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Hardware announcements for the week of January 26-30

° WITHit is ringing in 2026 with the release of their latest Black Titanium Band for Apple Watch. Featured in a sleek black colorway it’s described as the company’s most durable band yet. ° Baseus has launched its US$179 Nomos II series: a 6-in-1 245W model....

Software announcements for the week of January 26-30

Here are some of the latest software announcements: ° Stellar has released upgraded versions of its US$59.99 flagship Data Recovery Software for Mac and Windows devices. Building on improvements from 2025, these upgrades bring features that the company says...

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Opinion

Apple granted patent for ‘devices with enhanced audio’

Apple has been granted a patent (number US 11640275 B2) for “devices with enhanced audio.” About the patent In the patent Apple notes that electronic devices, such as computers, mobile phones, audio players, laptops, tablet computers, televisions (hereinafter an...

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Wednesday January 28
05:19 pm
Complete macOS versions history 2001-2026: Dates, features & support | Macworld
Complete macOS versions history 2001-2026: Dates, features & support
Macworld Apple has released multiple macOS versions over the years, each bringing new features, design changes, and hardware requirements. Whether you’re trying to identify the version on your Mac, decide if it’s time to upgrade, or understand which releases are still supported, this guide covers every macOS version from the original Mac OS X Cheetah to the latest macOS 26 Tahoe. Below, you’ll find a complete list of macOS versions in order, along with release dates, codenames, key details and support information. What is the latest macOS version? The latest version of macOS is called macOS Tahoe after the lake located in California. That version of macOS is also known as macOS 26 and it launched to the general public on September 15, 2025. Tahoe has been updated a few times since it launched in September 2025. The latest version (as of January 28, 2026) is macOS Tahoe 26.2, which was introduced in December 2025. macOS version history: Every macOS and Mac OS X version and the features it brought macOS is Apple’s operating system for the Mac, in the same way iOS runs on the iPhone and iPadOS runs on the iPad. It provides the user interface and acts as the link between a Mac’s hardware and its software. All Macs have run macOS – formerly known as Mac OS X – since its debut in 2001. Before that, Apple computers used Mac OS 9. macOS is based on Unix technology developed at NeXT, the company Steve Jobs founded before returning to Apple. Since its launch on March 24, 2001, macOS has evolved significantly, gaining tighter integration with iOS devices, cloud services, and productivity features such as Time Machine, Quick Look, Exposé, Spaces, and Desktop Stacks. Below is a complete overview of macOS versions, showing how Apple’s desktop operating system has developed over time, along with the official names and internal codenames used for each release. Foundry OS X 10 beta: Released in September 13, 2000, this preview version of OS X was codenamed Kodiak. It was based on technology from NeXT Computer, which was another company founded by Apple founder Steve Jobs and it introduced the Aqua user interface as well as protected memory and preemptive multitasking to stop crashes. This beta cost $29.95. OS X 10.0: Code named Cheetah, this was the first major release of Mac OS X, arriving on March 14, 2001. It was Apple’s first OS built on a Unix-based foundation. Unfortunately it was slow and rough around the edges. OS X 10.1: Just a few months ofter the first version of Mac OS X launched, Apple introduced the Puma update on September 15, 2001. This time is was stable and ready for everyday use, hardware support was better, and other issues with the fist version were addressed. OS X 10.2: Jaguar arrived on August 14, 2002, significantly improving performance and usability, introducing Quartz Extreme for smoother graphics, a faster Finder, and better networking. iChat was one of the new features. OS X 10.3: In October 2023 Apple introduced Panther which focused on speed, stability, and polish, delivering noticeably faster performance and a more responsive system. New features included: Exposé for managing windows, Fast User Switching, and FileVault disk encryption. Safari arrived as the default web browser. OS X 10.4: Tiger arrived in April 2005 with new features like Spotlight search and Dashboard widgets. OS X 10.5: In October 2007 Leopard arrived and added features like Time Machine for automated backups, Spaces for virtual desktops, and a redesigned Finder with Cover Flow. Time Machine also arrived as a simple way to back up a Mac. OS X 10.6: Released in 2009, Snow Leopard focused on performance, stability, and efficiency rather than flashy new features. OS X 10.7 Lion: Arriving in July 2011, Lion brought iPad-inspired features to the Mac, like Launchpad, full-screen apps, and multi-touch gestures. It also introduced system-wide Auto Save, Resume, and Versions so that users didn’t need to worry about manual saving. OS X 10.8: A year later, in 2012 Mountain Lion brought more iOS features to the Mac including Messages, Reminders, Notes, Notification Center, and iCloud integration. Gatekeeper security was also emphasised. The Notification Center made its debut in OS X Mavericks.Foundry OS X 10.9: In October 2013 Apple stopped naming Mac OS X versions after big cats and switched to Californian landmarks, starting with Mavericks. It introduced features like Finder Tabs, Tags, and memory compression, making Macs faster and more responsive. It was also the first time Apple offered the Max OS X update for free. OS X 10.10: Introduced in October 2014, Yosemite brought a major visual redesign with a cleaner, flatter interface, translucent elements, and a more modern look inspired by iOS (iOS 7 with its big redesign had been introduced in 2013). Continuity features from the iPhone and iPad included Handoff, iCloud Drive, and the ability to make and receive calls and texts from a Mac. OS X 10.11: El Capitan arrived in September 2015 and, like Snow Leopard in 2007, focused more on refinement and stability. It brought improvements like better window management (Split View), smoother graphics, and performance boosts. macOS 10.12: In September 2016 macOS Sierra was the first version to be referred to as macOS rather than Mac OS X, better aligning it with iOS, watchOS and tvOS. It brought Siri to the Mac and improved integration with iPhone and iPad with features like Universal Clipboard. macOS 10.13: This was another update where the focus was on performance rather than flashy new features. High Sierra in September 2017 brought updates to core apps like Photos and Safari but mostly focused on security and efficiency updates. macOS 10.14: In September 2018, Mojave introduced a system-wide Dark Mode and introduced Desktop Stacks for better file organization. Dark Mode debuted in Mojave.Foundry macOS 10.15: Arriving in October 2019, Catalina replaced iTunes with separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps and introduced Sidecar so an iPad could be used as a second display for a Mac. It also ended support for 32-bit apps. macOS 11: Big Sur was the first version to drop the ten, from Mac OS X, and start again at 11. Launched in November 2020 it was a major redesign of Apple’s Mac operating system, with a cleaner, more modern interface, updated icons, a refined Control Center, and closer visual alignment with iOS. macOS 12: Arriving in October 2021, Monterey introduced Universal Control (one mouse/keyboard across Mac and iPad) and improved FaceTime. macOS 13: macOS Ventura arrived in October 2022 and introduced Stage Manager for better multitasking, improved Continuity features (including using an iPhone as a webcam, and brought major updates to Mail, Safari, and Spotlight. macOS 14: In September 2023 Sonoma made the desktop more immersive with animated wallpapers and desktop widgets you can interact with. There were game-focused improvements in Game Mode and video conferencing features like Presenter Overlay were added. macOS 15: A year later in September 2024, Sequoia brought iPhone Mirroring and added Apple Intelligence features. macOS 26: Tahoe arrived in September 2025 with a bold new Liquid Glass design with transparent, customizable interface elements and tighter integration with iPhone and iPad. As with iPhone and iPad, Apple unified version numbering, so the macOS jumped from macOS 15 to 26. Apple also expanded Apple Intelligence, improved Spotlight, improved the Phone related features, and added a new Games app. This is the final macOS version to support Intel-based Macs. List of macOS versions and latest versions Here’s an overview of every version of macOS and Mac OS X Apple has released. You’ll find a complete list of each version of OS X and macOS, along version code names, internal code names (if available) and the most recent version and when it was released. macOS Tahoe.Foundry Product versionCode nameDate of launchDate of launchLast update dateOS X 10 betaKodiakSeptember 13, 2000——OS X 10.0CheetahMarch 14, 200110.0.4June 22, 2001OS X 10.1PumaSeptember 15, 200110.1.5June 6, 2002OS X 10.2JaguarAugust 14, 200210.2.8October 3, 2003OS X 10.3Panther (Pinot)October 24, 200310.3.9April 15, 2005OS X 10.4Tiger (Merlot)April 29, 200510.4.11November 14, 2007OS X 10.5Leopard (Chablis)October 26, 200710.5.8August 13, 2009OS X 10.6Snow LeopardAugust 28, 200910.6.8July 25, 2011OS X 10.7Lion (Barolo)July 20, 201110.7.5October 4, 2012OS X 10.8Mountain Lion (Zinfandel)July 25, 201210.8.5August 13, 2015OS X 10.9Mavericks (Cabernet)October 22, 201310.9.5July 18, 2016OS X 10.10Yosemite (Syrah)October 16, 201410.10.5July 19, 2017OS X 10.11El Capitan (Gala)September 30, 201510.11.6July 9, 2018macOS 10.12Sierra (Fuji)September 20, 201610.12.6September 26, 2019macOS 10.13High Sierra (Lobo)September 25, 201710.13.6November 12, 2020macOS 10.14Mojave (Liberty)September 24, 201810.14.6July 21, 2021macOS 10.15Catalina (Jazz)October 7, 201910.15.7July 20, 2022macOS 11Big Sur (GoldenGate)November 12, 202011.7.10September 11, 2023macOS 12Monterey (Star)October 25, 202112.7.6July 29, 2024macOS 13Ventura (Rome)October 24, 202213.7.8August 20, 2025macOS 14Sonoma (Sunburst)September 26, 202314.8.3December 12, 2025macOS 15Sequoia (Glow)September 18, 202415.7.3December 12, 2025macOS 26Tahoe (Cheer)September 15, 202526.2December 12, 2025 FAQ 1. Which macOS versions are still supported? Apple supplies regular features and security updates to the most recent version of macOS. In addition, it is generally the case that Apple will issue security updates and bug fixes to the previous two versions of macOS. As of December 2025, macOS Tahoe, Sequoia and Sonoma were all receiving security updates. See: How long do Macs and MacBooks last? We also have a full list of which Macs run which versions of macOS here. 2. How does Apple choose Mac OS X and macOS names? As you can see from the list above, with the exception of the first OS X beta, all versions of the Mac operating system from 2001 to 2012 were named after big cats, from Cheetah to Panther to the final release, Mountain Lion. But while the public-facing builds were named after big cats, internally, they were named after wines (aside from OS X 10.6 which had no codename). Even after Apple switched public-facing code names to places in California back in 2013, it carried on naming them after wines internally until 2014. In 2015, Apple decided to change the theme of internal code names from wines to types of apples. In 2016, Apple took the plunge to unify the branding of its operating systems by rebranding Mac OS X to macOS, which sits nicely alongside iOS, tvOS, and watchOS and paved the way for macOS 11, the successor to Mac OS X, which arrived twenty years after the first beta of Mac OS X. In 2025, Apple decided to sync up the numbering system between all its operating systems. macOS 26 Tahoe will live most its lifetime as the most recent version in the year 2026 before being replaced with macOS 27 at the end of 2026. 3. How do I check my macOS version? You can tell which version of macOS you are running by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left and choosing About This Mac. It will clearly show which version of macOS you are running along with the most recent version that your Mac has installed. If you are looking for help installing macOS read: How to update macOS and Fixes for Macs that won’t update. We can also help with How to install macOS on an unsupported Mac. 4. Can I run the macOS beta? You can install a beta version of macOS and test new features that haven’t yet launched. If you want to install the latest beta of macOS read about joining Apple’s beta program. 5. How can I install the latest version of macOS? Some Macs will be set to update macOS automatically. If you want your Mac to update automatically follow these steps: Open System Settings. Click on General. Click on Software Update. Click on the “i” beside Automatic Updates and make sure that Check for updates, Download new updates when available, and Install macOS updates are selected. This way your Mac will automatically update to the latest version. If you would prefer not to have your Mac do this automatically you can deselect these options. Read all about how to update your Mac here. We also have a list of every version of iOS where you can see the latest versions and how long Apple supports iPhones for.
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05:04 pm
AirTag 2 has a thinner motherboard, bigger speaker coil, and lots of glue | AppleInsider
AirTag 2 has a thinner motherboard, bigger speaker coil, and lots of glue
The second-generation AirTag has a few big changes to go with its improved features, with Apple slimming down the motherboard and changing some of the markings used in the new tracker accessory.AirTag 2 mid-teardown - Image Credit: Joseph TaylorApple updated the AirTag on January 26, with a new version improving some important features, such as an increased distance for finding it with Ultra Wideband to 200 feet. Two days later, one of the first teardowns has revealed what Apple has changed in the compact device for its second release.The teardown, posted to YouTube by Joseph Taylor late on Tuesday, reveals there are very few externally visible changes to the new AirTag. It uses exactly the same case design as before, both in shape and size, and it still uses a standard CR2032 coin cell as a battery. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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05:01 pm
Apple TV shares first look and premiere date for second season of ‘Criminal Record’ | Mac Daily News
Apple TV shares first look and premiere date for second season of ‘Criminal Record’
Today, Apple TV unveiled a first look at the anticipated season two return of “Criminal Record,” the critically hailed crime thriller… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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04:50 pm
Apple pulls four iPhone updates following network issues | Macworld
Apple pulls four iPhone updates following network issues
Macworld It’s been a big week for iOS. On Monday, Apple rolled out iOS 26.2.1, the latest point update for the current version. Then it surprised everyone by also releasing new versions of iOS 18, iOS 16, iOS 15, and even (for the first time since 2023) iOS 12. These updates to older versions of iOS appear to have been designed primarily to allow iMessage and FaceTime to keep working on older iPhones beyond January 2027, when the certificate would otherwise have expired. But no good deed goes unpunished, and it now seems these unexpected updates may have caused more problems than they solved. In a support document published today (and first spotted by 9to5Mac), the Australian telecoms firm Telstra reports an issue “preventing some older Apple devices from connecting to our network, including calls to 000” and cites iOS 16.7.13 on the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X as the likely cause. That’s the new version of iOS 16 released yesterday, and the company advises owners of those devices not to update until the issue is resolved. (The number 000, incidentally, is the Australian equivalent of 911 in the U.S. and 999 in the U.K. Losing access to it is a serious matter.) Telstra later updated the page with the news that Apple had “paused” not just iOS 16.7.13, but also iOS 18.7.4, 15.8.6, and 12.5.8–in other words, all of the non-26 iPhone updates released this week–to “investigate” the cause. It isn’t clear if the issue has affected users of any other networks, nor indeed if it’s been reported outside Australia, but Apple isn’t taking any chances. As 9to5Mac observes, Apple’s release notes indicate that all four updates contain “no published CVE entries,” which is to say, they don’t patch any security issues. So pulling the updates while the company tries to solve the network issue shouldn’t be a problem… provided the investigation doesn’t last until next January.
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04:43 pm
AirTag 2 teardown reveals the speaker is now harder to remove | 9 to 5 Mac
AirTag 2 teardown reveals the speaker is now harder to remove
AirTag 2 ships to users’ starting today, and YouTuber Joseph Taylor has already posted an unboxing video and teardown. Here’s what it revealed. more…
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04:40 pm
Deals: AirPods Max $119 off, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch SE 3 $173, Trail Loop 50% off, more | 9 to 5 Mac
Deals: AirPods Max $119 off, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch SE 3 $173, Trail Loop 50% off, more
Your mid-week 9to5Toys Lunch Break deals are ready to roll. Alongside the ongoing Amazon low on AirPods Pro 3 and the 35% price drop on AirPods 4 with ANC at $119, we also spotted the Midnight AirPods Max at $119 off via Amazon as well. Those deals also join a giant 50% price drop on the official Apple Blue/Bright Blue Trail Loop (it is now even lower) as well new lows on the Anchor Blue and Neon Ocean Bands that debuted in September. The black USB-C Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is seeing a rare price drop today and we also have Apple Watch SE 3 as low as $173. Hit the jump for a closer look. more…
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04:28 pm
The noise-cancelling AirPods 4 are down to $119 | Macworld
The noise-cancelling AirPods 4 are down to $119
Macworld We absolutely adore the Apple AirPods 4, especially when they’re on sale. So the fact that they’re only $119 right now is music to our ears. While they’re not the cheapest we’ve ever seen, this is the lowest they’ve been since they dropped to $99 for Black Friday. The AirPods 4 are some of the best buds you can get. When we reviewed them, the earbuds received a 4.5-star rating as we found they deliver great overall audio quality, have excellent battery life, and come with a fantastic charging case. This particular model also has active noise cancellation as well, which means you’ll get a premium listening experience, as well as high-end features, including Conversation Boost, Personalized Spatial Audio, and Live Translation. The Apple AirPods 4 are sweat and water-resistant, making them a reliable choice for workouts and daily commutes alike. Apple’s H2 chip improved the earbuds’ overall performance while also reducing the background noise during calls. Battery life is strong, offering up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and a total of 30 hours with the included charging case. So stop wasting time and go snag the AirPods 4 for $119 before the price goes back up at Amazon. Buy now at Amazon
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04:22 pm
British crime thriller 'Criminal Record' warrants a return to Apple TV in April | AppleInsider
British crime thriller 'Criminal Record' warrants a return to Apple TV in April
The well-received, London-based Apple TV thriller "Criminal Record," is gearing up for its second season, set to start in April.'Criminal Record'Apple describes the series as "a powerful, character-driven drama set in the heart of contemporary London, exploring the impossibility of policing when the truth is up for grabs." The second season will see rival police officers forge an uneasy alliance after a young man is stabbed to death at a political rally.Like its predecessor, "Criminal Record" season two will be eight episodes long. The first episode will debut on Wednesday, April 22, with new episodes weekly through Wednesday, June 10. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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04:22 pm
Apple TV’s hit comedy series ‘Ted Lasso’ returns this summer | Mac Daily News
Apple TV’s hit comedy series ‘Ted Lasso’ returns this summer
Apple TV on Wednesday announced that the fourth season of global hit series “Ted Lasso” will officially make its global debut in summer 2026… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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04:21 pm
Today in Apple history: Apple moves into Bandley 1, its first custom HQ | Cult of Mac
Today in Apple history: Apple moves into Bandley 1, its first custom HQ
On January 28, 1978, Apple occupied Bandley 1, its first custom-built office, at 10260 Bandley Drive in Cupertino, California. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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04:15 pm
Is Creator Studio Apple’s Trojan Horse Into Adobe’s Market? | TechNewsWorld
Is Creator Studio Apple’s Trojan Horse Into Adobe’s Market?
Apple’s new Creator Studio bundles pro-grade tools into a low-cost subscription, changing how creators approach paid software. It won’t displace Adobe overnight, but it could expand the market by lowering the barrier to entry. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.
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03:35 pm
Apple TV has acclaimed London crime thriller coming back soon | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple TV has acclaimed London crime thriller coming back soon
Apple TV has been ramping up its slate of crime thrillers recently, and it just set the release date for season 2 of the acclaimed show Criminal Record. Here are the details. more…
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03:20 pm
Expect strong iPhone 17 demand, AI talk in Apple's Q1 results call | AppleInsider
Expect strong iPhone 17 demand, AI talk in Apple's Q1 results call
Wall Street is still underestimating Apple's prospects for 2026, with Wedbush's Q1 forecast expecting discussion about iPhone 17 demand and the AI landscape to dominate Thursday's analyst call.Apple's early promotion of a contextual Siri upgrade - Image Credit: AppleOn Thursday, Apple will be releasing its first-quarter results and holding its usual conference call with analysts. One day before those expectedly huge results arrive, Wedbush has provided its own analysis on the financial side of Apple.For the results itself, the note to investors seen by AppleInsider put Apple as bringing in revenue of $136.68 billion for the quarter, up from $124 billion last year. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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03:15 pm
How to upload your own music to Apple Music | Cult of Mac
How to upload your own music to Apple Music
If there’s a live concert recording or indie song you want in your library, you can upload custom music to Apple Music really easily. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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03:01 pm
Apple Creator Studio now available for $12.99/month or $129/year | Mac Daily News
Apple Creator Studio now available for $12.99/month or $129/year
Apple Creator Studio, a collection of creative apps designed to put studio-grade power into the hands of everyone, is now available… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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02:57 pm
Apple showcases Final Cut Pro upgrades in Apple Creator Studio bundle | Cult of Mac
Apple showcases Final Cut Pro upgrades in Apple Creator Studio bundle
Apple showcases Final Cut Pro upgrades in the Apple Creator Studio bundle via the work of rising director and choreographer Kyle Haragami. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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02:51 pm
Why buy a Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold when you can get all this Apple gear instead? | Macworld
Why buy a Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold when you can get all this Apple gear instead?
Macworld While the world waits until September for Apple to unveil its first folding iPhone, Samsung is taking its own folding ambitions to new heights with the Galaxy Z TriFold, a multi-folding phone that opens to a 10-inch tablet. It’s definitely an impressive device. Less than 4mm thick when unfolded, it’s got a 6.5-inch cover display, a triple camera system with 3X optical zoom, a 5,600mAh battery, and super-fast 45W charging. It’s also got a commensurate price tag: $2,899. Apple may have a reputation for luxury prices, but Samsung’s premium devices aren’t exactly cheap. The Galaxy S25 Ultra costs as much as an iPhone 17 Pro Max, while the super-skinny S25 Edge rivals the iPhone Air. Even the cheap S25 FE is still about the same as an iPhone 16e. It sells a $1,499 tablet. You can quibble over the specs, of course, but Samsung’s premium devices are hardly bargains. So we expected its new TriFold phone to cost a lot. After all, its regular folding phone starts at $1,999. But $2,899 is a shockingly high price for what is essentially a fancy phone. How high? Consider you could buy these Apple products for the same price: M4 MacBook Air: $999 iPhone 17: $799 iPad: $349 Apple Pencil USB-C: $79 AirPods Pro 3: $249 Apple Watch Series 11: $399 Total: $2,874 And that’s at full MSRP. Shop at Amazon or Best Buy, and you can save enough to buy an Apple TV 4K and a 4-pack of AirTags, too. (Though you’ll still need to kick in a few hundred bucks to get an Apple Vision Pro.) When Apple’s folding iPhone arrives in September, it won’t be cheap. It might even be more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold7. But Samsung fans probably shouldn’t throw any stones.
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02:43 pm
Pages, Keynote, Numbers get iOS 26 updates, here’s everything new | 9 to 5 Mac
Pages, Keynote, Numbers get iOS 26 updates, here’s everything new
Pages, Keynote, and Numbers have just been updated for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. The updates adopt a Liquid Glass design and add new features, including many that are exclusive to Apple Creator Studio. more…
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02:19 pm
Apple Creator Studio launches today, and it’s an incredible value | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple Creator Studio launches today, and it’s an incredible value
Two weeks ago, Apple announced its brand new Apple Creator Studio bundle, offering its suite of creative apps for a single subscription. Apple Creator Studio is set to launch today, and the first reviews and impressions have hit the web. Head below for a full roundup. Apple has also published a new press release highlighting how creators are using the new Final Cut Pro features. more…
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02:15 pm
Snag a 13-inch M4 iPad Pro for $399 off with a near-mint deal you can’t miss | Cult of Mac
Snag a 13-inch M4 iPad Pro for $399 off with a near-mint deal you can’t miss
This refurbished 13-inch M4 Apple iPad Pro costs just $899.99 while inventory lasts. It packs plenty of power and gorgeous hardware. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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02:05 pm
Strong iPhone sales expected to power record Christmas quarter for Apple | Mac Daily News
Strong iPhone sales expected to power record Christmas quarter for Apple
Apple is set to report its strongest iPhone sales growth in four years on Thursday - and likely the company's best quarterly revenue to date… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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02:00 pm
Apple Creator Studio review: Incredible value for most creative pros | AppleInsider
Apple Creator Studio review: Incredible value for most creative pros
The new Apple Creator Studio bundles the company's flagship creative software in a monthly subscription package for the first time. It's a great value, assuming you haven't bought most of them individually.Apple Creator Studio bundles six professional apps in one subscriptionThe iPhone maker has been creating pro creative software for decades. It hasn't been without missteps, though.I've been testing Creator Studio for the past couple of weeks, and so far, it's been a positive experience. Most of the core apps are the same, and Apple has just built upon them with a series of new features and a semi-optional updated pricing model. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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01:58 pm
A brief note about one more AirTag 2 difference | 9 to 5 Mac
A brief note about one more AirTag 2 difference
It’s been a long time coming, but the AirTag 2 finally launched this week with improved Precision Finding, a longer Bluetooth range, and a louder speaker. It’s otherwise almost exactly the same as its predecessor, but one more difference has been found, and you may want to take note … more…
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01:48 pm
Moral low ground: App Store is rife with AI 'nudify' apps | AppleInsider
Moral low ground: App Store is rife with AI 'nudify' apps
While Grok faced most of the heat in the AI porn backlash, Apple isn't doing itself any favors by allowing dozens of "nudify" apps to stay in the App Store.AI nudity apps are a problem for the App StoreAI-generated porn has become a hot topic. Elon Musk's X is still under fire for allowing its chatbot Grok to edit pictures of people to look like they are naked, and churn out child porn.Though X and Grok received the most attention, Apple is also perpetuating the issue affecting innocent women and children by not dealing with apps doing the same thing in the App Store. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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01:30 pm
Mac malware is sneaking into some sponsored Google ads | AppleInsider
Mac malware is sneaking into some sponsored Google ads
Certain sponsored ads on Google have been trying to lead users on to faked Apple support pages that try to get the user to use the Terminal and install malware on Macs.Malware illustration — image credit: AppleInsiderWhere most malware attacks require a user to download and launch an app, researchers at MacKeeper have demonstrated how a number of sponsored Google ads are providing another route for bad agents.Specifically, during the company's research, searching for the term "mac cleaner" led to some sponsored ads that appeared to be at legitimate addresses such as business.google.com. A user following those links, though, can be taken to a site that has been designed to mimic Apple's support pages. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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01:10 pm
Listen to the AirTag’s remixed new chime | Macworld
Listen to the AirTag’s remixed new chime
Macworld The AirTag was announced earlier this week, and as I wrote at the time, it seemed like an opportunity had been missed to properly rethink the product. As announced, the speaker is louder, the effective tracking range has increased, but very little else seems to have changed. But skeptics are sure to change their tune, literally, when they test out the AirTag’s updated sonic capabilities. An early purchaser has posted a comparison of the new and old chime to Twitter/X and, unheralded by Apple, the alert sound has moved up the musical scale from an F to a G. (Being away from my piano, I verified this using Virtual Piano.) The rhythm and tempo of the chime remain the same: a little flourish, followed by three sets of seven notes. You can clearly hear the higher pitch in the recording, but the increased power of the speaker is not really discernible, although those with better ears may disagree. ← AirTag (1st generation) chime→ AirTag (2nd generation) new chimeThe chime has changed from the note "F" to the note "G".「ファ」から「ソ」の音に変わっています。#AirTag pic.twitter.com/yheHAC6YJU— Karagana🐦 (@Krgn1002) January 28, 2026 It’s not clear why those 21 notes have changed from an F to a G. There could be a scientific reason, since higher notes tend to be easier to discern (or harder to ignore) for various anatomical and evolutionary reasons. But going up by a single note surely wouldn’t make much of a difference in that regard, and it could just be a product manager’s whim, or the usual urge to create a detectable difference between otherwise identical generations of a product. It could just be a way of showing off that you’ve got the latest AirTag, in other words. The new AirTag is available now. Retailer Price $29 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket
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01:00 pm
Identity, Data Security Converging Into Trouble for Security Teams: Report | TechNewsWorld
Identity, Data Security Converging Into Trouble for Security Teams: Report
A new Netwrix report warns that converging identity and data security, combined with AI-driven automation, is expanding attack surfaces and reshaping cyber risk, insurance, and defense strategies. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.
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12:28 pm
As 37 US states respond to Grok CSAM problem, Apple really needs to act | 9 to 5 Mac
As 37 US states respond to Grok CSAM problem, Apple really needs to act
At least 37 attorneys general for US states are responding to the ongoing problem of the Grok chatbot creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). It follows the app being banned in two countries and investigations being opened in both the UK and EU, but both Apple and Google have so far ignored requests for them to temporarily remove Grok and X from their respective app stores … more…
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12:19 pm
Apple pulls select iOS updates due to connectivity issues | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple pulls select iOS updates due to connectivity issues
Apple this week released an array of iOS updates, including iOS 26.2.1, iOS 18.7.4, and more. Now, however, it appears that Apple has pulled some of these new updates due to problems with network connectivity in Australia. more…
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12:16 pm
Long-awaited 'Ted Lasso' season 4 finally gets a vague premiere date | AppleInsider
Long-awaited 'Ted Lasso' season 4 finally gets a vague premiere date
Once the worst-kept secret in television, Apple TV is teasing the return of "Ted Lasso" for a fourth season in the summer of 2026, with a reveal of new photos from the production.New assistant coach Tanya Reynolds (left) with Jason Sudeikis — image credit: Apple"Ted Lasso" is the show that made Apple TV a hit, and from the moment it completed its "final" season, there was demand for more. Apple CEO Tim Cook was among those calling for it, and finally in 2025, star/co-creator Jason Sudeikis confirmed its return.Now Apple TV has announced an approximate air date for the new season, a window, with it committing to a summer 2026 release. While there is as yet no more precise date, Apple also shared new images from the production. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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Friday January 09
12:24 pm
Squinting Face, Pickle, and Lighthouse Among New Emoji Coming to iOS | MacRumors
Squinting Face, Pickle, and Lighthouse Among New Emoji Coming to iOS
The Unicode Consortium has published a draft list of emoji that could come to smartphones and other devices in the future. The list shared by Emojipedia outlines 19 emoji candidates under consideration for Emoji 18.0, which is expected to be finalized in September 2026. Among the proposed additions are a squinting face emoji, left- and right-pointing thumb gestures, a pickle, a lighthouse, a meteor, an eraser, and a net with a handle. The draft list also includes a monarch butterfly emoji, providing a more specific alternative to the existing generic butterfly. Along with the 9 new emoji concepts, Emoji 18.0 would (if approved as currently proposed) add 10 additional skin tone variants tied to two of the base emoji. This would bring the total number of recommended emoji characters close to 4,000. Emojipedia has shared sample artwork for many of the candidates, but Apple designers will need to create their own version of each character in the Apple style if the emoji are ultimately approved. As with previous draft lists, the proposed lineup is not final and may change during Unicode's review process. Apple will need to roll out its own versions of the new emoji through software updates, so the new characters would likely arrive on iPhone in late 2026 or early 2027, as part of iOS 27. Apple has consistently adopted new Unicode emoji in past software releases, and previously announced Unicode 17 additions are expected to come to Apple devices with the release of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 in March or April this year. Tag: EmojiThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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11:37 am
iPhone Fold to Pave Way for Thinner, Brighter Display on iPhone Air 2 | MacRumors
iPhone Fold to Pave Way for Thinner, Brighter Display on iPhone Air 2
The iPhone Fold will be the first Apple device to adopt a Samsung-made OLED technology called CoE (Color Filter on Encapsulation), which could make the display brighter and thinner than previous panels, reports The Elec. In a traditional OLED panel, a polarizing film sits above the display to cut reflections and improve contrast. The drawback is that this film also absorbs some of the OLED's own light, reducing brightness and efficiency. With CoE, Apple would remove the polarizer entirely and instead apply the color filter directly onto the OLED's protective encapsulation layer. The result would be a thinner display stack that lets more light through, delivering higher brightness without requiring more power. Removing layers would also mean less thickness overall, potentially contributing to a slimmer iPhone design. According to The Elec, Apple plans to debut CoE with its foldable iPhone, which could launch as soon as late 2026, before expanding the technology to the iPhone Air 2 in 2027. The latter's release has reportedly been pushed back following weaker-than-expected sales of the original iPhone Air. Whether CoE will be applied and whether the iPhone Air 2 will be released will be decided by the third quarter of this year, according to industry sources cited by the Korean-language report. iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable Samsung, meanwhile, plans to apply CoE not only to its foldable Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models, but also to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected in the first quarter of this year. The S26 Ultra will be Samsung's first non-foldable smartphone to use the technology, which the company refers to internally as OCF (On-Cell Film).Related Roundup: iPhone AirTag: Foldable iPhoneBuyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now)This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Thursday January 08
11:44 pm
iOS 26 Shows Unusually Slow Adoption Months After Release | MacRumors
iOS 26 Shows Unusually Slow Adoption Months After Release
iOS 26 is showing unusually slow adoption among iPhone users months after release, according to third-party analytics. Usage data published by StatCounter (via Cult of Mac) for January 2026 indicates that only around 15 to 16% of active iPhones worldwide are running any version of ‌iOS 26‌. The breakdown shows iOS 26.1 accounting for approximately 10.6% of devices, iOS 26.2 for about 4.6%, and the original iOS 26.0 release at roughly 1.1%. In contrast, more than 60% of iPhones tracked by StatCounter remain on iOS 18, with iOS 18.7 and iOS 18.6 alone representing a majority of active devices. Historical comparisons highlight how atypical this adoption curve appears. StatCounter data from January 2025 shows that roughly 63% of iPhones were running some version of iOS 18 about four months after its release. In January 2024, iOS 17 had reached approximately 54% adoption over a similar timeframe, while iOS 16 surpassed 60% adoption by January 2023. Based on those figures, ‌iOS 26‌ adoption appears to be running at less than one-quarter of the rate achieved by recent predecessors during the same post-release window. StatCounter derives its estimates from web traffic analytics, tracking operating system versions via page impressions across its global network of participating websites. In the first week of January last year, 89.3% of MacRumors visitors used a version of iOS 18. This year, during the same time period, only 25.7% of MacRumors readers are running a version of ‌iOS 26‌. In the absence of official numbers from Apple, the true adoption rate remains unknown, but the data suggests a level of hesitation toward ‌iOS 26‌ that has not been seen in recent years. Unlike many previous releases, ‌iOS 26‌ introduces Liquid Glass as a fundamental visual overhaul, replacing large portions of the traditional opaque interface with translucent layers, blurred backgrounds, and dynamic depth effects across system elements. Upon its announcement at WWDC last year, the redesign received mixed reviews, which could be a contributing factor to hesitation around upgrading. Likewise, Apple now continues to support older operating systems with security updates, allowing users to remain on iOS 18 without immediate pressure to update or forfeit critical patches. This makes it much easier for users to remain on older software.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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10:29 pm
Apple CEO Tim Cook Earned $74.3 Million in 2025 | MacRumors
Apple CEO Tim Cook Earned $74.3 Million in 2025
Apple CEO Tim Cook earned $74.3 million in 2025, down slightly from $74.6 million in 2024, Apple said in its annual proxy filing released today. Cook's earnings included a $3 million base salary that has remained the same since 2016, $57.5 million in stock awards, $12 million in performance-based cash awards, and $1.76 million in other compensation, such as 401(k) contributions, life insurance premiums, vacation cash-out, security expenses, and personal air travel expenses. For efficiency and security purposes, Cook is required by Apple to use private aircraft for both business and personal travel. Apple set a target compensation of $59 million for Cook, the same as in 2024, but Cook earned above that level through the incentive payouts that executives receive when Apple performs well. Other key senior Apple executives, including outgoing general counsel Kate Adams, chief operating officer Sabih Khan, and retail and people chief Deirdre O'Brien each earned total compensation packages of around $27 million in 2025. Apple saw a chief financial officer transition in 2025, with former CFO Luca Maestri earning $15.5 million in 2025 and new CFO Kevan Parekh earning $22.5 million.Tag: Tim CookThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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09:54 pm
Apple's Annual Shareholders Meeting Will Take Place on February 24 | MacRumors
Apple's Annual Shareholders Meeting Will Take Place on February 24
Apple's 2026 shareholders meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 24, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time, according to an SEC filing that was released today. Apple shareholders of record as of January 2, 2026, can attend, vote, and submit questions during the meeting by logging in to Apple's virtual meeting website 15 minutes before it kicks off. A control number included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that's provided to shareholders is required to join. At the meeting, shareholders will vote to re-elect the company's board of directors, approve executive compensation, and ratify Ernst & Young LLP as Apple's public accounting firm. There will also be votes on shareholder proposals. Notably, both board chairman Art Levinson (age 75) and board member Ron Sugar (age 77) are up for re-election, despite a company guideline stating that directors may generally not stand for re-election once they have reached the age of 75. Apple provided the following justification in its proxy statement:Over the past four years, the Board has added three new members, representing over one-third of its membership, and two other, long-serving members retired. In the context of this year’s Annual Meeting nominations, the Board determined that it would be in the best interests of Apple and its shareholders to ask Art Levinson, the Chair of the Board, and Ron Sugar, the Chair of the Audit Committee, to stand for re-election, and to waive for each of them its guideline under which directors generally may not stand for re-election after attaining age 75. In making this determination, the Board considered several factors, including the significant experience and expertise that each of Dr. Levinson and Dr. Sugar brings to the Board, their deep insight into the Company’s business and operations, and their individual contributions as highly engaged members of the Board. The Board also considered the benefits of continuity among the Board’s leadership positions.Levinson's re-nomination as chairman is notable due to recent speculation around Tim Cook's potential retirement as Apple CEO, a move that would likely see him shift into the board chairman position. It is possible that Levinson's continuation in the role beyond age 75 is intended to also serve as bridge to such time that Cook is ready to assume the chairman role, rather than selecting a new chairman for only a relatively brief time until Cook steps down as CEO.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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07:27 pm
Apple Again Tests Background Security Updates in iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3 | MacRumors
Apple Again Tests Background Security Updates in iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3
Apple is once again testing its new Background Security Improvement feature that first rolled out in iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1. Following a previous test earlier this week, developers and public beta testers who are running iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, or ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 can now install a second Background Security Improvement update for testing purposes. Apple says Background Security Improvements provide additional security protections between software updates for Safari, WebKit, and other system libraries. Background Security Improvements can be installed by going to the Privacy and Security section of the Settings app, scrolling down to Background Security Improvements, and selecting the "Install" option. If "Automatically Install" is toggled on, Background Security Improvements will be automatically installed when they come out with no need to manually install them. Apple says that users who opt not to install the Background Security Improvements will receive the updates in a standard software update. Apple previously had a Rapid Security Response update feature for delivering security improvements, but it wasn't used often after it was introduced in iOS 16, and was ultimately phased out in favor of Background Security Improvements. At one point in 2023, there was a Rapid Security Response bug that prevented some websites from displaying properly. Apple warns that Background Security Updates can result in "rare instances of compatibility issues." Should that occur, the updates may be temporarily removed and enhanced in a subsequent software update.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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06:50 pm
Apple Loses Safari Lead Designer to The Browser Company | MacRumors
Apple Loses Safari Lead Designer to The Browser Company
Apple has lost another senior figure from its Safari team as a lead designer departs for The Browser Company, extending a pattern of high-profile exits from Apple's browser team amid intensifying competition around AI-driven browsing. Marco Triverio was a lead designer for Safari and has now joined The Browser Company, the developer of the Arc and Dia browsers. The move was confirmed by The Browser Company chief executive Josh Miller in a post on X, marking the latest in a series of hires from Apple's Safari design leadership. Miller emphasized that Triverio's arrival means The Browser Company has now recruited lead designers from every Safari design era that overlapped with the development timelines of Arc and Dia, roughly spanning 2020 through 2025. Big news:Apple’s lead Safari designer just joined @browsercompany.Alongside @charliedeets, that means we now have the lead designers from every Safari era that overlapped with Arc and Dia (2020 to 2025).We’re not fucking around this year — 2026 will be our biggest yet — Josh Miller (@joshm) January 7, 2026 The Browser Company has positioned itself as an alternative to traditional browsers by emphasizing significant new interaction models rather than incremental updates. The apps are often compared to Apple software due to their focus on visual clarity, animation, and user experience design. Its Arc browser introduced a nontraditional tab system, extensive customization options, and collaborative tools such as shared workspaces and a built-in whiteboard. In 2025, the company introduced Dia, a browser designed around AI-assisted workflows that integrate generative tools, collaborative features, and creative utilities directly into the browsing experience. For Apple, Triverio's exit adds to a broader pattern of senior staff departures that became more visible throughout 2025.Tag: SafariThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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05:40 pm
CES 2026: Productivity Gear, Wireless TVs, and More | MacRumors
CES 2026: Productivity Gear, Wireless TVs, and More
CES 2026 runs through tomorrow, but most of the media announcements and events have already taken place and MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera is wrapping things up with our third video highlighting some of the neat tech innovations being demoed on the show floor. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Among the new introductions this week are several from Clicks, the company that previously brought the BlackBerry-like physical Clicks Keyboard to the iPhone. ‌CES 2026‌ is seeing the debut of the Clicks Power Keyboard, a pocket-sized Bluetooth keyboard for all of your devices that includes a 2,150 mAh battery and 5W Qi functionality to allow you to top off your phone if you're running low. There's also the Clicks Communicator, a communication-focused smartphone intended to be carried alongside your main phone. Wireless TVs are also starting to become a thing, with Displace showing off its latest Displace Pro 2 set and the Displace Hub that can transform your existing TV into a wireless TV with integrated battery. Popular Apple accessory company OWC has partnered with Strada to showcase a new remote video editing solution that leverages peer-to-peer technology rather than cloud-based storage, while Intricuit is on site to demo its accessory that turns your MacBook into a touchscreen Mac, so you don't need to wait for Apple to launch its rumored touchscreen MacBook Pro later this year or next year. Dan also checked out Rokid's AI glasses, TDM's headphones that twist into a portable speaker, Antic's electric mini bike, Watchitude's AirTag-compatible watches for kids, and more, so watch the full video for a look at all of these products. ‌CES 2026‌ may be coming to a close, but be sure to check out our news hub where we've collected all of our coverage from the week.Tag: CES 2026This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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05:16 pm
John Ternus Again Profiled as Apple's Likely Next CEO | MacRumors
John Ternus Again Profiled as Apple's Likely Next CEO
With Tim Cook having recently turned 65 years old and a number of other senior Apple executives having already departed in recent months or heading for the exits, there has been significant focus on Apple's plans for who will succeed Cook as CEO. Several recent reports have identified Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, John Ternus, as likely to be named the next Apple CEO, and The New York Times has now shared a profile of Ternus with some context on his expertise and how he is viewed within the company. According to sources who spoke to The New York Times, Apple began accelerating its planning for ‌Tim Cook‌'s succession last year, with Cook having expressed a desire to reduce his workload. While software chief Craig Federighi, services chief Eddy Cue, marketing head Greg Joswiak, and retail/HR chief Deirdre O'Brien have all reportedly been seen as potential candidates, Ternus "appears to have shot to the front of the pack," with Cook likely to remain as chairman of the company's board of directors. Ternus is known for his expertise as an engineer, having worked on many of Apple's devices although he is "known more for maintaining products than developing new ones." Ternus also has only limited exposure to dealing with political and policy issues that come with CEO role."He's a nice guy," [former Apple engineer Cameron] Rogers said. "He's someone you want to hang out with. Everyone loves him because he's great. Has he made any hard decisions? No. Are there hard problems he's solved in hardware? No."Ternus and others may quibble with that assessment, however, as Ternus has been involved with a number of innovative products over the years, including spearheading the effort to develop the iPhone Air and working on the upcoming foldable iPhone. Ternus is seen as a natural successor to Cook, with an even temperament, strong attention to detail, and intimate knowledge of Apple's supply chain. But he may not bring the visionary focus and willingness to take risks that Steve Jobs had, leading to debate among Apple employees about exactly what type of leader is needed. For more on Ternus and his work rising through the ranks at Apple, check out the full profile at The New York Times.Tag: John TernusThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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02:29 pm
Get Up to $199 Off Apple's M5 MacBook Pro on Amazon | MacRumors
Get Up to $199 Off Apple's M5 MacBook Pro on Amazon
Amazon today has dropped the price of the new M5 MacBook Pro to $1,449.00, down from $1,599.00. This is the 10-Core model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, and it's a solid second-best price on the M5 MacBook Pro. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Additionally, the 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro has hit $1,599.99 on Amazon, which is a $199 discount on the notebook. Both models have estimated delivery dates around January 13, and right now we're not tracking any deals on the high-end 1TB model. $150 OFF14-inch M5 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/512GB) for $1,449.00 $199 OFF14-inch M5 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/1TB) for $1,599.99 This version of the MacBook Pro launched in October and it comes with the newest M5 chip, which offers up to 15% faster CPU performance and up to 45% faster graphics when compared to the M4 chip. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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01:45 pm
Gmail Users Can Now Use These Three AI Features Without Paying | MacRumors
Gmail Users Can Now Use These Three AI Features Without Paying
Google today made three Gmail AI features free for all personal account holders in the United States, removing the subscription requirement that previously locked them behind its Google AI Pro or Ultra tiers. "Help Me Write" allows users to enter prompts to draft entire emails from scratch. Like Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools, Help Me Write includes refinement options like Formalize, Elaborate, and Shorten, and users can also apply Polish to messages they've already written. The feature is available on the web, Android, and iOS, and can be accessed by tapping the pen icon with an AI spark badge. Gmail is also rolling out personalized Suggested Replies, an evolution of Smart Replies that goes beyond generic responses. The feature analyzes conversation context and matches a user's writing tone and style. For example, if a colleague asks about rescheduling a meeting for another day, Suggested Replies can draft an initial response that reflects how the user typically communicates, after which it can be reviewed before sending. The third newly free feature is AI summaries for long email threads. When opening a lengthy conversation, an AI Overview card may appear at the top with a bulleted summary of points discussed. All three features are rolling out today to personal account users in the U.S., with global availability coming later. The changes come amid Google's preview of a new "AI Inbox" feature arriving in the next few months. The redesigned view will appear as a new option alongside the traditional inbox, offering a personalized briefing that surfaces important information without requiring users to open individual messages. Google's AI Inbox also includes a "Suggested to-dos" section highlighting bills, reminders, and short-term tasks, along with "Topics to catch up on" that provides context for messages that are important but not immediately actionable. The feature is currently available to Trusted Testers and will roll out more broadly later this year, according to Google.Tag: GmailThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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12:53 pm
Generate Apple Music Playlists With ChatGPT | MacRumors
Generate Apple Music Playlists With ChatGPT
Apple Music is now available as an extension within ChatGPT, meaning you can search for songs, create playlists, and discover new music through OpenAI's chatbot. Here's how to set it up and what makes it worth using. What You Can Do With Apple Music in ChatGPT ChatGPT's integration with Apple Music has the potential to change how you discover new music by letting you describe what you're looking for in natural language. Instead of typing specific search terms like you would in Apple Music, you can ask the chatbot for "upbeat 80s songs for a road trip" or "calm instrumental music for studying," and ChatGPT will understand the context and mood you're after. You can even combine multiple criteria, like "jazz fusion tracks under five minutes with prominent saxophone," and ChatGPT will accurately unearth what you're looking for in ways that standard keyword searches simply aren't capable of achieving. You can request custom playlists based on specific criteria, ask for song recommendations, or explore music by decade, genre, or artist. And once ChatGPT creates a playlist, you can preview each track, and save the playlist directly to your Apple Music library with the option "Create Playlist in Apple Music." You can also save individual tracks using the + buttons. The Apple Music extension requires a ChatGPT account and works with both free and paid ChatGPT tiers. You don't need an Apple Music subscription to search the catalog, generate playlists, or listen to 30-second preview clips, but you will need an active subscription if you want to save content to your library. How to Connect Apple Music to ChatGPT Before you can start discovering new music with the help of AI, you'll need to connect Apple's streaming service using ChatGPT's extension. You only need to do it once. Open the ChatGPT app and tap your profile in the sidebar. Under "Account" settings, tap Apps. Tap Browse Apps, then choose Apple Music in the extensions library. Tap Connect, then choose Connect Apple Music. Follow the on-screen prompts to sign into your Apple Account and permit the access request. If you're on desktop, you can perform the same steps in the ChatGPT app for Mac. Alternatively, go to https://chatgpt.com/apps in a browser and open the Apps section in ChatGPT – you'll find the Apple Music extension there. Once connected, the extension remains active across your devices signed into the same ChatGPT account. One More Thing Apple Music extension in ChatGPT's "Apps" section ChatGPT can search Apple Music's catalog and create playlists, but it can't access your listening history or existing playlists. The integration only has permission to add songs to your library, so your personal data stays private. Tags: Apple Music, ChatGPTThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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10:56 am
10 Reasons to Wait for This Year's iPhone 18 Pro | MacRumors
10 Reasons to Wait for This Year's iPhone 18 Pro
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year, adopting a two-phase rollout starting with the iPhone 18 series. That means the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold will be released in September 2026, followed by the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in spring 2027. Overall Design iPhone 17 Pro Style Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will largely retain the same design as the iPhone 17 Pro models. The rear camera system will look identical to the current generation, featuring a raised "plateau" with three lenses arranged in a triangle. Display sizes are also expected to remain unchanged, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max continuing to use 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch panels, respectively – the same dimensions introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro series. iPhone 18 Pro models could drop the current two-tone look of the rear casing found on the iPhone 17 Pro in favor of a more seamless aesthetic. For the next-generation models, Apple has apparently updated the back-glass "replacement process" to minimize the color difference between the Ceramic Shield 2 glass and the aluminum frame, resulting in a more unified appearance. Thicker Chassis Bigger Battery? According to one rumor, the body of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, raising the device's weight to around 243 grams. That would make the iPhone 18 Pro Max approximately 3 grams more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which is currently the heaviest model Apple has produced. We don't know the exact reason for the alleged thicker design of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, but a larger battery is the most likely cause. Smaller Dynamic Island Under-Screen Face ID? Rumors continue to circulate about whether the iPhone 18 Pro models will introduce under-display Face ID, but reports remain divided on when the technology will actually arrive. The feature would move the TrueDepth camera system beneath the display, eliminating the need for the current Dynamic Island cutout. According to Wayne Ma of The Information, Apple is targeting a design without a Dynamic Island, replacing it with a single pinhole camera in the upper-left corner of the screen. However, other sources dispute that claim. Display analyst Ross Young believes under-display Face ID is possible for the iPhone 18 Pro, but says a smaller Dynamic Island will still be present. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has echoed this view, reporting that the new models will feature a slimmed-down Dynamic Island rather than removing it entirely. Apple is also said to be testing new camera miniaturization technology to reduce the size of the front-facing camera currently located within the Dynamic Island. Meanwhile, Chinese leaker Instant Digital has offered yet another version of events, saying the Dynamic Island will shrink in size, but that under-display Face ID and camera technology won't debut next year. Overall, the consensus suggests Apple may be refining the Dynamic Island before fully transitioning to an all-screen design in future generations. A20 Pro Chip 2nm Process The iPhone 18 Pro models will use Apple's A20 chip, based on TSMC's 2nm process for power and efficiency improvements. A move to 2nm fabrication increases transistor density, which will enable higher performance. The A20 series is expected to deliver roughly a 15 percent speed gain and about 30 percent better efficiency compared with the A19 series used in Apple's iPhone 17 models. Apple's A20 chip will be packaged with TSMC's Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology, suggesting at least some A20 chips will have RAM integrated directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, rather than sitting adjacent to the chip and connected via a silicon interposer. This could contribute to faster performance for both overall tasks and Apple Intelligence, and longer battery life from improved power efficiency. C2 Modem Replacing Qualcomm Apple plans to include its next-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models, according to supply chain analyst Jeff Pu. The chip will succeed the C1 modem, which debuted in the lower-cost iPhone 16e as Apple's first in-house cellular modem, and the C1X modem chip in the iPhone Air, which Apple says is up to 2× faster than the C1. The C2 is expected to bring faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and support for mmWave 5G in the United States – a feature missing from the C1 and C1X. Apple's modem roadmap is part of a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on Qualcomm, which currently supplies 5G modems for the rest of the iPhone lineup. The company has been working on developing its own cellular chips for years, aiming for deeper integration and greater control over power management and performance. New Camera Sensor Samsung-Made Samsung is working on a new three-layer stacked image sensor, reportedly intended for the iPhone 18. The sensor, referred to as PD-TR-Logic, integrates three layers of circuitry, which would improve camera responsiveness, reduce noise, and increase dynamic range. The leak comes from a source known as "Jukanlosreve," who claims the sensor is being developed specifically for Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup. Sony has long been Apple's sole image sensor supplier, so Samsung's entry would be a big shift in the iPhone's camera supply chain. Variable Aperture DSLR-Style Apple intends to equip this year's iPhone 18 Pro models with a variable aperture lens, according to reports. Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station claims the main rear camera – what Apple calls the 48-megapixel Fusion camera – on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. A variable-aperture system physically adjusts the lens opening, letting more light in for low-light shots or narrowing the opening for brighter scenes and deeper depth of field. The main cameras on the iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro all use a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, where the lens is permanently set to its widest setting. With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro would allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. This would mean more control over depth of field, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in November 2024 that Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models will get the feature. 5G Satellite Internet Non-Terrestrial Data According to a report by The Information, Apple plans to add support for 5G networks that operate via satellites rather than Earth-based towers as early as next year. This advancement would allow future iPhones to gain full internet connectivity through satellite, not just limited emergency features. If Apple meets the 2026 target, the first devices to feature 5G satellite internet would likely be the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-rumored foldable iPhone. Apple partners with Globalstar for its iPhone satellite features, but there is currently no service that delivers full 5G satellite internet directly to a smartphone, and the report did not specify who would supply it. Simplified Camera Control New Design Apple is reportedly working to simplify the Camera Control button's design on iPhone 18 models in order to reduce costs. The current Camera Control button on iPhone 17 models uses both capacitive and pressure sensors beneath a sapphire crystal surface. The capacitive layer detects touch gestures, while the force sensor recognizes different pressure levels for taps, presses, and swipes. However, according to the Weibo-based account Instant Digital, Apple will remove the capacitive sensing layer and retain only pressure sensing recognition in the second iteration to achieve all Camera Control functions on the iPhone 18. The simplified version is not about reducing functionality in the button, but about saving money. The current solution is said to be very expensive for Apple and is generating costly after-sales repairs. New Colors Three in Testing Apple is rumored to be testing three new color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models: burgundy, brown, and purple. A burgundy finish would mark the first time the Pro and Pro Max models have been offered in any shade of red, apart from the lighter (PRODUCT)RED used on earlier devices. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max were previously available in Deep Purple, and Apple has never released an iPhone in a genuinely brown color.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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02:59 am
Apple's Back to School Offer With Free Accessories Returns in Four Countries | MacRumors
Apple's Back to School Offer With Free Accessories Returns in Four Countries
Apple's annual "Back to School" or "Back to Uni" promotion has returned this week in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea. From January 6 through March 11, qualifying higher-education students and staff in these countries can receive a free or discounted accessory with the purchase of select Mac and iPad models, similar to previous promotions that launched in the United States and a number of other countries last June and July. For each device type, there is at least one accessory option available at no additional charge, with more expensive accessories available at reduced upgrade prices. For example, in Australia, qualified customers who purchase an iPad Air or iPad Pro can receive a free Apple Pencil Pro (A$199 value) or standard AirPods 4 (A$219 value). Customers can upgrade to ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation after paying an additional A$80 fee or a Magic Keyboard for an additional A$210–A$350 fee depending on model. iMac buyers can receive either ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation (A$299 value) at no additional charge or AirPods Pro 3 for an additional A$130 upgrade fee. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro buyers can receive free ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation, a Magic Mouse, a Magic Trackpad, or a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad, or they can upgrade to ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ for an additional A$130. In each country, the offer is available on Apple's online store, in the Apple Store app, and in person at Apple's retail stores where available. The offer can be combined with Apple's educational discounts on products, and AppleCare+ plans are up to 10% off for students.Tag: Back to School PromotionThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Wednesday January 07
10:51 pm
Five New iPhone Features Rumored for iOS 27 | MacRumors
Five New iPhone Features Rumored for iOS 27
Though it's been just a few months since iOS 26 launched, we're already hearing rumors about the next-generation version of iOS, iOS 27. iOS 27 will be introduced at Apple's June WWDC 2026 event before it launches in September 2026. We don't know all of the details about iOS 27 yet, but we do have some information about what to expect. "Snow Leopard" Update iOS 27 will apparently focus on bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements to boost performance rather than new features. It's been referred to as a "Snow Leopard" update, because that was a version of macOS that Apple famously claimed had "zero new features" because it was all about fixing the existing software. Apple engineers are reportedly going through iOS 26 to look for bloat, bugs, and any other issues impacting performance that can be fixed in iOS 27. iPhone Fold In 2026, Apple plans to launch the first foldable iPhone, a device rumors have taken to calling the ‌iPhone‌ Fold. The ‌iPhone‌ Fold is expected to have a ~5.4-inch display when folded, and a ~7.7-inch display when it's opened up like a book. It will be shorter and wider than other foldables on the market, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. At around 5.4 inches when closed, the ‌iPhone‌ Fold's outer display will be the smallest we've had since the ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini. With Apple going back to a smaller display and simultaneously introducing a 7.7-inch display that's larger than any ‌iPhone‌ display to date, we're going to need some updates to iOS. iOS 27 will focus on introducing new interfaces and experiences for a larger display and a display that shifts between multiple sizes. We haven't heard specifics on how Apple will tweak iOS to accommodate the ‌iPhone‌ Fold, but we could see some iPad-like options such as side bars and perhaps even multitasking views with support for multiple windows. Liquid Glass iOS 27 will likely include refinements for the Liquid Glass design that Apple introduced with ‌iOS 26‌. There have already been some changes in the iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2 updates, but iOS 27 will provide Apple with the opportunity to make larger adjustments to respond to customer feedback. Apple Intelligence We're supposed to get the much smarter version of Siri in an iOS 26.4 update planned for spring 2026, but it's likely even more Apple Intelligence capabilities will follow in iOS 27. We don't know specifics yet, but several existing ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features could expand to additional apps. Apple is also working on a "World Knowledge" Siri search feature that would provide information on general search queries, which will likely be included in ‌Siri‌'s iOS 26.4 update. If it's not in iOS 26.4, the add-on ‌Siri‌ feature could instead come in iOS 27. Siri With iOS 27, Apple could update Siri's design. ‌Siri‌ will get its major overhaul in iOS 26.4, but a new visual look is supposedly planned for iOS 27. There are no specifics about what the redesign might entail, but rumors linked to Apple's upcoming tabletop robot suggest that the company might introduce a version of ‌Siri‌ that's more animated, similar to the Mac Finder logo. That more animated version of ‌Siri‌ could also come to the ‌iPhone‌ and iPad, and we could see it first in iOS 27. Health+ Apple is developing a paid Health+ service with nutrition planning and medical suggestions, and we could see that introduced as part of iOS 27. The medical tool would explain different health metrics and trends from the Health app, offering up personalized guidance for health improvement. New Satellite Features Apple is working on several new satellite features for the ‌iPhone‌, and it's possible some features could be introduced as soon as iOS 27. Timing on Apple's satellite improvements is unclear, though, and behind-the-scenes updates from Apple's satellite partner Globalstar are required. Rumored features: Apple Maps via satellite Photos in Messages via satellite Satellite API framework for third-party apps Satellite over 5G Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky Some of these features might require new hardware, but options like ‌Apple Maps‌ via satellite would not require components beyond what's available now. Launch Date New versions of iOS, macOS, and Apple's other software platforms will be previewed in June at WWDC before launching in September just ahead of when new ‌iPhone‌ models come out.Tag: iOS 27This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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09:53 pm
CES 2026: The Ultraloq Bolt Sense Smart Lock Uses Palm Vein and Facial Recognition to Unlock Your Door | MacRumors
CES 2026: The Ultraloq Bolt Sense Smart Lock Uses Palm Vein and Facial Recognition to Unlock Your Door
The Xthings Ultraloq Bolt Sense is a smart lock that incorporates biometric authentication and Matter support. The Bolt Sense is able to identify a person through 3D facial recognition and palm vein authentication. Xthings says the dual biometric approach is meant to be more secure than traditional biometric unlocking methods, but it may also exist because few companies have managed to master facial recognition as accurate as Face ID. The extra palm scan, which identifies an individual's sub-surface vein pattern, ensures that facial recognition won't fail. With biometric unlocking, users can open the door hands-free, and the palm scan works even when the hands are wet. The Bolt Sense combines biometric unlocking with active approach sensing, advanced infrared, and adaptive low-light performance, so it works in the daytime and at night. Xthings isn't launching the Ultraloq Bolt Sense until the second quarter of 2026, but the Ultraloq Bolt Mission, a Matter-enabled smart lock with Ultra Wideband, is available for purchase as of today. The $300 Bolt Mission uses UWB for automatic hands-free unlocking as the homeowner approaches. It also supports unlocking via the Apple Home app, NFC, the Ultraloq app, a PIN, a physical key, or the Apple Watch. It does not support Apple Home Key, and the UWB only works with the Ultraloq app. The Bolt Mission uses 8 AA batteries that need to be replaced every six months, or users can purchase a rechargeable lithium battery pack that lasts for up to 1.5 years before it needs to be charged. Along with the two Bolt locks, Xthings also debuted the Latch 7 Pro, a latch-style smart lock that will support Matter over Thread and Aliro, a universal smart lock standard that Apple is involved in. It's set to launch later this year.Tags: CES 2026, Ultraloq, XthingsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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08:57 pm
Apple Card Will Move From Goldman Sachs to JPMorgan Chase | MacRumors
Apple Card Will Move From Goldman Sachs to JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase has reached a deal to take over operation of the Apple Card, reports The Wall Street Journal. Barring any "last minute hiccups," the deal should be announced shortly after over a year of negotiations. Reports began circulating over two years ago that current Apple Card issuer Goldman Sachs was looking to end its partnership with Apple as part of an effort to scale back on consumer banking products amid steep losses. According to The Wall Street Journal, Goldman Sachs is unloading its roughly $20 billion of outstanding Apple Card balances at a discount of more than $1 billion, a rare move for co-branded account deals like this. But higher-than-average delinquency rates and high exposure to subprime borrowers made it more difficult for Goldman Sachs to find a buyer. JPMorgan Chase's interest in taking over as Apple Card issuer was reported over a year ago, and by this past summer Chase appeared to be the front-runner. Alongside its new Apple Card partnership, JPMorgan Chase will reportedly launch a new Apple savings account, but existing users with Apple savings accounts at Goldman Sachs will not be automatically transitioned and will need to decide whether they want to stay at Goldman Sachs or open new accounts with Chase.Tags: Apple Card, ChaseThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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08:39 pm
CES 2026: ESR Announces Qi2.2 Wireless Chargers With 25W iPhone 17 Charging | MacRumors
CES 2026: ESR Announces Qi2.2 Wireless Chargers With 25W iPhone 17 Charging
ESR is updating its line of CryoBoost chargers, adding new Qi2.2 options that can charge an iPhone 17 at up to 25W. CryoBoost is ESR's feature that uses active cooling to improve wireless charging speeds. The $90 CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station has a compact design that's ideal for travel. It folds down to 15.8mm, but can charge an iPhone at up to 25W, an Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time. The $100 CryoBoost 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station offers the same feature set as the foldable model, but in a design optimized for the desktop. It has a detachable Apple Watch charger, and the ‌iPhone‌ charging stand supports portrait and landscape modes. Sleep Mode turns off the light and the fan for quiet, LED-free charging. ESR says that its upcoming 10,000 mAh MagSlim Power Bank is the thinnest Qi2.2 25W power bank on the market, measuring in at 13.8mm thick. It too is able to charge the ‌iPhone 17‌ models at up to 25W, just like MagSafe. More information on ESR's releases can be found on the ESR website.Tags: CES 2026, ESRThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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07:27 pm
OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health With Apple Health Integration | MacRumors
OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health With Apple Health Integration
OpenAI today announced the launch of ChatGPT Health, a dedicated section of ChatGPT where users can ask health-related questions completely separated from their main ChatGPT experience. For more personalized responses, users can connect various health data services such as Apple Health, Function, MyFitnessPal, Weight Watchers, AllTrails, Instacart, and Peloton. Last month, MacRumors discovered icons related to Apple Health within the ChatGPT app, and today's announcement makes the integration official. Once connected, ChatGPT will be able to access your health and fitness data from Apple Health, including movement, sleep, and activity patterns. ChatGPT Health can also integrate with your medical records, allowing ChatGPT Health to analyze your lab results and other aspects of your medical history to inform its answers to your health-related questions. OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT Health is not intended to provide diagnoses or treatment and is not a substitute for consulting with medical professionals, but it can be used to help understand results or prepare for upcoming appointments. Privacy and security are always major concerns when it comes to health records, and OpenAI says ChatGPT Health has been developed with multiple layers of encryption and operates as a separate space with enhanced privacy. Data from ChatGPT Health is not used to train ChatGPT's foundation models by default, and users who start health-related conversations in the general ChatGPT interface will receive suggestions to move the discussions to the Health section. ChatGPT Health is launching with a waitlist to join a group of beta users, with users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans outside of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom eligible to start. Medical record integrations and some apps are only available in the United States at the current time. Access to ChatGPT Health will expand to all users on web and iOS in the coming weeks.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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06:36 pm
AirPods Pro 3 Drop Under $200 for the First Time in 2026 | MacRumors
AirPods Pro 3 Drop Under $200 for the First Time in 2026
Best Buy today has a match of the record low price on the AirPods Pro 3, available for $199.99, down from $249.00. This is the first time in 2026 that we've tracked the AirPods Pro 3 at this low price, which matches the best deal we saw over the holiday season. Right now, only Best Buy has this best-ever price on the AirPods Pro 3. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and have 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts. $49 OFFAirPods Pro 3 for $199.99 Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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05:44 pm
CES 2026: LIFX Introduces Matter-Compatible Smart Mirror and Dimmer Switch | MacRumors
CES 2026: LIFX Introduces Matter-Compatible Smart Mirror and Dimmer Switch
LIFX, known for its smart lighting options, debuted a new SuperColor Mirror at CES 2026. The SuperColor Mirror features both front and back lighting options, and it connects to an Apple Home setup using Matter. There are lighting modes like Make Up Check and Anti-Fog that users can select, plus brightness and color can be adjusted. LIFX says that other Matter-enabled devices can be controlled using three physical buttons that are on the mirror. The mirror features polychrome blended color technology with multiple lighting zones. Like other SuperColor LIFX products, the mirror's lights can shift and morph smoothly between different colors, and there are color effects like flame and paint. The SuperColor Mirror and other LIFX devices will get a Thread upgrade later in 2026, so they can connect to Matter over Thread in addition to Wi-Fi. LIFX is launching new Smart Dimmer switches that include four customizable buttons and a built-in 8-zone light bar. The Dimmer Switch has Matter support and it is designed to work with both smart and traditional lights. There are single tap, double tap, and long press gestures, so it can perform multiple tasks when assigned to activate scenes. The Smart Dimmer includes dimming support for LED, Halogen, or incandescent bulbs, along with full scene and effect control for LIFX lights. With the Matter integration, it should also be able to control other Matter-connected lights. There are also new affordable Matter-connected smart lighting options that are available from LIFX. The Everyday A19 LED Light Bulb features 800 lumens and support for multiple colors, while the 20-foot Everyday Lightstrip features 24 addressable zones for flowing effects and a 4-button physical controller for activating scenes. The Everyday Bulb is priced at $23 for two and it is available now from Amazon, while the Everyday Lightstrip will launch later in January. The Smart Dimmer is set to launch in the second quarter of 2026 for $30. The SuperColor Mirror will also come out in the second quarter, but pricing has yet to be announced.Tag: CES 2026This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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04:52 pm
WhatsApp Enhances Group Chats With Three New Features | MacRumors
WhatsApp Enhances Group Chats With Three New Features
WhatsApp announced three new group chat features today, expanding how users can interact and add context to their role within conversations involving many participants. The Meta-owned messaging app is rolling out Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders, all of which are designed to give group chats more flexibility and organization. Member Tags let you assign yourself different roles in different group chats for more context – so you can be "Coach" in one thread and "Dad" in another, for example. Meanwhile, Text Stickers instantly turn typed words into sticker graphics that users can then save to custom packs. Lastly, with Event Reminders, now when you create and send an event in your group chat you can set custom early reminders for your invitees. Meta says that "this helps everyone remember to commute to the party you're hosting or hop on the call at the right time." The new group chat features are available to WhatsApp users worldwide, and follow other recent upgrades to the chat platform, including third-party chat support in the EU and WhatsApp for Apple Watch.Tag: WhatsAppThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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04:01 pm
Spotify's Friend Listening Activity Feature Finally Comes to Mobile | MacRumors
Spotify's Friend Listening Activity Feature Finally Comes to Mobile
Spotify is bringing its long-running Listening Activity feature to its mobile apps, so now you can see what your friends are listening to on the streaming service when you're away from your desk. For years, Spotify's desktop app has allowed users to check on their friends' listening habits via a Friend Activity sidebar, but the ability has not been available on iOS and Android apps until now. If you're familiar with Listening Activity, its appearance on mobile shouldn't throw up any real surprises. You can view what people are listening to in the app's sidebar, next to any messages, and you can tap the track to listen to it yourself, add it to your library, or react to it with emoji. The feature remains opt-in, and can be enabled in the app's settings, under "Privacy and social." There's also an option here to start a private session, which temporarily hides your listening activity from your followers (private sessions automatically end after six hours), plus you can choose to make any recently played artists show on your profile. As noted by The Verge, another addition in this update is a Request to Jam feature. If you're a premium user, you can now tap a Jam button in a chat to send a request. If the person accepts, their listening is remotely synced with your own, and the two of you can add songs to the queue while chatting about what's playing. Spotify will also suggest songs based on your shared tastes. As for users on Spotify's free plan, they can be invited to a jam, but they can't start their own jam to invite others. Listening Activity and Request a Jam are rolling out to Spotify users on iOS and Android now in markets where messages are available.Tag: SpotifyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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03:14 pm
Amazon Introduces Massive Discounts on M5 iPad Pro, Get Up to $518 Off Select Models | MacRumors
Amazon Introduces Massive Discounts on M5 iPad Pro, Get Up to $518 Off Select Models
Amazon this week is offering discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, including both 11-inch and 13-inch models. The highlight this time around is the 2TB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro, which is on sale for $1,480.80 with an on-page coupon, a massive discount of $518 on the original price of $1,999.00. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Otherwise, prices start at $899.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro at Amazon, down from $999.00. Many of the deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during Black Friday. Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout. $518 OFF11-inch M5 iPad Pro (2TB Wi-Fi) for $1,480.80 For the larger models, you can save up to $180 on the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro on Amazon this week. If you're shopping for the 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi model, Amazon has this tablet for $2,219.00, down from $2,399.00, as well as a few other 13-inch models between $100 and $170 off. 11-Inch M5 iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi - $899.99 ($99 off) 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,099.00 ($100 off) 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,499.99 ($99 off) 1TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,576.00 ($123 off) 2TB Wi-Fi - $1,480.80 ($518 off) 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,999.00 ($100 off) 13-Inch M5 iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi - $1,199.99 ($99 off) 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,399.99 ($99 off) 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,785.00 ($114 off) 2TB Wi-Fi - $2,092.09 ($206 off) 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $2,219.00 ($180 off) 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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03:06 pm
CES 2026: Dell Unveils World's First 52-Inch 6K Thunderbolt Display | MacRumors
CES 2026: Dell Unveils World's First 52-Inch 6K Thunderbolt Display
Dell announced the UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor at CES 2026, billing it as the "world's first 52-inch 6K display." At 52 inches, the ultra-wide curved monitor features a 21:9 aspect ratio with 6,144 x 2,560 resolution at 129 pixels per inch and supports refresh rates up to 120Hz. The display uses IPS Black panel technology for deeper blacks and improved contrast compared to standard IPS panels, with brightness listed as 400 cd/m. Dell says it emits up to 60% less blue light than competing monitors while maintaining professional-grade color accuracy, and it includes an ambient light sensor for eye comfort during extended use. The display's connectivity support is pretty eye-watering, since it basically doubles as a Thunderbolt dock around the back. It includes one Thunderbolt 4 port delivering up to 140W power delivery, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, three USB-C upstream ports, and several downstream USB-C and USB-A ports. If that wasn't enough, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port rounds out the package. The monitor supports connecting up to four PCs simultaneously through its Picture-by-Picture mode with screen partitioning, while built-in KVM functionality allows users to control multiple connected machines with a single keyboard and mouse. Dell is touting the display as a multi-monitor replacement for financial traders, data scientists, engineers, and executives who need maximum screen real estate, so naturally it doesn't come cheap: The UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is available now from the Dell website for $2,899 with a stand or $2,799 without.Tag: CES 2026This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Thursday January 15
12:22 pm
MCI (Kansas City) on 2026-01-16 | CloudFlare
MCI (Kansas City) on 2026-01-16
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 16, 06:00 - 12:00 UTCJan 15, 12:18 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in MCI (Kansas City) datacenter on 2026-01-16 between 06:00 and 12:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.
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12:02 pm
Cloudflare Network Interconnect issues in Frankfurt, Germany | CloudFlare
Cloudflare Network Interconnect issues in Frankfurt, Germany
Jan 15, 12:02 UTCIdentified - Cloudflare has identified Network Interconnect issues in Frankfurt, Germany. Customers may observe health check degradation and/or connectivity issues. We are working to mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.
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10:53 am
GoTo Assist Corporate – Maintenance | GoToMeeting
GoTo Assist Corporate – Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 30, 07:00 - 08:00 UTCJan 15, 10:29 UTCScheduled - As part of our commitment to provide exceptional service and reliability to our customers, GoToAssist Corporate will be conducting service maintenance on the following date and time listed below. Our team will be taking all appropriate actions to minimize service interruptions during this event.Date and Time: January 30th, 2026, 07:00 AM to 8:00 AM UTCPurpose: This maintenance is to ensure and maintain system performance and stability.Duration: All maintenance will be performed within the 1 hour maintenance window.What to expect: Any customers utilizing the GoToAssist Corporate interface will experience a 1-hour period of downtime.During this downtime, customers will be unable to start GoToAssist Corporate sessions or log into their accounts. In-flight sessions will not be affected.We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time period.
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10:43 am
Network Event Log issues | CloudFlare
Network Event Log issues
Jan 15, 10:43 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating issues with the Network Event Log. During this time, some customers may experience problems when attempting to access network event logs via the Dashboard. We are working to identify the cause and will provide updates as they become available.
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10:23 am
YYZ (Toronto) on 2026-01-19 | CloudFlare
YYZ (Toronto) on 2026-01-19
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 19, 07:00 - 11:00 UTCJan 15, 10:10 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in YYZ (Toronto) datacenter on 2026-01-19 between 07:00 and 11:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.
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10:17 am
Cloudflare Realtime SFU issues in Frankfurt, Germany – (FRA) | CloudFlare
Cloudflare Realtime SFU issues in Frankfurt, Germany – (FRA)
Jan 15, 10:17 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating issues with Realtime SFU in Frankfurt, Germany - (FRA)We are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.
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10:14 am
Network Performance Issues in Mumbai, India | CloudFlare
Network Performance Issues in Mumbai, India
Jan 15, 10:14 UTCIdentified - Cloudflare has identified resurfacing issues with Network Performance in Mumbai, India.We are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.
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09:52 am
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Beeline | Twilio
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Beeline
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 21, 13:00 - 16:00 PSTJan 15, 01:45 PSTScheduled - The Beeline network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 21 January 2026 at 13:00 PST until 21 January 2026 at 16:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Beeline Russia handsets.
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09:52 am
Network Performance Issues in Mumbai, India | CloudFlare
Network Performance Issues in Mumbai, India
Jan 15, 09:52 UTCResolved - This incident has been resolved.Jan 15, 09:41 UTCMonitoring - A fix has been implemented and we are monitoring the results.Jan 15, 09:26 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating issues with Network Performance in Mumbai, India.We are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.
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09:23 am
ATH (Athens) on 2026-01-20 | CloudFlare
ATH (Athens) on 2026-01-20
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 20, 00:00 - 04:00 UTCJan 15, 08:58 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in ATH (Athens) datacenter on 2026-01-20 between 00:00 and 04:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.
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06:59 am
We’re having some trouble with our payment page | Dropbox
We’re having some trouble with our payment page
Jan 15, 06:59 UTCInvestigating - . We’re working to fix the problem as quickly as we can.
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06:52 am
Multiple Destination SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance | Twilio
Multiple Destination SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 29, 12:30 - 14:30 PSTJan 14, 22:37 PSTScheduled - Our SMS carrier partner in India, Sri Lanka and Venezuela is conducting a planned maintenance from 29 January 2026 at 12:30 PST until 29 January 2026 at 14:30 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to India, Sri Lanka and Venezuela handsets.
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06:05 am
SMS/MMS Delivery Report Delays & Message Delivery Delays to Verizon Wireless (US) for a Subset of Long Codes, Short Codes, and Toll-Free Numbers | Twilio
SMS/MMS Delivery Report Delays & Message Delivery Delays to Verizon Wireless (US) for a Subset of Long Codes, Short Codes, and Toll-Free Numbers
Jan 14, 22:05 PSTResolved - We are no longer experiencing MMS/SMS delivery delays when sending messages to Verizon Wireless in the United States from a subset of long codes, short codes, and toll-free numbers. This incident has been resolved.Jan 14, 20:20 PSTMonitoring - We are observing recovery in MMS/SMS delivery when sending messages to Verizon Wireless in the United States from a subset of long codes, short codes, and toll-free numbers. We will continue monitoring the service to ensure a full recovery. We will provide another update in 2 hours or as soon as more information becomes available.Jan 14, 18:36 PSTUpdate - We are continuing to experience delivery delays when sending SMS/MMS messages to Verizon Wireless in the United States from a subset of long codes, short codes, and toll-free numbers. Our engineers are working with our carrier partners to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 16 hours or as soon as more information becomes available.Jan 14, 14:46 PSTUpdate - We are continuing to experience delivery delays when sending SMS/MMS messages to Verizon Wireless in the United States from a subset of long codes, short codes, and toll-free numbers. Our engineers are working with our carrier partners to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 8 hours or as soon as more information becomes available.Jan 14, 12:47 PSTUpdate - We are continuing to experience delivery delays when sending SMS/MMS messages to Verizon Wireless in the United States from a subset of long codes, short codes, and toll-free numbers. Our engineers are working with our carrier partners to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 4 hours or as soon as more information becomes available.Jan 14, 11:33 PSTUpdate - We are continuing our investigation and have discovered Zipwhip Messaging is also affected.Jan 14, 10:47 PSTUpdate - We continue to experience delivery delays when sending SMS/MMS messages to Verizon Wireless in the United States from a subset of long codes, short codes, and toll-free numbers. Our engineers are working with our carrier partners to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 2 hours or as soon as more information becomes available.Jan 14, 10:26 PSTUpdate - We are continuing our investigation and have discovered a subset of toll-free numbers are also affected.Jan 14, 10:04 PSTUpdate - We are continuing our investigation and have discovered SMS is also affected.Jan 14, 09:45 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing delays in receiving message delivery reports when sending to Verizon Wireless in the United States from a subset of long codes and short codes. Our engineers are working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.
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12:23 am
FRA (Frankfurt) on 2026-01-16 | CloudFlare
FRA (Frankfurt) on 2026-01-16
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 16, 00:30 - 07:30 UTCJan 15, 00:12 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in FRA (Frankfurt) datacenter on 2026-01-16 between 00:30 and 07:30 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.
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Wednesday January 14
11:34 pm
The FCC service is currently paused | IFTTT
The FCC service is currently paused
Jan 14, 15:34 PSTResolved - This incident has been resolved.Jul 8, 13:33 PDTInvestigating - Paused services may be experiencing technical difficulties. All Applets using these services will resume once the technical difficulties are resolved.
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11:23 pm
Multiple Destination Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance | Twilio
Multiple Destination Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 28, 03:00 - 11:00 PSTJan 14, 15:01 PSTScheduled - Our Voice carrier partner in New Zealand and Australia is conducting a planned maintenance from 28 January 2026 at 03:00 PST until 28 January 2026 at 11:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be Intermittent delays from and to Twilio New Zealand and Australia phone numbers.
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11:23 pm
Multiple Destination SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance | Twilio
Multiple Destination SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 15, 11:00 - 13:00 PSTJan 14, 15:05 PSTScheduled - Our SMS carrier partner in Peru and Gabon is conducting an emergency maintenance from 15 January 2026 at 11:00 PST until 15 January 2026 at 13:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Claro and Libertis Peru and Gabon handsets via Peru and Gabon long codes and short codes.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.
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11:23 pm
Multiple Destination SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance | Twilio
Multiple Destination SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 15, 11:00 - 13:00 PSTJan 14, 15:05 PSTScheduled - Our SMS carrier partner in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia is conducting an emergency maintenance from 15 January 2026 at 11:00 PST until 15 January 2026 at 13:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS from Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2, Telenor, Orange, DIGI and Telekom Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia handsets via Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia long codes and short codes.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.
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10:10 pm
Recorded videos are stuck uploading | Vimeo
Recorded videos are stuck uploading
Jan 14, 17:10 ESTResolved - Unfortunately, we determined that failed uploads from recordings cannot be recovered, and we recommend deleting these videos from your library, and re-recording the video.We apologize for the inconvenience.Jan 14, 16:59 ESTIdentified - We detected and fixed an issue with recorded videos, where the upload would fail after the recording finished. These videos will appear in your library, stuck in the "Upload pending" state.As of approx. 4:30pm Eastern, all new recordings are uploading successfully. We are currently investigating the backlog of failed uploads.Jan 14, 16:56 ESTInvestigating - We are currently investigating this issue.
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09:53 pm
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – MegaFon | Twilio
Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – MegaFon
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 19, 12:00 - 16:00 PSTJan 14, 13:26 PSTScheduled - The MegaFon network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 19 January 2026 at 12:00 PST until 19 January 2026 at 16:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to MegaFon Russia handsets.
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