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.

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Update 5:02 p.m. ET: Apple says the outages have been fixed. The original post follows below.

Apple’s System Status page confirms that it is currently experiencing three four outages. Here are the details.

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Apple Music and Apple TV are experiencing an outage that could be causing issues for some users, according to Apple's System Status page.


The outage started at 2:53 p.m. Eastern Time, and it is impacting ‌Apple Music‌, ‌Apple TV‌, and ‌Apple TV‌ Channels. Apple says that some users may run into intermittent problems, though specifics have not been provided. There don't appear to be a large number of complaints about the services on social media at this time.

We'll update this article when Apple's services are back up and running.

Update: Game Center has also been added to the list of services affected by an outage.

Update 2: As of 4:57 p.m Eastern Time, Apple says the outages have been fixed.
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MacPaw’s Mac AI assistant is now faster and more reliable, thanks to an overhaul of its underlying technology. Here are the details.

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The next-generation low-cost iPad will use Apple's A19 chip, according to a report from Macworld. Macworld claims to have seen an "internal Apple code document" with information about the 2026 ‌iPad‌ lineup.


Prior documentation discovered by MacRumors suggested that the ‌iPad‌ 12 would be equipped with an A18 chip, not an A19 chip. The A19 chip was just released this year in the iPhone 17, and it would be unusual for Apple to use a current-generation chip in the low-cost ‌iPad‌ due to cost.

Apple's most affordable ‌iPad‌ has not had a current-generation chip since the ‌iPad‌ 4, which is back when Apple was still designing AX chips for its tablet lineup. The ‌iPad‌ 5 that came out in 2017 used the A9 chip that was originally introduced in the 2015 iPhone 6s, and since then, the ‌iPad‌ has been equipped with an A-series chip that's a generation or two behind the chip in the most recently released ‌iPhone‌.

The current ‌iPad‌ 11 that was released in March 2025 uses the A16 chip that first debuted in the ‌iPhone‌ 14 in 2022, for example. The ‌iPad‌ 10 (October 2022) used the A14 (September 2020), the ‌iPad‌ 9 (September 2021) used the A13 (September 2019), and the ‌iPad‌ 8 (September 2020) used the A12 (September 2018). A 2024 A18 chip for the 2026 ‌iPad‌ would be in line with prior launches.

The model numbers listed in Macworld's report are also unusual. It says that J581 and J588 are the codenames for the upcoming 12th-generation ‌iPad‌, but codenames are typically sequential. Codenames are how Apple references unreleased devices in its software. In prior code leaks, J581 and J582 appeared to reference the low-cost ‌iPad‌ 12.

Prior leaks have suggested that the iPad mini will use the A19 chip, but the ‌iPad mini‌ was previously referenced in Apple code as J510 and J511. Apple sometimes changes its plans and makes updates to unreleased devices, so the A19 chip for the ‌iPad‌ can't be ruled out entirely.

It is not yet clear if Macworld is correct about the A19 chip for the ‌iPad‌ given previous information, but other parts of the report seem more in line with expectations. Macworld suggests the next-generation iPad Air will use an M4 chip, and that both the upcoming ‌iPad‌ and ‌iPad Air‌ will be equipped with Apple's N1 networking chip.

The ‌iPad Air‌ typically gets an M-series chip that's a generation behind the chip in the iPad Pro, and since it's been updated to the M5, the M4 makes sense for the next ‌iPad Air‌. Apple has also been adding the new N1 networking chip to newly released devices, starting with this year's iPhones. The N1 chip is an Apple-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip that's more energy efficient than chips designed by third-party companies.

Apple is expected to release the new ‌iPad Air‌ and ‌iPad‌ models early in 2026.
This article, "iPad 12 Rumored to Get iPhone 17's A19 Chip, Breaking Apple Tradition" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Glasses are coming, with an unveiling rumored for next year. Based on the latest leaks and reporting, here is every feature to expect from Apple’s brand new wearable product: Apple Glasses.

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Apple today shared a list of the most downloaded U.S. App Store apps and games in 2025, highlighting the top free and paid iPhone and iPad titles.


ChatGPT was the number one free app that ‌iPhone‌ users downloaded in 2025, followed by Threads, Google, TikTok, and WhatsApp. Google Gemini was the only other chatbot app to make the list, coming in at number 10. Top paid ‌iPhone‌ apps included HotSchedules, Shadowrocket, and Procreate Pocket.

Top free iPhone games included Block Blast, Fortnite, and Roblox, while Minecraft, Balatro, and Heads Up were among the top paid ‌iPhone‌ games.

YouTube was the number one free ‌iPad‌ app downloaded in 2025, followed by ChatGPT, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Procreate, Procreate Dreams, forScore, ToonSquid, and Nomad Sculpt were the top paid ‌iPad‌ apps.

Roblox, Block Blast, and Fortnite were the top free ‌iPad‌ games, with Minecraft, Geometry Dash, and Stardew Valley taking the top three spots on the paid ‌iPad‌ game list.

Apple also included the most downloaded Apple Arcade games. NFL Retro Bowl '26, NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition, and Balatro+ were at the top of the list.

Apple's full list of top downloaded apps and games across 2025 can be found in the ‌App Store‌.
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You put a lot of effort into capturing Christmas gift ideas, project timelines, home renovation plans, health check-ups — you name it. But do your notes actually make you more productive, or make your life easier?

For most people, the answer is no. Most people’s notes just sit there. Beautiful, maybe even neatly organized, but static. We collect information, yet rarely reuse it. We save ideas, but they don’t resurface when they could help us.

“Most note-taking apps help you collect. Craft helps you create.”

The team at Craft has been working to solve this exact problem: helping you use your time meaningfully, accomplish things that matter, and stay creative, without drowning in information.

Your notes should work for you, and with the latest update, it’s closer than ever to that mission.

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Discover how Craft fits into a complete productivity ecosystem through the Winter Clarity Bundle. Get four essential apps, Craft, Raycast, Endel, and Ground News for $149.99 (60 percent off) through December 31st.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook was in Washington, D.C. today to meet with the House Energy and Commerce Committee about the upcoming App Store Accountability Act, reports Bloomberg. The App Store Accountability Act would require Apple to verify a person's age when an Apple Account is created using a "commercially available method or process," and get parental consent for each app that a child under 16 downloads.


Cook conveyed to lawmakers that device-level age assurance proposals should not require the collection of sensitive data like birth certificate or social security number, and that parents should be trusted to provide the age of a child when creating a child's account. Any data used for determining age should not be kept by app stores or developers, according to Apple.

Cook also emphasized that age assurance efforts should focus on ensuring parents creating an account are adults, plus he suggested that parents should decide whether a child's age range is shared with developers.

Prior to Cook's meeting with the committee, Apple's global head of privacy, Hilary Ware sent a letter expressing Apple's concerns over the legislation. The letter said that the act "could threaten the privacy of all users by forcing millions of adults to surrender their private information for the simple act of downloading an app." Ware told lawmakers that There are better proposals that help keep kids safe without requiring millions of people to turn over their personal information," touting Apple's age assurance feature that "allows a parent to share their child’s age range with an app developer, without having to share sensitive, specific information like a birthdate or government ID."

Apple has been fighting the ‌App Store‌ Accountability Act because of its privacy concerns, and because it does not want to be legally responsible for verifying user age, obtaining parental consent, or ensuring that developers follow the rules, nor does it want to collect the required documentation.

To head off legislation, Apple has introduced new age assurance features, such as simpler tools for parents to oversee children's Apple accounts, new age categories for app content, and the Declared Age Range API that provides developers with a privacy-forward way to ensure kids aren't exposed to in-app content meant for adults.

Apple has argued that it already has extensive parental controls with Screen Time, and that the legislation would require it to collect excessive amounts of information from all users just to verify the age of children. Apple says that it could be required to collect data like a driver's license, passport, or Social Security number, which is "not in the interest of user safety or privacy."

The House Energy and Commerce Committee will consider the bill on Thursday morning.

Texas recently passed a similar bill, SB2420. Starting on January 1, 2026, Apple users located in Texas will need to confirm whether they are 18 years or older when creating an Apple Account. Apple will need to verify age and parental identity, and the ‌App Store‌ will need to provide additional information to parents.

Update: This article was updated with additional information from Apple on Cook's remarks.
This article, "Tim Cook Goes to Washington to Fight App Store Age Verification Legislation" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Rumors have long indicated that there’s a new Apple Studio Display launching in 2026, and a new report highlights three expected features: an A19 chip, ProMotion, and HDR.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook was spotted in Washington DC today where he met with lawmakers to push back against proposed App Store age policy that Apple says doesn’t protect user privacy.

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Apple has teamed up with Mattel for a 30 percent discount on Mattel toys when using Apple Pay to check out on the Mattel website. The discount is available for Barbie, Hot Wheels, Masters of the Universe, and other Mattel branded toys.


The ‌Apple Pay‌ deal is available from December 8 to December 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. To get the discount, users will need to use ‌Apple Pay‌ for their purchase on the Mattel website, and enter the promo code APPLEPAY at checkout.

The deal excludes shipping and handling, gift cards, taxes, and Mattel Creations Memberships. There are no minimum or maximum purchase limits listed, so the deal should apply to all purchases made on the website through December 14.
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Apple TV has easily had its best year ever, and as the latest evidence: a prestigious institution’s list of the year’s top 10 TV shows features more Apple releases than ever before.

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Today’s 9to5toys Lunch Break is now ready to roll. We have $100 pice drops on Apple Watch Series 11 joining a $200 price drop on the 46mm Jet Black Apple Watch Series 10 and some new lows on official Apple Watch bands – black Alpine Loop, Neon Green Ocean Band, and the Sport Loop. Those offers join the ongoing AirPods Pro 3 deal at $220 as well as another chance to save at least $119 off AirPods Max (USB-C) and a particularly rare deal on Apple’s most affordable Studio Display at $230 off. Head below for much more and a closer look at today’s headliners. 

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Apple today unveiled its fifth retail store in India, at the DLF Mall in Noida. The store opens to customers this Thursday, December 11, at 1 p.m. local time.


The store features familiar amenities, including an Apple Pickup station for in-store pickup of online orders, and a Genius Bar for tech support and repairs.


Apple operates four other stores in India:

• Apple Saket in New Delhi


• Apple BKC in Mumbai


• Apple Koregaon Park in Pune


• Apple Hebbal in Bengaluru

In addition, the Apple Store app launched in India earlier this year.

Earlier this month, Apple opened a new store in China, at the Livat Centre in Beijing. This store also has an Apple Pickup station and a Genius Bar, plus a dedicated seating area where customers can demo the Apple Vision Pro.


Apple remains committed to expanding its retail presence in international markets, such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
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Amazon this week has the Apple Watch SE 3 on sale at all-time low prices, starting at $199.00 for the 40mm GPS model. These prices are matching the Black Friday discounts we tracked last month, and they are some of the few sales that have consistently stuck around since that event ended.

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.

You can also get the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE 3 on sale for $229.00, down from $279.00. Both models are available in Midnight and Starlight Aluminum options, with multiple sizes on sale as well. As of writing, all models can be delivered in time for the Christmas holiday.




In addition to the Apple Watch SE 3 discounts, Amazon has $100 off the Apple Watch Series 11 right now, which are new record low prices on the wearables. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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This article, "Amazon Takes $50 Off Apple Watch SE 3, Starting at $199" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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It’s been three months since Apple unveiled AirPods Pro 3, and despite a complicated first few weeks with the product, I’m happy to report that with more use it’s become an excellent upgrade.

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Apple today updated its Apple Cash feature to introduce a set of stickers that can be used in the Messages app. The stickers are Apple Cash themed, featuring emoji that you might want to use when sending or receiving a payment.


Each sticker is animated, and has an iridescent texture that gives a glinting effect as the sticker moves.

The Apple Cash stickers are rolling out to users starting today. You can find them by opening up the Messages app and selecting a conversation, then tapping on the "+" button next to the text bar. From there, tap on the "Stickers" option and swipe over to Apple Cash.






Apple Cash stickers will show up in the Messages Sticker list automatically, and there is no option to download them from the Sticker App Store. The stickers also aren't able to be removed, because Apple Cash is not an app that can be uninstalled.
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If you’ve just purchased a new Mac, like the recently-released, you might also be looking into some of the best display options.

Here are my recommendations, covering multiple product categories, price points, and more.

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Twelve South today is kicking off a 20 percent sitewide discount that's exclusive to MacRumors readers, allowing you a chance to save on the company's most popular accessories just in time for the holidays. To get this deal, enter the code MacRumors2025 at checkout to take 20 percent off your cart.

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

Our code works sitewide on Twelve South, and takes 20 percent off your entire cart, so you can purchase multiple accessories at once for more savings. Once you enter the code MacRumors2025 at checkout, you should start seeing it automatically applied as you browse Twelve South's website.




This deal will run through Friday, December 19, so you have a little over a week to take advantage of the sale. As of today, Twelve South is still guaranteeing holiday delivery with its economy shipping option, and the cutoff for choosing the ground economy option is December 15.

Twelve South offers a large variety of accessories built for Apple products. Some of its newest accessories include the MagSafe Wallet Stand for iPhone 17, Curve Nano for iPhone, ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger, and PowerBug Wall Charger. You can get 20 percent off these accessories and many more with our exclusive code.

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Starting today, many Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and Adobe Express features are available to use directly in ChatGPT, allowing you to edit photos, transform PDF documents, design event invitations, and more with conversational prompts.


After connecting the apps, you can use prompts such as "add creative effects to the background" or "create an invitation for my dance party."

Here is what you can do, according to Adobe:

• Easily edit and uplevel images with Adobe Photoshop: Adjust a specific part of an image, fine-tune image settings like brightness, contrast and exposure, and apply creative effects like Glitch and Glow — all while preserving the quality of the image.
• Create and personalize designs with Adobe Express: Browse Adobe Express' extensive library of professional designs to find the best one for any moment, fill in the text, replace images, animate designs and iterate on edits — all directly inside the chat and without needing to switch to another app — to create standout content for any occasion.
• Transform and organize documents with Adobe Acrobat: Edit PDFs directly in the chat, extract text or tables, organize and merge multiple files, compress files and convert them to PDF while keeping formatting and quality intact. Acrobat for ChatGPT also enables people to easily redact sensitive details.

After connecting the apps to ChatGPT in Settings → Apps & Connectors, you can find them by clicking on the plus sign next to the chat field and selecting "More." ChatGPT can also automatically surface the apps if you use a prompt such as "Adobe Photoshop, help me blur the background of this image" or "Adobe Acrobat, help me edit this PDF."



Adobe's app integrations are available to all ChatGPT users worldwide, for free, across ChatGPT.com and the ChatGPT app for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Adobe Express for ChatGPT is also available on Android, with support for Photoshop and Acrobat for ChatGPT on Android coming soon, according to the announcement.

If you want to use more advanced features, you an seamlessly move from ChatGPT to Adobe's standalone apps and pick up right where you left off.
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Apple’s Messages app scored a bunch of new features in iOS 26, including a new ‘Screen Unknown Senders’ option meant to eliminate spam texts. My initial experience with the feature wasn’t great, but tweaking one key setting has changed that.

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Today, Homey has announced the new Homey Pro 2026, and the big update is straightforward: more RAM at the same price point. If you are not already familiar with Homey Pro, it is one of the most interesting home hubs on the market. It supports Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Z Wave, Wi-Fi, and even IR devices together so you can manage your entire home from one place. For people who want a hub that talks to everything and does almost all of its processing locally, Homey Pro has become a really cool option.

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The Pro Display XDR is six years old today, making it one of the oldest Apple products still on sale.


Released on December 10, 2019 alongside the redesigned Mac Pro, the Pro Display XDR was Apple's re-entry into the high-end external monitor market, following a three-year hiatus after discontinuing the Thunderbolt Display in 2016. The announcement came at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2019, where the company presented the display as a rival to traditional reference monitors. The XDR in its name stands for "Extreme Dynamic Range," a feature that Apple emphasized as a key differentiator from other high-resolution monitors available at the time.

It features a 32-inch Retina display with a 6K resolution of 6,016 by 3,384 pixels, powered by Apple's proprietary LED backlighting system. Apple utilized blue-colored LEDs with custom lenses and reflectors to achieve a maximum brightness of up to 1,600 nits in HDR mode, while sustaining 1,000 nits across the entire screen indefinitely. This allows for what Apple describes as "stunningly accurate colors and contrast," supporting the P3 wide color gamut and delivering a claimed 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.

The rear of the display features the same lattice pattern used on the 2019 ‌Mac Pro‌, which functions as a heatsink to aid thermal management. The display is also available with matte nano-texture glass to cut down on glare—the first Apple product it's featured on.

Upon its release, the Pro Display XDR garnered significant attention for its high price. In the United States, the display starts at $4,999, and users who opt for the adjustable Pro Stand must pay an additional $999. The Pro Stand, which is sold separately, was met with mixed reactions upon its unveiling. Apple justified the cost by highlighting the engineering involved, with the Pro Stand offering height, tilt, and rotation adjustments, as well as support for both landscape and portrait modes. A VESA mount adapter is also available for those who prefer third-party mounting solutions.

As of its sixth anniversary, the Pro Display XDR remains one of only two external monitors sold by Apple, alongside the Studio Display, which was released in March 2022. Unlike the Pro Display XDR, the Studio Display comes with an integrated A13 Bionic chip, enabling features such as Center Stage for its built-in webcam, spatial audio, and support for Siri voice commands. The Pro Display XDR, however, has no webcam or any internal Apple silicon chip.

Speculation about a second-generation Pro Display XDR has been circulating for some time. In December 2022, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was working on an updated version of the display, this time with an Apple silicon chip to enhance its capabilities. In July 2023, Gurman reiterated that Apple was still developing multiple new displays. Display supply chain analyst Ross Young added that the next-generation Pro Display XDR will feature quantum dot technology, just like the MacBook Pro.

Evidence of Apple's work on new external monitors has been spotted multiple times. The third beta of macOS 26.1 suggests that the Pro Display XDR 2 will feature a built-in Center Stage camera. The A19 Pro chip is also a possibility, along with a higher refresh rate.
This article, "Apple's Pro Display XDR Is Six Years Old Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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