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- Thursday November 20
- 07:37 pmStudy: Apple’s N1 networking chip delivers a big Wi-Fi upgrade
Macworld Ookla, the company that makes the ubiquitous Speedtest.net Internet speed test, has issued a new report comparing Wi-Fi performance of Apple’s new N1 networking chip in the iPhone 17 against other Wi-Fi 7-capable phones, including the iPhone 16 and several top Android phones. The new chip is a clear winner. Not only does it make an obvious improvement in Wi-Fi performance over the Broadcom-based solution in the iPhone 16, but it catapults the iPhone 17 family to near the top of the pack for Wi-Fi 7 compatible smartphones. The results are impressive. Apple used a Broadcom chip for Wi-Fi networking, and while it offered Wi-Fi 7 support, it wasn’t really one of the fastest on the market. The N1 changes all that. Ookla In every region, Wi-Fi performance on the iPhone 17 family exceeds the iPhone 16 family. This is especially notable since both chips share the same 160 MHz channel width limitation—Apple didn’t get higher speeds by suddenly supporting the full 320 MHz bandwidth capability of Wi-Fi 7. Ookla notes that the biggest improvements over last year’s iPhones comes in the 10th percentile—the slowest connections. Similar to the C1 cellular chip, Apple seems most concerned with lifting the floor for the worst connections than with chasing the absolute top possible speeds. Ookla Apple’s improvements make it compare far more favorably to the best Android phones, globally. It doesn’t provide the fastest download speeds, but it’s in second place now, just a hair behind the Pixel 10 Pro family. It’s a big jump over the iPhone 16 family. Ookla But the iPhone 17 line beats the Pixel 10 Pro in uplink performance. It’s still not top of the pack—that honor goes to the Xiaomi 15T Pro—but it’s once again in second place and, once again, well ahead of the iPhone 16 line. Ookla While the Wi-Fi capabilities of the N1 processor in the iPhone 17 seem nearly identical to the Broadcom chip in the iPhone 16 family, it’s clear that Apple has produced a superior product. That could come down to changes in internal structure, antennas, better hardware-software integration, or a dozen other things; wireless networking is complicated. Apple still has room to grow. Use of 320 MHz channels is still quite rare, as are Wi-Fi 7 routers in general. Many countries have limited adoption of the 6GHz frequency for Wi-Fi, too. A theoretical N2 chip can implement more of the Wi-Fi 7 spec and see further improvements, in addition to maintaining better connections on slower and legacy networks. You’ll find further analysis of Wi-Fi 7 capable smartphones, and a lot more charts, on Ookla’s report.07:35 pmStop texting passwords! There’s a safe, easy way to share them on iPhone.
You can share passwords on iPhone automatically with your entire family, so you don’t have to let everyone know when a password is changed. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)07:16 pmSlide Over improvements in iPadOS 26.2, Tesla CarPlay, Tim Cook retiring rumors
Benjamin and Chance discuss the week in Apple news, including the suggestion that Tim Cook’s retirement announced could come early in 2026. Also, Apple responds to user feedback on the multitasking changes with the latest iPadOS 26.2 beta 3, Tesla is rumored to be adding CarPlay to its vehicles, and MLS becomes part of the base Apple TV subscription starting next season. And in Happy Hour Plus, they discuss the future of the Mac Pro and why Apple should stop selling it. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Roborock: Save up to 50% on Roborock’s flagship vacuums during their Black Friday event — but hurry, these deals won’t last long! Sponsored by Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/happyhour. Sponsored by HelloFresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Get 10 Free Meals with free Breakfast For Life at HelloFresh.com/happyhour10fm. Sponsored by NordStellar: Protect your business today at nordstellar.com/happyhourand use code blackfriday20 to save 20%. more…07:12 pmChatGPT gaining group chat feature in four regions [U]
Update: OpenAI has expanded the rollout globally after just one week. More details follow the original post. OpenAI is piloting a pretty big ChatGPT feature in select markets. The company is rolling out the ability to have group chats with ChatGPT for the first time. more…06:55 pmAndroid Quick Share on Pixel 10 can AirDrop to iPhones
A new Android update lets Pixel 10 users send files to iPhone through Quick Share without the usual workarounds. Here's how it works.Android now works better with Apple AirDropGoogle started rolling out the feature on November 20, 2025 as a response to years of complaints. The update improves interaction between Android and Apple devices in mixed-device environments.It also gives Pixel users a smoother way to move photos, videos, and documents without relying on cloud drives or messaging apps. Many households use a mix of Android and Apple products, and they often run into friction during tasks. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums06:41 pmApple TV announces ‘The Unlikely Cook with Awkwafina’ food series
Apple TV premiered food-centric series this year that were both scripted (Carême) and unscripted (Knife Edge), and the streamer just announced a new food series coming: The Unlikely Cook with Awkwafina. more…06:16 pmFile sharing breakthrough: Android Quick Share now works with Apple AirDrop
Google updated its Quick Share feature to allow wireless direct file sharing between Android and iPhone users. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)06:01 pmApple TV mysteriously pulls French thriller ‘The Hunt’ just days before premiere
Apple TV has abruptly removed its upcoming French-language thriller series "The Hunt" from the platform mere days before its scheduled… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.05:58 pmApple's M4 Mac mini plunges to $479 as Amazon issues Black Friday price drops
Apple's current M4 Mac mini is $120 off today as Amazon launches Black Friday Deals Week, resulting in the lowest price we've seen in recent months.Get Apple's M4 Mac mini for just $479 at Amazon.The standard M4 Mac mini for $479 has 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, delivering a lot of bang for your buck.Get M4 Mac mini for $479 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:45 pmThese new AI features are coming to macOS Tahoe 26.2 and Mac Studio
Macworld Apple released the macOS Tahoe 26.2 beta 3 earlier this week and it has a couple of new features that will be of interest to AI developers. The first was actually introduced in the 26.2 beta 2 a few weeks ago and enhanced in the current beta. Developers implementing the open-source MLX framework can now leverage the Neural Accelerator in the new M5 chip. In a white paper, Apple states that MLX can be used “for a wide variety of applications ranging from numerical simulations and scientific computing to machine learning.” The white paper also provides benchmarks on the effect of the Neural Accelerator on performance, stating that the M5 is 19 to 27 percent faster than the M4. The other new feature is an enhancement to the ability to create AI clusters with the Mac Studio. Developers can now create clusters using the Mac Studio’s Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, which makes it much easier to put together, instead of using RDMA Ethernet cards and optical modules. For example, a cluster of four M3 Ultra Mac Studios was created to run an early access build of Exo 1.0, experimental software that allows users to build and run AI clusters at home. The cluster used less than 500 watts of power, which is 10 times lower than a typical GPU cluster. The 26.2 beta also includes a few new non-AI features, most notably the new “Edge Light” effect that appears on screen during video calls. If you’re interested, you can join the developer program and get access to the macOS and other Apple OS betas.05:42 pmBluetti unveils its new Elite series of portable power stations, with up to 65% off
Clean energy company Bluetti has expanded its popular portable power station range with a new Elite series. This includes options for both home energy resilience and on-the-go adventures. For a limited time, 9to5Mac readers can snag one of the latest models with a discount of up to 65%. The headline news here is the Elite 10 Portable Power Station, the most portable model the company has ever made, fitting into your palm and weighing less than four pounds. At the other end of the scale is a new expansion battery for the company’s whole home backup power solutions … more…05:35 pmApple Wallet could add digital IDs in these two states soon
Apple Wallet recently launched a new Digital ID feature using US passports, but support for state driver’s licenses continues to grow too, and two new states have now pledged support for the feature. more…05:35 pmAndroid Quick Share now works with AirDrop on iPhone, starting on Pixel 10
Google announced today that Android’s Quick Share now works with Apple’s AirDrop system on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac to allow for easy file transfer between platforms/operating systems. more…05:25 pmAirPods Pro 3 deal cuts Apple’s best earbuds to lowest price ever
Apple's high-end, noise-canceling earbuds already provide incredible value, and this AirPods Pro 3 deal makes them even more affordable. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)05:02 pmTwo new U.S. states agree to bring driver's licenses to Apple Wallet soon
Drivers in Arkansas and Virginia will be able to add their driver's license to Apple Wallet — but it's not clear exactly when.Two new states are joining Ohio and others in offering digital driver's licensesWhile both of these states already have digital driver's licenses, they're limited in one key way. Drivers must use dedicated apps to view them.That will all change when Arkansas and Virginia allow those same licenses to be added to the Apple Wallet app. The licenses will then be available via the Wallet app on the driver's iPhone and Apple Watch. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:01 pmApple Music’s Artist of the Year for 2025: Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator was announced today as Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, recognizing the hip-hop visionary’s outstanding impact… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.04:56 pmApple Music’s Artist of the Year really is off the charts
After his recent creative output and massive streaming success, Apple honors hip-hop innovator Tyler, The Creator. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)04:52 pmApple's holiday deals reward loyal buyers, but shoppers can save more elsewhere
As it always does, the Apple Store has a gift card offer with iPhone, Mac, iPad, or AirPods purchase. Like it always has been, there are better Black Friday sales elsewhere that actually save you cash.Apple starts its shopping event for Black Friday 2025Apple's Black Friday & Cyber Monday shopping event runs from November 28 to December 1 and covers nearly every current device Apple sells. The promotion centers on Apple Gift Cards, the value of which varies by product.Qualifying purchases get a gift card automatically at checkout, making the event easy to use for anyone shopping first party. Carrier-connected iPhones remain excluded, and availability can shift depending on the store or region. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums04:41 pmAirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC drop to their best prices yet for Black Friday Week | 9 to 5 MacAirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC drop to their best prices yet for Black Friday Week
Apple just unveiled its annual holiday gift card offers, but you’re certainly not going to find deals on AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 4 in there. And with Amazon’s Black Friday Week 2025 sale now in full swing, we are now getting the best online prices ever on what might very well be the two of the popular items on everyone Black Friday holiday shopping list. Amazon has now dropped the price on AirPods Pro down to its lowest ever and we are getting an arguably even more impressive deal on AirPods 4 with ANC for folks not interested in Apple’s premium buds. more…04:35 pmApple releases another limited-edition designer iPhone accessory
Macworld Apple is celebrating its 40th anniversary of accessibility, and to commemorate it, the company has released a special iPhone grip. The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is a phone grip that attaches through MagSafe and is available in the online Apple Store (U.S. only) for $70. In an interview with Elle Decor, designer Bailey Hikawa came up with the design after interviewing iPhone users with varying disabilities. The design allows the grip to be held in different ways, and it can also be used as a stand. The product is made of “soft-touch premium silicone” and attaches via MagSafe. It is available in Chartreuse (lime green) and Crater (marbled gray). Hikawa is known for her sculptural iPhone cases and unique toilet seats. Apple “This is one of many accessories that are out there that solve unique problems for some people.” Apple’s Sarah Herrlinger said to Elle Decor. Like the iPhone Pocket released last week, the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is listed as a “Limited Edition” item, which implies that there’s a set number of these that were made. The iPhone Pocket sold out incredibly quickly, so if you’re interested, grab on before it’s gone. Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand (MagSafe Compatible) Price When Reviewed: $69.95 Best Prices Today: $70 at Apple