Daring Fireball's John Gruber joins us on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show to discuss Apple Intelligence and the future of the company.


We talk through the reaction to John's influential "Something Is Rotten in the State of Cupertino" piece on Daring Fireball, which pointed out that Apple's credibility has been "damaged" by the delay in releasing key ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features such as personalized Siri. Subsequent reports revealed that Vision Pro chief Mike Rockwell has taken over the Siri team at Apple, which until recently was led by artificial intelligence chief John Giannandrea. Software chief Craig Federighi is also believed to have taken on more responsibility to turn ‌Apple Intelligence‌ around.

The company has altered its marketing strategy away from the "Hello, ‌Apple Intelligence‌" tagline and the features are finally expected to launch sometime within the next year. With this recent context, we get John's thoughts on how the situation has evolved since he wrote his article, including on the proposed class-action lawsuits against Apple over false advertising. We also look at how Apple may present its suite of AI features at WWDC later this year.

Moreover, we reflect on the Vision Pro almost two years after its announcement, and John explains why he believes that the headset avoided the mismanagement that has mired apple Intelligence. We also talk through rumors about the second-generation Vision Pro headset that is expected to launch between fall 2025 and spring 2026 as a minor spec bump, simply upgrading from the M2 to the M5 chip. We also explore the highly anticipated lower-cost Vision headset, dubbed "Vision Air," and how this could be positioned when it launches.

We look at the state of Apple's smart home proposition and the HomePod amid rumors that the company's first smart home hub product has been delayed to 2026. The device is believed to be finished and was originally scheduled to launch in March 2025, but due to its reliance on ‌Apple Intelligence‌ its release has reportedly been shelved until next year.

Finally, we discuss the long-rumored foldable iPhone, pondering on what Apple is likely to do differently when it launches the device next year. The MacRumors Show also has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips. See more of John's work over on Daring Fireball and on his podcast, "The Talk Show."



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.


If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about the latest iOS 19 and watchOS 12 rumors, upcoming devices, and more.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Mark Gurman, Kevin Nether, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
This article, "The MacRumors Show: John Gruber Talks Apple Intelligence and the Future of the Company" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Sports has rightfully earned a reputation for being an app that continues to deliver. The latest win is a new social feature coming to Apple Sports called Game Card Sharing.

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Current tensions around US trade policy may be helping delay a coming EU penalty against Apple, according to a new Wall Street Journal report. Here are the details.

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Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

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Ever wonder what malware macOS can detect and remove without help from third-party software? Apple continuously adds new malware detection rules to Mac’s built-in XProtect suite. While most rule names (signatures) are obfuscated, with a bit of reversing engineering, security researchers can map them to their common industry names.

In this edition of 9to5Mac Security Bite, I revisit a story I started working on in May of 2024. Because Apple is continuously adding new modules to its XProtect suite to combat the latest malware trends, I suspect this column will continue to update over time. Here’s what malware your Mac can detect and remove on its own:

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Apple’s China troubles keep abounding. While the company’s main concern is an ongoing trade war between the US and China, where most Apple products are manufactured, iPhone sales are another big struggle. And a new report on Q1 smartphone sales in China shows things are getting worse.

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This week's best deals include a big sitewide sale at Anker, which is an exclusive event only for MacRumors readers. You'll also find great deals on AirPods Max, iPad Pro, and Apple Watch below.

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

Anker

• What's the deal? MacRumors readers can get 20% off sitewide


• Where can I get it? Anker


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

MacRumors readers have a chance to get 20 percent off a collection of Anker's best chargers, power banks, cables, hubs, and docks this week. 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.

The Frame Pro

• What's the deal? Save on Samsung's new The Frame Pro TV


• Where can I get it? Amazon and Samsung

Amazon and Samsung are offering launch discounts on The Frame Pro, Samsung's newest iteration on the popular TV line that just debuted this month. Both retailers have $100 base discounts on the 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch models, although on Amazon you will need to be a Prime member to see the savings.

Additionally, both Amazon and Samsung are throwing in a free Music Frame with any purchase of The Frame Pro, which is a $399.99 value.

Apple Watch

• What's the deal? Take up to $100 off Apple Watch SE and Series 10


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

You can get $80 off the Apple Watch SE this week on Amazon, starting at just $169.00 for the 40mm GPS model. Overall, these are both the best prices we've seen so far in 2025. And for Apple Watch Series 10, you'll find numerous all-time lows as Amazon increased its discounts from earlier in the week, now with $100 off multiple models of both the 42mm GPS and 46mm GPS Apple Watch.

AirPods Max

• What's the deal? Take $69 off AirPods Max


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon discounted the AirPods Max (USB-C) to $479.99 in every color this week. This is the first time in a few weeks that we've tracked a deal on every color of the AirPods Max.

iPad Pro

• What's the deal? Take up to $200 off M4 iPad Pro


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon is discounting numerous models of Apple's M4 iPad Pro this week. This time around, deals are mainly focused on the 13-inch models of the iPad Pro, with $200 off these models.

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

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This article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Anker's 20% Sitewide Sale Exclusive to MacRumors Readers, Plus Big Sales on Apple Watch and AirPods Max" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Netflix is testing a new search feature powered by OpenAI technology that aims to improve how users discover content on the streaming platform, according to multiple reports.


The new AI-powered search capability will allow subscribers to use more natural language queries beyond traditional searches for genres or actors. Users will be able to search for content based on more specific criteria, including their mood, Bloomberg reports.

Netflix spokesperson MoMo Zhou confirmed to The Verge that the feature is currently being tested with select users in Australia and New Zealand on iOS devices. Zhou added that the test will expand to the United States "in the coming weeks and months," although there are currently no plans to extend the feature beyond iOS.

During Netflix's first-quarter earnings call, CEO Greg Peters spoke about the importance of improving content discovery on the platform.

"There is more room to improve the discovery and recommendation experience, and therefore provide more value for members, and therefore find the biggest audiences for our titles," Peters said.

The new search functionality is opt-in for users, suggesting Netflix is taking a cautious approach with its latest AI feature-in-testing. "It's early days for the feature and we're really in a learn and listen phase for this beta," Zhou said.

AI search comes alongside other user experience improvements, including a redesign of Netflix's TV app homepage – the first major structural change to the interface in over a decade, according to Peters. The company plans to roll out the redesign later this year.

Netflix has employed AI and machine learning for its recommendation algorithms in the past, but this new search function will be an expansion of the company's use of generative AI technology.

Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has previously stated that AI will help improve filmmaking, but it won't replace creative personnel like screenwriters and actors. It's a sensitive topic in Hollywood where many have expressed concerns about AI potentially cutting jobs and reducing costs.

Netflix reported a 12.5% increase in first-quarter revenue, reaching $10.54 billion compared to the same period last year.
This article, "Netflix's New AI Search Feature Will Understand Your Viewing Moods" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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I’ve often said I’m a Mac-first guy. If I were only allowed to keep one piece of Apple tech, then I’d hand in my iPhone and iPads (yeah, I’ll get to that plural …) without blinking.

If I want to work while traveling, then my MacBook Pro naturally comes with me. But you may be surprised to know that I’ve also commonly taken it with me on vacations and even some long weekends away …

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Despite being more than two years old, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 still dominate the premium wireless‑earbud space, thanks to a potent mix of top‑tier audio, class‑leading noise cancellation, and Apple's habit of delivering major new features through software updates. With AirPods Pro 3 widely expected to arrive in 2025, prospective buyers now face a familiar dilemma: snap up the proven AirPods Pro 2 at today's prices, or hold off for the next‑generation model that could raise the bar once again.


Apart from their sonic strengths, the enduring popularity of AirPods Pro 2 owes much to Apple's ongoing feature rollouts. iOS 17 (2023) introduced Adaptive Audio, mute controls, and faster device switching. iOS 18 (2024) followed up with head‑gesture Siri commands, Voice Isolation, finer Adaptive Audio sliders, and a Personalized Spatial Audio mode for gamers. Apple then used iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 to add FDA‑authorized hearing‑aid functionality in supported regions, letting ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 double as over‑the‑counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.

2025 AirPods Pro: What the Rumors Say

Design and Case Tweaks

Every credible report agrees that AirPods Pro 3 will inherit today's software feature set, but hardware refinements are also expected. Multiple supply‑chain sources point to a refreshed look for both the buds and the case, with rumors of a slimmer form factor, a concealed status LED, and a front‑facing capacitive pairing button – an approach taken for Apple's fourth‑generation AirPods.

Audio Processor and ANC Upgrades

Under the hood, Apple is said to be testing a faster audio chip that drives "much better" Active Noise Cancellation than the already‑impressive ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 manage. That bump will be crucial if Apple hopes to stay ahead of rivals like Sony's WF‑1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra.

Health Sensors: Heart‑Rate Monitoring

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is developing in‑ear heart‑rate tracking for ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3. The company's recent Powerbeats Pro 2 already capture heart data during workouts but cannot stream music to gym equipment simultaneously. Apple will need to nail seamless audio playback alongside biometric reporting if ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3 are to satisfy fitness‑focused users.

In‑Ear Temperature Detection

Apple is also researching ear‑canal temperature sensing, which – if it ships – could offer faster, more reliable body‑temperature readings than the skin‑temperature estimates produced by Apple Watch Series 8 and later. Whether the sensor will be production‑ready in time for a 2025 release remains unclear.

On‑Device Live Translation

One rumor claims ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3 will partner with the iPhone's Translate app to deliver real‑time conversation translation directly through the earbuds. Imagine an English speaker hearing an instant English rendition of a Spanish counterpart's words (and vice versa) without fumbling with handheld devices. Implementation details are still thin, but the idea fits in with Apple's broader AI push.

Looking Ahead

Longer‑term, analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo believes Apple is prototyping AirPods with infrared cameras to enhance spatial‑audio experiences, while Gurman has heard of small cameras being explored for AI‑driven features. The infrared cameras could potentially enable "in-air gesture control" as well, allowing for device interaction with hand movements. Both projects are said to be high priority inside Apple, but neither is likely to debut before 2026.

AirPods 4 Hints

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The fourth‑generation AirPods offer useful clues to Apple's design cues for AirPods Pro 3. Apple has replaced the rear setup button with a hidden capacitive sensor under the status light on the case front, and the LED itself now disappears when inactive. These stealth touches make for Apple's smallest and lightest charging case yet, and it is hard to imagine the company not extending them to the Pro line.

Release Date

Gurman's most recent guidance places AirPods Pro 3 in 2025, or only "months away" as of February. A lone leaker has floated a May or June unveiling, but the same source made a similar claim in August 2024 that failed to materialize. Historically, Apple has launched significant AirPods updates alongside new iPhones, so a September event, likely shared with the upcoming ‌iPhone‌ 17 series, remains the most plausible window.

Summing Up

With AirPods Pro 3 potentially arriving in roughly five months, Apple device users face a choice. AirPods 4 put Active Noise Cancellation within reach at $179, while AirPods Pro 2 continue to satisfy with top‑tier sound, proven ANC, and hearing‑aid mode. But if heart‑rate tracking, live translation, and even better ANC sound appealing, AirPods Pro 3 promise the biggest leap since the original Pros, and hopefully without raising the $249 price tag.
This article, "AirPods Pro 3 Just Months Away – Here's What We Know" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's iPhone shipments in China declined by 9 percent in the first quarter compared to the year earlier, and it was the only major smartphone vendor to see a decline, according to data from research firm IDC.


Shipments of iPhones fell to 9.8 million units, giving Apple a market share of 13.7 percent, down from 17.4 percent in the previous quarter. Apple has now had seven straight quarters of decline.

For local vendors, it was another story. Market leader Xiaomi saw shipments rise 40 percent to 13.3 million units. Meanwhile, industry-wide shipments rose by 3.3 percent.

According to IDC, Apple's premium pricing structure prevented the company from capitalizing on new government subsidies introduced at the start of the year that fuelled growth in the first quarter.


Under the subsidies, consumers of electronics get a 15 percent refund of products that are priced under 6,000 yuan ($820). Apple's standard iPhone 16 starts at 5,999 yuan.
This article, "iPhone Shipments Down 9% in China's Q1 Smartphone Boom" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Seeing people who aren’t developers create apps through vibe coding lately has reminded me of something from two years ago that bodes well for the future of Siri. Vibe coding is the term assigned to the process of building apps using AI by describing the app that you want to exist.

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Verizon today announced new features for its Unlimited Ultimate plan, which is the company's highest-tier plan at the current time.


Unlimited Ultimate customers now have access to 200GB of premium Hotspot data, which downgrades to 6Mb/s after that. Verizon is also offering unlimited data in more than 210 countries and destinations around the world, plus customers can choose one of 140 countries to get up to 300 minutes of calling from the US per month.

High-speed data worldwide is capped at 15GB per month, and after that, speeds are limited to 1.5Mb/s.

Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan is $100 per month, but it drops to $90 per month with Auto Pay enabled. It offers 5G UWB data, up to 4K video streaming, 50 percent off data plans for a watch and tablet, and talk, text, and unlimited data in Mexico and Canada.

The plan also supports adding streaming features like Hulu, Netflix, YouTube Premium, Apple Music, and Max for an additional monthly fee.

Verizon's other unlimited plans include Plus for $90 per month, and Welcome at $75 per month, with $10/month discounts available for Auto Pay.
This article, "Verizon Updates Ultimate 5G Plan With More Data and New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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WhatsApp this week released a major update that adds a new way to create and manage sticker packs without having to leave the app. Read on as we detail exactly what’s new for WhatsApp users.

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Apple’s Reminders app has become a powerful task manager in recent years, and there’s one highly versatile feature that helps me stay sane when my to-do list grows out of control: Smart Lists.

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Instagram today announced the launch of Blend, a new feature that's designed to allow users to connect to their friends in new ways over DMs. Blend is essentially a shared feed of Reels that combines recommendations that users and their friends might like.


To start a Blend with a friend or a group of friends, users can go to a DM and then tap on the Blend icon. From there, everyone in the DM group is able to participate.

The Blend will include Reels that users in the group are interested in, based on what they've browsed individually and what's been shared in the DM thread. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri said that it's a way for users to share their interests with their friends, and to start new conversations.

Blend feeds will refresh with new content each day as a way to keep participants coming back to the conversation. Every chat can have a unique Blend with different participants.

Instagram has been testing Blend with a small group of Instagram users since March, but it is now rolling out more widely.
This article, "Instagram Announces 'Blend' Shared Reel Feeds" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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When U.S. President Donald Trump levied 145 percent tariffs on goods imported from China, Apple CEO Tim Cook started working to score Apple an exemption that would keep iPhone costs down.


According to The Washington Post, Cook had a phone call with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last week, explaining how the tariffs would cause ‌iPhone‌ prices to increase. He talked to senior White House officials about the tariffs, and made sure not to say anything negative in public about Trump's policies that would anger Trump. For Trump's inauguration, Cook also personally donated $1 million.

Cook's efforts paid off, and last weekend, the Trump administration exempted the ‌iPhone‌, Mac, Apple Watch, iPad, and other electronics from the bulk of tariffs put in place on Chinese goods.

Apple's tariff exemption could be temporary, however, as the day after the announcement, Trump said that there was "no tariff exception" and that no one would be "getting off the hook." Apple and other tech companies will be "moving to a different tariff bucket" as Trump and his administration will be "taking a look" at semiconductors and the electronics supply chain in planned National Security Tariff Investigations.

With the on-again, off-again tariffs, Apple stock has fluctuated quite a bit over the course of the last few weeks. Stock was down as much as 20 percent, but it recovered some of its value after the exemption.

During the first Trump administration, Cook was able to prevent tariffs from impacting Apple devices like the ‌iPhone‌ and the Apple Watch by convincing Trump that the fees would give South Korean company Samsung an edge over Apple.

This time around, Trump has claimed he won't be pressured by companies into lowering tariffs. On Monday, though, he said that he "helped ‌Tim Cook‌ recently," a sign that Cook has an in with Trump that could keep Apple from being hit hard by future tariffs.

Trump insists that Apple could manufacture the ‌iPhone‌ and other products in the United States, but there are significant barriers that would prevent Apple from doing so, including the cost of building factories, a lack of skilled laborers, and the cost of paying U.S. workers.

Apple has pledged a $500 billion investment in the United States, and it plans to manufacture Private Cloud Compute servers at a facility in Houston in partnership with Foxconn. Servers are a much lower volume product that isn't consumer facing, which makes them more feasible to assemble in the U.S.
This article, "How Apple CEO Tim Cook Convinced Trump to Exempt Apple From Tariffs" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Following Severance is a tough job, but Apple TV+ has done surprisingly well so far, helped in large part by Seth Rogen’s hit comedy The Studio. And per a new interview with one of the show’s co-creators, there’s no end in sight for the series.

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This is Rumor Replay, a weekly column at 9to5Mac offering a quick rundown of the most recent Apple product rumors, with analysis and commentary. Today: Apple Vision Air, iPadOS 19 getting Mac-like, watchOS 12, and AI Siri’s surprising timing. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.

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Apple's Beats brand today shared a new ad in its ongoing Pill People series, this time highlighting the various USB-C cables that Beats debuted earlier this week.


The Pill People ad campaign features anthropomorphized Beats Pill speakers with different personalities. Beats has been using the Pill People since it launched the updated Beats Pill last summer.

Apple's Beats brand is now offering several USB-C cables, including USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A, and USB-C to Lightning. The cables come in 1.5-meter and 20-centimeter options, with both sizes priced at $18.99. The cables come in four colors, and they can be purchased from the online Apple Store or Apple retail stores.
This article, "Beats Highlights New USB-C Cables in Latest 'Pill People' Ad" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Google has an illegal monopoly in online advertising, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema said today. Google is guilty of "willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power" in the publisher ad server market that websites use for ads and the open-web display ad exchange market that matches advertisers with websites.


Publishers that wanted to use Google's ad exchange were also required to use its ad server, which disadvantaged competing platforms. Google's "First Look" feature gave its ad exchange the first right of refusal for impressions, and "Last Look" let its platform assess bids from competitors before making its own bid.

Google later rolled out Unified Pricing Rules limiting the pricing strategies that publishers used to reduce dependence on Google ads and screen out low-quality content, which the court says favored Google's ad tech growth while harming rival ad tech products. Google's scale and "vast repositories" of data about advertisers, publishers, and users limits competition.

According to the court, Google's actions have resulted in significant harm to advertisers, publishers, and consumers.

Google could be required to divest its publisher ad server and exchange products, make changes to how it operates to prevent anticompetitive practices in the future, and pay fines. The court plans to decide on appropriate remedies at a future hearing.

Today's antitrust ruling comes as Google gears up to face off with the U.S. Department of Justice over its online search monopoly. The DoJ plans to push for Google to sell off its Chrome browser.
This article, "DoJ Wins Another Victory: Google's Ad Tech Empire Violates Antitrust Laws" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Over the week, the Trump administration announced a set of exemptions for its tariffs imposed on products imported into the United States from China. The exemptions cover product categories like smartphones and laptops, giving Apple a huge reprieve for the iPhone, Mac, and more. In comments earlier this week, Trump bragged about how he “helped” Apple with these exemptions.

A new report from The Washington Post dives into the inner workings of the Trump administration, particularly as they relate to Apple CEO Tim Cook.

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AT&T has offered fiber internet for years, but today it’s launching a new All-Fi Pro plan designed to give users valuable internet perks at no extra cost. Here are the details.

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After previously offering a 50% discount, Google is now giving US college students free Gemini Advanced and Google One AI Premium for 15 months.

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Benjamin and Chance talk about the news and rumors of the week, including a report that iPadOS 19 will gain Mac-like productivity and multitasking features, the claim that Tim Cook is laser focused on beating Meta to AR glasses, and there’s profiles about some of the internal management dysfunction in the AI groups. Also, Apple has kicked off a rare sales promo at its stores in celebration of Earth Day.

And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin used public EV charging for the first time this past weekend, and hit a rather unfortunate snag. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

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Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

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In iOS 18.4, Apple added a new Shortcuts action to open a specific conversation in the Messages app. This means it's now possible to open a chat thread with someone important to you straight from your Lock Screen, for example. Keep reading to learn more.


If you'd like to reduce the time it takes to chat with a frequently contacted person, this new shortcut action is for you. Placing a shortcut on your Lock Screen to a spouse or family member's chat thread allows you to contact them without navigating through the app, making it perfect for quick updates, urgent communications, or daily check-ins.

The feature also streamlines interactions by minimizing distractions, since it lets you bypass the Messages interface, so you won't be tempted to engage with other messages or notifications. It could be handy in situations where rapid access matters, such as emergencies or business communications. The following steps show you how it's done.

Create Your Shortcut Action

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.


2. Tap the + button in the top-right corner of the app.


3. Start typing "Open Conversation" in the Search Actions input field, then select the action in the results.


4. Tap "Conversation" in blue, then select the Messages conversation you want from the dropdown.


5. Tap Done to finish.

Add Shortcut to Your Lock Screen

1. Long press your Lock Screen, tap Customize on the Lock Screen you want to use, then tap Lock Screen again.


2. Tap the minus symbol on one of the bottom buttons to remove the existing control.


3. Tap the plus symbol that replaces it, then select Shortcut from the Controls menu.


4. Tap "Choose" in blue, then select Open Conversation from the shortcuts menu.


5. Tap Done on the Lock Screen customize screen to finish.

That's all there is to it. The "Open Conversation" is more versatile than you might think. For example, you could use it to add a neat shortcut to a particular chat thread on your Home Screen, or even pop one on your Control Center. Have a play around with it, and see what works for you.
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iOS 18.5 has been in beta testing for the last couple weeks, but so far it’s pretty light on changes. However, this week’s new iOS 18.5 betas introduced an update to Apple Mail that exposes a key hidden feature.

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Joining some ongoing discounts on iPhone 16 Pro and M4 iPad Pro, today we are kicking things off with a particularly notable deal on Apple Certified Refurb Apple Watch Ultra 2 units. Regularly $799 and currently $679 from Apple, you can now land ‘pristine condition’ models at $580 – one of the best prices ever and one that might not last long. We also spotted new-open box Apple Pencil Pro back at $80 – also one of the best we have ever tracked – and a massive $1,000 price drop on the previous-generation M2 iPad Pro for today only. Those offers join a new low on this steel Apple Find My water bottle, SSDs for your iPhone, chargers, and more. All of that and more awaits below in today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

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Apple TV+ is having a big year, but the Apple TV 4K streaming box still awaits its first revision since 2022—and that update is coming. Here are four features to expect when the new Apple TV 4K arrives later this year.

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The new Beats charging cables added to Apple's online store on Tuesday can also be purchased at Apple's physical stores in many countries starting today.


The cables are available in a variety of colors and lengths, with USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A, and USB-C to Lightning options. All of the cables have a Beats logo, along with a woven design that increases durability and helps to prevent tangles. In the U.S., prices range from $18.99 to $34.99 for one to two cables.

Notably, this is Apple's first own USB-C to USB-A cable, which could be popular for CarPlay.

Overall, there is nothing extraordinary about these cables, and many cheaper alternatives that are functionally equivalent are available on Amazon.

Beats has shared another ad for the cables on its YouTube channel.


Apple acquired Beats in 2014, and the popular headphone brand has recently pushed into a few other product categories, including iPhone cases and charging cables. Apple also re-released a Beats Pill portable speaker last year.
This article, "Beats Cables Now Available at Apple Stores" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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OWC's Spring Sale continues this week, offering solid discounts on a variety of USB-C docks, memory cards, external drives and enclosures, and Mac accessories. This time around, all of the deals have been applied automatically and you won't need to wait for any coupons to be applied in your cart in order to see the discounts.

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

There are a few notable deals in this sale, including $100 off the popular 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac, available for $179.99. If you purchase a qualifying new or used Mac at the same time as this dock, you can get an additional $20 off the accessory at checkout.

Docks and Hubs

• OWC USB-C Travel Dock - $29.99, down from $49.99


• Atlas Dual SD Card Reader - $67.99, down from $89.99


• Thunderbolt Mini Dock - $99.99, down from $129.99


• Thunderbolt Hub - $99.99, down from $129.99


• 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock - $179.99, down from $279.99


• Thunderbolt Go Dock - $199.99 when added to cart, down from $349.99

Memory Cards

• 128GB SD V60 Atlas Pro - $24.99, down from $29.99


• 128GB SD V90 Atlas Ultra - $79.99, down from $99.99


• 256GB SD V90 Atlas Ultra - $149.99, down from $199.99


• 1TB SD V60 Atlas Pro - $199.99, down from $259.99

External Drives and Enclosures

• Mercury Elite Pro Dual with 3-Port Hub - $149.99, down from $179.99


• 2TB Envoy Pro FX SSD - $299.99, down from $379.99

Memory

• 32GB Memory Upgrade Kit - $59.99, down from $89.98


• 64GB Memory Upgrade Kit - $119.99, down from $179.96

Miscellaneous

• 2M USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable - $3.99, down from $14.99


• 2M Thunderbolt 4 Cable - $44.99 when added to cart, down from $57.99


• Matias Wireless Multi-Pairing Keyboard - $47.99, down from $69.00

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

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This article, "OWC Takes $100 Off Popular 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock During Its Spring Sale" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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We’re currently seeing growing concern about the potentially harmful impact of things like social media usage by kids and teens, with many states and countries enacting laws to address this. Discord has responded by starting to use a mix of AI-powered face scans and ID checks in two specific scenarios …

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A survey has revealed that the majority of Americans have seen their broadband bill go up in the past year, with the average increase hitting an eye-opening $195. But there are four things you can do about that …

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More images of a redesigned power cable allegedly for a future Apple "Vision Air" headset were today shared online by the prototype collector and leaker known as "Kosutami."


Yesterday, the leaker explained that the Apple "Vision Air" will feature a thinner design and switch the battery enclosure and several of its internal structures to titanium to reduce the device's overall weight. Most of the exterior of the device will continue to be aluminum, except with a "Midnight" bluish-black finish. Today's Vision Pro is only available in silver.

The latest images of the power cable show an anodized aluminum connector finished in Apple's distinctive Midnight color. Initial pictures of the Lightning-style connector in Midnight purportedly for the next-generation Vision device were first shared yesterday:



The Vision Pro uses a similar connector, except with 12 pins instead of eight, suggesting that the new cable is part of a more significant redesign, at least of the external battery. The audio strap connector appears to be the same design as that of the Vision Pro.



Apple is expected to launch a second-generation Vision Pro headset with the M5 chip between fall 2025 and spring 2026, but the company's work on a lower-cost headset is widely reported. The latter could be the "Vision Air" device Kosutami has referred to.

Kosutami has a mixed track record for Apple rumors, but they were the first to say that Apple would replace its leather Modern Buckle band with a FineWoven version in 2023. They also went on to provide the first real-world images of the FineWoven Apple Watch bands prior to their official unveiling, the new Thunderbolt 4 cable released alongside the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 16 Pro's improved thermal design and redesigned battery, and more.
This article, "Images of Apple 'Vision Air' Power Cable Emerge Online" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models simultaneously, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect from Apple's 2025 smartphone lineup.


If you skipped the iPhone 16, or if you're just plain curious about what's on the horizon, here are 17 rumored features that we are expecting to arrive in time for Apple's successor lineup, the iPhone 17 series, which is likely to be released around mid-September.


1. iPhone 17 "Air"

iPhone 17 Plus?

Apple plans to launch an all-new iPhone 17 model with a "significantly thinner" design, reports The Information. The device, which could be called "iPhone 17 Air," will feature a "major redesign" that will feature a single rear camera located on a horizontal camera bar running along the top of the device, along with a narrower Dynamic Island, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 17 Air will be 5.5mm thick at its thinnest point, which likely means it will have a 5.5mm chassis with a thicker rear camera bump area. The device is rumored to have a 6.6-inch display size, and is likely to replace the Plus model in Apple's lineup. Other reported features include an aluminum chassis, an A19 chip, Apple's C1 modem, an Action button, a Camera Control button, and a 24MP front camera. See our iPhone 17 "Slim" rumor roundup for more.

2. New All-Aluminum Design

All iPhone 17 Models

Apple is reportedly planning to bring all its devices back to aluminum with the iPhone 17 lineup. The two flagship iPhone 17 Pro models will mark the return of aluminum frames to high-end iPhones for the first time since Apple began distinguishing between Pro and non-Pro models. In recent years, aluminum frames have been reserved for lower-end devices like the iPhone SE and iPhone 16, while premium models featured stainless steel frames until the iPhone 15 Pro, which introduced a titanium chassis as a major upgrade. This shift in materials for the iPhone 17 lineup signals a unified approach, with aluminum frames set to return across the entire device range.

3. Significantly Redesigned Camera

iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max

This year's iPhone 17 Pro models will have a major redesign, specifically centering around changes to the rear camera module. Apple will move away from the familiar square camera bump to a distinctive aluminum camera bar that spans the device's width, according to recent reports. The camera area will be the same color as the rest of the device. The redesigned camera module is not expected to extend to the regular iPhone 17.

The devices are rumored to feature a new rear design combining aluminum and glass. The top half of the back will be aluminum, incorporating a new camera bump made from aluminum instead of the traditional 3D glass. The bottom half will remain glass to enable wireless charging. While Apple has used a glass back since the ‌iPhone‌ 8 and ‌iPhone‌ X in 2017, earlier ‌iPhone‌ models—except the ‌iPhone‌ 3G, ‌iPhone‌ 3GS, and ‌iPhone‌ 5C—had aluminum rears. Additionally, the aluminum camera bump on the ‌iPhone 17‌ Pro will reportedly be larger than in previous models, according to The Information.

4. New Display Sizes

iPhone 17 & iPhone 17 Plus

Last year's iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max got bigger display sizes, going from 6.12- and 6.69-inches to 6.27- and 6.86-inches, respectively. For 2025, Apple is also expected to bring the larger 6.27-inch display size to its standard ‌iPhone‌ model, while the equivalent "iPhone 17 Plus" model (provisionally called "iPhone 17 Air") could adopt completely new display dimensions.

5. 120Hz ProMotion (Always-on Display)

iPhone 17 & iPhone 17 Plus

Apple intends to expand ProMotion to all iPhone models in 2025, allowing all models to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video content when necessary. Previously, only "Pro" models in Apple's iPhone lineup have had the feature. Notably, ProMotion would also enable the display on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 "Air" to ramp down to a more power-efficient refresh rate as low as 1Hz, allowing for an always-on display that can show the Lock Screen's clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper even when the device is locked.

6. Apple-Designed Wi-Fi 7 Chip

iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple's premium 2025 models are expected to be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip for the first time. Wi-Fi 7 support would allow the "Pro" models to send and receive data over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously with a supported router, resulting in faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity. The Wi-Fi chip would also allow Apple to further reduce its dependance on external suppliers like Broadcom, which currently supplies Apple with a combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip for iPhones.


7. 48MP Telephoto Lens

iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max

An upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto lens on Apple's premium devices is expected to be optimized for use with Apple's Vision Pro headset, although we don't how any details on how it will interface with the Vision Pro. The upgraded Telephoto would make the iPhone 17 Pro models the first iPhones to have a rear camera system composed entirely of 48-megapixel lenses, making it capable of capturing even more photographic detail. The new Telephoto lens will offer 3.5x zoom (85mm equivalent) instead of the 5x zoom (120mm equivalent) currently available, according to one rumor. This focal length is generally better suited for portraits and everyday photography, since it allows users to frame shots without having to move as far away from the subject. However, the big shift allegedly comes from the new 48MP sensor, in that the extra resolution allows for digital cropping to simulate longer focal lengths, offering less quality loss than normal digital zoom.


8. 8K Video Recording

iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple reportedly tested 8K video recording on the iPhone 16 Pro models, but such functionality is still not available. With the iPhone 17 Pro models expected to have entirely 48-megapixel rear cameras, there is a good chance that 8K video recording will debut on those devices. Several rival smartphones currently offer 8K video recording capabilities, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro (via AI upscaling). Even though 8K video recording isn't widely used by content creators right now, there are still use cases for it. For example, shooting 8K would allow videographers to record using the Ultra Wide camera and then crop in 50% and still achieve 4K resolution. Notably, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in February reported that Apple plans to emphasize the iPhone 17 Pro's improved video recording capabilities when it unveils the device later this year, so it's quite possible that 8K video recording will be one of the capabilities that Apple will tout when the new lineup launches.

9. 24MP Selfie Camera

All iPhone 17 Models

The iPhone 17 lineup will feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens, according to one rumor. The iPhone 14 and 15 feature a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with five plastic lens elements, and last year's iPhone 16 lineup features the same hardware. The upgraded resolution to 24 megapixels on the iPhone 17 will allow photos to maintain their quality even when cropped or zoomed in, while the larger number of pixels will capture finer details. The upgrade to a six-element lens should also slightly enhance image quality.

10. Scratch Resistant Anti-Reflective Display

All iPhone 17 Models

The iPhone 17 will feature an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple's Ceramic Shield found on iPhone 15 models, according to one rumor, although the new iPhone 16 Pro models do have the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, which has an advanced formulation that is 2x tougher than glass on any other smartphone. The outer glass on the iPhone 17 is said to have a "super-hard anti-reflective layer" that is "more scratch-resistant." It's not clear whether Apple is planning to adopt the Gorilla Glass Armor that Samsung uses in its Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the description of Corning's latest technology matches the rumor.

11. More Memory

iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max

At least one model in Apple's iPhone 17 lineup will come with 12GB. Jeff Pu of investment firm Haitong has claimed that both Pro models will come with the upped RAM, while Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature 12GB. In contrast, another reliable source has claimed that all iPhone 17 models will have 12GB of RAM. For comparison, the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have 6GB of RAM, and the iPhone 15 Pro models have 8GB of RAM, while all iPhone 16 models have 8GB of RAM. Any such increase would allow for improved multitasking on the iPhone, as well as provide additional resources for Apple Intelligence features that require large-language models to be resident in memory.

12. Smaller Dynamic Island

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple's highest-end 2025 iPhone will feature a significantly narrower Dynamic Island, thanks to the device's adoption of a smaller "metalens" for the Face ID system, claims Haitong's Jeff Pu and a Chinese leaker. While a traditional iPhone camera has curved lenses that redirect light towards the image sensor, a metalens is a thin and flat lens with microscopic patterns etched onto it that can focus light more precisely. Assuming this results in a narrowed Dynamic Island, it would be the first time that Apple has changed the feature since it debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022.

13. A19 Processor

All iPhone 17 Models

Apple typically upgrades iPhones with faster and more efficient chip technology each year. While we are not expecting the iPhone 17 series to get TSMC's next-generation 2-nanometer chips, Apple's A19 chip technology is likely to be built on an upgraded 3-nanometer process. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to include an A19 Pro chip, while the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Air could have the standard A19 chip. TSMC is working on its N3P process, with mass production set to begin in late 2024, so that's the chip technology that we're expecting Apple will use for the iPhone 17 lineup. Compared to earlier versions of 3nm chips, the N3P chips offer increased performance efficiency and increased transistor density.

14. Custom Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Chip

All iPhone 17 Models

Apple is switching over to a new Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip that it designed in-house starting in 2025. The combined Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip will replace iPhone components from Broadcom, allowing Apple to reduce its reliance on the company. Apple's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip is distinct from the C1 modem chip that Apple recently debuted in the new iPhone 16e, but eventually, Apple wants to combine these into a single component. The new Wi-Fi chip means that all four iPhone 17 models will support Wi-Fi 7 chip, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst who covers companies within Apple's supply chain.

15. New Thermal Design

All iPhone 17 Models

The iPhone 17 lineup will feature a vapor chamber heatsink to improve thermal performance, according to one report. Vapor chamber technology is already used in many high-end Android devices. Vapor chambers work by spreading heat evenly across a larger surface area, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining consistent performance, which is particularly beneficial in slim devices. The report claims that the every model in the iPhone 17 series will adopt the improved thermal heat spreader.

16. Reverse Wireless Charging

iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple has reportedly tested a wireless reverse charging feature for its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models that would make the iPhone capable of delivering power to other Apple devices, according to the Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital. The Chinese leaker claims that Apple is testing a 7.5W wireless charging feature for iPhone 17 Pro models, and it could be used to charge other Apple accessories like AirPods, Apple Watch, or potentially an upcoming MagSafe Battery Pack.

17. Larger Battery

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple is said to have increased the depth of the iPhone 17 Pro Max to 8.725mm, up from 8.25mm on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which would be a 0.475mm difference in thickness. The increase "surely means a larger battery," according to one leaker. Apart from depth, the iPhone 17 Pro Max's frame reportedly remains unchanged, and is otherwise identical to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
This article, "17 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 17" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In the midst of the trade war between the US and China, companies like Apple have been trying to find ways to avoid the crazy tariffs imposed by President Trump on imports. A report earlier this month revealed that, as part of these plans, Apple wanted to expand its assembly line in Brazil – and now the company is already assembling the new iPhone 16e in the country.

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Federal funding has been restored for a crucial cybersecurity program used by Apple and other tech giants, in a last-minute U-turn. Security experts had described the original decision to remove funding as stupid, dangerous, and chaotic.

However, the future of the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program remains uncertain, despite its role in helping tech giants identify and fix security holes found in their products …

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Lawyers representing Apple said the company may not be able to trust Meta, after the social network company leaked internal data shared with the company in confidence.

Amusingly, Meta didn’t share the data deliberately, but instead used a method of redacting a PDF which is well-known for being trivial to undo …

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Apple has seemingly had one of its most useful AI tools blocked from Meta's apps. Writing Tools, which is an Apple Intelligence feature, is not available to use in Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Threads, and Messenger.


Apple's Writing Tools include options to proofread, rewrite, and summarize text almost anywhere you can type in iOS 18. A long press in a text input field usually brings up the feature, but not in any of Meta's apps currently.

Brazilian blog Sorcererhat Tech spotted the lack of Writing Tools across Meta's apps, which appears to have been the case since late last year. Developers can choose whether to allow the tools in their apps, so it looks as if Meta has declined the offer.

According to a Wall Street Journal report from June 2024, Apple held discussions with Meta about integrating the Facebook owner's AI model into iOS 18 as part of its Apple Intelligence feature set. However, Apple turned down the AI partnership due to privacy concerns. Apple instead ended up signing a deal with OpenAI to include optional ChatGPT access in its Siri responses.

Given the history of acrimony between the two companies – from Apple device interoperability demands to App Store feuds – it's not all that surprising that Meta would choose to keep Apple's AI out of its apps. Meta has also since rolled out its own AI features across its platforms.
This article, "Apple Intelligence Feature Not Available in Meta Apps Like Facebook, Instagram" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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