HTX Studio this week shared the results from a six-month battery test that compared how fast charging and slow charging can affect battery life over time.


Using six iPhone 12 models, the channel set up a system to drain the batteries from five percent and charge them to 100 percent over and over again. Three were fast charged, and three were slow charged.

Another set of iPhones underwent the same test, but with charging initiated at 30 percent and stopped at 80 percent, so the iPhones were always in that range.

Prior to the experiment, the capacity for each phone was tested, and after 500 cycles, the capacity was tested again. The results suggest there is minimal additional battery drain from fast charging, but keeping an ‌iPhone‌ between 30 and 80 percent charge could be minimally beneficial.

HTX Studio concluded that the best way to charge an ‌iPhone‌ is "however you like," without overthinking it and trading mental energy for a tiny bit of battery life. The same video also includes Android tests, and is well worth watching in full for those curious about the effects of fast charging.
This article, "In-Depth iPhone Battery Experiment Pits Slow Charging Against Fast Charging" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple TV is about to wrap its best year ever, and in the latest Screen International, Eddy Cue and more talk the streamer’s 2026 pipeline, ad-supported plans, film strategy, and more.

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iOS 26.2 is now available for beta testing. The update brings more new features and changes for iPhone users. There are new Apple Podcasts upgrades, improvements to Reminders, and more.

Head below for our full guide on all the new iOS 26.2 features…

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The Recording Academy announced today the nominees for the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards, and Apple scored a total of four nominations. Here are the details.

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HomeKit Secure Video continues to be the only camera storage option that I will use indoors. The Aqara G100 takes full advantage of that with 2K clarity (outside of HomeKit), weatherproof construction, and AI detection. It’s made to work indoors or outdoors, and can be used directly with HomeKit without needing another service.

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tvOS 26 launched earlier this fall and made user profiles more prominent than ever. Now, a discovery in the tvOS 26.2 beta shows that Apple plans to make profiles even more convenient for Apple TV 4K users soon thanks to two changes.

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Users under a higher risk of being targeted by hacking attempts will soon have the option to enable an extra set of security features on WhatsApp. Here are the details.

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iPadOS 26 is a huge update for iPad users, with a bigger roster of productivity upgrades than ever before. Here are three new iPadOS 26 features I’ve been really loving on my iPad Pro.

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With tvOS 26.2, Apple is changing the way that profiles work on the Apple TV. It's now possible to create a profile without an Apple Account, which is particularly useful for guest profiles and profiles for children.


In the ‌Apple TV‌ Settings app's profiles section, the "Add New Profile" option no longer requests that users sign in with an Apple device or manually with an Apple Account.

Alongside the Apple Account sign in, there is a "Create Profile" option that only requires a name, a profile rating, and a yes or no question about whether the new user is a child.


Selecting yes limits content to a PG rating by default, but there is a customize option for more granular control. Users can select ratings for TV shows and movies that are appropriate for the child based on their age. All of the standard TV show and movie ratings are available to select. Creating a child account and choosing a rating changes the ‌Apple TV‌ content that is available to the child. The ‌Apple TV‌ app will only show content that is appropriate for the limits that have been established for the account.


In tvOS 26.1, the latest public version of tvOS, profiles require an Apple Account. The TV app has a dedicated children's section and parents can set up parental controls to limit access, but it is not the full kids-only ‌Apple TV‌ view that's in tvOS 26.2.


The ‌Apple TV‌ app in tvOS 26.2 does not show any adult content when a child's profile is signed in, including in the Store and Library sections of the app. Only kids shows and movies are available to watch or purchase.

Years ago prior to the launch of tvOS 14, there were rumors of a dedicated kids mode for the ‌Apple TV‌, but that didn't materialize. The changes in tvOS 26.2 are the closest Apple has come to an ‌Apple TV‌ experience just for children.

When a kids profile is active, it only applies to the ‌Apple TV‌ app. All other apps are visible and accessible to the user, and any app can be downloaded from the App Store. Parental controls still need to be used to limit access to content outside of the ‌Apple TV‌ app.

Setting up an adult profile allows for unrestricted access to the content on the ‌Apple TV‌, so adults in the home that don't have an Apple Account can also now have their own profiles with their own content recommendations. Any account that is created without an Apple Account can be deleted or can be upgraded to add an Apple Account at a later time.

Profiles on tvOS 26.2 say that they may also show up on certain third-party devices, so accounts for children may also be accessible on devices with the ‌Apple TV‌ app, like smart TVs.

tvOS 26.2 is available for developers and public beta testers at the current time, and it is expected to launch sometime around the middle of December.
This article, "tvOS 26.2 Lets You Create Apple TV Profiles Without an Account, Adds Dedicated Kids Mode" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today provided public beta testers with the first release of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.2 update for testing purposes. The public beta comes a day after Apple provided the beta to developers.


After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section in the System Settings app.

The Reminders app includes an option to have an alarm go off when a reminder is due, the News app has some design updates, and Apple is adding new features to the Podcasts app.

The beta is limited to developers and public beta testers right now, but it won't be a long testing period. We'll likely see Apple release macOS Tahoe 26.2 right around mid-December given past launch timelines.
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Apple Vision Pro just got a powerful, immersive helicopter training and flight experience app. Rogue Labs has launched Flight Sight, which combines Apple Immersive Video, 3D helicopter models, spatial maps, and more for Apple Vision Pro users.

It’s the latest in a growing library of advanced, enterprise-focused apps for Apple Vision Pro.

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Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Google and Apple are close to reaching a yearly $1 billion agreement for a version of the Gemini model that will power the revamped Siri next year.

But perhaps more interesting than the price tag is one factor that will actually affect everyone’s experience: its architecture. Here’s a look at how it will likely work.

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iOS 26.1 launched this week, bringing changes not only for iPhone but also AirPods. That’s because Live Translation has expanded significantly. Here’s what’s new for AirPods in iOS 26.1.

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Back in 2021, Apple introduced a new iPhone camera capability in the form of a new macro lens option with the ultrawide camera. It was exclusive to the Pro models until last year when it was extended across the iPhone 16 and 17 range.

As a built-in feature, it’s pretty impressive, but it doesn’t come close to the razor-thin depth of field you get with a dedicated macro lens. But a $150 snap-on iPhone lens gives you something remarkably close to this …

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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: Never lose a file again. Use code “9to5daily” at checkout for 20% off or try for free. 

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On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the AirPods Pro 3 and the future of the AirPods lineup as a whole.


Apple introduced the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ in September, featuring a more refined design, improved active noise cancelation (ANC), enhanced sound quality, foam ear tips in five sizes, and heart rate monitoring for workouts. After using the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ for two months, we talk through our experience with the noticeably different fit, improved ANC, and more.

We also discuss the reports from some users who are experiencing an ongoing static issue with the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌. Apple does seem to be replacing affected units for customers who are bothered by the noise, which appears to be audible when ANC is active but no sound is playing. Other users have been hearing a high-pitched whine when on airplanes, which could be related to pressure. Not all ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ units are experiencing the issue, but it sounds like Apple is investigating.

Looking to the future, another version of the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ are expected to launch next year featuring infrared cameras for gesture controls and improved Vision Pro integration. This model is likely to be a more premium offering available alongside the current model at a higher price point.

Apple is believed to be working on a next-generation H3 chip for future AirPods models. The AirPods 5 are in development, with two models just like the current version.

The AirPods Max 2 are also in the works, touting a lighter design and likely a newer chip with features that are now noticeably absent from the device such as adaptive transparency and Siri commands. They are reportedly due to enter mass production in 2027 at the earliest.

The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.



If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about diving back into the Vision Pro with Apple's new M5 model.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
This article, "The MacRumors Show: AirPods Pro 3 and What's Coming Next" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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This morning, Apple's website had a crazy price on the AirTag 4-Pack, and it appears that it was too good to be true. If you want a reliable and guaranteed discount on the AirTag 4-Pack, Amazon has the accessory for $64.99, down from $99.00, which is an all-time low price if you exclude this morning's situation at Apple.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

With Apple reverting the AirTag price to its original $99.00 price tag, and multiple customers reporting that their orders now show a price of $99.00, it appears that the discount won't be honored for most people. Amazon's sale is a guaranteed $34 discount and same-day shipping is available for many cities in the United States.



Amazon also has the AirTag 1-Pack for $24.00, down from $29.00. This is not the best price we've ever seen on this version of the accessory, so we recommend looking toward the 4-Pack option to maximize your savings.

You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2025.

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This article, "Missed Apple's AirTag Pricing Error? Amazon Still Has the 4-Pack for $64.99" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Your Friday edition of 9to5Toys Lunch Break is now live and ready to roll. Today’s deals join the ongoing all-time lows on the M4 MacBook Air lineup at $250 off and start off with the most affordable 24GB M5 MacBook Pro at the lowest price we have tracked to date with over $125 in savings. Those offers sit alongside AirPods Pro 2 down at one of the lowest prices we have seen at over $100 off, alongside official Apple Watch Solo Loops from $5, the Bose holiday sale, and exclusive sitewide offer on Harber London’s gorgeous leather tech bags and folios. Scope it all out below. 

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This week we saw an onslaught of early Black Friday sales kick off online, with discounts on everything from the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and SE 3, to our exclusive sale on the brand new M5 MacBook Pro. You'll also find great sitewide sales at Best Buy, Samsung, and Target as we head into the weekend.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

M5 MacBook Pro

• What's the deal? Take up to $234 off M5 MacBook Pro


• Where can I get it? Expercom


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

MacRumors readers can save on Apple's brand new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro at Expercom right now. Discounts reach up to $234 off original prices, and across the board these are the lowest prices we've tracked to date on the M5 MacBook Pro. (Note: Safari users may need to open these links in a new tab/window or manually copy and paste them in order to see the discounted pricing.)

• 10-Core M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB - $1,487.07, down from $1,599.00


• 10-Core M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB - $1,673.07, down from $1,799.00


• 10-Core M5, 24GB RAM, 512GB - $1,812.57, down from $1,949.00


• 10-Core M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB - $1,859.07, down from $1,999.00

Apple Watch

• What's the deal? Take up to $119 off Apple Watch


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

One of the most wide-ranging early Black Friday sales this year is on Apple Watch models, with the Ultra 3, SE 2 and 3, and Series 10 all getting big discounts.

Best Buy, Samsung, and Target

This week we began tracking early Black Friday sales at multiple retailers, with Best Buy, Samsung, and Target all kicking off big events ahead of the shopping holiday later in the month. You can find more details on all of the sales below.

• Best Buy Reveals Black Friday Plans With Sitewide Sales Available Now


• Samsung's Early Black Friday Sale Features Big Savings on Monitors, TVs, Appliances, and More


• Target Kicks Off Early Black Friday Sale With Sitewide Savings on Apple Accessories and More

M5 iPad Pro

• What's the deal? Take up to $101 off M5 iPad Pro


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon has the first notable discounts on Apple's brand new M5 iPad Pro, with the entry-level 11-inch model available for $945.00, down from $999.00.

M4 MacBook Air

• What's the deal? Take $249 off M4 MacBook Air


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

You can get the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $749.99, down from $999.00, a new all-time low price on the computer that beats the previous low by about $50. You'll also find many of the 512GB models of the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week.

You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2025.

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This article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Early Black Friday Sales Begin With Record Low Prices on MacBooks, Apple Watches, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26.1 launched this week, and one of its new features lets you manually log workouts in the Fitness app. That’s means if you forget to start a workout on your Apple Watch, you can now still close your Activity rings and get the credit you deserve.

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iOS 26 gave Apple Music a bunch of great new features, including the DJ-like AutoMix effect for song transitions. Now with iOS 26.1’s launch earlier this week, AutoMix has expanded to even work over AirPlay.

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A new report from Weibo user highlights Apple’s continued work on refining the screen technology for the iPhone 18 Pro.

According to the rumor, Apple is testing a new way to reduce the size of the display cutout needed for the front-facing camera.

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We've partnered with Nomad this week to get you an extra 15 percent off in stock gear with the code MR2025 at checkout, allowing our readers a chance to save on iPhone 17 cases, Apple Watch Ultra bands, MagSafe-compatible products, and more. Additionally, Nomad is currently running an overstock sale with discounts across various accessories like AirPods cases, iPhone 16 cases, Apple Watch bands, and Lightning cables.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Nomad. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

To see the discount on your order, all you have to do is add an accessory to your cart, proceed to checkout, then enter the promo code MR2025 on the payment step and you'll get an extra 15 percent off your cart. Our code excludes items that are already on sale, recently launched products, and 3rd party gear. This sale will end on Sunday, November 9.




Our exclusive discount knocks the price of Nomad's Modern Case for iPhone 17 and Rugged Case down to $41.00, from $49.00. You can also get the Modern Leather Case for iPhone 17 for $63.00 with our code, down from $75.00.

If you're shopping for Apple Watch Bands, Nomad's Rocky Point Band for Apple Watch Ultra is on sale for $67.00, down from $79.00. The Titanium Band for Apple Watch Ultra is down to $169.00, from $199.00, while the athletic Sport Band is down to $58.00, from $69.00.

In addition to these discounts on newer products, Nomad's overstock sale has big markdowns on older gear like iPhone 16 cases, Apple Watch Bands, wireless chargers, and more. Our exclusive code does not stack with these discounts, but there are still many steep discounts in this sale that are worth taking a look at before it ends.

You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2025.

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This article, "Get Your Holiday Shopping Started With Our Exclusive 15% Off Sale at Nomad" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's online store in the U.S. is suddenly offering a pack of four AirTags for just $29, which is the same price as a single AirTag.


This is likely a pricing error, and it is unclear if orders will be fulfilled. Apple has not discounted the AirTag four-pack in any other countries that we checked.

Delivery estimates are already pushing into late November to early December, suggesting that many customers are attempting to take advantage of the deal.


Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple was planning to release an AirTag 2 in mid-2025, but that did not happen. The current AirTag was released in April 2021.

For those unfamiliar with the AirTag, it is a Bluetooth accessory that you can attach to items like a backpack and keys, and you can then track the location of those items in the Find My app across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com. Similar item trackers are sold by brands like Tile, Samsung, Chipolo, and Pebblebee.

Update: Apple has reverted the price of the AirTag four-pack to the usual $99.

It is still unclear if any of the $29 orders will be fulfilled. Some customers said their orders now show a price of $99, but it is a fluid situation.

In its U.S. sales policy, Apple says it "reserves the right to change prices for products at the Apple Store at any time, and to correct inadvertent pricing errors."

The policy also says "Apple may refuse or cancel any order or limit order quantity."

Update 2: Apple has cancelled many of the orders, but some customers managed to receive their discounted AirTag four-pack via in-store pickup or courier delivery.
This article, "Apple's Website Lists AirTag 4-Pack at Shockingly Low Price [Updated]" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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