After teasing in September, Google Chrome for iOS is now more widely rolling out a built-in Gemini experience.

more…

The National Association of Attorneys General has issued a letter to 13 tech companies, including Apple, calling for stronger action and safeguards against the harm AI can cause, and has caused, “especially to vulnerable populations.” Here are the details.

more…

YouTube TV will be updated with more than 10 genre-specific television packages in 2026, YouTube announced today. The upcoming YouTube TV Plans will be more affordable than the current version of YouTube TV, which is priced at $82.99 per month.


There will be packages for sports, news, family, entertainment, and more. A YouTube Sports Plan will include top broadcast networks along with all ESPN networks and sports networks like FS1 and NBC Sports networks.

YouTube has not provided information on the pricing for each of the YouTube TV Plans, nor what specific channels will be included. YouTube TV Plans will have most of the same features as the standard YouTube TV subscription, like unlimited DVR, key plays, fantasy view, and multiview.

YouTube TV has more than 100 channels, and YouTube subscriptions VP Christian Oestlien said that the company's goal is to provide users with more control over what they want to watch. The current plan will remain available, with the added plans included as a lower-priced option.
This article, "YouTube TV Launching Cheaper Sports, News, and Entertainment Bundles in Early 2026" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Mophie today announced the launch of a new line of Speedport wall chargers that are powered by Gallium Nitride (GaN) for faster, more efficient power delivery.


There are several charger options with single, dual, and triple ports for powering laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more. Prices range from $15 to $100.

• Speedport 20 ($14.95) - 20W with one USB-C port.


• Speedport 35 ($24.95) - 35W with one USB-C port.


• Speedport 45 ($39.95) - 45W with two USB-C ports.


• Speedport Plus 67 ($59.95) - 67W with two USB-C ports and a built-in retractable 60W USB-C cable for charging up to three devices at once.


• Speedport 70 ($49.95) - 70W with two USB-C ports.


• Speedport 100 ($79.95) - 100W with two USB-C ports. 


• Speedport 140 ($99.95) - 140W with three USB-C ports.

All of the Speedport chargers feature a similar design, adopting plastics made from 75 percent post-consumer recycled materials and foldable prongs for travel.

With the exception of the Speedport 67 with integrated cable, all of the new chargers are available for purchase from the Mophie website as of today.
This article, "Mophie Releases New GaN-Powered Speedport USB-C Wall Chargers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

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: Give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Till the end of the month, 9to5Mac listeners get 30% off with code 9to5Xmas. 

more…

Following years of regulatory wrangling, the European Commission is reportedly using Apple’s App Store changes as a reference point in its Google Play Store probe. Here are the details.

more…

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.

more…

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.

more…

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.
This article, "Apple Music and Apple TV Experiencing Outage [Update: Fixed]" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

MacPaw’s Mac AI assistant is now faster and more reliable, thanks to an overhaul of its underlying technology. Here are the details.

more…

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

Discuss this article in our forums

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.

more…

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.
This article, "Most Downloaded iPhone Apps of 2025: ChatGPT, Threads, and Google" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

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.

---

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.

---

more…

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

Discuss this article in our forums

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.

more…

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.

more…

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.
This article, "Apple Pay Promo Offers 30% Off Mattel Toys" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

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.

more…

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. 

more…

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.
This article, "Apple Unveils New Stores in India and China" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

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.

---

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

Discuss this article in our forums

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.

more…

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.
This article, "Check Out These Fun New Apple Cash Stickers in the Messages App" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums