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- Friday February 06
- 08:56 pmiPhone to boldly go where no smartphone has gone before
Macworld On March 6, NASA is scheduled to launch the Artemis II mission to the moon. And for the first time, it is allowing its crew members to take its smartphones with them, according to a recent announcement by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. While the iPhone wasn’t specifically addressed, Apple clarified to MacRumors that “this will mark the first time the iPhone has been fully qualified for extended use in orbit and beyond,” suggesting that at least one astronaut will be carrying an iPhone. NASA astronauts will soon fly with the latest smartphones, beginning with Crew-12 and Artemis II. We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world. Just as important, we challenged long-standing…— NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) February 5, 2026 According to Ars Technica, the decision to allow smartphones is part of an effort to “challenge requirements to ensure they are still needed today.” NASA has a long history of stringent requirements for the technology it uses–the newest camera on board the Artemis II is a 2016 Nikon DSLR, reports Ars Technica. Having an iPhone on hand will allow the astronauts to capture moments at a whim. The iPhone made its first space voyage in 2011 when two iPhone 4s were on the space shuttle, but they apparently were never used. Smartphones have been used by passengers on private space trips. The iPhone on Artemis II does bring up one major question: How does it appear on the Find My app? Will Find My show a map of the moon with an icon representing the iPhone? That would be cool.08:36 pmApple says ‘random or anonymous chat’ apps no longer welcome on the App Store
Apple has updated its App Review Guidelines to expand the list of user-generated content experiences that can be removed from the App Store without notice. Here are the details. more…08:26 pmCarPlay could soon support third-party AI voice assistants like ChatGPT
CarPlay could soon support more than just Siri, as Apple explores wider access for third-party voice tools.Apple may open CarPlay to third-party AI assistantsIt looks as though Apple is gearing up to allow third-party chatbots on CarPlay. This would allow users to query voice-enabled chatbots directly through the CarPlay interface.Until now, Apple has kept voice assistants off CarPlay, save for its first-party assistant, Siri. However, with the slow rollout of the new, more personal Siri, Apple may feel the pressure to give its users options. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums07:55 pmApple’s AI-powered health service is reportedly on life support
Macworld A new report from Bloomberg says that the long-in-development subscription health service is on the rocks. The centerpiece of the service, which some have been calling “Health+” was to be an AI wellness and fitness coach, code-named Mulberry. As part of an executive shake-up, with Eddy Cue now heading up Apple’s health initiatives after the departure of Jeff Williams last year, the Mulberry AI health coach project has been winding down. Apple has reportedly spent years developing the AI health coach, which would take data from the Health app and connected providers, Apple Watch, and other sources to provide insights and reports about users’ health, and also offer actionable recommendations. The service will reportedly use Health app data (from Apple Watch or other sources), new health surveys, and reports from external labs to inform the AI’s analysis and recommendations. According to the report, Apple even built a studio in California to produce videos that would explain medical conditions and guide users through wellness plans. The system was originally set to be a part of iOS 26, then got pushed back to a spring release, then bumped again to iOS 27 and watchOS 27 this fall. Now, it seems as if the entire AI health coach project has been put on the back burner, if not scrapped entirely. Services boss Eddy Cue, now in charge of Apple’s health efforts, has reportedly told colleagues that “Apple needs to move faster and be more competitive in health,” citing features in apps from Ouya and Whoop as more compelling and useful. This could be good news for those with subscription fatigue. The report says that some parts of the project, such as the analysis of Health app data and the video content, could be rolled out this year as regular Health app features. It also mentions that Apple is working on a system to use the iPhone camera for gait analysis. iOS 27 and watchOS 27 are due to be reelased in September, following a preview at WWDC in June.07:46 pmApple reportedly bringing third-party AI chatbots to CarPlay
While AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini feature conversational voice mode, the apps don’t exactly work well with Apple CarPlay. That will soon change, it appears, with an upcoming iOS software update. more…07:34 pmNew Spotify experiment tells the backstory of the songs you’re listening to
The new feature, currently in beta, is rolling out to select Premium users in six countries. Here are the details. more…07:18 pmHomeKit Weekly: Check in on the abode alarm system with Apple Home support
Since early 2020, I’ve used abode as my primary security system and have done so across two seapraye homes. It is now 2026, and in the world of smart home tech, six years is usually an eternity. I continue to get emails asking if I am still using it, or if I’ve jumped ship to some thing. I wanted to take an opportunity to update my review for 2026, discuss how the hardware has held up, and frankly, warn you about which hub you should buy for HomeKit. more…06:51 pmBlowout AirTag deals deliver prices as low as $17, discounts up to 41% off
With the release of the AirTag 2, Amazon is clearing out last-gen AirTags with discounts of up to 41% off.Get an AirTag for just $17 during today's sale - Image credit: AppleAirTag deals have dropped prices to as low as $17 heading into the weekend, as retailers clear out last-gen inventory to make way for the 2nd Generation AirTag. You can grab a single pack for $17 at Amazon, with the 4-pack marked down to $64. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:37 pmApple’s big Super Bowl ad might not actually come from Apple
This Sunday is the Super Bowl, the biggest TV event of the year in the US. But aside from sponsoring the halftime show, you may not see much from Apple in terms of paid commercials—except for one F1 ad created by Cadillac. more…05:49 pmCapitol Hill probe spotlights claims Apple and Google were pushed to block ICE-monitoring apps | AppleInsiderCapitol Hill probe spotlights claims Apple and Google were pushed to block ICE-monitoring apps
The removal of an ICE-monitoring app almost a year ago has triggered new questions about whether the US Department of Justice crossed a constitutional line in its dealings with Apple and Google.How ICEBlock appeared in the App Store before being pulledOn Friday, House Judiciary Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin vowed to investigate the Department of Justice over allegations that it pressured tech giants into removing ICE tracking apps.In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Raskin asks, "Why is the Department of Justice (DOJ) violating the First Amendment by coercing big tech to block access to lawful apps that the American people use to record, report, and monitor the actions of our own government officers?" Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:42 pmNew Alexa’s issues are already making some users return to old Siri
Siri hasn’t yet gotten the big AI upgrades we’re expecting soon, but it sounds like Alexa’s recent AI revamp is already resulting in at least one user running back to the arms of “old” (current) Siri. more…05:25 pmThe button problem Apple fans can’t ignore
A lot of annoyed Apple fans are wondering why delete buttons vary across iOS. Apple has its reasons. See if you agree. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)05:24 pmApplications are now open for the 2026 Swift Student Challenge — but hurry
Aiming to encourage app development and celebrate the most creative participants, Apple's Swift Student Challenge is back and the winners will get to visit Apple Park.Apple's 2026 Swift Student Challenge is open for applications — image credit: AppleAs it has done now every year since 2020, Apple is running a Swift Student Challenge. Applications for the contest to find innovative new app developers are open now and close on February 28, 2026.Applications are sought from students working with Swift Playground 4.6 or Xcode 26, or later. As well as only around two weeks to apply, there are many eligibility requirements. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:07 pmSwift Student Challenge applications are now open, here are the details
Apple has just opened applications for this year’s Swift Student Challenge. Here are the details on how to apply. more…05:00 pmThe Viture Luma Ultra is almost the Apple Vision Air I’d like to see
What started life as a humble face monitor geared to watching video and playing games wherever you happen to be has now evolved into something drawing ever closer to a Mac-powered Vision Pro. The Viture Luma Ultra it isn’t perfect, but it is the closest thing I’ve seen yet to what I’d ideally like from a future Apple Vision Air product … more…04:41 pmDeals: AirTag Amazon all-time low, iPhone 16 Pro Max $611 off, M5 iPad Pro $399 off, Series 11, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: AirTag Amazon all-time low, iPhone 16 Pro Max $611 off, M5 iPad Pro $399 off, Series 11, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is now ready to go. Alongside ongoing $100 price drops across the Apple Watch Series 11 lineup with deals from $299, we are also tracking a new Amazon all-time low on AirTag at $17 as well as a the 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max at $611 off the original list courtesy of Amazon’s premium program. We also have a chance to score a 13-inch M5 iPad Pro 1TB cell model at nearly $400 off, iPad mini deals, and the best price to date on the Apple Crossbody Strap in black. Check it all out below. more…04:18 pmApple’s latest iOS 27 pivot is good news for the subscription-weary
Apple’s ’Services’ business has grown significantly in recent years, leading some users fatigued by an increasing trend toward subscriptions. But Apple’s reported iOS 27 pivot on a planned ‘Health+’ service is good news for the subscription-weary. more…03:58 pmForget the new AirTag and get a four-pack of the old model for just $64
Macworld So, there’s a new AirTagthat’s louder and a bit more accurate from longer distances. But otherwise it’s the same, so why pay full price when you can get a four-pack of AirTags 1 for $64? That’ $35 off the original price (the same price you’ll pay for AirTag 2) and the best price we’ve ever seen. Apple’s AirTags integrate directly with the Find My app on your iPhone and other Apple devices, allowing users to locate wallets, luggage, or backpacks with ease. Just open the app and use it to locate the tag by making it beep. When out of Bluetooth range, the tags will ping off other Apple devices nearby, which can come in handy when going on vacation. And since they have a replaceable battery, you won’t need to worry about charging it for about a year. The one downside of these tags is that they need a separate accessory to put one on a keyring, but you can get some for pretty cheap. And if you want to pop one in a bag or luggage, they’re small enough to fit anywhere. It’ll be a while until we see our first AirTag 2 discount, so grab this four-pack of AirTags for $64 while you still can. Buy now at Amazon03:52 pmiPhone 18 Pro Max battery life to increase again — but not by much
A new iPhone 18 Pro Max leak claims that will see the smallest year-over-year battery capacity increase in years, although the final use figures depends more on the power efficiency of the A20 processor.The iPhone 18 Pro Max should see an improvement in battery lifeRecent rumors have claimed that the expected iPhone Fold will have the largest-capacity battery the iPhone has ever had. But dubious leaks specifying a capacity figure claim it will be a 5,000mAh battery, and now the iPhone 18 Pro Max will reportedly beat it.That's according to leaker Digital Chat Station on Chinese social media site Weibo. He or she states that there will again be two models of the highest-end iPhone, with different battery capacities: Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:22 pmHow to factory reset AirTag 2
Whether you're handing off an AirTag or trying to resolve pairing issues, knowing how to properly reset Apple's item tracker ensures you can set it up on a new iPhone easily.How to factory reset a second generation AirTagEvery AirTag can be associated with only a single Apple Account. If you want to gift your AirTag to another person, you'll need to reset it. While this does take a little effort, the whole process can be done in a about a minute.Before you get started, we highly recommend that all small children and pets are out of the area while you reset an AirTag. AirTags, for all their usefulness, are choking hazards and can cause internal damage if they pass through the digestive tract. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums