Scanners
- Thursday December 11
- 11:30 amLeaked code spills details of mystery Apple smart home accessory
Macworld We’ve been tracking rumors about Apple’s push into the smart home market for years, but we’ve yet to see anything come to fruition beyond a new Home app architecture. That may be about to change very soon. Corroborating previous rumors, leaked internal Apple code seen by Macworld provides further evidence that the company is developing a smart home hub (which some are calling the “HomePad”) along with another mysterious accessory. Apple’s long-rumored ‘HomePad’ could be imminent Rumors about Apple’s smart home hub are nothing new. In fact, multiple sources have already pointed out that the product will have a square-shaped display and a built-in speaker, something of a mix between an iPad and a HomePod. To corroborate the existence of this product inside the labs in Cupertino, legitimate Apple code for an internal pre-release build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld also references “J490,” the same code number previously attached to the rumored “HomePad” device. The hub is said to be powered by Apple’s A18 chip and includes a front-facing ultra-wide camera with Center Stage. Users will likely be able to make FaceTime calls right from the device without needing an iPhone or iPad nearby. The ultra-wide front camera seems to be limited to 1080p video, just like the camera on most iPads and Macs. Apple’s so-called “HomePad” will be a rival to devices like Amazon’s Echo Hub.Michael Brown/Foundry More interestingly, the built-in camera doesn’t appear to be designed solely for video calls. The device will reportedly also have Face ID and will use facial biometrics not only for authentication but also to identify who is in the room. This should enable a true multi-user experience in shared homes, with HomePad automatically switching between different profiles depending on who is interacting with the device. Macworld also saw an app used by engineers to test the accuracy of this system on the HomePad. In addition, thanks to the A18 chip, the device has flags that indicate support for Apple Intelligence, including the long-awaited, more advanced Siri with natural conversation. The “J490” device is labeled as a 2026 device internally and has previously been rumored for a spring release. A new kind of Apple home accessory The HomePad might not be the only new smart home product from Apple coming next year. Also spotted in the internal code are references to a never-before-seen product identified as “J229.” Little is known about this product so far, but the build code suggests that it has multiple sensors. Interestingly, it can also detect alarm sounds (just like the HomePod), capture images (so it probably has a built-in camera), and is identified as an accessory, not a standalone device. Apple’s last standalone camera was the iSight for the Mac.Christopher Phin Based on recent rumors, there are two rumored products that could fit into this category: Apple’s home security camera or doorbell. According to Bloomberg, Apple has been actively developing both products, although the doorbell is reportedly still years away from launch, which makes the security camera the leading suspect for J229. It’s unclear what the device will look like, but imagine how cool it would be if this camera were inspired by the design of Apple’s classic iSight webcam. Internally, support for this device is being targeted for spring 2026 with iOS 26.4. There are also rumors that the HomePad will be announced around the same time, so it would make sense for Apple to combine the announcement of both its smart hub with this smart security camera. Macworld also reported on Apple’s plans for a next-generation Studio Display and new iPad models.08:09 amMacworld Podcast: Apple’s management changes–good or bad?
Macworld The news has been filled with reports of changes in Apple’s executive staff. How does that affect the company? That’s in this episode of the Macworld Podcast. This is episode 962 with Michael Simon, Jason Cross, and Roman Loyola. Watch episode 962 on YouTube Listen to episode 962 on Apple Podcasts08:00 amThis $199.90 iOS scanner app is now only $28 for life
Macworld TL;DR: iScanner is an iOS scanner app with a lifetime subscription now available for $28 with code FLASH. Desktop scanners are expensive, take up a whole lot of space, and they don’t exactly last forever. If you want an alternative, iScanner just released a lifetime subscription on sale for $27.99 (reg. $199.90). What is iScanner? iScanner is an iOS app that makes quick work of scanning any document. You can point your camera at a contract, receipt, assignment, or page from a book, and the app automatically finds the borders, straightens everything, and fixes the lighting. It feels quick and painless, which is exactly what scanning should be. Exporting documents is easy too, whether you need a PDF for work, a JPG for school, or a DOC file you can edit. If you deal with forms, the built-in editor helps you sign, mark up, blur out private info, or fill things in without printing anything. It also stores your scans neatly, so receipts and IDs don’t vanish into the abyss of your camera roll. For anyone juggling small business paperwork or trying to keep school documents organized, this is the kind of tool that actually makes life simpler. Special modes like math solving, QR reading, and object counting sound extra, but they come in handy more often than you’d think. And since the app works on both iPhone and Android, you’re not tied to one device. Use code FLASH to get an iScanner Lifetime subscription on sale for only $27.99. Sale ends soon. iScanner App: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.05:07 amApple’s next budget iPad refresh could deliver flagship-level power
Internal code in iOS 26 indicates Apple working on powerful upgrades for its entry-level iPad and iPad Air. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:12 amAttorneys general urge Apple and other tech giants to curb harmful AI outputs
U.S. attorneys general are warning big tech that AI chatbots, from Apple to OpenAI, may already be breaking the law.US attorneys warn Apple and tech firms over AI risksLike it or not, artificial intelligence seems to be on the rise. Whether Google's Gemini, OpenAI's ChatGPT, X's Grok, or even Apple's own Apple Intelligence, it's hard to find a corner of the internet that hasn't been fundamentally changed by AI.The rise of artificial intelligence-powered chatbots has promised to make our lives easier. And, if you look at Silicon Valley, most of them argue that it already has. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:30 amChatGPT Is Apple's Most Downloaded App of 2025
An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch: Apple on Wednesday released its annual list of the most downloaded apps and games for the year. For the U.S. market, OpenAI's ChatGPT topped the ranks of free iPhone apps (not including games) with the most installs in 2025. The AI app was followed by Threads, Google, TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and Google's Gemini. ChatGPT made it to No. 4 last year, but the top spot was taken by Chinese shopping app Temu. In 2023, the AI app didn't make the top-10 list despite being released on the iPhone in May 2023 to a strong debut. Read more of this story at Slashdot.01:55 amChrome for iPhone rolling out built-in Gemini integration
After teasing in September, Google Chrome for iOS is now more widely rolling out a built-in Gemini experience. more…01:19 amStandalone sports, news, and entertainment packages coming to YouTube TV
A new pick-your-package setup is on the way as YouTube TV readies genre-specific plans for early 2026.YouTube TV adds new sports, news, and entertainment plans in 2026YouTube TV isn't cheap. A monthly subscription costs an eye-watering $82.99, a far cry from its $34.99 when it launched in 2017.And yes, YouTube TV has doubled the number of available channels and added new features. It still doesn't change the fact that $83 — before taxes — is a lot. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:18 amApple among companies warned by 42 Attorneys General to address harmful AI behaviors
The National Association of Attorneys General has issued a letter to 13 tech companies, including Apple, calling for stronger action and safeguards against the harm AI can cause, and has caused, “especially to vulnerable populations.” Here are the details. more…Wednesday December 1011:53 pmThe Full Text of Marco Rubio’s Directive on State Department Typography, Re-Establishing Times New Roman | Daring FireballThe Full Text of Marco Rubio’s Directive on State Department Typography, Re-Establishing Times New Roman
Good on Rubio for rescinding a bad decision, and even better for doing so with a fair and informative explanation.11:12 pmiFixit’s new app puts AI technician in your pocket to fix your iPhone
iFixit's app uses AI to diagnose and guide DIY gadget repairs. The spare parts provider trained FixBot on its library of in-depth guides. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)11:07 pm9to5Mac Daily: December 10, 2025 – The best iPhone apps and games of the year
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 Backblaze: Give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Till the end of the month, 9to5Mac listeners get 30% off with code 9to5Xmas. more…11:07 pmApple’s App Store changes become EU benchmark as Google faces looming fines
Following years of regulatory wrangling, the European Commission is reportedly using Apple’s App Store changes as a reference point in its Google Play Store probe. Here are the details. more…10:12 pmNext-gen Apple Studio Display said to feature A19 chip, ProMotion, and HDR support
Apple’s upcoming Studio Display will reportedly gain three major features: A19 chip, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR support… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.09:26 pmMinor outages hit Apple Music, Apple TV, and Game Center
On Wednesday, three of Apple's services experienced limited outages, with only some users affected.Apple Music and Apple TV experience outagesStarting at 2:53 PM ET, Apple noted that it was seeing outages for both Apple Music and Apple TV. According to Apple's System Status page, the services are not down for everyone, and they may not be completely down.It later listed that Game Center was experiencing issues as well. This is the second time on Wednesday that Game Center has had an outage. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums09:26 pmNew Apple Pay offer can save you 30% on toys from Mattel
Perfectly timed with the holiday shopping season, Apple Pay has just launched a new offer that gets you 30% off a selection of more than 600 toys from Mattel. Here are the details. more…09:20 pmProMotion and HDR could finally make Studio Display a true pro tool for creators
Discover the pro-grade features of the upcoming Apple Studio Display 2, including ProMotion, HDR and a mini-LED panel upgrade. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)09:00 pmU.S. Federal Reserve cuts interest rate by 25 basis points
On Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered its third interest rate cut of 2025, lowering the benchmark federal funds rate by 25 basis… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.08:57 pmApple TV and Apple Music are currently down [U: Game Center too]
Update 4:19 p.m. ET: Game Center is now listed as down as well. Apple’s System Status page confirms that it is currently experiencing three four outages. Here are the details. more…08:36 pmMacPaw’s Mac assistant Eney is now faster thanks to a local AI model
MacPaw’s Mac AI assistant is now faster and more reliable, thanks to an overhaul of its underlying technology. Here are the details. more…