The iPhone 17e still won’t be good enough to lure Android users
Macworld Apple and Google are preparing the latest versions of their entry-level smartphones. On February 18, the Pixel 10a will debut with a reworked Tensor G4 processor and support for a full year of OS updates. At around the same time, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17e, featuring MagSafe compatibility and upgraded chips. On the surface, both refreshes appear to be incremental. But a closer look at the rumored specifications suggests the Pixel 10a will still offer the stronger overall value for budget-conscious smartphone buyers. Not only will the iPhone 17e likely cost $100 more, but according to rumors, it’ll still miss out on several essential upgrades that have been standard on the budget Pixel line for a while. Camera: Two is better than one Photographers and content creators have long praised flagship iPhones for the exceptional camera systems they pack. Pro users get to pick between the ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses, letting them shoot nearby and distant subjects alike. However, despite Apple’s undeniable interest in mobile photography, its efforts don’t translate as vividly beyond the flagship line. When Apple introduced the iPhone SE with a single rear lens in 2020, the decision was arguably justified at the time due to the phone’s low cost. That’s no longer the case, however. The company now charges mid-range prices for its “e” iPhones, while still giving their cameras the budget phone treatment. The iPhone 17e won’t be cheap, and excluding a second rear lens makes little sense. The iPhone 17e will likely still have just one rear camera.David Price / Foundry Things get trickier for Apple when comparing the iPhone 17e to its primary rival—Google’s Pixel 10a. Budget Pixel phones have offered ultra-wide and wide rear cameras for a few years now, despite them costing significantly less than Apple’s “e” iPhones. If Google has done it, why can’t Apple? Another Pixel 10a camera win is Google’s superior AI photography features. Those opting for Android will get to utilize exclusive photography perks, like Best Take, and apply advanced edits unavailable natively on iOS. And we don’t expect the iPhone 17e to introduce any new tricks that aren’t already on the iPhone 17. Display: Half the hertz hurts In an era dominated by digital media, the smartphone’s display matters a lot. Google’s Pixel 10a wins this round, too, as it’ll pack a larger, brighter, and more fluid screen. The iPhone 17e will reportedly stick to the dated 60Hz refresh rate, while the Android-powered alternative will once again offer 120Hz for smoother animations. Similarly, the 6.3-inch Pixel 10a will have almost twice the max brightness as the 6.1-inch iPhone 17e, making it more usable outdoors. The iPhone 16e’s notch is likely going to still be present on the 17e.Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd Design: Retro isn’t hip anymore Apple essentially ended the notch when it launched the iPhone 14 Pro with the Dynamic Island in 2022. Nevertheless, Apple continues to plague the iPhone “e” line with the horrendous notch, giving the phone an unfashionable look. The Pixel 10a, on the other hand, will offer the hole-punch front camera design that has been rumored for the iPhone for years—and looks noticeably more futuristic. Other design mishaps include the limited color selection for “e” iPhones. Apple offers the iPhone 16e in black or white, and its successor is expected to follow suit. Conversely, the Pixel 9a comes in four finishes, including more vibrant options, and the 10a won’t be any different. Lively colors shouldn’t be exclusive to flagship phone customers, Apple. Battery: Just enough vs long-lasting Both the iPhone 17e and Pixel 10a are expected to have similar batteries as their predecessors. As such, it’s safe to assume that the Pixel 10a will similarly have a longer battery life than the iPhone 17e. The upcoming iPhone will likely adopt Apple’s more efficient A19 processor, C1X modem, and N1 networking chip, but these are unlikely to make a huge impact on energy consumption. Otherwise, the Pixel 10a will feature a USB 3.2 connector for charging and data transfer, while Apple will continue to limit “e” iPhone users to the ancient USB 2 port. On the bright side, iPhone 17e users may finally get to use MagSafe chargers and accessories, while the Pixel 10a will likely stick with basic Qi wireless charging. The iPhone 17e will reportedly get MagSafe but not much else to entice buyers to switch.Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd Price: $100 goes a long way Above all, budget smartphone buyers care more about the price than the feature set—they just want a smartphone that can take pictures and make calls without spending a fortune. That’s where Google wins yet again. The 128GB Pixel 10a will reportedly retain its predecessor’s $499 starting price, while the 128GB iPhone 17e will continue to start at $599. A $100 difference in price is considerable in the budget smartphone market. In the past, Apple loyalists were more than willing to pay a higher price and settle for inferior specifications due to the ecosystem lock-in. The past has passed, however. Today, Google is offering numerous features that were previously only available on iPhones: AirDrop support on its Pixel phones, RCS for an iMessage-like experience, and a guaranteed seven years of feature updates. We’ve reached a point where it’s much easier to migrate data and use cross-platform apps that work on non-Apple platforms. Consequently, many customers will no longer be pushed to spend more on a less capable device when there are better options out there.

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EU also investigating as Grok generated 23,000 CSAM images in 11 days [U]
The EU has opened its own investigation into the Grok chatbot generating child sexual abuse material. It’s estimated that Grok generated 23,000 CSAM images in just 11 days. Update: A second investigation has been opened in Ireland, focusing on possible privacy violations. Despite multiple calls for Apple and Google to temporarily remove both X and Grok from the App Store, neither company has yet done so … more…

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Store worker allegedly gave himself a 99% discount on $118k’s worth of MacBooks and more
A Best Buy worker has been charged with fraud after he allegedly used his manager’s override code to give himself discounts of up to 99% on MacBook Pro models and other high-value electronics. Police say the total value of the products “purchased” by the employee and his associates was more than $118,000 … more…

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A colorful MacBook is coming to chase away the Siri doom
Macworld It is mid-February 2026, and the Macalope is still writing “Where does the time go? All things fade. Soon we die.” on all his checks. It’s a little game he likes to play with the Department of Licensing and Registration. The Macalope likes to imagine they love it. Anyway, it’s high time we take a look at what’s coming up this year because before you know it, it’ll be over. Apple got the ball rolling yesterday when it announced an event for March 4th. Wait. Excuse the Macalope. Not an “event”. An “experience.” An “event” is jejune. Basic. Lowbrow. An “experience” is elevated. Refined. Possibly confusing or even a little terrifying. The colors on the logo accompanying the announcement have convinced many that the rumored new colorful MacBook lineup will be announced. Gurman floats several options, including yellow, light green, blue, and pink… It remains to be seen if “light” here means a lighter shade of an actual color or more the vague concept of the idea of a thing remotely like a color that Apple tends to default to. If a cheaper MacBook with a less powerful chip excites you, then you’ll love what else Apple is expected to ship soon! The iPhone 17e is expected imminently, adding an A19 chip and MagSafe charging, something the horny one did not realize the 16e did not have. A new base model iPad and iPad Air are expected early this year, but will just be speed bumps of the existing models. One thing you should not be expecting any time soon is that enhanced version of Siri Apple keeps saying is “on schedule” and is “showing good progress” and is “thinking of taking a gap year to travel around Europe before deciding whether to go to college or enter the workforce”. Wait, what was that last one? After planning to include the new capabilities in iOS 26.4…Apple is now working to spread them out over future versions…possibly postponing some features until at least iOS 26.5, due in May, and iOS 27, which comes out in September. Mark Gurman (Bloomberg), Feb. 11, 2026 26.5. 27. Whatever it takes. If you’d like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters, including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast, David Price’s weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors.Foundry In Apple’s defense here, they’re not the only ones struggling to ship an AI feature. [OpenAI] said its first hardware device won’t ship to customers before the end of February 2027. Maxwell Zeff (Wired), Feb. 10, 2026 That thing that nobody knows what it is? Turns out Jony Ive and Sam Altman don’t know, either. Apple also may have a few surprises up its sleeve this year as the company is expected to announce new home products, including a doorbell camera and lock that uses Face ID. The Macalope has been advocating for Apple to make its own home automation products for years, and the timing is good since Amazon seems to have stepped in something that a hypothetical lost dog left on its front lawn. Following a comprehensive review, we determined the planned Flock Safety integration would require significantly more time and resources than anticipated. As a result, we have made the joint decision to cancel the planned integration.  Ring, Feb. 12, 2026 Amazon’s willingness to smooth the skids of getting Ring videos into the hands of law enforcement is pretty tone deaf. Imagine spending millions and millions of dollars to buy a Super Bowl ad for a system that uses facial recognition without people’s consent in the current environment. Bravo, Amazon. Nailed it. (If you don’t know the difference between Face ID–a secured system tied to a hardware device used solely for authentication–and scooping up everyone’s faces to put in an online facial system, then please do not @ the Macalope.) While you may see these new products and others from Apple, could there be one annual ritual you won’t see this year? “Supply Chain Checks Show Non-Doom Scenario has Legs” Horace Dediu points out a note from GF Securities that says: Following the earnings call on Jan. 29, 2026, we did a supply chain research which indicates strong iPhone build momentum… What?! Can spring even come if there isn’t panic about iPhone production cuts?! Is that even possible? Somebody get Nikkei on the line. Surely they can find someone willing to tell us about massive iPhone production cuts. Regardless, at least we should have some new things to talk about in the coming months.

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Apple @ Work Podcast: SaaS sprawl is a real problem for Apple IT admins
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, I am joined by Justin Etkins from Tropic to talk about SaaS sprawl and how Apple IT admins should be thinking about it in the AI era. more…

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iOS 26.4 beta suggests Apple hasn’t given up on its AI health coach
Macworld Apple had long been rumored to be introducing a new service known as “Apple Health+,” but a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested the company may have scrapped the idea. But it turns out that iOS 26.4 suggests that the story isn’t over yet. The first developer beta of iOS 26.4, released this week, includes references in the code to “Health Coaching” and “Health Plans.” While there’s no user-facing feature yet, the terminology strongly aligns with previous reports about Apple working on an AI-driven health subscription service. Apple’s rumored AI Health Coach hinted at in iOS 26.4 beta Last fall, Gurman reported that Apple was developing a paid “Health+” subscription service that would include an AI health coach designed to offer personalized recommendations based on data collected by the Health app and Apple Watch. More recently, however, Gurman reported that Apple had scaled back plans to launch the feature as originally envisioned, possibly scrapping the service’s major components and merging other parts into the existing Health app. But why are these references in the iOS 26.4 code if Apple has allegedly scrapped the idea? There are two likely explanations here. The iOS 26.4 beta includes references to Apple’s health coach that was once rumored to arrive this year.Foundry The first is the simplest: these strings could just be leftover bits of code that weren’t deleted. Apple often experiments with features internally, and it’s not unusual for abandoned projects to leave traces in early beta builds. If the company really did decide to shelve its new project, these references in the iOS 26.4 code could simply be remnants of what would have been Apple Health+. But it’s equally possible Apple hasn’t fully abandoned the idea. The company may have simply delayed it while it continues to work on more pressing features, including the new Siri. The presence of “Health Coaching” and “Health Plans” inside a current beta suggests that some level of development has continued, at least at the framework level. An internal build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld already had references to a refreshed Health app. Perhaps the feature ended up being postponed to iOS 26.5 or even iOS 27. There’s still a chance for Apple Health+ Regardless of whether Apple scrapped Health+ or not, what we found in iOS 26.4 beta is noteworthy because it essentially confirms that the AI Health Coach project did exist at some point. Rumors can sometimes sound abstract, but they gain traction when Apple’s own code corroborates them. Given Apple’s broader push into on-device AI and Apple Intelligence features across iOS 26, a health-focused AI assistant would make strategic sense. Health data is one of Apple’s strongest ecosystem advantages, especially when paired with Apple Watch. Whether “Health Coaching” becomes a paid subscription, a built-in feature, or something else entirely remains to be seen.

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These stackable Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Codes just got cheaper
Macworld TL;DR: Get a stackable Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-month code on sale for $79.99. Games are expensive, and there’s no guarantee you’ll love what you buy. If you want a way to play a ton of different games without burning through your whole paycheck,Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now has a 3-month subscription that’s available for $79.99 (down from $89.99). These codes are stackable, so if you’re planning on using Game Pass Ultimate for a while, this is a great way to save. While your subscription is active, you can play hundreds of games across Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, and Windows PC, or stream many of them through cloud gaming on supported phones, tablets, browsers, and some smart TVs. If you haven’t already looked, the game catalog is expansive, including everything from big releases from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda, indie titles, and older favorites. Many first-party games show up on day one, so you can try major releases without buying them outright. Game Pass Ultimate also gives you EA Play, which adds a library of EA games, limited trials for new titles, and discounts on EA digital purchases. Members also get periodic perks, like in-game items and partner offers that you redeem from your console or the Game Pass apps. You can download games directly for better performance or stream through the cloud when you do not want to wait for a full install. Codes must be redeemed within 7 days of purchase. When your stacked time ends, the subscription renews at the standard monthly rate unless you turn off recurring billing in your Microsoft account settings. Right now, it’s only $79.99 to get an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-Month Subscription. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3-Month Subscription – USA – Digital Code – Stackable – Final SaleSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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iOS 26.4 beta 1: All the new features and changes
Apple has kicked off testing for iOS 26.4, with the update bringing more than just minor fixes. Here’s what’s new in iOS 26.4 beta 1. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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How to manage notifications on Mac
If your Mac's alerts are becoming a distraction, macOS Tahoe 26 includes simple settings that let you fine-tune how and when notifications appear.How to manage notifications on macOS TahoeIf you're like the rest of us, chances are you're getting a little tired of constant notifications from your devices. While this mostly happens on iPhone, you still can get quite a few notifications on Mac.There aren't too many settings to change on Mac, but there are a few you should be aware of. Here's how you can customize your notification preferences. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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A code snippet in iOS 26.4 shows Apple TV is coming to CarPlay
A code snippet discovered in iOS 26.4 shows that CarPlay could gain an Apple TV app for playback while parked, though the implementation details aren't available.Apple TV is coming to CarPlayApple has quietly been adding video playback to CarPlay in iOS 26, but the feature requires the vehicle to be parked. Code discovered in the iOS 26.4 beta suggests that the Apple TV could be coming to the platform.According to the code shared by user Aaronp613 on X, users will be asked to log in to Apple TV via their iPhone for access to the app on CarPlay. It seems that this could mean that media playback is possible, but there will be obvious restrictions. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Twelve South Valet review: A bespoke catchall MagSafe charger that could be faster
Twelve South's latest accessory is a bespoke, leather-laden valet that will charge your iPhone with an elevated MagSafe-compatible perch and is impressively customizable.Twelve South Valet review: A sleek leather catchall with MagSafe chargingLike it or not, chargers are a necessary evil in our lives. Realistically, they will likely remain so for the foreseeable future.When examining the available models on the market, which are numerous, several factors must be considered, including design and performance. Twelve South has mostly focused on the former with its new wireless charger. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Streaming VR games, experiences, & applications made easier in visionOS 26.4
Apple Vision Pro users could see more apps and games come to the platform thanks to NVIDIA CloudXR and the Foveated Streaming framework made available in visionOS 26.4.Apple Vision Pro game streaming will improve with new visionOS 26.4 frameworkIt has been two years since Apple Vision Pro debuted, but Apple is still working to get more developer support. The latest update found in visionOS 26.4 could mean more apps, games, and experiences for the platform in the near future.According to Apple's developer documentation, a new feature called Foveated Streaming is available with visionOS 26.4. It helps ensure processing power is saved by only rendering what the user is looking at in the highest resolution and limiting detail in the periphery. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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macOS Tahoe 26.4 adds a charge limit slider to preserve your MacBook battery
The Mac just got an iPhone and iPad feature, as macOS Tahoe 26.4 includes a dedicated slider to adjust the battery charging limit.macOS 26.4 features a battery charge limit slider, like iOS 26.With the debut of the iPhone 15 range, Apple introduced an opt-in setting that limited battery charging to just 80%. The goal of the feature was to help preserve battery lifespan over time. iOS 18 gave iPhone users an additional option to limit battery charging anywhere from 80% to 100%.Now, macOS has gained the same battery-preserving capability, thanks to the first macOS 26.4 developer beta, released on Monday. The macOS Tahoe version of the feature works the same way it does on iOS, featuring a slider that lets users select a specific battery charging limit. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Announces Unusual Multi-City “Apple Experience” for March 4
Apple has invited select media outlets to a “special Apple Experience” on March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai—an unusual approach that has sparked speculation about rumored new MacBooks, the iPhone 17e, and more. We’ll know soon enough.

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Formula 1 channel pops up in Apple TV, can't be removed
Ahead of the season starting, the Formula 1 channel has popped up in the Apple TV app — and you can't edit, move, or delete it.A new Formula 1 element is available in the Apple TV app.Apple's push for sports-related content continues. Following the success of the "F1" movie and talk of a possible sequel, the iPhone maker has now updated the Apple TV application in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season.As part of Apple's partnership with Formula 1, all races will be available at no extra cost to Apple TV subscribers in the United States. Apple acquired the rights to Formula 1 content back in October 2025, and now there's a Formula 1 channel in the Apple TV app. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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macOS 26.4 brings battery Charge Limit to the Mac and Shortcuts
The Charge Limit feature, which lets you set a maximum charge to help extend battery health, was previously only available on iPhone and iPad. more…

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9to5Mac Daily: February 16, 2026 – New Apple hardware is imminent
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 Stuff: Stuff helps you get everything out of your head and into a simple, elegant system—closing open loops and reducing mental stress. Use code 9TO5 at checkout for 50% off your first year. more…

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Apple Music Playlist Playground could be among first new AI features in iOS 26.4
A new Apple Intelligence feature could be coming to iOS 26.4 called Playlist Playground, which will allow users to generate playlists using selected songs or text prompts.Apple Music is going to get a new Apple Intelligence featureApple released the first beta for iOS 26.4 on Monday, but it didn't include the rumored Apple Intelligence improvements. Instead, it seems to contain a range of user-facing features, including HLS video podcast support in Apple Podcasts and other updates.Among the Apple Music updates was unused code discovered by Macworld, which highlights a potential incoming feature that could release along with iOS 26.4. It is for something called Playlist Playground, which could be tied to Apple's new Apple Intelligence push. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The new F1 channel has appeared in the Apple TV app ahead of first race
The new dedicated channel for Formula 1 has appeared in the Apple TV app, starting today. Users in the United States can now see a dedicated Formula 1 item in the sidebar, alongside the existing Apple TV originals and MLS tabs. This channel is where Apple TV app subscribers will be able to stream all of the races, starting with the Melbourne Grand Prix on March 8. As a reminder, F1 is now included in the base Apple TV subscription in the United States ($12.99 per month or $99 per year). more…

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New in iOS 26.4 beta 1: Videos in Podcasts, Playlist Playground, RCS, more
The first developer beta of iOS 26.4 is here, offering a new video experience for Apple Podcasts, support for testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, and much more.iOS 26.4 beta 1 includes a new video experience for Apple Podcasts, and support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging.On Monday, less than a week after iOS 26.3 made its way to the general public, Apple started the iOS 26.4 beta testing cycle. The iPhone software update has the build number 23E5207q, up from 23D127 on the public release of iOS 26.3.As a whole, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 introduced a variety of changes, the most visible of which is Apple's controversial "Liquid Glass" design language. The following update, iOS 26.1, included new toggles for existing system features and additional customization options for Liquid Glass. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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