Apple Launches Tap to Pay on iPhone in Hong Kong
Apple has announced the availability of Tap to Pay on iPhone in Hong Kong, allowing independent sellers, small merchants, and large retailers in the region to use ‌iPhones‌ as a payment terminal. Tap to Pay allows iPhones to accept payments via Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets‌‌‌. All transactions are encrypted, and Apple has no information about what is purchased or the person who made the purchase. No additional hardware or credit card machine is required‌ to use Tap to Pay on iPhone. The feature uses NFC technology to securely authenticate the contactless payments, plus the feature also supports PIN entry, which includes accessibility options. From today, Adyen, Global Payments, KPay, and SoéPay are the first payment platforms in Hong Kong to offer Tap to Pay on iPhone. Apple says the rollout cuts across key sectors, including taxi, retail, food and beverage, and professional services. Tap to Pay on ‌iPhone‌ launched in February 2022 in the United States, and since then, Apple has expanded it to more than 50 countries and regions around the world. Tags: Hong Kong, Tap to Pay on iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Google's First AI Smart Glasses Coming in 2026
Google is developing two pairs of smart glasses with artificial intelligence that will launch in 2026, the company said today. The first set of glasses have AI integration and are designed for screen-free assistance with built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras for speaking to Google Gemini. Users will be able to take photos using the camera, and then ask Gemini questions about their surroundings for real-time help. The second set of glasses has the same AI capabilities along with an in-lens display that is able to display helpful information like turn-by-turn directions or live translation captions. Both sets of glasses will connect to a smartphone, with processing done on that device. The glasses will run Android XR, Google's platform for wearables. Google is partnering with Samsung to develop the glasses, plus it is working with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, two companies that design eyeglasses. Google says that its glasses options will be stylish, lightweight, and comfortable enough to wear all day. The Google smart glasses will compete with the Meta Ray-Bans and any upcoming products from Apple. Meta already has Ray-Ban and Oakley glasses with AI and Ray-Bans with an in-lens display. Rumors suggest that Apple is working to unveil its first set of AI smart glasses as soon as 2026.Tag: GoogleThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 233 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser that was first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ to allow users to test features that are planned for future release versions of the Safari browser. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ 233 includes fixes and updates for Animations, HTML, MathML, Rendering, Web API, and Web Inspector. The current ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release is compatible with machines running macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe, the newest version of macOS. The ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple’s website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website. Apple’s aim with ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iPhone Users in Japan Can Now Send Messages via Satellite
iPhone users in Japan are now able to use Apple's Messages via satellite feature, Apple said today. Messages via satellite works on the ‌iPhone‌ 14 or later and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, allowing users who have no cellular or Wi-Fi connection to use satellite connectivity for messaging. When attempting to send a message with no cellular or Wi-Fi connection, ‌iPhone‌ users in Japan will see a message that prompts them to connect to the nearest satellite. After connecting, users can send and receive iMessages, SMS messages, emoji characters, and use the Messages Tapback feature. Messages sent via satellite offer the same end-to-end encryption as messages sent over Wi-Fi or cellular. Japanese users already had access to emergency SOS via satellite and the option to share location via satellite in the Find My app, so the new Messages via satellite option joins those two features. iOS 18 or later is required for Messages via satellite on ‌iPhone‌, while the feature needs watchOS 26 or later on the ‌Apple Watch Ultra 3‌. Satellite connectivity continues to be free for all ‌iPhone‌ and Apple Watch users with supported devices.Tag: JapanThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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ICEBlock App Developer Sues Trump Officials, Claims Apple Was Pressured to Remove App
The developer behind the ICEBlock app that Apple removed from the App Store at the Trump administration's request is suing for suppression of free speech. The lawsuit names Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, and other government officials, accusing them of First Amendment violations (via NPR). Key to the lawsuit is a statement from Bondi, who claimed Apple removed the app after the government asked Apple to do so. "We reached out to Apple today demanding they remove the ICEBlock app from their ‌App Store‌ -- and Apple did so," said Bondi. ICEBlock allows iPhone users to report the location of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents when the agents are spotted in public. The app was removed from the ‌App Store‌ in early October, though people who downloaded it before it was pulled are still able to use it. ICEBlock had over a million users when it was removed from the ‌App Store‌. Joshua Aaron, the app's developer, argues that the creation, distribution, and promotion of ICEBlock is lawful and protected by the First Amendment. He claims that the government officials named in the lawsuit used the authority of their offices to pressure, threaten, and coerce Apple to remove the app. This lawsuit challenges these government officials' unconstitutional threats and demands against Apple, which pressured it to remove the ICEBlock app from the App Store. In particular, Attorney General Bondi's coercion of Apple has censored Aaron and ALL U Chart,Inc., which owns ICEBlock's intellectual property, by making ICEBlock--their speech--unavailable to the public. Apple is not named in the lawsuit, and is not being targeted by Aaron. When the app was removed from the ‌App Store‌, Apple said that the app violated guideline 1.1.1, and made it clear that it was removed at the behest of the government. Information provided to Apple by law enforcement shows that your app violates Guideline 1.1.1 because its purpose is to provide location information about law enforcement officers that can be used to harm such officers individually or as a group. For this reason, your app will be removed from the App Store Aaron asks that the court allow ICEBlock to be reinstated, and that government officials be prevented from threatening or pressuring ICEBlock distributors.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Switching Between iPhone and Android Will Get Easier With New Apple and Google Collaboration
Apple and Google are teaming up to make it easier for users to switch between iPhone and Android smartphones, according to 9to5Google. There is a new Android Canary build available today that simplifies data transfer between two smartphones, and Apple is going to implement the functionality in an upcoming iOS 26 beta. Apple already has a Move to iOS app for transferring data from an Android device to an ‌iPhone‌, while Google has an Android Switch app that can migrate data from an ‌iPhone‌ to an Android smartphone. The new method will apparently replace the existing apps, offering a transfer function when setting up a new ‌iPhone‌ or Android device. The collaboration will apparently add "more functionality" and support for transferring data types that are not available to transfer with the current tools. Both Apple and Google are facing regulatory pressure around the world, with multiple countries scrutinizing practices that might keep customers locked into a platform. Making it simpler for users to transition from one platform to another will be beneficial to both companies.Tags: Android, GoogleThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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MacRumors Readers Can Get 30% Off Satechi's Best Qi2 Chargers, Bluetooth Trackers, and More
Satechi and MacRumors have partnered up this week to offer our readers an exclusive 30 percent discount on select products for a limited time. This sale is available only on Satechi's website, and it will run through December 15. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Satechi. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. To get the discount, add anything from the lists below to your cart and head to checkout. Once at checkout, you can enter the code MRHOLIDAY to get 30 percent off your order for this week only. This discount code takes 30 percent off each item in your cart, so you can purchase multiple accessories at once. Note: Use code MRHOLIDAY at checkout to see the discount. 30% OFFMacRumors Exclusive Sale at Satechi Products in this sale include Satechi's newest Qi2 charging stations and travel chargers, including the 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station for $91.00, down from $129.99. You can also get both of Satechi's On The Go chargers on sale for 30 percent off with our exclusive code, priced at $56.00 for the 2-in-1 model and $70.00 for the 3-in-1 model. It's also worth noting that some products are under a "last chance" discount, leftover from Satechi's Cyber Week sale, and our exclusive code stacks with these markdowns. This means you can get ultra-steep discounts on Satechi's 2-in-1 Headphone Stand and Wireless Charger ($39.20, $40 off) and Thunderbolt 4 Dock ($147.00, $152 off). The code also covers 30 percent off Satechi's range of FindAll Bluetooth trackers, including the FindAll Keychain, FindAll Card, FindAll Luggage Tag, FindAll Glasses Case, and FindAll Passport Cover. We've listed every product that works with our exclusive MRHOLIDAY discount code below, so be sure to shop the sale before it ends on December 15. Wall Chargers 67W On The Go Slim Wall Charger - $42.00, down from $59.99 165W USB-C 4-Port GaN Charger - $84.00, down from $119.99 Wireless Chargers 2-in-1 Headphone Stand and Wireless Charger - $39.20, down from $55.99 2-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Charging Stand - $56.00, down from $79.99 On The Go 2-in-1 Charger - $56.00, down from $79.99 On The Go 3-in-1 Charger - $70.00, down from $99.99 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Charging Stand - $91.00, down from $129.99 Bluetooth Trackers FindAll Keychain - $21.00, down from $29.99 FindAll Card - $24.50, down from $34.99 FindAll Luggage Tag - $31.50, down from $44.99 FindAll Glasses Case - $35.00, down from $49.99 FindAll Passport Cover - $42.00, down from $59.99 Docks and Hubs Pro Hub Slim - $56.00, down from $79.99 7-in-1 Slim USB-C Multiport Adapter - $56.00, down from $79.99 Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub Pro - $140.00, down from $199.99 Thunderbolt 4 Dock - $147.00, down from $209.99 Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock - $245.00, down from $349.99 Miscellaneous On The Go Bluetooth Keyboard - $56.00, down from 479.99 On The Go Bluetooth Mouse - $21.00, down from $29.99 Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable - $28.00, down from $39.99 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? 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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How Apple is Helping Apps Comply With Australia's Social Media Ban for Kids
Australia's new social media law goes into effect on December 10, 2025, and ahead of that date, Apple is sharing information on developer tools that are designed to help social media apps adhere to the law. Children under the age of 16 will no longer be allowed to use Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube (except for YouTube Kids), Snapchat, X, Twitch, Threads, and Kick in Australia, and those apps have to take "reasonable steps" to remove underage users from their platforms starting Wednesday. Apps will also need to prevent new signups from users under the age of 16, and there is a one-year transition period before penalties will begin. To assist developers, Apple provides the Declared Age Range API, which gives developers access to the age range of users. Other tools available include an option for an age suitability URL that provides more information on the app and its age-related content, app description pages that indicate age restrictions, and tools for setting higher minimum age ranges. Platforms that don't deactivate accounts created by children will face serious fines. Australia may also add more apps to its banned list over time, depending on the apps that kids adopt after not being able to access their current favorites. Australia is the first country to implement a total social media ban for children. More information is available on Apple's developer website.Tags: App Store, AustraliaThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Seeds Second iOS 26.2 Release Candidate to Developers and Public Beta Testers
Apple today seeded the second release candidate version of iOS 26.2 to developers and public beta testers, with the software coming one week after Apple seeded the first RC. The release candidate represents the final version iOS 26.2 that will be provided to the public if no further bugs are found. Registered developers and public beta testers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone by going to the General section and selecting Software Update. iOS 26.2 has a Liquid Glass slider on the Lock Screen to adjust the transparency of the clock, plus it brings AirPods Live Translation to the European Union. The Reminders app now supports alarms for when tasks are due, and there are updates to the Podcasts and Apple News apps. Menu animations have been revamped, and CarPlay supports disabling pinned messages in the Messages app. We have a full list of all the features available in iOS 26.2 in our guide. iOS 26.2 will likely see a launch later this week.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple's Chipmaking Chief Johny Srouji Responds to Report About His Career Plans
Apple's chipmaking chief Johny Srouji has reportedly indicated that he plans to continue working for the company for the foreseeable future. "I love my team, and I love my job at Apple, and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon," said Srouji, in a memo obtained by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Here is Srouji's full memo, as shared by Bloomberg:I know you've been reading all kind of rumors and speculations about my future at Apple, and I feel that you need to hear from me directly. I am proud of the amazing Technologies we all build across Displays, Cameras, Sensors, Silicon, Batteries, and a very wide set of technologies, across all of Apple Products. Together we enable the best products in the world. I love my team, and I love my job at Apple, and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon.Last week, Gurman said that Srouji recently told Apple CEO Tim Cook that he was "seriously considering leaving in the near future." Srouji did not explicitly deny the report, but it appears that he has no plans to leave Apple for now. Srouji informed colleagues that he would be interested in working for another company if he did leave Apple, rather than retiring, according to Gurman. Srouji is Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies. He joined the company in 2008 to lead development of the iPhone 4's A4 chip, the first Apple-designed system-on-a-chip. He previously held senior positions at Intel and IBM. Apple's chips have achieved many performance records, making Srouji one of the company's most important executives. For example, the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 17 Pro models offers the world's fastest CPU in any smartphone, while Apple silicon chips in Macs continue to deliver industry-leading performance per watt. Apple is facing turnover among its top ranks. Apple's operations chief Jeff Williams recently retired, and he will soon be followed by the company's AI research chief John Giannandrea, environmental chief Lisa Jackson, and general counsel Kate Adams. In addition, Apple's software design chief Alan Dye is joining Meta's Reality Labs later this month. Finally, Cook is reportedly planning to step down as CEO as early as next year.Tags: Johny Srouji, Mark GurmanThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple's 'Outrun' Ad Features Apple Pay Saving the Day in Monster Attack
Apple today shared a new "Outrun" Apple Pay ad on its YouTube channel, highlighting the usefulness of the payments service when a physical payment method is unavailable. In the spot, a woman fleeing from an attacking monster pulls into a gas station, then realizes she doesn't have her wallet to pay for gas. She's able to make her purchase with her iPhone instead. "Count on ‌Apple Pay‌," reads the video's tagline. Apple has been running the 35-second ad on TikTok and other social networks since November, but it is new to YouTube as of today. ‌Apple Pay‌ works on all modern iPhones and Apple Watch models, allowing users to link a debit or credit card to a device and use the Wallet app to make contactless payments in supported locations. Tag: Apple AdsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iPhone 16 Was World's Best-Selling Smartphone in Q3 2025
Apple led global smartphone sales with the iPhone 16 in the third quarter of 2025 while simultaneously accelerating demand for the iPhone 17 lineup and expanding its promotional footprint in the United States, according to new analyses from Counterpoint Research. Counterpoint Research's Global Monthly Handset Model Sales Tracker shows that the ‌iPhone 16‌ was the best-selling smartphone worldwide during the third quarter of 2025. Well into its second year of life, the device's sustained performance is attributed to continued demand among users upgrading from older iPhone generations, expanded carrier promotions in developed markets, and the broad appeal of the standard ‌iPhone‌ configuration in regions where ultra-premium models represent a smaller share of total volume. Alongside the ‌iPhone 16‌'s continued leadership, Counterpoint says the iPhone 17 Pro Max entered the quarterly global top-10 list and became the best-selling smartphone in September 2025, despite "limited availability towards the end of the quarter." According to the firm, demand for the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max was strengthened by a large cohort of users who purchased iPhones during the COVID-19 period and returned for major upgrades this year. New features such as a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 8x optical zoom and a vapor-chamber cooling system represent one of Apple's most substantial year-over-year camera and thermal architecture revisions and contributed materially to monthly sales growth. The same dataset indicates that, while Apple maintained its position at the top of the global rankings with the ‌iPhone 16‌ and expanded momentum with the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, Samsung increased its presence in the top-10 list to five positions, all from the Galaxy A series. A separate Counterpoint analysis of the global foldable smartphone sector shows that the premium market segment where Apple has not yet entered continued to grow at a materially faster pace than the broader industry. The firm reports that global foldable shipments increased 14% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025, which is the highest quarterly shipment volume ever recorded for the category. Counterpoint attributes much of this performance to Samsung's Galaxy Z 7 series, especially the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which generated "exceptionally strong consumer response" due to a slimmer and lighter enclosure, reduced crease visibility, and an upgraded hinge mechanism designed for improved durability. While Apple has not released a foldable ‌iPhone‌, rumors suggest that the company will debut such a device as soon as next year. Meanwhile, Counterpoint's U.S. Weekly Smartphone Promotions Index shows that Apple intensified its promotional activity in response to unusually early and aggressive Pixel 10 discounts led by Google. Apple finished the period overtaking Google. Tag: CounterpointThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Rivian to Offer iPhone Car Keys in Apple Wallet App Later This Month
Apple Wallet car key support is coming to Rivian's second-generation R1S and R1T electric vehicles with a 2025.46 software update later this month, according to the company's software chief Wassym Bensaid. He did not provide a specific date. This feature will allow you to remotely unlock, lock, and start a second-generation R1S or R1T with an iPhone or Apple Watch, without needing to use the Rivian app. Express Mode will be supported, meaning you can keep your iPhone in your pocket as you approach the vehicle, as unlocking the device with Face ID is not required. Rivian is implementing a newer version of the feature with Ultra Wideband technology for passive entry, eliminating the need to place your iPhone near an NFC reader. If your iPhone battery runs out, a Power Reserve feature ensures the Apple Wallet key can still be used for up to five hours after the device shut off. You can share an Apple Wallet car key with up to eight family and friends via AirDrop or any messaging app, such as the Messages app or WhatsApp. Apple Wallet car keys will not be supported in Rivian's first-generation R1S and R1T vehicles that were built through the 2024 model year. Despite implementing Apple Wallet car key support, Rivian remains opposed to CarPlay. The electric vehicle maker does offer a built-in Apple Music app with a Connect+ subscription, which costs $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year.Tags: Apple Wallet, iPhone Car Keys, RivianThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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AirPods Pro 3 Matching Black Friday Low Price of $219.99 on Amazon
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 have returned to the low price of $219.99 today on Amazon, down from $249.00. We first tracked this deal during Black Friday, and today is one of the first times it's returned since that event ended. 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. The AirPods Pro 3 have 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the prior-generation AirPods Pro 2, 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. $29 OFFAirPods Pro 3 for $219.99 In other AirPods deals, the AirPods 4 with ANC is available for $99.99 on Amazon, down from $179.00, which is another match for a record low price. $79 OFFAirPods 4 (ANC) for $99.99 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Fitness+ Coming to 28 New Regions With Digital Voice Dubbing
Apple today announced that Fitness+ is expanding to 28 new markets on December 15 in the service's largest international rollout since launch, accompanied by new language dubbing and a K-Pop music genre. Apple Fitness+ will become available in Chile, Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, and additional regions on December 15, with Japan scheduled to follow early next year. The expansion increases total availability to 49 countries. Hundreds of sessions will initially be available with digitally generated voice dubbing in Spanish and German, with Japanese added when the service launches in Japan. New dubbed episodes will be released weekly across all supported regions. The new dubbing system uses a generated voice modeled on each of the 28 Fitness+ trainers' real voices. Users will be able to switch audio tracks after starting a session or set a preferred language in the Fitness app, which will automatically default to the dubbed version when available. Apple has not previously offered dubbed workout content on Fitness+, instead relying on subtitles for non-English markets since the service launched in 2020. Apple is also adding a new K-Pop music genre to the service, which will be available across workout types. The new category joins existing genres such as Upbeat Anthems, Latest Hits, Hip-Hop/R&B, and Latin Grooves. Apple also noted that the latest episode of Time to Walk features Japanese Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda, and is available today. Fitness+ is currently available in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S. The service will reach the newly announced 28 markets, which include Norway, Poland, the Philippines, Sweden, Vietnam, and others, on December 15.Tag: Apple Fitness PlusThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Watch Series 11 Drops to New All-Time Low Price of $299
Amazon and Best Buy today introduced new all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. These discounts beat the Black Friday prices we saw last month by about $30. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. On Amazon, you'll find four of the 42mm GPS models on sale at this all-time low price, and three of the 46mm GPS models on sale. $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm GPS) for $299.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm GPS) for $329.00 If you're shopping for cellular models, you can find record low prices on multiple models this week on Amazon. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $399.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $429.00, down from $529.00. $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm Cell) for $399.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm Cell) for $429.00 Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? 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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iPhone 18 Pro Leak Adds New Evidence for Under-Display Face ID
Apple is actively testing under-screen Face ID for next year's iPhone 18 Pro models using a special "spliced micro-transparent glass" window built into the display, claims a Chinese leaker. According to "Smart Pikachu," a Weibo account that has previously shared accurate supply-chain details on Chinese Android hardware, Apple is testing the special glass as a way to let the TrueDepth system's infrared sensors pass through the panel without distortion. The approach is similar to existing industry techniques that use micro-perforated or nano-patterned glass to selectively improve IR transmission in a localized region above the sensor array. The report also suggests Apple's work has already prompted related suppliers to accelerate preparation for potential production. There have been several rumors suggesting the iPhone 18 Pro models will include under-display Face ID, but some disagreement over whether we'll see the technology in 2026. A May report by The Information claimed that iPhone 18 Pro models will have no Dynamic Island with just a pinhole cutout located at the upper left of the display, but other rumors suggest there's still going to be a Dynamic Island. Analyst Ross Young said that the iPhone 18 Pro models could have under-display Face ID, but that doesn't mean there won't be no Dynamic Island at all. Instead, the pill-shaped hole will be smaller. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also spoken of a slimmed down Dynamic Island for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The new claim of a micro-transparent glass window supports the view that there will be a smaller Dynamic Island that shifts TrueDepth sensing components below the screen while retaining a smaller cutout for the front camera. While Smart Pikachu does not specifically mention the Pro models, supply-chain sources often use "series" loosely when discussing early panel and materials testing, and all previous rumors have related to Apple's high-end models. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro models in September, alongside an all-new foldable iPhone, as part of a new split cycle launch. The regular iPhone 18 and the more affordable iPhone 18e are not expected to debut until early 2027.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Tag: Smart PikachuRelated Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Launches Virtual Manufacturing Academy
Apple today announced an expansion of the Apple Manufacturing Academy with a new set of virtual training programs for small- and medium-sized businesses across the United States. The update marks the first time the Academy's training has been accessible online. It was previously only available via in-person sessions in Detroit. Apple describes it as a free resource intended to accelerate innovation among American manufacturers as part of its broader plan to invest $600 billion in the U.S. economy over the next four years. Apple said the new online courses cover a range of advanced manufacturing topics, including automation, predictive maintenance, quality control optimization, and the use of machine learning with vision systems. The training program also incorporates professional development content on communication and presentation skills to help participants prepare for operational and leadership roles. The expanded program is intended to increase access for companies that have not been able to attend in-person sessions. Launched in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) in August, the Apple Manufacturing Academy has already provided hands-on training and consultation to more than 80 businesses from Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Utah. Businesses enrolled in virtual programming at manufacturingacademy.msu.edu. The current learning materials form the initial phase of what Apple says will be a continuously expanding digital curriculum.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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More All-Black Vision Pro Prototype Parts Surface Online
A new image shared by prototype collector and leaker Kosutami appears to show parts designed for an unreleased all-black Apple Vision headset. The image shows what seems to be a Vision Pro's left power strap and audio pod with the attached power cable. It seems to be identical to Apple's existing hardware, but uses a dark finish not seen on any production Vision Pro hardware. Kosutami previously claimed that Apple has been testing a thinner and lighter mixed-reality headset referred to internally as "Vision Air," featuring a Midnight-colored exterior and reduced weight achieved by switching several structural components and the battery enclosure to titanium. According to the leaker, this model would retain an aluminum exterior but adopt a deep bluish-black finish rather than the Vision Pro's current silver and white. Earlier this year, Kosutami also shared images of a new Lightning-style connector in Midnight said to be intended for a next-generation Vision headset. The existing Vision Pro uses a 12-pin connector, while the unreleased cable featured only eight pins, which seemed to indicate that Apple may have been redesigning the external battery system for future headsets. Apple had been widely expected to release a lower-cost headset called the "Vision Air," as well as a redesigned second-generation Vision Pro. However, Bloomberg reported in October that Apple paused development of all Vision headsets in order to accelerate work on AI-powered smart glasses.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTag: KosutamiBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple May Have to Enable Always-On GPS in India
India is reviewing a proposal that would require Apple to keep GPS location services permanently active on every iPhone sold in the country, according to Reuters. Under the proposal, smartphone makers including Apple would be required to activate satellite-assisted GPS on their devices at all times with no option for users to disable the feature. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) argues that location data from cell tower triangulation is not sufficiently precise for investigative use and that authorities should have access to meter-level coordinates provided by GPS. GPS is typically activated only when specific apps request location access or when an emergency call is placed. The COAI has also asked the government to require smartphone makers to disable pop-up notifications that inform users when a carrier is attempting to access location information. Apple has formally opposed the proposal. In a letter sent in July by the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents Apple and Google, the companies warned the government that forcing GPS to remain active at all times would constitute a regulatory overreach. The news comes shortly after India reversed a separate directive that would have required all smartphone makers, including Apple, to preinstall a government app and prevent users from disabling its functions. The order was rescinded after widespread criticism.Tag: IndiaThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Chip Chief Johny Srouji Could Be Next to Go as Exodus Continues
Apple's senior vice president of hardware technologies Johny Srouji could be the next leading executive to leave the company amid an alarming exodus of leading employees, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. Srouji apparently recently told CEO Tim Cook that he is "seriously considering leaving" in the nature future. He intends to join another company if he departs. Srouji leads Apple's chip design and pioneered the transition to Apple silicon. Earlier this week, it emerged that Meta had hired multiple significant Apple employees, including longtime Apple designer Alan Dye, while conducting its own recruiting blitz for AI and smartglasses development. Meanwhile, Apple announced the retirement of Senior Vice President and General Counsel Kate Adams, Lisa Jackson, Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, and AI chief John Giannandrea. Earlier this year, Apple lost Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, who is retiring, and Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri. There have also been rumors about Apple CEO ‌Tim Cook‌ retiring, with rumors suggesting he is preparing to leave his role as soon as next year. Gurman says that the losses are partly due to veteran executives nearing retirement age, but there is still a "disconcerting brain drain" taking place in the company. Nevertheless, Gurman says the accumulative weight of the departures all add up to "one of the most tumultuous stretches of Cooks tenure." Some of the losses are said to be a "cause for deep concern," and Cook is now looking to prevent further loss of leading talent with stronger compensation packages. Gurman notes that "Apple hasn't launched a successful new product category in a decade," leaving it increasingly vulnerable to having its talent poached by more agile rivals who are said to be better equipped to develop the next generation of devices and AI technologies. Cook himself is thought to be likely to join the exodus and step down in the not-too-distant future. He turned 65 last month and now exhibits a noticeable, unexplained tremor in his hands. He is likely to transition to the role of chairman, rather than vacate the company entirely. The departure of Srouji is said to be "a more imminent risk" and Cook is purportedly working hard to retain him by offering a substantial pay package and the potential of more responsibility. Some executives have suggested elevating Srouji to the role of chief technology officer. This would move him to oversee a broad range of hardware engineering and silicon technologies, making him Apple's second-most powerful executive. Gurman says this change would likely require John Ternus to be promoted to CEO, but Srouji apparently would prefer to not work under a different CEO, even with an expanded remit. If he does leave, Srouji would likely be replaced by Zongjian Chen or Sribalan Santhanam. Beyond Srouji and the other reported departures, Apple is believed to be contending with a significant talent drain among its key engineers. Gurman explains that there has been a "a broader collapse within Apple's artificial intelligence organization" triggered by AI models chief Ruoming Pang departing earlier this year, along with colleagues such as Tom Gunter and Frank Chu. Apple lost Siri and search overseer Robby Walker, as well as his replacement, Ke Yang, to Meta. Apple's AI group is apparently suffering from low morale and there is growing worry over the increasing use of external AI technology such as Google Gemini. Around a dozen of Apple's leading AI researchers have also now departed. The company's AI robotics software team has seen widespread departures, including its leader Jian Zhang, who joined Meta. The user interface team has also lost members, such as Billy Sorrentino, culminating in Dye's exit. Apple's hardware design group "has been nearly wiped out," with many employees vacating to other companies or following former design chief Jony Ive to his studio, LoveFrom. Abidur Chowdhury, the designer behind the iPhone Air who narrated its unveiling in September, left for an AI startup. The company has lost a key director in charge of display technologies, Cheng Chen, to OpenAI. He also oversaw the optics of the Vision Pro headset. In addition, one of Apple’s top hardware engineering executives, Tang Tan, similarly left for OpenAI. Apple has even lost the dean of Apple University, Richard Locke. Apple University is the internal program intended to preserve the company's practices and culture following the death of Steve Jobs. The exodus has become a major concern for Apple's leadership, which has instructed human resources to ramp up recruitment and retention efforts. See Gurman's full report report for more information.Tags: Bloomberg, Johny Srouji, Mark Gurman, Tim CookThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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OWC's Holiday Sale Has Steep Discounts on Docks, Drives, and Mac Accessories
OWC's Cyber Week sale is set to end soon, and it's still offering big discounts on a variety of USB-C docks, external drives and enclosures, and Mac accessories. Some of these deals won't be applied until you add the items to your cart, at which time an automatic coupon will be applied to your order. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with OWC. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. There are a few notable deals in this sale, including $130 off the popular 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac, available for $149.99, which is the steepest discount we've seen since the summer on the accessory. If you purchase a qualifying new or used Mac at the same time as this dock, you can get an additional $20 off the accessory at checkout. SITEWIDE DEALSOWC Cyber DealsDocks and Hubs OWC USB-C Travel Dock - $24.99 when added to cart, down from $49.99 OWC USB-C Travel Dock E - $49.99, down from $59.99 Thunderbolt Mini Dock - $69.99 when added to cart, down from $129.99 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock - $149.99 when added to cart, down from $279.99 OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock - $179.99 when added to cart, down from $299.99 Memory Cards Atlas Pro 240GB - $89.99 when added to cart, down from $134.99 Atlas Pro 512GB - $149.99 when added to cart, down from $179.99 Atlas Pro 480GB - $149.99 when added to cart, down from $199.99 Atlas Ultra 1TB - $279.99 when added to cart, down from $299.99 Atlas Pro 960GB - $299.99 when added to cart, down from $399.99 External Drives and Enclosures 1TB 1M2 SSD - $199.99 when added to cart, down from $249.99 2TB 1M2 SSD - $329.99 when added to cart, down from $399.99 4TB 1M2 SSD - $559.99 when added to cart, down from $629.99 8TB 1M2 SSD - $949.99 when added to cart, down from $1,399.99 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find this holiday season? 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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Ending Soon: Samsung's Cyber Week Event With Low Prices on The Frame TV, Gaming Monitors, and More
Samsung's Cyber Week event will come to a close later this weekend, and you can still find great deals on monitors, storage accessories, TVs, Galaxy smartphones, and home appliances for a few more days. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Highlights from this event include quite a few models of The Frame TV on sale, including a new all-time low price on The Frame Pro models. You can get the 65-inch The Frame TV for $999.99 ($1,000 off), as well as The Frame Pro for $1,999.00 ($1,200 off). SITEWIDE DISCOUNTSSamsung Cyber Week Sale Other deals include savings on monitors like the 32-inch Smart Monitor M8 for $389.99 ($310 off), the 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 Gaming Monitor for $899.99 ($900 off), and more. We're also tracking big markdowns on home appliances including refrigerators and washer/dryers, and a few Galaxy device discounts. Samsung's new Galaxy XR headset also has a few notable offers during this event, including up to $1,140 in savings with the Explorer Pack. This features various content at no extra cost with the purchase of the Galaxy XR, like one year of YouTube Premium, one year of Google AI Pro, and more. For even more potential savings, eligible shoppers have the chance to get additional discounts through Samsung offer programs. These programs provide extra discounts for students, military, and employees of select businesses, and they provide up to 30 percent extra savings on Samsung's website, so be sure to check whether you're eligible for any of these programs. TVs 65-inch The Frame - $999.99, down from $1,999.99 (extra $100 off available through offer programs) 75-inch The Frame Pro - $1,999.99, down from $3,199.99 85-inch The Frame Pro - $3,299.99, down from $4,299.99 (extra $660 off available through offer programs) 65-inch OLED S90C TV - $1,699.99, down from $2,699.99 65-inch Neo QLED 4K TV - $1,399.99, down from $2,699.99 77-inch OLED S90F TV - $1,999.99, down from $3,499.99 75-inch Neo QLED QN90D TV - $1,499.99, down from $3,299.99 Monitors and Storage 32-inch Smart Monitor M8 - $389.99, down from $699.99 40-inch Odyssey G7 G75F Curved Monitor - $749.99, down from $1,199.99 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 Monitor - $899.99, down from $1,799.99 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Monitor - $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99 (extra $200 off available through offer programs) Appliances Bespoke Smart Dishwasher - $749.99, down from $1,299.00 Large Capacity Side-by-Side Fridge - $999.00, down from $1,666.00 4-Door French Door Fridge - $1,799.00, down from $2,999.00 Bespoke All-in-One Combo Washer/Dryer - $1,849.99, down from $3,299.00 Mega Capacity 3-Door French Door Fridge - $2,399.00, down from $3,499.00 Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $2,050.00, down from $4,099.00 Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $3,049.99, down from $4,999.00 Galaxy Products Galaxy XR - Save up to $1,140 with the Explorer Pack Galaxy S25 Ultra - Save up to $700 in instant trade-in credit Galaxy Z Fold7 - Save up to $1,000 Galaxy Ring - Get up to $150 trade-in credit Galaxy Watch Ultra - Save up to $250 Galaxy Watch 8 - Save up to $200 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 this holiday season? 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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Top Stories: iOS 26.2 Coming Soon, Apple Execs Depart, and More
You'd expect things to be starting to wind down for the holidays by now, but that doesn't seem to be the case yet in the world of Apple news, with Apple just about ready to release iOS 26.2 and other operating system updates to the public. There was also a flurry of news this week about Apple executive departures, some expected and some not so expected, while we also learned that Apple and Intel may be developing a new chipmaking partnership, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more! Top Stories Apple Seeds iOS 26.2 Release Candidate Ahead of Public Launch With the Thanksgiving holiday in the rear-view mirror and the calendar turned to December, Apple is putting the final touches on iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, macOS Tahoe 26.2, and related updates, with several new features and tweaks. Apple this week seeded release candidate versions of the updates to developers and public beta testers, suggesting an official release for everyone will come next week. The imminent iOS 26.2 update arrives as Apple has started to more aggressively push users still on iOS 18 to upgrade to iOS 26. Since ‌iOS 26‌ launched in September, it has been displayed as an optional upgrade at the bottom of the Software Update interface in the Settings app, with iOS 18 updates displayed more prominently. Starting this week, that's changed. iOS 18 users who have not upgraded to ‌iOS 26 now see iOS 26.1 (and soon iOS 26.2) as the recommended iOS update in the Settings app. iOS 18 updates are still an option, but are now displayed at the bottom of the app. Apple UI Design Chief Alan Dye Leaving for Meta In a move that came as a surprise to most observers, Apple design chief Alan Dye has decided to leave the company after 19 years and take a role as chief design officer at Meta. Dye oversaw the major Liquid Glass design update that debuted this year, which has not arrived without controversy, and some both inside and outside of Apple are not exactly sorry to see Dye go. Dye's departure follows closely on the heels of Apple announcing that AI chief John Giannandrea has stepped down from his position and will serve as an advisor until he retires early next year. Giannandrea has been under pressure as Apple has fallen behind in the race to develop and deploy AI capabilities, and some of his responsibilities had already been shifted to other executives. As if that wasn't enough, Apple also announced this week that general counsel Kate Adams and environment chief Lisa Jackson will both be retiring in 2026, with the company working to transition their responsibilities to other executives. Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac and iPhone Chips in a New Way While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo this week said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. If this rumor proves accurate, Intel could supply Apple with M6 or M7 chips for future MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models at a minimum. However, while previous Intel chips for Macs were designed by Intel and based on x86 architecture, M-series chips are designed by Apple and use Arm architecture. Intel would only assist with manufacturing. The partnership may also extend to the iPhone with Intel producing future chips for non-pro iPhone models starting in 2028, which could perhaps mean the A22 chip for devices like the iPhone 20 and iPhone 20e. iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device. As rumors continue to surface, we've collated an updated set of key details that have been leaked about Apple's foldable iPhone so far. Apple will allegedly call the device the "‌iPhone‌ Fold," which is the name the media has already adopted when sharing rumors about the product. Apple Music Replay 2025 Now Fully Available The full Replay 2025 experience is now available in the Apple Music app, allowing you to reflect on your listening habits over the past year. There are two main components of the Replay 2025 experience. First, there is a full year-end playlist containing the Apple Music songs that you listened to the most over the past year, and second, there is a Highlight Reel with images and a video that are designed to be shared on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. iPhone 17 Demand Is Breaking Apple's Sales Records Apple's iPhone 17 lineup is selling well enough that Apple is on track to ship more than 247.4 million total iPhones in 2025, according to a new report from IDC. Total 2025 shipments are forecast to grow 6.1 percent year over year due to ‌iPhone 17‌ demand and increased sales in China, a major market for Apple. Overall worldwide smartphone shipments across Android and iOS are forecast to grow 1.5 percent, primarily because of the success of the iPhone. MacRumors Newsletter Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view. So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top StoriesThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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MacRumors 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
If you're looking for the perfect tech or tech-adjacent present for someone who loves Apple products or just uses them daily, I have a few suggestions that might be helpful to you this holiday season. These are some of our favorite products, many of which I use personally or have gifted to our friends and family members in the past. If you're still looking for a present for someone that's hard to shop for, check out the list. Maclock For Apple fans or fans of classic PCs, the Maclock is a tiny Macintosh 128K that works as an alarm clock. It is super detailed and has all of the design touches of the original, and there's even a tiny floppy disk that turns it on when you put it in. There are multiple display modes, and it can tell you the time, day of the week, and temperature, plus it is a functional alarm clock. There's also a classic Mac face you can set it to. I haven't gifted it yet, but I bought one of these a few weeks ago. It does ship from China, so order ASAP. I've seen a few different versions of this product, but this variant has no third-party logo on the front, and it's just $30. If you want to spend a bit more, RayCue has some retro-style Macs that are actually designed to be docks. I haven't used one, but it looks like a fun desktop accessory. Pico-Mac-Nano While I'm on the subject of mini Macs, I don't want to leave out the Pico-Mac-Nano from Nick Gillard. The Maclock is palm-sized, but the nano is even smaller at just under 2.5 inches, plus it has an actual Mac operating system. Gillard did sell these fully assembled at one point, but Apple asked him to stop. You can still get the parts to make one, and Gillard has instructions. There's a full kit for GBP62.00 (around $100 shipped to the U.S.), and it would be a great gift for someone who likes retro items and a project. Aura Frames Priced starting at $149, Aura digital frames make a good gift for anyone who has digital photos, which is most of us these days. You can load photos on the frame using the Aura iPhone app, and since images are stored in the cloud, there's no limit. Multiple people can upload images to a single frame, so it's a great way to share photos with friends and family members. If you know someone that's not technically savvy, like a grandparent, it's still the perfect gift because you can load photos for them remotely. The $149 10.1-inch Carver is Aura's most affordable option, but there are sizes up to 15 inches, like the $299 Walden. Aura also makes higher resolution options, including the $199 Mason, and all the frames come in multiple colors to match any decor. Everyone I've gifted an Aura frame to has loved it, and it's my go-to for people that are hard to shop for. This year, Aura launched a frame that uses e-ink for a softer, more art-like look. It changes images less often and it's expensive at $449, but it has a different vibe than your standard photo frame. LEGO Retro Radio Priced at $100, the Retro Radio from LEGO has a sweet, nostalgic design, complete with a tuner, knobs, and speaker grille. It's actually functional, because you can remove the back plate from the set and place an ‌iPhone‌ inside so that the radio plays music. There's a built-in smartphone stand that holds the ‌iPhone‌ in place, but if you don't want to use an ‌iPhone‌, there's also a little sound brick that plays different sounds when you turn the knob. I have one of these, and it was a fun build. There are other LEGO sets that make for good gifts, even for people who aren't LEGO collectors. Anyone that likes a puzzle would probably like a LEGO set, and some have wide appeal. Here are a few I've gotten this year that would make for good gifts: LEGO Super Mario Game Boy ($60) - This isn't a working Game Boy, unfortunately, but it does come with swappable screens and LEGO game cartridges. It is possible to make a working version if you're so inclined. LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants ($19) - I'm a fan of the LEGO botanicals, and this set is small, inexpensive, and fun for the desktop. LEGO Botanicals Hibiscus ($70) - All of the LEGO botanicals make good gifts (I'm gifting a set of flowers and a bonsai this year), but the hibiscus is a newer set that has a unique flower shape and it comes with a pot so it matches sets like the orchid. Other great botanical options include the mini bonsais and the tiny plants set (a personal favorite). LEGO Kingfisher ($40) - This set was a lot of fun to put together, and it makes a great desk display because of its bright colors. It would be nice for a bird lover. LEGO Insects ($63) - This set has a butterfly, a Hercules beetle, and a praying mantis, and it's another excellent display piece. This one is delicate and can be a little frustrating, but it's one of my favorites in the ideas series. I do buy LEGO set gifts for people who aren't into LEGO and who haven't done one before, and it tends to go over well. Nanoleaf Display Boxes Earlier this year, I reviewed the Nanoleaf LED Expo Display Cases, and they're one of my favorite Nanoleaf products to date. They're far from cheap at $270, but they would make an excellent gift for someone that collects high-end sneakers, anime figures, or anything in that vein. The boxes can be set to 16 million colors or shades of white, and colors can change in time with music. I think Nanoleaf designed these for sneaker collectors, but anything can be put inside. Like a lot of Nanoleaf devices, these aren't going to go with every decor choice, but collectors and gamers will love them. AirPods You'll never go wrong with AirPods as a gift, and there are two really good options to choose from this year. The AirPods Pro were just refreshed with a third-generation version, and for $249, you get excellent Active Noise Cancellation and sound quality. The AirPods Pro 3 have a new design that's more ergonomic and foam-infused silicone tips that fit snugly in the ears to drown out sound. With hearing aid support, ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ could be useful for a family member that has mild hearing loss but doesn't wear hearing aids. If you're purchasing for someone who doesn't like silicone ear tips, the AirPods 4 are an option. You can get them with or without Active Noise Cancellation. The ANC version doesn't cut out as much noise as the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌, but it's enough to make a difference. The AirPods 4 with ANC are a steal at $99 from Amazon right now, so it's not even worth getting the non-ANC version. I prefer the AirPods Pro fit and ANC over the ‌AirPods 4‌ because I have smaller ears and the ‌AirPods 4‌ can be painful. The AirPods Pro can drown out the sound of the heater, leaf blowing outside, the TV in the next room, road noise, and other sounds that sometimes drive me nuts. The ‌AirPods 4‌ are so inexpensive, though, that they're a great option on a budget. Philips Hue Lights I think I've tried every HomeKit smart bulb and light available at this point, and Philips Hue lights are the best you can get. I have no patience for lights that constantly disconnect or have connectivity issues, and the Hue bulbs don't. There is a $65 to $100 Bridge, but it's worth it. I mostly use Hue lights, and I've invested hundreds of dollars in my setup over time. Bulbs I have from almost 10 years ago are still functional. The $143 White and Color Starter Kit comes with two Hue bulbs that can go in any lamp that supports E26 bulbs, and it comes with the hub. It's one of the best bets if you're buying a gift for someone who is new to smart home products. The bulbs can be controlled with the Home app or the Hue app, and they can be set to 16 million colors. Hue has great light effects and scenes that really shine when you have multiple bulbs. For a cheaper option, there's the $99 Essentials Starter Kit that comes with a hub and four lower-power E26 multi-color bulbs. Hue Essentials bulbs don't dim quite as low and the color isn't as precise. Lightguide bulbs ($99) - These are perfect paired with a simple lamp base, because the bulb is meant to be the star. I have two of the ellipse bulbs, and they're enormous and look great. String lights ($132) - For holiday fans or those with patio setups crying out for lighting, the Hue Festavia String Lights would make a good gift. Signe floor lamp ($363) - The Signe floor lamp isn't the most practical light because it doesn't have a wide radius and is meant to face the wall, but it makes for great accent lighting. Hue Go ($99) - The Hue Go is a portable lamp that you can use plugged in or with the built-in battery, and it supports all of the same features as Hue bulbs. It's a nice accent light and good to have around for power outages. Hue Go Portable Table Lamp - This is a lot like the Hue Go, but it's a more traditional looking lamp. It's water resistant, so it can go outdoors, too. I haven't tried this one yet, but it's on the wishlist. Downlights ($66) - If you know someone that has those old can style downlights, a Hue upgrade would make a good gift. Downlights are super simple to swap out, and switching from the older models to Hue saves money and adds new lighting options. I switched all the downlights in my house to Hue and have no regrets. Outdoor Lights ($176+) - I swapped my porch lights and the lights in the back to Hue lights this year. It's more involved than downlight swaps, but provides fun lighting options for the holidays. I installed two of the Appear and three of the Econic, all of which have been working flawlessly. I use these with motion detectors. Hue also has some Festavia globe outdoor lights that look amazing, but I haven't tried them. Bambu Lab 3D Printer Bambu Lab makes a range of 3D printers that you can print to using just an app on your ‌iPhone‌ or your Mac. The A1 Mini is just $219, or $329 with the AMS Lite that lets you print with up to four filament colors. Bambu's printers are sort of the ‌iPhone‌ of 3D printers in that they're relatively easy to operate and have a lot of bells and whistles to streamline printing and cut down on issues. Models like the H2S and P2S come with an enclosure, and there are now several machines like the H2D that also have a laser cutting module. I've had a Bambu X1C for over two years now and do not hesitate to recommend Bambu printers for those interested in getting into 3D printing. It's easy to use, there are thousands of STLs out there for making everything you can think of, and you can even make your own using software like Tinkercad, Fusion 360, or even Nomad Sculpt on the iPad. I use my 3D printer weekly, if not daily, and Bambu printers get better all the time with new print options from Makerworld. I haven't personally used the A1 Mini, but it's a much more affordable way to try 3D printing, and it could make a great gift for an older child or a partner who likes to tinker. They're not entirely problem free, but I've been able to solve every issue I've run into, and there are endless settings to optimize. Portable Anker Chargers I reviewed portable power banks from several different brands this year, and I have two favorites that I keep coming back to from Anker. I love the $54 MagGo Nano Power Bank for wireless charging. It's the slimmest MagSafe power bank that I've tried, and it's so much better than thicker, bulkier models. I have a 17 Pro Max and it doesn't bother me to use it with the power bank attached because it doesn't add too much extra weight. It's only a 5,000 mAh battery so I don't get a full charge, but it's more than enough to get me through a day of heavy phone usage. My other favorite is the $60 Nano Power Bank with Retractable Cable. I didn't love this one right when I tried it because it's thick and rectangular, but it's turned out to be the power bank that I reach for most often. I like the lanyard, and the retractable USB-C cable is useful because I never need to hunt one down. I tend to prefer this power bank even over the magnetic model because the wired charging is much faster. Next time there's a sale, I plan to pick up another in teal. Ugreen Uno Chargers Ugreen's "Uno" line features chargers with fun little faces, and I think they're great. There's a $35 65W charger with four ports, which has legs and a digital panel with face emoji that change based on charging state. When a device is fast charging, for example, there's a face that looks like it has its mouth full, and when charging is finished, there's a little face with sunglasses. I've used this one on my desktop power strip for the last year. There are also two power banks that have the little emoji faces, one that's 5,000 mAh with Qi2 for $35, and one that's 10,000 mAh with USB-C for $50. They come with built-in stands that look like little headphones, which is a nice touch because you can use the stand for watching videos or FaceTiming. When I want to charge and need a stand, I use these. Nimble's Wall Chargers Nimble has $42 65W Wally Wall Chargers that come with a retractable 2-foot USB-C cable, and I love them. The prongs fold down and the cable retracts inside the enclosure, so they're ideal for travel. I have a cat that likes to nibble cables, and these keep the cable out of the way unless I'm charging. There's an extra USB-C port at the bottom so you can actually charge two devices at once. If you buy them from Apple, you can get fun colors that include deep purple or teal, though they're more expensive at $60. Nimble also has power banks in colors you don't often see, and I am a fan, but I don't love having to supply my own USB-C cable. Bird Buddy Available starting at $99, the Bird Buddy is the kind of gift that almost anyone will like, which makes it great for the person that has everything. It's a Wi-Fi connected smart bird feeder that sends you pictures of the birds that come to visit. You'll need to fill it with seed regularly and charge it up when necessary, but other than that, it operates on its own. To do away with charging, I recommend the solar version, which starts at $149. I've gifted the Bird Buddy and it's been a huge hit, with adults and kids too. Birdfy Bird Feeders Birdfy is a lot like Bird Buddy, but it has product options that Bird Buddy doesn't offer. You can get a standard Bird Feeder for the same $99 price as Bird Buddy, but if you're willing to spend a little more, there's a bigger version with multiple cameras. The $330 Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo has a triple-lens camera, including a dual-lens front camera and a second side camera to capture birds from every angle. It holds more seed than a standard version and comes with a solar panel. If you've gifted someone a Bird Buddy and they love it, this is the next upgrade option. Birdfy also sells the Bath Pro, which is a solar-powered smart birdbath with a camera. It's priced starting at $200 and lets you get photos of birds bathing and drinking. In some areas of the U.S., people in apartments and condos aren't able to put out bird feeders because of rats and pigeons. This is an excellent gift for someone that wants to attract birds but isn't able to have a feeder, but it's also great for avid birders. With bird feeders, you often need a specific kind of food to attract the birds you want, but a bird bath has more universal appeal. Govee Light Projectors Govee came out with some Matter-enabled projectors this year that can project stars or ocean scenes onto the walls and ceiling. I've been testing these for a month or so and have a review coming soon, but I think the lower-priced models would make a good gift. The $56 Star Light Projector has different night sky light effects paired with laser stars, while the $50 Ocean version has more of an under-the-sea vibe. There's a $180 Pro model with swappable galaxy scenes and laser stars, but it's really best for the real space projector enthusiast. Robot Vacuums I tested several Matter-enabled robot vacuums this year, and I am sold. These are excellent at vacuuming and mopping, and can be real time savers. I particularly liked the Deebot X11 Omnicyclone, the Deebot X9 Pro, and the Roborock Saros 10R. Some of these are over $1,100, but you get what you pay for. I've tested some lower-cost versions and have a review in the works, but the lower-end models I've used lack the navigation capabilities of the more expensive versions and add a lot more frustration to the cleaning process. Not all brands are the same, though, so it's worth some research on the best option. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 For printing photos, Epson's printers are some of the best, though Canon has its fans too. I recently got the EcoTank Photo ET-8550, and I think it's a great option if you want to get your images off of your phone. It's normally $800, but Best Buy has it for $500 right now. EcoTank printers are more expensive than your standard printer because the ink is cheap. These use refillable liquid ink rather than printer cartridges, and that is the main reason why I chose this model. Epson has to make its on the printer upfront because the ink lasts so much longer and is so much more affordable. There are other EcoTank printers that aren't as expensive, but this one is optimized for images and prints at up to 13"x19". Plant Grow Lights An iPhone-connected light is a great gift for someone that's into plants, and you will never go wrong with a light for an indoor plant collector. I like Modern Sprout light options for the clean aesthetic. There's a $90 light bar, a $200 grow house ideal for the kitchen counter, and a $270 Growframe that goes on the wall. The app lets you set the brightness and the schedule for the lights, which is essential. Aerogarden is also a good option, with prices that start at $16. I have the $50 AeroGarden Tabletop Grow Light that I've been using for a few years, and it works well. The lights are programmable with the Aerogarden app. $349 iPad and Apple Pencil For someone who is creative or wants to get into drawing, 3D sculpting, modeling, or similar, an ‌iPad‌ with an Apple Pencil is the best possible gift. Apps like ProCreate and Nomad Sculpt are powerful, and the ‌Apple Pencil‌ gives you a level of control that's hard to get on a Mac or PC. The ‌iPad‌ does a lot and it's an ideal gift for anyone, but it could really spark the creativity of an artistic child, or provide a new medium for an adult that already likes to sketch and draw. I have an iPad Pro with an ‌Apple Pencil‌ Pro, but all of Apple's iPads can be used with an ‌Apple Pencil‌, even the $349 model. The $499 iPad mini is the best for something to use on the go, and the $899 13-inch iPad Air is a good option if you want the biggest screen without paying ‌iPad Pro‌ prices. Gift Suggestions Have a great product suggestion we don't have in our list? Let us know in the comments below. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these companies and may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this article.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Elevated number of 5xx errors in MAD
Dec 18, 06:15 UTCResolved - Between 6:15-6:20 UTC, customers reaching Madrid, ES would have experienced an elevated number of 4xx/5xx errors and latency.

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Network Congestion
Dec 17, 19:55 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is observing possible network congestion in the western North America. We are working to mitigate impact to Internet users in this region. Stream users may see elevated error rates in delivery and upload paths. Video upload or viewing requests may need to be retried due to server side errors.

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SMS Delivery Delays to Multiple Networks in Portugal
Dec 17, 11:32 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS delivery delays when sending messages to multiple networks. Our engineers are working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We will provide another update in 1hour or as soon as more information becomes available.

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On Call Engineers are Investigating an issue with Identity services
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SIN (Singapore) on 2025-12-18
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Dec 18, 17:00 UTC  -  Dec 19, 01:00 UTCDec 17, 17:31 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in SIN (Singapore) datacenter between 2025-12-18 17:00 and 2025-12-19 01:00 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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SMS Delivery Delays to Smart Network in Philippines
Dec 17, 09:17 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS delivery delays when sending messages to Smart Network. Our engineers are working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We will provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.

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AUS (Austin) on 2025-12-18
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Dec 18, 10:00 - 14:00 UTCDec 17, 16:52 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in AUS (Austin) datacenter on 2025-12-18 between 10:00 and 14:00 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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Customer Accounts Not Upgrading After Successful Payment Processing
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LAX (Los Angeles) on 2025-12-18
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Dec 18, 09:00 - 15:00 UTCDec 17, 15:48 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in LAX (Los Angeles) datacenter on 2025-12-18 between 09:00 and 15:00 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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On Call Engineers are Investigating an issue with the access to support tickets from Twilio Console
Dec 17, 07:16 PSTInvestigating - Our monitoring systems have detected a potential issue where Customers Cannot Access Tickets in Console. Our engineering team has been alerted and is actively investigating. We will update as soon as we have more information.

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DFW (Dallas) on 2025-12-18
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Dec 18, 08:00 - 12:00 UTCDec 17, 13:42 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in DFW (Dallas) datacenter on 2025-12-18 between 08:00 and 12:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

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Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Beeline
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Dec 22, 13:00 - 16:00 PSTDec 17, 05:30 PSTScheduled - The Beeline network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 22 December 2025 at 13:00 PST until 22 December 2025 at 16:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Beeline Russia handsets.

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Twilio main account creation is not working .
Dec 17, 05:31 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing an issue in . Our engineering team is actively working to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 30 minutes or as soon as more information becomes available.

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Issues with DNS resolution in China
Dec 17, 12:14 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is aware of, and investigating issues with DNS resolution to incorrect Cloudflare IPs affecting multiple customers.We are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.

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Chatbots are not loading consistently on websites
Status: InvestigatingWe have identified an issue causing chatbots to not load consistently. Our team is actively investigating. Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this. We will provide updates as soon as we have more information.Affected components Chatbots (Degraded performance)

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Network Performance Issues in Dallas
Dec 17, 10:35 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating issues with Network PerformanceWe are working to analyze and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.

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YUL (Montréal) on 2025-12-17
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Dec 17, 09:00 - 14:00 UTCDec 17, 08:48 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in YUL (Montréal) datacenter on 2025-12-17 between 09:00 and 14:00 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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MMS Delivery Delay To Rogers Wireless Network In Canada Via Subset of Long Code
Dec 17, 00:11 PSTInvestigating - We are still continuing to experience MMS delivery delays when sending messages to the Rogers Wireless Network in Canada via a subset of long codes. Our engineers continue working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We will provide another update in 24 hours or as soon as more information becomes available

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SOF (Sofia) on 2025-12-18
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Dec 18, 00:30 - 06:30 UTCDec 17, 02:44 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in SOF (Sofia) datacenter on 2025-12-18 between 00:30 and 06:30 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

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MAN (Manchester) on 2025-12-17
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Dec 17, 02:00 - 07:30 UTCDec 17, 00:38 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in MAN (Manchester) datacenter on 2025-12-17 between 02:00 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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