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Reçu aujourd’hui — 21 août 2025MacRumors

Apple CEO Tim Cook Featured in Latest South Park Episode

21 août 2025 à 21:27
Popular cartoon series South Park has been satirizing U.S. President Donald Trump, and the latest episode, titled "Sickofancy," includes Apple CEO Tim Cook.


A cartoon version of Cook is depicted visiting Trump in the White House to provide him with a gift, which is poking fun at the glass and gold Apple plaque that Cook presented to Trump earlier in August.

"Mr. President, your ideas for the tech industry are so innovative and you definitely do not have a small penis," said the fake Cook. "Please accept this gift on behalf of Apple."

Cartoon Trump proceeds to take Cook's gift into bed with him. "Another great day getting presents," said cartoon Trump while climbing into bed with Satan. "Look at what some dipshit tech CEO gave me," he adds, before suggesting the duo do something X-rated with Cook's gift. Cook was just one of several notable figures shown presenting Trump with high-value gifts in the South Park episode.

“Mr. President, your ideas for the tech industry are so innovative. And you definitely do not have a small penis.” pic.twitter.com/anVvOSIVb0

— South Park (@SouthPark) August 21, 2025

In real life, Cook gave Trump a glass plaque with an Apple logo engraved on it, which was manufactured by Apple supplier Corning in Kentucky. Beneath the glass plaque, there is a 24-karat pure gold base that Cook said was sourced from Utah.

Cook was at the White House to announce Apple's plans to invest an additional $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next four years, bringing Apple's total investment to $600 billion.

Cook was derided on social media and in news articles for his bootlicking, but it has been successful for Apple. Apple continues to be largely exempt from the high tariffs that have been imposed on countries like China and India, and at the Cook and Trump White House event, Trump said that companies like Apple that are "investing" in the U.S. will not have to pay forthcoming semiconductor tariffs.
This article, "Apple CEO Tim Cook Featured in Latest South Park Episode" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Review: Ecovacs' Matter-Compatible Deebot X9 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum Put to the Test

21 août 2025 à 21:05
The Deebot X9 Pro Omni is the latest flagship robot vacuum from Ecovacs. At $1,300, it doesn't come cheap, but it is one of the most full-featured automated vacuuming and mopping options on the market right now.


I reviewed the X8 Pro Omni earlier this year, and I've been using the X9 Pro Omni for over three months now. For something this expensive, I wanted to make sure that I extensively tested it before sharing an opinion. The X9 Pro Omni is a Matter-enabled robot vacuum, so it connects to the Apple Home app. It can be controlled with the Home app, the Ecovacs app, or Siri voice commands.

Design


In a lot of ways, it's hard to distinguish the X9 Pro Omni from the X8. The actual design of the robot is similar, though there are several changes. There are some minor updates to the design of the mopping pad and the main brush, and the side brush has a new design. There's also an update to the design of the top cover, but the two vacuums are otherwise identical in size and are close in function.


The X9 Pro Omni is 13.9 inches wide and 3.85 inches tall, and these are important dimensions to consider. If a lot of your furniture is shorter than that, the robot isn't going to be able to get underneath it. And 13.9 inches is the width that it needs for navigating doorways, around tricky furniture, and in other tight spaces. This isn't the smallest robot vacuum on the market, and it is taller than the Saros 10R from Roborock. The Saros 10R can get underneath all of my furniture, but I have a TV stand and a couple other pieces of furniture that are too low for the X9 Pro Omni. I've learned that slimmer and smaller definitely helps for a thorough clean, but there still has to be space for a dust bag and water, so it's a balancing act.


The X9 Pro base station received a much more significant design update than the robot, and it's the reason why I'd absolutely choose the X9 over the X8 if I were going to buy a robot vacuum from Ecovacs. The X9 base station is several inches smaller than the X8 version, and it has a modern, streamlined look. It takes up less vertical space, and the two water containers are hidden away. It's also not quite as wide.

Design wise, the X9 Pro Omni base station makes the X8 Pro Omni base station look clunky and outdated. These base stations can't be hidden away because they need to be easily accessible for the robot, so I appreciate the refined design for something that has a prominent place in my bathroom. It's a major improvement.

Function


Ecovacs says the X9 Pro Omni has 16,600 suction Pa, which on paper is lower than the X8 Pro Omni. I haven't noticed a difference in performance, though. It's still able to get all the dust, dirt, and cat hair off of my floors and out of my rugs.


I have wood flooring and no carpet, so I can't thoroughly review how it performs on carpeting. If you have carpet, you're going to want to read additional reviews from people who have used it extensively on carpet. I have a couple large rugs and some smaller rugs scattered throughout the house, and it's able to clean them well. I have a rug that sheds like crazy, and I feel like the X9 Pro is able to do a better job than my Dyson vacuum, which just gets clogged. Ecovacs says that the X9 Pro Omni gets 137 percent more dust out of carpets than the X8, but I can't quite tell because of how little carpet I have.


I do not like how the X9 Pro Omni performs with smaller rugs. It really struggles with a thinner rug that I have that has fringe on the edges. It gets stuck constantly in that rug, so much so that I eventually just made that rug a no-go zone. On more substantial rugs that have a rubber backing to hold them in place, it's able to perform better and doesn't get itself stuck, but like most of the robot vacuums, it'll move the rugs around a little.

If you have thinner rugs that do not have a rubber backing on them (I have several of these because I don't want to damage my wood floors), then the X9 Pro Omni will be a headache. I blocked it from some of my rugs and others I pick up before it runs. The X8 Pro was the same way, so there's been no improvement. For comparison's sake, the Saros 10R from Roborock is able to navigate those kinds of rugs well enough not to get itself tangled up constantly.

I have no other issues with the vacuuming. I have a lot of houseplants and I have had a dirt spill or two, and it has no problems with that. It also leaves no trace of cat hair. The side brush is designed to get into corners and around furniture, and it works well keeping the area near the baseboards clean. I haven't noticed a major difference between the cleaning of the X9 Pro and the X8 Pro despite the updated side brush design.


There's also a new main brush that Ecovacs is calling ZeroTangle 3.0, up from 2.0. I have never had the brush on one of the Ecovacs robots tangle up. I have long hair, my partner has long hair, and one of my two cats has long hair, but I haven't had to pull out the brush to remove hair wrapped around it.

Ecovacs uses a unique roller mop design for its robots, which I am a fan of. The roller mop gets constantly washed as it cleans, and I like the idea of clean water washing my floor rather than dirt being spread around. The roller mop is an alternative to the dual spinning heads that other robots have, which have to be washed at the base station.

For mopping, the X9 Pro Omni does a good job. If you have something stubborn like dried ketchup or dried cat food on the floor, it's often not able to get it all in one go, but it does get smaller stains and it is able to remove stubborn stains with multiple passes. With robot vacuums, the idea is to run them multiple times a week so that the floor is cleaned over time and stays clean. For small messes, it's great. For a huge sticky stain on the floor? I have to clean that myself unless I want to run the X9 Pro Omni over that area several times, which is an option.


Prior to using the X9 Pro Omni, I mopped once a week and had my house thoroughly cleaned once a month. When the robot first started mopping the floor, the water would come back gray. Now, it's a little dirty some of the time, but it's close to clear. I'm a thorough mopper, but 3x per week mopping with the X9 Pro Omni's roller mop made a difference, especially in areas where I didn't regularly clean like under the couch. My floors never looked dirty before, but now they feel much cleaner.


I should add that the X9 Pro Omni is almost always cleaning my floor with just water. There is a slot for adding cleaning solution, but you need to be careful what you use. Ecovacs recommends using its solution to avoid gumming up the internals, but I've also successfully used Bona's robot vacuum cleaning solution. Water is totally fine and gets the floor clean.

Noise


When vacuuming, the X9 Pro sounds like a vacuum. I can tolerate being in the same room with it if I wear noise canceling headphones, but I wouldn't want it to vacuum at night. The mopping is quieter, and I don't hear much when the vacuum isn't on.


The X9 Pro Omni is designed to mop and vacuum at the same time, and that's as noisy as vacuuming alone.

Battery


The X9 Pro Omni has decent battery life, but how long it lasts when cleaning will depend on the parameters that are set and how often it needs to return to the dock to empty the dustbin or wash the mop.

I've seen it last for a little over three hours before it needs to recharge, and in that time period, it's able to clean around 1,000 sq ft, but that also varies based on the type of cleaning that it's doing.

If the X9 Pro Omni runs out of battery life in the middle of a task, it will recharge and then resume when it's done.

I find the best way to use robot vacuums is to have a set it and forget it cleaning schedule. I assign it to clean one area of the house per day, so it's not running out of battery. With a cleaning schedule, I don't have to think about the robot much at all. It goes off and does its thing, and the house stays clean. I add in spot cleanings when needed, and have it clean high traffic areas a couple times a week.

Dock


The dock is a charger, plus it holds clean and dirty water tanks and a dust bag. The X9 Pro Omni has to return to the dock to empty the dust it's collected and it also washes the mop with hot water.


Since the X9 Pro Omni's dock is smaller than the X8 Pro Omni, it has a smaller dirty water tank (2.2L vs. 4L). I do need to empty it more often, but it's quick to do so it hasn't been a hassle. The clean water tank is still 4L.

AI Features and Obstacle Avoidance


I've found that the high-end robot vacuums are good at navigation, and the X9 Pro Omni hasn't gotten stuck or had problems getting to different rooms of my house. It seems to be better at avoiding obstacles than the prior-generation X8 Pro Omni, and I've never had it wander off and get lost.

I have seen the X9 Pro Omni push lightweight items like my cat's food bowl out of the way to clean, but it's somehow never sucked up a small cat toy. It's surprisingly good at getting itself out of entanglements with tricky furniture, and it will try several avenues to exit a tight spot.

There is a "sensitive" setting that will make sure it avoids pets and people, but I have that turned off because if it stopped every time my cat approached it, it wouldn't get anything done.

This model has an "Intelligent Hosting" cleaning mode, where the robot decides what to clean and how to clean it. With this mode, the robot uses AI to determine where to clean and how much to clean an area. I've primarily been using this mode to give it a solid try, but sometimes I'm not sure why it makes a particular decision. I've noticed that it will do extra passes in doorways and around pet areas, which is smart, but then sometimes it will also skip entire rooms, or only clean half of a room.


The most recent time I used it, it cleaned most of my office, skipped my bathroom and closet, cleaned one small section of my living room, thoroughly cleaned two bedrooms, cleaned half of the craft room, and skipped the kitchen and living room entirely even though those are the rooms most in need of cleaning. If there was a reason for that chaotic pattern, I don't know what it was.

It is supposed to be able to detect dirty areas on the floor, and it will sometimes go over a spot a bunch of times. I think sometimes that it sees the darker knots in my wood floor as dirt, but I have also seen it successfully scrub dried cat food off of the floor, and spend a good 15 minutes mopping up a craft area with clay on the floor.

You don't need to use the intelligent mode, and can instead elect to have the robot use standard cleaning methods that aren't directed by AI.

Ecovacs App


Setup and management of the X9 Pro Omni is done with the Ecovacs app, and that's also where all of the more advanced features are available. Getting the robot up and running takes less than five minutes, and then it's ready to go. When first activated, the X9 Pro Omni will do a complete 3D home scan to learn the layout of your house.


The robot maps out individual rooms and separates them out for the most part, but some manual management is necessary. I labeled each area and used the in-app tools to clarify that my bathroom and my closet are separate areas.

There is a detailed map editor for setting boundaries, creating no-go zones, labeling rooms, labeling furniture, merging rooms, separating rooms, and more.


The app has basic start, pause, and stop controls, but there are also multiple cleaning options to choose from. You can adjust the suction power of the vacuum (which impacts noise level), choose the water flow for mopping, and select cleaning patterns. There's standard clean with one pass, a deep clean with two, and a quick clean with more space between the back and forth rows the robot cleans in.


There is a built-in voice assistant activated with an "OK Yiko" wake word, but I use it very little. It's responsive and it works well for things like pausing cleaning or continuing to clean when the app is not at hand. It's more capable than ‌Siri‌ for cleaning-specific commands because it understands multi-step instructions like vacuum the bedroom and then mop the bathroom.

I appreciate that Ecovacs has detailed privacy controls with toggles to disable data sharing. There are also some fun little add-ins in the app, like the ability to view whatever the robot is seeing through its camera, and send it off through the house so you can keep an eye on things when you're not home.


There is one aspect of the cleaning that gets on my nerves, and that's the voice narration. The X9 Pro Omni will narrate what it's doing, such as letting me know when it's going to wash the mop, or that there will be noise when it's emptying the dust bag.

Home App


The X9 Pro Omni has Matter integration, so if you have iOS 18.4 or later, it can be added to the Home app and used with ‌Siri‌.

When I first tested the X8, I wasn't sold on ‌Siri‌ integration, but I've come around to it and it's more useful than I first thought. I can say "Hey ‌Siri‌, clean the kitchen," and it works. I have HomePods in my living room and office, so it's more convenient for me to ask ‌Siri‌ to do spot cleaning than it is to open the Ecovacs app or use the robot's voice command capabilities.


There are fairly basic controls for the X9 Pro Omni in the Home app. You can start/stop, choose between vacuum or mop modes, select a specific room to clean, and toggle between deep clean and quick clean.

I actually like some of the Home app automation options better than the cleaning schedules I can set in the Ecovacs app. With HomeKit, I can set the X9 Pro Omni to start cleaning when everyone leaves home, or schedule it to be activated alongside other ‌HomeKit‌ devices.

Maintenance


The X9 Pro Omni hasn't required much maintenance so far, but there are components that have a limited lifespan and that will need to be replaced. Ecovacs recommends replacing the main brush after 300 hours, the roller mop and side brush after 150 hours, and the filter after around 120 hours.


Sensors need to be cleaned every so often, the dust bag needs to be swapped out about once a month, and the water tanks need to be managed. I have to refill the clean water every two or three cleanings, but with the smaller dirty water tank, I need to do that with almost every cleaning. The app sends alerts when the tanks need to be addressed, and it keeps track of when components need to be replaced.

With heavy use, it would probably cost $100 a year to swap everything out. Three filters are $15, the main brush is $20, the mop roller is $30, three dust bags are $25, and the side brush is $15.

The other bit of maintenance that I have to do is moving the robot when it eats a rug, or gets something stuck in the brush. I had a little felt ball get caught once, but it's good enough at object detection that it's a rare occurrence. I haven't run into mechanical issues or performance problems with the exception of the robot's poor rug handling.

Ecovacs has a point system where you earn points for using the app's features, so there are discounts for accessories available. For any issues that arise, there is a one-year warranty.

Bottom Line


After a few months with the X9 Pro Omni, I have mixed feelings about it. It's $1,300, while the prior-generation X8 Pro Omni is $900 (currently on sale). I think the X9 Pro Omni and X8 Pro Omni are similar enough in performance that it's worth going with the more affordable model, unless you want some of the features that are unique to the updated version.

The X9 Pro Omni's dock is much more aesthetically pleasing, and the look is worth considering if it's going to be in a spot central to the home. I didn't notice a lot of difference in the cleaning ability between the X8 and X9 on wood floors, but I did appreciate the stronger force of the mop and some stains did seem to come up quicker. This version is supposed to be much better on carpet, so with carpet in the home, the upgrade is probably worth it.

If you already have an X8 Pro Omni, the X9 is not worth upgrading to, but if you're new to robot vacuums, it's a good one to get. The X8 and X9 Pro Omni from Ecovacs are both impressive vacuuming and mopping robots. With the exception of some poor performance on lightweight rugs, the X9 Pro Omni is an automated cleaning machine that requires little user interaction, and it just works. It does what Ecovacs says it will do, and it does it well.

I was skeptical about robot vacuums before I was able to try one, but now I am sold. This isn't a product that I want to be without because it saves me so much time and mental effort. I basically never have to think about cleaning my floors, and it's a job that just gets done.

I don't think Matter and ‌HomeKit‌ integration are necessary for a robot vacuum, but it's functionality that's nice to have if you use ‌Siri‌ for home tasks or want to set up complicated automations.

How to Buy


The Deebot X9 Pro Omni can be purchased from the Ecovacs website for $1,299.99.

Note: Ecovacs provided MacRumors with a Deebot X9 Pro Omni for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
This article, "Review: Ecovacs' Matter-Compatible Deebot X9 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum Put to the Test" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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F1: The Movie Rolling Out for Purchase From Apple TV App

21 août 2025 à 20:40
Heavily promoted Apple-produced film F1: The Movie is rolling out on the Apple TV app starting today, and it is available for purchase or rent in some countries.


‌Apple TV‌ users in South Korea and Japan have reported seeing F1: The Movie available in the ‌Apple TV‌ store, but it does not appear to be available through the ‌Apple TV‌+ streaming service as of yet.

In South Korea and Japan, it is already Friday, August 22, so it is possible that it won't be available in the U.S. until midnight Eastern time.

F1: The Movie launched in theaters on June 27, and it had a highly successful box office run. The film earned more than $500 million globally, making it Apple's highest-grossing theatrical release to date. Apple did a second theatrical run in August.

Ahead of when F1 launched in theaters, there was a relentless advertising campaign from Apple and other companies featured in the film. Apple ran ads on YouTube, sent Apple CEO Tim Cook and Brad Pitt to Apple Fifth Avenue, put a guide in the Maps app for well-known F1 racetracks, and even put ads for the movie in the built-in Wallet app and the Sports app, frustrating iPhone users.

It is not yet clear when F1: The Movie will be available for ‌Apple TV‌+ subscribers.
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Apple Releases New Public Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

21 août 2025 à 20:27
Apple today provided public beta testers with updated firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, allowing them to test the new AirPods features in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. The firmware is only available to public beta testers and developers at the current time, and a device running ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, or macOS 26 is required to install the update. The firmware has a build number of 8A5343a, up from 8A5324b, and it is the same firmware that was provided to developers earlier this week.


The firmware adds several features that Apple is debuting alongside ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, and macOS Tahoe.

The ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 and ‌AirPods 4‌ support improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There's also an option to use the AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording.

With ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, and macOS Tahoe, Apple added a beta firmware update installation option that's available from the AirPods settings interface when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, which facilitates the beta testing.
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Apple Responds to Accusations of Executive Creating 'Toxic Workplace'

21 août 2025 à 18:13
The New York Times' Tripp Mickle today reported that "nine current and former employees" who worked with or for Apple's Vice President of Fitness Technologies Jay Blahnik have accused him of creating a "toxic work environment."


The affected employees said Blahnik "could be verbally abusive, manipulative and inappropriate," according to the report.

"His behavior contributed to decisions by more than 10 workers to seek extended mental health or medical leaves of absence since 2022," the report said. One former employee on the team said she "never worked anywhere more toxic."

Apple spokesperson Lance Lin told The New York Times that the report contains "many inaccurate claims and mischaracterizations."

"We strongly disagree with the premise of this story, and there are many inaccurate claims and mischaracterizations," said Lin, without providing any specific examples. "We will continue to share the facts through the legal process."

Apple settled a complaint alleging sexual harassment by Blahnik, and it is defending him in another lawsuit over allegations of bullying, according to the report.

Blahnik continues to work at Apple after an internal investigation found "no evidence of wrongdoing," according to the report. The story cites a legal filing in which Apple denied any "harassment, discrimination, retaliation or any other harm." He joined Apple in 2013, after years of being a consultant at Nike. He played a key role in the creation of the Apple Watch's Activity rings and the Apple Fitness+ subscription service.
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Apple Announces New Store in India — Download the Special Wallpaper

21 août 2025 à 17:09
Apple today announced it will be opening a new retail store at the Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bengaluru, India, on Tuesday, September 2.


"Namaskara, Bengaluru," says Apple. "Your first Apple Store is getting ready to open its doors. We're so excited to see you start something wonderful at Apple Hebbal."

To celebrate the new store, Apple has shared a special wallpaper for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The wallpaper can be downloaded on the store's page for a limited time, or you can use the direct links provided in the previous sentence.


The store's page also features an Apple Music playlist with a Bengaluru theme.

Apple Hebbal will be the company's third retail store in India, alongside Apple Saket in New Delhi and Apple BKC in Mumbai. As we previously reported, Apple is also preparing to open new stores at the KOPA Mall in Pune and at the DLF Mall of India in Noida later this year, but it has yet to officially announce those two locations.

The store's glass facade is currently covered by a wrapper with a similar design as the wallpaper, so we cannot see what it looks like. However, many of the newer stores include an Apple Pickup station for in-store pickup of online orders, and a Genius Bar with varied table and seat heights for improved accessibility. Apple's newer stores also use more engineered wood, whereas classic stores made extensive use of stainless steel.

India is an increasingly important market for Apple for both sales and manufacturing, with the company reportedly boosting iPhone production in the country, as part of its supply chain diversification efforts. Last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the majority of the iPhones sold in the U.S. last quarter were imported from India.

Apple will also be opening a new store in the United Arab Emirates later this year.
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iOS 26: Reduce Transparency of Apple's Liquid Glass Design

21 août 2025 à 16:58
Apple's iOS 26 update, currently in beta, introduces a striking visual overhaul with its new Liquid Glass design language. However, if the translucent elements are causing readability issues or you simply prefer a more opaque interface, there's a quick accessibility setting that can help tone things down.


The Liquid Glass design brings transparency effects throughout the system interface and stock apps. On the Home Screen, you'll notice the search bar, dock, and app folders all feature translucent backgrounds. App icons themselves now sport a new layered glass appearance that adds visual depth and dimension to your device – plus there's a new Clear appearance option that ups the ante even more.

While visually impressive, these transparency effects can sometimes interfere with readability, especially for anyone with certain visual needs. Fortunately, Apple has included accessibility options to make the interface more accessible.

How to Reduce Transparency


The quickest way to make iOS 26's interface more opaque is through the Reduce Transparency setting:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

  2. Tap Accessibility.

  3. Select Display & Text Size.

  4. Toggle on Reduce Transparency.


settings

This setting adds darker backgrounds to translucent areas like Control Center, app icons, and app folders, so you should see increased contrast between elements throughout the system.

Note that Reduce Transparency doesn't completely eliminate all translucent elements or change button shapes – it simply makes translucent areas more opaque while maintaining the overall iOS 26 aesthetic.

Add Reduce Transparency to Control Center


For quick access to this setting, you can add it to your Accessibility Shortcuts to get to it from the Control Center interface:

  1. Go to Settings ➝ Accessibility.

  2. Scroll down and tap Accessibility Shortcut.

  3. Select Reduce Transparency in the list.

settings

If you like, you can add the Accessibility Shortcut button to Control Center (long press a space between the interface's buttons, then tap Add Control). After you've done that, you can quickly toggle the setting on and off directly from Control Center, making it easy to switch between the full Liquid Glass experience and a more opaque interface as needed.

Additional Contrast Options


If you're still having legibility issues after enabling Reduce Transparency, return to Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Display & Text Size, then toggle on Increase Contrast. Note that enabling both Reduce Transparency and Increase Contrast will cause icons to lose most of their translucency.

The Liquid Glass design is still in beta, so Apple will likely continue refining the visual effects based on feedback. A wider official rollout of iOS 26 is expected sometime in September.
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Apple TV+ Price Increase Announced

21 août 2025 à 16:26
Apple today raised the monthly price of its Apple TV+ streaming service to $12.99 in the U.S., according to 9to5Mac's Benjamin Mayo.


Apple TV+ cost just $4.99 per month in the U.S. when it launched in 2019, but the price has now increased three times. The price went up to $6.99 per month in 2022, and then to $9.99 per month in 2023, and now the service costs $12.99 per month. The latest price increase applies to select other countries too.

An annual subscription to Apple TV+ will continue to cost $99 in the U.S., and Apple One bundle prices are not changing, the report said.

The new price is effective immediately for new Apple TV+ subscribers, but various free trial options remain available. For existing subscribers, the price increase will take effect 30 days after their next renewal date, the report said.

In a statement shared with 9to5Mac, Apple attempted to justify the price increase by noting that it has continued to expand its library of original content, and it touted the value of its Apple One plans with multiple Apple services.

Many other streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix have raised prices in recent years.
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Anker Offers MacRumors Readers 20% Off Collection of Chargers, Hubs, Batteries, and More

21 août 2025 à 15:50
MacRumors readers can get 20 percent off a collection of Anker's best charging accessories this month. In order to get this deal, head to Anker's website and add an accessory to your cart, then enter the code Ankermacrumors2025 at checkout to see the discount.

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

Our exclusive 20 percent off code works on most accessories sitewide, including Anker's "high power" charging accessories. This exclusive discount code does not stack with existing discounts on Anker's website, but it can be used on multiple items in the same cart.



In the lists below, we've collected a few examples of the best products available at a discount with our exclusive promo code, but remember that it works sitewide. It's also worth noting that Anker is hosting a back to school sale, and some of the discounts in that event are steeper than our 20 percent sitewide discount. Be sure to check and compare both discounts in your cart before you place your order to ensure you have the best deal.

Portable Chargers



Wall Chargers



Charging Stations



Hubs




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.




Deals Newsletter


Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Vivo's $1,400 Apple Vision Pro Clone Launches Across China

21 août 2025 à 14:34
Chinese smartphone maker Vivo on Thursday unveiled its first mixed reality headset, the "Vivo Vision," and the photocopiers in Dongguan appear to have been working overtime.


The device "launched" as an in-store experience across mainland China today, featuring design elements that clearly ape Apple's Vision Pro. It's got a curved glass front visor, downward-pointing cameras, removable fabric light seals in four sizes, eight foam padding options, a knitted rear strap, and an aluminum external battery pack connected via a braided cable. The Vivo Vision "Explorer Edition" even offers support for 1.5-degree eye tracking and 26 degrees depth of field for gesture-based navigation.

To its credit, Vivo's clone has some competitive specifications. The dual 8K micro-LED displays provide 3,840 × 3,552 pixels per eye – slightly higher than the Vision Pro's resolution – and offers 180-degree panoramic field of view. At 398 grams, it's significantly lighter than Apple's 650-gram device. Vivo also claims its headset is 26 percent smaller than the "industry average."

As for software, the headset runs on OriginOS Vision, Vivo's in-house mixed reality operating system, which is said to offer ultra-low latency of just 13ms. As you'd expect, it supports recording 3D videos, spatial photos, and spatial audio. Users can also immerse themselves in a 120-inch cinema screen.

Pricing is expected at around 10,000 yuan (roughly $1,395), which is well below Apple's Vision Pro $3,499 starting price. Pre-orders are now open for the device, although Vivo has yet to confirm availability details, giving Apple plenty of time to consider its legal options.

Joking aside, this isn't the first Chinese Apple knock-off that we've seen by a long stretch, plus there's no indication that Vivo's headset is coming to international markets beyond China. The Vision Pro has sold poorly anyway, so the impact on Apple's bottom line is likely to be minimal.


Apple is currently working on a next-generation version of the Vision Pro with an M5 chip, based on code discovered by MacRumors. The refreshed Vision Pro isn't expected to feature any design changes or hardware updates aside from the new chip, but it could get a new strap that will make it more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. The Vision Pro 2 with M5 chip could launch as soon as late 2025.
Tags: China, Vivo

This article, "Vivo's $1,400 Apple Vision Pro Clone Launches Across China" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Blood Oxygen Feature Workaround Sparks Fresh Masimo Lawsuit

21 août 2025 à 12:12
Medical technology company Masimo on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Border Protection in which it challenged the agency's decision to allow Apple to restore blood oxygen monitoring to its Apple Watch models (via Bloomberg Law).


In a complaint filed Wednesday in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, Masimo said that Customs acted unlawfully when it ruled on August 1 that Apple can import watches with pulse oximetry technology – a reversal of the agency's decision from last year – without notifying Masimo. Masimo said it only discovered the ruling on August 14, when Apple publicly announced it would be reintroducing the pulse oximetry functionality through a software update.

The medical device maker claims Customs and Border Protection exceeded its authority when it issued the ruling permitting Apple's redesigned approach. Apple's workaround offloads blood oxygen calculations from the Apple Watch to a paired iPhone, where it performs similar functionality to what the ITC originally judged to have infringed Masimo's patents.

Masimo is seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to block the Customs decision. "CBP's function is to enforce ITC exclusion orders, not to create loopholes that render them ineffective," Masimo said.

The dispute originates from an International Trade Commission ruling in December 2023 that found Apple's blood oxygen sensors infringed Masimo's patents, leading to an import ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models that have the feature enabled.

Apple paused sales in the U.S. for several days before resuming them on January 18, 2024. The Series 9 and Ultra 2 models then went back on the market without blood oxygen monitoring, up until Apple's release of iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 last week, which shifted the feature's calculations to paired iPhones.
Tag: Masimo

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Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 226 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

21 août 2025 à 02:00
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser that was first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ to allow users to test features that are planned for future release versions of the Safari browser.


‌Safari Technology Preview‌ 226 includes fixes and updates for CSS, Canvas, JavaScript, Media, Rendering, Deprecations, SVG, Storage, Web API, Web Extensions, and Web Inspector.

The current ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release is compatible with machines running macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe, the newest version of macOS that's set to launch this later this year.

The ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple’s website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.

Apple’s aim with ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.
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All the New AI Features Coming to Google's Pixel 10 Smartphones

21 août 2025 à 01:16
Google introduced its next-generation Pixel 10 smartphones today, and while there are multiple hardware improvements, Google focused heavily on new AI features. The Pixel 10 devices offer quite a few new AI-powered capabilities, in addition to prior AI features that have come out over the last couple of years.


We've rounded up the new features, some of which the iPhone already supports, and some of which the ‌iPhone‌ can't do yet.

  • Magic Cue - Magic Cue proactively surfaces relevant info and suggests actions, similar to how Apple's personalized Siri features were supposed to work. It can display flight information when you call an airline, or cue up a photo if a friend asks for an image.

  • Daily Hub - Daily Hub uses Magic Cue to surface a personalized daily digest of upcoming calendar events, topics to explore, recommended playlists, and more.

  • Call Transcripts - The Take a Message feature in the Phone app provides real-time transcripts for missed or declined calls. Apple already provides real-time transcripts for incoming voicemails.

  • Pixel Journal - Pixel Journal provides AI writing prompts to help users process their thoughts, and it provides insights into patterns and progress over time. Apple has a similar Journal app that offers journaling suggestions.

  • Voice Translate - Voice Translate translates calls in real-time in what sounds like each speaker's voice. It's similar to Apple's Live Translation features, but that doesn't mimic user voices. Voice Translate also supports more languages when translating to or from English, including Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Russian, and Indonesian.

  • Camera Coach - Camera Coach can provide real-time guidance to help users capture better images. It suggests tips on lighting, composition, and more.

  • Auto Best Take - Analyzes up to 150 frames in seconds to get the perfect group shot where everyone is looking at the camera.

  • Add Me - The image feature that can add the photographer to a group shot using AI has been improved. It works with bigger groups and offers more creative composition options.

  • AI Videos - The Pixel devices can generate a video based on short text descriptions.

  • Visual Guidance for Gemini Live - Gemini Live allows for real-time conversations with Gemini AI. It's already able to converse and get context from the camera or screen sharing, but it now highlights things on the display to provide better visual guidance when responding to questions.

  • More natural speech - Gemini Live is getting more human-like speech, with improvements to intonation, rhythm, and pitch for more expressive conversations. It will be able to speaker slower or faster when asked, and it can do accents.

  • Gboard - The Google keyboard supports Writing Tools for spellchecking, plus it can rewrite in specific styles. Apple has a similar Writing Tools feature that supports grammar and spelling correction and rewrites in a specified style.

  • Google Photos - Google Photos is getting conversation-based photo editing.

  • NotebookLM - Google's AI research assistant integrates with Pixel Screenshots and Recorder. If Screenshots detects a picture that's useful for a notebook, it will suggest adding it for simpler tracking. Transcripts from Recorder can also be added.

  • Gemini Nano - The Tensor G5 chip in the Pixel 10 smartphones runs the newest Gemini Nano model on-device.


Apple will be able to match some of these features when the updated version of ‌Siri‌ rolls out in 2026, but it is behind on image editing features and live AI capabilities since there is no dedicated Apple-designed LLM as of now.

Google's updated Pixel 10 devices are available for pre-order now, and will be launching later this month. Apple's iPhone 17 models will debut in September.
This article, "All the New AI Features Coming to Google's Pixel 10 Smartphones" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Nanoleaf's New 4D V2 Brings Zigzag Design and Better Colors to TV Backlighting

21 août 2025 à 00:24
Nanoleaf this week announced the launch of the 4D V2, a product that's designed to provide ambient lighting that matches the colors on your TV set. The second version of the Screen Mirror and Lightstrip Kit offers more accurate screen mirroring for a more engaging viewing experience.


The Nanoleaf 4D V2 has a redesigned zigzag lightstrip that makes it easier to install on a TV set that's up to 65 inches. The lightstrip is able to wrap around the entire display, and there is no need for corner brackets due to the design. The lightstrip can be trimmed to fit any size screen.

The lightstrip pairs with a camera that analyzes the colors on the screen so the lightstrip can change colors to match instantly. Nanoleaf says that the 4D V2 offers improved color accuracy for vivid colors and bright whites that bring the screen to life with a glow. For music, there's a Rhythm feature that turns the 4D into a sound-reactive audio-visual experience where lights pulse to the beat of the music.

The 4D V2 kit is able to pair up with other Nanoleaf lamps for a unified lighting experience that mirrors what's on the TV, plus the product offers different levels of color variance. Nanoleaf's new product can be controlled with the Nanoleaf app, but it also integrates into HomeKit.

Nanoleaf's 4D V2 can be ordered from the Nanoleaf website for $100.
This article, "Nanoleaf's New 4D V2 Brings Zigzag Design and Better Colors to TV Backlighting" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Google Photos Gets Conversational Editing

21 août 2025 à 00:01
With the launch of the Pixel 10 smartphones, Google announced new AI functionality that's coming to its Google Photos app and service.


Users will be able to describe the edits that they want to make with text or voice in the Google ‌Photos‌ editing interface, and the changes will appear. Google says there will be no need to select tools or adjust sliders, with complex edits enabled through conversational AI.

Requests can be generic or specific, with Google suggesting the AI can understand even the most basic requests. Some of Google's examples:

  • Restore this old photo

  • Remove the cars in the background

  • Remove the reflections and fix the washed out colors

  • Make it better

  • Remove the glare, brighten the photo, and add clouds to the sky

  • Add fun items like a party hat or sunglasses

  • Change the background


The AI supports multiple requests in a single prompt, along with follow-up requests.

The new Google ‌Photos‌ functionality will be available on the Pixel 10 to start with, but it will presumably expand to other devices in the future.

Google is also adding C2PA Content Credentials to Google ‌Photos‌, which will more clearly show how an image was captured or edited. C2PA Content Credentials will roll out to Google ‌Photos‌ on Android and iOS devices over the coming weeks.
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iPhone Driver's Licenses in Apple Wallet Now Available in 10 U.S. States

20 août 2025 à 21:00
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.


This week, Apple announced the 10th U.S. state that has implemented the feature: Montana.

Below, we have recapped key details about the feature.

Supported States



The following states offer driver's licenses in the Wallet app:The feature is also available in Puerto Rico.

Future States


Apple and state governments have previously announced that the following U.S. states have signed on to adopt the feature in the future:
  • West Virginia

  • Connecticut

  • Kentucky

  • Mississippi

  • Oklahoma

  • Utah

  • Illinois

Participating Airports



Apple Wallet app IDs can be used at select TSA checkpoints within select U.S. airports:
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

  • Denver International Airport (DEN)

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG)

  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

  • San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)

  • Los Angeles International (LAX)

  • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)

  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

  • Lea County Regional Airport (HOB)

  • Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)

  • Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

  • Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

  • Great Falls International Airport (GTF)

  • Missoula International Airport (MSO)
Apple says travelers should refer to TSA checkpoint signage to confirm availability of the feature.

Apple Wallet IDs can also be used to show proof of age or identity at select businesses and venues in the U.S., but there is no list of locations.

Digital ID



In addition to driver's licenses and state IDs, iOS 26 is introducing a new Digital ID, which can be created based on a U.S. passport. Apple says iPhone users can present this Digital ID in person at select TSA checkpoints for identity verification purposes during domestic travel within the U.S., but it is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a U.S. passport.
This article, "iPhone Driver's Licenses in Apple Wallet Now Available in 10 U.S. States" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Update Now: iOS 18.6.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.6.1 Fix Actively Exploited Vulnerability

20 août 2025 à 19:58
Apple today released new iOS 18.6.2, iPadOS 18.6.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.6.1 updates, and the software addresses a security vulnerability that is known to have been actively exploited.


According to Apple's security support documents, memory corruption could result from devices that were sent a malicious image file.

Apple says that it is aware of a report that the issue "may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals." This wording suggests that the average iPhone, iPad, and Mac user doesn't need to worry about being targeted with this attack, but it is still a good idea to update right away.

Apple addressed the issue with improved bounds checking, and the CVE credits Apple, indicating that Apple's internal teams found the bug and fixed it.

Along with iOS 18.6.2, iPadOS 18.6.2, and ‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.6.1 updates, Apple has also released security fixes with iPadOS 17.7.10, macOS 14.7.8, and macOS 13.7.8.
This article, "Update Now: iOS 18.6.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.6.1 Fix Actively Exploited Vulnerability" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Releases macOS Sequoia 15.6.1 With Security Updates

20 août 2025 à 19:24
Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.6.1, a minor update to the ‌macOS Sequoia‌ operating system that launched last September. ‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.6.1 comes a few weeks after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15.6.


Mac users can download the ‌‌‌‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.6.1 update through the Software Update section of System Settings. It is available for free on all Macs able to run macOS 15. Apple has also released macOS 13.7.8 and macOS 14.7.8 for older Macs.

‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.6.1 doesn't include new outward-facing features. According to Apple's release notes, the update provides important security updates.

More information on the features in ‌macOS Sequoia‌ can be found in our macOS Sequoia roundup. Apple will soon replace ‌macOS Sequoia‌ with macOS Tahoe, an update that is being beta tested ahead of a fall launch.
This article, "Apple Releases macOS Sequoia 15.6.1 With Security Updates" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Releases iOS 18.6.2 With Security Fixes

20 août 2025 à 19:22
Apple today released iOS 18.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2, more minor updates for the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems. iOS 18.6.2 comes less than a week after the launch of iOS 18.6.1, an update that re-added blood oxygen monitoring support to the latest Apple Watch models.


iOS 18.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2 can be downloaded on eligible devices over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple has also released iPadOS 17.7.10 for iPads that aren't able to run ‌iPadOS 18‌.

According to Apple's release notes, iOS 18.6.2 and iPadOS 18.6.2 provides important security fixes and the updates are recommended for all users.

We are less than a month away from the launch of iOS 26, the next-generation version of iOS that will replace ‌iOS 18‌, so this will likely be one of the last updates to ‌iOS 18‌ beyond security fixes.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Google Beats Apple to Satellite Connectivity With Pixel Watch 4

20 août 2025 à 19:14
Along with new Pixel 10 smartphones, Google is debuting updated Pixel Buds 2a and a new Pixel Watch 4 with some unique features.


Google says that the Pixel Watch 4 is the biggest update to the Pixel Watch so far. The device has been redesigned with a domed 360 display, and Google beat Apple to a smartwatch with satellite connectivity.

The domed display is physically curved, a change that Google says provides a 10 percent larger active display area and 16 percent smaller bezels, plus 50 percent improved performance in sunlight. There's a stronger haptic engine for better physical feedback, and the battery is able to last for up to 30 hours on the 41mm watch and up to 40 hours on the 45mm watch. Google is using a Snapdragon W5 chip inside and an ML-powered co-processor.


Google says that the display and the battery can be replaced, significantly improving repairability. There's a custom Gorilla Glass display cover, and the watch itself is made from aluminum.

The LTE version of the Pixel Watch 4 offers emergency satellite support so users can get help even when there's no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity available. Rumors suggest that Apple is planning to add this same functionality to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 that's coming in September.

Sleep tracking is more accurate, there's a better skin temperature sensor, and dual-frequency GPS allows for more accurate route tracking. Google even mimicked Apple's Workout Buddy, introducing a personal AI health coach that's powered by Gemini. It offers proactive fitness and sleep coaching, along with on-demand guidance. Pricing for the Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349.


At $129, Pixel Buds 2a are priced lower than Apple's ANC AirPods but they still offer premium features. These are the first earbuds in Google's A-series to feature Active Noise Cancellation, and Google says that sound quality has been improved with a custom-designed speaker driver and high-frequency chamber. Battery life has been extended, and Gemini AI is available when the earbuds are paired with a Pixel smartphone.


The Pixel Buds 2a are designed to be lighter and more comfortable than prior-generation models, with an in-ear fit and no protruding stem. Google added a twist-to-adjust stabilization feature for a tighter fit, and there's IP54 water and sweat resistance.

Google is also adding new features to its $229 Pixel Buds Pro 2, which launched last year. The earbuds are getting functionality that's directly copied from the AirPods, including Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection. Adaptive Audio adjusts sound level to the wearer's surroundings to let key noises come through, while Loud Noise Protection protects hearing when there's a sudden loud sound.

The Pixel Buds 2a and the Pixel Watch 4 can be pre-ordered from Google's website.
Tag: Google

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iPhone 17's Competition: Google Launches New Pixel 10 Smartphones

20 août 2025 à 18:46
Google today announced the launch of its next-generation Pixel 10 smartphones, including the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the Pixel 10 Pro, and the Pixel 10.


All of the new smartphones are equipped with the latest Tensor G5 Chip. Google's Tensor chips are the equivalent of Apple's A-series chips, and are designed in-house by Google. The G5 is built using 3-nanometer technology, and Google claims that it "unlocks the most advanced on-device AI on any phone." Gemini Nano runs 2.6x faster and it is 2x more efficient than the prior chip, plus CPU performance is up 34 percent.


Google's most expensive flagship device is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, priced starting at $1,799. It's made from aluminum, has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, and it uses a "gearless hinge" that's more durable than the hinge used in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google says the display is more durable, built from two thin layers of glass and two layers of anti-impact film for drop protection.

The display is larger this year, measuring in at 8 inches when unfolded, and 6.4 inches when closed, with slimmed down bezels. The displays offer up to 3000 nits brightness for use in sunny conditions. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's battery lasts for up to 30 hours, and it has a triple-lens rear camera system with a new 48-megapixel main lens, Super Res Zoom up to 20x, and macro focus.

Apple has no foldable iPhone to compare the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to right now, but Google's latest device will compete with Samsung's ultra thin Galaxy Z Fold7. Apple's first foldable smartphone is coming in 2026, and rumors suggest it will offer similar capabilities like a super durable hinge and a nearly crease-free display.

The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are Google's standard devices that will compete with Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series. The smartphones feature a newly refined camera bar at the back, a glass and metal build, and support for Google's new Material 3 Expressive design. Material 3 Expressive is almost a polar opposite of Apple's Liquid Glass, featuring a flat look with a modern aesthetic.


The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro feature 6.3-inch displays, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL has a larger 6.8-inch display. The Pixel 10 has a three camera setup for the first time with a 5x telephoto lens that supports up to 10x optical zoom, while the Pro devices feature support for Pro Res Zoom at up to 100x with generative AI to recover and refine intricate details. Both the Pro models have 16GB RAM and faster wireless charging, with the Pixel 10 Pro supporting up to 25W wireless charging with Qi2.2 support. That matches the iPhone 16 line's 25W MagSafe charging functionality.


Google is unsurprisingly emphasizing AI, and Gemini Nano will power on-device generative AI features. Magic Cue is a new option that will "proactively offer the right information at the right time," and it sounds similar to the AI-powered Siri suggestions that Apple wanted to roll out in iOS 18. Camera Coach is a new feature that uses Gemini models to suggest ways to improve photos, like selecting different framing or composition, and Apple has no equivalent.

Google has a new line of Qi2 Pixelsnap accessories, that are similar to ‌MagSafe‌ accessories. There are chargers, stands, ring stands, cases, and more.


All of Google's new smartphones can be pre-ordered today. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is priced starting at $1,799, while the Pixel 10 is priced starting at $799. The Pixel 10 Pro starts at $999, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199. The new devices will launch on August 28.
Tag: Google

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Greater Manchester Gets Support for Apple Pay Express Mode

20 août 2025 à 17:48
Support for Apple Pay's Express Mode has this week been added to the Bee Network in Greater Manchester, enabling passengers to pay for bus and tram travel without unlocking their iPhone or Apple Watch.


The new functionality marks the first time a UK integrated public transport system outside London has implemented Express Mode. According to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the launch builds on the network's rollout of contactless "tap and go" earlier this year, which has already led to more than one million contactless journeys per week.

‌Apple Pay‌'s Express Mode was first introduced in London in 2019, allowing ‌iPhone‌ and Apple Watch owners to pass through Transport for London turnstiles with a single tap. The feature is designed primarily for public transit systems, enabling rapid contactless transactions that bypass the biometric or passcode requirement that normally accompanies ‌Apple Pay‌. The feature also supports ‌iPhone‌'s Power Reserve mode, meaning transactions can still be made for several hours even if the device battery is critically low.

Users can select a debit or credit card in the Apple Wallet app as their default transit card under "Express Travel Settings." Once enabled, payment requires only holding the device near a card reader. For most users, the default payment card already selected in Apple Wallet will automatically be assigned to Express Mode, though this can be changed at any time in Settings.

Express Mode is already supported in cities around the world, including London, New York, Beijing, Tokyo, and Sydney.
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Apple Rumored to Launch 'TechWoven' Cases for iPhone 17 With 'Crossbody Strap' Option

20 août 2025 à 17:21
Apple is planning to launch a new "TechWoven" line of cases for the iPhone 17 series, according to a leaker known as "Majin Bu."


Two years ago, Apple stopped selling leather iPhone cases, as part of the company's efforts to reduce its carbon emissions. As an alternative, Apple introduced a new "FineWoven" line of fabric iPhone cases made from 68% post-consumer recycled content, but they were prone to scratches and stains and ultimately discontinued. Now, it looks like Apple has gone back to the drawing board and come up with a new-and-improved solution.

TechWoven cases would be the spiritual successor to those much-maligned FineWoven cases, and it would be safe to assume that Apple took a lot of feedback into consideration. While still using fabric, the cases are said to offer "enhanced durability."

If the TechWoven branding is legitimate, perhaps the name is based on "technical textile."

In addition to a more durable design, the leaker reiterated that it will be possible to attach a lanyard to the cases, which appear to have tiny holes in the bottom-left and bottom-right corners for this purpose. While the boxes for the cases shown in the photos are said to be replicas, they are apparently representative of what Apple is actually planning.

If the replica box does prove to be representative, then it reveals that the cases will be compatible with a new "Crossbody Strap" option, which is presumably a large lanyard that can be worn around the neck. Wearing your iPhone has become a fashion trend in recent years, and a strap would also make it harder for a pickpocket to steal your iPhone.


The box also reveals that the cases are compatible with MagSafe and the Camera Control — no surprises there, but confirmation that those features continue to exist.

Color options will apparently include Black, Brown, Blue, Green, and Purple, although one box reveals that the colors will have more specific names like Sienna as usual.

While we cannot confirm if these cases are the real deal, the replica boxes would certainly pass as impressive fakes, even in the world of generative AI images. Nevertheless, some skepticism is always warranted with this type of rumor. Fortunately, Apple is expected to hold its iPhone 17 event in less than a month from now.
Related Forum: iPhone

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Apple TV+ Shares 'The Morning Show' Season 4 Trailer

20 août 2025 à 16:40
Apple today shared the first trailer for the fourth season of Apple TV+ original "The Morning Show."


Season four begins set in spring 2024, nearly two years after season three's merger between UBA and NBN, now operating as UBN. The story confronts issues of truth and trust in an era of deepfakes, conspiracy theories, and cover-ups. Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston return, both starring and executive producing. Showrunner Charlotte Stoudt and director Mimi Leder remain at the helm.

The ensemble includes Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Greta Lee, Nicole Beharie, and Jon Hamm. New cast members are Aaron Pierre, William Jackson Harper, Boyd Holbrook, Marion Cotillard, and Jeremy Irons.

Season four's trailer highlights Bradley's pursuit of a cover-up story, Alex's clashes with podcaster Brodie, corporate tension within UBN, and an FBI raid. Subplots involve Cotillard's Celine Dumont, Greta Lee's Stella, and Pierre's Miles in tangled professional and personal dynamics.

Apple emphasized the series' awards pedigree: season three earned 16 Emmy nominations and a second win for Crudup. Across earlier seasons, Aniston won a SAG Award, Crudup secured Emmys and Critics Choice honors, and Leder received Emmy nominations for directing.

Seasons one through three are available now on ‌Apple TV‌+. ‌Apple TV‌+ costs $9.99/month with a 7-day free trial, or three months free with new Apple device activation.

The Morning Show season four premieres on September 17, 2025, with new episodes streaming weekly through November 19.
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