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- Thursday December 18
- 03:53 pmHow to use ChatGPT with Apple Music when search comes up short
ChatGPT now supports Apple Music, giving subscribers a new way to discover and save music through conversation. Here's how to connect it, start using it, where ChatGPT is better, and where Apple Music search is better.How to use ChatGPT with Apple MusicOpenAI recently added Apple Music support to its ChatGPT app and it fills a gap Apple Music has struggled with for years. The integration works best when you know the kind of music you want, but Apple's search can't quite follow your thinking.Apple Music is fast and reliable when you already know what you're looking for. It's less helpful when discovery starts with a mood, a vague memory, or a poorly defined idea. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:45 pmApple TV expands ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ universe with new spin-off series starring Wyatt Russell | Mac Daily NewsApple TV expands ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ universe with new spin-off series starring Wyatt Russell
Apple TV on Thursday announced the expansion of Legendary’s Monsterverse with a thrilling new untitled prequel starring Wyatt Russell… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.03:35 pmApple’s OLED iMac: What to expect from the stunning display (and when)
Get ready for an OLED iMac, bringing a gorgeous new display to Apple’s all-in-one desktop computer for enhanced visuals. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:34 pmRivian rolls out software update 2025.46, including Universal Hands-Free driving and digital key for Apple and Android users | 9 to 5 MacRivian rolls out software update 2025.46, including Universal Hands-Free driving and digital key for Apple and Android users
Rivian has just shared details of its latest over-the-air software update 2025.46, which includes some of the new features announced during its recent AI and Autonomy event last week. The update features a new digital key function for Gen 2 R1 owners, “flavorful” drive styles, kick turns, tuning, and, of course, Rivian’s new Universal Hands-Free driving capabilities. more…03:15 pmWhy Apple plans to add more search ads to the App Store next year
You might not love that the App Store will introduce additional ad placements in search results, but Apple insists it's a good thing. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:51 pmApple announces changes to iOS in Japan
Apple has introduced updates to iOS apps in Japan in response to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). These changes provide… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:30 pmThis ChatGPT training course shows entrepreneurs the smartest ways to use AI
Save on the 2025 Complete ChatGPT Skills and Business Mastery Bundle. These courses will show you how to utilize the most popular AI around. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:14 pmStock futures jump after better-than-expected inflation data
U.S. stock futures climbed on Thursday following the release of cooler-than-expected November inflation data. The Consumer Price Index… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:14 pmSnapchat Quick Cut automatically creates music-synced videos in seconds
A new Snapchat Quick Cut feature has been launched, which enables you to automatically create music-synced videos in just a few seconds. The feature is exclusive to the iPhone for now, with Android support promised for a later date … more…02:00 pmMake taking iPhone screenshots easy again
iPhone screenshots can be simple again. Change a setting, and you can get rid of the complex new system Apple created for iOS 26. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:47 pmEpic Games CEO slams Japanese App Store 'junk fees' following App Store tweaks
As expected, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to social media to complain about the "junk fees" he says will prevent "Fortnite" from returning to the iPhone.Tim Sweeney is, once again, mad at Apple. Image source: Epic GamesApple announced on December 17 that it is introducing support for third-party app stores and payment processors to Japanese iPhones. But if you thought that news would make Tim Sweeney happy, think again.As a recap, Apple's announcement brings Japanese iPhones closer to the way iPhones function in the European Union. The rule changes mean that third-party app stores can be installed, while developers can also choose how they accept payments for apps and digital goods. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:43 pmApple gift card safety questioned after terrifying account lockout
The safety of buying Apple gift cards from anywhere other than the company itself has been called into question after a frankly terrifying story of a well-known developer and author getting locked out of his account. Organizer of the /dev/world conference Paris Buttfield-Addison described what happened after he attempted to redeem an Apple gift card purchased from a well-known bricks-and-mortar retailer … more…01:00 pmHR’s 2026 Playbook Signals a Human-Centric Tech Reset
Burnout, AI anxiety, and rising expectations around pay and growth are pushing HR leaders to rethink how technology, transparency, and people strategy intersect in 2026. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.12:38 pmOLED iMac in the works, says report – with two catches
We’re expecting to see an OLED MacBook Pro launching next year as part of a major redesign, but we haven’t previously heard anything about when Apple might bring the display tech to the iMac. A new supply chain report says that Apple is now working on this, but there are a couple of key things to note … more…12:38 pmNew iMac with OLED display may launch in 2027
A new supply chain report suggests that Apple is planning to update its 24-inch iMac with OLED to make an improved and noticeably brighter display.The current 24-inch iMacIt's been described as the perfect Mac, but still the 24-inch iMac has seen only minor updates since it first moved to Apple Silicon in April 2021. Now it's reported that Apple is looking to at least significantly improve the display in a future release.According to The Elec, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to both Samsung Display and LG Display. An RFI typically includes finalized specifications for what a company wants, and the display firms can now bid to develop and supply it. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:15 pmiPhone 17e: Everything you need to know
Macworld iPhone 17e: Summary A19 processor Possible new display with Dynamic Island Single rear camera MagSafe support Spring 2026 release Apple launched a new series of iPhones at the end of 2025: the iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max as well as a brand new iPhone Air, but there was no new iPhone 17e for those hoping for an update to the budget iPhone. This wasn’t a surprise: Apple released the iPhone 16e in February 2025 to replace the iPhone SE, so an update to the iPhone “e” series phones wasn’t expected to arrive until early 2026. If you’re considering buying an iPhone 17e, this is the place to keep up to date on its development. We’ll keep track of the latest reports and provide our analysis to help you decide if the iPhone 17e is the right phone for you. At a glance: What to expect from iPhone 17e 6.1-inch OLED display with Dynamic Island A19 chip Single 48MP back camera; 18MP front camera C1 cellular modem MagSafe support Black or white color options Like the iPhone 16e – and the iPhone Air – the iPhone 17e will likely have a single back camera.Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd iPhone 17e: Specs A19 with one fewer GPU than iPhone 17 MagSafe support C1X modem possible A December 2025 report in The Information claimed that Apple will add MagSafe support to the iPhone 17e, one of the features that is notably missing from the 16e. When we reviewed the 16e, the lack of MagSafe was one of its major shortcomings. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the iPhone 17e will have an A19 chip. If this is the case, it will be the same A19 chip as is used by the iPhone 17. There may still be a difference, though: Apple uses binned chips in the “e” series. The A18 in the iPhone 16e has one fewer GPU core than the A18 in the standard iPhone 16; the A19 in the iPhone 17e will likely have one fewer GPU core than the iPhone 17. In August 2025, a leaker named Digital Chat Station also reported that the iPhone 17e will have an A19 chip. Apple’s C1 modem first appeared in the iPhone 16e, and rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will use the same modem. However, it could take the newer C1X modem as found in the iPhone 17 series, which is apparently two times faster than the C1 while using 30% less energy. iPhone 17e: Display Might have Dynamic Island instead of notch. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch screen, which is larger than that of the iPhone 16 (6.1-inch). The iPhone 17e is not expected to get a bigger screen. It will likely sport a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, the same as the iPhone 16e. This was reported by Digital Chat Station in August, who also said that the display will have a Dynamic Island, which would be a change from the notch on the iPhone 16e. In December 2025, The Elec reported that BOE will provide OLED displays to Apple for the iPhone 17e. BOE also provided OLEDs for the iPhone 16e. Samsung Display and LG Display are expected to also provide 17e displays. The display, according to The Elec, will have thinner bezels than the 16e. The Elec said the 17e will start shipping early next year. iPhone 17e: Cameras 18MP front camera Single rear camera The iPhone 17e will likely continue to have a single 48MP camera on the back and a 12MP camera on the front, just like the iPhone 16e. This was reported by Digital Chat Station in August. However, the front-facing cameras across the iPhone 17 range have all been updated to 18MP, so it is possible that the iPhone 17e will see the same update to the selfie camera. If so, it will also include a square sensor capable of taking photos in any orientation without requiring the user to rotate the phone. The notch may be replaced by the Dynamic Island in the iPhone 17e.Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd iPhone 17e: Design & Colors Likely black and white options There have been no reports relating to the iPhone 17e’s colors. The iPhone 16e is available in black or white, and we expect the same for the iPhone 17e. No changes are expected for the design, although, as mentioned above, the new iPhone 17e could have a Digital Island instead of the notch at the top of the screen. iPhone 17e: Release date Expected to arrive in spring 2026 Like the SE, Apple started shipping the iPhone 16e in early 2025, several months after the rest of the iPhone 16 line. According to reports, the iPhone 17e has entered test production runs to prepare it for a spring 2026 release. A report stated that iPhone 16e sales are not doing as well as Apple would like. It’s not clear if this will affect the release of the iPhone 17e. iPhone 17e: Price Starting at $599 The iPhone 16e starts at $599, and Apple is expected to price the iPhone 17e at $599 as well, though no reports have been made so far. Tariffs and production cost increases may affect the price, but since the “e” series is considered Apple’s lowest-priced iPhone, the price would not exceed that of the iPhone 17, which starts at $799, and the iPhone 16, whose price has been reduced to start at $699.12:08 pmMore ads are coming to the App Store in 2026
Apple is preparing to present more ads during searches on the App Stores, but has told advertisers they can't pay to get better positioning.App Store ads. While reports of ads coming to Apple Maps remain rumors, Apple has announced that it is adding "additional ads across search queries" in the App Store from 2026. The new ads will appear inline within the search results, while the existing ones will continue to be at the top of the list.Apple's note to advertisers and developers about this stresses firstly that they do not need to do anything to appear in these new ad slots. But then secondly, it says that they actually cannot do anything to appear in them. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:00 pmEpic Games accuses Apple of ‘competition-crushing’ junk fees as battle continues
Another country, another continuation of the ongoing antitrust battle between Epic Games and Apple over third-party app stores. While Apple has enabled support for third-party app stores within another country, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney isn’t happy with the arrangements … more…11:39 amPSA: This is your last chance to get AirPods Pro 3 for $50 off in time for Christmas
Good morning! Well folks, this is it. I’ve been telling you for the last six weeks to buy AirPods Pro 3 this holiday season, and this is your last call. I’ll be honest, this last hurrah comes as a surprise. Amazon has done the unexpected and dropped AirPods Pro 3 back to their all-time low of $199. AND! The logistics wizards at the company say your order will arrive before Christmas with time to spare. Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (Reg. $249) | All-time low more…11:30 am2025 Macworld Awards: Apple’s biggest wins and misses
Macworld As 2025 comes to a close, Macworld is proud to present our Apple awards,ta look back at the best and worst of everything released over the past 12 months. It was a busy year for Apple, with new products across its entire range of products, including iPhone, iPad, AirPods, Mac, and even Vision Pro. So join us as we recognize the products that made the most impact in 2025: iPhone/iOS Emma Rowley / Foundry iPhone of the Year: iPhone 17 The iPhone 17 isn’t just the best iPhone of 2025; it’s the best iPhone of the last five years. Apple finally stopped holding back features that should be table stakes for an $800 phone. You get double the storage, 120Hz ProMotion, 50 percent higher peak brightness, always-on display, better cameras, and speed and battery life that both exceed last year’s Pro model. All without raising the price. There’s never been a better year not to go Pro. — Jason Cross Apple iOS feature of the year: Tackling Spam Call Screening will silently answer unknown numbers and ask them to say why they’re calling, and you can see it all right on screen. It’s a great way to eliminate spam calls without missing legit calls from numbers that just aren’t in your contacts. Couple that with new spam filtering in Messages, as well as in the Phone app and FaceTime, and Apple is finally doing something about one of the biggest pain points of using a smartphone. There’s still a long way to go, but since upgrading to iOS 26 and enabling these features, I’ve noticed a big drop in the number of times a day I pick up my phone only to immediately hang up on a solicitation message. — Jason Cross Britta O’Boyle Color of the Year: Cosmic Orange For the company that ostracized beige as the default color in computing when it launched the out-there Bondi Blue iMac in 1998, Apple has been rather tame in terms of its recent color choices. The iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange is therefore a refreshing shock to the system and a vibrant return to form. Orange is no longer restricted to traffic cones and dodgy Seventies furniture. The Apple Store should hand out sunglasses for the crowds picking up the vibrant new iPhone and ignoring the dark blue one. There’s even a growing range of orange accessories available for the new phone. — Simon Jary Apple Oddity of the Year: iPhone Pocket Readers of a certain vintage who still fondly remember when Apple released a pair of socks for its iPod back in 2004, were rocked once again with the unexpected—and indeed unasked-for—iPhone Pocket, which the company described as “a singular 3D-knitted construction designed to fully enclose iPhone, while expanding to fit your everyday items”. Designed in conjunction with the Issey Miyake design studio famous for Steve Jobs’ trademark turtleneck, the iPhone Pocket comes in eight crazy colors, including Peacock, Sapphire, and Cinnamon. We all laughed until it sold out in mere minutes. — Simon Jary Foundry Flop of the Year: Liquid Glass Liquid Glass was Apple’s bold new, all-encompassing design language that radically changed the look of Apple’s software across all of the OS 26 software updates. Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design, tried to channel his inner Jony Ive by describing it as making “even the simplest of interactions more fun and magical.” We didn’t get that. Instead, Liquid Glass is the worst example of flamboyance over function, the opposite of Ive’s philosophy. — Simon Jary Mac/macOS Foundry Mac of the Year: M3 Ultra Mac Studio Overall, 2025 was a quiet year for Mac hardware, but one Mac made a sizable impact on Apple’s lineup. The Mac Studio was a bit of a surprise because its M3 Ultra chip was released out of sequence with Apple’s usual cadence. Still, in the Mac Studio, it’s the fastest Mac available, leaving the M2 Ultra Mac Pro behind—way behind. At thousands less, it basically renders the Mac Pro irrelevant to everyone who doesn’t really need an expansion card. With its exnihilating CPU speed, powerful GPU performance, and robust expandability, the Mac Studio became King of the Macs in 2025. — Roman Loyola Den M5 gibt es bisher nur in der Basisversion, 2026 kommen dann der M5 Pro und M5 Max. Apple Chip of the Year: M5 To say, “Apple is on a roll,” undercuts how much momentum the company has with its chips. Apple silicon is downright killing it, and the M5 chip exemplifies why. Making its debut in the MacBook Pro, the M5 provides an ideal and unprecedented combination of processing speed, graphics power, and energy efficiency in a consumer-level chip. The M5 is so good that Apple felt that it could wait until next year to release the M5 Pro and Max variants. — Roman Loyola Foundry Disappointment of the Year: Mac Pro While every other Mac has some version of the M4 and the 14-inch MacBook Pro has an M5, Apple’s most expensive Mac still has the same M2 Ultra chip it got back in June 2023. Meanwhile, the Mac Studio with a superior M3 Ultra costs a couple of thousand dollars less, and I’m left to wonder: How can Apple charge upwards of $10,000 for a Mac with a two-plus-generation-old chip? There were plenty of opportunities to update the Mac Pro in 2025, but instead, Apple let it languish another year with the same aging processor. iPad/iPadOS Foundry iPad of the Year: iPad Pro M5 Apple updated three of its four iPads in 2025 (sorry iPad mini), but the M5 iPad Pro is really the only one that could be considered for this distinction. All three updates were essentially chip refreshes (A14 to A16 (iPad); M2 to M3 (iPad Air); M4 to M5 (iPad Pro), but only the iPad Pro delivered a noticeable boost over its predecessor. Add in 50 percent more entry-level RAM, faster Wi-Fi, and fast charging, and you’ve got an upgrade worthy of a pro. — Michael Simon Apple Update of the year: iPadOS 26 This year’s WWDC keynote was jam-packed with features, from Liquid Glass to Live Translation and revamped app designs. But the star of the show was iPadOS 26, which introduced a new interface that incorporated many of the visual and productivity elements users have wanted for years, with resizable windows, macOS-like multitasking, and a new lease on life. — Michael Simon Apple Watch David Price / Foundry Watch of the year: Apple Watch SE 3 Strictly speaking, the Series 11 was the best Apple Watch to come out this year (I find the Ultra models too bulky for everyday wear), but the SE 3 was without a doubt the one I’d recommend to a friend. It’s nearly as good and far better value. As part of the 2025 refresh, the SE gained an always-on display, a bigger and longer-lasting battery, improved scratch resistance, new health features and gestures, on-device Siri, and the option of 5G. And all that for $249! Forget the Series 11; this has everything you need from a smartwatch at an excellent price. — David Price Services Apple Apple TV show of the year: ‘Pluribus’ There’s something nerve-wracking about recommending a TV show in the middle of a run–particularly one as unpredictable as *Pluribus*. Who knows where it will go from here? But just six episodes into the debut season of this frequently funny, occasionally harrowing sci-fi drama, and even against strong competition from the second season of *Severance*, I feel (reasonably) confident naming this as the Apple TV show of the year. As you’d expect from a Vince Gilligan production, *Pluribus* flips seamlessly between slow-burn beauty and sudden shocking action, between grief and humor and mystery. And Rhea Seehorn is superb as the last unhappy woman in the world. Maybe it’ll go downhill at some point, but let’s enjoy the ride while it lasts — David Price Foundry Service of the year: News + Apple TV and Music may get all the attention, but Apple News+ came into its own in 2025. Apple’s daily puzzles had long revolved around somewhat pedestrian offerings, such as crosswords and Sudoku, but a completely original concept, Emoji Game, quickly became a unique and highly entertaining option for users seeking original concepts. And for those of us who have grown sick of the fluff and intrusive ads we come across when Googling recipes, Apple News+ added a new search function that lets you find recipes and view the ingredients and directions in a clutter-free interface. Neat, right? It gets better. You can directly set timers based on the stated durations and add the listed ingredients to your Reminders app. — Mahmoud Itani