Apple has released Pico-Banana-400K, a highly curated 400,000-image research dataset which, interestingly, was built using Google’s Gemini-2.5 models. Here are the details.

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Apple competitor Samsung has a line of "Family Hub" smart refrigerators equipped with integrated displays, and anything with a display can show you an ad. Starting later this month, Samsung is planning to take advantage of that refrigerator advertising space, and Family Hub refrigerators in the U.S. will get a widget that shows ads.


Samsung confirmed to Fortune last month that it was testing a "pilot program" to offer some fridge owners "promotions and curated advertisements," and now Samsung is ready to provide ads to even more users. 2024 Family Hub refrigerators will get a software update this week, and the update will bring ads to the refrigerator display when it's idle. Ads will start showing up on November 3.

Family Hub refrigerators are priced starting at $1,899, but they go up to $3,499. The refrigerators include 21.5-inch to 32-inch screens and are advertised as keeping families connected. Users can share pictures, videos, and drawings with Google Photos, get recipes, play music, manage calendar events, and buy items from Amazon. Higher-end refrigerators feature "AI Vision" that keeps track of the items inside.

The ads are part of a new Cover screen widget, and they'll be displayed alongside other information like the weather, calendar events, and news. Samsung says that users can choose to opt out of the ads for now through the Advertisements tab of the Settings menu, though that disables all widget features. Ads can also be dismissed from the Cover screen, and the specific ad dismissed won't appear again during the campaign period. Samsung says that ads won't appear when the Cover screen shows art or album themes.

Samsung's decision to include ads on the Family Hub refrigerators has come as a surprise to many customers because the fridges have been available for years now. Many who bought the refrigerator without any expectation that it would show ads will now be subject to advertising. There will undoubtedly be customers unaware that they can opt out of the ads, because Samsung has decided to turn ads on by default.

To begin with, the Family Hub refrigerators will only show ads for Samsung products, but Samsung seems to be planning to allow third-party advertisers to show ads, according to The Verge.

Apple doesn't make refrigerators, but it too is ramping up the number of places where it displays ads. Recent reports suggest that the Apple Maps app will start showing ads in search results as soon as next year.
This article, "If You Thought Ads in Apple Maps Was Bad, Samsung is Putting Ads on $1,900+ Refrigerators" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Adobe today announced a new AI Assistant for Photoshop that will allow designers and creative professionals to automate repetitive tasks. Powered by agentic AI, the AI assistant can complete creative tasks, offer personalized recommendations, and provide tutorials.


The AI Assistant is also coming to Adobe Express, Adobe's cloud-based design tool. With both Photoshop and Express, users can take advantage of conversation-based creation and editing tools. Adobe says that it's easy to transition between conversational creation and hands-on editing with access to manual tools.

There are several other AI tools coming to photoshop, including Generative Upscale and Generative Fill with partner models. Generative Fill can be used with Gemini 2.5 Flash, Black Forest Labs LUX.1 Kontext, and Firefly Image Models for removing or modifying content with text-based prompts. A new Harmonize feature is able to blend people or objects into new scenes, matching light, color, and tone to provide natural results.

Harmonize, Generative Fill, and Generative Upscale with access to partner models are available today, while Photoshop AI Assistant is available through a private beta waitlist. Adobe Express AI Assistant is available to Adobe Express Premium customers.

More on Adobe's new announcements can be found on the Adobe website.
This article, "Adobe Photoshop Adds AI Assistant to Automate Repetitive Design Tasks" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In addition to an update to its subscription-based revenue-sharing model, the company announced today two AI-powered features that will help creators streamline their pre- and post-production processes. Here are the details.

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Samsung has been working on a smartphone with not just one fold, but two, and the first photos of the upcoming device surfaced today (via The Chosun Daily).


Samsung displayed the tri-fold smartphone at APEC 2025 Korea. The device is designed to transform from a ~6.5-inch smartphone into a ~10-inch tablet-style display. It will fold twice, rather than just once like the standard Galaxy Fold smartphones.

There was no opportunity for APEC attendees to try the smartphone because it was displayed in a transparent case, but The Korea Economic Daily was still able to share some details. The smartphone appears to be about 4.2mm thick when it's unfolded, and 1.2 to 1.5cm thick when folded up. Crease lines are said to be "barely noticeable."


Samsung could begin production on its tri-fold smartphone as soon as next month, and it is apparently going to be launching before the end of 2026. Samsung has yet to announce pricing, but analysts estimate that it could sell for around $2,800.
This article, "Samsung Shows Off Tri-Fold Smartphone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The Apple Music subreddit has announced an AMA with Adam Silver, who has led the platform’s product development for nearly a decade. Here’s how to join in.

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Apple is working on a version of the iPad mini that has a more water resistant design, reports Bloomberg. The ‌iPad mini‌'s updated casing would offer water resistance similar to the iPhone, making it safe for casual use in wet environments like a bath or a pool area.


Apple created a new speaker system for the ‌iPad mini‌ that uses vibration-based technology, allowing for the speaker holes in the device to be removed. Removing the speaker holes would cut down on areas where water could get into the crevices of the ‌iPad mini‌.

For the ‌iPhone‌, Apple uses adhesive and gaskets to protect the speaker holes and other ingress points from water intrusion, so the ‌iPad mini‌'s design would be different. The current ‌iPad mini‌ does not have an official water resistance rating and it is not safe to get it wet.

While the ‌iPhone‌ has IP68 water resistance that allows it to withstand submersion in water up to six meters deep for 30 minutes, it is not yet known what IP rating the ‌iPad mini‌ might feature.

The next-generation version of the ‌iPad mini‌ could also feature an OLED display, with the update coming as soon as 2026. Apple last refreshed the ‌iPad mini‌ in 2024 with the 7th-generation model.

Apple's ‌iPad mini‌ with OLED display technology and improved water resistance is expected to be more expensive, and Apple could charge up to $100 more for the device. The ‌iPad mini‌ is currently priced starting at $499.
This article, "Apple's 2026 iPad Mini Could Be Water Resistant Like the iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is planning a major display upgrade for three future products, according to a new report. The same report also points to another upgrade coming specifically to the iPad mini.

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DXOMARK has published its display test results for the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air. And despite a few minor differences, both achieved the same overall score, ranking #25 in their global ranking. Here are the details.

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Apple is developing versions of the iPad mini, iPad Air, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air with OLED displays, according to Bloomberg. Apple already uses OLED displays in the iPad Pro, and has plans to expand the technology to additional devices in the coming months and years.


The ‌iPad mini‌ will get an OLED display as soon as 2026, and improved water resistance is also a possibility.

Apple does not plan to bring OLED technology to the ‌iPad Air‌ in 2026, and the model coming next spring will continue to use an LCD display. While the ‌iPad Air‌ will get OLED at a later date, it probably won't happen until at least 2027.

Eventually, Apple will sell the ‌iPad Pro‌, ‌iPad Air‌, and ‌iPad mini‌ all with OLED displays, but there are no plans to add OLED to the low-cost iPad.

The ‌MacBook Pro‌ will be updated with an OLED display when it is next updated, perhaps as soon as 2026. After adding an OLED display to the ‌MacBook Pro‌, Apple will bring OLED to the ‌MacBook Air‌. Apple has started early work on an OLED ‌MacBook Air‌, but it isn't expected to see a launch until 2028 at the earliest.

The version of the ‌MacBook Air‌ planned for spring 2026 will continue to feature an LCD display.
This article, "Apple Expanding OLED Displays to iPad Mini, iPad Air, and MacBook Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple’s Reminders app got a fresh Liquid Glass look in iOS 26, plus a handful of other new features. One standout addition enables you to create new reminders faster than ever, here’s how it works.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook was one of the guests today at an event for business leaders in Japan, where President Trump highlighted Apple’s multi-hundred-billion-dollar investment in U.S. infrastructure. Here are the details.

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Apple today provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate version of macOS Tahoe 26.1, which means the update will likely see a public launch next week.


The release candidate includes notes on what's in the update, so we have a full picture of the new features that Apple has included.

macOS Tahoe 26.1 adds AutoMix support over AirPlay, improved FaceTime audio quality when connections are poor, and a setting for a new tinted look for Liquid Glass.

This update includes the following features and enhancements:

• Liquid Glass setting gives you the option to choose between the default clear look or a new tinted look which increases opacity of the material in apps and notifications on the Lock Screen


• Apple Music AutoMix support over AirPlay


• Improved FaceTime audio quality in low-bandwidth conditions


• Communication Safety and Web content filters to limit adult websites are enabled by default for existing child accounts for ages 13-17 (Age varies by country or region)


• For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: support.apple.com/100100.

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices. To learn more, please visit: apple.com/macos/feature-availability.

Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit: support.apple.com/125039.

Apple often tests release candidates for approximately a week before providing a public software release. macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and watchOS 26.1 could see a launch on Monday or Tuesday of next week.
This article, "Here Are Apple's Release Notes for macOS Tahoe 26.1" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has just shipped the RC (release candidate) of macOS Tahoe 26.1 to beta testers ahead of the public launch, here are Apple’s full release notes for what’s coming.

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Apple’s next big round of software updates is almost here: today the RC (release candidate) versions of watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and more have arrived.

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Apple is rolling out the release candidate version of macOS 26.1 for developers, as well as the public beta, ahead of the upcoming public launch. Here’s what to expect.

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Apple today provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 updates for testing purposes. The RCs betas come a week after Apple released the fourth betas.


The new betas can be downloaded from the Settings app on a compatible device by going to General > Software Update.

Apple Intelligence is now available in more languages in the updates, including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese. AirPods Live Translation also works with Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese (both Mandarin Traditional and Simplified) in iOS 26.1.

There's a toggle to adjust the opacity of Liquid Glass, the Lock Screen Camera swipe can be disabled, and there are visual changes to Calendar, Safari, Apple Music, and Photos. Details on everything new in iOS 26.1 so far can be found in our iOS 26.1 feature list.

The iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 software will be released in early November.
This article, "Apple Seeds iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 Release Candidates" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has just shipped the iPadOS 26.1 RC (release candidate), which means the software update is now on the cusp of its public launch.

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Apple has released iOS 26.1 RC to beta testers ahead of the software update’s official release. Here’s what changes are coming to the iPhone in iOS 26.1.

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Reports indicate that Apple is planning to expand its lineup of Home products substantially in the year ahead, including a couple launches we’re expecting imminently. Here are five new Apple Home products rumored for the coming year.

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Chinese smartphone maker Oppo recruited a former Apple Watch engineer who stole trade secret information from Apple and then gave a presentation on that data to hundreds of Oppo employees, Apple said in a court filing last week [PDF].


Back in August, Apple accused former employee Chen Shi of stealing Apple Watch trade secrets to provide to Oppo, and since then, the two companies have been battling it out in court. Apple claims that Oppo is withholding information, while Oppo says no trade secrets were disclosed.

Apple discovered that Shi gave a presentation on Apple sensor technology, providing insight into Apple's sensor development and future product plans. Internal Oppo communications promoted an "Apple Sensors" talk with Shi, titled "Apple's Sensor Hardware R&D Philosophy and Methodology." A tagline for the meeting said "Are you curious about how Apple's sensors are developed?"

Apple claims that Shi's presentation included slides taken directly from materials procured from Apple, and that he answered specific questions about sensor design at Apple. Oppo is accused of encouraging Shi to share the trade secret information.


Further, Apple says Oppo has not provided all of the documents or forensic device reports that Apple has asked for to determine the extent of the alleged data theft. Apple says that Dr. Shi was given the opportunity to delete information from Oppo's system after the original lawsuit was filed.

Apple asked the court for injunctive relief to stop Shi from sharing further information, and to stop Oppo products from being developed with Apple technology. Apple requested that employees exposed to Apple's trade secrets be quarantined and removed from any competitive technologies.

Oppo says that it conducted a comprehensive search of the systems that Shi had access to, and that there is "no indication that Oppo received any Apple trade secret information" from him. Oppo claims that the presentation Shi provided discussed "general engineering principles" that did not include information sourced from Apple.

Now the search is complete, and there is no indication that OPPO received any Apple trade secret information from Dr. Shi. There is consequently no basis for Apple to request preliminary injunctive relief, and it is not entitled to any such relief. OPPO has already looked for Apple's "trade secrets" and "confidential information" and found nothing that it might disclose, retain, use or be obligated to return.

Shi has agreed to participate in a deposition, but he has asked to extend the deadline because of a recent medical condition diagnosis that is "likely to be significantly exacerbated by participation in a lengthy, high-stress, and adversarial proceeding" like the deposition with Apple. He has also asked the court to issue a protective order to limit or stay his deposition because of his medical condition.

Oppo has been ordered by the court to provide the documents that Apple is requesting by October 31, or on a rolling basis starting on October 28 if there is a high volume of documents that need to be reviewed.

Prior to leaving Apple, Shi downloaded 63 files from Apple's protected Box folder and transferred them to a USB drive, then he searched for information on how to cover his tracks. Shi also reportedly attended "dozens" of one-on-one meetings with Apple Watch technical team members to learn about their research before he left the company.

Shi told Oppo that he would "collect as much information as possible" on heart rate sensing methods, and he now works at Oppo developing sensing technology.

In the original filing, Apple requested restitution, damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees, and an injunction to prevent Oppo and Shi from disclosing Apple's trade secrets.
This article, "Apple Says Oppo Engineer Stole Apple Watch Trade Secrets, Gave Presentation to Hundreds" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The rollout of digital IDs in Apple Wallet is gaining momentum. The feature just expanded to its twelfth state this month, with the addition of West Virginia. You can view the full list of states and territories with Apple Wallet support for digital IDs and driver’s licenses here

Once your state adds support for Apple Wallet IDs, however, the next big question is where you can actually use that new digital ID. Things are a bit patchwork right now, but here’s what you need to know.

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Dark Matter debuted last year as yet another strong sci-fi hit for Apple TV, and a second season is officially on the way. Here’s everything we know right now about Dark Matter season 2.

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