS that runs on Intel Macs, and ‌macOS 27‌ will require an M1 Apple silicon chip or later. Apple has phased out all Intel Macs, and it stopped selling the last Mac with an Intel chip in 2023. Speaking of phasing things out, Apple is ending support for Rosetta 2 after ‌macOS 27‌. Rosetta will still be available in ‌macOS 27‌, but not macOS 28. If you're still using an app that relies on Rosetta, it will need an Apple silicon update by fall 2027 or it's not going to work anymore. macOS Name One detail that rarely leaks ahead of WWDC is Apple's name for the next version of macOS. Apple uses California landmarks for its Mac software, and there are still plenty to choose from. "Project Big Bear" is the name of the hashmoji file that Apple shared on X, so macOS Big Bear is a possibility. If ‌macOS 27‌ focuses on bugs and is a "Snow Leopard" update, Apple could pick macOS Emerald after Emerald Bay. Emerald Bay is a small bay off of Lake Tahoe, and it would be a fitting choice. "Snow Leopard" followed "Leopard," and using the same kind of linked name would be a strong signal of Apple's commitment to performance improvements in the ‌macOS 27‌ update. Launch Date ‌macOS 27‌ will be available for developers after the June 8 WWDC keynote event. A public beta will follow in July, and the software will see a public launch in the fall.Related Roundup: macOS 27This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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09:54 pm
macOS 27 Wishlist: What Do You Want From Apple at WWDC 2026? | MacRumors
macOS 27 Wishlist: What Do You Want From Apple at WWDC 2026?
We have four days to go until Apple's WWDC keynote event begins on Monday, June 8. iOS 27 has been the focus of most of the rumors, but we're also going to get a new version of macOS, macOS 27. Some of the same features that are coming in ‌iOS 27‌ will come to ‌macOS 27‌, like the new version of Siri and the dedicated ‌Siri‌ app, but we want to hear from MacRumors readers. What are you hoping to see in ‌macOS 27‌? Do you want updates to Liquid Glass? Changes to multitasking? Bug fixes? Better external display support? Improved memory management since no one can afford RAM anymore? Guessing the name Apple will choose for the next version of macOS is always fun. There are still plenty of California landmarks for Apple to choose from, and the filename of Apple's hashmoji for the event on X hints that macOS Big Bear is a possibility. Let us know what name you think Apple will pick, and tell us your most wanted features in the comments below.Related Roundups: macOS 27, WWDC 2026Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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09:29 pm
Upcoming Beats Headphones Teased in a Second Color by Lamine Yamal | MacRumors
Upcoming Beats Headphones Teased in a Second Color by Lamine Yamal
A few days after teasing upcoming Beats over-ear headphones in pink, football superstar Lamine Yamal today shared a Story on his Instagram account revealing a second color for the unreleased headphones: an ivory or stone color. The Instagram Story is a still photo showing Yamal greeting a fan, and he is carrying a bag with both the pink and ivory color versions of the headphones hanging around the bag's strap, but we don't have any other views of the product. It's still unclear exactly what features these upcoming headphones are going to offer, and whether they will be considered a successor to the current Beats Studio Pro over-ear model or if they will be a separate product. The headphones first appeared a couple of weeks ago in a U.S. Federal Communications Commission database, but we don't yet know when they will see a public release. Tag: BeatsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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09:28 pm
Ugreen MagFlow Air and Nexode Air Review: A Power Bank and Charger Built for iPhone | MacRumors
Ugreen MagFlow Air and Nexode Air Review: A Power Bank and Charger Built for iPhone
iPhone accessory maker Ugreen recently came out with a new Nexode Air charger and MagFlow Air power bank, two products that are designed for Apple users. MagFlow Air The $60 MagFlow Air is a 10,000mAh Qi2 power bank that also has a built-in USB-C cable. The power bank is 4.4 inches long, 2.75 inches wide, and 0.55 inches thick. It has some weight to it, and feels like a good quality device. It's about the same weight as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. It's close in size and design to Anker's MagGo, which is $20 more expensive at $80. The MagFlow Air has a clever design. It's a Qi2 charger so you can charge your iPhone wirelessly, but there's also a pull-out braided USB-C cable that unclips from the bottom corner. When it's clipped in, it serves as a lanyard. There's another USB-C port at the bottom for charging the power bank or charging a third device (though you can also charge it with the built-in cable). It does support passthrough charging, so you can connect it to a power adapter and then plug in an iPhone. With this setup, the iPhone charges first and then the power bank charges. I would not choose Qi charging over USB-C charging when there's a choice, but it's useful to have both in case you need to charge two devices at one time. I am a fan of built-in cables, and this one seems well-attached. It takes some force to pull the cable out, so it stays in place when it's used as a carrying strap. The cable is not removable, and it is not replaceable. Ugreen says it has been bent over 10,000 times in testing with no issue. Qi2 charges a compatible iPhone at up to 15W, and it's not the fastest wireless charging available. You can get up to 25W with one of Apple's MagSafe chargers or a Qi2.2 charger. The magnets in the MagFlow Air are strong, making for a secure connection to an iPhone. It stayed in place when pulling my iPhone out of a pocket. USB-C charging is faster at 30W, and if you use the USB-C cable instead of the Qi2 charger, you can fast charge your iPhone. You can attach the charger via ‌MagSafe‌ and plug it in, which is useful because it combines USB-C charging speeds with the convenience of a magnetic attachment. An iPhone plugged in via the USB-C cable won't charge wirelessly, but the connection remains available. I have an ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, so 10,000mAh isn't quite enough for two full charges, but it is sufficient for a full charge and then some. The MagFlow Air gets warm when charging an iPhone wirelessly, which is not unusual for a Qi charger. I tested the space gray aluminum color, but the power bank also comes in blue and white. The back has a soft touch material that won't scratch an iPhone, and that provides grip. A button on the side lights up four LEDs to let you know the charge level. It takes about two hours to charge the MagFlow Air from empty to full over USB-C. Ugreen says the power bank has "Dymondcell ATL cells with 13-layer protection," "intelligent safety protection," and "Thermal Guard temperature control," which will hopefully keep it from exploding on an airplane (it is under the airline limit of 100Wh). The 13-layer protection is supposed to prevent "overheating, overcurrent, and short circuits" for safer charging. Ugreen doesn't explain what Dymondcell is, but it has partnered with battery maker Amperex Technology Limited (ATL) and is using ATL lithium-ion batteries. Ugreen's UK site has a little more information, but it doesn't detail what the 13 layers are. The battery cells can apparently withstand a 4mm tungsten steel nail penetration test and survive a 1.43-ton crush resistance test. I can't test those claims, but it sounds impressive. Nexode Air Priced at $25, the USB-C Nexode Air is the slimmest 65W charger I've seen to date. It uses GaN, and it's not too far off from the size of the tiny power bricks that Apple used to provide with the iPhone. The Nexode Air is just over 1.6 inches long, 1.2 inches wide, and 1.3 inches deep. The prongs fold in when it's not in use, making it more compact for travel. I tend to prefer multi-port chargers so I can charge more than one device at a time, but if you need a single charger for a Mac or another device, it's a good option. Ugreen's 65W Nexode Air next to 30W Apple USB-C charger I tested a space gray version that charges at 65W, but it also comes in 45W and in orange, white, and blue to match Apple's ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ models. 65W is enough to fast charge a MacBook Air, and it also works for iPhones and iPads. It fit well in a plug, left plenty of space to plug in something else, and it charged as expected. Ugreen includes a color-matched braided USB-C to USB-C cable that feels like it's made well. The cable is 3.3 feet, which is a standard size that usually comes with accessories. Bottom Line There are a ton of power banks out there, so the MagFlow Air has a lot of competition. This little Anker Nano is my favorite 10K option, but the MagFlow Air is growing on me. I like the magnetic connection with the option to charge over USB-C because it's a combo that most power banks don't offer. $60 is on the high side for a 10K power bank, but with the built-in cable and the Qi2 magnetic charging, it's priced competitively with other trusted brands. As for the Nexode Air, it's a good little USB-C power adapter if you need a pocketable single-device charging option. How to Buy The 65W Nexode Air is available from Amazon for $25. The MagFlow Air is available from Amazon for $60. Note: Ugreen provided MacRumors with an MA320UG for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Reviews and KoolTools

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CoverBuddy is not only a great iPad case, but has an Apple Pencil holder

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Wednesday June 03
01:34 pm
Customers are facing an increase in API errors when requesting Audit Logs | CloudFlare
Customers are facing an increase in API errors when requesting Audit Logs
Jun 3, 13:30 UTC Investigating - We are currently investigating this issue.
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09:31 am
Increased 5XX error rate on Browser rendering | CloudFlare
Increased 5XX error rate on Browser rendering
Jun 3, 09:31 UTC Investigating - We are currently investigating this issue.
Read more »
08:58 am
Service Issue – Block Storage Newark, US | Linode
Service Issue – Block Storage Newark, US
Jun 3, 08:58 UTC Investigating - Our team is investigating an issue affecting the Block Storage service in our Newark, US data center. During this time, users may experience connection timeouts, latency and errors with this service. We will share additional updates as we have more information.
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02:38 am
Bot Management – Increased False Positives | CloudFlare
Bot Management – Increased False Positives
Jun 3, 02:38 UTC Identified - The issue has been identified and a fix is being implemented. Jun 3, 02:26 UTC Investigating - Cloudflare is investigating reports of some legitimate requests being incorrectly assigned a high bot score. Customers using Bot Management rules to challenge or block traffic based on bot score may see legitimate visitors incorrectly actioned. We are actively investigating and will provide updates as we learn more.
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Tuesday June 02
10:33 pm
Code by Zapier is running into Lamda errors mentioning KMS | Zapier
Code by Zapier is running into Lamda errors mentioning KMS
Status: InvestigatingWe are currently investigating an issue with Code by Zapier that is resulting in error messages when those steps are running: “Lambda was unable to configure access to your environment variables, because you have reached the grant limit of your KMS key or execution role”. We are working on resolving this as soon as possible, and will update this Status page as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please reach out to our support team — https://zapier.com/app/get-help Thank you for your patience!
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09:01 pm
Network Performance Issues in TLV | CloudFlare
Network Performance Issues in TLV
Jun 2, 21:01 UTC Investigating - Cloudflare is investigating issues with network performance in TLV colos. We are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.
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07:52 pm
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Beeline | Twilio
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Beeline
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jun 15, 14:00 - 17:00 PDT Jun 2, 12:30 PDT Scheduled - The Beeline network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 15 June 2026 at 14:00 PDT until 15 June 2026 at 17:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Beeline Russia handsets.
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07:25 pm
Browser Run | CloudFlare
Browser Run
Jun 2, 19:25 UTC Identified - The issue has been identified and a fix is being implemented. Jun 2, 19:18 UTC Investigating - Cloudflare is investigating an increased level of errors for customers of API. We are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.
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03:54 pm
Code by Zapier seeing errors | Zapier
Code by Zapier seeing errors
Status: InvestigatingWe are currently investigating an issue affecting the ability of Code by Zapier steps to run. Starting at approximately 11:00am EST, some Code by Zapier steps began encountering errors, including CodeStorageExceededException OR ResourceConflictException This is affecting new Code by Zapier steps, and some existing steps as well. We will provide updates as we make progress on resolving this issue. Thank you for your patience.
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03:18 pm
Scheduled maintenance | AWeber
Scheduled maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jun 3, 18:00 - 18:30 EDT Jun 2, 11:13 EDT Scheduled - In an effort to continually improve our service, we will be performing scheduled network maintenance on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 between 6:00pm and 6:30pm ET. During this maintenance, we expect a brief interruption of less than 5 minutes to the ability to create/publish/unpublish Landing Pages and create/publish/unpublish AI Signup Forms from within AWeber. No interruption to other AWeber services is expected, including AWeber.com, customer logins, subscriber sign ups, public API, newsletter archives, workflows, and message sending.
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02:51 pm
Czech Republic Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance | Twilio
Czech Republic Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jun 17, 12:00 - 18:00 PDT Jun 2, 07:32 PDT Scheduled - Our Voice carrier partner in the Czech Republic is conducting a planned maintenance from 17 June 2026 at 12:00 PDT until 17 June 2026 at 18:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent call disconnects or call failures from and to Twilio Czech Republic phone numbers.
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02:51 pm
Czech Republic Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance | Twilio
Czech Republic Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jun 16, 12:00 - 18:00 PDT Jun 2, 07:32 PDT Scheduled - Our Voice carrier partner in the Czech Republic is conducting a planned maintenance from 16 June 2026 at 12:00 PDT until 16 June 2026 at 18:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent call disconnects or call failures from and to Twilio Czech Republic phone numbers.
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01:55 pm
Cloudflare Access Configuration Delays | CloudFlare
Cloudflare Access Configuration Delays
Jun 2, 13:55 UTC Investigating - Cloudflare is aware of and investigating issues with Cloudflare Access. Customers may observe delays when making configuration changes. We are currently working on a resolution. More updates to follow shortly.
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12:00 pm
Network performance issues in US Eastern region | CloudFlare
Network performance issues in US Eastern region
Jun 2, 12:00 UTC Resolved - Between 13:39 and 14:06 on June 2nd, 2026 Cloudflare identified and mitigated a network performance issue specifically affecting the US Eastern region.Users may have experienced increased latency or intermittent connectivity.
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09:18 am
Australia Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance | Twilio
Australia Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jun 9, 05:00 - 06:00 PDT Jun 2, 02:10 PDT Scheduled - Our Voice carrier partner in Australia is conducting a planned maintenance from 09 June 2026 at 05:00 PDT until 09 June 2026 at 06:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent call disconnects or call failures from and to Twilio Australia phone numbers.
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