ConnexionApple highlights cross-browser compatibility progress in 2025
Apple’s WebKit blog published a post today highlighting the results of Interop 2025, an industry-wide effort to improve cross-browser interoperability. Here are the details.
more…Vue lecture
iOS 26’s new Phone app has a feature I don’t ever want to go without
Apple overhauled the Phone app in iOS 26 with a new design and added several powerful features, including a new call screening option that I don’t ever want to go without.
more…iPhone Air Review: Four Months Later, is Apple's Thinnest iPhone Worth $999?
It's been four months since the iPhone Air came out, and it hasn't exactly been a resounding success. Sales are reportedly so low that Apple is delaying the next-generation model. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera shares what it's been like using Apple's thinnest and lightest iPhone on a daily basis over the last few months.
With its super thin design, the iPhone Air still impresses even months later. It's much lighter than the other iPhone models, and a pleasure to use because of it. The iPhone Air is Apple's best one-handed smartphone, plus it impresses everyone who tries it out.
The frosted glass texture is attractive, and thanks to that titanium frame, it's durable. The glass resists fingerprints, plus it's not slippery, so it can be used without a case. That's a good thing, since a case tends to ruin the ultra thin feel. The iPhone Air is all glass, though, so it's still breakable if dropped and AppleCare+ is recommended.
The iPhone Air has the smallest battery in the iPhone 17 lineup, and there was a lot of concern that it wouldn't last all day. As long as you're not using it for high-end gaming, the battery is totally fine. Dan hasn't had a problem with battery life for day-to-day activities like browsing social media, YouTube, navigating, and using CarPlay.
If you're someone who only uses the Wide camera on the iPhone, you might not miss the Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses, but having only a single-lens rear camera is one of the iPhone Air's major downsides. You get 1x and 2x zoom, but no 0.5x mode, no macro lens, and no 5x telephoto lens. It's definitely a dealbreaker for some people.
There's also only a single speaker, and while it's fine for use in quiet rooms, if you like to use your iPhone for things like listening to music in the shower, it might not be good enough.
The biggest thing wrong with the iPhone Air is the price tag. Sure, it's light, thin, and has an impressive design, but it's $999. For $200 less, you can get the standard iPhone 17 with two cameras and near identical performance, and for $100 more, you can get the iPhone 17 Pro, which has three cameras and faster performance. The only sacrifice is thinness, and it's clear that most people aren't willing to pay more to lose features for a thin and light design.
At this point, it's not entirely clear when a new iPhone Air is coming out. Rumors originally suggested we'd get the second-generation model in the fall of 2026, but sales were below expectations, so Apple is holding back on a new model to make some changes.
The next iPhone Air could have a second camera and display improvements like a smaller Dynamic Island to make it more appealing, with a potential launch happening in spring 2027.
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With its super thin design, the iPhone Air still impresses even months later. It's much lighter than the other iPhone models, and a pleasure to use because of it. The iPhone Air is Apple's best one-handed smartphone, plus it impresses everyone who tries it out.
The frosted glass texture is attractive, and thanks to that titanium frame, it's durable. The glass resists fingerprints, plus it's not slippery, so it can be used without a case. That's a good thing, since a case tends to ruin the ultra thin feel. The iPhone Air is all glass, though, so it's still breakable if dropped and AppleCare+ is recommended.
The iPhone Air has the smallest battery in the iPhone 17 lineup, and there was a lot of concern that it wouldn't last all day. As long as you're not using it for high-end gaming, the battery is totally fine. Dan hasn't had a problem with battery life for day-to-day activities like browsing social media, YouTube, navigating, and using CarPlay.
If you're someone who only uses the Wide camera on the iPhone, you might not miss the Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses, but having only a single-lens rear camera is one of the iPhone Air's major downsides. You get 1x and 2x zoom, but no 0.5x mode, no macro lens, and no 5x telephoto lens. It's definitely a dealbreaker for some people.
There's also only a single speaker, and while it's fine for use in quiet rooms, if you like to use your iPhone for things like listening to music in the shower, it might not be good enough.
The biggest thing wrong with the iPhone Air is the price tag. Sure, it's light, thin, and has an impressive design, but it's $999. For $200 less, you can get the standard iPhone 17 with two cameras and near identical performance, and for $100 more, you can get the iPhone 17 Pro, which has three cameras and faster performance. The only sacrifice is thinness, and it's clear that most people aren't willing to pay more to lose features for a thin and light design.
At this point, it's not entirely clear when a new iPhone Air is coming out. Rumors originally suggested we'd get the second-generation model in the fall of 2026, but sales were below expectations, so Apple is holding back on a new model to make some changes.
The next iPhone Air could have a second camera and display improvements like a smaller Dynamic Island to make it more appealing, with a potential launch happening in spring 2027.
Related Roundup: iPhone Air
Buyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now)
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Apple says ‘random or anonymous chat’ apps no longer welcome on the App Store
Apple has updated its App Review Guidelines to expand the list of user-generated content experiences that can be removed from the App Store without notice. Here are the details.
more…Apple to Allow ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini in CarPlay
Apple is planning to bring new AI features to CarPlay, reports Bloomberg. Apple will allow third-party chatbot apps to integrate with CarPlay, so AI services like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT will be accessible in the car for the first time.
CarPlay already supports third-party apps, but the types of apps that are supported are limited. Companies like Anthropic and OpenAI aren't currently able to create CarPlay apps, so users are limited to using Siri voice controls in the vehicle.
With the change, CarPlay users will be able to access apps like ChatGPT to ask questions hands-free, though the apps won't be able to control vehicle or iPhone functions. Third-party AI voice apps will not be accessible via a wake word and won't replace Siri, so users will need to open an app to get access to a chatbot. App developers will be able to design in-car experiences that will launch a voice-based chat mode when the app is opened, which will streamline the process.
Apple is planning to support third-party AI apps "within the coming months," which could align with when the company's smarter version of Siri is set to launch. With iOS 26.4, Apple is debuting a more personalized version of Siri that uses large language models.
Siri will be able to answer complex questions, complete multi-step tasks, maintain continuity, and do more in and between apps. The personal assistant is also set to gain a World Knowledge Answers feature, allowing it to search the web and summarize information from websites.
Later in iOS 27, Siri will get full chatbot capabilities, allowing it to better compete with Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT.
This article, "Apple to Allow ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini in CarPlay" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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CarPlay already supports third-party apps, but the types of apps that are supported are limited. Companies like Anthropic and OpenAI aren't currently able to create CarPlay apps, so users are limited to using Siri voice controls in the vehicle.
With the change, CarPlay users will be able to access apps like ChatGPT to ask questions hands-free, though the apps won't be able to control vehicle or iPhone functions. Third-party AI voice apps will not be accessible via a wake word and won't replace Siri, so users will need to open an app to get access to a chatbot. App developers will be able to design in-car experiences that will launch a voice-based chat mode when the app is opened, which will streamline the process.
Apple is planning to support third-party AI apps "within the coming months," which could align with when the company's smarter version of Siri is set to launch. With iOS 26.4, Apple is debuting a more personalized version of Siri that uses large language models.
Siri will be able to answer complex questions, complete multi-step tasks, maintain continuity, and do more in and between apps. The personal assistant is also set to gain a World Knowledge Answers feature, allowing it to search the web and summarize information from websites.
Later in iOS 27, Siri will get full chatbot capabilities, allowing it to better compete with Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT.
Related Roundup: CarPlay
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology
This article, "Apple to Allow ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini in CarPlay" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple reportedly bringing third-party AI chatbots to CarPlay
While AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini feature conversational voice mode, the apps don’t exactly work well with Apple CarPlay. That will soon change, it appears, with an upcoming iOS software update.
more…New Spotify experiment tells the backstory of the songs you’re listening to
The new feature, currently in beta, is rolling out to select Premium users in six countries. Here are the details.
more…MacRumors Giveaway: Win an iPhone 17 and Fresh Coat Screen Protector From Astropad
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Astropad to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an iPhone 17 and one of Astropad's anti-reflective Fresh Coat screen protectors to go along with it.
Fresh Coat is a new kind of screen protector that Astropad designed with an optical-grade anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and provide a better iPhone viewing experience. The technology that Astropad is using cuts reflections by 75 percent, while improving contrast and keeping colors vibrant. Unlike other anti-reflective screen protectors on the market, Fresh Coat has adds no haze or distortion.
Priced at $30, Fresh Coat is made from a scratch-proof tempered glass that also provides protection for the iPhone's display in addition to cutting down on glare and reflections. It's slim and won't add any bulk to the iPhone even though there are five layers of technology at work. From the top down, there's an anti-reflective coating, an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, a layer of tempered glass, a dust barrier, and an impact-resistant "airbag" bonding.
If you have an iPhone 17, it comes with an anti-reflective coating added by Apple. What you might not know, though, is that you can't use just any screen protector with the iPhone 17. If you put a regular screen protector without an anti-reflective coating on, it nullifies the anti-reflective properties of that added coating.
Since Fresh Coat has its own anti-reflective coating, it actually improves upon Apple's included anti-reflective layer, reducing glare even further. With Fresh Coat, the iPhone's screen is easy to see in any lighting conditions, there's less eye strain, and if you use Dark Mode, it looks even darker.
If you don't have an iPhone 17, Fresh Coat can provide an iPhone 17-style display upgrade, mirroring Apple's own reflection-reducing display coating. Fresh Coat is available for all iPhone 17 models, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Astropad designed an installation process that's impossible to mess up, so you get perfect alignment on your iPhone without hassle.
We have an iPhone 17 in white and a Fresh Coat screen protector for one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (February 6) at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 13. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after December 26 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
This article, "MacRumors Giveaway: Win an iPhone 17 and Fresh Coat Screen Protector From Astropad" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Fresh Coat is a new kind of screen protector that Astropad designed with an optical-grade anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and provide a better iPhone viewing experience. The technology that Astropad is using cuts reflections by 75 percent, while improving contrast and keeping colors vibrant. Unlike other anti-reflective screen protectors on the market, Fresh Coat has adds no haze or distortion.
Priced at $30, Fresh Coat is made from a scratch-proof tempered glass that also provides protection for the iPhone's display in addition to cutting down on glare and reflections. It's slim and won't add any bulk to the iPhone even though there are five layers of technology at work. From the top down, there's an anti-reflective coating, an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, a layer of tempered glass, a dust barrier, and an impact-resistant "airbag" bonding.
If you have an iPhone 17, it comes with an anti-reflective coating added by Apple. What you might not know, though, is that you can't use just any screen protector with the iPhone 17. If you put a regular screen protector without an anti-reflective coating on, it nullifies the anti-reflective properties of that added coating.
Since Fresh Coat has its own anti-reflective coating, it actually improves upon Apple's included anti-reflective layer, reducing glare even further. With Fresh Coat, the iPhone's screen is easy to see in any lighting conditions, there's less eye strain, and if you use Dark Mode, it looks even darker.
If you don't have an iPhone 17, Fresh Coat can provide an iPhone 17-style display upgrade, mirroring Apple's own reflection-reducing display coating. Fresh Coat is available for all iPhone 17 models, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Astropad designed an installation process that's impossible to mess up, so you get perfect alignment on your iPhone without hassle.
We have an iPhone 17 in white and a Fresh Coat screen protector for one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (February 6) at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 13. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after December 26 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
This article, "MacRumors Giveaway: Win an iPhone 17 and Fresh Coat Screen Protector From Astropad" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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HomeKit Weekly: Check in on the abode alarm system with Apple Home support
Since early 2020, I’ve used abode as my primary security system and have done so across two seapraye homes. It is now 2026, and in the world of smart home tech, six years is usually an eternity. I continue to get emails asking if I am still using it, or if I’ve jumped ship to some thing. I wanted to take an opportunity to update my review for 2026, discuss how the hardware has held up, and frankly, warn you about which hub you should buy for HomeKit.
more…Apple’s big Super Bowl ad might not actually come from Apple
This Sunday is the Super Bowl, the biggest TV event of the year in the US. But aside from sponsoring the halftime show, you may not see much from Apple in terms of paid commercials—except for one F1 ad created by Cadillac.
more…Best Apple Deals of the Week: Apple Watch Series 11 Get $100 Discounts Amid Valentine's Day and Super Bowl Sales
This week we began tracking big savings thanks to Valentine's Day and Super Bowl sales, which include discounts on everything from iPhone 17 cases to monitors and TVs. You'll also find deals below on Apple Watch Series 11 and AirPods 4, with the best prices of the year so far on each.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
We're just one week away from Valentine's Day, which falls on Saturday, February 14 this year. Similar to years past, many third-party Apple resellers and accessory companies have opened up notable discounts on Apple products and accessories to coincide with the holiday, and you can find the best in our list below.
This week we began tracking Super Bowl themed sales at retailers including Samsung and Sonos, with some of the year's best prices so far on popular TVs, sound bars, speakers, and much more.
Amazon this week has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. This is only the second time so far in 2026 that we've tracked $100 markdowns on the Series 11, and nearly every aluminum model is on sale right now.
Apple's AirPods 4 returned to $99.00 this week, down from $129.00. This is the base model of the AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation, and it's the best price we've seen on this model so far in 2026.
Earlier this week, Anker debuted its new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station with a launch discount on Amazon. If ordered this week, you can clip the on-page coupon on Amazon to get the accessory for $119.99, down from $149.99.
For even more Anker discounts, be sure to check out our original post.
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 in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Apple Watch Series 11 Get $100 Discounts Amid Valentine's Day and Super Bowl Sales" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Valentine's Day Deals
We're just one week away from Valentine's Day, which falls on Saturday, February 14 this year. Similar to years past, many third-party Apple resellers and accessory companies have opened up notable discounts on Apple products and accessories to coincide with the holiday, and you can find the best in our list below.
- Best Buy - Save up to 50% on select TVs
- Nomad - Save 49% in Nomad's overstock sale
- OtterBox - Save 30% on cases, 50% on charging accessories, and more
- Anker - Save up to 40% on essential accessories
- Sonos - Save up to 20% off soundbars, speakers, and subwoofers
- AT&T - iPhone 17 Pro at no cost with eligible trade-in
- Samsung - Save on Samsung monitors and TVs
- ZAGG - Save up to 75% during clearance event
- Casely - Save 10% sitewide with code LOVE10
- Casetify - Buy 2 get 20% off with code LOVE2026
Super Bowl Sales
- What's the deal? Save on home audio equipment, TVs, and more
- Where can I get it? Sonos and Samsung
- Where can I find the original deal? Right here
This week we began tracking Super Bowl themed sales at retailers including Samsung and Sonos, with some of the year's best prices so far on popular TVs, sound bars, speakers, and much more.
Apple Watch Series 11
- What's the deal? Take $100 off Apple Watch Series 11
- Where can I get it? Amazon
- Where can I find the original deal? Right here
Amazon this week has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. This is only the second time so far in 2026 that we've tracked $100 markdowns on the Series 11, and nearly every aluminum model is on sale right now.
AirPods 4
- What's the deal? Take $30 off AirPods 4
- Where can I get it? Amazon
- Where can I find the original deal? Right here
Apple's AirPods 4 returned to $99.00 this week, down from $129.00. This is the base model of the AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation, and it's the best price we've seen on this model so far in 2026.
Anker
- What's the deal? Save on Anker accessories
- Where can I get it? Amazon
- Where can I find the original deal? Right here
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
Earlier this week, Anker debuted its new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station with a launch discount on Amazon. If ordered this week, you can clip the on-page coupon on Amazon to get the accessory for $119.99, down from $149.99.
For even more Anker discounts, be sure to check out our original post.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? 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
This article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Apple Watch Series 11 Get $100 Discounts Amid Valentine's Day and Super Bowl Sales" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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How to Watch 2026 Super Bowl LX For Free on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV
Super Bowl LX is this Sunday, February 8, and there is a way for U.S. viewers to watch for free. Our instructions below are focused on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, but this method will of course work across a variety of devices.
2026's Super Bowl has the New England Patriots facing the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with the kickoff time on Sunday scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time / 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. These two teams already met in the 2015 Super Bowl, which ended in a Patriots championship.
The big game is airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock Premium this year.
One way to stream the 2026 Super Bowl for free on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV in the U.S. is to sign up for a free 30-day trial to Walmart+, which includes free access to Peacock Premium's ad-supported tier.
You can sign up for a Walmart+ trial online.
Next, here is how to activate free, ad-supported Peacock Premium via Walmart+:
In addition to the Super Bowl itself, you can watch the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, featuring Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny.
Do not forget that a Walmart+ subscription automatically renews after the 30-day free trial.
This article, "How to Watch 2026 Super Bowl LX For Free on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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2026's Super Bowl has the New England Patriots facing the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with the kickoff time on Sunday scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time / 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. These two teams already met in the 2015 Super Bowl, which ended in a Patriots championship.
The big game is airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock Premium this year.
One way to stream the 2026 Super Bowl for free on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV in the U.S. is to sign up for a free 30-day trial to Walmart+, which includes free access to Peacock Premium's ad-supported tier.
You can sign up for a Walmart+ trial online.
Next, here is how to activate free, ad-supported Peacock Premium via Walmart+:
- Sign into your Walmart account.
- Go to your Account page.
- Select Walmart+.
- Find Peacock Premium in the Benefits Hub.
- Select Get Peacock.
- Log in or create your streaming service account.
- Follow the on-screen steps to finish setting up your account.
- Build your profile and start streaming.
In addition to the Super Bowl itself, you can watch the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, featuring Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny.
Do not forget that a Walmart+ subscription automatically renews after the 30-day free trial.
Tag: Super Bowl
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New Alexa’s issues are already making some users return to old Siri
Siri hasn’t yet gotten the big AI upgrades we’re expecting soon, but it sounds like Alexa’s recent AI revamp is already resulting in at least one user running back to the arms of “old” (current) Siri.
more…NASA Now Allowing Astronauts to Bring Their iPhones on Space Missions
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on Wednesday announced that NASA astronauts will soon be permitted to fly with "the latest smartphones," beginning with the SpaceX Crew-12 and Artemis II missions over the next few months.
In an email, an Apple spokesperson said this will mark the first time the iPhone has been fully qualified for extended use in orbit and beyond.
NASA astronauts were previously not allowed to carry their own personal smartphones on space flights, but they did allow some approved DSLR cameras and other equipment. With smartphones, Isaacman said astronauts will be able to "capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world."
It is unclear exactly which iPhone models have been qualified.
This article, "NASA Now Allowing Astronauts to Bring Their iPhones on Space Missions" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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In an email, an Apple spokesperson said this will mark the first time the iPhone has been fully qualified for extended use in orbit and beyond.
NASA astronauts were previously not allowed to carry their own personal smartphones on space flights, but they did allow some approved DSLR cameras and other equipment. With smartphones, Isaacman said astronauts will be able to "capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world."
It is unclear exactly which iPhone models have been qualified.
Tag: NASA
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Swift Student Challenge applications are now open, here are the details
Apple has just opened applications for this year’s Swift Student Challenge. Here are the details on how to apply.
more…The Viture Luma Ultra is almost the Apple Vision Air I’d like to see
What started life as a humble face monitor geared to watching video and playing games wherever you happen to be has now evolved into something drawing ever closer to a Mac-powered Vision Pro.
The Viture Luma Ultra it isn’t perfect, but it is the closest thing I’ve seen yet to what I’d ideally like from a future Apple Vision Air product …
more…The MacRumors Show: All the New Macs Coming This Year
We discuss all of the new Macs Apple is expected to release this year, starting with the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show.
Following the release of the M5 MacBook Pro last year, Apple is expected to launch refreshed high-end MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. They are rumored to arrive alongside macOS Tahoe 26.3 in the next few weeks. Stock of the current M4 Pro and M4 Max models is dwindling, suggesting that the announcement is now impending.
After that release, we are expecting M5-series chips to come to the MacBook Air, Mac mini, and Mac Studio at the very least. Whether the iMac and the Mac Pro will get an M5 chip remains an open question.
Apple is also rumored to launch an all-new low-cost MacBook this year, featuring the A18 Pro chip for comparable performance to the M1 chip. It is expected to feature a 13-inch LCD display, USB-C connectivity only, and a price point somewhere between $699 and $899. iPad-like Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow color options are also rumored.
Toward the end of the year, Apple is expected to launch significantly upgraded MacBook Pro models. The new machines are rumored to feature M6-series chips, a cellular connectivity option, OLED touchscreen displays, a hole-punch in the screen for the front-facing camera, and a thinner, lighter design.
The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.
You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or other podcast apps. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your player.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's newly launched AirTag 2 and Apple Creator Studio.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also email us at podcast@macrumors.com or head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
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Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
Following the release of the M5 MacBook Pro last year, Apple is expected to launch refreshed high-end MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. They are rumored to arrive alongside macOS Tahoe 26.3 in the next few weeks. Stock of the current M4 Pro and M4 Max models is dwindling, suggesting that the announcement is now impending.
After that release, we are expecting M5-series chips to come to the MacBook Air, Mac mini, and Mac Studio at the very least. Whether the iMac and the Mac Pro will get an M5 chip remains an open question.
Apple is also rumored to launch an all-new low-cost MacBook this year, featuring the A18 Pro chip for comparable performance to the M1 chip. It is expected to feature a 13-inch LCD display, USB-C connectivity only, and a price point somewhere between $699 and $899. iPad-like Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow color options are also rumored.
Toward the end of the year, Apple is expected to launch significantly upgraded MacBook Pro models. The new machines are rumored to feature M6-series chips, a cellular connectivity option, OLED touchscreen displays, a hole-punch in the screen for the front-facing camera, and a thinner, lighter design.
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This article, "The MacRumors Show: All the New Macs Coming This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Swift Student Challenge Submissions Now Open Ahead of WWDC 2026
Apple today announced that submissions for the 2026 Swift Student Challenge are now open through Saturday, February 28.
The annual Swift Student Challenge gives eligible student developers around the world the opportunity to showcase their coding capabilities by using the Swift Playground or Xcode apps to create an interactive "app playground."
Apple said winners will be selected based on submissions that "demonstrate excellence in innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity." A subset of Distinguished Winners with "truly exceptional" submissions will be invited to visit Apple in Cupertino, California for three days in summer 2026, with travel and lodging included.
Distinguished Winners are typically invited to attend Apple's annual developers conference WWDC, at the company's Apple Park headquarters. Apple has yet to announce WWDC 2026 dates, but the weeklong conference is typically held in June.
WWDC 2026 is where Apple will announce iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and other software updates.
Apple outlined key things to know on its developer news page.
This article, "Swift Student Challenge Submissions Now Open Ahead of WWDC 2026" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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The annual Swift Student Challenge gives eligible student developers around the world the opportunity to showcase their coding capabilities by using the Swift Playground or Xcode apps to create an interactive "app playground."
Apple said winners will be selected based on submissions that "demonstrate excellence in innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity." A subset of Distinguished Winners with "truly exceptional" submissions will be invited to visit Apple in Cupertino, California for three days in summer 2026, with travel and lodging included.
Distinguished Winners are typically invited to attend Apple's annual developers conference WWDC, at the company's Apple Park headquarters. Apple has yet to announce WWDC 2026 dates, but the weeklong conference is typically held in June.
WWDC 2026 is where Apple will announce iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and other software updates.
Apple outlined key things to know on its developer news page.
Tags: Swift Student Challenge, WWDC 2026
This article, "Swift Student Challenge Submissions Now Open Ahead of WWDC 2026" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Deals: AirTag Amazon all-time low, iPhone 16 Pro Max $611 off, M5 iPad Pro $399 off, Series 11, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is now ready to go. Alongside ongoing $100 price drops across the Apple Watch Series 11 lineup with deals from $299, we are also tracking a new Amazon all-time low on AirTag at $17 as well as a the 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max at $611 off the original list courtesy of Amazon’s premium program. We also have a chance to score a 13-inch M5 iPad Pro 1TB cell model at nearly $400 off, iPad mini deals, and the best price to date on the Apple Crossbody Strap in black. Check it all out below.
more…
Apple CEO Tim Cook Asked About Retirement Again, Here's What He Said
In an all-hands meeting with employees on Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook briefly touched on the topic of retirement, but he remained coy about his plans.
"I spend a lot of time thinking about who's in the room five years from now, 10 years from now," said Cook, who was taking questions, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "I am obsessed with this — who's in the room 15 years from now."
A few months ago, the Financial Times reported that Apple was preparing for Cook to step down as soon as early 2026. However, Gurman has previously said that this timeframe "seems unlikely," and that he would be "shocked" if Cook stepped down before the middle of this year. So, Cook may remain CEO through WWDC 2026 at the very least.
Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, is widely viewed as Cook's most likely successor. Last month, Gurman reported that Cook gave oversight of Apple's design teams to Ternus at the end of last year, and he said this move makes it "crystal clear" that Ternus is the leading CEO candidate.
Whenever it happens, there has been speculation that Cook might become the executive chairman of Apple's board of directors after he steps down as CEO. In this position, Cook would retain some control over company decisions.
Cook has been Apple's CEO since August 2011, and he reached the typical retirement age of 65 last year. It is sounding more and more likely that his time in charge of the company is inching towards the end, but it still remains to be seen if he plans to step down in the coming months or if reports have jumped the gun.
This article, "Apple CEO Tim Cook Asked About Retirement Again, Here's What He Said" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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"I spend a lot of time thinking about who's in the room five years from now, 10 years from now," said Cook, who was taking questions, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "I am obsessed with this — who's in the room 15 years from now."
A few months ago, the Financial Times reported that Apple was preparing for Cook to step down as soon as early 2026. However, Gurman has previously said that this timeframe "seems unlikely," and that he would be "shocked" if Cook stepped down before the middle of this year. So, Cook may remain CEO through WWDC 2026 at the very least.
Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, is widely viewed as Cook's most likely successor. Last month, Gurman reported that Cook gave oversight of Apple's design teams to Ternus at the end of last year, and he said this move makes it "crystal clear" that Ternus is the leading CEO candidate.
Whenever it happens, there has been speculation that Cook might become the executive chairman of Apple's board of directors after he steps down as CEO. In this position, Cook would retain some control over company decisions.
Cook has been Apple's CEO since August 2011, and he reached the typical retirement age of 65 last year. It is sounding more and more likely that his time in charge of the company is inching towards the end, but it still remains to be seen if he plans to step down in the coming months or if reports have jumped the gun.
Tag: Tim Cook
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AirTag 1 Gets Major Discounts With 1-Pack at $17 and 4-Pack at $64
Apple's first-generation AirTag 4-Pack has dropped to $64.00 this week on Amazon, down from the original price of $99.00. Free shipping options have a delivery estimate around February 11, while Prime members should be able to get it delivered a few days sooner.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Overall, this is a solid second-best price on the AirTag 4-pack that's within $1 of the Amazon all-time low price. If you're shopping for a single AirTag, Amazon has the AirTag 1-Pack for $17.00, down from $29.00, a record low price.
Apple just debuted the all-new AirTag, featuring longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. We haven't tracked any discounts on the new second generation models as of yet, so anyone who wants to save money should keep looking into the original models.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, "AirTag 1 Gets Major Discounts With 1-Pack at $17 and 4-Pack at $64" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Overall, this is a solid second-best price on the AirTag 4-pack that's within $1 of the Amazon all-time low price. If you're shopping for a single AirTag, Amazon has the AirTag 1-Pack for $17.00, down from $29.00, a record low price.
Apple just debuted the all-new AirTag, featuring longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. We haven't tracked any discounts on the new second generation models as of yet, so anyone who wants to save money should keep looking into the original models.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? 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
This article, "AirTag 1 Gets Major Discounts With 1-Pack at $17 and 4-Pack at $64" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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