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- Tuesday November 04
- 07:39 pmFirst iOS 26.2 beta hints at new AirDrop feature for secure sharing
Macworld Just one day after releasing iOS 26.1 to the public, Apple has made the first beta of iOS 26.2 available to developers. While it’s too early to know everything that will be coming in the update, we already have a clue about something Apple has been working on: making AirDrop more secure and private. Based on code discoveries, Macworld has learned that Apple is developing a new option that will presumably allow users to set a PIN code for AirDrop, so that other people will need this PIN before sending files via AirDrop. References to the ‘‘AirDropPINPairing’ feature were found in iOS 26.2 beta 1, but interestingly, this is not the first time we have found a reference hinting at updates to AirDrop. With iOS 26.1, Macworld found a mention of another feature called “AirDropPrivacyImprovements” being implemented by Apple. This could work similarly to Bluetooth pairing or AirPlay authentication, where the receiving device shows a short numeric code that the sender must confirm before a connection is established. The change would make AirDrop safer in public places, preventing unwanted or mistaken file transfers, an issue Apple has been slowly addressing in recent years. Currently, AirDrop lets users choose between three options: “Contacts Only,” “Everyone for 10 Minutes,” or “Receiving Off.” The new PIN pairing system could add an extra authentication option as part of Apple’s ongoing privacy initiatives. It’s not yet clear when or if AirDrop PIN Pairing will be officially introduced. The feature we found hidden in the code can’t be enabled in beta 1. Apple sometimes tests features internally for several beta cycles before making them available to the public. We’ll continue to keep an eye on upcoming betas to see how Apple develops this new AirDrop security mechanism. For now, iOS 26.2 beta remains available exclusively to developers, with a public beta likely to arrive later this week. There’s no word on when the update will be released to the public, but presumably it will land sometime in December.07:23 pmM5 Mac Mini, Mac Studio updates expected in early 2026
Desktop Mac users will have to wait until 2026 for updates, with M5 versions of the Mac mini and Mac Studio still rumored to be months away from release.Mac StudioApple's initial rollout of the M5 Apple Silicon lineup has started, but so far it has only reached one model of Mac. For Apple's desktop Mac selection, there will be a few months to wait before seeing any other model refreshes.In Tuesday's report about the low-cost MacBook rumor, Mark Gurman for Bloomberg writes that there will be multiple models arriving in early 2026. That roadmap includes a refresh of the Mac mini line to include M5 and M5 Pro variants. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums07:22 pmiOS 26.2 adds Liquid Glass slider to customize your Lock Screen
iOS 26.2 beta 1 is now available for developers, and it adds a new Liquid Glass slider for customizing the time on your iPhone’s Lock Screen. Here’s how it works. more…07:15 pm9to5Mac Daily: November 4, 2025 – iOS 26.1 now available
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: Never lose a file again. Use code “9to5daily” at checkout for 20% off or try for free. more…07:02 pmApple pushes Home app update requirement to February 2026
Apple plans to end support for the previous version of Apple Home on February 10, 2026, according to an updated support document published… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.07:01 pmAirPods Live Translation feature coming to the EU next month
After being delayed due to the regulatory uncertainty of rules surrounding the Digital Market Act, Apple has now confirmed that the flashy Live Translation feature for AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation will be available in the European Union from next month. The feature requires compatible AirPods paired to an iPhone capable of running Apple Intelligence, that is iPhone 15 Pro or newer. It will presumably debut in the EU as part of the iOS 26.2 update, which hit the developer beta channels today. more…06:58 pmiOS 26.2’s Apple News app has a new and improved design
Apple released the first beta version of iOS 26.2 today to developers, and it includes some key design changes for the News app. Here’s what’s new. more…06:50 pmiOS 26.2 includes three helpful upgrades to Apple Podcasts app
Apple is upgrading its built-in Podcasts app with three changes starting with iOS 26.2. The upgrades include two new features and a major enhancement to an existing feature. more…06:46 pmiPhone 18 Pro may get one of these three colors
A new leak suggests Apple is testing out three new iPhone 18 Pro colorways, but only one of them will make it to the finish line.The iPhone 18 Pro lineup could come in one of these three colorsIt's November, which means we're starting to get more reports about the next-gen iPhone model. Plenty of the 2026 rumors have centered around the iPhone Fold, but this one focuses on the iPhone 18 Pro line.According to known leaker Instant Digital, Apple is testing out three new colors for the 2026 Pro iPhone lineup. In a post made to Weibo, they say Apple is testing out a coffee color, a purple, and a burgundy. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:44 pmApple Launches Unified App Store Website
Apple has quietly launched a unified App Store website that brings together all its platform stores into a single responsive, searchable interface—though downloading still requires native apps.06:44 pmApple Launches Unified App Store Website
Apple has quietly launched a unified App Store website that brings together all its platform stores into a single responsive, searchable interface—though downloading still requires native apps.06:28 pmFirst developer beta of iOS 26.2 arrives, but macOS Tahoe is missing
Apple has started a brand new developer beta testing cycle, issuing the first round of builds for iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2, but not macOS Tahoe 26.1.Apple's hardware that works with the 26-generation operating systems - Image Credit: AppleThis is the start of a brand new set of developer betas, following the release of the 26.1 generation. That included the release candidate betas, which arrived on October 28 after four prior beta builds.iOS 26.2 beta 1 is build 23C5027f Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:20 pmBudget-friendly MacBook ship date pushed to 2026
While previous rumors have claimed a late 2025 release date for a budget MacBook, Apple is rumored to be now testing the model, with a ship date of some time in early 2026.The current 15-inch MacBook AirThe current entry-level model in Apple's MacBook roster is the MacBook Air. However, if a report is true, there may be an even cheaper option arriving in the future.According to Mark Gurman in a Tuesday report for Bloomberg, Apple's working on a budget MacBook model to take on the low-cost Chromebooks and Windows notebook market. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:12 pmApple Prepares To Enter Low-Cost Laptop Market for First Time
Apple is preparing to enter the low-cost laptop market for the first time, developing a budget Mac aimed at luring away customers from Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs. Bloomberg News: The new device -- designed for students, businesses and casual users -- will target people who primarily browse the web, work on documents or conduct light media editing, according to people familiar with the matter. [...] Apple plans to sell the new machine for well under $1,000 by using less-advanced components. The laptop will rely on an iPhone processor and a lower-end LCD display. The screen will also be the smallest of any current Mac, coming in at slightly below the 13.6-inch one used in the MacBook Air. This would mark the first time that Apple has used an iPhone processor in a Mac, rather than a chip designed specifically for a computer. But internal tests have shown that the smartphone chip can perform better than the Mac-optimized M1 used in laptops as recently as a few years ago. Read more of this story at Slashdot.06:11 pmwatchOS 26.2 makes a big change to Sleep Score, here’s what’s different
One of the headlining features of watchOS 26 is Sleep Score, which provides a nightly score and classification of your sleep on Apple Watch. With today’s release of the first betas of watchOS 26.2 and iOS 26.2, Apple has a few changes in store for Sleep Score. more…06:08 pmApple’s upcoming budget laptop has PC makers ‘freaking out’
With Apple developing a low-cost laptop to rival Chromebooks and Windows laptops, signs suggest the PC industry is worried. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)06:07 pmwatchOS 26.2 beta 1 and more Apple betas available now
Apple just kicked off a new round of beta software releases: beta 1 for watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and more are available for developers. more…06:07 pmApple releases first iOS 26.2 beta for iPhone
Apple has released the first iOS 26.2 beta for developer beta testers. The new developer beta comes one day after Apple officially released iOS 26.1 for everyone. more…06:07 pmiPadOS 26.2 beta 1 is now available
At the start of the week, Apple released iPadOS 26.1 for all users. Now, just one day later, a new round of beta software updates is here, including iPadOS 26.2 beta 1. more…05:55 pmThe brand-new, fully loaded Apple Watch Ultra 3 is already $100 off right now
Macworld The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has only been out for a few weeks, but we’re already seeing its first impressivediscount. Right now, you can snag one for $700 at Amazon, a $100 discount that’s basically unheard of for a new Apple product. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a massive upgrade over the previous generation, featuring a longer-lasting battery (42 hours vs 36 hours), a superb titanium design, and a flurry of new features, including satellite SOS communication, 5G, and a larger display. Not only did we give this stellar smartwatch a 4.5-star rating in our review, but we also stated that it’s more of a mini iPhone than a smartwatch since you can use it to text, make calls, or stream music without needing an iPhone nearby. Now that the battery easily lasts for up to two days with normal use or three days in Low Power Mode, the Ultra 3 is even more useful if you love going off the beaten path. The watch is also handy for tracking workouts, monitoring your heart rate, and alerting you of high blood pressure So stop wasting time and get this uber-rare $100 discount on the fantastic Apple Watch Ultra 3. $100 off for the Ultra 3 already? Yes, please!Buy now at Amazon