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- Monday December 08
- 11:44 amWedbush raises its Apple price target to $350 over AI expectations and staff changes
Investment firm Wedbush has increased its Apple price target both because of its belief that changes in executives mean that Apple Intelligence will succeed in 2026.iPhone 17 Pro models continue to be a hitIn October 2025, Wedbush raised its Apple target from $310 to $320, specifically because of sales of the iPhone 17 range. Now its analysts say that these latest iPhones are continuing to be a success, but also that there is now to be a sea change for Apple Intelligence.Apple has long said that an Apple Intelligence-enhanced Siri will debut in 2026, but Wedbush is more focused on the expected partnership with Google Gemini. In a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, the company says it expects Apple to formally announce the partnership in early 2026. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:30 amThe iPhone SE is obsolete, and so is the last hope for a ‘normal’ iPhone
Macworld In “Wow, I feel old” news last week, Apple officially moved the original iPhone SE from the vintage to the obsolete list. That’s not just a nominal change; while vintage products can still access a limited range of repair services, obsolete ones are completely left out in the cold. At the ripe old age of nine (and the regulation seven years after it was dropped from sale), the SE has been declared an antique on borrowed time. As I discussed in our news coverage, this is a tricky moment for those who still use the 2016 SE and likely won’t be able to for much longer; official replacement parts won’t be available anymore, and non-official ones can be a bit of a lottery. It might be time to consider an upgrade. And the good news is that, after nine years of even quite slow tech development, whatever you buy next is going to feel like a Rolls-Royce. Still, the original SE was a good idea and a more-than-decent smartphone, and it remains a source of dissatisfaction for me that it led to only three things: one excellent successor, one bad successor, and a sense of bitter regret. Earlier this year, the third and apparently final SE was killed off in favor of the iPhone 16e, a misconceived product that isn’t exactly a disaster but certainly doesn’t do the things that made us love the 2016 and 2020 iterations of the SE. The glory days of the SE coincided with two changes in smartphone design: on an industry-wide level, from small to large handsets and displays; and at Apple Park, from the Home button to the Home indicator. In both cases, the SE offered consumers a way to hang onto the past while saving money. The iPhone X came out a year after the first SE, and instantly signalled a brave new world of Apple handsets… but like most brave new worlds, not everyone liked it. And the SE–small, cheap, decently powerful, and blessed with the reassurance of a press-in-case-of-emergency button–suddenly had a role as the anti-future candidate. It was the iPhone X’s job to lead the way, but it was the SE’s job to gather up the stragglers. Yet despite hitting paydirt with the peerless second model, Apple never quite seemed to understand the attraction of the SE. Otherwise how do you explain the fumbled third generation? The winning formula contained three factors: fairly fast performance; a small and somewhat older and smaller chassis design; and a low price. It was a carefully calibrated balancing act. But for the 3rd-gen SE, Apple jacked up the price, upgraded the processor to the extent that it was faster than $1,000 Android phones, and left the physical design untouched, so it moved from “charmingly old-fashioned” to “wildly outdated.” Maybe Apple never understood the formula. Or maybe it just didn’t want to get good at selling low-margin phones. Perhaps the SE’s glory days were only possible because the smartphone industry was going through a couple of specific design evolutions: ones that, for a time, a significant proportion of customers would actively prefer to avoid. An appealing and successful SE today wouldn’t, in my opinion, have a Home button. But I think there are niches where Apple could find space for a fourth SE, and appeal to customers who don’t think the iPhone 16e is for them. One is size. I don’t think the market for small phones has vanished, yet smartphone makers cater to this demographic less than ever. Apple would point to the apparently unsuccessful iPhone 12 and 13 mini, but they were premium phones. Apple hasn’t taken another swing at a small, cheap iPhone. Again, perhaps it doesn’t want to. Another, which will probably become relevant at Apple Park next year, is foldables. If Apple does indeed enter the folding phone market, expect wider shifts in both supply and demand. But the demand for a “normal” phone won’t vanish, and we’ll find ourselves with another niche for older-fashioned design, ready for the 4th-gen iPhone SE to slide in and clean up. Just as long as Apple remembers that the budget price tag is just as much a part of the SE’s appeal as its retro design. But while we wait for the iPhone Fold, here’s one more idea for an anti-future iPhone. Just as big-screen smartphones were everywhere in 2017, AI is omnipresent in 2025. How about an iPhone that’s guaranteed Apple Intelligence-free? I know I’d pay $429 to never see another Genmoji. Do with that what you will, Tim. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but it’s cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Trending: Top stories The iMac is dying a slow death and Apple doesn’t care. RAM prices are out of control. Should Apple users be worried? Mahmoud Itani used all of Photoshop’s new AI features on his Mac. Here are the wild results. Apple’s new AI leader has one job: Save the entire industry. QuickTime turns 34! Yes, Apple’s big bet on ‘multimedia’ still matters. Filipe Esposito reveals three iPhone 17 Pro features that continue to surprise him every day. The home office Apple device Filipe Esposito can’t live without is the one you’d least expect. Podcast of the week We’re starting to hear more reports about Apple’s upcoming folding iPhone. We dissect all the rumors in the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast. You can catch every episode on YouTube, Spotify, Soundcloud, the Podcasts app, or our own site. Reviews corner AVG Internet Security for Mac: Solid antivirus and anti-malware protection. Adobe Premiere Elements: There’s a cool new tool, if you can use it. Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagGo: Elegantly speedy wireless charging station. Sharge Icemag 3: Speedy power bank with its own light show. The rumor mill Hidden image suggests ChatGPT app might get Apple Health integration. Video of the week @macworld.com Apple’s AI chief is OUT #apple #ai ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld Apple’s AI chief is OUT! All is revealed in our latest short. Enjoy our short-form video on TikTok or Instagram. Software updates, bugs, and problems Apple’s software went wrong under Dye, but now there’s a chance to set things right. Russia blocks FaceTime in ongoing crackdown of foreign tech platforms. macOS Tahoe was a nightmare of freezes on Michael Simon’s MacBook. Here’s how he finally fixed it. The iPhone 17 Pro lost a key feature in the Camera app, and users are upset. And with that, we’re done for this week’s Apple Breakfast. If you’d like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters, including our new email from The Macalope–an irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.11:24 amApple published a new Press Release
Apple just published a new Press Release:Apple Manufacturing Academy launches virtual programming10:00 amRumor: Apple, Intel deal could see Intel begin to manufacture some iPhone chips in the next few years | PowerPageRumor: Apple, Intel deal could see Intel begin to manufacture some iPhone chips in the next few years
Following up on reports that Intel may start manufacturing chips for some Mac and iPad units over the next few years, a new rumor states that the partnership could extend to manufacturing chips for the iPhone. Per MacRumors, a research note with investment firm GF Securities this week, analyst Jeff Pu said he and his […] Source08:00 amShipping is free on these $200 MacBooks
Macworld TL;DR: Get a $999 MacBook Air for $200. A good MacBook Air can be a real workhorse for the basics, whether you need something to run basic productivity apps or a lightweight machine to take with you on the road. This MacBook Air would normally cost $999, but right now, it’s on sale for $199.97. Take a look at what it can do. This MacBook has a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, which keeps browsing, writing, video streaming, and productivity apps running smoothly. The 128GB SSD helps the system boot quickly and opens files without delay. Its 13.3-inch widescreen display has a 1440×900 resolution that stays clear for documents, videos, and multitasking. The lightweight aluminum design makes it easy to bring your computer with you anywhere, and the battery can last up to 12 hours, depending on usage. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support keep your wireless accessories connected, and macOS Monterey compatibility gives you access to updated apps and settings. This refurbished unit has a Grade A/B rating, meaning it may show light cosmetic wear but has been inspected, cleaned, and tested to verify full functionality. A third-party 90-day warranty is included for added reassurance, along with a MagSafe charger. Shipping is free. Get a MacBook Air while they’re on sale for $199.97. Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13″ i5 1.8GHz 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.08:00 amSave your memories (and some cash) with these Photo Backup Stick deals
Macworld TL;DR: These universal Photo Backup Sticks let you safely save every photo and video across devices—with no cloud, no subscriptions, and two affordable pre-holiday pricing options. Your photos and videos deserve more than living scattered across phones, laptops, and old devices you keep “just in case.” You can finally protect everything with smart, cross-platform technology that keeps your memories safe without the stress. Choose between the 64GB Photo Backup Stick Omega Universal for $35.99 or the 128GB version for $47.99—both designed for fast, duplicate-free, worry-free backup. What makes the Omega Universal stick different is how effortlessly it works. It backs up photos and videos from Windows, Mac, Android (OTG), and iOS—all without relying on cloud subscriptions or confusing software. Plug it in, tap a button, and it automatically saves only new files, skipping duplicates and keeping your folders neatly organized. You can even back up phones and tablets, no computer needed. Want to tidy things up? The built-in tools let you rotate, crop, and delete images right from the stick. Whether you need 64GB or 128GB, both sticks are compact, simple, and built for preserving the moments you never want to lose. Pick from the following options: 64GB Photo Backup Stick Omega Universal for $35.99 (MSRP $59.99). 128GB Photo Backup Stick Omega Universal for $47.99 (MSRP $79.99). Photo Backup Stick Omega Universal (128GB)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.04:16 amThe one executive Apple is fighting to keep
Apple may be on the verge of losing Johny Srouji, the architect behind Apple silicon and the A-series chips that power every iPhone. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)03:34 amThe Apple Watch Series 11 46mm GPS+Cellular is $70 Off
The Apple Watch Series 11 GPS+Cell 46mm size is marked $70 off on Amazon. Stay connected even when on the go, allowing you to take calls, send messages, download and listen to podcasts and music, and even contact emergency hotlines when you need help, even if your iPhone is not with you. It is now […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:33 amNew OpenAI Hardware by Jony Ive Prevented From Using the Name ‘io’
A temporary restraining order has been upheld by an appeals court in the United States that stops the hardware of Jony Ive and OpenAI from using io as the ‘io’ name for similar products to be released by iyO, a startup in AI audio. OpenAI debated that the first product of io is not going […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:32 amWho Will Be Apple’s Next CEO?
It is still a mystery who will take over as the Apple CEO when Tim Cook retires. John Ternus becoming the CEO has become uncertain, as some old executives at Apple are hoping for a little-known or unexpected person to join the candidates for Apple CEO. The widely viewed successor is still John Ternus; it […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:30 amIntel Chips May Be Branching Out to iPhones
Rumors are circulating that Intel will start supplying chips for Apple’s iPads and Macs in the coming years, and it might be branching out to iPhones. Jeff Pu, analyst, reports that they anticipate Intel and Apple to establish a supply deal. He added that iPhone non-pro chips will be created by Intel using their 14A […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:29 amThe Apple Watch SE 3 40mm GPS is $50 Off
Amazon has the Apple Watch SE 3 with GPS in 40mmsize marked $50 off, offering incredible value with powerful features for health, fitness, safety, and connectivity. The Apple Watch SE 3 has temperature sensing that gives you insight using the Vitals app. You can see your sleep score, potential sleep apnea via notifications, and see […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:28 amiPhone 17 Pro Models Drop Feature Present Since the iPhone 12 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro cannot capture photos in Night Mode under Portrait mode while using the Camera app. This feature has been available since the iPhone 12 Pro was released in 2020. You can try this for yourself by going to the Camera app, then selecting Photo in the carousel. Use your hand to cover […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:27 amApple to Light Up Battersea Power Station With Winning Submissions
In celebration of the winners of the Your Tree iPad creativity competition in the U.K. for the festive season, 24 submissions are shown on the Battersea Power Station from 5 p.m to 10:30 p.m daily up to the 24th of December. Apple invited UK users to design a digital Christmas tree on their iPad. The […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:25 amJohn Giannandrea Removed From Executive Leader Page
The Apple Leadership page has been recently updated. John Giannandrea has been removed from the list of executives, with the AI chief retiring in the Spring of next year and staying as an advisor for Apple until he leaves. The retirement was announced last Monday, and Apple has already updated its website for executive leadership. […] The post appeared first on iLounge.Sunday December 0711:50 pmFind My Saves Dave Barry’s iPad—Twice
Apparently, humor columnist Dave Barry’s brain is full, causing him to leave his iPad in public places—well, one public place—but Find My helped him recover it not just once, but twice. It’s a good reminder to turn on Find My and use Apple’s lost device options.Read original article11:17 pmApple TV previews new F1 streaming deal, confirms driver onboard cams will be included
Today was the last race of the 2025 F1 championship, and that also meant the last time ESPN will broadcast a race in the United States. From next year, Apple takes over with all races streaming as part of an Apple TV subscription. Apple released a new social media ad for the deal today, giving us our first look at how the F1 channel will look inside of the TV app. more…09:18 pmMeta Says Fuck That Metaverse Shit
Joz might want to use the word now, just to make jokes.09:16 pmHidden Setting Controls What Happens When You Tap a Call in the Phone App
In iOS 26’s Phone app, Unified view lets you tap a call to show contact info instead of initiating a callback. A hidden setting lets you switch that tap-a-call behavior back to a callback—but it appears only when in Unified view and isn’t available to those using Classic view.08:35 pmEvercore increases its Apple price target to $325 as it raises AI expectations
Investment firm Evercore has upgraded its price target for Apple to $325 yet again, with expectations that Siri's overhaul will be a major driver in the spring of 2026.An improved Siri could pay off for Apple, eventually - Image Credit: AppleEvercore has already made multiple target price increases since the start of September, with the latest occurring at a very late stage of the year. The investment firm has now upped its target from $300 to $325.The price upgrade story started on September 9, with a rise from $250 to $260 based on the strength of the iPhone 17 range. A second update in the same month hit $290, as the firm shifted its focus more on the main models rather than the iPhone Air. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums