For the last several months, MacRumors has been working on a series of in-depth feature guides and how tos that walk you through the design changes and updates in Apple's new software.


Our ultimate guide includes all of our iOS 26 coverage, and it is a useful resource for iPhone and iPad users who haven't had a chance to test out ‌iOS 26‌, or those who might want a recap on what's new. We've organized it by app or feature to make it easy to find what you're looking for.

Liquid Glass

Apple's Liquid Glass design brings a big visual change to ‌iOS 26‌. Icons, apps, menu bars, navigation bars, and all other interface elements feature a Liquid Glass aesthetic. It's not just translucency that you have to deal with. There are pop out menus, collapsing navigation bars, and a much more rounded aesthetic.

• iOS 26: Everything You Need to Know About the Liquid Glass Redesign


• How to Reduce Transparency of Apple's Liquid Glass

Lock Screen

The Lock Screen clock has embraced Liquid Glass in a big way, and there are also new options for wallpaper and widgets.

• iOS 26: New Lock Screen Features


• How to Change iPhone Clock to Liquid Glass


• Turn Lock Screen Photos Into 3D Spatial Scenes

Home Screen

A new design means a new Home Screen, and there are new features for icons, widgets, and wallpapers.

• iOS 26: What's Changed With the iPhone's Home Screen


• Make App Icons Clear on Your iPhone Home Screen


• How to Add Web Apps or Bookmarks to iPhone Home Screen

Apple Intelligence

Apple is still recovering from the Apple Intelligence Siri delay and the company didn't make a major deal about ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features in ‌iOS 26‌, but there are quite a few additions.

Live Translation auto translates messages and calls, Visual Intelligence now works with what's on your screen, the Wallet app can track all of your purchases, and there are other small additions to be aware of.

• All of the New Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 26


• Here's What's New With Visual Intelligence in iOS 26


• iOS 26 Brings Major Changes to Image Playground

All of the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features require a device that supports ‌Apple Intelligence‌, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro, ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, and all iPhone 17 models.

Messages

There are a bunch of new features in the Messages app, including the option to set custom backgrounds for each chat. Be warned, other people see the background that you set. Group chats support typing indicators and other features, and you can add polls to chats.

• iOS 26: Every Change to the Messages App


• How to Create Polls in Messages


• How to Selectively Copy Text Within a Message


• Add Custom Backgrounds to Messages Conversations


• Remove Custom Backgrounds in Messages Conversations

Phone

Some of the biggest changes in ‌iOS 26‌ are to the Phone app. There's a whole Call Screening feature that can screen calls from unknown numbers, and a tool that'll wait for you when you're on hold.

• iOS 26: 10+ Features Coming to the Phone App


• How to Get a Callback Reminder for a Missed Call


• Set a Custom iPhone Ringtone in Seconds


• iOS 26: Here's What You Can Do With Apple's New Games App

AirPods

With an accompanying firmware update, the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 support Live Translation for in-person conversations, plus there are options like pausing audio when you fall asleep and using the AirPods as a remote for the ‌iPhone‌'s Camera app.

• All the new AirPods Features in iOS 26


• Auto-Pause AirPods Audio When You Fall Asleep


• Remotely Control iPhone Camera With Your AirPods

Safari

Safari has an updated layout, a Liquid Glass design, tab bar changes, new privacy features, and more.

• Safari in iOS 26: Everything New From Design to Privacy


• Restore Safari's Old Layout From iOS 18


• How to Add Web Apps or Bookmarks to iPhone Home Screen

Apple Maps

The Maps app can learn your preferred route for your commute and alert you if there's anything that's going to make you late. It's also able to save your location history so you can remember your favorite locations when you travel.

• Apple Maps in iOS 26: Track Your Location History and Get Smarter Route Alerts

Notes and Reminders

The Reminders app has some hidden ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features included, while the Notes app supports 3D graphics with three-variable equations and more.

• iOS 26: What's New With Notes and Reminders


• How to Import and Export Markdown Files in Apple Notes


• Add New Reminders Faster Than Ever

Camera

The Camera app received some of the most notable UI changes, with updates to the menu for switching between modes and for accessing different settings.

• iOS 26 Camera App: New Features and Design Changes


• Remotely Control iPhone Camera With Your AirPods


• Keep iPhone Camera Lens Clean With This Smart Setting

FaceTime

In FaceTime, there's an updated interface with a card-style layout, call screening, an option to block nudity, and support for Live Translation captions.

• iOS 26: Everything New With FaceTime

Apple Music

Apple Music has an AutoMix feature that provides DJ-like transitions for songs, along with Lyric Translation and Pronunciation features.

• iOS 26: Eight New Features in Apple Music


• Use Folders to Manage Playlists in Apple Music


• How to Use the New Music Pins Feature

Photos

If you hated the unified Photos app in iOS 18, there's good news! Collections and the ‌Photos‌ Library are once again split into two separate tabs. Apple also added support for Spatial Scenes, a feature that gives a 3D look to 2D photos.

• iOS 26 Photos App: Everything That's Changed


• Turn Photos Into 3D Spatial Scenes

Podcasts

The Podcasts app has a Liquid Glass design, new speed controls, and dialogue improvements.

• iOS 26: What's New With the Podcasts App


• Make Your Favorite Podcasts Easier to Hear


• Fine-Tune Podcast Playback Speeds

Wallet

There are big changes in the Wallet app, including support for digital passports and major improvements to boarding passes.

• iOS 26: 5 New Features in the Wallet App
  


• Save Physical Card Details in Wallet App


• Silence Wallet App Promo and Offer Notifications

Other New Features and Options

• Screen Capture Content in HDR


• Turn Off Full-Screen Screenshot Previews


• Extend iPhone Battery Life With Adaptive Power Mode


• See How Long Your iPhone Will Take to Fully Charge


• How to Customize iPhone Alarm Snooze Duration

Read More

We have a complete overview of all of the new features in ‌iOS 26‌ in one place in our iOS 26 roundup, which is also well worth checking out for all of the smaller details that didn't make it into our guides and how tos.
This article, "iOS 26 Features: The Ultimate Mega Guide" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Actress Britt Lower took home one of the two statues awarded to Severance at the Emmy Awards last night, and her acceptance speech included a fun little easter egg. Or was it a cry for help from her innie? Watch it below.

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Following a limited launch late last month, Apple has now officially rolled out its Apple Music import tool worldwide, making it easier for users who want to switch from Spotify and other music platforms. Here is how it works, and where it is (and isn’t) available.

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For the past few months, multiple outlets reported that Meta was likely to announce its first display-enabled smart glasses at its yearly Connect event, scheduled for September 17.

Today, an unlisted YouTube video all but confirmed many of its rumored features. Here are the details.

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Apple this month expanded its music transfer tool to almost all countries where Apple Music is supported, simplifying the transition from services like Spotify to ‌Apple Music‌.


The transfer tool lets users import their playlists and libraries from competing streaming services into ‌Apple Music‌.

Apple initially began testing the transfer tool in Australia and New Zealand in May, and then expanded it to the U.S. and six other countries in late August. It's now available worldwide, with the exception of China Mainland, Myanmar, and Russia, according to a new Apple Support document.

To use the Transfer to ‌Apple Music‌ feature, iPhone and iPad users can go to Settings > Apps > Music and tap on the Transfer Music from Other Music Services option. From there, choose a music service, sign into the service, and decide what to transfer.

Apple says that what can be transferred will vary by music service and what is available in the ‌Apple Music‌ catalog, but it is designed to transfer songs, albums, and playlists. In addition to Spotify, the transfer option works with streaming music services from Amazon, Deezer, Tidal, and YouTube. Apple partnered with SongShift for the transfer functionality.

In cases where an exact match for a song isn't able to be located, Apple will flag the music as Needs Review, displaying alternate versions that can be selected. Apple warns that some content might not be available or have an exact match in ‌‌Apple Music‌‌, and the company also says that only user created playlists can be transferred, not playlists created by another music service.

When going through the transfer process, source playlists and libraries in the other music service are not impacted and remain available.

(Thanks, Erdinc!)
This article, "Apple Music Transfer Tool Launches in Nearly All Countries, Simplifying Switching From Spotify" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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As the weather cools down and fall hiking season ramps up, I always think about what gear makes sense to carry. A MagSafe wallet is one of those things that feels like it should be as versatile as your iPhone itself. The is a perfect option when you want something rugged that can handle the outdoors but still works as an EDC.

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Roadside Assistance via Satellite is now available in Australia, allowing Australian iPhone users to get help if their car breaks down in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular service.


According to Apple, Roadside Assistance via Satellite can be used in Australia to get help from NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, and AANT.

Using the feature requires an ‌iPhone‌ 14 or later with satellite capabilities, and iOS 18.4 or later. There continues to be no charge for Apple's satellite services, though customers who use Roadside Assistance will need to pay the fee of the company that responds.

Both Australians and international travelers who visit Australia are able to use the Roadside Assistance feature.

Prior to now, Roadside Assistance via Satellite was limited to the United States and United Kingdom. Apple says that it is working to bring the functionality to additional regions.
This article, "Roadside Assistance via Satellite Expands to Australia" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple’s next major iPhone software update is here: iOS 26 released today, but not every iPhone is compatible with the new software. Here are the iPhone models that do (and don’t) support iOS 26.

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The Apple Watch Ultra 3 replaces the second-generation model that was introduced two years ago in Apple's smartwatch lineup, but how different are the two successive smartwatch generations?


The two Apple Watch Ultra models share the overwhelming majority of their features, so should you consider buying or sticking with the second generation to save money? This breakdown serves as a way to see all the differences that the Ultra 3 brings to the table.

The Apple Watch Series 11 represents one of the smallest upgrades to the mainstream model ever, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 provides a bit bigger but still modest change compared to its predecessor.

Apple Watch Ultra 2	Apple Watch Ultra 3
OLED display	Wide-angle OLED display
LTPO2 display	LTPO3 display
410 by 502 pixel display	422 by 514 pixel display
1185 sq mm display area	1245 sq mm display area (5% larger)
S9 chip	S10 chip
LTE and UMTS connectivity	LTE and 5G connectivity
	Satellite connectivity
	Emergency SOS via satellite
2.178 watt-hour battery	2.313 watt-hour battery (6% larger)
Fast-charge 0–80% in about 1 hour	Fast-charge 0–80% in about 45 minutes

Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a fairly minor upgrade over the second-generation model, with the most substantial changes focusing on the display. The new Apple Watch Ultra's display is a little larger, and it now features wide-angle OLED and LTPO3 for better viewing angles and a higher refresh rate when lowered, meaning there is a persistent ticking seconds hand on some watch faces.

It features 5G connectivity for the first time alongside Emergency SOS via satellite, bringing two iPhone features to the Apple Watch. Battery life is slightly better and the device charges to 80% 15 minutes faster, but there are few upgrades of substance.

It will likely not be worth upgrading from an Apple Watch Ultra 2 to an Ultra 3, even though they come two years apart. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 gains all of the same health features as the Ultra 3, and even its S9 chip has the same CPU as the S10; the S10 is simply a more compact version of the S9, so don't expect a performance boost. Owners of the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra from three years ago may have more reason to get the latest device, but it is far from an essential upgrade.
This article, "Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra 3 Buyer's Guide: 10 Upgrades Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 launched today for all users, packed with new features including battery-focused improvements. One addition is a new Adaptive Power battery mode that joins Low Power Mode, and is enabled by default on iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and iPhone Air.

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The iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max have the iOS 26 Adaptive Power option enabled by default, Apple said today in a support document that explains the feature.


Adaptive Power is meant to adjust the iPhone's power draw on days when you are using more battery power than normal. It can adjust power draw, lower screen brightness by three percent, and limit background activity. It's also designed to activate Low Power mode when the ‌iPhone‌'s battery drops to 20 percent.

While Adaptive Power is available for the ‌iPhone 17‌ models, iPhone 16 models, and the iPhone 15 Pro models, it is only turned on automatically on the ‌iPhone 17‌ models. It is off by default on ‌iPhone 16‌ models, the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, and the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max.

If you have an ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro or any ‌iPhone 16‌ model and want to opt in to Adaptive Power, you can do so by opening up the Settings app, tapping on Battery, tapping on Power Mode, and then toggling Adaptive Power on.

‌iPhone 17‌ users who want to turn Adaptive Power off can do so using the same steps.

Adaptive Power uses on-device intelligence, which is why it is only available on iPhones that support Apple Intelligence. Apple says that it predicts when you need extra battery life based on recent usage patterns, and it adjusts accordingly. Adaptive Power does not interfere with tasks that require maximum performance, like using the camera or playing games in Game Mode.

All of the ‌iPhone 17‌ models have extended battery life, but the ‌iPhone Air‌ has the lowest battery life of the bunch. It can last for 27 hours when watching videos, but that can be extended to 40 hours with Apple's $99 MagSafe Battery.
This article, "iPhone 17 Series Ships With iOS 26's Adaptive Power Mode Enabled by Default" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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For the past few years, SmartGym has been my copilot during every single gym session I’ve had. Now, thanks to iOS 26 and Apple’s Foundation Models framework, it has gotten even better and more useful. Here are the details.

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The iOS 26 Safari browser on iPhone evokes the new design system featuring Liquid Glass, with floating toolbars and buttons that shine through the web page content behind them as you scroll. But Apple has also taken the opportunity to revamp the design of the toolbar UI.

By default, iOS 26 now uses a Compact layout which hides away some of the commonly used buttons. However, there’s a way to change it back if you prefer something that looked like the iOS 18 design …

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Apple has released HomePod version 26, the latest software update for HomePod and HomePod mini. Here’s what’s new.

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As well as a refreshed new look for system components like buttons and tabbars, the Liquid Glass redesign of iOS 26 also extends to app icons. For the first time since iOS 7, Apple has redrawn all of the system apps with new artwork. That means a whole new look is coming to your iPhone home screen when you update.

In this post, we share a side-by-side of the iOS 26 app icon and its iOS 18 counterpart, so you can decide for yourself how much of a step forward the new visual style represents.

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iOS 26 is now available for everyone to download, and it's a big update. There are significant design changes, and many new features to learn about. Some of the additions need some setup so you can get started, so we've created an ‌iOS 26‌ tutorial that covers what you should do first after installing ‌iOS 26‌.

Set Up Your Lock Screen

You'll see the new Liquid Glass design from the first moment you install ‌iOS 26‌, because it starts at the Lock Screen. Unlock your iPhone and long press to get into the Lock Screen customization features, where you can select new options.


You can turn on a Liquid Glass effect for the time, so select your preferred font and color, then choose the "Glass" option.

If you drag the right hand corner of the clock, you can change its size. The size will adjust dynamically if you have a photos wallpaper selected, but for other wallpapers, you can choose a size.

When selecting a wallpaper, you can use a 2D image to generate a 3D Spatial Scene that uses depth information to separate the subject from the background. Spatial Scene wallpapers show a little bit of motion when you move your ‌iPhone‌, improving the 3D effect.

Make sure you also set up your widgets and your Control Center buttons. In ‌iOS 26‌, you can put your widgets on the bottom of the display, and you're not limited to having them right under the clock.

After everything is customized, save it and then give your ‌iPhone‌ a tilt. You'll see the subtle movement of the Spatial Scene if you selected one, and subtle glints of light reflecting off of the Liquid Glass elements.

Set Up Your Home Screen

There are even more customization options on the Home Screen. Long press, tap on Edit, and then choose Customize to get to the different options.


If you tap on the "Clear" setting, all of your icons will shift to a clear, glass-like look that shows your wallpaper behind them. There are Light and Dark mode options to choose from.

Default uses standard, multi-color icons that have a new stacked glass look. You can also choose Tinted for a unified color that's not quite as transparent as the Clear option. Tinted icons still have a translucent look, but it's subtler.

Apple added buttons so you can choose a tint that matches your ‌iPhone‌ color or your case color if you have an Apple case, so tap on the icons below the color slider if you're interested in those options.

Give Visual Intelligence a Try

The Visual Intelligence feature that's activated with Camera Control now works with screenshots. You can capture a screenshot and then use ‌Visual Intelligence‌ to identify what you're looking at, find products, and get more information.


To use on-screen ‌Visual Intelligence‌, just take a screenshot (press the volume up and side buttons at the same time), then tap on ask, search, or Highlight to Search if you want to select a specific part of an image to ask about.

You can search for products with Google Image Search, Etsy, and more, or ask ChatGPT what you're looking at.

You need an ‌iPhone‌ that supports Apple Intelligence to use ‌Visual Intelligence‌.

Set Up Call Screening

With Call Screening, you can get more information from people calling from an unknown number before you choose to accept a call.


When Call Screening is on, your ‌iPhone‌ asks a caller for their name and reason for calling. The information is relayed to you, and you can decide if you want to accept the call or ignore it.

You can turn on Call Screening in the Phone section of the Settings app. There are also new settings for identifying and filtering out spam calls and spam voicemails.

Choose Messages Backgrounds

The Messages app supports custom backgrounds in ‌iOS 26‌, both for individual conversations and group conversations. You can set a different background for every person or group that you chat with.


To set up a background, tap on the name at the top and then choose the "Backgrounds" option. There are pre-selected settings like sky, water, and aurora, or you can select a color. You can also choose a photo or generate a background using Image Playground.

Backgrounds that you set are changed for every participant in the conversation, so make sure not to choose something that you think is for your eyes only.

If you don't want to see custom backgrounds, you can turn it off in the Messages section of the Settings app.

Turn on Live Translation

Live Translation is a Messages app feature that automatically translates incoming messages from someone that speaks another language. If you regularly chat with someone who doesn't speak your language, you can give it a try.


To turn on Live Translation for a conversation or a group chat, tap on the name at the top and then toggle on "Automatically Translate." From there, anything someone types in another language is translated to your language, and your responses will be translated into their language.

Live Translation for Messages is available in English (US), English (UK), Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).


You can also use Live Translation for FaceTime, where it shows captions with language translations, and the Phone app, where there are spoken translations. AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 also support in-person Live Translation for real-time conversation translations.

Live Translation requires an ‌iPhone‌ that supports ‌Apple Intelligence‌.

Make a Genmoji

In ‌iOS 26‌, you can mix two or more emoji together to create a new emoji. If you've had trouble coming up with ideas for Genmoji, the option to combine two characters may be useful.


In the Messages app, tap on the Emoji button and then choose ‌Genmoji‌ to get to the ‌Genmoji‌ interface. You can type in a description, or tap on the smiley face icon to select two or more emoji characters to combine together.

Combining an emotion-related emoji with an object emoji is a good way to get a custom character that has a face or expresses a feeling.

Apple updated ‌Image Playground‌ to take advantage of feeling emoji. You can use an emoji like a happy face or a sad face to change the expression and emotion of an ‌Image Playground‌ creation that features a person.

While in ‌Image Playground‌, you can also try the new ChatGPT integration. You can use ChatGPT's image generation tools to create an image in any style.


Making a ‌Genmoji‌ and using ‌Image Playground‌ requires an ‌iPhone‌ that supports ‌Apple Intelligence‌.

Try the Games App

Apple added a Games app in ‌iOS 26‌, and it comes pre-installed on the ‌iPhone‌. It has all of the games from the App Store, along with Apple Arcade titles, but it also has new features for playing games with friends and challenging them to beat your high scores.

Customize Your Alarm and Ringtones

‌iOS 26‌ includes new variations of the popular "Reflections" ringtone that you can use for everything from calls to messages alerts. To try out the new ringtones, open up the Settings app, tap on Sound and Haptics, and tap on Ringtone.


You'll see the new options if you tap on "Reflection." There's also a new ringtone called "Little Bird" that's worth checking out. It's also easier to set a custom ringtone using the Files app and the Share Sheet.

After you set a ringtone, you can customize your alarm's snooze time. For years, Apple has used a nine minute default snooze time for alarms, but now you can choose anywhere from one minute to 15 minutes as the duration between when your alarm will go off.


To customize an alarm, open up the Clock app, choose the Alarms tab, tap on an alarm or create a new one, and then tap on Snooze Duration to select a duration. You can change the snooze length for all of your separate alarms.

Choose Your Safari Preference

Apple added a new "Compact" view for the Safari Tab bar that tucks several settings out of sight. If you want to change back to your preferred view at the top or the bottom, you can change it in the Safari section of the Settings app.

Read More About iOS 26

If you want to find out about even more features in ‌iOS 26‌, we have a comprehensive iOS 26 roundup that walks through everything new.
This article, "iOS 26 Setup Guide: 10 Things You Should Do First" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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I’ve written before about how Gentler Streak is by far my favorite exercise app due to its human-first approach to exercise. Today, the developers behind the app are introducing The Outsiders, which takes the same approach to high-level training. Here’s what it looks like

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Apple devices that are running iOS 10 or macOS Sierra no longer meet the minimum system requirements for iCloud, according to Apple's updated iCloud support document.


All ‌iCloud‌ features now require iOS 11 or macOS High Sierra at minimum. ‌iCloud‌ services like Keychain, iCloud Photos, ‌iCloud‌ backups, Find My, and iCloud Drive will no longer work on devices that are running iOS 10 or macOS Sierra.

iOS 10 and macOS Sierra launched in September 2016, which means the updates are now nine years old. iOS 10 was the final version of iOS available for the iPhone 5 (2012) and the ‌iPhone‌ 5c (2013), along with the fourth-generation iPad (2012). These devices will no longer be able to access ‌iCloud‌ services.

macOS High Sierra was compatible with all Macs running macOS Sierra, so there are no Macs that are losing ‌iCloud‌ support with the compatibility change unless those Macs have not been updated to the last version of macOS they support.
This article, "Apple Drops iCloud Support for iOS 10 and macOS Sierra" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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After releasing iOS 26 today, Apple has shared a list of nearly 200 changes included in the software update, ranging from new features to minor tweaks.


Keep in mind that 200 changes does not mean 200 new features. The list contains even the smallest of changes across the operating system and Apple's built-in apps.

The vast majority of the changes in the list have already received lots of attention. Here are a few small changes that went somewhat under the radar:

• eSIM Quick Transfer now requires Face ID or Touch ID, with no passcode fallback, when Stolen Device Protection is active.


• In the Messages app, there is now a Drafts folder/filter.


• In the Podcasts app, there are more listening speeds, ranging from 0.5x to 3x. You can save your preferred speed per podcast.

Apple also shared equivalent lists for iPadOS 26 and macOS 26.

Throughout the week, we will be highlighting many of the new features in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and Apple's other software updates, so stay tuned.
This article, "Apple Shares List of Nearly 200 Changes in iOS 26" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In iOS 26, Apple has quietly included seven new ringtones to alert you to calls, messages, and other audible notifications. Keep reading to learn what's new and how to hear the new sounds.


The iconic "Reflection" ringtone – introduced in 2017 alongside the iPhone X – now has multiple alternate versions in iOS 26. While the original tone retains its familiar pellucid xylophone melody, the following new variants bring different energies to the classic:

• Buoyant


• Dreamer


• Pond


• Pop


• Reflected


• Surge

You can find and select the new ringtones in Settings ➝ Sound & Haptics ➝ Ringtone. Tap the chevron next to Reflection to expand the list and reveal the new versions.

The new versions keep Reflection's signature rhythm but each adds its own character and beat. Like the original, they can be used as both a ringtone and an alarm sound. You can listen to the new Reflection mixes yourself right now by hitting play on the embedded X post below.


In an extra Easter egg, Apple also added a new ringtone called Little Bird, which is distinct from the new Reflection options.

• iOS 26: Set a Custom iPhone Ringtone in Seconds

iOS 26 is available to install now on all compatible iPhone models. To check for the update on your iPhone, tap through to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update, then tap Update Now when the iOS 26 update appears.
This article, "Here Are All the New iPhone Ringtones in iOS 26" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Affirm and Klarna today announced that their pay later options are now available for in-store Apple Pay purchases.


With the new feature, approved ‌Apple Pay‌ users can use Affirm to opt to split eligible in-person purchases into biweekly or monthly payments from 0% APR to 36% APR.

Those that choose Klarna in the U.S. can use Pay in 4 to split the cost into four interest-free installments, Pay Later to pay the full amount up to 30 days later with no interest, or Financing with monthly installments for larger purchases. In the UK, Klarna supports Pay in 3 and Pay Later.

Affirm and Klarna's pay-over-time options were already available for online purchases made using ‌Apple Pay‌, but now purchases made in retail locations can also use the split payment functionality. For a short period of time, Apple offered its own ‌Apple Pay‌ Later service, but it was discontinued in favor of partnerships with other companies.

To make an in-store purchase using Affirm or Klarna, iOS 26 is required. Customers can tap on the "+" button in the Wallet app, select Pay Later Options, and choose one of the available services. When ready to pay, double click on the side button of an iPhone as normal and then choose Affirm or Klarna as the payment option. From there, tap on Pay Later, obtain approval, and then authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to make the purchase.
This article, "Affirm and Klarna Pay Later Options Now Available for In-Store Apple Pay Purchases" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 is now available for iPhone users to install, and a new webpage from Apple seeks to explain why software updates are important, but also their potential impact on battery life and performance.

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In the iOS 26 release notes, Apple is warning iPhone users that installing the new software might have a temporary impact on battery life, which is normal.


A new support document explains that major iOS updates require background setup like indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.

Further, Apple says that new features could require more resources, leading to a "small impact" on performance and battery life.

Apple's hardware and software are designed together to deliver great performance and great battery life. As new features and improvements are added, they can change the way we use our devices, as you explore and utilize these new capabilities. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Immediately after completing an update, particularly a major release, you might notice a temporary impact on battery life and thermal performance. This is normal, as your device needs time to complete the setup process in the background, including indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.

New features are exciting and help you get even more out of your Apple product, though some may require additional resources from the device. Depending on individual usage, some users may notice a small impact on performance and/or battery life. Apple continually works to optimize these features in software updates to ensure great battery life and a smooth user experience.

There are often complaints about battery life after a new software update, which is likely why Apple linked the new support document in the ‌iOS 26‌ release notes. While the impact of software updates on battery life has been mentioned in past support documents, Apple has not explained possible battery drain after updates so explicitly.

The new support document wasn't written specifically for ‌iOS 26‌, and it is a generalized support document applicable to all iOS and iPadOS software updates.

Apple's support document also explains why it is important to install new versions of iOS, and how software updates work.
This article, "Apple Says Installing iOS 26 Might Impact Battery Life" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released updated firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4, introducing support for the new AirPods features that are included in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe.


The firmware has a build number of 8A356, and it replaces the current 7E93 firmware.

With Apple's new software updates, the AirPods Pro 2 and the ‌AirPods 4‌ support better audio quality for phone calls and video calls, and studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, videos, and more.

There is an option to use the AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording, and you can now get the AirPods to pause audio if you fall asleep while listening. A Keep Audio in Headphones feature ensures that your music won't switch to your car when you get in, and you can now get charging reminders when your AirPods battery is low. On the ‌AirPods 4‌ with ANC and the AirPods Pro 2, Live Translation is supported.

All of these features will also be available with the new AirPods Pro 3 that are releasing on Friday, September 19.

To install the new firmware, make sure your AirPods are in range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. From there, put your AirPods in the Charging Case and connect the Charging Case to power. Keep the case closed and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware update to install.
This article, "AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 Get iOS 26 Features With New Firmware Update" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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