Apple Quietly Discontinued Flyover City Tours in Apple Maps
Apple Maps no longer offers a Flyover feature that provides users with automated tours of notable landmarks in major cities. The Flyover option appears to have been nixed around when iOS 26 launched, but its removal went largely unnoticed. Flyover city tours were introduced in 2014 with iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite, using Flyover imagery to generate an aerial tour. Most cities with Flyover imagery supported the tour feature, but it may not have been used often since Apple was able to quietly discontinue it. Flyover imagery has not been removed and over 350 cities continue to have 3D Flyover imagery that highlights landmarks, parks, important buildings, and more with a bird's-eye view. Apple uses imagery collected with small military-grade planes that created detailed maps of buildings from above for Flyover. The feature is not available in some areas due to privacy and security concerns. Flyover city tours used to be accessible by tapping on the Flyover icon when searching for a city, but that option has now been removed.Tag: Apple MapsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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macOS Tahoe Bug Causes Studio Display Flickering Issues
macOS Tahoe introduced a bug that causes a Studio Display connected to a Mac to flicker every so often, and subsequent updates only seem to have made the issue worse. Mac users with the Studio Display have been complaining about intermittent flickering since the update launched in September. There are also complaints from users who have other kinds of displays, so it might be a bug that is affecting more than one type of external monitor. We have experienced this issue with a MacBook Pro running macOS Tahoe connected to a Studio Display, and the macOS Tahoe 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 updates haven't improved the situation at all. In fact, the flickering seems to be getting worse in recent days. Flickering happens most often when switching between apps that feature stark white backgrounds, or scrolling through webpages on light backgrounds. Any app can cause the flickering, and sometimes it just seems to be random. When flickering occurs, it's typically a brief flicker, but the display can also flicker several times in a row for a few seconds at a time. Switching from dark content to light content can almost always trigger a flicker on affected machines. It's not clear what is causing the issue, but given that multiple Studio Display owners are experiencing it, it's likely some kind of software issue that could be addressed with new Studio Display firmware rather than a hardware problem.Related Roundup: macOS Tahoe 26Related Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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AltStore Available in Japan One Day After Apple Enables Alternative App Marketplaces
Just a day after Apple announced alternative app marketplace support for iOS users in Japan, AltStore PAL has launched in the country. iPhone and iPad users in Japan can download the alternative app marketplace from the AltStore website, and then use the AltStore to download apps without having to go through Apple's App Store. Prospective AltStore users need to be physically located in Japan, and have a Japanese ‌App Store‌ account. Devices also need to be running iOS/iPadOS 26.2 or later. AltStore developer Riley Testut said that Apple did not provide a heads up about the ‌App Store‌ rule changes that went into effect yesterday, but the marketplace was able to launch within a few hours because it has been live in the European Union for months now. To celebrate AltStore PAL's launch in Japan, users can get a month of free Patreon access with patron-exclusive features. AltStore is free to download, but the AltStore Patreon provides access to beta updates for the popular Delta game emulator. Along with Delta, AltStore PAL offers several other apps created by independent developers, some of which have functionality that's not allowed in the standard ‌App Store‌. Apps distributed through AltStore PAL are able to monetize through Patreon subscriptions. Apple is allowing alternative app marketplaces to meet the requirements of the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) that went into effect on December 18. Marketplace apps are required to pay Apple a five percent Core Technology Commission. Alternative app marketplaces require authorization from Apple to operate, and are able to distribute apps that have also been notarized by Apple. The notarization process checks for basic functionality and ensures that apps do not include malware, but marketplace apps are not subject to the same content requirements, and Apple has little content oversight.Tags: AltStore, JapanThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple's New M5 MacBook Pro Hits $1,349.99 on Amazon ($249 Off)
Amazon today has dropped the price of the new M5 MacBook Pro to $1,349.99, down from $1,599.00. This is the 10-Core model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, and it's a match of the all-time low 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 $1,549.99 on Amazon, which is another $249 discount on the notebook. Both models have estimated delivery dates that are after Christmas, but if you've been waiting for a return of the best prices we've ever seen on these models, now's definitely a good time to buy. $249 OFF14-inch M5 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/512GB) for $1,349.99 $249 OFF14-inch M5 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/1TB) for $1,549.99 This version of the MacBook Pro just 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 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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Use Edge Light for Better Video Calls in macOS
Apple in macOS Tahoe 26.2 introduced Edge Light, a clever new feature that turns your Mac's display into a virtual ring light during video calls. Instead of fumbling with external lighting equipment, your Mac can now illuminate your face automatically when you're sitting in a dark room. Basically, Edge Light adds a soft glow around the edges of your display to brighten your face during video conferences. But it's far from just a simple screen border effect. Edge Light uses your Mac's Neural Engine to analyze your face, size, and position in the frame to deliver accurate lighting, while the Image Signal Processor fine-tunes brightness to match your environment. The feature is even aware enough to know when your cursor approaches the display edge. When it does, Edge Light automatically recedes, allowing you to still access on-screen content without it interfering. What You'll Need Edge Light works on any Mac with Apple silicon (M1 or later). It's compatible with all video conferencing apps and even extends to external cameras and the Apple Studio Display when connected to an Apple silicon Mac. How to Turn On Edge Light Once you've updated to macOS Tahoe 26.2 or later, enabling Edge Light takes just a couple of clicks: Open a supporting video call app (FaceTime, Zoom, or WebEx, for example). Click the green video conferencing menu bar item at the top of your screen. Select Edge Light from the drop-down menu. To adjust the lighting intensity and color temperature, click the down chevron next to Edge Light. You'll see two sliders that let you customize the brightness and warmth of the effect to suit your preferences. If you own a Mac released in 2024 or later, you can turn on automatic Edge Light activation. Once enabled, your Mac will detect when you're in a dimly lit environment and turn the feature on without any manual input. Simply look for the automatic toggle in the video call dropdown menu, immediately below the expanded Edge Light options.Tag: FaceTimeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iMac Rumor Recap: OLED Display, M5 Max, 32-Inch Model, and More
While it appears that the iMac will not be updated in 2025, rumors indicate that Apple is planning some big changes for the all-in-one desktop computer. Below, we recap what has been rumored for the iMac over the next two to three years. Current Model: M4 Chip As a refresher, Apple last updated the 24-inch iMac in October 2024. Key upgrades included the M4 chip, up to 32GB of RAM, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, a nano-texture display option, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and new color options. The overall design of the iMac has not changed since April 2021. Next Model: M5 Chip Apple will likely update the iMac with an M5 chip next year, but no other changes have been rumored yet, so expect a spec bump for now. If the iMac receives some of the upgrades that the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip did, the next iMac could be available with up to 4TB of storage (up from 2TB), and up to 2× faster SSD performance compared to the previous model. iMac Pro With M5 Max Chip? Earlier this year, Apple accidentally released a macOS kernel debug kit that contained internal product codenames, including for what appears to be an iMac with an M5 Max chip. It is unclear if the 24-inch iMac would be updated with M5 and M5 Max chips simultaneously next year, or if Apple plans to re-release a separate, higher-end iMac Pro with the M5 Max. The previous Intel-based iMac Pro was discontinued in March 2021. 32-Inch iMac? It has been nearly four years since Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac, as part of its move away from Intel processors. Since then, the 24-inch iMac has been Apple's only all-in-one desktop computer, with no larger model available. In October 2023, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that a higher-end 32-inch iMac with mini-LED backlighting would be released in 2025, but it appears that rumor was wrong given that the year is nearly over. Kuo has not commented on a larger iMac in a long time, so it is unclear if Apple plans to release such a product. In November 2023, Apple announced that it had no plans to release a new version of the 27-inch iMac with an Apple silicon chip at that time. Instead, Apple recommended pairing its standalone Studio Display with a Mac Studio or Mac mini. Perhaps this was Apple ruling out a larger iMac entirely, but only time will tell, and decisions can change. Wishful thinking: a 32-inch iMac Pro with an M5 Max chip and mini-LED backlighting. OLED Display South Korean publication The Elec this week reported that Apple is planning to release a 24-inch iMac with an OLED display in 2027 or 2028. The primary benefit of OLED technology compared to the current iMac's LCD is better overall image quality, with higher contrast ratio and deeper blacks. Bookmark our iMac roundup to stay up to date with the latest rumors.Related Roundup: iMacBuyer's Guide: iMac (Caution)Related Forum: iMacThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Get the AirPods Pro 3 for $199 on Amazon With Christmas Delivery
It's getting more and more difficult to find good deals with guaranteed Christmas delivery, but today Amazon has a match of the record low price on the AirPods Pro 3, as well as delivery before December 25. There's also a solid discount on the AirPods 4 on Amazon, but holiday delivery dates are slipping into late December for that one. 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. Apple's AirPods Pro 3 have hit $199.00 today on Amazon, down from $249.00. This is a match of the all-time low price on the AirPods Pro 3, and it beats the Black Friday price we saw last month by about $20. $50 OFFAirPods Pro 3 for $199.00 Secondly, you can get the AirPods 4 without ANC for $74.00, down from $129.00. This is a solid second-best price on this model, and just $5 away from the all-time low price we saw during Black Friday. 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. Update: Stock on the AirPods 4 has been fluctuating all morning, but the $74.00 discount may return soon. If it does we will update this article again. 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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Kuo: iPhone Fold Production Challenges Could Limit Supply Next Year
Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone could face supply shortages into 2027 despite a planned launch next year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo said in a new research note: "Development of the foldable iPhone is behind earlier expectations, but the product is still expected to [sic] announce in 2H26. Due to early-stage yield and ramp-up challenges, smooth shipments may not occur until 2027. With limited supply and expected strong demand, the foldable iPhone could be facing shortages until at least the end of 2026."The warning suggests Apple's ambitious foldable device will face manufacturing hurdles when it enters mass production. Foxconn was expected to begin limited production of the device before the end of this year, but a dearth of reports on that front could potentially mean that the "iPhone Fold" is still in the engineering validation stage. Kuo's forecast of production challenges is reminiscent of concerns previously raised by Mizuho Securities, which suggested the launch could slip to 2027 if Apple takes longer to finalize design elements like the hinge mechanism. For his part, Kuo appears to be saying that Apple is still on course to announce the device in the fall of 2026, but it could end up shipping the device in large volumes later than planned. iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a book-style design with an approximately 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen. It will reportedly use liquid metal hinges to achieve a virtually crease-free display and is expected to be priced between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever.Tags: Foldable iPhone, Ming-Chi KuoThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Report: Apple Developing 24-Inch OLED iMac With 600 Nits Brightness
Apple is working on a 24-inch iMac featuring an OLED display, with the aim of completing development as early as 2027, claims a new report out of Korea. According to The Elec, Apple has sent requests for information to Samsung Display and LG Display regarding development of a 24-inch OLED panel for the iMac. Current 24-inch iMacs use a 4.5K Retina display, which is an LCD panel with LED backlighting. The specs apparently being discussed include 600 nits of brightness and a pixel density of 218 PPI. If accurate, that would match the current 24-inch iMac's resolution but deliver a 20% brightness boost over the existing 4.5K Retina display's 500-nit maximum, making it equivalent to the brightness of Apple's Studio Display – though that also uses an inferior LCD panel. OLED display technology benefits from several other advantages beyond brighter screens, such as deeper blacks with higher contrast, improved power efficiency, and other enhancements. This is the first report we've seen suggesting Apple plans to bring OLED technology to its all-in-one desktop lineup. The company has already committed to OLED displays for future MacBook Pro models, with 14-inch and 16-inch versions expected to enter production next year using Samsung Display's 8th-generation IT OLED manufacturing line. OLED versions of its MacBook Air models are expected to follow. For the iMac display, both Samsung and LG Display are expected to propose their respective large-format OLED technologies rather than the RGB OLED method Apple traditionally prefers. Samsung would likely pitch its quantum dot OLED panels, while LG Display would offer its white OLED solution. Both manufacturers are reportedly developing 5-stack configurations that add an extra green layer to improve brightness compared to current 4-stack designs. The report suggests Apple prefers RGB OLED, where light and color generate at the subpixel level, but this technology apparently hasn't yet scaled reliably to the 20-30 inch range needed for desktop displays. Both panel makers are said to be exploring RGB OLED as a longer-term option. Apple aims to complete iMac OLED panel development by 2027 or 2028, but the finished product could launch after that timeline. A recent but separate report has claimed Apple is developing a high-end iMac featuring the M5 Max chip, but there is currently no indication that OLED is destined for this rumored model. Apple could refresh the 24-inch iMac with an updated M5 chip at some point next year.Related Roundup: iMacTags: OLED, The ElecBuyer's Guide: iMac (Caution)Related Forum: iMacThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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App Store Search Results to Show More Ads Next Year, Says Apple
Apple will next year introduce more ads in the App Store "to increase opportunity" in search results, the company has announced. According to an update to Apple's Ads website, additional ads will appear across search queries, appearing at the top as well as further down in App Store results, and existing campaigns won't need to do anything to be eligible. Search is the way most people find and download apps on the App Store, with nearly 65 percent of downloads happening directly after a search. To help give advertisers more opportunities to drive downloads from search results, Apple Ads will introduce additional ads across search queries. You don't need to change your campaign in order to be eligible for any new positions. Your ad will run in either the existing position — at the top of search results — or further down in search results. If you have a search results campaign running, your ad will be automatically eligible for all available positions, but you can't select or bid for a particular one.Apple explains that the ad format will remain the same – a default or custom product page, and an optional deep link. Advertisers and developers won't see a change in their billing, which will remain based on Apple's cost-per-tap model, so developers only pay when a user taps on an ad. Apple displays ads based on a combination of bid amount and an app's relevance to the search query, with ad matching done automatically. The new App Store ads will appear on devices running iOS 26.2 and later from the beginning of 2026. For further details, check out Apple's Ads website. (Via 9to5Mac.)Tag: App StoreThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Japan App Store Gets Alternative Marketplaces, Third-Party Payments and More
Apple today introduced several changes to the App Store in Japan to meet the requirements of the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) that goes into effect on December 18. The MSCA is similar to Europe's Digital Markets Act (DMA) so the Japanese ‌App Store‌ will work a lot like the EU ‌App Store‌, but there are some differences. Here's a quick rundown of what's changing as of today: Side Button - Users in Japan will be able to change what the side button does, and it will be able to activate third-party voice assistants instead of Siri. Payment options - Developers can offer in-app purchases, accept third-party payments in their apps, or direct users to a website to make a purchase. Alternative app marketplaces - Apps can be distributed through alternative app marketplaces instead of the ‌App Store‌. Users can set an alternative app marketplace as their default marketplace instead of the ‌App Store‌. Fee changes - New fees range from 5% to 26% depending on distribution method and payment method. Browser choice - Users are prompted to select a default browser at setup. Search engine choice - Users are prompted to choose a default Search engine at setup. Navigation apps - Users in Japan can select a different navigation app. Alternative Payment Options There is a notable difference between how alternative payment options are implemented in Japan and how they are implemented in the EU. Developers in Japan are required to display third-party digital purchase options alongside in-app purchase options, so customers can choose to use in-app purchase if desired. Purchase screens can link to a website or use a third-party payment service for end-to-end checkout directly in an app, but those two alternative payment options must be displayed right alongside an in-app purchase option. Developers are required to make the in-app purchase button at least as prominent as other payment options that are displayed. Japanese developers are able to offer different price points, so a direct payment link can be cheaper than the accompanying in-app purchase option. When a user chooses an alternative payment option or taps a link to a website to make a purchase, an in-app sheet will let them know they are no longer transacting with Apple. It informs users that refund requests and other Apple-provided services will not be available. Alternative App Marketplaces App developers in Japan can offer their apps through the ‌App Store‌ or through any alternative app marketplace. Apps and app marketplaces are subject to Apple's Notarization process, and there is no option to distribute apps through a website like there is in the EU. Any developer is able to build an app marketplace. As in the EU, alternative app marketplaces will be checked for basic functionality, malware, and security threats for user protection purposes, but Apple does not have content oversight. App marketplaces can establish their own content rules if desired, and must handle fraud prevention, customer support, and refunds. Apple says that app marketplaces will need to be authorized and will have to meet ongoing requirements to serve developers and users. App developers in Japan can select an ‌App Store‌ or alternative app marketplace when using ‌App Store‌ Connect, and can distribute apps through one marketplace or many. Users are able to set a default app marketplace that replaces the ‌App Store‌ as the primary app option. Fees in Japan Apple has established a new fee structure in Japan, and fees are based on distribution and payment method. Apple says that fees will be the same or lower for 100% of developers in Japan. Participants in the Small Business Program, Video Partner Program, and Mini Apps Partner Program will pay the reduced rate below. Subscriptions in apps maintained after the first year are also subjected to the lower fee. The Small Business Program includes developers that earn less than 1 million USD annually. Developers that earn more than that have to pay Apple's full commission rates. App Store w/ In-App Purchase - Varies from 15% to 26%. 21% base fee, 5% payment processing fee. Base fee is 10% for program participants, and 5% fee remains the same. App Store w/ Alt Purchase - Varies from 10% to 21%. 21% base fee, no payment processing fee. 10% for program participants. App Store w/ Web Link - Varies from 10% to 15%. 15% Store Services Fee, 10% for program participants. Alternative Marketplace - 5% Core Technology Commission. To explain it another way, all apps on the ‌App Store‌ will pay a 10% or 21% ‌App Store‌ commission. For purchases made using in-app purchase through the ‌App Store‌, Apple will collect an additional 5%. Purchases made in an app through an alternate payment method will not incur the 5% fee, but developers will need to pay the fee from whatever payment processing service they're using. Web link fees are lower. Apple will collect 15% from standard users, or 10% from program participants. There is no payment processing fee, but developers will need to pay the fee of the third-party payment processing service. Non-App Store distribution has the lowest fee, at 5%. The Core Technology Commission applies to the sale of digital goods and services, including paid apps in alternative app marketplaces. Side Button Changes Users in Japan can change the function of the Side Button, assigning a voice-based conversational app. There are criteria that apps need to meet to be eligible to operate with the Side Button, and Apple has created an API to allow developers of voice-based conversational apps to request Side Button access. Apps that offer a conversational experience as their primary purpose are eligible to be used with the Side Button. That includes chatbot apps like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. The Side Button will be able to activate the voice chat mode in an eligible third-party app, and it will function much like the Action Button does now when launching an app using a Shortcut. Child Protections All apps need to provide an install sheet with a clear age rating, regardless of whether an app is distributed through the ‌App Store‌ or an app marketplace. Apps in the Kids category will not be able to include links to websites to complete transactions at all. Apps outside of the kids category cannot link to websites for transactions for users under 13 years old. Developers are able to include a link to a website for transactions in their app, with that link only displayed to users that are over the age of 13 to meet the MSCA's requirements. For all users under the age of 18, all ‌App Store‌ apps that use alternative payment processing or link to a website for transactions must include a parental gate that requires younger users to involve their parent before making a purchase. Apple plans to release APIs in the future to better support the new requirements. Browser and Search Engine Choice During the device setup process, iPhone users in Japan are presented with browser and search engine selection screens with options displayed in a randomized order. Safari and Google Search will no longer be the automatic default in Japan. Developers in Japan can choose alternative web browser engines other than WebKit, as long as those browser engines meet Apple's privacy requirements. Users can change their defaults in the Defaults section of the Settings app. Interoperability Like in the EU, Japan's MSCA requires Apple to accept interoperability requests. Developers can ask Apple to add new features that will allow them expanded access to hardware and software features. There is also a baseline interoperability requirement. Apple has more control over interoperability in Japan than it does in the EU, and it is able to consider security and privacy risks when deciding whether to implement an interoperability feature. Interoperability requirements in the EU have led to delayed features like Live Translation, or have prevented Apple from implementing features like Screen Mirroring. Apple does not anticipate that interoperability requirements will lead to delayed features in Japan because Japan's law includes exceptions for privacy and security. Navigation ‌iPhone‌ users in Japan can select a different app as the default navigation app. MSCA vs. DMA Apple worked with Japanese regulators on the MSCA, and sees it as a better solution than the DMA in Europe. Changes mandated by the MSCA expose users to some risk by allowing non-App Store app installations, but it maintains protections for children. Though the MSCA allows for alternative app distribution, it does not include a provision for downloading apps directly from websites, so Apple is able to maintain some level of security by overseeing app marketplaces. Apple is able to require apps to offer both in-app purchase and alternative payment methods, allowing users in Japan to decide their preference. The MSCA also allows Apple to deny interoperability requests that would expose users to privacy and security risks, while the DMA does not. Fee structures and features provided by Apple are not as complicated in Japan as they are in the European Union. Japan's fees are similar to the Store Services Tier 2 fee in the EU (applicable to all apps starting on January 1, 2026), which includes all ‌App Store‌ functionality for a 15 to 20% total fee. Japan does not have the Store Services Tier 1 option, which cuts down on ‌App Store‌ functionality that Apple delivers but also lowers fees to 10% to 12%. Availability Apple is implementing the ‌App Store‌ and iOS changes starting today, with the functionality built into the iOS 26.2 update that came out on December 12. Developers with iOS apps in Japan can start shipping the new features immediately, with more detailed information available on Apple's developer site. The changes are only applicable to iOS apps distributed in Japan.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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ChatGPT's Apple Music Integration Is Now Live
There's now a dedicated Apple Music app for ChatGPT, which allows ChatGPT to make music recommendations and build playlists based on your ‌Apple Music‌ listening history. ‌Apple Music‌ can be added to ChatGPT through the Settings section in the Mac app, website, or iOS app. ‌Apple Music‌ is listed under the apps option, and connecting to it requires signing in with your Apple Account for authorization purposes. ChatGPT can be used to search through the ‌Apple Music‌ catalog for songs, artists, albums, and playlists, even without an ‌Apple Music‌ subscription. OpenAI says that all users are able to discover music, generate playlists, and listen to preview clips in ChatGPT. ‌Apple Music‌ subscribers can add songs, albums, and playlists to their ‌Apple Music‌ Library using ChatGPT. When ‌Apple Music‌ is added to ChatGPT, it can be selected by tapping on the "+" button. Playlists and suggestions generated by ChatGPT can be opened directly in ‌Apple Music‌. ChatGPT's ‌Apple Music‌ feature was first shared yesterday, but the functionality wasn't live. The app is now available to add to ChatGPT.Tags: Apple Music, ChatGPTThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Releases First macOS Tahoe 26.3 Public Beta
Apple today provided public beta testers with the first release of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.3 update for testing purposes. The public beta comes two days after Apple provided the beta to developers. After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section in the System Settings app. We don't know about any new features in macOS Tahoe 26.3 as of yet, but Apple might introduce new capabilities in later beta releases. The beta is limited to developers and public beta testers at the current time, but we are expecting Apple to release the update at the end of January. Related Roundup: macOS Tahoe 26Related Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Releases First iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Public Betas
Apple today provided beta testers with the first releases of upcoming iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and watchOS 26.2 updates for testing purposes. The public betas come a couple of days after Apple provided the betas to developers. Anyone can download and install public betas, and all that's required is to sign up on Apple's beta site. Once you've opted in, the software can be downloaded through the Software Update section in the Settings app on each device. iOS 26.3 introduces a simpler way for iPhone users to transfer their data to an Android device when switching platforms, plus it includes a Notification Forwarding feature for third-party wearables in the European Union. It will allow notifications to be forwarded from the ‌iPhone‌ to a third-party device. No new features have been found in the other beta updates as of yet. We're expecting iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and the other software to come out somewhere around the end of January.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Samsung Expands Holiday Sale With Major Discounts on Popular Monitors and TVs
Samsung kicked off a holiday sale last week, and this event has expanded recently with even more great deals on monitors, TVs, Galaxy smartphones, and home appliances. Many of these deals are the exact same all-time low prices we tracked during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 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. Regarding TVs, there are 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 2025 65-inch The Frame TV for $1,199.99 ($600 off), as well as The Frame Pro for $1,999.00 ($1,200 off). $1,200 OFFThe Frame Pro for $1,999.00 This is also a good time to purchase a Samsung monitor, with hundreds of monitor deals available during the event. One of the best markdowns is on the 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Monitor, available for $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99. If you're looking to add a second monitor to your workstation, you'll also find a few smaller options, like the 32-inch ViewFinity S7 for $299.99, down from $459.99. 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. Monitors 27-inch Odyssey G3 Monitor - $139.99, down from $229.99 32-inch ViewFinity S70A UHD Monitor - $299.99, down from $459.99 34-inch ViewFinity S6 Monitor - $399.99, down from $799.99 43-inch Odyssey Neo G7 Smart Gaming Monitor - $549.99, down from $999.99 27-inch Odyssey OLED G6 Gaming Monitor - $599.99, down from $899.99 49-inch Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor - $777.99, down from $1,299.99 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 Monitor - $899.99, down from $1,799.99 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen - $1,299.99, down from $2,699.99 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99 TVs 55-inch QLED QEF1 Smart TV - $379.99, down from $599.99 55-inch QLED Q7F Smart TV - $399.99, down from $529.99 55-inch QLED Q8F Smart TV - $599.99, down from $749.99 75-inch Vision AI Smart TV - $679.99, down from $1,199.99 50-inch The Frame - $799.99, down from $1,099.99 75-inch Neo QLED QN70F Smart TV - $1,199.99, down from $1,599.99 65-inch The Frame - $1,199.99, down from $1,799.99 (extra $100 off available through offer programs) 55-inch OLED S95F Smart TV - $1,899.99, down from $2,299.99 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) 85-inch Neo QLED QN90F Smart TV - $2,299.99, down from $4,499.99 Appliances Bespoke Smart Dishwasher - $899.99, 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 - $2,099.00, down from $3,299.00 Mega Capacity 3-Door French Door Fridge - $2,499.00, down from $3,499.00 Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $2,050.00, down from $4,099.00 Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $3,399.99, 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 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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Apple Tested a MacBook With the A15 Chip
An internal Apple kernel debug kit suggests Apple has tested a MacBook with the A15 chip, alongside a separate A18 Pro-based MacBook that appears to be closer to a shippable product. The information comes from internal kernel debug kit files used by Apple engineers. The kit was accidentally released on Apple's website earlier this year, but it was quickly pulled after information started leaking out of it. Within the Mac-related entries, there is a line that explicitly describes an unreleased MacBook configuration running an A15 chip. The row appears under a project label "mac14p" on a platform labeled H14P. MacRumors believes this A15 MacBook corresponds to the codename J267. In the same dataset, there is also a separate MacBook entry tied to the A18 Pro. It has the identifier J700 and is described as using an A18 Pro chip with a "Sunrise" wireless subsystem attributed to MediaTek. Compared with the A15 test configuration, the A18 Pro MacBook entry reads more like a defined product configuration, since it is identified with a specific internal codename and accompanying subsystem details. It is also highly unlikely that Apple would release a Mac powered by the A15 Bionic in 2026, almost five years after the chip was introduced. A MacBook with the A18 Pro chip would be markedly more capable, future-proof, and in-step with the company's current selection of chips. The A15 MacBook was almost certainly used as an unreleased test platform ahead of widely reported plans to release a low-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip. The original Apple silicon Mac mini Developer Transition Kit featured an A12Z chip, but all Apple silicon Macs available to consumers have featured M-series chips. Rumors suggest the low-cost MacBook will launch next year, featuring the A18 Pro chip, a 13-inch display, and silver, blue, pink, and yellow color options.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Amazon Brings Back All-Time Low Prices on M4 MacBook Air With Christmas Delivery
You can get the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $749.00 today on Amazon, down from $999.00, with guaranteed Christmas delivery for select colors. This price matches the Amazon all-time low price on the M4 MacBook Air, and there are similar lows on other models with higher storage. 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. If you're looking for the larger model, you can get the 15-inch 256GB computer for $949.00, down from $1,199.00. You'll also find many of the 512GB models of the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week. $250 OFF13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $749.00 $250 OFF15-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $949.00 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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M5 MacBook Pro Gets Easier Battery Replacement Process
Apple has made the battery replacement process easier for the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro, allowing users of its self-service repair program to replace just the battery, without removing other internal components. Before now, manual battery replacement on what is currently Apple's only M5-powered MacBook Pro required swapping out several modules alongside the battery itself. However, the new process Apple has introduced only requires removing the bottom case and the battery management unit flex cable before accessing the battery. Apple is now selling standalone battery modules through its Self Service Repair Store. Apart from the cost of the necessary repair tools, the replacement battery costs $209.25, and users can get a $22.50 credit by returning their old battery. Apple has also published a detailed repair manual to guide users and independent repair shops through the procedure. The manual includes step-by-step instructions for safely removing the rear case, discharging the battery, removing the old battery's adhesive strips, and installing the replacement unit. The change tackles a concern raised by iFixit in its October teardown of the M5 MacBook Pro, which found battery replacement to be one of the device's most challenging repairability aspects. That said, with 14 disassembly steps and 27 reassembly steps, it's probably still a job most users would rather leave to a professional. Apple launched its self-service repair program in 2022, giving customers access to genuine parts, tools, and repair manuals for select iPhones, iPads, Macs, Studio Displays, and Beats Pill speakers. The company says the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices."Tag: Self Service RepairThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Make Your iPhone Display Flash for Alerts
Unlike some Android phones, iPhones don't have a dedicated notification LED that lights up when you get a call, text, or other alert. What iPhones do include is an optional Accessibility feature for the deaf and hard of hearing that blinks the rear camera flash and provides a visual cue for incoming notifications. And in iOS 26.2, Apple has added the ability to flash the front display, too. Even if your hearing is fine, having a visual cue for incoming alerts can be handy to have if, say, you're in a quiet environment like a library and don't want to create a disturbance. What's more, in iOS 26.2, you can choose for both the display and the camera LED to flash. That way, you'll see the alert flash whichever way your iPhone is lying on a table. How to Enable Flash for Alerts Follow the steps below to turn on screen flash for alerts on your ‌iPhone‌ running iOS 26.2. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then tap Accessibility. Under "Hearing," tap Audio & Visual. Scroll to the bottom and tap Flash for Alerts. Toggle on Flash for Alerts, then tap LED Flash, Screen, or Both.You'll see that the last menu includes toggle switches so that you can control whether the flash happens when your device is unlocked, as well as if it should flash when in silent mode. This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Explores iPhone Chip Packaging in India for the First Time
Apple is in talks with suppliers to manage iPhone chip assembly and packaging in India for the first time, reports The Economic Times. "Exploratory conversations" are said to have taken place with semiconductor company CG Semi, which is constructing one of India's first outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) facilities in Sanand, Gujarat. From the report, citing people with knowledge of the matter: "The companies are in the very initial stages of discussion," one of them said. "It is not clear what chips will be packaged out of the Sanand facility at this stage, but it will likely be display chips." The person added that this may be the "beginning of an uphill climb" for CG Semi since if talks progress, it will have to pass Apple's stringent quality standards to clinch the deal. "Apple is already in talks with several companies for a number of other supply chain functions, and very few will end up on their supplier list," the person said.As the report mentions, Apple sources its iPhone display panels from the world's three leading OLED manufacturers: Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE. The display driver ICs used with these panels are supplied by companies such as Samsung, Novatek, Himax, and LX Semicon, which in turn rely mainly on chip fabrication and packaging facilities in South Korea, Taiwan, and China. If the discussions between Apple and CG Semi bear fruit, the move would be another example of Apple pivoting to India as a major supply chain and manufacturing hub. Apple reportedly assembled $22 billion worth of iPhones in India during the 12 months ending in March 2025, a nearly 60% increase over the previous year. Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron now operate facilities in India focused on ‌iPhone‌ manufacturing. Apple is apparently aiming to manufacture the majority of iPhones sold in the United States in India by the end of 2026.Tag: IndiaThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple's 2026 and 2027 Product Roadmap: Foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro, M5 Macs, and More
There has been a whirlwind of rumors over the last few days, sourced from leaked internal software designed for the iPhone and the Mac, and news sites like The Information. Below, we have a quick recap of everything we've heard this week, which serves as a guide to Apple's product plans in 2026 and beyond. We've organized the info by likely release date, though there are some products that we don't have a timeline for. Keep in mind that the list features only rumors that we've heard over the last couple of days, so it's not a complete feature overview for each device. Early/Spring 2026 iPhone 17e (V159) - The ‌iPhone‌ 17e will use Apple's C1X modem instead of the C1, and it will include MagSafe support, which was missing from the iPhone 16e. It may not include an N1 wireless chip. AirTag 2 (B589) - Likely coming in early 2026. Expected to feature improved pairing, more detailed battery level reporting, and improvements to tracking AirTags that are moving and in crowded places. Home hub (J490 and J491) - Apple's home hub is expected to launch in spring 2026, around when iOS 26.4 comes out. Recent rumors suggest it will have a 1080p video camera, Face ID for authentication and to identify different people, profile switching, and support for Apple Intelligence. There are two models, one that's wall mounted and another that has a HomePod-like speaker base. HomePod mini 2 (B525) - A new HomePod mini is ready to launch at any time, so it could come in spring or even earlier in the year. It won't have Apple's N1 networking chip. Apple TV (J355) - A new Apple TV is reportedly ready to go, and it makes the most sense for it to launch alongside other home products slated for the early 2026 timeframe. Unknown home accessory (J229) - We don't know what this is, but it could be a camera, or standalone speaker base that can be added to the wall-mounted home hub after purchase. It could also be something else entirely. There are mentions of sensors in the code for this accessory. iPad 12 (J581 and J582) - The latest information suggests the iPad 12 will use Apple's A19 chip, which is the same chip that's in the iPhone 17. It's an unusual choice because iPads usually get older, more affordable chips. It isn't expected to include the N1 networking chip. It's expected early in 2026. M4 iPad Air (J707, J708, J737, J738) - 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with M4 chips are rumored to be launching in early 2026. No major changes are expected except for the chip update. Low-Cost MacBook (J700) - Apple is working on a MacBook with the A18 Pro chip, and it's expected to launch early in 2026. It will be positioned as Apple's most affordable MacBook, competing with Chromebooks and cheaper Windows laptops. M5 MacBook Air (J813 and J815) - The MacBook Air is going to get updated with M5 chips as soon as early 2026. No other major changes are rumored. M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro (J714c, J714s, J716c, J716s) - M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are coming soon. They might get a refresh early in 2026, because there are still rumors of another ‌MacBook Pro‌ refresh later in the year. September 2026 Foldable iPhone (V68) - The foldable ‌iPhone‌ will open book style, and will be wider than it is tall. It will look like a small iPad. When open, the display will be around 7.7 inches, and when closed, it will be around 5.3 inches. There will be a single front-facing camera in the top left, and no Dynamic Island. Display sizes could ultimately change, and Apple is reportedly seeing a high failure rate in current display production. iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (V63 and V64) - The TrueDepth camera system for ‌Face ID‌ will be under the display, eliminating the ‌Dynamic Island‌. There will be a cutout for the front-facing camera at the top left of the display. At least one rear camera will have a variable aperture that lets users control the amount of light that enters the lens. Overall design will be similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models. The A20 TSMC chip will support Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module packaging for speed improvements that could bolster AI features and on-device processing capabilities. The iPhone 18 Pro models could have either a C1X modem or a C2 modem. iPad mini 8 (J510 and J511) - The iPad mini 8 could get OLED display technology and the A20 Pro chip, which is the same chip that's slated for the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro models. That would suggest a fall launch alongside the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro. There have also been rumors that it will use the A19 Pro that's in the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, and if that's the case, it could come earlier. Apple Watch Series 12 (N237 and N238) - The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected in September 2026. No major changes are rumored so far. Unknown Timing, But Likely 2026 Apple Studio Display 2 (J427 and J527) - There are two Apple displays in the works, that are expected to be followups to the Studio Display. These are likely to launch alongside new M5 Mac desktop machines. The two models could be different sizes or different display technology, as there are mini-LED rumors for the next-gen model. M5/M5 Pro Mac mini (J873g and J873s) - The Mac mini is going to get M5 and M5 Pro chips, but timing is unclear. It could be refreshed early in 2026, or it might come later alongside other desktop Mac updates. M5 Max/Ultra Mac Studio (J775c and J775d) - The Mac Studio will use the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, and it will likely be refreshed later in 2026 rather than earlier. iMac Pro (J833c) - Apple is working on a high-end iMac with an M5 Max chip, which suggests it will launch alongside other M5 Max models sometime in 2026. Prior rumors have suggested the device could have a display around 30 inches in size. M6 MacBook Pro (J804) - The entry-level ‌MacBook Pro‌ could be updated with an M6 chip toward the end of 2026. M6 Pro/Max MacBook Pro (K114c, K114s, K116c, K116s) - The M6 Pro and M6 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ models will feature a major redesign with OLED display technology. So far, rumors suggest this could happen as soon as late 2026, though that would mean two ‌MacBook Pro‌ refreshes in 2026. It's not unheard of, but Apple might also opt to hold this update until early 2027. Apple Watch Ultra 4 (N240) - Apple is working on a fourth-generation version of the Apple Watch Ultra. It could come in September 2026 alongside the Series 12, but Apple doesn't update the Apple Watch Ultra on an annual basis. 2027 iPhone 18 - The ‌iPhone 18‌ will not launch in fall 2026 as expected, and will instead come in spring 2027. It will be an incremental update, and Apple may remove haptic feedback and touch sensing from the Camera Control button (it could also be removed from the 18 Pro models). iPhone 18e - Also slated for spring 2027, the ‌iPhone‌ 18e could launch alongside the ‌iPhone 18‌. It is expected to feature few changes. iPhone Air 2 (V62) - There is no second-generation iPhone Air planned for fall 2026 because Apple has delayed it. It could instead come in spring 2027. Apple is reportedly looking at adding a second camera to make the device more appealing to consumers. The next ‌iPhone Air‌ might also be more affordable. 20th Anniversary iPhone - The 2027 ‌iPhone‌ will have an "enclosure on the front and back that curves around the device edges," which allows for a bigger screen with no bezels. The Information says that it is not sure if the display itself will curve around the edges, but instead of a full metal frame, it has a "narrow metal band running around the midpoint of the device's edge. The selfie camera will move under the display, and it will be the first ‌iPhone‌ with no display cutouts at all. The 20th anniversary ‌iPhone‌ will launch in September 2027. Tabletop robot (J595) - Apple's tabletop robot with a thin robotic arm and swivel base is expected to be a more powerful version of the home hub. It's rumored to be launching sometime in 2027. AI smart glasses (N50/N401) - Apple paused work on all of its AR/VR headsets to focus instead on AI smart glasses that will compete with the Meta Ray-Bans. The AI smart glasses are expected in 2027, but it's possible Apple will unveil them in late 2026. N50 was the original codename, but Apple is now using N401. N401 covers the AI smart glasses, and a separate set of augmented reality glasses. Delayed or Canceled Foldable iPad - Apple planned a foldable ‌iPad‌ for release in 2026, but delayed the project and redirected resources to the foldable ‌iPhone‌ to ensure that device launches on time. Vision Air (N100) - The N100 is a lighter and cheaper version of the Vision Pro. It was originally rumored for 2027, but Apple has paused work on headsets to focus on AI smart glasses. AR glasses prototype (N421) - N421 is a prototype set of AR glasses, but Apple apparently canceled work on this product for now. AR glasses are still Apple's ultimate plan. Mac-connected AR glasses (N107) - Apple was working on AR glasses that would connect to a Mac to use the Mac's processor, but the project was scrapped. Cheaper Vision Pro (N109) - Apple was developing a second-generation Vision Pro that's more affordable, and it was a product distinct from the Vision Air. Work is currently paused. Unknown Products There are some codenames that were in Apple's leaked information that aren't associated with a known product as of yet. N110 - N110 is close to N109 and other N-series numbers Apple has used for its AR/VR headsets, so this could be a wearable. N209 - N2 numbers have previously been associated with the Apple Watch. N216 - N2 numbers have previously been associated with the Apple Watch. J349 - Possibly a Mac that was scrapped, but could also be an ‌Apple TV‌ or some kind of home device. J190 - The Mac Pro is J180, so this could be another ‌Mac Pro‌, but it's unclear. J226 - J226 is close to J229, the codename for an unknown home device, so it could be some kind of home-related accessory. Codename Key For Apple's internal codenames that it uses for Macs, the letter at the end of the number has significance. G - Base model M-series chip S - Pro version of the M-series chip C - Max version of the M-series chip D - Ultra version of the M-series chip Caveats Some of this information was pulled from an internal version of iOS 26 that Apple was working on around the late May 2025 timeline, while other information comes from internal kernel debug kit files that Apple accidentally leaked earlier this year. Apple's plans can always change. Devices can be scrapped, features can be removed, and launches can be pushed back. That's especially true of rumors about products coming in late 2026 or 2027, because production plans haven't been finalized. Read More We keep an upcoming products Apple guide that gets regular updates when new timeline information is made available. It's a good resource to bookmark and reference throughout the year to keep tabs on what Apple has planned. We have even more rumors about Apple's products in our device roundups and guides, which are also updated regularly.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Trump Administration Threatens Retaliation Over EU's DMA and DSA Enforcement Against U.S. Tech
The Trump administration is pressuring the European Union to cut down on regulations that impact tech companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Meta. The Office of the United States Trade Representative today posted a message to the European Union on social media, threatening retaliation if the EU continues to target U.S. companies. The post says the U.S. will implement fees and restrictions on foreign services, and it specifically names European companies like Accenture, DHL, Mistral, SAP, Spotify, and Siemens. The European Union and certain EU Member States have persisted in a continuing course of discriminatory and harassing lawsuits, taxes, fines, and directives against U.S. service providers. U.S. services companies provide substantial free services to EU citizens and reliable enterprise services to EU companies, and they support millions of jobs and more than $100 billion in direct investment in Europe. The United States has raised concerns with the EU for years on these matters without meaningful engagement or basic acknowledgement of U.S. concerns. If the EU and EU Member States insist on continuing to restrict, limit, and deter the competitiveness of U.S. service providers through discriminatory means, the United States will have no choice but to begin using every tool at its disposal to counter these unreasonable measures. Should responsive measures be necessary, U.S. law permits the assessment of fees or restrictions on foreign services, among other actions. The United States will take a similar approach to other countries that pursue an EU-style strategy in this area. The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) have forced Apple and other tech companies to make major changes to their services in the European Union, and several companies have faced fines. Earlier this year, Apple was fined 500 million euros and Meta was fined 200 million euros. Just this month, social network X was fined 120 million euros for DSA violations, and in September, Google was fined 2.95 billion euros for antitrust violations related to its adtech business. Separately, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee held a hearing today on the threat that "discriminatory foreign regulations" modeled after the Digital Markets Act pose to American innovation and competition. Witnesses included Competere Ltd. CEO Shanker Singham, Notre Dame Law professor Roger Alford, George Washington Competition and Innovation Lab Founding Director Aurelien Portuese, and Dirk Auer, Director of Competition Policy for the International Center for Law and Economics. During the hearing, Representative Scott Fitzgerald said the DMA isn't aimed at protecting consumers, but hobbling American companies. The DMA does not ask whether consumers have been harmed. It does not even ask whether a business has done anything wrong. It asks whether a company is large, successful, and, most importantly, American. If the answer is yes, the rules suddenly change. Common business practices are banned, innovation is treated as a threat, and foreign rivals are handed access to data and technology they could never build or earn on their own. That is not competition policy. That's forced redistribution. The Computer and Communications Industry Association said the DMA is discriminatory because it only applies to select companies, while NetChoice said the EU has "provided countries around the world with a blueprint" for similar regulatory measures. Unlike traditional antitrust and competition laws that apply to all companies, however, these DMA prohibitions apply only to designated companies, creating discriminatory treatment between designated and non-designated companies, where undesignated foreign rivals gain an unfair competitive advantage over designated American companies. President Donald Trump has previously criticized the "very unfair" European Union for fines levied on Apple and Google. In September, he threatened the EU with higher tariffs, which would disrupt trade framework established in July 2025. Trump said Apple should "get their money back" and that the U.S. "cannot let this happen to brilliant and unprecedented American Ingenuity."Tags: European Commission, European UnionThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple's HomePod Mini 2 Might Not Get This Rumored Feature After All
The next-generation HomePod mini won't include Apple's new N1 networking chip, according to code analysis provided by a MacRumors tipster. A macOS kernel debug kit distributed by Apple earlier this year included information on a number of upcoming devices, including the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2. Code associated with the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 mentions the "Sunrise" wireless system, which is what Apple calls Bluetooth/Wi-Fi chips sourced from MediaTek. The N1 is called "Centauri" in Apple's internal systems. Based on the Sunrise mention, it appears that the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 won't be upgraded with the N1 networking chip, which contradicts some prior rumors we've heard about it. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that both the Apple TV and ‌HomePod mini‌ will use Apple's N1 chip in the past. It appears that Apple plans to use the N1 chip for premium devices, while entry-level products will stick with cheaper MediaTek hardware for now. The upcoming ‌HomePod mini‌ 2, the iPhone 17e, the iPad 12, and the A18 Pro MacBook are all expected to use MediaTek chips instead of Apple's chip. The N1 was introduced in the iPhone 17 models, and it is Apple's first in-house networking chip. It supports Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread. Because it was designed by Apple, it better integrates with other hardware and software in Apple devices, leading to improved efficiency and reliability.Related Roundup: HomePod miniBuyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Next iPad Mini With OLED Display Now Rumored to Feature A20 Pro Chip
Apple's next-generation iPad mini will be equipped with an A20 Pro chip, according to a MacRumors tipster who analyzed a macOS kernel debug kit containing internal Apple codenames. The kit was accidentally released on Apple's website earlier this year, but it was quickly pulled after information started leaking out of it. A previous rumor indicated that the next iPad mini would be powered by the A19 Pro chip, which debuted in the iPhone 17 Pro, but our tipster is confident the codenames actually point towards the device using an unreleased A20 Pro chip. We cannot say for sure whether the next iPad mini will use the A19 Pro or A20 Pro. It is possible that Apple initially tested a model with the A19 Pro, but the company's plans do change from time to time. If the iPad mini will next be updated in September or October of 2026, perhaps Apple ultimately decided to give it the A20 Pro. In September 2021, Apple introduced the A15 Bionic chip across the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPad mini all at once. But over the years, the iPad mini has not always received Apple's newest A-series chip at the time it was updated, so the A19 Pro cannot be entirely ruled out at this time. iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to use the A20 Pro chip, which will reportedly be fabricated with TSMC's advanced 2nm process. Other rumored features for the next iPad mini include an OLED display, a redesigned speaker system with vibration technology, and a water-resistant design. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that the next iPad mini could be unveiled as early as next year. The current ‌iPad mini‌ was unveiled in October 2024, with key features including an A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support.Related Roundup: iPad miniBuyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Neutral)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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ChatGPT Gets Apple Music Integration and New Image Generator
OpenAI added several new features to its flagship ChatGPT product today, introducing Apple Music support and upgraded image generation capabilities. ChatGPT has supported app integrations since earlier this year, and it will soon work with Apple Music. With ‌Apple Music‌ integration, ChatGPT will be able to make music recommendations and playlists based on listening history and user suggestions. Music recommendations made by ChatGPT will be able to be clicked to open the ‌Apple Music‌ app on desktop or on an iOS device. ‌Apple Music‌ is not available as an app integration just yet, but it is coming in the near future. Along with ‌Apple Music‌ support, ChatGPT now has better image generation capabilities. ChatGPT Images is able to generate images up to 4x faster, and can make precise edits to an image while preserving details. OpenAI says that ChatGPT can tweak only the details you want updated, keeping lighting, composition, and people's appearance consistent across inputs, outputs, and edits. The new model "excels" at adding, subtracting, combining, blending, and transposing for more realistic image creations using real photographs. It is better at adding text to images and altering layouts, and OpenAI says that it follows instructions more reliably than the prior-generation version. With the update, the ability to generate some specific art styles like anime has regressed and it is no longer as good at altering images featuring many people, but OpenAI says that using preset filters can help, and the previous version of the image generator remains available to use. ChatGPT Images, an image editing experience built into ChatGPT, includes dozens of preset styles and prompts that users can try out. It's available in the mobile app and on the web. The updated Images model is rolling out today for all ChatGPT users, as is the new Images experience built into ChatGPT. ChatGPT's new image functionality will allow it to better compete with Google's Nano Banana image generator.Tags: ChatGPT, OpenAIThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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GRU (São Paulo) on 2026-01-12
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 12, 05:00 - 09:00 UTCJan 7, 22:12 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in GRU (São Paulo) datacenter on 2026-01-12 between 05:00 and 09:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

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IAD (Ashburn) on 2026-01-13
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 13, 07:00 - 11:00 UTCJan 7, 22:28 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in IAD (Ashburn) datacenter on 2026-01-13 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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IAD (Ashburn) on 2026-01-12
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 12, 07:00 - 11:00 UTCJan 7, 22:26 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in IAD (Ashburn) datacenter on 2026-01-12 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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GRU (São Paulo) on 2026-01-13
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 13, 05:00 - 09:00 UTCJan 7, 22:18 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in GRU (São Paulo) datacenter on 2026-01-13 between 05:00 and 09:00 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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Call Failures to a subset of Twilio Numbers in Thailand
Jan 7, 13:46 PSTInvestigating - We are observing . We are currently 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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Maintenance for Linode Cloud Manager, API, and CLI.
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 21, 03:00 - 05:00 UTCJan 7, 20:20 UTCScheduled - The Linode Cloud Manager, API, and CLI will be offline for scheduled maintenance between 03:00 UTC and 05:00 UTC on January 21, 2026. During this window, running Linodes and related services will not be disrupted, but account management access and Support tickets will be unavailable.Please ensure that you complete critical or important jobs in the Cloud Manager or API before the maintenance window. We will update this status page once this event is complete and Linode customers have full access to all Linode services.Customers who need assistance from Linode Support during this time will need to call 855-454-6633 (+1-609-380-7100 outside of the United States) to contact our Support team. Please note that our Support team will not be able to assist with issues related to the Cloud Manager or API, authenticate users to their accounts, or respond to Support tickets for the duration of the maintenance window. As soon as our Support team regains access, we will answer tickets in the order they are received.Impacts on Current Linode Customers:Current Linode customers will not be able to log in to the Cloud Manager, interact with the API, or perform any administrative or management functions. This includes Create, Remove, Boot, Migrate, Back Up, Shut Down, etc.The scheduled maintenance will impact the Kubernetes API. Dynamic aspects of LKE that rely on the Linode API will also be impacted, to include items such as autoscaling, recycling, rebooting, attaching/detaching PVCs, Node Balancer provisioning, as well as the ability to create new clusters. Cluster nodes and running workloads will not be affected.Impacts on Users Trying to Create Linode Accounts / Awaiting Account Authentication:While the Linode Cloud Manager is offline during the maintenance period, we are unable to accept requests for new accounts or authenticate accounts for users awaiting full account access.Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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United Kingdom Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – Vodafone
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 7, 17:30 - 20:15 PSTJan 7, 11:52 PSTScheduled - Our carrier partner Vodafone United Kingdom is conducting a planned maintenance from 07 January 2026 at 17:30 PST until 07 January 2026 at 20:15 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for Vodafone United Kingdom customers.Impacted Products: Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributes, Lookup Identity MatchWe are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.

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PDX (Portland) on 2026-01-15
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 15, 10:00 - 16:00 UTCJan 7, 19:08 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in PDX (Portland) datacenter on 2026-01-15 between 10:00 and 16:00 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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GRU (São Paulo) on 2026-01-14
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 14, 05:00 - 09:00 UTCJan 7, 18:26 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in GRU (São Paulo) datacenter on 2026-01-14 between 05:00 and 09:00 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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GRU (São Paulo) on 2026-01-15
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 15, 05:00 - 09:00 UTCJan 7, 18:18 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in GRU (São Paulo) datacenter on 2026-01-15 between 05:00 and 09:00 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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YYZ (Toronto) on 2026-01-14
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 14, 07:00 - 11:00 UTCJan 7, 17:50 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in YYZ (Toronto) datacenter on 2026-01-14 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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DFW (Dallas) on 2026-01-14
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 14, 08:00 - 12:00 UTCJan 7, 16:30 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in DFW (Dallas) datacenter on 2026-01-14 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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MCP endpoints returning 500 or 503 errors
Status: MonitoringFrom 00:45 AM UTC to 3:17 PM UTC we experienced a service disruption affecting MCP tool executions. During this time, some requests were temporarily unavailable and returned 500 or 503 errors. Our systems automatically restarted the affected services, and we worked to restore normal operation as quickly as possible.Affected components MCP (Degraded performance)

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Account Security Carriers Partners Maintenance –
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 13, 08:00 PST  -  Jan 14, 01:00 PSTJan 7, 07:01 PSTScheduled - Our carriers partners are conducting a planned maintenance from 13 January 2026 at 08:00 PST until 14 January 2026 at 01:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for customers.Impacted Products: Verify Silent Network Auth, Lookup SIM Swap, Lookup Identity Match, Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributes

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SMS Delivery Delays to Orange Network in Cameroon
Jan 7, 07:04 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing . 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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United Kingdom Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – Vodafone
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 7, 16:30 - 19:15 PSTJan 7, 06:48 PSTScheduled - Our carrier partner Vodafone United Kingdom is conducting an emergency maintenance from 07 January 2026 at 16:30 PST until 07 January 2026 at 19:15 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for Vodafone United Kingdom customers.Impacted Products: Lookup SIM Swap, Lookup Identity Match, Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributesWe are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.

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Zapier Copilot Not responding when using Canvas
Status: InvestigatingCopilot isn’t working in Canvas. Attempts to use Copilot result in an error message, and the service does not respond. The team is currently investigating this. We will keep you posted on the progressAffected components Canvas (Partial outage)

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Italy SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 7, 17:00 - 20:00 PSTJan 7, 01:04 PSTScheduled - Our SMS carrier partner in Italy is conducting a planned maintenance from 07 January 2026 at 17:00 PST until 07 January 2026 at 20:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS from TIM Italy handsets via Italy long codes.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.

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United States SMS and MMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 13, 20:00 PST  -  Jan 14, 03:00 PSTJan 6, 23:13 PSTScheduled - Our SMS and MMS carrier partner in the United States is conducting a planned maintenance from 13 January 2026 at 20:00 PST until 14 January 2026 at 03:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS and MMS to and from United States handsets via subset of United States long codes.

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SMS Delivery Delays to Google Voice in United States of America via Subset of Shortcodes
Jan 6, 22:42 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS Delivery Delays to Google Voice in United States of America via Subset of Shortcodes. Our engineers are working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We will provide another update in 1 hours or as soon as more information becomes available.

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