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- Thursday December 11
- 06:11 pmAirTag 2 to get improved tracking in crowds and while moving
Code references in iOS 26 back up claims of improved precision tracking for Apple's second-generation AirTags, particularly for situations the current model struggles with.Next-generation Apple AirTags will look the same, but feature improved range and location tracking.Following references to home accessories, an updated Studio Display, and upcoming iPads, now yet more snippets have been found in iOS 26 code. This time the most significant ones include more details of the expected AirTags 2.There have already been references to a second generation AirTag in iOS code, but this latest discovery by Macworld gives a little more detail. It has consistently been expected that a second generation AirTag would have better or more precise tracking, and now it appears that there will be: Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:03 pmGoogle announces experimental ‘Disco’ browser with ‘GenTabs’ powered by Gemini 3
Google Labs today announced “Disco” as an experiment to “shape the future of web browsing.” The first flagship feature of this AI browser is the Gemini 3-powered “GenTab.” more…06:01 pmApple preps HomePad hub and at least one new camera-equipped accessory, internal code reveals | Mac Daily NewsApple preps HomePad hub and at least one new camera-equipped accessory, internal code reveals
A leak from internal iOS code shows Apple appears poised to revolutionize its smart home lineup with a mysterious new hub dubbed "HomePad"… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.06:00 pmNew AirTag 2 leak reveals five improved features coming
A new AirTag was long rumored to launch in 2025, but that hasn’t happened yet. When the upgraded AirTag 2 product does arrive though, a new leak has revealed five improved features it could bring. more…06:00 pmiOS 26 tweaks iPhone Always On Display in a way you might not like
Apple’s Always On Display has been fairly consistent since it debuted on iPhone 14 Pro. With iOS 26, Apple quietly changed how it works in a way that may not be obvious. more…05:46 pmShazam unlocks what makes chart-topping songs unforgettable
The new Shazam Popular Segments feature tells you exactly which bits of songs resonate with people worldwide. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)05:29 pmShazam’s new feature reveals which song moments grab user attention
Whether you’re a music creator or simply a fan, you might be interested to learn which moments in a song grab the most user attention. That’s exactly what Shazam’s newly launched ‘Popular Segments’ feature reveals. more…05:22 pmApple’s next HomePod mini and AirTag upgrades surface in leaked internal code
Macworld After a quiet 2025, evidence suggests Apple is working on modest but highly anticipated updates to two of its accessories. New evidence found in a leaked internal build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld reveals an unreleased HomePod mini, as well as unannounced AirTag features that suggest a second generation is coming soon. Upgraded HomePod mini The HomePod mini was introduced in 2020 as a cheaper alternative to the larger HomePod. Since then, it has been updated with new colors, but despite persistent rumors, the internal hardware has yet to get an update. But according to Apple’s internal code, a new HomePod mini is finally on the way. The new version of the HomePod mini is identified by the codename B252, which aligns with a report published by MacRumors earlier this year. The product is expected to be powered by the same S10 chip found in the latest Apple Watch models. Today’s HomePod mini still runs on the aging S5 chip, so a newer, more efficient processor would deliver faster performance and better wireless reliability rather than any major functional changes. Based on what’s in the code, this upcoming model seems to be little more than a spec bump. Even with the new chip, the new HomePod mini is unlikely to support Apple Intelligence features, which will likely arrive in Apple’s upcoming smart home hub device. As Macworld previously reported, the rumored “HomePad” device is believed to include an A18 chip, which is capable of running on-device AI features. Apple’s Airtag will reportedly gain better tracking with the upcoming second-generation update.Foundry AirTag set to gain more precise location tracking The leaked code also reveals hints of what to expect for the future of AirTag. Apple’s item tracker is set to gain a handful of new features, including an improved pairing process, enhanced Precision Finding, and detailed battery level reporting. Apple is also working on a feature called “Improved Moving,” which will likely allow users to find the precise location of an AirTag even when it’s moving around, one of the limitations of the current AirTag. Another feature seems focused on improving accurate tracking in crowded places. While some of the new features may arrive for the current AirTag via a software update, Apple has long been rumored to introduce a new generation of AirTag with an upgraded ultra-wideband chip, which would improve the Precision Finding feature. All of these AirTag features found in the code are targeted for iOS 26, so it’s likely Apple will announce them in the first half of the year. Interestingly, these capabilities are tagged internally as “2025AirTag,” which strongly suggests that the product was originally slated for release this year but was quietly pushed to next year. With both the refreshed HomePod mini and next-gen AirTag showing up in internal software, 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for Apple’s accessories.05:00 pmMake home automation affordable with last-minute Aqara smart-home deals
These days lots of people automate their homes. Shop Aqara's sale on smart-home devices and save on great gifts. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:55 pm42 U.S. Attorneys General warn Apple, other tech firms on AI harms
Attorneys General have sent a letter to 13 tech companies, including Apple, urging stronger safeguards against harms from generative AI… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.04:46 pmDeals: AirPods Pro 3 best price ever at $199, Mac mini $479, 2025 iPad Air Magic Keyboard Amazon low, more | 9 to 5 MacDeals: AirPods Pro 3 best price ever at $199, Mac mini $479, 2025 iPad Air Magic Keyboard Amazon low, more
Apple Watch Series 11 is all-time low at $199 shipped! Stock has been coming and going, but Amazon keeps bringing back the deal so get in there while you can. more…04:45 pmToday in Apple history: iPhone factory deaths spark investigation
On December 11, 2013, a Chinese labor rights group called on Apple to investigate the deaths of workers at a Pegatron iPhone factory. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:29 pmAirPods Pro 3 drop under $200 just in time for your last-minute shopping
Macworld The AirPods Pro 3 haven’t really gotten a proper deal until now because it seems like Apple wants you to get these as stocking stuffers. For the first time ever, these buds are down to $199, a savings of $50 over at Walmart and $20 cheaper than their Black Friday discount. We gave the AirPods Pro 3 a 4.5-star rating and our Editors’ Choice award, loving just how comfortable and secure they fit thanks to new foam-infused tips. We concluded that while the improvements may seem small when compared to the previous model, they actually make a big difference with a better fit, improved sound, and longer battery life. The third-generation model also brings upgraded noise cancellation and Transparency mode, as well as a streamlined design featuring a built-in heart-rate sensor. The buds support Apple’s new Live Translation feature, so they’re super useful when traveling, while the new heart rate monitor keeps track of your health while exercising. We didn’t expect AirPods Pro 3 to drop under $200 until next year, so we’re glad to see the AirPods Pro 3 down to $199 this close to the holidays. So grab a pair while they’re still on sale. Buy now at Walmart04:28 pmFour new iPhones coming next year, with one launch very soon
Apple is likely done launching new products this year, but the company has plenty in the works for 2026, including four new iPhone models—one of which is expected to arrive very soon. more…04:09 pmApp age verification in action: What you share and who gets your information
App age verification isn’t just a theoretical concept being debated in Congress. A number of laws have already passed that require platforms to verify age for users in select states. For example, the Twitter/X alternative Bluesky went offline for me in August rather than comply with an age verification law where I live. This week, I can use the app again — as long as I share a bit of personal information with a third-party service I’ve never heard of. This is likely a preview of what to expect for more apps in more places going forward. more…04:08 pmWhy you’ll want Apple’s ‘HomePad’ smart home hub
Apple's HomePad smart home hub starts to look interesting, especially after the latest rumors reveal advanced features. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:59 pmAirPods Pro 3 hit their best-ever price at $199, plus more AirPods deals
There are plenty of holiday deals for AirPods shoppers this year, but the standout offer by far right now is on AirPods Pro 3. Amazon has now dropped the price on AirPods Pro down to their lowest ever at $199, a whopping $50 off the regular price of $249. That’s an incredible, unprecedented savings on Apple’s latest-generation headphones. Plus, we’re tracking deals on AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Max, and various Beats products. Head below for all the details. more…03:39 pmDJI Neo 2 is now the most Apple-friendly drone ever
DJI has made flying a drone feel a whole lot more futuristic. With a brand-new firmware update, the DJI Neo 2 now supports Apple Watch remote control, letting you steer, track, record, and manage your drone right from your wrist. And here’s the kicker: the original DJI Neo is getting the same Apple Watch compatibility soon, making this upgrade a big win for every buyer in the Neo lineup. If you’re an Apple user who’s been flirting with the idea of buying a drone, this is the moment DJI clearly wants you to jump in. more…03:39 pmApple AirPods Pro 3 plunge to $199, the lowest price ever
Amazon's $199 AirPods Pro 3 deal delivers the lowest price to date on Apple's latest earbuds, with delivery by Christmas.Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $199 at Amazon, beating Black Friday pricing by $20 and providing holiday shoppers with a great deal on a popular gift idea.Buy AirPods Pro 3 for $199Today's best AirPods deals Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:01 pmApple's new home accessories leaked via internal code — Home Hub & smart camera
The long-rumored tablet device we've dubbed Home Hub is imminent, and code found in an internal build of iOS 26 suggests it and another home device are being readied for release.Apple Home Hub to arrive in 2026 with Apple IntelligenceThe Home Hub codename first appeared in September 2024, and information around the device began trickling out more regularly since. There's also been rumors of Apple entering the smart camera market, but details there are still sparse.It seems Macworld has got its hands on some internal build of a future version of iOS 26, which has so far provided a bit of detail about the upcoming Studio Display and soon-to-be updated iPad models. The next revelation found in the code reveals some tidbits about the Apple Home Hub and at least one of its smart cameras. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums