Software from an iPhone prototype running an early build of iOS 26 leaked last week, giving us a glimpse at future Apple devices and iOS features. We recapped device codenames in our prior article, and now we have a list of some of the most notable feature flags that were found in the software code.


In some cases, it's obvious what the feature flags are referring to, while some are more vague and harder to interpret. We've included the feature flag and a short explanation of what it might reference, but keep in mind that Apple doesn't provide full explanations because this is all internal code. We're working off of titles and internal organization, but there are still hints of what may be coming in the future.

Products

• Unknown home accessory - There's a reference to J229 architecture. J229 is a home accessory, but we don't know what it is. It might be the camera that Apple is rumored to be working on, but it could also be something simpler like a standalone base for the home hub. Code references a sensor manager and sensing predict models.


• AirTag 2 - There are several references to future AirTag features, including Bluetooth improvements, low battery state improvements, and crowdsourced location improvements. Unknown references include AirTag2025_Phone_Finding, AirTag2025_Watch_Finding, Distribution, Battery, and Switchover. Note that it mentions 2025, suggesting Apple planned to release the ‌AirTag‌ 2 in 2025 and pushed it back.


• AirPods - Several AirPods features are listed with a spring 2026 launch: ContextualReminders, ConversationBreakthroughVQA, and Visual Lookup. There are also mentions of "Precise outdoor location understanding" and "Room Aware Connect Controls." There's a second fall 2025 label for "Extended_Precision_Finding_Core_Tech," and a "SRAudioMixing - Mix audio with the active streaming device" mention that could be related to the AirPods.


• Vision Pro - There's a "Enable AUSM Enhanced Room Spatializer" feature flag, which may be released to the Vision Pro. It has a spring 2026 label.

Software Features

There are mentions of several previously rumored software features that are coming in updates to ‌iOS 26‌ and in iOS 27.

• Health+ - This is listed with a spring 2026 date. Rumors suggest it's a new AI-powered health-related subscription service. There are references to another health feature called "Gumdrop," but it's unclear what it is, plus a mention of a "Geronimo" feature with a date of 2030.


• Live Captions - Live Captions will expand to more languages, with this code labeled WWDC 2026.


• AutoFillUI - Third-party apps will be able to access autofill credit card information in fall 2026. Currently, you can take a picture of card details when checking out or use Apple Pay, but you can't autofill your credit card details when buying something in an app.


• Siri - There are several mentions of Siri features for the smarter version of ‌Siri‌ Apple is working on. IntelligenceFlow, PlanOverrides, SpotlightPersonalAnswersSiri, SpotlightSearchToolLLMQueryUnderstanding, and SpotlightExtSemanticSearch are some of the strings. The ‌Siri‌ mentions have a spring 2026 label.


• Freeform - Freeform is getting folders, with a spring 2026 date listed.


• Journal - Followup prompts are coming to the Journal app, also in spring 2026.


• Wallet - There are BankConnectUpcomingPaymentNotifications and AppleCardUpcomingPaymentNotifications strings with a WWDC 2026 date.


• Photos - Apple's code mentions Photos Connections and Shared Collections as features coming in fall 2026.


• - There's a mention of Dynamic Sports Tier Manager for spring 2026.

2027

There are a handful of health features that have a WWDC 2027 label attached.

• sleepCloudKitManatee


• sleepCloudKitSync


• sleepOnIpad


• sleepOnMac

Accessibility

There are multiple accessibility features, some of which have WWDC 2026 or fall 2026 dates, and some with no dates.

• Live Captions - Labeled as LiveCaptionsForAll, unclear what it is.


• Background Sounds - A Version 2 is coming.


• macOS Keyboard - Full Keyboard Access VoiceOver Support for macOS. Mac is also getting extended font size range.


• Magnifier - There are Announce Stairs, Find My Item, and Human Hand Pose mentions.


• Live Listen - The software references Live Listen controls from watch, Live Mic levels on watch, and a Rewind 30 seconds feature for Live Listen.


• Tilt to Scroll - There's a mention of a Tilt to Scroll feature.

Other Features

• CallKit - CallKit mentions a Push-to-Talk option.


• ConversationKit - There's an "Experimental_CallScreening_LiveActivity" string.


• FinHealth - This section mentions reverse lookup, habitual spend, and spending summaries. Possibly something Apple Card related.


• Mail - There's a CatchUpHighlightsV2 string with a winter 2025 date.


• Podcasts - Podcasts references enabling the Home ‌Siri‌ assistant cell for CarPlay, enabling the Connected Subscriptions Account settings page, adding a button to translate a transcript, and tapping a translated paragraph to hear it spoken.


• Vision Pro stickers - There are mentions of a sticker creation feature for visionOS. Sticker effects and emoji creation are also mentioned.

Keep in mind that Apple's plans can change, so while this is a glimpse of what Apple was working on around the June 2025 timeline, it may not be accurate any longer. Features can be scrapped, launch dates can be pushed back, and this list definitely doesn't include all of the new features that Apple has in the works for future software updates.
This article, "Early iOS 26 Software Leak Uncovers Dozens of Upcoming Apple Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The White House announced plans to recruit “an elite group of ~1,000 technology specialists” from companies such as Apple to serve two-year terms across federal agencies. Here are the details.

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Last week, details about unreleased Apple devices and future iOS features were shared by Macworld. This week, we learned where the information came from, plus we have more findings from the leak.


As it turns out, an Apple prototype device running an early build of iOS 26 was sold, and the person who bought it shared the software. The OS has a version number of 23A5234w, and the first developer beta of ‌iOS 26‌ was 23A5260n, so it dates back to before that initial beta. Apple was still calling it iOS 19 internally at that time, so the software is labeled iOS 19 rather than ‌iOS 26‌.

An anonymous source provided MacRumors with a list of unreleased devices and features that were found in the beta, and we've recapped the device list below. There are references to many upcoming Apple products, which are referred to by codenames internally. Several codenames have been leaked previously in other accidental updates, or by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Many of these leaked devices have been previously rumored, but this serves as confirmation that they are in the works and will be coming in the future.

AirTags and Home Devices

• AirTag 2 - B589


• Apple Studio Display 2 - J427 and J527


• Apple TV - J355


• Home hub variant 1 with base - J490


• Home hub variant 2, mounted - J491


• Unknown home accessory - J229. Possibly a standalone base that can be added to the mounted home hub, or another device like the rumored camera Apple is working on.


• Tabletop robot - J595


• HomePod mini 2 - B525

iPads

• iPad 12 - J581 and J582 (Wi-Fi and Cellular)


• M4 iPad Air - J707, J708, J737, J738 (11 and 13-inch sizes, Wi-Fi and Cellular)

iPhones

• iPhone 17e - V159


• iPhone Air 2 - V62 (software predates Apple's decision to delay the launch)


• iPhone 18 Pro - V63


• iPhone 18 Pro Max - V64


• Foldable iPhone - V68

Macs

• Low-cost MacBook with A18 Pro - J700


• M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro - J714c, J714s, J716c, J716s (14-inch and 16-inch models with M5 Pro and Max chip variants)


• M5 MacBook Air - J813 and J815 (13 and 15-inch size options)


• M5 Mac Studio - J775c and J775d (M5 Max and M5 Ultra variants)


• M5 Mac mini - J873g and J873s (M5 and M5 Pro variants)


• M6 14-inch MacBook Pro - J804


• M6 Pro/Max MacBook Pro - K114c, K114s, K116c, K116s (14-inch and 16-inch models with M6 Pro and M6 Max chips)

Wearables

• Vision Air headset - N100 (a lighter and cheaper version of the Vision Pro)


• AR glasses prototype - N421 (a prototype set of lightweight AR glasses, supposedly scrapped)


• Mac-connected AR glasses - N107 (AR glasses that connected to a Mac, supposedly scrapped)


• Cheaper Vision Pro - N109 (also referred to as a second-generation Vision Pro, distinct from Vision Air)


• AI smart glasses - N50, but Apple now refers to these as N401 (Meta Ray-Bans competitor)


• Apple Watch Series 12 - N237 and N238 (Wi-Fi and Cellular)


• Apple Watch Ultra 4 - N240

Chips

There are codenames for several upcoming Apple chips that are in the works for future devices.

• U3 (Ultra Wideband) - T2034


• M5 Pro/Max/Ultra - T6050


• M6 - T8152


• A20/A20 Pro - T8160


• S11 - T8320

Unknowns

There are also several unknown codenames that aren't linked to any currently rumored devices.

• N110


• N209


• N216


• J349


• J190


• J226

Several of these devices like the AirTag 2, the iPads, and the home hub are expected earlier in 2026, while others will be coming in late 2026 and beyond. Apple's software does not include release dates associated with codenames, so there are no known dates for when some of these devices are coming.

Update: This article was edited to add the next-generation Apple TV, which was accidentally left off of the initial list.
This article, "Apple Leak Confirms Work on Foldable iPhone, AirTag 2, and Dozens More Devices" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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

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With the latest update, Telegram users can now create a passkey to instantly log in to their accounts without needing an SMS code or password. Here’s how to activate it.

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General Motors (GM) today announced it will be rolling out support for the Apple Wallet app's digital car key feature, but it did not provide a timeframe or mention any specific vehicle models that will be compatible. GM has four main vehicle brands in the United States and Canada, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.


During its WWDC 2025 keynote in June, Apple said that 13 additional vehicle brands would soon offer Apple Wallet car keys, and Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac were on the list. The feature allows users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. With the latest version of the feature, which utilizes Ultra Wideband technology, you can keep your iPhone in your pocket as you approach and drive the vehicle.

If your iPhone battery runs out, a Power Reserve feature ensures the Apple Wallet key can still be used for up to five hours after the device shuts off.

You can share an Apple Wallet car key with up to eight family and friends via AirDrop or any messaging app, such as the Messages app or WhatsApp.

Automakers that already offer Apple Wallet keys for select vehicles include Audi, BMW, MINI, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, RAM, Volvo, Polestar, and more, with others like Acura, Porsche, Rivian, and Toyota expected to follow.

GM also announced availability of a built-in Apple Music app in select 2025 and newer Chevrolet and Cadillac models, but it has not reversed course on its decision to stop offering CarPlay in its electric (and eventually gas) vehicles.
This article, "General Motors Announces Plans to Start Offering iPhone Car Keys" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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I use AirPods Pro 3 all day, every day while I work, and there’s one hidden iOS tool that I’ve found pairs perfectly with the product: it’s a little-known feature called Background Sounds.

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The first iOS 26.3 beta includes a new user interface in preparation for the EU rule that will require Apple to allow third-party devices to access users’ notifications. Here’s how it’s going to work

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iOS 26.3 adds a new "Notification Forwarding" setting that allows incoming notifications on an iPhone to be forwarded to a third-party device.


The setting is located in the Notification section of the Settings app under a new "Notification Forwarding" option. Apple says that notifications can only be forwarded to a single device at a time, so if Notification Forwarding is enabled with a third-party wearable, the Apple Watch won't able to receive and display notifications.

Users can choose to have a device receive notifications only from selected apps rather than all apps, and notifications will include the name of the app and all content contained in the notification.

Apple is adding this feature to relieve worldwide regulatory pressure that it is facing. The Digital Markets Act in the European Union requires Apple to provide third-party smartwatches and other devices with access to notifications and features that are normally reserved for the Apple Watch.

Apple's limited support of third-party devices has also been targeted by the U.S. Department of Justice in the antitrust case that Apple is fighting. The DoJ has accused Apple of preventing third-party smartwatches from offering Apple Watch-like functionality by restricting them from acting on incoming notifications.

Apple has been working to address all of the accusations that the DoJ made in its lawsuit, and improving notifications on third-party wearables will give the DoJ less to point to in ongoing antitrust litigation.
This article, "iOS 26.3 Adds Notification Forwarding Option for Third-Party Wearables" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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With iOS 26.3, Apple is making it simpler for iPhone users to transition to an Android smartphone, with new built-in tools for transferring data.


The new transfer tool allows an ‌iPhone‌ user to place their device next to an Android device to initiate a transfer process. With the two smartphones connected, users can opt to move over photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone number, and more. Data transfers occur with no need to download and use a separate app, making the process simpler.

Health data, devices paired with Bluetooth, and protected items like locked notes are not transferred over to the new device.

Transferring data from an ‌iPhone‌ to an Android device wirelessly requires both devices to have the latest software, and to be connected to Wi-Fi with Bluetooth enabled. There will be an option to display a QR code on the Android device that the ‌iPhone‌ can scan to initiate the process, or there is an option to use a session ID and pairing code instead.

Google has also implemented a similar feature for transferring data from an Android to an ‌iPhone‌, so it is a two-way process between the platforms.

Last week, the European Commission said that Apple and Google designed and implemented the new transfer system to comply with the Digital Markets Act in the European Union, but it is not a Europe-only feature. The new setting is available worldwide in the iOS 26.3 beta, and it can be found under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset ‌iPhone‌ > Transfer to Android.
This article, "iOS 26.3 Makes It Easier to Switch From iPhone to Android" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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An update to the Apple TV app on Android phones and tablets today finally introduces Google Cast support, thus closing a big functionality gap since the launch earlier this year.

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For me, Qi 2.2 is quietly becoming one of the biggest upgrades to MagSafe we have seen since it launched with the iPhone 12. Faster charging speeds, better heat management, and stronger magnets make wireless charging feel a lot closer to a wired experience. ESR is already out front with hardware that takes full advantage of it, and their new 3-in-1 charging station is one of the best examples yet.

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Apple has just kicked off a new software cycle, with beta 1 now available for watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, HomePod 26.3, and more.

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Apple today provided the first beta of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.3 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming three days after the launch of macOS Tahoe 26.2.


Developers can download the macOS Tahoe 26.3 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required.

There's no word yet on what's included in macOS Tahoe 26.3, but we'll update this article if new Mac features are found.

The beta is available to developers right now, but a public beta is expected later this week. We'll likely see Apple release macOS Tahoe 26.3 at the end of January given past launch timelines.
This article, "First macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Now Available for Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Just a few days after releasing macOS 26.2, Apple is now rolling out the first developer beta for macOS 26.3. Here’s what’s coming.

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Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming just a few days after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2.


Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

We don't yet know what's included in the new beta software, but because that these updates will be tested over the holiday period, Apple may be planning to focus on bug fixes and performance improvements rather than adding major new features.

When we learn what's new in the updates, we'll share details.

iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 are limited to developers at the current time, but Apple will likely release a public beta in the next couple of days.
This article, "Apple Seeds First Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has released the first iOS 26.3 developer beta for iPhone. One change we already expect is a joint collaboration between Apple and Google that should make switching between iOS and Android easier.

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iPadOS 26.2 launched last week, and now Apple has shipped the first iPadOS 26.3 beta to developers. Here’s what to expect.

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Apple today provided developers with the first betas of upcoming watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and visionOS 26.3 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a few days after Apple launched the 26.2 versions of each platform.


The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required.

We don't know what new features might be added in watchOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3, and tvOS 26.3. Apple doesn't typically provide release notes for betas, so we might not know what's new until the software updates see a public launch unless there are outward-facing changes.

Apple will likely provide public beta testers with access to the tvOS 26.3 and watchOS 26.3 betas later this week, but visionOS 26.3 will remain limited to developers. The software updates will probably launch right around the end of January based on past release timelines.
This article, "Apple Releases First watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3 and visionOS 26.3 Betas" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26.2 is officially here with exciting updates for Reminders, Apple Music, Podcasts, and more. There’s also a key enhancement for CarPlay widgets in iOS 26.2—but whether you benefit or not is entirely dependent on your vehicle.

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GM is adding an Apple Music app to select 2025 and newer Cadillac and Chevrolet models, allowing Apple Music content to be accessed through the vehicle's infotainment system.


The ‌Apple Music‌ app will have all of the ‌Apple Music‌ features users have come to expect, such as access to curated playlists, live global radio, personalized recommendations, hands-free control with a voice assistant, and exclusive content. In supported Cadillac vehicles, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos is available.

The native ‌Apple Music‌ app will integrate with the infotainment system, and GM says that ‌Apple Music‌ subscribers will be able to start streaming the moment they enter the car.

Audio streaming is being provided as an OnStar Basics feature for all 2026 and newer vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada. Vehicle owners will be able to access ‌Apple Music‌ and other apps with no connectivity cost for eight years, but after that eight-year period, there will be a fee.

"We are bringing the Apple Music app to GM vehicles in a way that takes full advantage of our industry-leading audio capabilities," said Tim Twerdahl, GM's vice president of global product management. "It's the latest example of how we're expanding entertainment choices built directly into our vehicles."

Specific Cadillac vehicles that can access the ‌Apple Music‌ app include the 2025 and 2026 CT5, the 2025 Escalade IQ, and the 2026 Vistiq. Chevy vehicles with ‌Apple Music‌ include the 2025 and 2026 Blazer EV, Equinox EV and Silverado EV, along with the 2026 Corvette, Suburban and Tahoe.

GM says that the ‌Apple Music‌ app will be rolling out to additional GM vehicles and brands in the future.

GM's ‌Apple Music‌ announcement comes after the company started phasing out support for CarPlay. 2024 and later electric vehicles from GM do not have CarPlay integration, with GM instead relying on its own infotainment system. In the future, GM plans to move all vehicles to its own platform.
This article, "GM Adds Apple Music App to Cadillac and Chevy Models Following CarPlay Phase-Out" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Last October, Threads rolled out over 100 communities, which built on the fact that users were referring to in-app groups as “Books Threads,” “NBA Threads,” and so on. Today, Meta is expanding the communities feature to more than 200 interests, and adding a couple of beta features. Here’s what’s new.

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We’re nearing three years since GM started its transition away from CarPlay. The company started by ditching CarPlay in its EVs, but recently confirmed that it will “gradually” abandon the platform on more cars in the future. Needless to say, this hasn’t gone over well with the general public.

Now, GM has one bit of good news for its owners: a new Apple Music app rolling out for select Cadillac starting today.

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In a support document published on Friday, Apple said that a "technical failure" in Australia prevented some older mobile phones from being able to make emergency calls by dialing 000, and it said there is a low chance that it could happen again.


"In the rare event that these exceptional circumstances affecting mobile operators' networks were to happen again, some older mobile phones may still encounter the same issue reaching emergency services through an alternate available network," said Apple. The document does not provide many specific details, but there are some recent news reports about what sounds like a related issue affecting Samsung phones.

Apple said the issue "impacted some Australians in regional areas who attempted to make an emergency call when their primary mobile network was unavailable, even though an alternate network was available and should have connected the call." Apple said "mobile operators are taking steps to mitigate future issues."

For iPhone 12 users specifically, Apple vaguely stated that the iOS 26.2 update released last week "provides support for this scenario."

"iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and all iPhone models from iPhone 13 and newer are not affected," said Apple. "For iPhone 12 users, iOS 26.2 provides support for this scenario. If it is determined that any earlier iPhone models are impacted, customers will receive additional information and guidance directly from their mobile operator."

To update your iPhone, open the Settings app on the device and tap General → Software Update.
This article, "iPhone 12 Users in Australia Should Update to iOS 26.2, Here's Why" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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