Samsung is preparing to supply Apple with advanced image sensors for the iPhone in Austin, Texas, according to The Elec.


The sensors will reportedly be made by Samsung at its existing facility in Austin. The company is expected to install production equipment for the project in the near future and has posted job listings for mechanical and electrical technicians, engineers, and managers to work on set up.

Samsung is expected to make the ‌iPhone‌'s image sensor with a three-stack design, which enables higher pixel density and improved low-light performance by vertically stacking multiple sensor layers. Stacked sensor architecture also allows for faster readout speeds, reduced power consumption, and higher dynamic range. This manufacturing process has not previously been deployed at a commercial scale.

Earlier this month, Samsung notified the city of council of Austin of its intention to spend $19 billion on its Austin facility. The new image sensor production line is expected to begin operation in March at the earliest.

The new sensor is believed to be destined for the iPhone 18, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2027. Apple reportedly reached a deal with Samsung in August for supply of the component.

This will be the first time Apple will move away from Sony as the sole supplier for ‌‌iPhone‌‌ image sensors and make the component in the United States. Today, Sony is the sole supplier of ‌‌iPhone‌‌ image sensors; they are produced in Japan and delivered via TSMC.
This article, "Advanced iPhone 18 Camera Sensor to Be Made in Texas" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The version of Apple Intelligence released in China must pass a test to ensure that it does nothing to challenge official government propaganda.

It will be tested with 2,000 questions designed to elicit information censored within the country, and it must refuse to answer at least 95% of them …

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Photos and video footage of a simple printed mock-up of an iPhone Fold gave us a decent sense of how the device might look if the most recent rumour about the aspect ratios is accurate. While the exterior display shape would be a radical departure, more 9to5Mac readers liked it than disliked it.

If you want to get an even better sense of how the device might feel, and have access to a 3D printer, you can create a physical mock-up using files provided online …

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Over the years, Apple TV has built up a surprisingly strong catalog for music lovers. From movies and documentaries to full series, here are some of the most interesting music-related titles on the service.

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Update, 8:27 p.m. ET: In a post on its Developer blog, Apple has confirmed that it will “pause previously announced implementation plans and monitor the ongoing legal process”. See the full post below.

The decision comes just a few days before the Texas App Store Accountability Act (SB 2420) was set to take effect. Here are the details.

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Apple is working on a foldable iPhone that's set to come out in September 2026, and rumors suggest that it will have a display that's around 5.4 inches when closed and 7.6 inches when open. Exact measurements vary based on rumors, but one 3D designer has created a mockup based on what we've heard so far.


On MakerWorld, a user named Subsy has uploaded a 1:1 ‌iPhone‌ Fold replica (via Macworld), which can be 3D printed to give you a rough idea of the size of the upcoming foldable ‌iPhone‌.

Subsy claims that the model is "based on recently leaked CAD drawings of the ‌iPhone‌ Fold," but there haven't been actual CAD leaks to our knowledge. There were reports of CAD drawings earlier this month, but it turns out those drawings were concept drawings and renders created by MacRumors reader iZac back in May.

iZac designed a mockup with a 5.5-inch display when the device is closed, and 7.76 inches when open. That's in line with the multiple rumors that we've heard, but so far, we don't have exact dimensions.

While you can now print a 3D mockup of iZac's concept, the design isn't based on an actual CAD render. It's likely somewhat similar to what the ‌iPhone‌ Fold will look like in terms of size, but Apple's design for the cameras and the hinge will probably differ quite a bit.

If you have a 3D printer, it's a useful way to get something that's close to the size of the ‌iPhone‌ Fold so you can see how it compares to your existing ‌iPhone‌. We'll likely see more accurate CAD renders and dummy models starting to surface in the first months of 2026.
This article, "Have a 3D Printer? You Can Make Your Own iPhone Fold Dummy" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Google One is running a “limited time” discount for 2026 where new subscribers can get 50% off 2 TB and AI Pro annual plans.

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Apple TV has a big lineup of new and returning shows in early 2026, but many viewers’ most anticipated premiere will come a little later in the year. Here’s the latest release timing update for Ted Lasso season 4.

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Starting next year, Apple will allow app sideloading and external payment links for users in Brazil, following an antitrust settlement with local regulators. Here are the details.

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As 2025 draws to a close, here’s a look at what defined Apple over the last 12 months, for better or for worse.

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A Texas federal judge today blocked an App Store age verification law that was set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, which means Apple may not have to support the changes after all.


The Texas ‌App Store‌ Accountability Act (SB2420) requires Apple and other app marketplaces to confirm user age when a person creates an Apple Account. Apple Accounts for users under 18 would need to join a Family Sharing group, with new controls available for parents and restrictions for minors.

In a preliminary injunction that delays the implementation of the act, Judge Robert Pitman said that it violates the First Amendment and is "more likely than not unconstitutional."

The Act is akin to a law that would require every bookstore to verify the age of every customer at the door and, for minors, require parental consent before the child or teen could enter and again when they try to purchase a book. As set out below, the Court finds a likelihood that, when considered on the merits, SB 2420 violates the First Amendment.

The injunction was in response to a motion filed by the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), a group that includes Apple and Google. Today's decision is a win for Apple, as Apple has been fighting against age assurance requirements in Texas and other states. Apple says that the Texas law impacts user privacy.

While we share the goal of strengthening kids' online safety, we are concerned that SB2420 impacts the privacy of users by requiring the collection of sensitive, personally identifiable information to download any app, even if a user simply wants to check the weather or sports scores.

The court will move on to determining whether the law is facially invalid, which would mean that it is unconstitutional and will be entirely thrown out.
This article, "Texas App Store Age Verification Law Blocked by Federal Judge" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026.


Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18 aspect ratio when open. Samsung has used a similar size for its prior Z Fold devices.

Rumors suggest the ‌iPhone‌ Fold's display will measure in at 5.3 to 5.5 inches when closed, and 7.5 to 7.8 inches when open (rumors vary). It's squatter and wider than Samsung's taller, narrower design, with a 4:3 aspect ratio when open.

Samsung's "Wide Fold" will coincidentally feature a 7.6-inch display when open, and a 5.4-inch display when closed. It's also expected to have a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it noticeably different than prior models because of the more square shape.

The wider 4:3 aspect ratio is expected to be more comfortable to hold than a taller device, similar to a notebook.

ETNews says that Samsung plans to release its wider foldable device in the fall of 2026, which is also when the ‌iPhone‌ Fold will be coming out. The wide fold will join the next-generation Galaxy Fold for a total of two "Fold" devices, plus there will be a flip device.
This article, "Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's latest Apple Pay promo provides a 20 percent discount for ‌Apple Pay‌ users who purchase Adidas gear through the Adidas website or the Adidas app.


To get the deal, buy something from Adidas and then enter the promo code APPLEPAY at checkout. As with all ‌Apple Pay‌ promos, making the purchase using ‌Apple Pay‌ is a requirement.

Apple says the discount can be applied on purchases up to $250, with the deal set to last until December 31 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

Some gear is excluded, including Campus, Gazelle, Disney, Human Made, limited edition originals, and more.

This article, "Apple Pay Promo Offers 20% Off Adidas Purchases" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Three months ago, I chose the iPhone Air over the iPhone 17 Pro. After years of using Pro models, I was excited by the prospect of something new and futuristic. But despite being very happy overall with my iPhone Air, I’ve recently started second-guessing my choice.

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Apple has announced a new limited-time Apple Pay promotion. The company says you can save 20% on online orders from Adidas when you check out with Apple Pay.

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Apple TV had its biggest year ever in 2025, but there’s a stacked lineup of new and returning shows premiering in early 2026. Here are the top 10 Apple TV shows coming soon.

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This close to Christmas, after basically months of incredible deals on Apple gear, I didn’t expect to be telling folks we have one of the best deals of the year on an M4 MacBook Air today. The most affordable 24GB M4 MacBook Air is headlining today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break at $300 off the list price to undercut all of the best Black Friday deals that surfaced this year. That offers joins a chance to save on Apple Pencil Pro, Apple’s iPhone Air Bumper, official 240W USB-C cables, and Best Buy’s final 48-hour holiday flash sale. Scope it all out down below. 

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While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices.


Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models.

1. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras


2. Under-screen Face ID


3. Front camera in top-left corner of the screen


4. Variable aperture for at least one rear camera


5. A20 Pro chip manufactured with TSMC's 2nm process and new packaging technology


6. A simplified Camera Control button with no swipe gestures


7. Design changes to the rear Ceramic Shield for MagSafe charging, potentially including a more frosted glass appearance


8. Apple-designed C1X or C2 modem for 5G/LTE cellular connectivity


9. Apple-designed N1 chip or newer for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread


10. Web browsing via satellite


11. New color options under consideration: burgundy, brown, and purple


12. iPhone 18 Pro Max may be slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, perhaps to accommodate a larger battery

Apple will likely release the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026. Bookmark our iPhone 18 roundup to stay on top of future rumors.
This article, "iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 launched in the fall, but with 26.1 and 26.2 updates it added more tools for customizing the new Liquid Glass design. And now that a new wave of users is upgrading to iOS 26 for the first time, here’s an overview of two ways to personalize your iPhone’s Liquid Glass style.

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iOS 26.2 is available now, and it’s packed with a bunch of new features. Many of those features are additions to Apple’s built-in iPhone apps. Here’s everything new across six Apple apps in iOS 26.2.

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Due to regulatory action, Apple has agreed to allow alternative app stores, third-party payment systems for in-app purchases, and in-app links to external offers on iOS in Brazil, according to legal news website MLex and Brazilian blog Tecnoblog.


This means that iPhone users in Brazil would gain access to options beyond Apple's App Store, such as the AltStore from Riley Testut and Shane Gill.

The changes must be implemented within 105 days, so Apple has until early April to roll them out. That timeframe might align with the release of iOS 26.4.

Apple has already allowed alternative app stores and/or third-party payment systems on iOS in the EU, Japan, and South Korea, and it will likely be forced to do so in the UK and Australia too, due to similar regulations across those regions.


Apple has opposed alternative app stores due to privacy and security concerns.

"If you prefer using apps that have met all of Apple's App Review Guidelines, including Apple's standards for privacy, security, and quality, you can use the App Store," says Apple, in a support document about alternative app distribution.
This article, "Apple to Allow Alternative App Stores and More on iOS in Brazil by April" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Next year’s iPhone 18 lineup will bring a brand new foldable option, but the most popular models will no doubt be the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Here are six new features rumored for iPhone 18 Pro.

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The Lowfree Flow84 is the latest episode in my on-again, off-again love affair with mechanical keyboards. I describe it as the mechanical keyboard Apple would make for a mix of good and bad reasons, but we’ll get to that! Update: There is a new version with touch sliders for volume and brightness – see the Pricing & conclusions section at the end.

It’s one of a relatively new breed of low-profile mechanical keyboards, something that would have seemed a contradiction in terms just a few years earlier …

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Benjamin and Chance reflect on another year in Apple news. We cover all the big headlines from across the months, including the fallout of the Siri delays, the early iOS 26 redesign leaks, and the launch of all the new 2025 hardware like the iPhone 17 series.

And in Happy Hour Plus, the pair check in on who won their annual prediction picks. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

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