Apple Celebrating World Meditation Day With December 21 Apple Watch Activity Challenge
Apple is hosting an Apple Watch Activity Challenge on Sunday, December 21 to honor World Meditation Day. The challenge will show up for Apple Watch owners starting on December 19. Apple first did a World Meditation Day Activity Challenge in May 2024, but later in 2024, the date of World Meditation Day was moved to December 21 by the United Nations General Assembly. December 21 coincides with the timing of the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking a time when days are short and nights are long. Before 2024, World Meditation Day was informally observed on May 21, but it had not been officially designated as a UN-recognized international day. Apple Watch owners can earn the Meditation Day badge by recording five or more mindful minutes with the Mindfulness app or any app that adds mindful minutes to the Health app. Time to celebrate World Meditation Day! On December 21, record five mindful minutes or more with the Mindfulness app or any app that adds mindful minutes to Health to earn this special badge. Apple Watch owners who earn the Meditation Day award will unlock a dedicated badge in the Fitness app, and a series of animated stickers that can be used in the Messages app. Back in October, Apple also did a similar Mindful Month Activity Challenge, bringing awareness to mental health, self care, meditation, and mindfulness.Tag: Activity ChallengeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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The iPhone of Your Dreams is Reportedly Less Than Two Years Away
In line with previous rumors, The Information today reported that Apple is planning to release a special 20th-anniversary iPhone less than two years from now. The report said the device will have a seamless design, with a curved glass enclosure and no cutouts in the display. Apple is expected to move Face ID under the screen starting with the iPhone 18 Pro models next year, and the report said the 20th-anniversary iPhone will also feature an under-screen front camera. The publication said it could not yet learn if the display itself will curve around the edges, as shown in our conceptual mockup above. Nevertheless, it appears that Apple is working on a very ambitious design for the 20th-anniversary iPhone, much like the iPhone X was a game-changer for the iPhone's 10th-anniversary. At a minimum, the report said the 20th-anniversary iPhone will lack bezels around the screen for a true edge-to-edge experience. It said the device has only a "narrow metal band running around the midpoint of the device's edge, where the buttons sit." Many of these details were previously reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple is expected to release the 20th-anniversary iPhone around September 2027, so it is still early, and the device's design could change. If these rumors pan out, though, the 20th-anniversary iPhone could be something out of a dream.Tags: 20th-Anniversary iPhone, The InformationThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Get Ready to Earn the 2026 New Year Apple Watch Activity Challenge Badge
Apple's next Apple Watch Activity Challenge will begin on Thursday, January 1, with Apple Watch users able to earn an award by closing all three rings for seven days in a row in January. Start the year strong and stay active! Earn this award by closing all three Activity rings for seven days in a row in January. Apple Watch owners will need to complete their stand, exercise, and move goals for seven days sequentially at any time during the month of January to get the New Year's award. It will show up for Apple Watch owners starting on December 28, and can be completed between January 7 and January 31. Like all of Apple's Activity Challenges, the New Year challenge will be accompanied by an award that can be viewed in the Fitness app as well as a series of animated stickers that can be used in the Messages app. The Ring in the New Year Activity Challenge happens every January, and it is one of many Activity Challenges that Apple offers throughout the year to encourage people to meet their Fitness goals and stay active.Tag: Activity ChallengeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iPhone 18 Expected to Fix a Major iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 Annoyance
All of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models are equipped with a Camera Control button that provides quick access to the Camera app and camera settings, but not everyone is a fan of it. Fortunately, though, Apple apparently plans to improve it. The Information today reported that Apple plans to remove touch sensitivity and haptic feedback from the Camera Control on the standard iPhone 18 model, which suggests that it will be removing the button's capacitive layer. The report did not say if this change will extend to the iPhone 18 Pro models, but it seems likely for consistency. A simplified Camera Control button for iPhone 18 models has been rumored previously. With this change, iPhone 18 users would not be able to swipe on the Camera Control, which is something many users have complained about doing by accident. The redesigned button would only have pressure sensitivity. The report said simplifying the Camera Control would reduce Apple's costs, but it seems quite likely that the company is also listening to customer feedback. Apple has already taken steps to give users more control over the Camera Control's behavior, including adding a "Require Screen On" setting in iOS 18.2. And when you set up a new iPhone, the swipe gestures are now turned off by default. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro models next September, while the regular iPhone 18 model reportedly will not launch until spring 2027.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Tags: Camera Control, The InformationRelated Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Releases New Powerbeats Pro 2 Firmware
Apple today released new firmware for the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds that came out earlier this year. The updated firmware has a version number of 8A359, an update to the prior 8A353 firmware that was released in September. It's not clear if the updated firmware adds new functionality, but it is likely to be a bug fix and performance improvement update. The prior-generation firmware update added iOS 26 functionality to the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌, introducing compatibility with the Fitness app and support for real-time performance metrics. The ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 were Apple's first earbuds to offer in-ear heart rate monitoring, but that capability has also now expanded to the AirPods Pro 3. The updated firmware can be installed on the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 by connecting them to power and ensuring that they are in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi. Firmware can be checked on the ‌iPhone‌ by going to Settings > Bluetooth and tapping the Info button next to the Beats headphones in the list. Android users can download new Beats firmware through the Beats app for Android.Tags: Beats, Powerbeats ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Aims to Boost Popularity of iPhone Air 2 in Two Ways
We have been covering iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Fold details from The Information's report about future iPhone models, and next up is the iPhone Air 2. The report says that Apple aims to make the iPhone Air 2 more attractive in two ways. First, Apple is apparently considering adding a second rear camera to the device, which would resolve a key limitation. The current iPhone Air has a single 48-megapixel Fusion rear camera, with Telephoto-like, optical-quality 2× zoom, so the additional camera on the second-generation model would likely be an Ultra Wide lens. Second, the report said Apple is considering lower pricing for the iPhone Air 2. In the U.S., the current iPhone Air starts at $999, despite having only a single rear camera, a single speaker, shorter battery life, and a few other minor limitations. While it has a bold, ultra-thin design, the iPhone Air has seemingly been unpopular relative to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models, and Apple's suppliers are reportedly significantly scaling back production of the device as a result. Apple is expected to release the iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027. Related Roundup: iPhone AirTag: The InformationBuyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now)This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Foldable iPhone's Screen Sizes Leaked
Apple's first foldable iPhone will be equipped with a 7.7-inch inner display, and a 5.3-inch outer display, according to The Information. Earlier this year, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the foldable iPhone would have a 7.8-inch inner display, and a 5.5-inch outer display, so the sizes shared in today's report differ slightly and might not be finalized yet. The publication said the iPhone 18 Pro will have a camera in the top-left corner of the screen, and it expects the same for the foldable iPhone's inner screen. The foldable iPhone's displays are made with a "complex" mix of "specialty glass and materials" from companies like Corning and SCHOTT, according to the report. Apple is expected to release the foldable iPhone in September 2026.Tags: Foldable iPhone, The InformationThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iPhone 17e Will Reportedly Fix iPhone 16e's Biggest Limitation
In February, Apple discontinued the iPhone SE and released a new entry-level iPhone 16e. The device features a 6.1-inch OLED display, an A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, an Action button, a USB-C port, and more, but one capability that it lacks is MagSafe wireless charging. In a wide-ranging report today about future iPhone models, The Information's Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu said that the iPhone 17e will address this limitation. Specifically, the report said the iPhone 17e will support "magnetic wireless charging," which implies that the device will feature MagSafe for faster, magnetic wireless charging — likely at speeds of up to 20W or 25W. The iPhone 16e is limited to Qi wireless charging at up to 7.5W speeds, and it is not a magnetic system. The iPhone 17e will be equipped with Apple's second-generation C1X modem for cellular connectivity, according to the report. The iPhone 16e is equipped with Apple's first-generation C1 modem, while the C1X modem debuted in the iPhone Air. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17e in spring 2026. Overall, the report said the device will be an incremental upgrade over the iPhone 16e.Related Roundup: iPhone 16eTag: The InformationBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Neutral)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 Pro Modem Specs Leak Online
Apple's internal code suggests the iPhone 17e may ship with Apple's first-generation C1-series cellular modem technology, while omitting Apple's N1 wireless chip, and it indicates Apple is still deciding between the C1X and C2 for the iPhone 18 Pro. These details came from a version of a Kernel Debut Kit for macOS that was not supposed to be released to the public — it was later pulled by Apple. For the ‌iPhone‌ 17e, the code showed the device may be equipped with either the C1 or C1X modem, but no N1 wireless chip. The Information today reported that the device will use the C1X modem, which would be a natural progression over the C1 chip in the iPhone 16e. The omission of the N1 wireless chip may be consequential, since without N1 the ‌iPhone‌ 17e may lack Thread support, even if it uses an Apple-designed cellular baseband. For Apple's next Pro iPhones, the internal code points to a less settled picture. The ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro is listed in separate rows with both C1X and C2 basebands, indicating Apple had not fully committed to the C2 across all configurations at the time the kernel debug kit was created. Apple seemingly intends N1 to be present on in the Pro models even while the baseband choice was still being evaluated. Since this information was sourced from Apple's internal code, there is no guarantee these are the finalized specs. The ‌iPhone‌ 17e is expected to launch in the spring of 2026, while the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max are expected to launch in the fall.Related Roundups: iPhone 16e, iPhone 18Tags: Apple 5G Modem, C1Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Neutral)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Hit With Another Lawsuit Over Alleged Collusion With Amazon to Keep Prices High
Apple and Amazon are facing a new UK opt-out class action seeking more than £900 million ($1.2 billion) over claims that the companies struck an unlawful deal that pushed independent Apple and Beats sellers off Amazon and kept prices higher for consumers. The claim centers on an agreement from October 2018, from which point it is alleged that Amazon restricted third-party sellers from offering Apple products on Amazon's marketplace, while Apple gave Amazon better wholesale terms for Apple products sold directly by Amazon as a retailer. The lawsuit claims that by January 2019, most independent Apple resellers had effectively disappeared from Amazon, reducing discounted listings and leaving consumers paying closer to full price. The proposed class includes UK consumers who bought new Apple products since October 2018, whether from Amazon or other retailers, on the basis that the alleged conduct affected prices more broadly. It covers Apple hardware and Beats products, plus accessories, but it excludes Apple products bought as part of mobile network contracts. This is not the first attempt at a case over the same issue. A similar case was triggered in the United States in 2022. Collective action was brought forward in the UK in 2023, but the tribunal did not allow it to proceed. The new filing argues the core competition allegations remain strong and should be heard with a different proposed class representative and structure.Tags: Amazon, Apple Antitrust, United KingdomThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iPhone 18 Pro Features Leaked in New Report, Including Under-Screen Face ID
Next year's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be equipped with under-screen Face ID, and the front camera will be moved to the top-left corner of the screen, according to a new report from The Information's Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu. As a result of these changes, the report said the iPhone 18 Pro models will not have a pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout at the top of the screen. Nevertheless, the devices will look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models, the report said. Apple is also planning to add a mechanical iris to at least one rear camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models, enabling variable aperture, according to the report. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the main 48-megapixel camera on iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, meaning that users will be able to adjust the amount of light that passes through the camera's lens and reaches the sensor. The main cameras on all of the iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 17 Pro models have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, and the lens is always fully open and shooting with this widest aperture. With the iPhone 18 Pro models, users would be able to manually change the aperture, which would provide greater control over depth of field. However, given that iPhones have smaller image sensors due to size constraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be. iPhone 18 Pro models are widely expected to use an A20 Pro chip fabricated with TSMC's latest 2nm process. The report said Apple plans to use TSMC's Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) chip packaging technology, and this would result in RAM being integrated directly onto the chip's wafer with the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, rather than being adjacent to the chip and connected with a silicon interposer. This packaging change could contribute to a wide range of benefits for the iPhone 18 Pro compared to previous models, including faster performance for both overall tasks and Apple Intelligence, longer battery life, and improved thermal management. The change could also result in the A20 chip having a smaller footprint than previous chips, which could free up some space inside the iPhone 18 Pro models for other uses. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Tag: The InformationRelated Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Developing iMac Pro With M5 Max Chip
Apple is developing a high-end iMac featuring the M5 Max chip, according to information from leaked internal software. The finding comes from leaked kernel debug kit files used by Apple engineers. These kernel debug kit files enumerate unreleased Apple hardware by internal identifiers, such as codenames and platform names, and they can also include separate references that map platform identifiers to chip codenames and marketing names. Secondary summaries and screenshots referencing the same internal code have also circulated in the Chinese tech community over the past week, including posts on Weibo and BiliBili. The software contains references to an ‌iMac‌ with the identifier J833c running platform H17C. H17C is associated with the codename "Sotra C," which relates to the expected marketing name "M5 Max." This suggests that an ‌iMac‌ with the M5 Max chip is in active testing. The software refers to a number of devices believed to be used exclusively for internal testing, such as iPad minis running tvOS and MacBooks with the A15 chip, so there is a chance that the M5 Max ‌iMac‌ is used for testing only. However, since the M5 Max chip is expected to be introduced next year and there have been rumors about Apple reintroducing a high-end "Pro" ‌iMac‌ for several years, it may well be destined for launch. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believed that Apple was still "working on a larger-screened ‌iMac‌ aimed at the professional market" following the launch of the Apple silicon ‌iMac‌, a rumor supported by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Beyond the ‌iMac‌ entry, the kernel debug kit lays out several additional future Mac configurations. It lists 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro variants with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ with the M6 chip, and 14- and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models with the M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. There are new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M5 chip, Mac mini models with the M5 and M5 Pro chips, and new Mac Studio models with the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. The leak also lists a MacBook with the A18 Pro chip, which is widely believed to be an all-new, low-cost model. Related Roundup: iMacTag: 2025 iMac ProBuyer's Guide: iMac (Caution)Related Forum: iMacThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Sonos Kicks Off Last-Minute Holiday Sale With Up to 25% Off Ace Headphones, Arc Soundbar, and More
Sonos this week introduced a last-minute holiday sale, offering up to 25 percent off the company's most popular devices. This includes the Sonos Ace headphones, Arc Ultra soundbar, Move 2 speaker, and more, with many prices matching the deals we saw over Black Friday. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Sonos. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. All discounts in this sale have been automatically applied, so you don't need to enter a coupon code in order to see the final sale prices. We've collected all of the deals in the list below, but you can also find a few bundle discounts on sale on the Sonos website. UP TO 25% OFFSonos Last-Minute Holiday Sale In terms of holiday delivery, many of the products in the sale have an estimated delivery by this Friday, December 19. Sonos also offers same-day pickup at select Best Buy locations, so there are a few options that should get you your gear in time for December 25th. Ace Headphones - $279, down from $399 Arc Ultra Soundbar - $879, down from $1,099 Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar - $369, down from $499 Ray Soundbar - $199, down from $219 Era 100 Speaker - $169, down from $219 Era 300 Speaker - $379, down from $479 Roam 2 Portable Speaker - $139, down from $179 Move 2 Portable Speaker - $399, down from $499 Sub Mini - $399, down from $499 Sub 4 - $759, down from $899 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 Best Positioned to Weather DRAM Price Surge, Says Counterpoint
Apple and Samsung are best equipped to handle rising memory chip costs that could drive down global smartphone shipments by 2.1% in 2026, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. Image credit: iFixit In its latest projection for the smartphone market next year, the firm has downgraded its forecast from a previously expected 0.45% growth, citing a memory shortage that has pushed component costs up 10% to 25%. Chinese brands like Honor and Oppo are said to face greater pressure due to lower profit margins, particularly in the entry-level segment where costs have jumped 20% to 30% since early 2025. "Apple and Samsung are best-positioned to weather the next few quarters," said Counterpoint senior analyst Yang Wang. "But it will be tough for others that don't have as much wiggle room to manage market share versus profit margins." The memory crunch is being caused by chip manufacturers prioritizing advanced memory for AI servers over basic DRAM used in smartphones. The shift has already created supply constraints, and Counterpoint expects they will persist through 2026. Based on the data, Counterpoint says average smartphone prices could rise 6.9% globally next year as manufacturers pass costs to consumers or push buyers toward premium models. Some brands may downgrade other specs like cameras or ship devices with less memory to offset the impact, but ultimately Apple's supply chain clout and vast cash reserves are expected to shield it from these more extreme compromises. Analysts expect Apple to absorb higher DRAM costs in the short term without immediately adjusting retail prices.Tag: CounterpointThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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How Apple May Be Lining Up an All-Screen iPhone for 2027
Apple will debut next-generation under-screen camera technology in its first foldable iPhone expected next year, before adapting the tech for its all-screen 2027 iPhone, according to prolific Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station. The Weibo-based account claims Apple is adopting this strategy – foldable first, 20th anniversary iPhone second – to gauge consumer reaction to the under-screen camera, where the lens is literally concealed behind the panel with no visible cutouts in the display. Apple's foldable is also understood to be utilizing side-button integrated Touch ID over Face ID for biometric authentication due to internal space constraints. This means the "iPhone Fold" will have the first all-screen display of any Apple device – a design goal the company is known to have been working on for years, as several patents testify. Why now? Two factors stand out. First, Apple is believed to have perfected an under-screen version of its TrueDepth camera system – the technology behind Face ID that lives in the Dynamic Island on current iPhones. According to one leaker, Apple is using a special "spliced micro-transparent glass" window built into the display that allows Face ID's infrared sensors to pass through the panel unimpeded. Several rumors suggest this technology will debut in next year's iPhone 18 Pro models, potentially reducing the size of its Dynamic Island. Under-screen Face ID is likely seen by Apple as a lower-risk first step, since biometric sensors are more tolerant of display interference than front-facing cameras, where even minor image degradation would be immediately noticeable to users. Second, Apple is said to have developed an industry-first 24-megapixel under-screen camera for the inner screen of its foldable. Under-display camera technology has been used on some Android phones, but they tend to have lower resolution sensors (4 or 8 megapixels, for example) because the image quality suffers due to being behind display layers. If accurate, the jump to a 24-megapixel camera (with six plastic lens elements, per the report) would be a significant technological advance, potentially resulting in clearer, sharper images with more detail. The detail suggests Apple has achieved a breakthrough in greatly improving light transmittance and image quality compared to previous designs. So in Apple's roadmap, the under-screen Face ID arrives with the iPhone 18 Pro, the under-screen selfie camera debuts in the iPhone Fold, and then the two technologies converge in its celebratory 20th anniversary iPhone. Coming 10 years after the iPhone X, the radically redesigned 2027 iPhone is rumored to feature a completely bezel-less display that curves around all four edges of the device, closely resembling what was former Apple design chief Jony Ive's ultimate dream: a phone made from a single slab of glass. Tag: Digital Chat StationThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iOS 26.3 Beta 1 Features: What's New So Far
Apple is testing iOS 26.3, the next version of iOS 26 that will launch around January. Since iOS 26.3's testing is happening over the holidays, it is a smaller update with fewer features than we've seen in prior betas. We've rounded up what's new so far, and we'll add to our list with subsequent betas if we come across any other features. Transfer to Android Apple is making it simpler for iPhone users to transition to an Android smartphone in iOS 26.3, introducing a new transfer tool that lets an ‌iPhone‌ user place their device next to an Android device to initiate a transfer process. With the two smartphones connected, users can opt to move over photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone number, and more. Data transfers occur with no need to download and use a separate app, making the process simpler. Health data, devices paired with Bluetooth, and protected items like locked notes are not transferred over to the new device. Google has also implemented a similar feature for transferring data from an Android to an ‌iPhone‌, so it is a two-way process between the two platforms. Notification Forwarding iOS 26.3 has a new "Notification Forwarding" setting that allows incoming notifications on an ‌iPhone‌ to be forwarded to a third-party wearable device like an Android smartwatch. The setting is located in the Notification section of the Settings app under a new "Notification Forwarding" option. Apple says that notifications can only be forwarded to a single device at a time, so if Notification Forwarding is enabled with a third-party wearable, the Apple Watch won't be able to receive and display notifications. Apple is adding this feature to address antitrust complaints suggesting that third-party wearables should have the same access to notifications and other features as the Apple Watch. Weather Wallpaper There is a new Weather wallpaper section in the Lock Screen customization options. Previously, Apple had a combined section for Weather and Astronomy, but Weather was split out into its own category. There are now three pre-designed Weather wallpapers with different fonts for the time and different weather widgets to give people a better idea of how the Weather wallpaper can be used. More Features Know of a feature we left out? Let us know in the comments below. Compatibility iOS 26.3 is available on all iPhones that support ‌iOS 26‌. Release Date We're expecting Apple to release iOS 26.3 in late January.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Early iOS 26 Software Leak Uncovers Dozens of Upcoming Apple Features
Software from an iPhone prototype running an early build of iOS 26 leaked last week, giving us a glimpse at future Apple devices and iOS features. We recapped device codenames in our prior article, and now we have a list of some of the most notable feature flags that were found in the software code. In some cases, it's obvious what the feature flags are referring to, while some are more vague and harder to interpret. We've included the feature flag and a short explanation of what it might reference, but keep in mind that Apple doesn't provide full explanations because this is all internal code. We're working off of titles and internal organization, but there are still hints of what may be coming in the future. Products Unknown home accessory - There's a reference to J229 architecture. J229 is a home accessory, but we don't know what it is. It might be the camera that Apple is rumored to be working on, but it could also be something simpler like a standalone base for the home hub. Code references a sensor manager and sensing predict models. AirTag 2 - There are several references to future AirTag features, including Bluetooth improvements, low battery state improvements, and crowdsourced location improvements. Unknown references include AirTag2025_Phone_Finding, AirTag2025_Watch_Finding, Distribution, Battery, and Switchover. Note that it mentions 2025, suggesting Apple planned to release the ‌AirTag‌ 2 in 2025 and pushed it back. AirPods - Several AirPods features are listed with a spring 2026 launch: ContextualReminders, ConversationBreakthroughVQA, and Visual Lookup. There are also mentions of "Precise outdoor location understanding" and "Room Aware Connect Controls." There's a second fall 2025 label for "Extended_Precision_Finding_Core_Tech," and a "SRAudioMixing - Mix audio with the active streaming device" mention that could be related to the AirPods. Vision Pro - There's a "Enable AUSM Enhanced Room Spatializer" feature flag, which may be released to the Vision Pro. It has a spring 2026 label. Software Features There are mentions of several previously rumored software features that are coming in updates to ‌iOS 26‌ and in iOS 27. Health+ - This is listed with a spring 2026 date. Rumors suggest it's a new AI-powered health-related subscription service. There are references to another health feature called "Gumdrop," but it's unclear what it is, plus a mention of a "Geronimo" feature with a date of 2030. Live Captions - Live Captions will expand to more languages, with this code labeled WWDC 2026. AutoFillUI - Third-party apps will be able to access autofill credit card information in fall 2026. Currently, you can take a picture of card details when checking out or use Apple Pay, but you can't autofill your credit card details when buying something in an app. Siri - There are several mentions of Siri features for the smarter version of ‌Siri‌ Apple is working on. IntelligenceFlow, PlanOverrides, SpotlightPersonalAnswersSiri, SpotlightSearchToolLLMQueryUnderstanding, and SpotlightExtSemanticSearch are some of the strings. The ‌Siri‌ mentions have a spring 2026 label. Freeform - Freeform is getting folders, with a spring 2026 date listed. Journal - Followup prompts are coming to the Journal app, also in spring 2026. Wallet - There are BankConnectUpcomingPaymentNotifications and AppleCardUpcomingPaymentNotifications strings with a WWDC 2026 date. Photos - Apple's code mentions Photos Connections and Shared Collections as features coming in fall 2026.

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Apple Leak Confirms Work on Foldable iPhone, AirTag 2, and Dozens More Devices
Last week, details about unreleased Apple devices and future iOS features were shared by Macworld. This week, we learned where the information came from, plus we have more findings from the leak. As it turns out, an Apple prototype device running an early build of iOS 26 was sold, and the person who bought it shared the software. The OS has a version number of 23A5234w, and the first developer beta of ‌iOS 26‌ was 23A5260n, so it dates back to before that initial beta. Apple was still calling it iOS 19 internally at that time, so the software is labeled iOS 19 rather than ‌iOS 26‌. An anonymous source provided MacRumors with a list of unreleased devices and features that were found in the beta, and we've recapped the device list below. There are references to many upcoming Apple products, which are referred to by codenames internally. Several codenames have been leaked previously in other accidental updates, or by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Many of these leaked devices have been previously rumored, but this serves as confirmation that they are in the works and will be coming in the future. AirTags and Home Devices AirTag 2 - B589 Apple Studio Display 2 - J427 and J527 Home hub variant 1 with base - J490 Home hub variant 2, mounted - J491 Unknown home accessory - J229. Possibly a standalone base that can be added to the mounted home hub, or another device like the rumored camera Apple is working on. Tabletop robot - J595 HomePod mini 2 - B525 iPads iPad 12 - J581 and J582 (Wi-Fi and Cellular) M4 iPad Air - J707, J708, J737, J738 (11 and 13-inch sizes, Wi-Fi and Cellular) iPhones iPhone 17e - V159 iPhone Air 2 - V62 (software predates Apple's decision to delay the launch) iPhone 18 Pro - V63 iPhone 18 Pro Max - V64 Foldable iPhone - V68 Macs Low-cost MacBook with A18 Pro - J700 M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro - J714c, J714s, J716c, J716s (14-inch and 16-inch models with M5 Pro and Max chip variants) M5 MacBook Air - J813 and J815 (13 and 15-inch size options) M5 Mac Studio - J775c and J775d (M5 Max and M5 Ultra variants) M5 Mac mini - J873g and J873s (M5 and M5 Pro variants) M6 14-inch MacBook Pro - J804 M6 Pro/Max MacBook Pro - K114c, K114s, K116c, K116s (14-inch and 16-inch models with M6 Pro and M6 Max chips) Wearables Vision Air headset - N100 (a lighter and cheaper version of the Vision Pro) AR glasses prototype - N421 (a prototype set of lightweight AR glasses, supposedly scrapped) Mac-connected AR glasses - N107 (AR glasses that connected to a Mac, supposedly scrapped) Cheaper Vision Pro - N109 (also referred to as a second-generation Vision Pro, distinct from Vision Air) AI smart glasses - N50, but Apple now refers to these as N401 (Meta Ray-Bans competitor) Apple Watch Series 12 - N237 and N238 (Wi-Fi and Cellular) Apple Watch Ultra 4 - N240 Chips There are codenames for several upcoming Apple chips that are in the works for future devices. AirPods H3 - T2026 U3 (Ultra Wideband) - T2034 M5 Pro/Max/Ultra - T6050 M6 - T8152 A20/A20 Pro - T8160 S11 - T8320 Unknowns There are also several unknown codenames that aren't linked to any currently rumored devices. N110 N209 N216 J349 J190 J226 Several of these devices like the AirTag 2, the iPads, and the home hub are expected earlier in 2026, while others will be coming in late 2026 and beyond. Apple's software does not include release dates associated with codenames, so there are no known dates for when some of these devices are coming.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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General Motors Announces Plans to Start Offering iPhone Car Keys
General Motors (GM) today announced it will be rolling out support for the Apple Wallet app's digital car key feature, but it did not provide a timeframe or mention any specific vehicle models that will be compatible. GM has four main vehicle brands in the United States and Canada, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. (Mockup) During its WWDC 2025 keynote in June, Apple said that 13 additional vehicle brands would soon offer Apple Wallet car keys, and Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac were on the list. The feature allows users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. With the latest version of the feature, which utilizes Ultra Wideband technology, you can keep your iPhone in your pocket as you approach and drive the vehicle. 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 shuts 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. Automakers that already offer Apple Wallet keys for select vehicles include Audi, BMW, MINI, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, RAM, Volvo, Polestar, and more, with others like Acura, Porsche, Rivian, and Toyota expected to follow. GM also announced availability of a built-in Apple Music app in select 2025 and newer Chevrolet and Cadillac models, but it has not reversed course on its decision to stop offering CarPlay in its electric (and eventually gas) vehicles.Tag: iPhone Car KeysThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iOS 26.3 Adds Notification Forwarding Option for Third-Party Wearables
iOS 26.3 adds a new "Notification Forwarding" setting that allows incoming notifications on an iPhone to be forwarded to a third-party device. The setting is located in the Notification section of the Settings app under a new "Notification Forwarding" option. Apple says that notifications can only be forwarded to a single device at a time, so if Notification Forwarding is enabled with a third-party wearable, the Apple Watch won't able to receive and display notifications. Users can choose to have a device receive notifications only from selected apps rather than all apps, and notifications will include the name of the app and all content contained in the notification. Apple is adding this feature to relieve worldwide regulatory pressure that it is facing. The Digital Markets Act in the European Union requires Apple to provide third-party smartwatches and other devices with access to notifications and features that are normally reserved for the Apple Watch. Apple's limited support of third-party devices has also been targeted by the U.S. Department of Justice in the antitrust case that Apple is fighting. The DoJ has accused Apple of preventing third-party smartwatches from offering Apple Watch-like functionality by restricting them from acting on incoming notifications. Apple has been working to address all of the accusations that the DoJ made in its lawsuit, and improving notifications on third-party wearables will give the DoJ less to point to in ongoing antitrust litigation.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iOS 26.3 Makes It Easier to Switch From iPhone to Android
With iOS 26.3, Apple is making it simpler for iPhone users to transition to an Android smartphone, with new built-in tools for transferring data. The new transfer tool allows an ‌iPhone‌ user to place their device next to an Android device to initiate a transfer process. With the two smartphones connected, users can opt to move over photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone number, and more. Data transfers occur with no need to download and use a separate app, making the process simpler. Health data, devices paired with Bluetooth, and protected items like locked notes are not transferred over to the new device. Transferring data from an ‌iPhone‌ to an Android device wirelessly requires both devices to have the latest software, and to be connected to Wi-Fi with Bluetooth enabled. There will be an option to display a QR code on the Android device that the ‌iPhone‌ can scan to initiate the process, or there is an option to use a session ID and pairing code instead. Google has also implemented a similar feature for transferring data from an Android to an ‌iPhone‌, so it is a two-way process between the platforms. Last week, the European Commission said that Apple and Google designed and implemented the new transfer system to comply with the Digital Markets Act in the European Union, but it is not a Europe-only feature. The new setting is available worldwide in the iOS 26.3 beta, and it can be found under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset ‌iPhone‌ > Transfer to Android.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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First macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Now Available for Developers
Apple today provided the first beta of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.3 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming three days after the launch of macOS Tahoe 26.2. Developers can download the macOS Tahoe 26.3 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required. There's no word yet on what's included in macOS Tahoe 26.3, but we'll update this article if new Mac features are found. The beta is available to developers right now, but a public beta is expected later this week. We'll likely see Apple release macOS Tahoe 26.3 at the end of January given past launch timelines.Related Roundup: macOS Tahoe 26Related Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Seeds First Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Developers
Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming just a few days after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update. We don't yet know what's included in the new beta software, but because that these updates will be tested over the holiday period, Apple may be planning to focus on bug fixes and performance improvements rather than adding major new features. When we learn what's new in the updates, we'll share details. iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 are limited to developers at the current time, but Apple will likely release a public beta in the next couple of days.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 Releases First watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3 and visionOS 26.3 Betas
Apple today provided developers with the first betas of upcoming watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and visionOS 26.3 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a few days after Apple launched the 26.2 versions of each platform. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required. We don't know what new features might be added in watchOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3, and tvOS 26.3. Apple doesn't typically provide release notes for betas, so we might not know what's new until the software updates see a public launch unless there are outward-facing changes. Apple will likely provide public beta testers with access to the tvOS 26.3 and watchOS 26.3 betas later this week, but visionOS 26.3 will remain limited to developers. The software updates will probably launch right around the end of January based on past release timelines. This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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GM Adds Apple Music App to Cadillac and Chevy Models Following CarPlay Phase-Out
GM is adding an Apple Music app to select 2025 and newer Cadillac and Chevrolet models, allowing Apple Music content to be accessed through the vehicle's infotainment system. The ‌Apple Music‌ app will have all of the ‌Apple Music‌ features users have come to expect, such as access to curated playlists, live global radio, personalized recommendations, hands-free control with a voice assistant, and exclusive content. In supported Cadillac vehicles, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos is available. The native ‌Apple Music‌ app will integrate with the infotainment system, and GM says that ‌Apple Music‌ subscribers will be able to start streaming the moment they enter the car. Audio streaming is being provided as an OnStar Basics feature for all 2026 and newer vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada. Vehicle owners will be able to access ‌Apple Music‌ and other apps with no connectivity cost for eight years, but after that eight-year period, there will be a fee. "We are bringing the Apple Music app to GM vehicles in a way that takes full advantage of our industry-leading audio capabilities," said Tim Twerdahl, GM's vice president of global product management. "It's the latest example of how we're expanding entertainment choices built directly into our vehicles." Specific Cadillac vehicles that can access the ‌Apple Music‌ app include the 2025 and 2026 CT5, the 2025 Escalade IQ, and the 2026 Vistiq. Chevy vehicles with ‌Apple Music‌ include the 2025 and 2026 Blazer EV, Equinox EV and Silverado EV, along with the 2026 Corvette, Suburban and Tahoe. GM says that the ‌Apple Music‌ app will be rolling out to additional GM vehicles and brands in the future. GM's ‌Apple Music‌ announcement comes after the company started phasing out support for CarPlay. 2024 and later electric vehicles from GM do not have CarPlay integration, with GM instead relying on its own infotainment system. In the future, GM plans to move all vehicles to its own platform.Tags: Apple Music, GMThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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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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SMS Delivery Delays to Vinaphone in Viet Nam
Jan 6, 17:31 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS delivery delays when sending messages to Vinaphone in Viet Nam. 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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SIN (Singapore) on 2026-01-12
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 12, 17:30 - 23:30 UTCJan 7, 00:12 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in SIN (Singapore) datacenter on 2026-01-12 between 17:30 and 23:30 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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SMS Delivery Delays to Tigo in Colombia
Jan 6, 14:39 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS delivery delays when sending messages to Tigo in Colombia. 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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Multiple Destination SMS and MMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 7, 20:00 PST  -  Jan 8, 03:00 PSTJan 6, 13:42 PSTScheduled - Our SMS and MMS carrier partner in the United States and Canada is conducting a planned maintenance from 07 January 2026 at 20:00 PST until 08 January 2026 at 03:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS and MMS to and from United States and Canada handsets via United States and Canada long codes.

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SMS Delivery Delays to Multiple Networks in US via a subset of Short Codes
Jan 6, 11:23 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS delivery delays when sending messages to multiple networks in US via a subset of Short Codes. 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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Increased load and 429 errors in function invocations
Jan 6, 10:42 PSTInvestigating - Our engineers began investigating an issue with . Users may experience errors when invoking functions and/or assets. We will provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.

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Voice Insights customers are not able to consume events for Call Insights Event Stream.
Jan 6, 09:25 PSTInvestigating - Our engineers began investigating an issue with Voice Insights customers that are not able to consume events for Call Insights Event Stream. We will provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.

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Twilio Docs & Code Exchange – Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 14, 08:00 - 10:00 PSTJan 6, 08:00 PSTScheduled - We’re conducting a planned maintenance in all regions between 8:00 am and 10:00 am Pacific Time on 01/14/2026. During the maintenance window, customers will experience docs and code-exchange user site degradation. These will stuill be usable.

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GIG (Rio de Janeiro) on 2026-01-14
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 14, 05:00 - 09:00 UTCJan 6, 15:48 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in GIG (Rio de Janeiro) 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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Call Failures From A Subset of Twilio's Phone Numbers to Kenya
Jan 6, 07:30 PSTInvestigating - We are observing call failures from a subset of Twilio's Phone Numbers to Kenya. 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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EZE (Buenos Aires) on 2026-01-13
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 13, 05:00 - 09:00 UTCJan 6, 15:06 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in EZE (Buenos Aires) 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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Czech Republic SMS Carrier Maintenance – O2
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 6, 16:00 - 20:00 PSTJan 6, 06:56 PSTScheduled - The O2 network in the Czech Republic is conducting a planned maintenance from 06 January 2026 at 16:00 PST until 06 January 2026 at 20:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to and from O2 Czech Republic handsets.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.

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SMS Delivery Delays and Failures To Claro in Chile
Jan 6, 07:21 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS delivery delays and failures to Claro in Chile. 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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Czech Republic Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 28, 11:00 PST  -  Jan 29, 00:00 PSTJan 6, 04:03 PSTScheduled - Our Voice carrier partner in the Czech Republic is conducting a planned maintenance from 28 January 2026 at 11:00 PST until 29 January 2026 at 00:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be Intermittent delays from and to Twilio Czech Republic phone numbers.

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United Kingdom Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – Vodafone
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 6, 14:15 - 19:15 PSTJan 6, 04:01 PSTScheduled - Our carrier partner Vodafone United Kingdom is conducting a planned maintenance from 06 January 2026 at 14:15 PST until 06 January 2026 at 19:15 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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SMS Delivery Delays and Failures To and From Twilio Numbers in Brazil and Spain
Jan 5, 21:49 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS Delivery Delays and Failures when sending messages To and From Twilio Numbers in Brazil and Spain. 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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SMS Delivery Delays to Orange Network in Cameroon
Jan 5, 18:52 PSTInvestigating - We are experiencing SMS delivery delays to Orange Network in Cameroon. 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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Multiple Destination Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 21, 03:00 - 11:00 PSTJan 5, 17:56 PSTScheduled - Our Voice carrier partner in New Zealand and Australia is conducting a planned maintenance from 21 January 2026 at 03:00 PST until 21 January 2026 at 11:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be Intermittent delays from and to Twilio New Zealand and Australia phone numbers.

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Multiple Destination Voice Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Jan 14, 03:00 - 11:00 PSTJan 5, 17:56 PSTScheduled - Our Voice carrier partner in New Zealand and Australia is conducting a planned maintenance from 14 January 2026 at 03:00 PST until 14 January 2026 at 11:00 PST. During the maintenance window, there could be Intermittent delays from and to Twilio New Zealand and Australia phone numbers.

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