Grow and manage your freelance biz the easy way
Indy's toolbox of software for freelancers lets you manage proposals, contracts, projects, invoices, payments, forms, time tracking and more. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple Creator Studio is a dream for Mac users, but a harsh reality for mobile creators
Macworld Apple surprised creative professionals this week with its new Creator Studio. The bundle combines several apps, including Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro, into a single subscription. And as we’ve already covered here, it’s a pretty good deal. But while Apple sells the idea that Apple Creator Studio is a cross-platform bundle, the reality is that most of the tools offered are either made or only available on the Mac, which makes the bundle much less appealing to those who prefer to work on the iPad or even the iPhone. In an age with iPads that have desktop processors and iPhones that will soon unfold into tablet-sized screens, it doesn’t make sense. On the Mac, Apple Creator Studio delivers on its promise On the Mac, Apple Creator Studio makes perfect sense. For just $12.99 per month, you get access to all of Apple’s Pro apps. That includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage, which would cost nearly $700 separately. The subscription bundle also adds some extra features to Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. It’s hard to find arguments against subscribing to Apple Creator Studio if you’re a Mac user. Final Cut Pro alone costs $299, which is enough to pay for two years of Apple Creator Studio. If you were to buy all the apps individually, you would spend around $700. Also, it’s much more compelling than paying $70 per month for Adobe Creative Cloud. Apple Creator Studio is an incredible value if you work mostly on a Mac.Apple On the iPad, however, subscribers won’t get the full experience. That’s because only Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro will be available on the iPad – and when it comes to Final Cut Pro, the iPad version still lacks many features available on the Mac. And Apple doesn’t offer standalone versions of any Creator Studio apps for the iPad, so you have to subscribe (either individually or as a bundle) to use them. Of course, some people only use their iPad as a companion device to their Mac, but Apple itself sells the idea of using the iPad as a computer replacement. In that case, if you only have an iPad, you won’t be able to use all the apps available with Apple Creator Studio. Yet, you’ll still pay the same price. iPhone users are also creators One group of creators Apple has almost completely overlooked is iPhone users. Don’t get me wrong, I know that many pros work from their Macs, but in the age of social media, I also know many people who shoot, edit, and publish directly from their iPhones. And not offering anything new for the iPhone is a missed opportunity. CapCut has become one of the most popular mobile editors due to its simplicity and built-in AI features. At the same time, even Adobe has created a mobile version of its Premiere video editor, focusing on people who shoot and edit with their phones. Adobe offers strong mobile companions for its pro apps. Where are Apple’s versions?Foundry Unfortunately, the first version of Apple Creator Studio ignores the iPhone. Apple wants to sell Creator Studio as a creator-focused bundle, but it largely ignores the reality that many creators today are mobile-first, not Mac-first. The situation gets even worse when you think about Pixelmator, which was acquired by Apple last year. Apple confirmed this week that Pixelmator Classic, which works with the iPhone, will soon be discontinued. As for Pixelmator Pro, it will be exclusive to the iPad and Mac, another missed opportunity with creators who work exclusively with their phones. Photomator, on the other hand, is available on iPhone, and Apple says it will continue to offer the app on the App Store. For those unfamiliar, Photomator is a photo editor from Pixelmator and was also acquired by Apple. It’s perfect for Creator Studio but not part of the initial release. Therefore, it’s not hard to imagine that it will eventually meet the same fate as Pixelmator Classic, and iPhone users will lose another tool for creating on the go. Apple hasn’t explicitly said Photomator will be shuttered, but it also hasn’t done much to convince users that it won’t. Apple Creator Studio doesn’t offer much to users who don’t use a Mac.Apple A strong bundle with an unresolved future None of this means that Apple Creator Studio is a bad product. In fact, I’m really excited about the idea of creators having access to a suite of professional tools at a very affordable price. But Creator Studio also makes it clear that Apple is still not exploiting the full potential of its mobile platforms for professionals. Until it does, mobile creators are left in an uncomfortable position, paying like Mac users, but creating with tools that feel less complete. And if Photomator’s current limbo is any indication, that uncertainty may be the most troubling part of Apple’s creative future. Still, if you have a Mac, you should definitely give Apple Creator Studio a try if you’re looking for alternatives to Adobe apps or even if this is your first time working with pro-level creativity apps.

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Security Bite Podcast: The evolution of macOS threat hunting with Jaron Bradley
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode, I sit down with Jaron Bradley, author and Director at Jamf Threat Labs, to briefly explore the evolution of Apple security and threats over the last decade. In particular we discuss, the reason for infostealer’s historic breakout as one of the most popular forms of malware and how AI is being used in the hands of attackers (and defenders too). Jaron also shares his 2026 threat outlook. more…

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Major Apple supplier TSMC boosts U.S. footprint with Arizona land purchase, driving total $165 billion investment
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major Apple supplier, has completed… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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MacBook Pro OLED screens may have already started production
A new rumor claims that mass production has begun early for an OLED display that could be intended for a future MacBook Pro.A MacBook Pro without an OLED display. Apple has been expected to add a OLED screen to the MacBook Pro, with the most recent rumors predicting a late 2026 release. A new report raises the possibility that Apple may release its OLED MacBook Pro early.According to leaker yeux1122, Samsung Display has begun mass production of what's described as the 8.6 generation OLED screens. The leak claims that Samsung was originally expected to produce these screens from the second quarter of 2026. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Hands-on with a folding iPhone mock-up: This thing is weird
I got my hands on a model, and have lots of thoughts — if the folding iPhone looks anything like this, it’ll be weird. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple may finally be ready to update its Studio Display
Macworld It’s been nearly four years since Apple released its first Studio Display and even longer for the high-priced Pro Display XDR. According to a new Chinese regulatory database listing, it appears as though at least one of them will get a new model soon. As spotted by MacRumors, an unreleased Apple monitor with the model number A3350 appeared in a Chinese regulatory database this week. The listing only describes the display as having a high-performance LCD display, so it’s unclear whether it’s for the Studio Display or the Pro Display XDR, which currently have A2525 and A1999 model numbers, respectively. This listing implies that the model will likely appear in the spring, which would be almost exactly four years since the Studio Display debuted in April 2022 at the Peek Performance event. Apple also debuted an updated budget iPhone (the third-gen SE) and Mac Studio at that event, both of which are rumored to arrive this spring. A new Studio Display has been rumored to have an A19 chip, ProMotion, and HDR, a major upgrade over the current model. It is expected to have the same 27-inch display and design.

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: CPR, Creator Apps, and Car locks
Dave has been taking a CPR course, probably something we all should know how to do, and he tells us a few things he's learned. Apple this week expanded their services business by offering a new Creator Bundle for a monthly subscription. Dave also got the key for his car on his phone and watch, but the experience may not be what you expect it was. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code DALRYMPLE for 20% off at clnmy.com/DALRYMPLE Show Notes: CPR certification Apple tests real-world Car Key performance with major car makers Eddie Cue on a record-breaking year for Apple services Apple introduces new Creator Apps subscription Apple officially talks Google Gemini deal Shows and movies we're watching Run Away, Netflix Zoe Saldaña The Closer, Netflix

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Apple’s new OLED MacBook Pro might be ahead of schedule, per rumor
Apple is widely expected to release a major overhaul of the MacBook Pro later this year or in early 2027. Among the many changes expected with this refresh is new OLED display technology. A new rumor today indicates that Apple’s partner Samsung Display has kicked off mass production of the OLED screen destined for the new MacBook Pro ahead of schedule. more…

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When is Apple’s next event? What we know about keynotes & product launches
Macworld Apple holds several major product launch events each year, but the company rarely announces exact dates far in advance and there is no guarantee that an event will even be held in the usual time frame. That leaves Apple fans and those wanting to buy new Apple products wondering when the next Apple event will take place – and what new products can be expected. Based on Apple’s long-established event schedule, recent announcements, and reliable industry rumours, we have made some educated guesses about when Apple’s next keynote is likely to happen and which new products are likely to headline it. In this article, we break down what we know so far, what Apple has confirmed, and what history tells us to expect next. Apple’s event schedule for 2026 Spring Event: March/April (rumored) WWDC: June (expected) iPhone Event: September (expected) Late Fall Event: October/November (possible) Apple doesn’t participate in big industry-wide events such as CES, IFA or E3. Apple holds its own events. Several times a year, Apple invites the press and industry professionals to Apple Park to hear all about its latest products and services. Apple calls these ‘events’ and it streams them live online to millions of watchers. There can be as many as four Apple events in a year, as outlined above. This event calendar is by no means set in stone, though, with the spring and October events being less regular. Some years, Apple doesn’t hold a spring event at all. In 2025 Apple only held two events preferring instead to announce new products via press release. In 2026 Apple is expected to hold at least three events, kicking off with a spring event. This could happen in the usual March-April window, but the anticipated launches of the iPhone 17e and MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max could come even sooner than that, with late January or February being suggested. Then, in June, the company will hold the Worldwide Developers Conference at which it reveals plans for its operating systems. That event usually begins off with a keynote and (sometimes) new product launches. By the fall everyone will be waiting for Apple to launch the new iPhone 18, and that usually happens at an Apple event in September. The company may then hold a late fall event in October, as it has in some years. Read on to find out when Apple’s 2026 spring event is likely to take place and what could launch. We’ll also be discussing the event schedule for the rest of 2026, including WWDC, and the iPhone event. Here’s when the 2026 Apple events might take place.Foundry FAQ 1. When is Apple’s next event? Apple is widely expected to hold an event in the spring of 2026, what is less clear is when that event will take place. Apple has not yet confirmed a date for the spring event date, or even if such an event will take place. The company isn’t likely to announce a date until nearer the time. We can make an estimation, based on previous spring events, that Apple’s spring event could happen around March 24, but the last ‘spring’ event was held in May 2024, so it could be as late as that. There could even be an event as soon as January 2026, with Apple already confirming that Creator Studio will launch on January 28. The launch of Creator Studio would fit nicely with availability of new MacBook Pro models, as Macworld’s Roman Loyola explains in: Apple might have just revealed the launch date for the M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro. With the iPhone 16e approaching its first anniversary in February, late January or early February would be a logical window for the launch of its successor, the iPhone 17e. 2. What time will the next Apple event start? This question is a little easier to answer. Apple keynotes usually start at 10 am PT/PST. That translates to the following times in the countries where most of our readers live: U.S.: at 10 am (PST/PDT), 11 am (MST/MDT), noon (CST/CDT), 1 pm (EST/EDT) Canada: as above, and 2 pm (AST/ADT) U.K.: at 6 pm (GMT/BST) Europe: at 7pm (CET/CEST), 8 pm (EET/EEST) India: at 10.30 pm (IST) Australia: Next day at 1 am (AWST/AWDT), 2.30 am (ACST/ACDT), 3 am (AEST/AEDT) New Zealand: Next day at 5 am (NZST/NZDT) Timings can be slightly different if Apple holds the event during the period of a couple of weeks when the clocks have changed in the U.S. but not elsewhere (in 2026 the clocks will change in the U.S. on March 8 and November 1, while in the U.K. they change on March 29 and October 25). Sometimes Apple holds events at different times, for example, in October 2023 the event was held in late afternoon in San Francisco, which meant it was midnight in the U.K. If Apple doesn’t hold an event and instead just issues a press release that usually happens around 8 am PT, 11 am ET and 4 pm GMT/BST. 3. How long does an Apple event last? Apple keynotes usually last between one and two hours and feature CEO Tim Cook along with various other Apple executives. WWDC and the September event tend to be longer keynotes; the spring and late-fall events can be slightly shorter. The September 2024 event was 1 hour 38 minutes. Apple’s Spring Event 2026, date and product launches Apple When is the spring event? We don’t yet know when the spring event will take place, but it is likely to be in March or April, although there are suggestions that new products could launch as soon as late January or February. What Apple could launch at the spring event For the spring 2026 event we may see the M5 MacBook Air upgraded with the M5 chip and the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Also expected is the iPhone 17e, plus an update to the entry-level iPad and iPad Air. There may also be a new Mac mini. We may also see a new Studio Display, with Apple rumored to be working on a new external Mac monitor with features like ProMotion and HDR, and the long rumored Smart Home hub alongside a new HomePod, Apple TV, AirTag 2. For more information about Apple’s spring events read: Apple Spring event: Date, time, product launch rumors. Apple’s WWDC Event 2026, date and product launches Foundry When is the WWDC keynote? Apple usually holds WWDC in the second week of June, in 2025 the keynote was on June 9, so in 2026 June 8 is likely. What Apple could launch at WWDC WWDC is Apple’s big developer event at which it reveals plans for the operating systems that run on Apple hardware. In June 2026 we expect Apple to unveil details of the iOS 27, iPadOS 27, a new macOS, updates to watchOS, tvOS, HomePod software, and an update to Apple’s realityOS. Apple sometimes announces new hardware at WWDC, usually the high end models targeted at power users, so we could see new Macs. This could include a new Mac Pro (the current model still utilizing the generations-old M2 Ultra chip). The Mac Studio could also get an update. Following the keynote on the Monday, developer events and sessions will run throughout the week. You can about WWDC date, times and everything you need to know in a separate article. Apple’s iPhone Event 2026, date and product launches Apple When is the iPhone event? Apple’s iPhone launch event has become a regular fixture in September (aside from 2020 event when it was delayed until October – and the early January launches). In recent years the event has been held on September 9, so we could see Apple make the unveiling in the week of September 7 in 2026, with the event perhaps taking place on September 8 or 9. What will Apple launch at the September 2026 event? We can be pretty confident that the iPhone 18 series will launch in late 2026, although there may be some changes to the line up: we may see the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max launch in September but the iPhone 18 may be held back until the spring of 2027. Alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro we may see new Apple Watches. In 2026 the Apple Watch Series 12 should get a chip update, since the Series 11 is using the same chip as the Series 10 did. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is said to be getting a fingerprint scanner. The only AirPods not to have been updated in recent times is the five-years-old AirPods Max, if Apple doesn’t update these before or during the September event it will probably be concluded that the company has lost interest in that product. Find out more about the September iPhone event in our dedicated article. Apple’s late fall Event 2026, date and product launches Apple Will there be a late fall event in 2026 The last time Apple held a late fall event was October 30, 2023, and before that October 18, 2021. So a late fall event isn’t unprecedented, but it is uncommon. Right now there is no way of knowing if Apple will hold a late fall event in 2026, or indeed, if it ever will again. Usually this event is to launch consumer Macs, but in recent years Apple hasn’t felt the need to hold an event to do that. Nearer the time we will know if there are big things planned that might warrant an event. What will Apple launch at the late fall 2026 event? Mac or iPad launches are most likely for an event in this time frame, but Apple hasn’t seen the need to hold an event to launch Macs since the Scary Fast event in 2023 when Apple introduced the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max in the MacBook Pro. As for iPads, the last time Apple featured an iPad launch at an event was in May 2024, so slightly more recent than Macs, but the new iPads could arrive at the spring event in 2026 meaning there would be no iPad news in the pipeline by the fall. For more information about Apple’s late fall events read: Apple’s October Event: Date, time and what will launch. What launched at Apple’s past events In 2025 Apple only held two events. The first was its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, at which it introduced the new features coming in the next version of its operating systems, and the second was the huge September 9 Apple Event where it launched new Apple Watches, new AirPods Pro and the new iPhones for 2025. Apple doesn’t have to hold an event to launch new products though. Prior to WWDC, Apple launched a new iPhone 16e via press release on February 19, a new iPad and iPad Air via press release on March 4, and a new MacBook Air and Mac Studio on March 5. Apple then went on to launch a new M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro in October. No event was held to mark these launches. In 2024, Apple held three events: one on Tuesday, May 7, at which it launched new iPads, a keynote to kick off WWDC on June 10, and an event on September 9 at which Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and the AirPods 4. In October 2024 there was no event, but Apple did announce new products (iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro) via press release. In 2023 there were three events: WWDC in June, an iPhone event in September, and Apple’s second fall event on October 30 (or after midnight on October 31 if you weren’t in the U.S.). In 2022 Apple held three events: a spring event on March 8, WWDC on June 6, and the iPhone 14 launch on September 7. In other years Apple has held four events though. Foundry When were Apple’s past events? Spring Apple events have been held on the following dates: 2025: No event 2024: Tuesday May 7 2023: No event 2022: Tuesday March 8 2021: Tuesday April 20 2020: No event 2019: Monday March 25 2018: Tuesday March 27 2017: No event 2016: Monday March 21 2015: Monday March 9 2014: No event 2013: No event 2012: Wednesday March 7 WWDC events have fallen on the following dates: WWDC 2025: June 9 (9-13) WWDC 2024: June 10 (10-14) WWDC 2023: June 5 (5-9) WWDC 2022: June 6 (6-10) WWDC 2021: June 7 (7-11) WWDC 2020: June 22 (22-26) WWDC 2019: June 3 (3-7) WWDC 2018: June 4 (4-8) WWDC 2017: June 5 (5-9) Here are the past few Apple September event dates: 2025: Tuesday, September 9 2024: Monday, September 9 2023: Tuesday, September 12 2022: Tuesday, September 13 2022: Wednesday, September 7 2021: Tuesday, September 14 2020: Tuesday, September 15 2019: Tuesday, September 10 2018: Wednesday, September 12 2017: Tuesday, September 12 In the past, Apple has held a second fall event on the following dates: 2025: No event 2024: No event 2023: Monday, October 30 2022: No event 2021: Monday, October 18 2020: Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, November 10 2019: No event 2018: Tuesday, October 30 2017: No event 2016: Thursday, October 27 2015: No event 2014: Thursday, October 16 2013: Tuesday, October 22 2012: Tuesday, October 23 2011: Tuesday, October 4

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nVidia is squeezing out Apple for TSMC foundry capacity
Apple will still benefit as TMSC confirms large-volume production has started for its newest 2nm processor, but as nVidia ascendds, Apple's days of being able to command the firm's entire output are over — for now.Dies on wafers - Image Credit: TSMCBack in 2020, Apple was able to buy TSMC's entire 3-nanometer production capacity and use it in the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Not only did that mean Apple had the then fastest processors, but no one else could buy them.According to semiconductor journalist Tim Culpan, however, that may have been the last time Apple was able to do this. That's because TSMC's production of AI processors for Nvidia and AMD is taking more of the firm's capacity. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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This Beats Studio Pro deal will save you $350 over AirPods Max and sound just as good
Macworld As much as we love Apple’s AirPods Max headphones, we don’t love the $549 pricetag. That’s why we’re such big fans of the Beats Studio Pro, which deliver excellent sound and high-end features for $350. And today they’re even cheaper: You can get the superb over-ear Beats Studio Pro in black for just $200, a 40 percent discount, and just $20 off their Black Friday low. We reviewed these headphones and gave them a 4.5-star rating, as well as our Editors’ Choice award. We were thrilled with the lightweight build that makes them easy to wear for long hours, the excellent battery life that keeps them going for up to 40 hours, and the balanced audio. Unlike the AirPods Max, for instance, you can connect to these headphones via Bluetooth, USB-C, or even a classic audio jack. You’l also get easy pairing, personalized Spatial Audio, and head tracking, active noise cancellation, and hands-free Hey Siri support. And just like AirPods, a quick 10-minute recharge can keep you listening to your favorite tunes for an extra four hours of playback. So, skip the high-priced AirPods Max and get yourself a pair of fantastic headphones while the Beats Studio Pro are still $200 at Amazon. Listen to your favorite music with these $200 headphonesBuy now at Amazon

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Even with Google’s help, we should still expect plenty of New Siri glitches [Poll]
In the space of one week, we have seen the transformation of our expectations for the new Siri. Instead of having to wait for Apple to catch up with OpenAI and Google, we now need only to wait for the company to tweak the existing Gemini models. While that is indeed a dramatic turnaround, we still shouldn’t expect overnight miracles from the new Siri whenever it does now launch … more…

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From charming to consumer corporation — how Apple has branded itself over the years.
Apple began with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak marketing primarily at trade shows, and now the iPhone has made it $4 trillion firm with ubiquitous advertising. But throughout, Apple has used sometimes terrible branding to sell us all on its products.Iconic Apple marketing, L-R: original logo, "I'm a PC" campaign, and the famous six-colors logotype — images credit: AppleToday you know that every smart strapline like "thinpossible" or "Awe Dropping" has been user-tested, surgically examined by committees, and only put out when Apple is certain it's the greatest thing ever. That's far from unreasonable or even unusual, but it's a striking difference to how it used to be — and even to how the entire name of the company was chosen.This is a case of where you can pick from at least a handful of origin stories, usually involving Steve Jobs driving by an apple orchard. Or maybe living on one. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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There’s never been a worse time to buy an iPhone 16e
Macworld The iPhone 16e was introduced last year as a cheaper alternative to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. It mixes components from different generations of iPhones with one of the latest chips inside and is available at a much more affordable price. But if you’ve been thinking about buying one, it’s best to wait a bit more. If the latest rumors are accurate, Apple is preparing to announce the iPhone 17e as early as March or April. And while the changes may sound incremental, together they should make the iPhone 17e a more appealing upgrade. Read on as we break down what to expect from the iPhone 17e, and why you should wait to buy Apple’s new entry-level smartphone rather than buying the iPhone 16e right now. A familiar design Based on the latest leaks, the iPhone 17e won’t come with any major design changes. The device is expected to keep essentially the same design as the iPhone 16e, including the aluminum frame and minimalist rear with a single camera lens. If true, this comes as no surprise. The main purpose of the “e” line is to offer an iPhone with a high-end processor but without other fancy technologies, in order to keep costs down. For buyers, this means that the current iPhone 16e may not look outdated anytime soon, but the design alone is not a reason to buy now rather than wait. A potential display upgrade The iPhone 17e is also rumored to keep the same size 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate: no ProMotion and no always-on display. Again, exactly what you’d expect from Apple’s most affordable iPhone. However, one rumor suggests a meaningful change: the addition of the Dynamic Island. If true, this would be a nice upgrade. The iPhone 16e’s notch already feels dated compared to the latest iPhone models. Dynamic Island has quietly become one of Apple’s best interface ideas for the iPhone, making the hardware behind the front camera almost disappear. Even with the same display specs as the iPhone 16e, Dynamic Island alone would make the iPhone 17e look much more modern, on par with the latest iPhones. Foundry Latest chip with improved performance While the current iPhone 16e is powered by the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16 line, the iPhone 17e is expected to have the A19 chip inside. It’s the same chip as the base model iPhone 17, and it delivers about 10% faster CPU and 20% better graphics performance. The jump may not sound significant for most everyday tasks such as texting or browsing, but it definitely makes a difference for those who like to play games or use graphics-heavy apps that require more GPU power. Of course, the A19 chip is also more energy efficient than the A18, which means that the iPhone 17e could offer extended battery life even if Apple keeps the battery capacity the same. While the iPhone 16e is still a powerful phone, having the latest chip means your phone will last longer. If you keep your iPhone for three or four years like many people do, those incremental gains will add up over the years. Apple Better connectivity The iPhone 16e was the first device to feature a custom 5G modem designed by Apple itself. Named “C1,” the modem is better integrated with Apple Silicon and iOS, providing greater energy efficiency. For the iPhone 17e, Apple plans to use the updated C1X chip, which is already present inside the ultra-thin iPhone Air introduced in September last year. Compared to the C1, the C1X chip unlocks speeds up to twice as fast, while it also uses 30% less energy than the modem inside other iPhones. For users, this means better 5G reception, faster downloads and uploads, and less battery drain when using cellular data. Combined with the more efficient A19 chip, the C1X should help extend the iPhone 17’s battery life even further. MagSafe could finally arrive One of the biggest criticisms of the iPhone 16e is its lack of MagSafe. While it supports standard Qi wireless charging, the lack of magnets limits charging speeds, alignment, and compatibility with many MagSafe accessories. However, a recent report from The Information suggests Apple plans to fix that with the iPhone 17e. This isn’t just about charging. MagSafe enables wallets, stands, battery packs, car mounts, and countless third-party accessories. For users coming from the iPhone 12 or newer models, the iPhone 16e seemed like a downgrade without MagSafe. That’s another good reason not to buy the iPhone 16e now and wait for the iPhone 17e. Foundry Wait if you can If you’re not in a hurry to buy a new phone, it’s definitely worth waiting for the iPhone 17e. While none of these upgrades are revolutionary, together they’ll make Apple’s entry-level phone much more powerful and compelling. Given that the iPhone 17e is expected to be announced in the next three to four months, you’ll get a phone with faster performance, better connectivity, longer battery life, MagSafe, and Dynamic Island on the screen if you can wait a little longer. If Apple keeps the price of the iPhone 17e at $599, it will undeniably be one of the best options on the market in 2026 when it comes to value for money. And if you buy the iPhone 16e now, you may regret not waiting for the new one.

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iOS 26 Guide: New features in the latest iPhone update and what’s coming in iOS 26.3
Macworld The latest version of the iPhone operating system is iOS 26.2 and everyone with a compatible iPhone can install it now. Read on to find out what’s new, what is still to come, and everything else you need to know about the latest iPhone update. If you are yet to install it, there is a lot to get excited about in iOS 26: not only does it bring the biggest design change we’ve seen since 2013, when iOS 7 dropped the skeuomorphic design in favor of flat icons, it also puts the phone back in iPhone, with several call enhancements–from Voice Mail Summaries and Hold Assist to Live Translations–that will make it feel almost like you have a personal receptionist at your service. Digital security is top of mind for most of us these days–or should be. A focus for Apple is on-device spam filtering. iPhone will be able to screen calls before connecting you, while Messages will also filter out all types of scams and spam. There are dozens of tweaks and improvements throughout iOS 26. Efforts have been made to clean up and simplify menus, including in the Camera app and brand-new Games app, while Visual Intelligence, Genmoji and Image Playground that were all introduced in iOS 18 have new functionality that makes them simpler to use and smarter than ever. Small but significant, one of our favorite tweaks is quite simply the ability to copy just part of a text message rather than the whole thing. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about iOS 26–how to download it, which iPhones are supported, what major changes have been made, the latest version, what’s coming in the next update, and more. Read on to see what’s in store for iPhone (11 and later) users. Wondering whether to install iOS 26? Read: iOS 26 vs iOS 18: What’s different, what’s new, and should you update? iOS 26: Summary Apple has switched its iOS naming convention to match its primary release year. This means the new version of iOS is iOS 26, despite its September 15, 2025 release date. The latest version is iOS 26.2 which includes some interface refinements and options and arrived on December 12, 2025. All iPhones released since 2019 will be able to install iOS 26, including iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd gen) and later. Apple is continuing to work on development of iOS 26. The iOS 26.3 beta has already begun. The new ‘Liquid Glass’ interface is the biggest design change since iOS 7 in 2013. iOS 26 puts the ‘Phone‘ back in iPhone, with Voice Mail summaries, Call Screening, Hold Assist, and Live Translations. What is new in iOS 26 Here are just some of the new features you will find in iOS 26, with more detailed further down this article: Liquid Glass graphical user interface: A new translucent effect that mimics glass, with elements reflecting background content, and resizing to fit around onscreen items. Apple says Liquid Glass will blur the lines between hardware and software, and feel more like interactions in the physical world, with elements dynamically reacting to your touch. Updated Phone app: New to this core iPhone app are Apple Intelligence-generated Voice Mail text summaries, Call Screening for spam calls, Hold Assist for connecting you only when you are #1 in the queue, and Live Translations for real-time audible translations in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish (also available for FaceTime with translated live captions, Messages with auto-translated texts, and Apple Music with lyrics converted to your native language). Apple Intelligence updates: Spanning Visual Intelligence, which now supports screenshots, and lets you ask ChatGPT for more information about the information and products shown in the picture, Genmoji, in which you can edit existing emoji, combine emojis and Stickers, and even change emoji expressions, and Image Playground, with support for ChatGPT styles and prompts. Camera app overhaul: As with many iOS apps, the currently cramped Camera interface is getting simplified, with many of the less frequently used shooting modes and options tucked away. Plus, you can now add 3D effects to photos. New Games app: A Home tab puts games Apple thinks you’ll like at your fingertips; a Library tab shows all games you’ve ever downloaded; and a Play Together tab shows you what your friends are playing, compare scores, and even challenge them. iOS 26 brings a standard set of touch controls for buttons, thumbsticks, dpads, throttles, and touchpads, too. Some of the more overlooked new features in iOS 26 that are set to make a big difference include the ability to (finally!) create your own ringtone, an intelligent Adaptive Power mode that makes performance adjustments based on how you actually use your phone, and the ability to use AirPods as a high-definition microphone when shooting video. Latest version: What’s new in iOS 26.2 The iOS 26.2 update arrived on December 12 and includes: Tweak to Apple Music including offline lyrics. Automatic chapters in Podcasts. Improved filtering and navigation in Games. A slider to tweak the clock transparency on the lock screen. Section links at the top of the Today tab in Apple News. Support for Tables in the Freeform app. This is the second significant update to iOS 26, with several more expected. So far, they have focused on polish and quality-of-life improvements, but we expect a big Siri overhaul and maybe some other features in iOS 26.4. iOS 26.3 release date and what’s coming? Apple is continuing to work on the beta of iOS 26. The release of iOS 26.3 will probably come in late January or February. iOS 26.3 is currently in beta, here’s what’s new in the latest beta of iOS 26: Easier switching between Android and iPhone: iOS 26.3 brings support for easier iOS/Android switching. You can  about that here. (EU mandated change) Notification forwarding for third-party devices: Apple will allow for notifications to be forwarded to third-party devices, such as non-Apple smartwatches. (EU mandated change) New Wallpaper section: Weather will get a dedicated section in the wallpaper gallery, it’s currently bundled with Astronomy. There will be three Weather wallpaper options that include things like live weather conditions. What’s still to come in iOS 26? Apple has delivered on pretty much all its promises for iOS 26 made at WWDC, but there are a few more things that could arrive over the next few months. Apple Intelligence enhancements for Siri. An overhaul of the health app, an AI wellness coach and possibly food/nutrition tracking. iOS 26 design and interface changes New Liquid Glass design language. General decluttering and simplifying of the interface and app menus. Apple The biggest change in iOS 26 is a visual one: a bold new redesign known as Liquid Glass. What is Liquid Glass? The new design features a graphical user interface that Apple is calling Liquid Glass, which creates a translucent effect that mimics the qualities of glass. The new Liquid Glass design language represents the biggest change to iOS since iOS 7 was introduced in 2013. Back then, Apple dropped the skeuomorphic design in favor of flat symbolic icons. This time everything is more curved, less flat, with translucent elements reflecting or refracting the content in the background, and resizing to fit around what is onscreen. The Liquid Glass elements will also change color to reflect the content beneath as you scroll, and it will be possible to see blurred and refracted elements of the background through the top layer. Apple says that it will feel more like interacting with the physical world, with elements dynamically reacting to your touch. The company also says the changes “blur the lines between hardware and software”. This new Liquid Glass design extends to all Apple products and apps. You’ll see the translucent effects on the Dock, widgets, and icons. Panes, windows, buttons and menus will be presented as translucent layers with specular highlights. Initial feedback to the new Liquid Glass design was negative with some beta testers complaining that content wasn’t visible due to the overlaying of menus over background images, later versions of the beta dialed this back to make the menus more visible. Of course not everyone likes Liquid Glass, and if you feel like you can’t read your notifications, read: How to reduce the Liquid Glass effect. iOS 26 interface changes  Apple Apple says iOS 26 will also see design changes that simplify app interfaces to make the controls more visible. Apple is making it easier to find the tools you usually use, without the clutter of all the other features you don’t need. Apple has adapted the interface to focus more on what is on the screen rather than cover things with tools and menu bars. Menus will shrink as you scroll to reveal the content below. Apple is also removing some of the clutter from menus to simplify things and emphasize the more frequently-used options. For example, rather than occupying a rectangular bar at the bottom of the screen, groups of controls will appear on floating elements that pop out additional controls, change as you move between views, and are tucked away when you scroll. These changes to the menus are designed to make it easier to access the features you use most often, and discover others. Apple is trying to make iOS and its apps more intuitive.  A good example of how these design changes will be applied is the Lock Screen, which will be more adaptive. The image you choose as your wallpaper will be scaled to fit the height and width of the Lock Screen and positioned to fill the available space around elements like the time. Additionally, the wallpaper image will slide up as notifications come in. Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 New Siri AI features not expected until later in 2026. Improvements still expected for Visual Intelligence, Genmoji, and Image Playground at release. Apple has been having trouble with some of its AI efforts, especially the Siri features that were touted at WWDC 2024. Apple had promised that iOS 18.4 would bring a major update to Siri, where it would be better at natural conversations with the user, using personal context, awareness of what is onscreen, and the ability to perform in-app actions. Apple has since confirmed that these Siri-related features have been pushed back until 2026, which means they should come as an update to iOS 26, perhaps in March, but we could be waiting even longer. Apple still has a number of impressive Apple Intelligence powered features in iOS 26, though. In fact, some of the new features coming to Spotlight on the Mac look like some of the features promised for Siri. Some of these new Apple Intelligence features will make a big impact in apps, especially the Phone app, which we will discuss below. Another beneficiary of Apple Intelligence is Visual Intelligence, which was introduced in iOS 18 and gains a very useful ability in iOS 26. Visual Intelligence Visual Intelligence in iOS 26.IDG In iOS 18 you can use Visual Intelligence by holding up the iPhone to view something you are curious about, triggering Visual Intelligence (via the Camera Control button if you have one, or via the Control Centre if not) and viewing information about what you were pointing the camera at. It could identify a building, or offer to add the date from a poster to your calendar, for example. That’s all very well when you are out and about, but what about when you are just browsing the web and want to know where something someone is wearing is from or where a video is being filmed? In iOS 26 it will be possible to take a screenshot and look up information about that image and products in it using Visual Intelligence. You can also ask ChatGPT for information about the screenshot.  Genmoji Apple Also benefitting from Apple Intelligence is Genmoji, another feature that arrived with iOS 18. Genmoji lets you create custom emoji using AI. To create a Genmoji you type a description in the Describe an Emoji field and tap on Create New Emoji. You can use photos of people you know as a basis and refine the emoji until it represents what you are looking for. The emoji will then be available in your emoji keyboard to use. In iOS 26 the Genmoji interface gets a redesign. Users will be able to mix two emoji together, or alter an existing emoji to create something new, or even combine an emoji and a Sticker (which can be created from a photo). Users will be able to further customize emoji inside Image Playground, changing expressions. Image Playground Image Playground, which is Apple’s app for making AI-generated images, arrived in iOS 18 and gets an update in iOS 26. In iOS 26 it will be possible to use ChatGPT with new styles and prompts, such as an oil painting as well as those provided by Apple to create images in Image Playground. Overhauled Phone app in iOS 26  Call Screening answers the call, finds out why they are calling, and lets you know before you decide whether or not to take the call. Hold Assist stops you needing to sit in a queue to be connected with an agent. Voice Mail text summaries quickly surface the most important details of missed calls. With each iteration of iOS the set of apps Apple provides grows and evolves, and many of the changes coming to the apps on the iPhone are shared by those same apps on Apple’s other devices. iOS 26 is no different. This time, some of the changes are going to be quite transformative to how you use the phone – and by which we mean the telephone aspect of your iPhone.   The phone app might not be the one we use the most, but as Apple says, it is fundamental to the iPhone. With iOS 26 the phone app is getting a big update that essentially turns it into a PA and a spam filtering tool.  Apple is tapping into Apple Intelligence to bring new Voice Mail summaries to surface the most important information, but even more exciting, it is aiming to eliminate unwanted calls with a new Call Screening option that can answer the call in the background, ask the caller to explain their reason for calling, and then provide a text summary of those details to you before you decide whether or not to take the call. Of course, this may make it harder to ignore calls from people you ought to actually speak to, but it will be a good way to siphon off spam and hoax calls from unknown numbers. That’s not all. Another new feature is Hold Assist, which will automatically detect hold music and mute the call until it is connected to an agent. As a result, you can get things done without having to keep your phone speaker playing irritating hold music until someone answers. When an agent becomes free they will be informed that you are there and your phone will ring alerting you to the connection and you can take the call. It’s going to be like having your own receptionist.  Another change in the Phone app should make it impossible to accidentally tap on contact in the Recents list and call them. Currently, if you tap on a name in your Recents list it will automatically call that person. A new setting will allow you to turn off “Tap Recents to Call”. Live Translations in iOS 26 Real-time voice translations in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Translated Live Captions in FaceTime video calls. Automated translations in Messages. Lyrics in your language in Apple Music. Coming to the Phone app, but also present as a feature in Messages and FaceTime, is Live Translations. This will help you communicate with someone who speaks another language. With this feature you will be able to have a conversation with some who speaks a different language to you. If you are familiar with the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy this is almost at the level of having a Babel Fish. If you are speaking to someone via the phone app, the iPhone will translate what is being said, with a spoken voice translating what has been said into your language. The recipient will also hear translations in their own language. Apparently, they don’t need to have an iPhone. The main restriction right now is that Live Translation for Phone is available only for one-on-one calls in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. As we said above, it’s not only the Phone app that will get the Live Translation features. FaceTime and Messages will as well. And Translation is also finding its way into the Music app. FaceTime translations When speaking to someone via FaceTime you will see real-time captions in your own language. Live Captions aren’t entirely new to FaceTime, you can already turn on that functionality in Accessibility > Live Captions – although this only works if your language is set to English U.S. As well as the new Live Translation feature, FaceTime also gets changes to the interface designed to surface the controls you need while keeping the caller visible. For example, controls float to the bottom right and recede when you don’t need them.  The FaceTime call list also gets a new look, with video messages autoplaying as you scroll.  Messages translations Apple If you are using Messages to communicate with someone who speaks a different language what you type is translated into their language and vice versa. As with the phone, Messages is getting a screening tool to combat spam. On-device spam detection will give you “total control over who appears in your conversation list,” according to Apple. It is already possible to filter out spam by using the Unknown Senders list in Messages, but in iOS 26 Messages will have a greater ability to screen for spam, and it will make sure you still receive verification codes and other critical or time-sensitive messages. Also in Messages you will be able to add a background image to Group Chats, and a new option to create a poll will be available. Messages will even suggest a poll if a situation calls for one. Anyone can add options to the poll.  Those who have access to Apple Cash (still U.S. only) can also access this from group chats.  Apple A small but brilliant update coming to Messages is the ability to copy parts of a text, rather than the whole thing. This is one of those incomprehensible failures of Messages on iPhone right now: the only option is to copy the entire message, paste it, and then edit out what you don’t want. When using Messages on the Mac you can just copy the part of the Message you need. It’s a long overdue feature for iPhone Messages. Apple Music lyric translations Apple In Apple Music you will be able to follow the lyrics alongside the translation into your own language. For some languages you will even see a pronunciation guide. Also coming to the Music app is a new auto-mix option that uses AI to fade between songs and match beats like a DJ would, animated Apple Music artwork option for the Lock Screen, and interface changes that should make it faster and easier to get to the music you are into. For example, you can pin your favourite album or playlist to the top of your library. Overhauled Camera & Photos apps in iOS 26 Redesigned Camera app hides away less common shooting modes to declutter the interface. Quick access to more common settings. Add 3D effects to photos. In iOS 26, Apple has redesigned the camera app, hiding most of the lesser-used camera shooting modes and options to simplify the increasingly cramped layout and giving users quick access to settings. In the Photos app there is the ability to add 3D effects to photos. We have a separate article covering how to use the iOS 26 Camera app, including where to find camera modes and features, how to change capture settings and how to use AirPods as a remote. New Games app in iOS 26 Find games that are perfect for you. Quickly discover all your previously played games. Challenge friends to battle. More consistent touch controls across games. Apple Apple is finally tidying up the gaming experience on the iPhone with a brand-new Games app. Apple says it is creating a new destination to help its gamers get more out of their games. The Games app offers various tabs to make finding the games you are playing or have played easier. The Home tab reveals what’s most relevant to you. The Library tab shows all the games you have ever downloaded.  There is also a Play Together tab where you can see what your friends are playing, play games with them, compare scores, and invite them to play games. You can challenge them to beat your highest score in single player games. Turning single-player games into fun competitions with friends, with scores in real time. This will be Apple’s second attempt to get users to connect socially: remember iTunes Ping? (Apple would probably rather you forgot). Another change to gaming on iPhone (and iPad) is a new consistency to how touch controls are applied in games. Developers working on an iPhone or iPad game that requires more advanced controls have always had to design their own touch controls, and this can be inconsistent. In iOS 26, Apple will provide its own touch controls for buttons, thumbsticks, dpads, throttles, and touchpads. More app changes in iOS 26 Apple Wallet Like Apple Cash, many of the new Apple Wallet features are U.S. only, such as the ability to add Drivers Licenses to Apple Wallet.  Apple says there will be more ways to pay with Apple Pay in iOS 26, for example you can redeem points or choose to pay in instalments. That feature is currently available in nine states. From the fall Apple says it will be possible to add a U.S. passport, but only for use for flights inside the U.S.  There will be a new API for developers to take advantage of, enabling them to provide customers with more information within the Wallet app, such as details of the services included with the fare and upgrade options that can be accessed from within the Wallet app. You can also track Apple Pay orders, with Apple Intelligence finding the order details and tracking information and keeping them together for you.  Passwords The Passwords app, introduced in iOS 18, gets an update. You can check changes that you’ve made to accounts logged in the Passwords app, view previous passwords that were used for these accounts, and see when they were altered. Passkeys In addition, Apple has introduced improvements to iOS 26 that will make using passkeys easier. Passkeys is an authentication method that replaces traditional passwords with security keys and biometrics. Many apps and websites already provide support for passkeys and, with the iOS 26 update, it will be possible for iPhone and iPad apps to enable users to create a passkey with just a tap. Passkeys can be authenticated with Face ID or Touch ID, and credentials will be synchronized between your Apple devices via iCloud. Autofill It will also be possible to pre-fill personal data, such as name and email, so you no longer have to waste time filling in long sign-up forms. Even better, iOS 26 will be able to autofill verification codes from Gmail and WhatsApp. Verification code autofill may also work in Google Chrome; currently verification codes work only with Apple’s Safari browser. Apple Maps  Apple The Maps app gets an update, now using Apple Intelligence to understand your regular commutes and learn your favorites. With this information it will be able to warn you if you should take a different route due to heavy traffic.  Another change to Maps is that it can log (on your device, with encryption) Visited Places, which will make it easier to find and recall places you have been to in the past. It’s easy to delete this history, too.  Reminders In iOS 26, Reminders will suggest things such as tasks and grocery items, plus follow-ups based on your emails or other text on your iPhone, Mac, and more. Notes Notes will gain Markdown support. Weather Satellite-based reporting. Clock You will finally be able to set a snooze duration of between one and 15 minutes, rather than being stuck with set eight-minute snoozes! You will also gain the ability to set alarms from inside other apps. For example, you could set an alarm from within a recipe app without you needing to open the Clock. Other new features in iOS 26 There are lots of other changes coming to iOS, many of which will improve the overall user experience. AirPods: Pause Media When Falling Asleep Existing AirPods should get some new features due to the iOS 26 update. These include a new feature that will enable AirPods to pause when they sense the wearer has fallen asleep. Code in the iOS 26 beta indicates that this feature is tied to iOS 26, rather than the AirPods line specifically – it may even work on Apple’s Beats headphones. In addition, it will be possible to easily switch between different audio input devices – so you could switch from AirPods as dedicated microphones to another device, for example. Running tasks in the background iOS 26 will have a new API for running tasks in the background. So, you won’t have to keep an app open when they’re doing something important, such as uploading files or exporting a video. Users can switch to other apps without interrupting the previous task. Adaptive Power Mode This feature aims to extend battery life by adjusting performance based on usage patterns. Where Low Power Mode throttles your iPhone’s performance and kills certain background activities to save energy, Adaptive Power Mode makes smaller adjustments to your iPhone’s performance based on how you use it. As a result the impact should be subtler, and potentially something users could keep on at all times. Battery Intelligence: AI-powered battery management iOS 26 will introduce a feature dubbed Battery Intelligence. This presents the estimated charging duration to reach 80% (then 100%) when connected to a charger – so you know how long you will need to change your iPhone before you can leave the house. A new adaptive low power mode has been spotted in the iOS 26 developer beta. This doesn’t replace the regular low power mode (that’s still around) but instead uses machine learning to make adjustments that could help eke out a little more juice from your battery. In addition, the Lock Screen will now display estimated charging times to hit 80 percent and 100 percent battery power. Support for Qi2 25W wireless charging Since fall 2024, Apple’s MagSafe Charger has supported up to 25W wireless iPhone charging on the iPhone 16 family. Third-party chargers—previously limited to a 15W maximum—will be able to match that speed with the release of the new Qi2 25W, which the iPhone 16 and later will support from iOS 26. RCS Universal Profile 3.0 and other Android ‘friendly’ features Support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0 may come in an update to iOS 26. RCS 3.0 will encrypt iPhone-to-Android messages, and offer other features to make communicating between iPhones and Android phones more seamless. Currently, Android users can edit a message within 15 minutes of it being sent – this works in iOS 18.5 and the iOS 26 developer beta but the iPhone displays the edited message as a new one with an asterisk rather than replacing the message with the edited message. iPhone users are able to edit messages sent to other iPhones, but they are not yet able to edit RCS messages sent to an Android phone. RCS 3.0 should also make this available to iPhone users. There also be simplified eSIM transfer from Android. iOS 26 release date First seen at WWDC on June 9, 2025 Available to download on September 15, 2025 The release usually happens around the following times where most of our readers live. But note that Apple’s servers are likely to be overloaded so an early download may take a long time! If you wait a day or so the download will be faster – and Apple may have addressed any early bugs. U.S.: at 10 am (PST/PDT), 11 am (MST/MDT), noon (CST/CDT), 1 pm (EST/EDT) Canada: as above, and 2 pm (AST/ADT) U.K.: at 6 pm (GMT/BST) Europe: at 7pm (CET/CEST), 8 pm (EET/EEST) India: at 10.30 pm (IST) Australia: Next day at 1 am (AWST/AWDT), 2.30 am (ACST/ACDT), 3 am (AEST/AEDT) New Zealand: Next day at 5 am (NZST/NZDT) For help installing iOS 26 read: How to update iOS on iPhone. iOS 26 latest beta Latest Developer Beta: iOS 26.3 Latest Public Beta: iOS 26.3 We have a separate article that details how to join Apple’s beta software program. Beta development of iOS 26 will continue even after the iOS update arrives with the public, with even more new features being developed. Anyone using the beta is encouraged to file bug reports using the included Apple’s Feedback Assistant app so that the company can address them. If you want to learn more about the beta read: What’s in the latest iOS beta and how to get it. iOS 26 supported devices iOS 26 is a free software update for iPhone 11 and later. The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will miss out on iOS 26. Apple has confirmed the following iPhones will be able to get iOS 26: iPhone 16e (2025) iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max (2024) iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max (2023) iPhone 14/14 Plus/14 Pro/14 Pro Max (2022) iPhone SE (3rd gen) (2022) iPhone 13/13 mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max (2021) iPhone 12/12 mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max (2020) iPhone SE (2nd gen) (2020) iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max (2019) When Apple updates the operating system for its devices it often means that certain models are not compatible with the update. The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, which were supported by iOS 18 and launched in 2018, will miss out on iOS 26.  This doesn’t mean that those 2018 iPhones are unsupported by Apple. Apple will continue to issue security-related software updates to iOS 18 for a few more years. Read about how long iPhones are supported to find out which iPhones are no longer supported with security updates.  Nor does this mean that all the supported iPhones get all the new features. As was the case in 2024, only certain iPhones can support Apple Intelligence powered features. That’s the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and the whole of the iPhone 16 range. This means that if your phone isn’t one of those mentioned you miss out on features such as the Visual Intelligence and Genmoji updates, as well as the Phone app ability to manage your unwanted calls.  Find out how the new iOS compares with the current version in our comparison of iOS 26 vs iOS 18: What’s different, what’s new, and should you update? iOS 26 FAQ FAQ 1. What happened to iOS 19? After the release of iOS 18 in 2024, Apple decided to change its iPhone operating system naming convention to match the year in which it is available. What we were expecting to be called iOS 19 was confirmed to be iOS 26 at Apple’s WWDC in June 2025. 2. Why is it called iOS 26 and not iOS 25? Despite iOS 26 being released on September 15, 2025, the majority of its lifetime will be during in 2026. 3. When does iOS 26 come out? iOS 26 was released on September 15, 2025. 4. How do I get the iOS 26 beta? Updates to iOS 26 will be tested with developer and public beta releases. If you wish to try these beta releases, you will need to subscribe to Apple’s beta program to access the iOS 26 Developer beta, or enroll your iPhone into the iOS Public Beta program. 5. How do I downgrade from iOS 26? If you want to downgrade from iOS 26 beta before the full version of iOS 26 is released you will need to wipe your iPhone and manually install iOS 18. If you want to downgrade from iOS 26 beta after the full version of iOS 26 is released, you can turn off Beta Updates in Settings and update your iPhone. If you are looking to downgrade from the final version iOS 26 to an older version of iOS, however, you’re probably going to be out of luck. Within days of iOS 26’s release you may be able to downgrade to iOS 18 if a signed version of the software is still available; beyond this, and for older versions of iOS, your best bet is to buy an old iPhone. 6. How do I update to iOS 26? You can update a compatible iPhone by going to Settings > General > Software Update, then following the prompts. Macworld recommends backing up your iPhone before a software update. You will also need to ensure sufficient space is available on your device, and that you have plenty of battery power and are connected to a stable Wi-Fi connection. 7. How much will iOS 26 cost? iOS 26 is a free update for iPhone users. 8. Which iPhones support iOS 26? All iPhones released since 2019 will support iOS 26. That means iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd gen), and all iPhones that followed, will be able to upgrade to iOS 26. 9. What is new in iOS 26? The biggest change in iOS 26 is a visual one, with a new Liquid Glass design language producing a translucent effect that Apple says blurs the lines between hardware and software. Also new in iOS 26 are spam-filtering features such as Call Screening and a message screening feature – just one of several upgrades to the core phone functionality, which also gets text summaries for Voice Mail, Hold Assist, and Live Translation. There’s a brand-new Games app, and Apple has done a lot of work to tidy and declutter the interface in apps such as the Camera. But this is just the start, with countless smaller tweaks and improvements to the iPhone operating system. Apple’s Awe Dropping event on September 9, 2025 saw new hardware releases including the iPhone 17 (running iOS 26), Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3rd-gen (running watchOS 26), and new AirPods. Keep tuned to our Event Guide for all the latest coverage. iOS history iOS 18 is the current version of Apple’s iPhone operating system. Below you can find information about previous iOS releases, with links to our coverage for full details. Learn more about all the new Apple products coming this year and when is the next Apple event. iPhone OS 1 – Released June 29, 2007 (Latest 1.1.5 July 15, 2008) iPhone OS 2 – Released July 11, 2008 (Latest 2.2.1 January 27, 2009) iPhone OS 3 – Released June 17, 2009 (Latest 3.2.2 August 11, 2010) iOS 4 – Released June 22, 2010 (Latest 4.3.5 July 25, 2011) iOS 5 – Released October 12, 2011 (Latest 5.1.1 May 7, 2012) iOS 6 – Released September 19, 2012 (Latest 6.1.6 February 21, 2014) iOS 7 – Released September 18, 2013 (Latest 7.1.2 June 30, 2014) iOS 8 – Released September 17, 2014 (Latest 8.4.1 August 13, 2015) iOS 9 – Released September 16, 2015 (Latest 9.3.6 July 22, 2019) iOS 10 – Released September 13, 2016 (Latest 10.3.4 July 22, 2019) iOS 11 – Released September 19, 2017 (Latest 11.4.1 July 9, 2018) iOS 12 – Released September 17, 2018 (Latest 12.5.7 January 23, 2023) iOS 13 – Released September 19, 2019 (Latest 13.7 September 1, 2020) iOS 14 – Released September 17, 2020 (Latest 14.8.1 October 26, 2021) iOS 15 – Released September 24, 2021 (Latest iOS 15.8.3 July 29, 2024) iOS 16 – Released September 12, 2022 (Latest iOS 16.7.10 August 7, 2024) iOS 17 – Released September 18, 2023 (Latest iOS 17.7.2 November 19, 2024) iOS 18 – Released September 16, 2024 (Latest iOS 18.6 July 29, 2025) iOS 26 – Released September 15, 2025

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Apple kills free 90-day Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro trial
Apple no longer offers 90-day free trials for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro following the launch of its new Creator Studio bundle. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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The printer-free way to handle paperwork from your iPhone
Macworld TL;DR: iScanner turns your iPhone into a full document scanner and editor, and a lifetime subscription costs $39.99. Printers and scanners often create more friction than they solve. Paper jams, fuzzy scans, and stacks of documents waiting to be filed add up quickly. iScanner offers a simpler alternative by letting your iPhone handle scanning, editing, and organizing documents in one place. Using the app is straightforward. Point your phone at a document, receipt, ID card, or book page, and iScanner captures a clean scan in seconds. The app automatically straightens pages, crops borders, and enhances clarity so the result looks like it came from a traditional scanner rather than a phone camera. Files can be saved as PDFs or other common formats, making them easy to store or share digitally. Editing happens directly inside the app. You can fill out forms, add signatures, and annotate documents without printing anything first. That’s useful for work, school, or everyday paperwork, especially when you’re away from a desk. iScanner also includes tools that go beyond basic scanning. The app can recognize text, solve math problems from photos, count objects, and measure room dimensions using your camera. These extras make it more than just a document scanner. The lifetime subscription model keeps things simple. You pay once and keep access without recurring charges. Get iScanner with lifetime access for $39.99. iScanner App: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Third Spotify price hike in four years is here
Spotify kicks off 2026 with another price increase for its US subscribers, making the Premium plan more expensive by $1. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple's iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone Fold specs detailed in report
Analyst Jeff Pu has provided a short spec sheet for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold due in September, which corroborates several previous rumors.iPhone Fold rumors are solidifyingRumors are beginning to solidify around Apple's fall iPhone launch, which may only feature three premium models. While Jeff Pu's data can sometimes be accurate, his assumptions and timelines tend to be too aggressive.The analyst has released a new note, which was detailed by 9to5Mac. The report itself isn't of much consequence, as it's the usual prediction of how Apple might perform in 2026, but it does include a spec table for the upcoming iPhone models. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Jeff Pu shares expected tech specs for the iPhone Fold
In a new investor note, analyst Jeff Pu reiterated that the upcoming iPhone Fold will rely on Touch ID rather than Face ID, and listed hardware details for all iPhone 18 models expected in 2026. Here are the details. more…

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India antitrust watchdog grows impatient over Apple’s efforts to delay investigation
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has reportedly given Apple a final warning after more than a year of delayed responses in an ongoing antitrust investigation. Here are the details. more…

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LA Dodgers MVP Shohei Ohtani stars in new Beats campaign
New campaign gives Shohei Ohtani’s larger-than-life status a whole new meaning. Here are the details. more…

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Apple TV lands thriller series starring Dakota Fanning
Untitled Apple TV project will also see Dakota Fanning (All Her Fault) serve as executive producer alongside her sister, Elle Fanning (A Rainy Day in New York). Here’s what it’s about. more…

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9to5Mac Daily: January 15, 2026 – Apple Card drama, Apple’s AI servers 
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Stuff: Stuff helps you get everything out of your head and into a simple, elegant system—closing open loops and reducing mental stress. Use code 9TO5 at checkout for 50% off your first year. more…

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This new $90 SmallRig S70 mic kit launched at CES 2026 is a must-see for creators
SmallRig isn’t a new name for creators; we’ve featured a few of their products across the 9to5 network. But at CES 2026, SmallRig has released something that, in my opinion, will elevate them even further in the creator space. Let’s take a look at the SmallRig S70 mic kit. more…

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Korea rejects Elon Musk’s request for documents in lawsuit against Apple
The South Korean government has officially denied Elon Musk’s request for documents from the Kakao super app in xAI’s lawsuit against Apple. Here are the details. more…

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Apple TV lands new thriller starring Dakota Fanning
On Thursday, Apple TV announced it has landed a new original series created by Emmy Award winner Alex Cary with Dakota Fanning set to star… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iOS 26.3 release date: Here’s when the next iPhone update will arrive
Apple might release iOS 26.2.1 any day now with bug fixes, but the next iPhone update packing new features will be iOS 26.3. Here’s the expected iOS 26.3 release date. more…

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Here are Apple’s updated trade-in values for January 2026
Just two months after updating the trade-in values for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple has once again adjusted its maximum payout table for most products, with a few welcome surprises. Here are the details. more…

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Cloudflare Scrubs Aisuru Botnet from Top Domains List
For the past week, domains associated with the massive Aisuru botnet have repeatedly usurped Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft in Cloudflare's public ranking of the most frequently requested websites. Cloudflare responded by redacting Aisuru domain names from their top websites list. The chief executive at Cloudflare says Aisuru's overlords are using the botnet to boost their malicious domain rankings, while simultaneously attacking the company's domain name system (DNS) service.

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Alleged Jabber Zeus Coder ‘MrICQ’ in U.S. Custody
A Ukrainian man indicted in 2012 for conspiring with a prolific hacking group to steal tens of millions of dollars from U.S. businesses was arrested in Italy and is now in custody in the United States, KrebsOnSecurity has learned. Sources close to the investigation say Yuriy Igorevich Rybtsov, a 41-year-old from the Russia-controlled city of Donetsk, Ukraine, was previously referenced in U.S. federal charging documents only by his online handle "MrICQ." According to a 13-year-old indictment filed by prosecutors in Nebraska, MrICQ was a developer for a cybercrime group known as "Jabber Zeus."

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Aisuru Botnet Shifts from DDoS to Residential Proxies
Aisuru, the botnet responsible for a series of record-smashing distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks this year, recently was overhauled to support a more low-key, lucrative and sustainable business: Renting hundreds of thousands of infected Internet of Things (IoT) devices to proxy services that help cybercriminals anonymize their traffic. Experts says a glut of proxies from Aisuru and other sources is fueling large-scale data harvesting efforts tied to various artificial intelligence (AI) projects, helping content scrapers evade detection by routing their traffic through residential connections that appear to be regular Internet users.

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Canada Fines Cybercrime Friendly Cryptomus $176M
Financial regulators in Canada this week levied $176 million in fines against Cryptomus, a digital payments platform that supports dozens of Russian cryptocurrency exchanges and websites hawking cybercrime services. The penalties for violating Canada's anti money-laundering laws come ten months after KrebsOnSecurity noted that Cryptomus's Vancouver street address was home to dozens of foreign currency dealers, money transfer businesses, and cryptocurrency exchanges — none of which were physically located there.

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24-inch M4 iMacs on sale for up to $200 off MSRP
Amazon has Apple's 24-inch M4 iMacs on After-Christmas sale for $150-$200 off MSRP, starting at $1149, each including free shipping: - 24-inch M4 iMac (8-Core CPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD): $1149, $150 off MSRP - 24-inch M4 iMac (10-Core CPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD): $1349, $150 off MSRP - 24-inch M4 iMac (10-Core CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): $1549, $150 off MSRP - 24-inch M4 iMac (8-Core CPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD): $1699, $200 off MSRP Amazon's prices are the lowest available for one of these new iMacs. Note that stock can vary. Price posted above is the lowest price available for each standard configuration, regardless of color. For the latest prices and deals, see our iMac Price Tracker, updated daily.

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After-Christmas Sale: Take $250-$300 off Apple’s 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pros
Amazon has Apple's 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pros (Silver and Black colors) on After-Christmas sale for $250-$300 off MSRP. Shipping is free. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party seller: - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB): $1749, $250 off MSRP - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB): $2099, $300 off MSRP For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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After-Christmas Sale: Apple Watch Series 3 models for $50 off MSRP
Amazon has Apple Watch SE 3 models on After-Christmas sale for $50 off MSRP, shipping included: - 40mm Apple Watch SE GPS: $199, $50 off MSRP - 44mm Apple Watch SE GPS: $229, $50 off MSRP - 40mm Apple Watch SE GPS + 5G: $249, $50 off MSRP - 44mm Apple Watch SE GPS + 5G: $279, $50 off MSRP These are the lowest After-Christmas sale prices available for Apple Watch SE 3 models. For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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After-Christmas Sale: M4 Mac minis on sale for up to $120 off MSRP
Amazon has M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis on sale starting at only $479 and ranging up to $120 off MSRP. Shipping is free: - Mac mini M4 (16GB/256GB): $479, $120 off MSRP - Mac mini M4 (16GB/512GB): $736.07, $63 off MSRP - Mac mini M4 (24GB/512GB): $909, $90 off MSRP - Mac mini M4 Pro (24GB/512GB): $1279, $120 off MSRP These are the lowest After-Christmas sale prices currently available for Mac minis. For the latest prices and sales, keep an eye on our Mac mini Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Best Apple Holiday Sale: Take $250 off all 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs
Amazon has all 13" M4 MacBook Airs and 15" M4 MacBook Airs on Holiday sale for $250 off Apple's MSRP, starting at only $749. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $749, $250 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $949, $250 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB): $1149, $250 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $949, $250 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $1149, $250 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB/): $1349, $250 off Their prices are the lowest available for new M4 MacBook Airs anywhere and the best Holiday deal on Apple products available right now. For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker and 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, both updated daily.

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Holiday Sale: Get an 11-inch A16 iPad today for $75 off MSRP, only $274
Walmart is offering a $75 Holiday discount on Apple's 11" A16 WiFi iPads, now priced at only $274. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 11" 128GB WiFi A16 iPad: $274, $75 off MSRP - 11" 256GB WiFi A16 iPad: $374, $75 off MSRP - 11" 512GB WiFi A16 iPad: $574, $75 off MSRP These are the lowest Holiday sale prices currently available for Apple iPads. Note that not all colors are in stock at the time of this post (see their site for details). For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Walmart has AirPods on Holiday sale right now starting at only $74
Walmart has Apple AirPods on Holiday sale on their online store for up to $55 off MSRP. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - AirPods 4: $74, $55 off - AirPods 4 with ANC: $139.99, $40 off - AirPods Pro 3: $199, $50 off These are the lowest Holiday sale prices available right now for Apple AirPods. Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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Walmart has clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs on sale for only $599
Walmart has clearance, but new, Apple 13" M1 MacBook Airs (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) available online for $599, $400 off original MSRP, in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold colors. These are new MacBooks for sale by Walmart directly, not a third-party seller. These sale prices are available for online orders only. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Delivery is available as soon as December 23rd. Note that stock status may vary, check Walmart's site for availability. For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Mac Studio with M4 Max CPU on Holiday sale for $1799, $200 off Apple’s MSRP
B&H Photo has the standard-configuration Mac Studio model with Apple's M4 Max CPU in stock today and on Holiday sale for $200 off MSRP, now $1799 (10-Core CPU and 32GB RAM/512GB SSD). B&H also offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses. Their price is the lowest available for this model. For the latest prices and sales, see our Mac Studio Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Apple’s new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pros remain on Holiday sale for $250 off MSRP, prices start at $1349
Amazon is offering $250 discounts on new 14" M5 MacBook Pros as part of their Holiday sales, each including free shipping: - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Black): $1349.99, MSRP $1599 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Silver): $1349, MSRP $1599 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Black): $1549, MSRP $1799 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Silver): $1729, MSRP $1799 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB/Black): $1849, MSRP $1999 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB/Silver): $1799, MSRP $1999 These are the lowest prices available for new M5 MacBook Pros right now. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Holiday Deal: Apple AirPods 4 for only $74, normally $129
Walmart has Apple AirPods 4 now on Holiday sale on their online store for $55 off MSRP, only $74. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). This is the lowest price currently available for new AirPods among Apple's retailers: - AirPods 4: $74, $55 off Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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Apple’s 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs are back on Holiday sale again for $250 off MSRP, prices start at $949
Amazon has all 15" M4 MacBook Airs on Holiday sale again for $250 off Apple's MSRP, starting at only $949. Delivery is still available in time for Christmas. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $949, $250 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $1149, $250 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB/): $1349, $250 off These are the best Holiday sale prices currently available for 15" M4 MacBook Airs. For the latest sales & prices, see our 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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