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- Thursday December 18
- 08:03 pmApple updates developer agreement with new privacy rules, Japan-specific terms, more
Apple has added new provisions to multiple sections of its Developer Program License Agreement, including Japan-specific terms, following yesterday’s announcement of changes to the App Store. Here’s what’s new. more…07:02 pmApple kicks off development of OLED panels for future iMac models
Apple has officially kicked off a project to bring OLED display technology to its iMac lineup, marking a significant shift from the current… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.06:48 pm9to5Mac Daily: December 18, 2025 – iOS 26.3 beta testing begins
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 Backblaze: Give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Till the end of the month, 9to5Mac listeners get 30% off with code 9to5Xmas. more…06:31 pmWhy iPhone Air feels removed from time
When Apple released the radically new iPhone X in 2017, it marked the beginning of a years long march into a new era of iPhone design. A year later, iPhone XR replaced the legacy iPhone 8, bringing a corner to corner display, Face ID, and the gesture based experience that largely retired big bezels and the Home button. Eight years later, iPhone Air stands as the closest thing Apple has delivered to another iPhone X moment. The leap is narrower in scope, but no less intentional. Where iPhone X reset expectations across the entire lineup, iPhone Air represents a deliberate divergence. Its ultra thin design favors a futuristic feel over feature maximalism, carving out a distinct place alongside Apple’s more traditional models. iPhone Air is also expected to remain on the market longer than iPhone X did. Apple replaced iPhone X with iPhone XS in less than a year. iPhone Air, on the other hand, has a looser relationship with time. more…06:02 pmAirPods Pro 3 are back down to $199 ($50 off) at Amazon
Amazon's $199 AirPods Pro 3 deal delivers the lowest price to date on the earbuds, with delivery by Christmas to select locations.Grab AirPods Pro 3 at the best $199 price.Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back down to $199 at Amazon, beating Black Friday pricing by $20.Buy AirPods Pro 3 for $199 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:02 pmAirPods Pro 3 are back down to $199 ($50 off) at Amazon
Amazon's $199 AirPods Pro 3 deal delivers the lowest price to date on the earbuds, with delivery by Christmas to select locations.Grab AirPods Pro 3 at the best $199 price.Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back down to $199 at Amazon, beating Black Friday pricing by $20.Buy AirPods Pro 3 for $199 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:02 pmAirPods Pro 3 are back down to $199 ($50 off) at Amazon
Amazon's $199 AirPods Pro 3 deal delivers the lowest price to date on the earbuds, with delivery by Christmas to select locations.Grab AirPods Pro 3 at the best $199 price.Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back down to $199 at Amazon, beating Black Friday pricing by $20.Buy AirPods Pro 3 for $199 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:02 pmAirPods Pro 3 are back down to $199 ($50 off) at Amazon
Amazon's $199 AirPods Pro 3 deal delivers the lowest price to date on the earbuds, with delivery by Christmas to select locations.Grab AirPods Pro 3 at the best $199 price.Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back down to $199 at Amazon, beating Black Friday pricing by $20.Buy AirPods Pro 3 for $199 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:59 pmGoogle Pixel tweaks emoji designs to match iPhone in latest Android 16 beta [Gallery]
As a part of the Android 16 QPR3 beta update that rolled out to Google Pixel phones yesterday, Google has also updated its emoji set to include a few refreshed designs ahead of a larger update to come. more…05:56 pmThe folding iPhone is coming – and you might not be able to get one for months
Apple might struggle to make enough folding iPhone units to meet demand for its new flagship smartphone. Here's why. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)05:23 pmApple TV unveils first look at ‘Imperfect Women’ created by Annie Weisman
Apple TV on Thursday unveiled the first look at “Imperfect Women,” the new psychological thriller starring Elisabeth Moss… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.05:15 pm'Physical' creator Annie Weisman returns with Apple TV thriller 'Imperfect Women'
Apple TV is expanding its psychological thriller lineup with a limited series adaptation of Araminta Hall's "Imperfect Women", coming in 2026.Image Credit: Apple TVAnnie Weisman, creator of the Apple TV dramedy "Physical", is back with another project for the small screen. This time, it's based on Araminta Hall's gripping, immersive novel, "Imperfect Women."The story follows three lifelong friends as a murder shatters their decades-long friendship. The story, as Apple TV describes, "explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that irrevocably alter our lives." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:15 pmToday in Apple history: The iPhone arrives — but it’s not made by Apple!
On December 18, 2006, the iPhone was announced -- but it wasn't made by Apple. Instead, it was a Linksys iPhone from Cisco Systems. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:46 pmApple Opens iOS To Alternative App Stores, Payment Systems in Japan
Apple has announced a sweeping set of changes to iOS in Japan that will allow alternative app marketplaces, third-party payment processing, and non-WebKit browser engines -- all to comply with Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act, which takes effect December 18. The changes, now available in iOS 26.2, bear a strong resemblance to Apple's compliance measures for the European Union's Digital Markets Act but differ in key ways. Japanese developers who want to offer alternative payment options must display them alongside Apple's in-app purchase system, giving users a choice at checkout rather than replacing Apple's option entirely. Apps cannot be distributed directly from websites as they can in the EU; they must go through an authorized marketplace. Apple has established a tiered fee structure for the new arrangements. Apps distributed through the App Store using in-app purchase will pay between 15 and 26% depending on whether developers qualify for the Small Business Program. Alternative payment processing drops the 5% payment fee but keeps the base commission. Apps distributed outside the App Store pay a flat 5% Core Technology Commission on digital goods and services. The company introduced several user-facing changes beyond app distribution. iPhone users in Japan will see browser and search engine choice screens during device setup, can assign third-party voice assistants to the side button, and can select alternative default navigation apps. Apple said it worked closely with Japanese regulators on protections for younger users. Apps in the Kids category cannot link to external websites for purchases, and users under 13 cannot access web links for transactions in any app. An Apple spokesperson told Bloomberg that the company has no plans to extend these changes to other markets. Read more of this story at Slashdot.04:45 pmDeals: AirPods Pro 3 $199, 24GB M5 MacBook Pro $250 off, M3 iPad Air $200 off, black Trail Loop, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: AirPods Pro 3 $199, 24GB M5 MacBook Pro $250 off, M3 iPad Air $200 off, black Trail Loop, more
Just when you thought the Apple deals were about to start ramping down ahead of the holidays, Amazon has announced a M4 MacBook Air back at $250 off and the most affordable 24GB M5 MacBook Pro at $250 off, but we also spotted a new all-time low on the most affordable M3 iPad Air models at $200 off, and the 2025 black Apple Trail Loop at its best price to date too. Head below for a closer look, AirTag price drops, smart home gear, chargers, and more. more…04:43 pmiPhone roadmap rumors, iOS 26.2 released, Apple Music in ChatGPT
Benjamin and Chance discuss the late-in-the-year public launch of iOS 26.2, and the beginning of the 26.3 beta cycle. The Information has some juicy new details about the forthcoming iPhone roadmap, ChatGPT adds a clever Apple Music integration, and Chance tried using the PSVR2 spatial controllers with his Vision Pro. And in Happy Hour Plus, there’s more tantalizing evidence of a higher-end iMac in the works. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Udacity: Try risk-free for seven days at udacity.com/happyhour with code happyhour. Sponsored by Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/happyhour. Sponsored by HelloFresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Get 10 Free Meals with free Breakfast For Life at HelloFresh.com/happyhour10fm. more…04:36 pmReport: Apple is beginning development on a 24-inch OLED iMac
Macworld Just when you thought we were going to get through the year without a really juicy iMac rumor, in comes a report from Korean publication The Elec. According to its report, Apple has placed “Requests for Information” with Samsung Display and LG Display regarding OLED displays that could be used for a future iMac. An RFI is basically when a company asks suppliers to provide specifications and other details about a part that the company needs for product development. According to The Elec, Apple has stated in its requests that it is looking for a 24-inch OLED display that offers 218 pixels per inch density and 600 nits of brightness. That’s the same size and density as the current LED-based iMac display, but with higher brightness. However, there’s one big caveat that The Elec points out: “RGB OLED technology capable of reliably mass-producing 20- to 30-inch displays has not yet been developed.” Mass production has been for much smaller displays, so if Apple proceeds with an OLED iMac, suppliers need to develop a manufacturing process to create the displays, which will take some time. The Elect reports that Apple could complete development of the OLED iMac by 2027 or 2028. If everything goes as scheduled, the OLED iMac would ship in 2027 at the earliest (if development finishes in the early part of the year). But more likely it would be available in 2028 or 2029. It’s also possible that Apple could decide to scrap the project during the development stage. Apple has been gradually upgrading its devices from LED displays to OLED. Apple’s current iPhone lineup uses OLEDs. The iPad Pro is the only iPad with an OLED, but reports say that Apple has plans to bring it to the iPad mini and iPad Air in the next year or two. Reports have also said that Apple plans to release an OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro in the second half of 2026. @macworld.com Mac legacy #imac ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld04:33 pmThe M4 MacBook Air returns to its $749 all-time low
Macworld If you’re still looking for the perfect gift, stop right there — we know what you need. The M4 MacBook Air is down to $749 at Amazon, a massive $250 discount for one of the best laptops out there. In fact, most configurations are $250, with many still able to arrive before December 25. View at Amazon Powered by the speedy new M4 chip, the MacBook Air features a stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display that makes everything look incredible, whether you’re streaming your favorite shows or tackling work projects. While we reviewed the 15-inch version, the 13-inch model offers the same features we loved, earning it a perfect 5-star rating. The excellent performance of the M4 chip is always worth mentioning, and so is the ability to connect two external displays via the Thunderbolt 4 ports. Throw in 16GB of memory and a 256GB SSD, and you have a fantastic laptop. You’ll love using this laptop for video calls and Zoom meetings, as the 12MP Center Stage camera will capture all details in perfect detail. While we wish storage upgrades were more affordable, the Thunderbolt 4 ports are perfect for hooking up a speedy external drive. Snag the MacBook Air M4 for $749 before the deal runs out, so you can get it for an amazing price and have it delivered in time for the holiday. Buy now at Amazon04:21 pmApple TV’s next big psychological thriller gets a premiere date
Apple TV’s account on X confirmed today the premiere date for its upcoming psychological thriller with a star-studded cast. Here are the details. more…04:20 pmM5 MacBook Air: Everything you need to know
Macworld M5 MacBook Air: In summary M5 MacBook Air is expected to be released in spring 2026. Processor refresh with the new M5 chip anticipated. No other design or spec changes expected. U.K. and European shoppers will probably have to buy their own Power Adapter. Now that the M5 MacBook Pro is here it is only a matter of time before the M5 MacBook Air arrives. A gap of a few months between the launch of the M5 MacBook Pro and M5 MacBook Air is likely, so we anticipate that we will see the M5 MacBook Air in the first half of 2026. A spring launch seems most likely: Apple’s M4 MacBook Air was released in March 2024, about a year after the M3 version was released and Apple appears to be on a yearly cycle with the MacBook Air. We expect that the next generation of MacBook Air could be released in the spring of 2026. We can get a good picture of what to expect now that the M5 chip has arrived on the scene, with Apple describing the M5 as offering a “big leap” in AI performance. The M5 offers a new 10-core GPU architecture with a Neural Accelerator in each core, which Apple says means it can provide “over 4x the peak GPU compute performance compared to M4”. How these gains will translate to the MacBook Air remains to be seen, as the MacBook Air is usually a little less powerful than the equivalent MacBook Pro due to cooling space constraints. We will soon be running tests on the M5 chip so will get more of a picture of what to expect. This article will keep track of what’s being reported and rumored about the upcoming MacBook Air, as well as offer a perspective based on Apple’s current lineup. M5 MacBook Air: Specs With the M4 MacBook Air, Apple upgraded the built-in camera to a 12MP Center Stage camera and the ports from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4. With all those recent changes in mind, the M5 MacBook Air doesn’t have much else that clearly needs an upgrade. So, the new MacBook Air will likely be little more than a processor refresh. We can paint a picture of what to expect based on the existing M4 MacBook Air and the new M5 MacBook Pro. As usual, the specs of the entry-level MacBook Air are likely to include a GPU with fewer cores, and the mid-range MacBook Air is likely to match the spec of the entry-level MacBook Pro, but with half the storage. That is one specification that we’d like to see change: the 256GB SSD is on the small side. However, considering how long it took for Apple to get rid of the 8GB RAM configuration, Apple may stick with the 256GB SSD base model for a couple more generations. All models will start with the 16GB RAM configuration, as has been the case since Apple introduced it mid-way through the M3 cycle (October 2024). So, expect the following: M5 with a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, 256GB SSD, Thunderbolt 4 M5 with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, 256GB SSD, Thunderbolt 4 M5 with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB unified memory, 512GB SSD, Thunderbolt 4 When we benchmark the M5 chip we will include that information here, but we expect gains on the M4 chip. There will also be build to order options for up to 32GB memory. It’s not known if the 4TB SSD option that is now available on the M5 MacBook Pro will be available, we don’t expect it to be though. In the U.K. and Europe Apple has left the power adapter out of the box, so it is likely that this will be the case for the MacBook Air when it launches. In July, AppleInsider reported that the code names for the new laptops are J813 (13-inch Air) and J815 (15-inch Air). MacRumors reported in December 2025 that references to the M5 MacBook Air appeared in a set of leaked Apple files. M5 MacBook Air: Design No changes expected The current design for the MacBook Air was introduced in 2022. Since it’s only a few years old, we don’t expect it to change with the M5 release. With the M4 MacBook Air, Apple introduced a Sky Blue color to replace Space Gray, but it is unlikely that we will see any new colors for this generation. Apple introduced Sky Blue as a color option with the M4 MacBook Air.Eugen Wegmann M5 MacBook Air: Display The rumor mill has reported on plans for the company to implement OLED displays in its MacBooks, with the MacBook Pro getting the new display first, but that probably won’t happen until 2026. The MacBook Air could follow in 2027, but it’s also possible Apple will continue to offer the standard Liquid Retina display to keep the lines separate, as with the iPhone and iPad. M5 MacBook Air: Release date Expected in the first half of 2026 Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in March 2025 that Apple is working on the M5 MacBook Air, but did not mention when it would be ready. But we can guess based on the availability of the M5 series of chips, which are now available in the M5 iPad Pro and M5 MacBook Pro. A gap of a few months between the launch of the M5 MacBook Pro and M5 MacBook Air is likely, so we anticipate that we will see the M5 MacBook Air in the first half of 2026. The new MacBook Air could appear even sooner though: On September 28, 2025, Gurman reported that various M5 models were coming between “the end of the year and the first quarter of next year,” and he listed the M5 MacBook Air as well as the M5 MacBook Pro, both of which he said were “nearing mass production”. On October 16, Gurman reported that the M5 MacBook Air is scheduled for a spring 2026 release. M5 MacBook Air: Price We don’t expect the pricing to change, especially as the MacBook Pro pricing hasn’t changed. When it launched the M4 MacBook Air, Apple also cut the price of all models by $100, bringing the entry-level model down to $999. We haven’t read any reports about the pricing for the M5 MacBook Air. Apple will likely offer similar configurations to the M4, but it remains to be seen if the new lower prices will remain. The threat of tariffs by the U.S. government is a looming issue, which could affect prices. Apple could also keep the M4 around at $999 and start the M5 Airs at $1,099 like before. Here are the prices for the current standard configurations of the M4 MacBook Air. MacBook Air modelU.S.U.K.CanadaAustralia13in, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD$999£999$1,399$1,69913in, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD$1,199£1,199$1,699$1,99913in, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD$1,399£1,399$1,999$2,29915in, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD$1,199£1,199$1,699$2,09915in, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD$1,399£1,399$1,999$2,39915in, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD$1,599£1,599$2,299$2,699