ConnexionDrops of God season 2 premieres on Apple TV
One of Apple TV’s best-reviewed shows is back, with new episodes premiering every Wednesday through March 11. Here’s what to expect from this season.
more…Vue lecture
Apple scores legal win in France over App Tracking Transparency
Following a seemingly endless stream of legal challenges and setbacks in multiple European countries over the legality of the App Tracking Transparency feature, Apple won a key court ruling in France today. Here are the details.
more…9to5Mac Daily: January 20, 2026 – Mac shipments and rumors
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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Apple TV, iTunes Store, App Store, Xcode Cloud, App Store Connect down for some users [U: Fixed]
Update, 9:22 p.m. ET: The outage is now even more widespread, affecting a total of 29 systems and services for end-users and developers. See new details below.
Update, 11:16 p.m. ET: Apple has fixed all customer-facing outages, with Developer ID Notary Service and Xcode Cloud remaining as developer-facing outliers.
Apple’s System Status page confirms the ongoing outage, although the issue might not be affecting all users and developers worldwide. Here are the details.
more…Apple Fitness+ now available in Japan
Following last month’s announcement that Apple Fitness+ would launch in Japan “early next year”, the service is now available. Here are the details.
more…App Store and Apple TV Experiencing Outage
Apple's App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple TV service are experiencing an outage at the current time, according to Apple's System Status page.
Apple says that some users may be experiencing issues with the App Store and iTunes Store. Apple also says some users may be seeing intermittent issues with Apple TV. The Apple TV Channels feature is down too, and users may be unable to access some services or make purchases.
The services have been having issues since 6:48 p.m. Eastern Time. We'll update this article when the outage resolves.
Update 8:15 p.m. ET: iWork for iCloud, Xcode Cloud, and Apple Maps Traffic are also experiencing issues.
This article, "App Store and Apple TV Experiencing Outage" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple says that some users may be experiencing issues with the App Store and iTunes Store. Apple also says some users may be seeing intermittent issues with Apple TV. The Apple TV Channels feature is down too, and users may be unable to access some services or make purchases.
The services have been having issues since 6:48 p.m. Eastern Time. We'll update this article when the outage resolves.
Update 8:15 p.m. ET: iWork for iCloud, Xcode Cloud, and Apple Maps Traffic are also experiencing issues.
This article, "App Store and Apple TV Experiencing Outage" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Can Still Offer a Key iPhone Privacy Feature in France, Says Judge
A judge in Paris today decided not to suspend Apple's App Tracking Transparency privacy feature in France, according to the French newspaper La Tribune.
In a statement shared with the publication, Apple said it welcomed the court's decision and will continue to support strong privacy protections for users.
Last year, Apple was fined €150 million by France's competition regulator, after it determined that the company's decision to implement App Tracking Transparency was an abuse of market dominance. Specifically, the regulator said the feature unfairly disadvantaged both third-party app developers and advertisers.
Since the release of iOS 14.5 in April 2021, Apple has required apps to ask for permission before tracking a user's activity across other apps and websites for personalized advertising. If a user selects the "Ask App Not to Track" option, the app is unable to access the device's advertising identifier. The feature enhances user privacy, but some advertisers have complained that it has significantly impacted revenue.
Last year, Apple warned that it may be forced to stop offering App Tracking Transparency in the EU due to regulatory pressures in countries such as France, Italy, Germany, and Poland, and from the overarching European Commission. But, it appears that the feature will live on in France for now following Apple's victory today.
This article, "Apple Can Still Offer a Key iPhone Privacy Feature in France, Says Judge" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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In a statement shared with the publication, Apple said it welcomed the court's decision and will continue to support strong privacy protections for users.
Last year, Apple was fined €150 million by France's competition regulator, after it determined that the company's decision to implement App Tracking Transparency was an abuse of market dominance. Specifically, the regulator said the feature unfairly disadvantaged both third-party app developers and advertisers.
Since the release of iOS 14.5 in April 2021, Apple has required apps to ask for permission before tracking a user's activity across other apps and websites for personalized advertising. If a user selects the "Ask App Not to Track" option, the app is unable to access the device's advertising identifier. The feature enhances user privacy, but some advertisers have complained that it has significantly impacted revenue.
Last year, Apple warned that it may be forced to stop offering App Tracking Transparency in the EU due to regulatory pressures in countries such as France, Italy, Germany, and Poland, and from the overarching European Commission. But, it appears that the feature will live on in France for now following Apple's victory today.
This article, "Apple Can Still Offer a Key iPhone Privacy Feature in France, Says Judge" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Fitness+ Expands to Japan
Apple Fitness+ is now available in Japan, according to Japanese site Mac Otakara. Apple users who open the Fitness app on the iPhone will see the Apple Fitness+ tab available starting today.
Apple is providing users with a 1-month free trial, and after that, the service is priced at 980 yen per month or 7,800 yen per year. Japanese users do not have access to an Apple One plan that includes Apple Fitness+, as Apple does not provide a Premier plan in the country.
Apple said back in December that Apple Fitness+ would expand to Japan in early 2026. The service also recently became available in 28 new markets, including Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Fitness+ workouts and meditations are digitally dubbed with a generated voice in Japanese, with more dubbed episodes added on a weekly basis. Apple also provides workouts in English or with Spanish and German dubbing. Digital dubbing requires iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and tvOS 26.1.
With the addition of Japan, users in 49 countries and regions around the world are able to access the Apple Fitness+ service. There are 12 different workout types available, such as strength, yoga, HIIT, pilates, dance, cycling, kickboxing, and meditation.
Workouts can be done using the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. When Fitness+ is used with an Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3, personalized metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and activity progress are displayed on the iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV screen.
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Apple is providing users with a 1-month free trial, and after that, the service is priced at 980 yen per month or 7,800 yen per year. Japanese users do not have access to an Apple One plan that includes Apple Fitness+, as Apple does not provide a Premier plan in the country.
Apple said back in December that Apple Fitness+ would expand to Japan in early 2026. The service also recently became available in 28 new markets, including Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Fitness+ workouts and meditations are digitally dubbed with a generated voice in Japanese, with more dubbed episodes added on a weekly basis. Apple also provides workouts in English or with Spanish and German dubbing. Digital dubbing requires iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and tvOS 26.1.
With the addition of Japan, users in 49 countries and regions around the world are able to access the Apple Fitness+ service. There are 12 different workout types available, such as strength, yoga, HIIT, pilates, dance, cycling, kickboxing, and meditation.
Workouts can be done using the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. When Fitness+ is used with an Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3, personalized metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and activity progress are displayed on the iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV screen.
Tag: Apple Fitness Plus
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Apple's Next iPhone: What to Expect From the 2026 iPhone 17e
We're likely just weeks away from Apple's next iPhone launch, with the company set to introduce the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e is a follow-up to the iPhone 16e that came out in February 2025, and rumors suggest that it could have some welcome improvements.
The iPhone 17e is supposedly going to look a lot like the iPhone 16e, featuring the same 6.1-inch display size, single-lens rear camera, and black and white color options.
While the display isn't changing much, the device could have a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, which would be a marked visual difference.
The iPhone 17e is expected to feature the same display panel as the iPhone 16e, which means it will be limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Apple brought 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates to the standard iPhone 17 in 2025, but the same technology is not expected for the more affordable iPhone 17e.
120Hz refresh rates provide video improvements and smoother scrolling when viewing webpages.
The iPhone 16e does not have always-on display technology, and that's not likely to change with the iPhone 17e. To support always-on, the iPhone 17e would need an OLED display with 1-nit minimum brightness, which is limited to Apple's more expensive iPhones. HDR and brightness are also lacking compared to Apple's flagship lineup.
Though the display isn't changing, there have been rumors suggesting Apple could shrink the bezel size somewhat, allowing for more visible display area.
The iPhone 16e continues to feature the notch that Apple has eliminated in its newer flagship iPhones, but the iPhone 17e might do away with it. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e will have a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, giving it a more modern look.
The Dynamic Island is a pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone's display that houses the TrueDepth camera system and the front-facing camera. It takes up less display area than the notch, and it is better integrated into the iPhone.
Apple uses software to change the size and shape of the Dynamic Island to accommodate alerts, notifications, and Live Activities. The Dynamic Island can show everything from Apple Maps turn-by-turn directions to active timers, incoming phone calls, and Face ID activations. It also displays privacy indicators for the microphone or camera, alerts when accessories connect, and indicators for the flashlight, screen recording, incoming AirDrop files, and more.
The Dynamic Island is much more interactive and useful than the notch, because there is an option to tap into the Dynamic Island to access different app features.
One rumor suggests the iPhone 17e will continue to use a notch, so the Dynamic Island upgrade isn't a guarantee.
The iPhone 17e is expected to use Apple's A19 chip, which was first introduced in the iPhone 17. The A19 chip is built using Apple's upgraded N3P 3-nanometer process, offering a 5 to 10 percent performance improvement over the A18 chip.
Apple could be planning to use a downclocked version of the A19 chip in the iPhone 17e, and if that's the case, its performance won't quite match the iPhone 17's performance.
The A18 chip that Apple used in the iPhone 16e had a 4-core GPU instead of a 5-core GPU like the version from the iPhone 16, so the iPhone 17e could get a similar GPU downgrade.
Aside from the improved CPU and GPU, the A19 has an updated display engine, image signal processor, and Neural Engine for improved AI performance. Every GPU core features a Neural Accelerator to boost the performance of local AI models.
We are expecting the iPhone 17e to continue to include 8GB RAM like the iPhone 16e. Apple's other models have 12GB.
The iPhone 16e does not have a magnetic ring for MagSafe charging, but the iPhone 17e could feature MagSafe compatibility. Rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will support magnetic wireless charging, which would be a major upgrade over the iPhone 16e.
Apple's iPhones have used MagSafe since the iPhone 12, so there are a wide array of MagSafe cases and accessories. The iPhone 16e is not compatible with these accessories, which is a major limitation.
Since it doesn't have MagSafe, the iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W wireless charging speeds. MagSafe would upgrade that to at least 15W. The current iPhone 17 models can charge at 25W over MagSafe, though the iPhone Air is limited to 20W.
The iPhone 17e is expected to have a single 48-megapixel Wide Angle camera at the back, with no upgrade rumored. The iPhone 16e doesn't have a Camera Control button, and there's no word on whether Apple will bring it to the iPhone 17e.
The iPhone 17 models got an upgraded 18-megapixel Center Stage front-facing camera, but rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will continue to use the same 12-megapixel front-facing camera as the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 17e will adopt Apple's C1X modem, the modem chip that Apple first debuted in the iPhone Air. The C1X modem is faster and more efficient than the C1 modem that Apple used in the iPhone 16e.
Apple says the C1X modem is up to 2x faster than the C1, and it is far more energy efficient than Qualcomm modems.
While the iPhone 17 models received Apple's new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth "N1" networking chip, leaked Apple code suggests the chip will not be included in the iPhone 17e in order to keep costs down.
The iPhone 16e is priced starting at $599, and no price changes are expected for the iPhone 17e.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e is going to come in the first half of 2026, and Apple could stick to the February release timing. The iPhone 16e was introduced via press release on February 19, 2025, so we're probably not waiting on an event for the 17e.
For that reason, it could come anytime in February, though there's also a possibility that Apple will hold it until the March or April timeframe. In late March or early April, Apple plans to release iOS 26.4 with a new version of Siri, along with several updated home products.
This article, "Apple's Next iPhone: What to Expect From the 2026 iPhone 17e" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Design
The iPhone 17e is supposedly going to look a lot like the iPhone 16e, featuring the same 6.1-inch display size, single-lens rear camera, and black and white color options.
While the display isn't changing much, the device could have a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, which would be a marked visual difference.
Display
The iPhone 17e is expected to feature the same display panel as the iPhone 16e, which means it will be limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Apple brought 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates to the standard iPhone 17 in 2025, but the same technology is not expected for the more affordable iPhone 17e.
120Hz refresh rates provide video improvements and smoother scrolling when viewing webpages.
The iPhone 16e does not have always-on display technology, and that's not likely to change with the iPhone 17e. To support always-on, the iPhone 17e would need an OLED display with 1-nit minimum brightness, which is limited to Apple's more expensive iPhones. HDR and brightness are also lacking compared to Apple's flagship lineup.
Though the display isn't changing, there have been rumors suggesting Apple could shrink the bezel size somewhat, allowing for more visible display area.
Dynamic Island
The iPhone 16e continues to feature the notch that Apple has eliminated in its newer flagship iPhones, but the iPhone 17e might do away with it. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e will have a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, giving it a more modern look.
The Dynamic Island is a pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone's display that houses the TrueDepth camera system and the front-facing camera. It takes up less display area than the notch, and it is better integrated into the iPhone.
Apple uses software to change the size and shape of the Dynamic Island to accommodate alerts, notifications, and Live Activities. The Dynamic Island can show everything from Apple Maps turn-by-turn directions to active timers, incoming phone calls, and Face ID activations. It also displays privacy indicators for the microphone or camera, alerts when accessories connect, and indicators for the flashlight, screen recording, incoming AirDrop files, and more.
The Dynamic Island is much more interactive and useful than the notch, because there is an option to tap into the Dynamic Island to access different app features.
One rumor suggests the iPhone 17e will continue to use a notch, so the Dynamic Island upgrade isn't a guarantee.
A19 Chip
The iPhone 17e is expected to use Apple's A19 chip, which was first introduced in the iPhone 17. The A19 chip is built using Apple's upgraded N3P 3-nanometer process, offering a 5 to 10 percent performance improvement over the A18 chip.
Apple could be planning to use a downclocked version of the A19 chip in the iPhone 17e, and if that's the case, its performance won't quite match the iPhone 17's performance.
The A18 chip that Apple used in the iPhone 16e had a 4-core GPU instead of a 5-core GPU like the version from the iPhone 16, so the iPhone 17e could get a similar GPU downgrade.
Aside from the improved CPU and GPU, the A19 has an updated display engine, image signal processor, and Neural Engine for improved AI performance. Every GPU core features a Neural Accelerator to boost the performance of local AI models.
We are expecting the iPhone 17e to continue to include 8GB RAM like the iPhone 16e. Apple's other models have 12GB.
MagSafe Compatibility
The iPhone 16e does not have a magnetic ring for MagSafe charging, but the iPhone 17e could feature MagSafe compatibility. Rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will support magnetic wireless charging, which would be a major upgrade over the iPhone 16e.
Apple's iPhones have used MagSafe since the iPhone 12, so there are a wide array of MagSafe cases and accessories. The iPhone 16e is not compatible with these accessories, which is a major limitation.
Since it doesn't have MagSafe, the iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W wireless charging speeds. MagSafe would upgrade that to at least 15W. The current iPhone 17 models can charge at 25W over MagSafe, though the iPhone Air is limited to 20W.
Camera
The iPhone 17e is expected to have a single 48-megapixel Wide Angle camera at the back, with no upgrade rumored. The iPhone 16e doesn't have a Camera Control button, and there's no word on whether Apple will bring it to the iPhone 17e.
The iPhone 17 models got an upgraded 18-megapixel Center Stage front-facing camera, but rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will continue to use the same 12-megapixel front-facing camera as the iPhone 16e.
Modem
The iPhone 17e will adopt Apple's C1X modem, the modem chip that Apple first debuted in the iPhone Air. The C1X modem is faster and more efficient than the C1 modem that Apple used in the iPhone 16e.
Apple says the C1X modem is up to 2x faster than the C1, and it is far more energy efficient than Qualcomm modems.
No N1 Chip
While the iPhone 17 models received Apple's new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth "N1" networking chip, leaked Apple code suggests the chip will not be included in the iPhone 17e in order to keep costs down.
Pricing
The iPhone 16e is priced starting at $599, and no price changes are expected for the iPhone 17e.
Launch Date
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e is going to come in the first half of 2026, and Apple could stick to the February release timing. The iPhone 16e was introduced via press release on February 19, 2025, so we're probably not waiting on an event for the 17e.
For that reason, it could come anytime in February, though there's also a possibility that Apple will hold it until the March or April timeframe. In late March or early April, Apple plans to release iOS 26.4 with a new version of Siri, along with several updated home products.
This article, "Apple's Next iPhone: What to Expect From the 2026 iPhone 17e" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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ITC opens patent investigation over Apple Watch fall detection
Investigation stems from a complaint filed by Texas-based company UnaliWear, and targets several other wearables. Here are the details.
more…Kirsty Godso stars in new Powerbeats Fit campaign: ‘all about showing up’
The newest Powerbeats Fit ad leans into New Year’s resolutions, built around Godso’s training philosophy of putting in the work. Watch it below.
more…iPhone driver’s licenses: Here are all the states working on support
At WWDC 2021, Apple announced support for adding driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet. Since then, over a dozen states in the United States have rolled out support for the platform.
As that number continues to grow, here’s where driver’s licenses and state IDs could come next …
more…Apple counters China market slump as iPhone shipments jump in Q4 2025: report
A new report from Counterpoint Research shows Apple offsetting China’s smartphone slowdown thanks to the iPhone 17 line, and topping the market in the last quarter of 2025. Here are the details.
more…Apple updates firmware for multiple iPad Magic Keyboard models
Apple is rolling out new firmware updates for four Magic Keyboard models for the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. Here are the details.
more…AirTags are helping airlines dramatically cut down on lost luggage, here’s how
If you aren’t using an AirTag to track your luggage when you travel, you’re seriously missing out. New data shows that Apple’s Find My system dramatically reduces the chance of an airline losing your luggage.
more…Apple Releases New Firmware for iPad Pro and iPad Air Magic Keyboards
Apple today released new firmware for the Magic Keyboards designed for the iPad Pro and iPad Air. The firmware for the M4/M5 iPad Pro model has a version number of 0750.0220.0304, up from the prior 0680.0220.0301 firmware, while the firmware for the M3 iPad Air model has a version number of 0400.0140.0303, up from 0350.0135.0303.
The new firmware is available for both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard options that Apple sells for the M4 and M5 iPad Pro models, as well as the version that Apple sells for the M3 iPad Air.
Apple overhauled the Magic Keyboard in May 2024 alongside the launch of the M4 iPad Pro. The updated keyboard has the same floating cantilevered design as the prior version, but it includes a dedicated row of function keys, along with a larger glass trackpad.
Magic Keyboard firmware updates are infrequent, and there is no method for manually refreshing the software. New firmware is installed automatically when the keyboard is attached to an iPad Pro that is connected to the internet.
You can check the firmware version of your Magic Keyboard by opening up the Settings app and going to General > About > Magic Keyboard.
This article, "Apple Releases New Firmware for iPad Pro and iPad Air Magic Keyboards" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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The new firmware is available for both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard options that Apple sells for the M4 and M5 iPad Pro models, as well as the version that Apple sells for the M3 iPad Air.
Apple overhauled the Magic Keyboard in May 2024 alongside the launch of the M4 iPad Pro. The updated keyboard has the same floating cantilevered design as the prior version, but it includes a dedicated row of function keys, along with a larger glass trackpad.
Magic Keyboard firmware updates are infrequent, and there is no method for manually refreshing the software. New firmware is installed automatically when the keyboard is attached to an iPad Pro that is connected to the internet.
You can check the firmware version of your Magic Keyboard by opening up the Settings app and going to General > About > Magic Keyboard.
Tag: Magic Keyboard
This article, "Apple Releases New Firmware for iPad Pro and iPad Air Magic Keyboards" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple TV debuts The Last Thing He Told Me season 2 official trailer
After confirming that The Last Thing He Told Me would return on February 20 for an eight-episode run, Apple TV revealed the official season 2 trailer today. Watch it below.
more…Hands-on: This Qi2 MagSafe power bank has active cooling, but is it useful? Sharge IceMag 3 [Video]
The current MagSafe battery pack market is pretty insane right now. There are literally thousands of magnetic power banks all over Amazon. Most of them are the same: they attach to the back of your phone, trickle-charge your iPhone, and get warm the longer they charge. When you look for one on Amazon, they all look like slightly modified versions of the previous one. But every once in a while, you see one that actually looks, feels, and functions differently. That is exactly what the new Sharge IceMag 3 has. It’s fast, has a very unique look, and can do more than just charge your phone. Let’s take a look.
more…Nomad Launches Hybrid Titanium Apple Watch Band in New 'Icy Blue Glow' Color
Nomad today introduced a new version of its popular titanium Stratos band that's designed for the Apple Watch. The new version features a limited edition icy blue glow colorway, providing a subtle glow-in-the-dark effect that can be seen between the titanium links of the band.
Available for $189, the Stratos Apple Watch band combines the look of titanium with the comfort of fluoroelastomer. The band features outer links made from metal injection molded Grade 4 titanium, paired with molded FKM material on the interior.
The fluoroelastomer connects each titanium link, offering flexibility and comfort that's unavailable with traditional metal bands, including Apple's own stainless steel Link Bracelet. The FKM material peeks through the rounded titanium links, adding visual interest and space for ventilation to bolster moisture evaporation and breathability.
Nomad makes the Stratos band in Silver and Black titanium, with black, ultra orange, volt, and icy blue glow FKM color options. The latter is the new color, and we were able to try out the band before it launched. Nomad's imagery largely depicts the band in the dark with a rich, blue glow coming from the fluoroelastomer underlayer, but the actual blue shade in the light is much subtler. The color is a soft, muted blue that's close to white from a distance.
Exposing the band to sunlight or bright light produces a glow effect, but it's faint. The FKM material of the Stratos band is beneath the titanium and against the wrist, so it sees little light exposure. Light is needed for the glow to work, which means the overall result is subdued. For the most part, expect the band to look more white than blue between the links, but you will see thin lines of the blue color peeking through the links in the dark.
The band is comfortable on the wrist, and it's simple to remove links with the included tool to get a custom fit. The magnetic clasp is easy to close, and it only opens when squeezing the sides of the buckle, so it should remain secure. The clasp can pinch the skin when it's being closed, so be wary of that when putting the band on.
Having the fluoroelastomer underneath the titanium makes for a softer feel on the wrist than just titanium alone, and Nomad's band options are far cheaper than Apple's similar bands.
You can order the Icy Blue Glow Stratos Band from the Nomad website for $189.
This article, "Nomad Launches Hybrid Titanium Apple Watch Band in New 'Icy Blue Glow' Color" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Available for $189, the Stratos Apple Watch band combines the look of titanium with the comfort of fluoroelastomer. The band features outer links made from metal injection molded Grade 4 titanium, paired with molded FKM material on the interior.
The fluoroelastomer connects each titanium link, offering flexibility and comfort that's unavailable with traditional metal bands, including Apple's own stainless steel Link Bracelet. The FKM material peeks through the rounded titanium links, adding visual interest and space for ventilation to bolster moisture evaporation and breathability.
Nomad makes the Stratos band in Silver and Black titanium, with black, ultra orange, volt, and icy blue glow FKM color options. The latter is the new color, and we were able to try out the band before it launched. Nomad's imagery largely depicts the band in the dark with a rich, blue glow coming from the fluoroelastomer underlayer, but the actual blue shade in the light is much subtler. The color is a soft, muted blue that's close to white from a distance.
Exposing the band to sunlight or bright light produces a glow effect, but it's faint. The FKM material of the Stratos band is beneath the titanium and against the wrist, so it sees little light exposure. Light is needed for the glow to work, which means the overall result is subdued. For the most part, expect the band to look more white than blue between the links, but you will see thin lines of the blue color peeking through the links in the dark.
The band is comfortable on the wrist, and it's simple to remove links with the included tool to get a custom fit. The magnetic clasp is easy to close, and it only opens when squeezing the sides of the buckle, so it should remain secure. The clasp can pinch the skin when it's being closed, so be wary of that when putting the band on.
Having the fluoroelastomer underneath the titanium makes for a softer feel on the wrist than just titanium alone, and Nomad's band options are far cheaper than Apple's similar bands.
You can order the Icy Blue Glow Stratos Band from the Nomad website for $189.
Tag: Nomad
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8+ new iPhone features coming soon, thanks to Google Gemini
Last week, Apple officially announced that it is turning to Google to power new Apple Intelligence features coming to iPhone as soon as this year. Here’s a look at what features are coming soon.
more…New, Higher End AirPods Pro Coming This Year
Apple is planning to debut a high-end secondary version of AirPods Pro 3 this year, sitting in the lineup alongside the current model, reports suggest.
Back in September 2025, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is planning to introduce a successor to the AirPods Pro 3 in 2026. This would be somewhat unusual since Apple normally waits around three years to make major changes to the AirPods' hardware. AirPods Pro 2 debuted at the iPhone 14 event in September 2022, and they were updated with a USB-C charging case and a few other tweaks in September 2023. Otherwise, Apple has waited about three years to update all of its AirPods models.
Kuo said that the 2026 AirPods Pro will feature a "more significant" hardware upgrade in the form at least one tiny infrared camera. He previously said AirPods with infrared cameras could recognize hand gestures and provide an enhanced spatial audio experience with Apple's Vision Pro headset.
The Chinese leaker known as "Instant Digital" subsequently corroborated the rumor with some additional details and clarifications. Rather than being a new generation, the 2026 AirPods Pro will apparently be a pricier, high-end variant of the AirPods Pro 3 introduced in 2025, suggesting that both models will ultimately be on sale alongside each other. It is worth noting that Apple offers two version of the AirPods 4 at $129 and $179 price points, so this is a highly plausible move.
The current AirPods lineup has offerings priced at $129, $179, $249, and $549. An additional product between the $249 AirPods Pro 3 and $549 AirPods Max seems possible, especially given the rise of higher end Bluetooth earbuds from the likes of Bang Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins, and Bose.
As Kuo first said, Instant Digital similarly believes that the key differentiator will be an infrared camera for gesture controls. In fact, Apple may remove the high-end model's pressure-sensors and go all-in on gesture controls.
The H3 chip is also a possibility. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the next-generation audio chip is in development. The AirPods Pro 3 launched last year stuck with the same H2 chip from their predecessor released in 2022.
Launch timing is currently unclear, but Apple typically announces new AirPods in the second half of the year. The original AirPods, AirPods Pro 2 and their subsequent USB-C revision, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 3 were all announced at Apple's annual iPhone event in September.
This article, "New, Higher End AirPods Pro Coming This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Back in September 2025, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is planning to introduce a successor to the AirPods Pro 3 in 2026. This would be somewhat unusual since Apple normally waits around three years to make major changes to the AirPods' hardware. AirPods Pro 2 debuted at the iPhone 14 event in September 2022, and they were updated with a USB-C charging case and a few other tweaks in September 2023. Otherwise, Apple has waited about three years to update all of its AirPods models.
Kuo said that the 2026 AirPods Pro will feature a "more significant" hardware upgrade in the form at least one tiny infrared camera. He previously said AirPods with infrared cameras could recognize hand gestures and provide an enhanced spatial audio experience with Apple's Vision Pro headset.
The Chinese leaker known as "Instant Digital" subsequently corroborated the rumor with some additional details and clarifications. Rather than being a new generation, the 2026 AirPods Pro will apparently be a pricier, high-end variant of the AirPods Pro 3 introduced in 2025, suggesting that both models will ultimately be on sale alongside each other. It is worth noting that Apple offers two version of the AirPods 4 at $129 and $179 price points, so this is a highly plausible move.
The current AirPods lineup has offerings priced at $129, $179, $249, and $549. An additional product between the $249 AirPods Pro 3 and $549 AirPods Max seems possible, especially given the rise of higher end Bluetooth earbuds from the likes of Bang Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins, and Bose.
As Kuo first said, Instant Digital similarly believes that the key differentiator will be an infrared camera for gesture controls. In fact, Apple may remove the high-end model's pressure-sensors and go all-in on gesture controls.
The H3 chip is also a possibility. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the next-generation audio chip is in development. The AirPods Pro 3 launched last year stuck with the same H2 chip from their predecessor released in 2022.
Launch timing is currently unclear, but Apple typically announces new AirPods in the second half of the year. The original AirPods, AirPods Pro 2 and their subsequent USB-C revision, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 3 were all announced at Apple's annual iPhone event in September.
This article, "New, Higher End AirPods Pro Coming This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Nomad launches Icy Blue Stratos Band for Apple Watch
Last year, Nomad introduced an Apple Watch band that I had never seen before. It combined the athletic-minded FKM rubber they use for their sports bands with the high-end, high-quality titanium they use for their Titanium Band, and called it Stratos. This band blew me away, and I’ve used it basically every day since then. Now they are back with a new colorway, and they have just bought their Icy Blue Glow material over to the Stratos band for a limited time. This thing is a showstopper.
more…Deals: Titanium Apple Watch Series 11 $127 off, Ultra 2 $349 off, iPad Pro Magic Keyboard $120 off, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is now ready to roll. We have spotted a new Amazon all-time price on this Apple Watch Series 11 Titanium model with the Milanese Loop at $127 off alongside a chance to score a Best Buy refurb black Apple Watch Ultra 2 at $349 off the original list price. From there we move over to open-box offers on Apple’s latest M4/5 Magic Keyboard case at up to $120 off as well as more accessory offers – 25% off the black TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case, official Apple MagSafe 3 Cables for $22, and Samsung’s Mac mini-ready M8 Smart Monitor at $300 off. Check it all out below.
more…Latest iPhone 18 Pro Leak Corroborated by Respected Former Analyst
Respected veteran display analyst Ross Young has added his support to a new leak today about the iPhone 18 Pro's front-panel design.
In a new post on X (Twitter), the now-retired Counterpoint Research VP said that Chinese leaker Instant Digital's latest explanation of how Apple will shrink the Dynamic Island is what he was alluding to in a report last year.
Back in June 2025, Young said that while some parts of Apple's Face ID system would move under the display on iPhone 18 Pro models, the devices would retain visible Face ID elements – meaning the Dynamic Island would persist, albeit in a smaller form than on the iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 17 Pro.
That's effectively what Instant Digital claimed earlier today: the leaker explained that only the IR flood illuminator would move under the display to the top-left corner, while the dot projector, infrared camera, and selfie camera would remain housed in a reduced, centered Dynamic Island. Another Chinese leaker has since backed the claim, which also corresponds to reporting last year by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Young's corroboration directly contradicts a recent report by The Information's Wayne Ma that said Apple would move the selfie camera to the top-left corner of the iPhone 18 Pro's display, resulting in a hole-punch cutout and the removal of the pill-shaped Dynamic Island.
It seems increasingly likely that details from Ma's sources were either lost in translation or misinterpreted, possibly due to partial knowledge of an under-display Face ID component.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models in September.
This article, "Latest iPhone 18 Pro Leak Corroborated by Respected Former Analyst" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
In a new post on X (Twitter), the now-retired Counterpoint Research VP said that Chinese leaker Instant Digital's latest explanation of how Apple will shrink the Dynamic Island is what he was alluding to in a report last year.
Back in June 2025, Young said that while some parts of Apple's Face ID system would move under the display on iPhone 18 Pro models, the devices would retain visible Face ID elements – meaning the Dynamic Island would persist, albeit in a smaller form than on the iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 17 Pro.
That's effectively what Instant Digital claimed earlier today: the leaker explained that only the IR flood illuminator would move under the display to the top-left corner, while the dot projector, infrared camera, and selfie camera would remain housed in a reduced, centered Dynamic Island. Another Chinese leaker has since backed the claim, which also corresponds to reporting last year by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Young's corroboration directly contradicts a recent report by The Information's Wayne Ma that said Apple would move the selfie camera to the top-left corner of the iPhone 18 Pro's display, resulting in a hole-punch cutout and the removal of the pill-shaped Dynamic Island.
It seems increasingly likely that details from Ma's sources were either lost in translation or misinterpreted, possibly due to partial knowledge of an under-display Face ID component.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models in September.
Related Roundup: iPhone 18
Tag: Ross Young
Related Forum: iPhone
This article, "Latest iPhone 18 Pro Leak Corroborated by Respected Former Analyst" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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