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- Friday December 05
- 02:30 pmiPhone full again? This $35.99 photo backup stick fixes it instantly.
The Photo Backup Stick Omega Universal packs 64GB of storage and tips for USB-C, Lightning and micro USB. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:21 pmNetflix is buying HBO Max, Warner Bros. in blockbuster $83 billion deal
Netflix has just announced a massive deal that, if it earns regulatory approval, could change the Hollywood landscape forever. Netflix is acquiring Warner Bros. in an estimated $82.7 billion deal, and will take ownership of its film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO. more…02:18 pmLisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, to retire in January 2026 | Mac Daily NewsLisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, to retire in January 2026
Lisa Jackson, vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, will retire in late January 2026. The Government Affairs… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:14 pmRumor suggest obvious: iPhone Fold to be eSIM only
A popular rumor monger shared that the iPhone Fold will most likely be eSIM only, which seems obvious, given it will be based on the eSIM-only iPhone Air.iPhone Fold will be another controversial device from AppleThe iPhone Air is controversially only available with an eSIM, which introduces some immediate limitations on the global market. It even delayed the launch of the slim iPhone in China to mid-October due to regulatory issues.The iPhone Fold is likely to run into a similar problem. Instant Digital shared what seems like more guesswork than rumor on Weibo, first shared by MacRumors, where they say iPhone Fold "has a great probability of not having a SIM card." Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:57 pmNetflix beats Apple to buy Warner Bros
Despite reports that Apple TV was in talks to buy Warner Bros whole library, the venerable film studio has been bought by Netflix.HBO Max will now be owned by Netflix if the deal meets regulatory approvalFrom its start in 2019, a criticism of Apple TV has been that its catalog of films and TV shows is minuscule compared to rivals such as Disney+ and Netflix. It was constantly rumored to be looking to buy a library of films, and in October 2025, Warner Bros executives were said to be talking with it and others.At that point, Warner Bros had reportedly rejected bids from Paramount Skydance, leaving Apple TV, Netflix, Comcast, and Amazon in the running. According to trade paper Deadline, though, Netflix has now sealed the deal. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:02 pmAlan Dye & John Giannandrea are leaving Apple on this week's AppleInsider Podcast
Your AppleInsider Podcast host Wesley Hilliard is joined by guest Tim Chaten to discuss the implications of Apple's latest high-profile departures, plus they get into the future of Apple Vision Pro on AppleInsider+.Liquid Glass is controversial, but it isn't going anywhere. Image source: AppleOpenAI could be working on an integration that ties Apple Health data to ChatGPT, though nothing about it is known so far. It could work by sending user data to OpenAI servers, or it may utilize the private connection via Siri that ensures user data isn't saved or used for training.John Giannandrea is retiring from Apple, but it may not be for the reason you think. Many believe Apple's AI rollout would lead to Giannandrea's ultimate departure, but Apple has chosen to replace him with another just like him. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:30 amThree iPhone 17 Pro features that continue to surprise me every day
Macworld When announcing the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, Apple highlighted the usual upgrades like design refinements, a faster chip, and, of course, the new Cosmic Orange color. But I bought a silver iPhone 17 Pro Max instead of orange, and after spending two months with it, the obvious things aren’t the ones I appreciate most. Instead, these are three upgrades that still surprise me months later. Zoom zoom! Apple surprised the world when it added a second lens to the iPhone 7 Plus for 2x optical zoom. It didn’t take long for smartphones with multiple lenses to become standard in the industry. However, as time went on, competitors ended up introducing phones with much greater zoom range than the iPhone. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max already had a telephoto lens capable of taking photos and filming videos with 5x optical zoom. I particularly love using this lens as it gives photos a more professional look, especially when it comes to portraits. I also like having the best zoom for plane spotting. The iPhone 17 Pro’s 48MP telephoto lens lets you zoom in up to 8x without losing detail, even in low light. With the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, Apple switched up the telephoto camera. Instead of a 5x 12MP lens, the telephoto camera now has a 48MP sensor with 4x optical zoom. While the drop from 5x to 4x may sound like a downgrade at first, I ended up loving the change. First, the new sensor is much larger, 56 percent larger, to be exact. A larger sensor captures much more light, resulting in more detail and less noise, especially in low light. Telephoto photos taken at night are noticeably better compared to those taken with the iPhone 16 Pro camera. At the same time, I feel that the 4x versus 5x zoom makes it possible to use the telephoto lens on more occasions. With the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I had to move much further away from the subject to use the telephoto lens. The 4x camera is more suitable for portraits. The 4x zoom is powerful enough for most situations, and can get you great angles without you having to get closer to the subject. Also, because the sensor now has 48 megapixels, Apple has come up with a cool trick. Essentially, the Camera app can crop the image from the sensor to capture photos and videos with 8x zoom at 12 megapixels. The result isn’t perfect, but it’s decent enough to capture things that are far away. This is probably the camera I use most on my iPhone, and the photos and videos I’ve taken so far are simply stunning. It didn’t seem like much at the time, but Apple made the right upgrades with the iPhone’s telephoto lens. Super selfies It had been a while since the iPhone’s front camera had received any major upgrades, but that changed with the iPhone 17. All new models in the lineup got a new square-shaped sensor that takes 18MP photos, versus 12MP on the old one. The first thing I noticed is that selfies taken with the new camera have a bit more detail, especially when you zoom in. But the real difference comes when night falls. The new sensor performs significantly better in low-light scenarios. That alone makes the upgrade worthwhile for creators. But there’s something else that made me love the new selfie camera on my iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple significantly upgraded the selfie cam on the iPhone 17 this year.Foundry As I reviewed here previously at Macworld, the new square-shaped selfie camera sensor also enables a new feature that lets users reframe the photo in portrait or landscape orientation without actually having to rotate the phone. Essentially, you can take a photo from four different perspectives from the same angle. This is also great for vloggers, as the feature works for videos as well. This means you can hold your phone vertically, which is much more comfortable and natural, and still shoot videos horizontally. It’s especially useful on the iPhone 17 Pro Max due to its extra-large screen and body. Cool under pressure The iPhone 17 Pro is the first iPhone with a redesigned cooling system that includes a vapor chamber. You can’t see it, but you can definitely feel the difference, especially if you use your phone heavily and are coming from an older iPhone. In short, a vapor chamber is essentially a thin sheet of metal with a liquid inside. When the phone heats up, the liquid instantly evaporates, helping to spread the heat throughout the chamber. The first advantage, of course, is the fact that the phone no longer gets extremely hot in your hands. This was something that bothered me in previous generations of the iPhone, and I’m glad Apple has fixed it. But I also get better sustained performance, as the phone doesn’t need to throttle the speed of the CPU and GPU to prevent overheating. This means I no longer experience any lag on your phone, even when playing 3D games or editing videos. The iPhone 17 Pro’s new vapor chamber does a remarkable job keeping things cool.Apple Small upgrades that make a difference After two months, these are the upgrades that continue to shape my experience with the iPhone 17 Pro Max in ways I didn’t fully expect. The new telephoto lens gives me more flexibility and better zoom, the selfie camera finally feels like a real step forward for creators, and the vapor chamber quietly transforms how fast, cool, and consistent the phone feels during long sessions. None of these changes sound as exciting as a brand new design or hot new color, but they’re the kinds of upgrades that actually matter when you use your iPhone every day. And in a year when many people say smartphones are becoming “boring,” the iPhone 17 Pro lineup proves there’s still room for improvements that make the experience better in invisible ways.10:15 amiPhone Air resale value declines dramatically, according to SellCell study
You may love or hate the iPhone Air and think that it’s either a terrific idea or a soon-to-be-discontinued brick, but industry analysts may side with the latter opinion. According to a ten-week analysis published by SellCell, the iPhone Air’s configurations have lost almost 50 percent of their value within ten weeks of launch. SellCell, […] Source10:00 amApple to expand Apple Watch, AirPods medical features to additional countries
A number of medical features, including the Apple Watch hypertension notifications, sleep apnea alerts, as well as the AirPods Hearing Test and Hearing Aid have expanded to a number of new countries. Apple Watch hypertension notifications and sleep apnea alerts, as well as AirPods Hearing Test and Hearing Aid, are now available in these new […] Source08:00 amSay goodbye to blurry nighttime pics with the first-ever smartphone telescope
Macworld TL;DR: Get the Vaonis Hestia Smartphone Telescope Ultimate Pack, the first-ever smartphone-based telescope for $239.97 (reg. $299). Hurry, deal ends Jan. 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. If your camera roll is filled with blurry moons and washed-out night shots, this deal on Hestia is an immediate upgrade. The Vaonis Hestia funnels light directly into your smartphone’s camera for increased clarity, contrast, and stability—meaning your phone can finally capture details it was never designed to reach on its own. Turn your smartphone into a powerful stargazing tool Pair it with the Vaonis app, and you get guided positioning and target tracking that make it easy to land on celestial objects without guesswork. Say hello to 5x sharper images and up to 25x the magnification — all with no battery needed. If you’re an explorer or just curious about the universe, this is an easy way to bring crisp stargazing to your pocket. The Hestia Ultimate Pack adds useful extras, including a sun filter and a carry case, giving you both nighttime and daytime viewing options in a compact, travel-ready setup. It’s a far more approachable entry point than a full telescope, especially for anyone who wants meaningful sky views without lugging around heavy gear or learning complex controls. For an optical system, app integration, and accessory bundle that elevates a device you already own, the value is clear. Get the Vaonis Hestia Smartphone Telescope Ultimate Pack for 20% off — just $239.97 (reg. $299) now through Jan. 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Hestia: First Ever Smartphone-Based Telescope (Ultimate Pack)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.04:00 amHow to buy a used Mac and not get ripped off
Buying a used Mac can be a great deal. But, if you don't check carefully, you might inherit someone else's issues or just get ripped off. Here's what to look for.There are a few things to know about buying a used MacThe secondhand market offers great deals, but it may have machines still linked to an Apple ID or managed by a company. Additionally, some might be hiding expensive hardware issues.Apple designs its computers to be durable, making them great for resale. Even a five-year-old MacBook Air can still feel fast, and older Intel models often support modern macOS versions. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:46 amHookup Review – An App Where You Meet New People or Go On a Date
Dating apps have evolved from swiping left or right, and it’s now easier than ever to find like-minded people. HookUp.com is one of the newest apps that offer several options to go with the modern times. In this HookUp review, we’ll find out if it’s worth downloading and trying out. HookUp.com Dating App – First […] The post appeared first on iLounge.01:53 amAlan Dye Was in Tim Cook’s Blind Spot
How could someone who would even *consider* leaving Apple for Meta rise to a level of such prominence at Apple, including as one of the few public faces of the company?Thursday December 0411:53 pmSpongeBob and PowerWash Simulator headline today’s six additions to Apple Arcade
As announced a few weeks ago, Apple Arcade added multiple new titles today, including SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit 2 and PowerWash Simulator. Here’s the full list. more…11:33 pmSlide this slim Find My tracker in your wallet for just $24
MagTag functions similarly to AirTag, but the wallet tracker's credit card-size design is a massive improvement for sliding into tight slots. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)10:59 pmSam Altman and Jony Ive lose appeal over ‘io’ name
The legal fight between OpenAI and iyO took another turn, following a decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Here are the details. more…10:23 pmtvOS 26.2 receives second release candidate build only a day after the first
Apple has issued a second release candidate update for tvOS 26.2, following the first release candidate deployed on Wednesday.tvOS 26.2 has received a second release candidate build.On December 3, release candidates for most of Apple's major operating systems were made available to registered developers. Release candidates represent the final stage of beta testing, and it looks like tvOS 26.2 needed a few last-minute fixes from Apple.On Thursday, only a day after the initial batch of release candidates was sent out, tvOS 26.2 received a second RC build. Thursday's software update changes the build number to 23K53, from the previous 23K51. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums10:16 pmWoah! Two more high-profile execs set to leave Apple.
Right after UI chief Alan Dye quit Apple, two more executives are poised to leave the company. Next out the door are Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, and Kate Adams, Apple’s general counsel. Kate Adams and Lisa Jackson retiring from Apple Jackson will retire in late January 2026, according […] (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)10:05 pmMessi and Müller renew rivalry in MLS Cup final on Apple TV this Saturday
Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps face off in a showdown supercharged by the blockbuster renewed rivalry between Lionel Messi and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.09:57 pmApple executive shuffle continues with Lisa Jackson and Kate Adams retiring
Both Lisa Jackson, VP for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, and Kate Adams, Apple's general counsel, will retire in 2026, with roles moving to Jennifer Newstead in the new SVP General Counsel and Government Affairs role.Lisa Jackson will no longer have to stand on the roof of Apple Park. Image source: AppleIt's been a busy week for Apple executive moves. First, it was revealed that John Giannandrea is retiring, then Alan Dye is moving to Meta and taking his core design team with him.Now, Apple has shared that general counsel Kate Adams and VP for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson are both retiring in 2026. The transition will result in a new role called SVP of General Counsel and Government Affairs under Jennifer Newstead. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums