ConnexioniPhone 17: Here’s what it costs to repair broken parts yourself
Apple has now made self-service repair parts available for iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and iPhone Air. Here’s what it costs to repair broken parts yourself.
more…Vue lecture
Apple Launched Its Big New Vision for TV 10 Years Ago Today
Apple launched the Apple TV HD, the Siri Remote, tvOS, and their accompanying App Store a decade ago today, marking a major overhaul of the device.
The new vision for the Apple TV was unveiled on September 9, 2015 during Apple's "Hey Siri" event in San Francisco, where CEO Tim Cook introduced the device with the statement, "The future of TV is apps." The announcement represented a major strategic shift from previous Apple TV models, which had primarily focused on streaming iTunes and partner content. Pre-orders opened on Monday, October 26, 2015, and devices began arriving with customers and in stores on Friday, October 30, 2015.
With the new Apple TV, Apple introduced tvOS, a dedicated operating system derived from iOS 9, and opened the platform to third-party developers for the first time. Apple services chief Eddy Cue presented the new system, demonstrating a redesigned interface and an entirely new App Store built for the living room. Developers could create apps and games using Xcode 7 and the same frameworks used for iPhone and iPad, including UIKit and Metal. Cue emphasized that the unified architecture would allow iOS developers to transition easily to tvOS. The new interface introduced universal search, enabling users to query content across multiple platforms such as iTunes, Netflix, and Hulu simultaneously.
A major hardware change accompanied the software overhaul. The fourth-generation Apple TV featured the A8 processor, originally used in the iPhone 6, paired with either 32GB or 64GB of storage. The new model supported HDMI 1.4 video output at 1080p and included Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and a Lightning port for service and development. The device's design was thicker than its predecessor, allowing for active cooling and more processing power.
Apple also introduced the Siri Remote, a touch- and motion-sensitive controller with dual microphones for voice input. The top surface of the remote was made of glass, allowing users to swipe to navigate or scrub through video playback. The controller included a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, making it compatible with motion-based games. It charged via a Lightning connector and connected to the Apple TV via Bluetooth instead of infrared, enabling input without line-of-sight requirements.
During the demonstration, Apple showcased voice control capabilities integrated directly into the tvOS interface. Siri could execute commands such as "Show me new comedies," "What did she say?," or "Rewind two minutes." When asked to "show me James Bond movies,” Siri displayed results aggregated from multiple services.
Apple also positioned the device as a casual gaming platform. Independent developers such as Hipster Whale demonstrated the hit title "Crossy Road" with support for multiplayer gameplay using the Siri Remote and iPhones as secondary controllers. Other demonstrations included fitness and shopping apps.
A decade later, Apple's hopes to turn the Apple TV into a device driven by Siri, an ecosystem of third-party apps, and gaming seem to have not panned out as much as it hoped. Nevertheless, the Apple TV HD and tvOS defined how the platform looks and works to this day. A new Apple TV is rumored to launch this year, featuring a newer processor and Apple's custom N1 chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
This article, "Apple Launched Its Big New Vision for TV 10 Years Ago Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The new vision for the Apple TV was unveiled on September 9, 2015 during Apple's "Hey Siri" event in San Francisco, where CEO Tim Cook introduced the device with the statement, "The future of TV is apps." The announcement represented a major strategic shift from previous Apple TV models, which had primarily focused on streaming iTunes and partner content. Pre-orders opened on Monday, October 26, 2015, and devices began arriving with customers and in stores on Friday, October 30, 2015.
With the new Apple TV, Apple introduced tvOS, a dedicated operating system derived from iOS 9, and opened the platform to third-party developers for the first time. Apple services chief Eddy Cue presented the new system, demonstrating a redesigned interface and an entirely new App Store built for the living room. Developers could create apps and games using Xcode 7 and the same frameworks used for iPhone and iPad, including UIKit and Metal. Cue emphasized that the unified architecture would allow iOS developers to transition easily to tvOS. The new interface introduced universal search, enabling users to query content across multiple platforms such as iTunes, Netflix, and Hulu simultaneously.
A major hardware change accompanied the software overhaul. The fourth-generation Apple TV featured the A8 processor, originally used in the iPhone 6, paired with either 32GB or 64GB of storage. The new model supported HDMI 1.4 video output at 1080p and included Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and a Lightning port for service and development. The device's design was thicker than its predecessor, allowing for active cooling and more processing power.
Apple also introduced the Siri Remote, a touch- and motion-sensitive controller with dual microphones for voice input. The top surface of the remote was made of glass, allowing users to swipe to navigate or scrub through video playback. The controller included a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, making it compatible with motion-based games. It charged via a Lightning connector and connected to the Apple TV via Bluetooth instead of infrared, enabling input without line-of-sight requirements.
During the demonstration, Apple showcased voice control capabilities integrated directly into the tvOS interface. Siri could execute commands such as "Show me new comedies," "What did she say?," or "Rewind two minutes." When asked to "show me James Bond movies,” Siri displayed results aggregated from multiple services.
Apple also positioned the device as a casual gaming platform. Independent developers such as Hipster Whale demonstrated the hit title "Crossy Road" with support for multiplayer gameplay using the Siri Remote and iPhones as secondary controllers. Other demonstrations included fitness and shopping apps.
A decade later, Apple's hopes to turn the Apple TV into a device driven by Siri, an ecosystem of third-party apps, and gaming seem to have not panned out as much as it hoped. Nevertheless, the Apple TV HD and tvOS defined how the platform looks and works to this day. A new Apple TV is rumored to launch this year, featuring a newer processor and Apple's custom N1 chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater
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Deals: 24GB Mac mini $100 off, M4 MacBook Pro nearly $600 off, iPhone Air Bumper $30, more
Thursday’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break deals are now ready to roll starting with a $100 price drop on the most affordable 24GB M4 Mac mini you can buy and a pair of big-time open-box discounts on M4 Pro MacBook Pro with a full Apple warranty at up $598 off (a new 16-inch deal popped up this morning). We also have the official Apple iPhone Air Bumper case down at $30, an ongoing all-time low on Apple’s brand new 25W Qi2 MagSafe charger, and all of the M4 MacBook Air configurations at $200 off. Scope it all out below.
more…Threads Rolling Out Two New Features in iPhone App
Meta today announced it is rolling out two new Threads features that will give users more control over the visibility of content on the platform.
First, new "mentions" and "people you follow" filters in the Activity tab will allow you to fine-tune the replies that are visible in the feed.
Second, a new "review and approve replies" option when drafting a post will allow you to approve replies to your post before they are visible to the public.
The features will be available in the Threads app on iPhone, and presumably on other platforms.
Threads is a social media platform that competes with X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky and Mastodon. Meta launched Threads in 2023, less than a year after Elon Musk acquired Twitter, and it works with an Instagram account.
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First, new "mentions" and "people you follow" filters in the Activity tab will allow you to fine-tune the replies that are visible in the feed.
Second, a new "review and approve replies" option when drafting a post will allow you to approve replies to your post before they are visible to the public.
The features will be available in the Threads app on iPhone, and presumably on other platforms.
Threads is a social media platform that competes with X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky and Mastodon. Meta launched Threads in 2023, less than a year after Elon Musk acquired Twitter, and it works with an Instagram account.
This article, "Threads Rolling Out Two New Features in iPhone App" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Threads rolls out reply approvals and new activity feed filters
Meta is introducing two more features designed to give Threads users more control over the conversations that happen around their posts. Here’s what’s new.
more…Apple Releases iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air Parts and Tools for Do-It-Yourself Repairs
Apple this week made iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max parts available to order through its self-service repair store in the United States, Canada, and some European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, and others.
For all four new iPhone models, there are parts available for repairing the display, battery, cameras, enclosure, speakers, logic board, and more. Apple also lets customers rent an iPhone toolkit for seven days, with U.S. pricing set at $49.
Apple's website offers repair manuals for the devices:
Launched in 2022, Apple's self-service repair program provides customers with access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals to repair select iPhones, iPads, Macs, Studio Displays, and Beats Pill speakers. Apple says the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices."
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For all four new iPhone models, there are parts available for repairing the display, battery, cameras, enclosure, speakers, logic board, and more. Apple also lets customers rent an iPhone toolkit for seven days, with U.S. pricing set at $49.
Apple's website offers repair manuals for the devices:
Launched in 2022, Apple's self-service repair program provides customers with access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals to repair select iPhones, iPads, Macs, Studio Displays, and Beats Pill speakers. Apple says the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices."
Tag: Self Service Repair
Related Forum: iPhone
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iOS 26’s Camera app hides key features, here’s how to find them
iOS 26 introduced perhaps the biggest overhaul yet for Apple’s Camera app. But some users might find that many of their favorite features are missing. Here’s how to find them.
more…iFixit's Teardown of New iPad Pro With M5 Chip Reveals 'Repair Paradox'
Electronics repair website iFixit today shared a teardown video for the iPad Pro with the M5 chip, revealing a "repair paradox."
Specifically, iFixit said the iPad Pro remains one of Apple's least-repairable devices, yet the company did start offering self-service repair parts and manuals for iPads earlier this year. As a result of the self-service expansion, iFixit gave the latest iPad Pro a provisional repairability score of 5/10, which is higher than previous models.
Given the iPad Pro only received a spec-bump with the M5 chip, the teardown video does not reveal any notable internal changes.
The new iPad Pro launched last week, and Apple should release self-service parts for this particular model in the coming months.
iFixit shared a teardown video for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip last week.
This article, "iFixit's Teardown of New iPad Pro With M5 Chip Reveals 'Repair Paradox'" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Specifically, iFixit said the iPad Pro remains one of Apple's least-repairable devices, yet the company did start offering self-service repair parts and manuals for iPads earlier this year. As a result of the self-service expansion, iFixit gave the latest iPad Pro a provisional repairability score of 5/10, which is higher than previous models.
Given the iPad Pro only received a spec-bump with the M5 chip, the teardown video does not reveal any notable internal changes.
The new iPad Pro launched last week, and Apple should release self-service parts for this particular model in the coming months.
iFixit shared a teardown video for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip last week.
Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)
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OWC Takes $100 Off Popular 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock During Halloween Sale
OWC kicked off a new Halloween sale this week, offering big discounts on a variety of USB-C docks, external drives and enclosures, and Mac accessories. Some of these deals won't be applied until you add the items to your cart, at which time an automatic coupon will be applied to your order.
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, which is the steepest discount we've seen since the summer on the accessory. 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.
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.
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
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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, which is the steepest discount we've seen since the summer on the accessory. 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 - $24.99, down from $49.99
- Thunderbolt Mini Dock - $84.00, down from $129.99
- Thunderbolt Hub - $118.99, down from $129.99
- 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock - $179.99, down from $279.99
External Drives and Enclosures
- 1TB 1M2 SSD - $229.99, down from $249.99
- 2TB 1M2 SSD - $349.99, down from $399.99
- 2TB Envoy Pro FX SSD - $329.99, down from $379.99
- 4TB 1M2 SSD - $549.99, down from $629.99
- 4TB Envoy Pro FX - $529.99, down from $649.99
- 8TB 1M2 SSD - $1,099.99, down from $1,399.99
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 as we head into the holidays? 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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CarPlay in iOS 26 upgrades your display with a familiar iPhone feature
iOS 26 is a huge update for CarPlay users, with more new features than we’ve seen in years. One addition that’s especially noteworthy is the introduction of widgets to CarPlay for the first time.
more…
This dock transforms the Mac mini into a retro classic Mac
It’s becoming increasingly rare to find a tech accessory in 2025 that’s both functional and fun to use. As so many of these accessories become more commoditized, they begin to function and look the same, making them fade into the background. So when I saw the Wokyis Retro Docking Station for the M4 Mac mini, I was immediately intrigued. It transforms the Mac mini into something straight out of 1984. On paper, it had all the functions I needed out of a dock, but it was also such a cool-looking product. After using it for three weeks, it checked off every box. Here is what you need to know.
more…OpenAI's Sora App Adds Character Cameos and Video Stitching Tools
OpenAI has rolled out another update to its Sora AI video app, one that builds on its existing video generation features with new tools designed to help users create longer, more narrative-driven content.
For anyone unfamiliar with the name, Sora is an invite-only AI video app and social network. It lets you create realistic, cinematic, and anime-style AI videos of yourself, friends, and other people, complete with synchronized speech and sound effects.
The headline feature in the latest update is character cameos, which expands on Sora's ability to create AI videos of real people. Users can now create reusable characters from any video upload – whether from their camera roll or existing Sora-generated content – and tag them in future video generations.
Once created, each character gets its own display name and handle, along with customizable permissions. Users can keep characters private, share them with mutual followers, or make them available to everyone on the platform. OpenAI is launching the feature with a selection of starter characters, including Halloween-themed options like Frankenstein, Dracula, Witch, and Ghost.
The update also introduces video stitching, allowing users to select multiple clips from their drafts and merge them into a single sequence. There's also a new community leaderboards feature that showcases the most remixed videos and most frequently used characters and cameos.
OpenAI has temporarily relaxed Sora's invitation requirements to coincide with the update, allowing users in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Korea to sign up without an invite code for a limited time. The app is now also available in Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The character cameo feature has already landed OpenAI in hot water – celebrity video platform Cameo filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against OpenAI just days before the update launched, challenging the company's use of "cameo" in Sora's features.
The Sora app debuted late last month and crossed one million downloads faster than ChatGPT did, despite being invite-only and available in just two countries at launch.
This article, "OpenAI's Sora App Adds Character Cameos and Video Stitching Tools" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
For anyone unfamiliar with the name, Sora is an invite-only AI video app and social network. It lets you create realistic, cinematic, and anime-style AI videos of yourself, friends, and other people, complete with synchronized speech and sound effects.
The headline feature in the latest update is character cameos, which expands on Sora's ability to create AI videos of real people. Users can now create reusable characters from any video upload – whether from their camera roll or existing Sora-generated content – and tag them in future video generations.
Once created, each character gets its own display name and handle, along with customizable permissions. Users can keep characters private, share them with mutual followers, or make them available to everyone on the platform. OpenAI is launching the feature with a selection of starter characters, including Halloween-themed options like Frankenstein, Dracula, Witch, and Ghost.
The update also introduces video stitching, allowing users to select multiple clips from their drafts and merge them into a single sequence. There's also a new community leaderboards feature that showcases the most remixed videos and most frequently used characters and cameos.
Introducing character cameos, now available in the Sora app. pic.twitter.com/k1R4FdCRPV
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) October 29, 2025
OpenAI has temporarily relaxed Sora's invitation requirements to coincide with the update, allowing users in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Korea to sign up without an invite code for a limited time. The app is now also available in Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The character cameo feature has already landed OpenAI in hot water – celebrity video platform Cameo filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against OpenAI just days before the update launched, challenging the company's use of "cameo" in Sora's features.
The Sora app debuted late last month and crossed one million downloads faster than ChatGPT did, despite being invite-only and available in just two countries at launch.
Tag: OpenAI
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WhatsApp now supports passkeys for backups
Your live WhatsApp messages and backups are both protected by end-to-end encryption, but so far you’ve only had the option of using a passkey to access your messages. Accessing backups required a password instead.
That’s all changing now as the company is in the process of rolling out passkey support for backups …
more…
Proton Data Breach Observatory reports as soon as your personal data hits the dark web
Security-conscious readers probably already use the data breach alert site Have I Been Pwned, but a new Proton website is aiming to alert you at an earlier stage with what the company says will be near real-time reporting.
The company behind ProtonMail says it has launched the Data Breach Observatory because it can sometimes take too long to find out when your personal data has been made available for sale on the dark web …
more…8 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle next year, adopting a two-phase rollout starting with the iPhone 18 series. That means the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold will be released in September 2026, followed by the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in spring 2027.
Design
iPhone 17 Pro Style
Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will largely retain the same design as the iPhone 17 Pro models. The rear camera system will look identical to the current generation, featuring a raised "plateau" with three lenses arranged in a triangle. Display sizes are also expected to remain unchanged, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max continuing to use 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch panels, respectively – the same dimensions introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro series. One rumor suggests that the Ceramic Shield area for MagSafe charging could have a "slightly transparent" design, but it is not clear what that means.
Smaller Dynamic Island
Under-Screen Face ID?
Rumors continue to circulate about whether the iPhone 18 Pro models will introduce under-display Face ID, but reports remain divided on when the technology will actually arrive. The feature would move the TrueDepth camera system beneath the display, eliminating the need for the current Dynamic Island cutout.
According to Wayne Ma of The Information, Apple is targeting a design without a Dynamic Island, replacing it with a single pinhole camera in the upper-left corner of the screen. However, other sources dispute that claim. Display analyst Ross Young believes under-display Face ID is possible for the iPhone 18 Pro, but says a smaller Dynamic Island will still be present. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has echoed this view, reporting that the new models will feature a slimmed-down Dynamic Island rather than removing it entirely.
Meanwhile, Chinese leaker Instant Digital has offered yet another version of events, saying the Dynamic Island will shrink in size, but that under-display Face ID and camera technology won't debut next year. Overall, the consensus suggests Apple may be refining the Dynamic Island before fully transitioning to an all-screen design in future generations.
A20 Pro Chip
2nm Process
Apple's upcoming A20 Pro chip, set to power the iPhone 18 Pro models, will reportedly be built using TSMC's third-generation 3nm process – the same node expected for the A19 Pro chip in this year's iPhone 17 Pro, according to analyst Jeff Pu. This suggests that year-over-year performance gains between the A19 Pro and A20 Pro may be modest, at least in terms of raw CPU and GPU improvements.
However, Pu notes that the A20 Pro will feature a more advanced packaging method known as CoWoS (Chip on Wafer on Substrate). This technology enables tighter integration between the processor, unified memory, and the Neural Engine, which could potentially enhance performance in AI-related tasks. The shift could be part of Apple's broader push to support on-device Apple Intelligence features in future iPhones, as the company ramps up its machine learning capabilities.
C2 Modem
Replacing Qualcomm
Apple plans to include its next-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models, according to supply chain analyst Jeff Pu. The chip will succeed the C1 modem, which debuted in the lower-cost iPhone 16e as Apple's first in-house cellular modem, and the C1X modem chip in the iPhone Air, which Apple says is up to 2× faster than the C1. The C2 is expected to bring faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and support for mmWave 5G in the United States – a feature missing from the C1 and C1X.
Apple's modem roadmap is part of a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on Qualcomm, which currently supplies 5G modems for the rest of the iPhone lineup. The company has been working on developing its own cellular chips for years, aiming for deeper integration and greater control over power management and performance.
New Camera Sensor
Samsung-Made
Samsung is working on a new three-layer stacked image sensor, reportedly intended for the iPhone 18. The sensor, referred to as PD-TR-Logic, integrates three layers of circuitry, which would improve camera responsiveness, reduce noise, and increase dynamic range. The leak comes from a source known as "Jukanlosreve," who claims the sensor is being developed specifically for Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup. Sony has long been Apple's sole image sensor supplier, so Samsung's entry would be a big shift in the iPhone's camera supply chain.
Variable Aperture
DSLR-Style
Apple intends to equip next year's iPhone 18 Pro models with a variable aperture lens, according to reports. Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station claims the main rear camera – what Apple calls the 48-megapixel Fusion camera – on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. A variable-aperture system physically adjusts the lens opening, letting more light in for low-light shots or narrowing the opening for brighter scenes and deeper depth of field.
The main cameras on the iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro all use a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, where the lens is permanently set to its widest setting. With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro would allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. This would mean more control over depth of field, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in November 2024 that Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models will get the feature.
5G Satellite Internet
Non-Terrestrial Data
According to a report by The Information, Apple plans to add support for 5G networks that operate via satellites rather than Earth-based towers as early as next year. This advancement would allow future iPhones to gain full internet connectivity through satellite, not just limited emergency features.
If Apple meets the 2026 target, the first devices to feature 5G satellite internet would likely be the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-rumored foldable iPhone. Apple partners with Globalstar for its iPhone satellite features, but there is currently no service that delivers full 5G satellite internet directly to a smartphone, and the report did not specify who would supply it.
Simplified Camera Control
New Design
Apple is reportedly working to simplify the Camera Control button's design on iPhone 18 models in order to reduce costs. The current Camera Control button on iPhone 17 models uses both capacitive and pressure sensors beneath a sapphire crystal surface. The capacitive layer detects touch gestures, while the force sensor recognizes different pressure levels for taps, presses, and swipes.
However, according to the Weibo-based account Instant Digital, Apple will remove the capacitive sensing layer and retain only pressure sensing recognition in the second iteration to achieve all Camera Control functions on the iPhone 18. The simplified version is not about reducing functionality in the button, but about saving money. The current solution is said to be very expensive for Apple and is generating costly after-sales repairs.
This article, "8 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle next year, adopting a two-phase rollout starting with the iPhone 18 series. That means the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold will be released in September 2026, followed by the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in spring 2027.
Design
iPhone 17 Pro Style
Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will largely retain the same design as the iPhone 17 Pro models. The rear camera system will look identical to the current generation, featuring a raised "plateau" with three lenses arranged in a triangle. Display sizes are also expected to remain unchanged, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max continuing to use 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch panels, respectively – the same dimensions introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro series. One rumor suggests that the Ceramic Shield area for MagSafe charging could have a "slightly transparent" design, but it is not clear what that means.
Smaller Dynamic Island
Under-Screen Face ID?
Rumors continue to circulate about whether the iPhone 18 Pro models will introduce under-display Face ID, but reports remain divided on when the technology will actually arrive. The feature would move the TrueDepth camera system beneath the display, eliminating the need for the current Dynamic Island cutout.
According to Wayne Ma of The Information, Apple is targeting a design without a Dynamic Island, replacing it with a single pinhole camera in the upper-left corner of the screen. However, other sources dispute that claim. Display analyst Ross Young believes under-display Face ID is possible for the iPhone 18 Pro, but says a smaller Dynamic Island will still be present. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has echoed this view, reporting that the new models will feature a slimmed-down Dynamic Island rather than removing it entirely.
Meanwhile, Chinese leaker Instant Digital has offered yet another version of events, saying the Dynamic Island will shrink in size, but that under-display Face ID and camera technology won't debut next year. Overall, the consensus suggests Apple may be refining the Dynamic Island before fully transitioning to an all-screen design in future generations.
A20 Pro Chip
2nm Process
Apple's upcoming A20 Pro chip, set to power the iPhone 18 Pro models, will reportedly be built using TSMC's third-generation 3nm process – the same node expected for the A19 Pro chip in this year's iPhone 17 Pro, according to analyst Jeff Pu. This suggests that year-over-year performance gains between the A19 Pro and A20 Pro may be modest, at least in terms of raw CPU and GPU improvements.
However, Pu notes that the A20 Pro will feature a more advanced packaging method known as CoWoS (Chip on Wafer on Substrate). This technology enables tighter integration between the processor, unified memory, and the Neural Engine, which could potentially enhance performance in AI-related tasks. The shift could be part of Apple's broader push to support on-device Apple Intelligence features in future iPhones, as the company ramps up its machine learning capabilities.
C2 Modem
Replacing Qualcomm
Apple plans to include its next-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models, according to supply chain analyst Jeff Pu. The chip will succeed the C1 modem, which debuted in the lower-cost iPhone 16e as Apple's first in-house cellular modem, and the C1X modem chip in the iPhone Air, which Apple says is up to 2× faster than the C1. The C2 is expected to bring faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and support for mmWave 5G in the United States – a feature missing from the C1 and C1X.
Apple's modem roadmap is part of a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on Qualcomm, which currently supplies 5G modems for the rest of the iPhone lineup. The company has been working on developing its own cellular chips for years, aiming for deeper integration and greater control over power management and performance.
New Camera Sensor
Samsung-Made
Samsung is working on a new three-layer stacked image sensor, reportedly intended for the iPhone 18. The sensor, referred to as PD-TR-Logic, integrates three layers of circuitry, which would improve camera responsiveness, reduce noise, and increase dynamic range. The leak comes from a source known as "Jukanlosreve," who claims the sensor is being developed specifically for Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup. Sony has long been Apple's sole image sensor supplier, so Samsung's entry would be a big shift in the iPhone's camera supply chain.
Variable Aperture
DSLR-Style
Apple intends to equip next year's iPhone 18 Pro models with a variable aperture lens, according to reports. Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station claims the main rear camera – what Apple calls the 48-megapixel Fusion camera – on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. A variable-aperture system physically adjusts the lens opening, letting more light in for low-light shots or narrowing the opening for brighter scenes and deeper depth of field.
The main cameras on the iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro all use a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, where the lens is permanently set to its widest setting. With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro would allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. This would mean more control over depth of field, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in November 2024 that Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models will get the feature.
5G Satellite Internet
Non-Terrestrial Data
According to a report by The Information, Apple plans to add support for 5G networks that operate via satellites rather than Earth-based towers as early as next year. This advancement would allow future iPhones to gain full internet connectivity through satellite, not just limited emergency features.
If Apple meets the 2026 target, the first devices to feature 5G satellite internet would likely be the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-rumored foldable iPhone. Apple partners with Globalstar for its iPhone satellite features, but there is currently no service that delivers full 5G satellite internet directly to a smartphone, and the report did not specify who would supply it.
Simplified Camera Control
New Design
Apple is reportedly working to simplify the Camera Control button's design on iPhone 18 models in order to reduce costs. The current Camera Control button on iPhone 17 models uses both capacitive and pressure sensors beneath a sapphire crystal surface. The capacitive layer detects touch gestures, while the force sensor recognizes different pressure levels for taps, presses, and swipes.
However, according to the Weibo-based account Instant Digital, Apple will remove the capacitive sensing layer and retain only pressure sensing recognition in the second iteration to achieve all Camera Control functions on the iPhone 18. The simplified version is not about reducing functionality in the button, but about saving money. The current solution is said to be very expensive for Apple and is generating costly after-sales repairs.
Related Roundup: iPhone 18
Related Forum: iPhone
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US tariffs on Chinese imports affecting Apple are halved; threatened raises suspended
Apple and/or its customers were facing billions of dollars a year in additional costs after increases to US tariffs on Chinese imports imposed by the Trump administration earlier this year. The company had initially absorbed these costs, but it was unclear how long that might last, with future price rises seeming likely.
There’s some good news today, however, with Trump halving the additional tariffs imposed after meeting with China’s President Xi. Additional tariff increases that were scheduled to come into effect shortly have also been suspended …
more…Some AirPods Pro 3 Owners Complain About Static Noise
Some AirPods Pro 3 owners have been experiencing a problem with a static-like sound when Active Noise Cancellation is on but no media is playing, according to complaints on Reddit and the MacRumors forums.
Those who are affected have described the noise as static, an audible hiss, white noise, rain, and an ocean-like sound similar to holding a seashell up to the ear. There have been reports of users hearing the static sound in ANC, Adaptive, and Transparency modes. From MacRumors reader ugh:
From xJohnyxx:
From rolan2q:
Some users say the static is worse in one AirPod than the other, and others suggest that high frequencies also seem to be oddly amplified. Music mitigates the problem for some users, but not others. From EdRecde on Reddit:
Not all AirPods Pro 3 units seem to be affected, and there are people who appear to be experiencing no issue at all. Some users may also be less sensitive to any kind of ambient static sound.
One user who reported the issue to Apple received replacement AirPods, and other people have exchanged the AirPods Pro 3 but experienced the same issue with the replacement pair. One user said that Apple is directing store employees to exchange the AirPods Pro 3 for users who report static issues.
It's not clear if the static that people are hearing is related to hardware or software, but if it is a software issue, Apple could address it in future firmware updates. The only option for eliminating the static entirely appears to be turning ANC and Transparency off, which can be done in the Settings app when wearing the AirPods.
This article, "Some AirPods Pro 3 Owners Complain About Static Noise" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Those who are affected have described the noise as static, an audible hiss, white noise, rain, and an ocean-like sound similar to holding a seashell up to the ear. There have been reports of users hearing the static sound in ANC, Adaptive, and Transparency modes. From MacRumors reader ugh:
It's very strange, I would think it's defective, but it's on both ears?? You can switch ANC from on to off, clearly ANC is quieting down the lower frequencies, but the higher frequencies seem to actually get LOUDER in a quiet room when turning ANC on. It just sounds like I have a small fan on in the room all the time (I do not).
From xJohnyxx:
Very pronounced in mine but only in Transparency/Adaptive mode. And only, or at least way more pronounced, in the right one. Had absolutely zero static noise with APP2. Will be returning since I also don't quite like the new sound profile and they are less comfortable for me.
From rolan2q:
OMG after one week of ownership I had to exchange my AirPods Pro 3. During a flight from NYC to Chicago I had a whistling/wind noise on my right Airpod the whole time. I reset, repaired, cleaned them and same thing. Hopefully this is not a widespread issue.
Some users say the static is worse in one AirPod than the other, and others suggest that high frequencies also seem to be oddly amplified. Music mitigates the problem for some users, but not others. From EdRecde on Reddit:
I have the same problem. It's not possible to hear music at a low level around 30 db because the static is too much. It's my first pair of AirPods so I can't compare but only switching the microphones off makes the headphones silent
Not all AirPods Pro 3 units seem to be affected, and there are people who appear to be experiencing no issue at all. Some users may also be less sensitive to any kind of ambient static sound.
One user who reported the issue to Apple received replacement AirPods, and other people have exchanged the AirPods Pro 3 but experienced the same issue with the replacement pair. One user said that Apple is directing store employees to exchange the AirPods Pro 3 for users who report static issues.
It's not clear if the static that people are hearing is related to hardware or software, but if it is a software issue, Apple could address it in future firmware updates. The only option for eliminating the static entirely appears to be turning ANC and Transparency off, which can be done in the Settings app when wearing the AirPods.
This article, "Some AirPods Pro 3 Owners Complain About Static Noise" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple adds new App Store submission and marketing features, will phase out promo codes in 2026
Apple is rolling out a round of enhancements that will make it easier for developers to submit, manage, and market their apps on the App Store. Here’s what’s new.
more…Apple Announces Three App Store Updates for Developers
Apple today added new features and expanded flexibility to its App Store review process. Developers are now able to submit additional items for review when an existing submission is already under review.
Apple has provided several examples of what can be submitted:
More information is available on Apple's app submission instruction page.
Apple is doubling the number of custom product pages that developers can create to highlight content and features in apps. Up to 70 custom pages can be published at any time, and keywords can also be assigned to each custom product page to make them more discoverable on the App Store.
In addition to new app review features and support for more custom product pages, Apple is also expanding offer codes to all In-App purchase types. Offer codes are available for consumable, non-consumable, and non-renewing subscriptions in addition to auto-renewable subscriptions. Apple also added offer codes for auto-renewable subscriptions that don't auto-renew after the promotional period ends.
Offer codes allow developers to provide people with limited-time offers for free or discounted In-App purchase content. Apple is replacing promo codes with offer codes, and as of March 26, 2026, there will no longer be an option to create promo codes for In-App purchases in App Store Connect. Promo codes will continue to be available to provide people with free app downloads, and already-available promo codes will continue to work until they expire.
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Apple has provided several examples of what can be submitted:
- One or more In-App Events in a separate submission if you have an app version under review.
- An app version to address a critical bug that's separate from any existing custom product pages under review.
- One or more Game Center features -- including achievements, leaderboards, challenges, and more.
More information is available on Apple's app submission instruction page.
Apple is doubling the number of custom product pages that developers can create to highlight content and features in apps. Up to 70 custom pages can be published at any time, and keywords can also be assigned to each custom product page to make them more discoverable on the App Store.
In addition to new app review features and support for more custom product pages, Apple is also expanding offer codes to all In-App purchase types. Offer codes are available for consumable, non-consumable, and non-renewing subscriptions in addition to auto-renewable subscriptions. Apple also added offer codes for auto-renewable subscriptions that don't auto-renew after the promotional period ends.
Offer codes allow developers to provide people with limited-time offers for free or discounted In-App purchase content. Apple is replacing promo codes with offer codes, and as of March 26, 2026, there will no longer be an option to create promo codes for In-App purchases in App Store Connect. Promo codes will continue to be available to provide people with free app downloads, and already-available promo codes will continue to work until they expire.
Tags: App Store, Apple Developer Program
This article, "Apple Announces Three App Store Updates for Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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How Vibration-Based Speakers Work and Why Apple Might Use Them in the iPad Mini 8
The next-generation iPad mini 8 could feature an updated design that removes the speaker holes for improved water resistance, with Apple considering a new speaker system design. The new system would use vibration-based technology, according to Bloomberg, which would make it unique among Apple products if it's adopted.
It turns out there are already some devices on the market that use vibration-based sound, giving some insight into how the technology works and how Apple might implement the feature.
Apple could be planning to use a sound exciter, which creates sound waves by causing a surface like a glass panel or metal frame to vibrate. A piezo or electromagnetic exciter can use almost any surface for resonance, and there's no need for a standard speaker that sends vibrations through a diaphragm.
Apple could attach an exciter to the iPad mini's chassis or display. When playing audio, the exciter could vibrate the panel to move air and create sound with no traditional speaker or need for speaker holes.
The iPad has a decent-sized display that could support multiple exciters to allow for stereo sound, with the screen divided into sub-panels to serve as separate diaphragms.
Apple has patented a system similar to what's described above. Apple's "mechanically actuated panel acoustic system" patent describes an electronic device with an enclosure that's used as part of an acoustic system.
The enclosure is divided into sub-panels, and each sub-panel has one or more actuators to vibrate the sub-panel. The actuator and attached sub-panel then convert an audio signal to acoustic output.
Huawei's 2019 P30 Pro debuted "Acoustic Display Technology," featuring an under-display speaker. It included a tiny exciter that vibrated the glass screen, turning the entire display into a speaker. An iFixit teardown revealed that Huawei was using a small coil with a magnet in the middle paired with a component that vibrated the screen to create sound.
Based on reviews, the Acoustic Display Technology worked well, but Huawei only used it for calls. All the rest of the smartphone's audio was routed through an additional bottom speaker, and the lack of stereo sound wasn't popular. Huawei released one more model with the technology, the P40, before returning to a more traditional system for subsequent smartphones.
Some TVs have used the technology to improve sound. LG's G8 ThinQ used the entire OLED display as a diaphragm, vibrating the screen to produce sound. LG paired it with a bottom speaker for stereo performance and to handle bass.
Sony's OLED TVs have used an "Acoustic Surface" for sound for several years. The TVs include multiple actuators behind the display that vibrate the screen to create sound. Sony says sound is precisely aligned with what you see, for a more immersive viewing experience. The technology is often praised in reviews of Sony TV sets.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Apple adopt something like the Acoustic Surface, positioning it as a way for users to get immersive, spatial sound even when not wearing AirPods or other headphones that support spatial audio.
There are also plenty of "invisible" speakers that are meant to be mounted behind drywall or in ceilings. They use surface exciters to vibrate the material they're attached to, turning walls into speaker drivers.
Removing the speaker holes provide fewer paths for water ingress. The current iPad mini has speaker holes at the top and bottom of the device, and no water resistance rating.
It's not clear what water resistance rating the iPad mini might get. The iPhone has IP68 water resistance, which means it can withstand being under water that's six meters deep for at least 30 minutes.
If Apple eliminates speaker holes on the iPad mini, microphone holes would likely remain. The iPad mini 7 has one microphone hole at the top and a second microphone hole located below the camera.
The iPhone also has microphone holes, so Apple could use gaskets and adhesive for water resistance without impacting functionality.
Bass is an issue with vibration-based audio systems. Sony, for example, integrates separate subwoofers in its TVs to add bass. Apple could use a similar hybrid solution, or use digital signal processing to make up for the missing bass frequencies.
Surface speakers can radiate mids and highs across the panel, but perceived width can be narrower because the vibration comes from a single surface rather than two separate drivers in different locations. If Apple uses actuators to vibrate the iPad mini's chassis or display, audio playback might not sound as full as stereo speakers do.
Touch can dampen sound by absorbing vibration. Apple could likely mitigate this with sensors that determine how the iPad is held, adjusting the vibration pattern accordingly.
Along with water resistance, rumors suggest the iPad mini 8 could be the first iPad other than the iPad Pro to get OLED display technology.
If implemented, Apple's vibration-based sound system could require some fancy audio processing. The iPad mini is expected to have the same A19 Pro chip that Apple introduced in the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro.
Apple could release the iPad mini 8 as soon as 2026.
This article, "How Vibration-Based Speakers Work and Why Apple Might Use Them in the iPad Mini 8" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
It turns out there are already some devices on the market that use vibration-based sound, giving some insight into how the technology works and how Apple might implement the feature.
Vibration-Based Sound
Apple could be planning to use a sound exciter, which creates sound waves by causing a surface like a glass panel or metal frame to vibrate. A piezo or electromagnetic exciter can use almost any surface for resonance, and there's no need for a standard speaker that sends vibrations through a diaphragm.
Apple could attach an exciter to the iPad mini's chassis or display. When playing audio, the exciter could vibrate the panel to move air and create sound with no traditional speaker or need for speaker holes.
The iPad has a decent-sized display that could support multiple exciters to allow for stereo sound, with the screen divided into sub-panels to serve as separate diaphragms.
Patents
Apple has patented a system similar to what's described above. Apple's "mechanically actuated panel acoustic system" patent describes an electronic device with an enclosure that's used as part of an acoustic system.
The enclosure is divided into sub-panels, and each sub-panel has one or more actuators to vibrate the sub-panel. The actuator and attached sub-panel then convert an audio signal to acoustic output.
Real-World Examples
Huawei's 2019 P30 Pro debuted "Acoustic Display Technology," featuring an under-display speaker. It included a tiny exciter that vibrated the glass screen, turning the entire display into a speaker. An iFixit teardown revealed that Huawei was using a small coil with a magnet in the middle paired with a component that vibrated the screen to create sound.
Based on reviews, the Acoustic Display Technology worked well, but Huawei only used it for calls. All the rest of the smartphone's audio was routed through an additional bottom speaker, and the lack of stereo sound wasn't popular. Huawei released one more model with the technology, the P40, before returning to a more traditional system for subsequent smartphones.
Some TVs have used the technology to improve sound. LG's G8 ThinQ used the entire OLED display as a diaphragm, vibrating the screen to produce sound. LG paired it with a bottom speaker for stereo performance and to handle bass.
Sony's OLED TVs have used an "Acoustic Surface" for sound for several years. The TVs include multiple actuators behind the display that vibrate the screen to create sound. Sony says sound is precisely aligned with what you see, for a more immersive viewing experience. The technology is often praised in reviews of Sony TV sets.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Apple adopt something like the Acoustic Surface, positioning it as a way for users to get immersive, spatial sound even when not wearing AirPods or other headphones that support spatial audio.
There are also plenty of "invisible" speakers that are meant to be mounted behind drywall or in ceilings. They use surface exciters to vibrate the material they're attached to, turning walls into speaker drivers.
Water Resistance
Removing the speaker holes provide fewer paths for water ingress. The current iPad mini has speaker holes at the top and bottom of the device, and no water resistance rating.
It's not clear what water resistance rating the iPad mini might get. The iPhone has IP68 water resistance, which means it can withstand being under water that's six meters deep for at least 30 minutes.
Microphone Holes
If Apple eliminates speaker holes on the iPad mini, microphone holes would likely remain. The iPad mini 7 has one microphone hole at the top and a second microphone hole located below the camera.
The iPhone also has microphone holes, so Apple could use gaskets and adhesive for water resistance without impacting functionality.
Potential Drawbacks
Bass is an issue with vibration-based audio systems. Sony, for example, integrates separate subwoofers in its TVs to add bass. Apple could use a similar hybrid solution, or use digital signal processing to make up for the missing bass frequencies.
Surface speakers can radiate mids and highs across the panel, but perceived width can be narrower because the vibration comes from a single surface rather than two separate drivers in different locations. If Apple uses actuators to vibrate the iPad mini's chassis or display, audio playback might not sound as full as stereo speakers do.
Touch can dampen sound by absorbing vibration. Apple could likely mitigate this with sensors that determine how the iPad is held, adjusting the vibration pattern accordingly.
Other iPad mini 8 Features
Along with water resistance, rumors suggest the iPad mini 8 could be the first iPad other than the iPad Pro to get OLED display technology.
If implemented, Apple's vibration-based sound system could require some fancy audio processing. The iPad mini is expected to have the same A19 Pro chip that Apple introduced in the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro.
Launch Timing
Apple could release the iPad mini 8 as soon as 2026.
Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPad
This article, "How Vibration-Based Speakers Work and Why Apple Might Use Them in the iPad Mini 8" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Instagram to let select users tune the Reels algorithm in new test
Instagram is rolling out a new test that lets select users fine-tune what they’d like to see in their Reels and Explore feeds. Here’s what it looks like.
more…Apple stock gets $320 target from Bank of America ahead of Q4 earnings
In an new investor note, Bank of America maintained its “Buy” rating on Apple and raised its price target, citing strong iPhone 17 sales and long-term AI potential. Here are the details.
more…