With Tim Cook having recently turned 65 years old and a number of other senior Apple executives having already departed in recent months or heading for the exits, there has been significant focus on Apple's plans for who will succeed Cook as CEO.


Several recent reports have identified Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, John Ternus, as likely to be named the next Apple CEO, and The New York Times has now shared a profile of Ternus with some context on his expertise and how he is viewed within the company.

According to sources who spoke to The New York Times, Apple began accelerating its planning for ‌Tim Cook‌'s succession last year, with Cook having expressed a desire to reduce his workload.

While software chief Craig Federighi, services chief Eddy Cue, marketing head Greg Joswiak, and retail/HR chief Deirdre O'Brien have all reportedly been seen as potential candidates, Ternus "appears to have shot to the front of the pack," with Cook likely to remain as chairman of the company's board of directors.

Ternus is known for his expertise as an engineer, having worked on many of Apple's devices although he is "known more for maintaining products than developing new ones." Ternus also has only limited exposure to dealing with political and policy issues that come with CEO role.

"He's a nice guy," [former Apple engineer Cameron] Rogers said. "He's someone you want to hang out with. Everyone loves him because he's great. Has he made any hard decisions? No. Are there hard problems he's solved in hardware? No."

Ternus and others may quibble with that assessment, however, as Ternus has been involved with a number of innovative products over the years, including spearheading the effort to develop the iPhone Air and working on the upcoming foldable iPhone.

Ternus is seen as a natural successor to Cook, with an even temperament, strong attention to detail, and intimate knowledge of Apple's supply chain. But he may not bring the visionary focus and willingness to take risks that Steve Jobs had, leading to debate among Apple employees about exactly what type of leader is needed.

For more on Ternus and his work rising through the ranks at Apple, check out the full profile at The New York Times.
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Amazon today has dropped the price of the new M5 MacBook Pro to $1,449.00, down from $1,599.00. This is the 10-Core model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, and it's a solid second-best price on the M5 MacBook Pro.

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.

Additionally, the 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro has hit $1,599.99 on Amazon, which is a $199 discount on the notebook. Both models have estimated delivery dates around January 13, and right now we're not tracking any deals on the high-end 1TB model.




This version of the MacBook Pro launched in October and it comes with the newest M5 chip, which offers up to 15% faster CPU performance and up to 45% faster graphics when compared to the M4 chip. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Google today made three Gmail AI features free for all personal account holders in the United States, removing the subscription requirement that previously locked them behind its Google AI Pro or Ultra tiers.


"Help Me Write" allows users to enter prompts to draft entire emails from scratch. Like Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools, Help Me Write includes refinement options like Formalize, Elaborate, and Shorten, and users can also apply Polish to messages they've already written. The feature is available on the web, Android, and iOS, and can be accessed by tapping the pen icon with an AI spark badge.

Gmail is also rolling out personalized Suggested Replies, an evolution of Smart Replies that goes beyond generic responses. The feature analyzes conversation context and matches a user's writing tone and style. For example, if a colleague asks about rescheduling a meeting for another day, Suggested Replies can draft an initial response that reflects how the user typically communicates, after which it can be reviewed before sending.

The third newly free feature is AI summaries for long email threads. When opening a lengthy conversation, an AI Overview card may appear at the top with a bulleted summary of points discussed.


All three features are rolling out today to personal account users in the U.S., with global availability coming later.

The changes come amid Google's preview of a new "AI Inbox" feature arriving in the next few months. The redesigned view will appear as a new option alongside the traditional inbox, offering a personalized briefing that surfaces important information without requiring users to open individual messages.

Google's AI Inbox also includes a "Suggested to-dos" section highlighting bills, reminders, and short-term tasks, along with "Topics to catch up on" that provides context for messages that are important but not immediately actionable. The feature is currently available to Trusted Testers and will roll out more broadly later this year, according to Google.
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Apple Music is now available as an extension within ChatGPT, meaning you can search for songs, create playlists, and discover new music through OpenAI's chatbot. Here's how to set it up and what makes it worth using.

What You Can Do With Apple Music in ChatGPT

ChatGPT's integration with Apple Music has the potential to change how you discover new music by letting you describe what you're looking for in natural language. Instead of typing specific search terms like you would in Apple Music, you can ask the chatbot for "upbeat 80s songs for a road trip" or "calm instrumental music for studying," and ChatGPT will understand the context and mood you're after.

You can even combine multiple criteria, like "jazz fusion tracks under five minutes with prominent saxophone," and ChatGPT will accurately unearth what you're looking for in ways that standard keyword searches simply aren't capable of achieving.


You can request custom playlists based on specific criteria, ask for song recommendations, or explore music by decade, genre, or artist. And once ChatGPT creates a playlist, you can preview each track, and save the playlist directly to your Apple Music library with the option "Create Playlist in Apple Music." You can also save individual tracks using the + buttons.

The Apple Music extension requires a ChatGPT account and works with both free and paid ChatGPT tiers. You don't need an Apple Music subscription to search the catalog, generate playlists, or listen to 30-second preview clips, but you will need an active subscription if you want to save content to your library.

How to Connect Apple Music to ChatGPT

Before you can start discovering new music with the help of AI, you'll need to connect Apple's streaming service using ChatGPT's extension. You only need to do it once.

1. Open the ChatGPT app and tap your profile in the sidebar.


2. Under "Account" settings, tap Apps.


3. Tap Browse Apps, then choose Apple Music in the extensions library.


4. Tap Connect, then choose Connect Apple Music.


5. Follow the on-screen prompts to sign into your Apple Account and permit the access request.

If you're on desktop, you can perform the same steps in the ChatGPT app for Mac. Alternatively, go to https://chatgpt.com/apps in a browser and open the Apps section in ChatGPT – you'll find the Apple Music extension there. Once connected, the extension remains active across your devices signed into the same ChatGPT account.

One More Thing

ChatGPT can search Apple Music's catalog and create playlists, but it can't access your listening history or existing playlists. The integration only has permission to add songs to your library, so your personal data stays private.
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Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models 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 this 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.


Overall 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. iPhone 18 Pro models could drop the current two-tone look of the rear casing found on the iPhone 17 Pro in favor of a more seamless aesthetic. For the next-generation models, Apple has apparently updated the back-glass "replacement process" to minimize the color difference between the Ceramic Shield 2 glass and the aluminum frame, resulting in a more unified appearance.

Thicker Chassis

Bigger Battery?

According to one rumor, the body of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, raising the device's weight to around 243 grams. That would make the iPhone 18 Pro Max approximately 3 grams more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which is currently the heaviest model Apple has produced. We don't know the exact reason for the alleged thicker design of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, but a larger battery is the most likely cause.

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. Apple is also said to be testing new camera miniaturization technology to reduce the size of the front-facing camera currently located within the Dynamic Island.

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

The iPhone 18 Pro models will use Apple's A20 chip, based on TSMC's 2nm process for power and efficiency improvements. A move to 2nm fabrication increases transistor density, which will enable higher performance. The A20 series is expected to deliver roughly a 15 percent speed gain and about 30 percent better efficiency compared with the A19 series used in Apple's iPhone 17 models.

Apple's A20 chip will be packaged with TSMC's Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology, suggesting at least some A20 chips will have RAM integrated directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, rather than sitting adjacent to the chip and connected via a silicon interposer. This could contribute to faster performance for both overall tasks and Apple Intelligence, and longer battery life from improved power efficiency.

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 this 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.

New Colors

Three in Testing

Apple is rumored to be testing three new color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models: burgundy, brown, and purple. A burgundy finish would mark the first time the Pro and Pro Max models have been offered in any shade of red, apart from the lighter (PRODUCT)RED used on earlier devices. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max were previously available in Deep Purple, and Apple has never released an iPhone in a genuinely brown color.
This article, "10 Reasons to Wait for This Year's iPhone 18 Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's annual "Back to School" or "Back to Uni" promotion has returned this week in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea.


From January 6 through March 11, qualifying higher-education students and staff in these countries can receive a free or discounted accessory with the purchase of select Mac and iPad models, similar to previous promotions that launched in the United States and a number of other countries last June and July.

For each device type, there is at least one accessory option available at no additional charge, with more expensive accessories available at reduced upgrade prices.

For example, in Australia, qualified customers who purchase an iPad Air or iPad Pro can receive a free Apple Pencil Pro (A$199 value) or standard AirPods 4 (A$219 value). Customers can upgrade to ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation after paying an additional A$80 fee or a Magic Keyboard for an additional A$210–A$350 fee depending on model.

iMac buyers can receive either ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation (A$299 value) at no additional charge or AirPods Pro 3 for an additional A$130 upgrade fee. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro buyers can receive free ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation, a Magic Mouse, a Magic Trackpad, or a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad, or they can upgrade to ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ for an additional A$130.

In each country, the offer is available on Apple's online store, in the Apple Store app, and in person at Apple's retail stores where available. The offer can be combined with Apple's educational discounts on products, and AppleCare+ plans are up to 10% off for students.
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Though it's been just a few months since iOS 26 launched, we're already hearing rumors about the next-generation version of iOS, iOS 27. iOS 27 will be introduced at Apple's June WWDC 2026 event before it launches in September 2026.


We don't know all of the details about iOS 27 yet, but we do have some information about what to expect.

"Snow Leopard" Update

iOS 27 will apparently focus on bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements to boost performance rather than new features. It's been referred to as a "Snow Leopard" update, because that was a version of macOS that Apple famously claimed had "zero new features" because it was all about fixing the existing software.

Apple engineers are reportedly going through iOS 26 to look for bloat, bugs, and any other issues impacting performance that can be fixed in iOS 27.

iPhone Fold

In 2026, Apple plans to launch the first foldable iPhone, a device rumors have taken to calling the ‌iPhone‌ Fold. The ‌iPhone‌ Fold is expected to have a ~5.4-inch display when folded, and a ~7.7-inch display when it's opened up like a book. It will be shorter and wider than other foldables on the market, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. At around 5.4 inches when closed, the ‌iPhone‌ Fold's outer display will be the smallest we've had since the ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini.

With Apple going back to a smaller display and simultaneously introducing a 7.7-inch display that's larger than any ‌iPhone‌ display to date, we're going to need some updates to iOS. iOS 27 will focus on introducing new interfaces and experiences for a larger display and a display that shifts between multiple sizes.

We haven't heard specifics on how Apple will tweak iOS to accommodate the ‌iPhone‌ Fold, but we could see some iPad-like options such as side bars and perhaps even multitasking views with support for multiple windows.

Liquid Glass

iOS 27 will likely include refinements for the Liquid Glass design that Apple introduced with ‌iOS 26‌. There have already been some changes in the iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2 updates, but iOS 27 will provide Apple with the opportunity to make larger adjustments to respond to customer feedback.

Apple Intelligence

We're supposed to get the much smarter version of Siri in an iOS 26.4 update planned for spring 2026, but it's likely even more Apple Intelligence capabilities will follow in iOS 27.

We don't know specifics yet, but several existing ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features could expand to additional apps.

Apple is also working on a "World Knowledge" Siri search feature that would provide information on general search queries, which will likely be included in ‌Siri‌'s iOS 26.4 update. If it's not in iOS 26.4, the add-on ‌Siri‌ feature could instead come in iOS 27.

Siri

With iOS 27, Apple could update Siri's design. ‌Siri‌ will get its major overhaul in iOS 26.4, but a new visual look is supposedly planned for iOS 27. There are no specifics about what the redesign might entail, but rumors linked to Apple's upcoming tabletop robot suggest that the company might introduce a version of ‌Siri‌ that's more animated, similar to the Mac Finder logo. That more animated version of ‌Siri‌ could also come to the ‌iPhone‌ and iPad, and we could see it first in iOS 27.

Health+

Apple is developing a paid Health+ service with nutrition planning and medical suggestions, and we could see that introduced as part of iOS 27.

The medical tool would explain different health metrics and trends from the Health app, offering up personalized guidance for health improvement.

New Satellite Features

Apple is working on several new satellite features for the ‌iPhone‌, and it's possible some features could be introduced as soon as iOS 27. Timing on Apple's satellite improvements is unclear, though, and behind-the-scenes updates from Apple's satellite partner Globalstar are required.
Rumored features:

• Apple Maps via satellite


• Photos in Messages via satellite


• Satellite API framework for third-party apps


• Satellite over 5G


• Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky

Some of these features might require new hardware, but options like ‌Apple Maps‌ via satellite would not require components beyond what's available now.

Launch Date

New versions of iOS, macOS, and Apple's other software platforms will be previewed in June at WWDC before launching in September just ahead of when new ‌iPhone‌ models come out.
This article, "Five New iPhone Features Rumored for iOS 27" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The Xthings Ultraloq Bolt Sense is a smart lock that incorporates biometric authentication and Matter support. The Bolt Sense is able to identify a person through 3D facial recognition and palm vein authentication.


Xthings says the dual biometric approach is meant to be more secure than traditional biometric unlocking methods, but it may also exist because few companies have managed to master facial recognition as accurate as Face ID. The extra palm scan, which identifies an individual's sub-surface vein pattern, ensures that facial recognition won't fail. With biometric unlocking, users can open the door hands-free, and the palm scan works even when the hands are wet.

The Bolt Sense combines biometric unlocking with active approach sensing, advanced infrared, and adaptive low-light performance, so it works in the daytime and at night.

Xthings isn't launching the Ultraloq Bolt Sense until the second quarter of 2026, but the Ultraloq Bolt Mission, a Matter-enabled smart lock with Ultra Wideband, is available for purchase as of today. The $300 Bolt Mission uses UWB for automatic hands-free unlocking as the homeowner approaches.

It also supports unlocking via the Apple Home app, NFC, the Ultraloq app, a PIN, a physical key, or the Apple Watch. It does not support Apple Home Key, and the UWB only works with the Ultraloq app. The Bolt Mission uses 8 AA batteries that need to be replaced every six months, or users can purchase a rechargeable lithium battery pack that lasts for up to 1.5 years before it needs to be charged.

Along with the two Bolt locks, Xthings also debuted the Latch 7 Pro, a latch-style smart lock that will support Matter over Thread and Aliro, a universal smart lock standard that Apple is involved in. It's set to launch later this year.
This article, "CES 2026: The Ultraloq Bolt Sense Smart Lock Uses Palm Vein and Facial Recognition to Unlock Your Door" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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JPMorgan Chase has reached a deal to take over operation of the Apple Card, reports The Wall Street Journal. Barring any "last minute hiccups," the deal should be announced shortly after over a year of negotiations.


Reports began circulating over two years ago that current Apple Card issuer Goldman Sachs was looking to end its partnership with Apple as part of an effort to scale back on consumer banking products amid steep losses.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Goldman Sachs is unloading its roughly $20 billion of outstanding Apple Card balances at a discount of more than $1 billion, a rare move for co-branded account deals like this. But higher-than-average delinquency rates and high exposure to subprime borrowers made it more difficult for Goldman Sachs to find a buyer.

JPMorgan Chase's interest in taking over as Apple Card issuer was reported over a year ago, and by this past summer Chase appeared to be the front-runner.

Alongside its new Apple Card partnership, JPMorgan Chase will reportedly launch a new Apple savings account, but existing users with Apple savings accounts at Goldman Sachs will not be automatically transitioned and will need to decide whether they want to stay at Goldman Sachs or open new accounts with Chase.

Update 2:27 pm: Apple has officially announced the change to Chase, with the transition expected to occur in approximately 24 months. Apple Card will remain on the Mastercard network following the shift.

"We're incredibly proud of how Apple Card has transformed the credit card experience for customers by delivering innovative tools that empower users to make healthier financial decisions," said Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. "Chase shares our commitment to innovation and delivering products and services that enhance consumers' lives. We look forward to working together to continue to provide a best-in-class experience and exceptional customer service with Apple Card."

Apple has also posted an FAQ about the transition.
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ESR is updating its line of CryoBoost chargers, adding new Qi2.2 options that can charge an iPhone 17 at up to 25W. CryoBoost is ESR's feature that uses active cooling to improve wireless charging speeds.


The $90 CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station has a compact design that's ideal for travel. It folds down to 15.8mm, but can charge an iPhone at up to 25W, an Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time.

The $100 CryoBoost 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station offers the same feature set as the foldable model, but in a design optimized for the desktop. It has a detachable Apple Watch charger, and the ‌iPhone‌ charging stand supports portrait and landscape modes. Sleep Mode turns off the light and the fan for quiet, LED-free charging.

ESR says that its upcoming 10,000 mAh MagSlim Power Bank is the thinnest Qi2.2 25W power bank on the market, measuring in at 13.8mm thick. It too is able to charge the ‌iPhone 17‌ models at up to 25W, just like MagSafe.

More information on ESR's releases can be found on the ESR website.
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OpenAI today announced the launch of ChatGPT Health, a dedicated section of ChatGPT where users can ask health-related questions completely separated from their main ChatGPT experience.


For more personalized responses, users can connect various health data services such as Apple Health, Function, MyFitnessPal, Weight Watchers, AllTrails, Instacart, and Peloton. Last month, MacRumors discovered icons related to Apple Health within the ChatGPT app, and today's announcement makes the integration official. Once connected, ChatGPT will be able to access your health and fitness data from Apple Health, including movement, sleep, and activity patterns.

ChatGPT Health can also integrate with your medical records, allowing ChatGPT Health to analyze your lab results and other aspects of your medical history to inform its answers to your health-related questions. OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT Health is not intended to provide diagnoses or treatment and is not a substitute for consulting with medical professionals, but it can be used to help understand results or prepare for upcoming appointments.

Privacy and security are always major concerns when it comes to health records, and OpenAI says ChatGPT Health has been developed with multiple layers of encryption and operates as a separate space with enhanced privacy. Data from ChatGPT Health is not used to train ChatGPT's foundation models by default, and users who start health-related conversations in the general ChatGPT interface will receive suggestions to move the discussions to the Health section.

ChatGPT Health is launching with a waitlist to join a group of beta users, with users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans outside of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom eligible to start. Medical record integrations and some apps are only available in the United States at the current time. Access to ChatGPT Health will expand to all users on web and iOS in the coming weeks.
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Best Buy today has a match of the record low price on the AirPods Pro 3, available for $199.99, down from $249.00. This is the first time in 2026 that we've tracked the AirPods Pro 3 at this low price, which matches the best deal we saw over the holiday season. Right now, only Best Buy has this best-ever price on the AirPods Pro 3.

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.

This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and has 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts.



Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.

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LIFX, known for its smart lighting options, debuted a new SuperColor Mirror at CES 2026. The SuperColor Mirror features both front and back lighting options, and it connects to an Apple Home setup using Matter.


There are lighting modes like Make Up Check and Anti-Fog that users can select, plus brightness and color can be adjusted. LIFX says that other Matter-enabled devices can be controlled using three physical buttons that are on the mirror.

The mirror features polychrome blended color technology with multiple lighting zones. Like other SuperColor LIFX products, the mirror's lights can shift and morph smoothly between different colors, and there are color effects like flame and paint.

The SuperColor Mirror and other LIFX devices will get a Thread upgrade later in 2026, so they can connect to Matter over Thread in addition to Wi-Fi.

LIFX is launching new Smart Dimmer switches that include four customizable buttons and a built-in 8-zone light bar. The Dimmer Switch has Matter support and it is designed to work with both smart and traditional lights. There are single tap, double tap, and long press gestures, so it can perform multiple tasks when assigned to activate scenes.

The Smart Dimmer includes dimming support for LED, Halogen, or incandescent bulbs, along with full scene and effect control for LIFX lights. With the Matter integration, it should also be able to control other Matter-connected lights.

There are also new affordable Matter-connected smart lighting options that are available from LIFX. The Everyday A19 LED Light Bulb features 800 lumens and support for multiple colors, while the 20-foot Everyday Lightstrip features 24 addressable zones for flowing effects and a 4-button physical controller for activating scenes. The Everyday Bulb is priced at $23 for two and it is available now from Amazon, while the Everyday Lightstrip will launch later in January.

The Smart Dimmer is set to launch in the second quarter of 2026 for $30. The SuperColor Mirror will also come out in the second quarter, but pricing has yet to be announced.
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WhatsApp announced three new group chat features today, expanding how users can interact and add context to their role within conversations involving many participants.


The Meta-owned messaging app is rolling out Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders, all of which are designed to give group chats more flexibility and organization.

Member Tags let you assign yourself different roles in different group chats for more context – so you can be "Coach" in one thread and "Dad" in another, for example. Meanwhile, Text Stickers instantly turn typed words into sticker graphics that users can then save to custom packs.

Lastly, with Event Reminders, now when you create and send an event in your group chat you can set custom early reminders for your invitees. Meta says that "this helps everyone remember to commute to the party you're hosting or hop on the call at the right time."

The new group chat features are available to WhatsApp users worldwide, and follow other recent upgrades to the chat platform, including third-party chat support in the EU and WhatsApp for Apple Watch.
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Spotify is bringing its long-running Listening Activity feature to its mobile apps, so now you can see what your friends are listening to on the streaming service when you're away from your desk.


For years, Spotify's desktop app has allowed users to check on their friends' listening habits via a Friend Activity sidebar, but the ability has not been available on iOS and Android apps until now.

If you're familiar with Listening Activity, its appearance on mobile shouldn't throw up any real surprises. You can view what people are listening to in the app's sidebar, next to any messages, and you can tap the track to listen to it yourself, add it to your library, or react to it with emoji.

The feature remains opt-in, and can be enabled in the app's settings, under "Privacy and social." There's also an option here to start a private session, which temporarily hides your listening activity from your followers (private sessions automatically end after six hours), plus you can choose to make any recently played artists show on your profile.

As noted by The Verge, another addition in this update is a Request to Jam feature. If you're a premium user, you can now tap a Jam button in a chat to send a request. If the person accepts, their listening is remotely synced with your own, and the two of you can add songs to the queue while chatting about what's playing.

Spotify will also suggest songs based on your shared tastes. As for users on Spotify's free plan, they can be invited to a jam, but they can't start their own jam to invite others.

Listening Activity and Request a Jam are rolling out to Spotify users on iOS and Android now in markets where messages are available.
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Amazon this week is offering discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, including both 11-inch and 13-inch models. The highlight this time around is the 2TB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro, which is on sale for $1,480.80 with an on-page coupon, a massive discount of $518 on the original price of $1,999.00.

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.

Otherwise, prices start at $899.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro at Amazon, down from $999.00. Many of the deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during Black Friday.



For the larger models, you can save up to $180 on the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro on Amazon this week. If you're shopping for the 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi model, Amazon has this tablet for $2,219.00, down from $2,399.00, as well as a few other 13-inch models between $100 and $170 off.

11-Inch M5 iPad Pro

• 256GB Wi-Fi - $899.99 ($99 off)


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,099.00 ($100 off)


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,499.99 ($99 off)


• 1TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,576.00 ($123 off)


• 2TB Wi-Fi - $1,480.80 ($518 off)


• 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,999.00 ($100 off)

13-Inch M5 iPad Pro

• 256GB Wi-Fi - $1,199.99 ($99 off)


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,399.99 ($99 off)


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,785.00 ($114 off)


• 2TB Wi-Fi - $2,092.09 ($206 off)


• 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $2,219.00 ($180 off)

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.

Update: The on-page coupon deal on the 2TB Wi-Fi 11-inch iPad Pro has expired.

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Dell announced the UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor at CES 2026, billing it as the "world's first 52-inch 6K display."


At 52 inches, the ultra-wide curved monitor features a 21:9 aspect ratio with 6,144 x 2,560 resolution at 129 pixels per inch and supports refresh rates up to 120Hz.

The display uses IPS Black panel technology for deeper blacks and improved contrast compared to standard IPS panels, with brightness listed as 400 cd/m. Dell says it emits up to 60% less blue light than competing monitors while maintaining professional-grade color accuracy, and it includes an ambient light sensor for eye comfort during extended use.

The display's connectivity support is pretty eye-watering, since it basically doubles as a Thunderbolt dock around the back. It includes one Thunderbolt 4 port delivering up to 140W power delivery, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, three USB-C upstream ports, and several downstream USB-C and USB-A ports. If that wasn't enough, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port rounds out the package.

The monitor supports connecting up to four PCs simultaneously through its Picture-by-Picture mode with screen partitioning, while built-in KVM functionality allows users to control multiple connected machines with a single keyboard and mouse.


Dell is touting the display as a multi-monitor replacement for financial traders, data scientists, engineers, and executives who need maximum screen real estate, so naturally it doesn't come cheap: The UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is available now from the Dell website for $2,899 with a stand or $2,799 without.
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Logitech users on macOS found themselves locked out of their mouse customizations yesterday after the company let a security certificate expire, breaking both its Logi Options+ and G HUB configuration apps.


Logitech devices like its MX Master series mice and MX Keys keyboards stopped working properly as a result of the oversight, with users unable to access their custom scrolling setup, button mappings, and gestures. It wasn't long before the Logitech subreddit was awash with frustrated reports as people discovered their configured peripherals had suddenly reverted to default settings.

The Developer ID certificate is the digital signature macOS uses to verify legitimate software. The certificate that Logitech allowed to lapse was being used to secure inter-process communications, which resulted in the software not being able to start successfully, in some cases leading to an endless boot loop.

Logitech has since released a patch for macOS 26 Tahoe, macOS 15 Sequoia, macOS 14 Sonoma, and macOS 13 Ventura that resolves the issue. However, users need to download and install it themselves, since the certificate expiry also prevented the apps' built-in updaters from working. From Logitech's support page acknowledging the issue:

The problem was caused by an expired certificate required for the apps to run. Because the certificate also affected the in‑app updater, you will need to manually download and install the updated version of the app. Please do not uninstall the app.

Older macOS versions will get a fix "at a later time," the support page adds. On a positive note, it seems user settings survived the blunder, with Logitech promising that profiles and customizations remain intact after manual patching is completed.

"We dropped the ball here. This is an inexcusable mistake," Logitech spokesperson ATXsantucci admitted on Reddit. "We're extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused."

(Thanks, Brad!)
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Apple is exploring multispectral imaging technology for future iPhone cameras that could improve Visual Intelligence, enhance material detection, and boost image processing, according to a new supply chain rumor out of China.


In a post on Weibo, leaker Digital Chat Station said Apple is currently evaluating components related to multispectral imaging within the supply chain, but cautioned that formal testing has not yet begun, suggesting the technology remains at an exploratory stage.

Multispectral imaging differs from traditional smartphone photography, which relies solely on standard red, green, and blue light. Instead, the technology captures image data across multiple, distinct wavelength bands, which can add sensitivity to near-infrared or other narrow spectral ranges. This could potentially allow cameras to detect information that is largely invisible to conventional sensors.

If adopted in future iPhones, one potential advantage could be improved material and surface differentiation. By analysing how different materials reflect light across wavelengths, the iPhone's camera could more accurately distinguish skin, fabric, vegetation, or reflective surfaces, enabling cleaner subject recognition and more reliable portrait effects.

In addition, multispectral data could also improve image processing overall, especially when shooting in mixed lighting environments. It could also theoretically improve Visual Intelligence and Apple's on-device machine learning, leading to better object recognition, scene understanding, and depth estimation.

However, adding extra spectral sensitivity would likely require more complex sensor designs, which would surely increase costs and potentially have an impact on internal space constraints. This might be why Apple is reportedly still evaluating the technology, rather than actively testing it in prototypes. Either way, it's not something we should expect in an iPhone soon.

In the same Weibo post, Digital Chat Station reiterated that the Main lens on iPhone 18 Pro models will feature a variable aperture, while the telephoto camera will have a larger aperture, but Apple has yet to begin prototyping 200-megapixel cameras for future iPhones.
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Apple's adoption of a 200-megapixel camera for a future iPhone is still some ways off, according to a prominent supply chain leaker who says such a sensor is not currently part of Apple's active prototype testing.


In a post on Weibo, Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station said that 200-megapixel camera sensors are being discussed in the supply chain, but they have not appeared in iPhone engineering prototypes undergoing real-world imaging tests. Instead, Apple's current camera development work is said to remain focused on refining 48-megapixel systems, as per previous reports.

The leaker's comments follow a research note from Morgan Stanley this week that suggested Apple is working to bring a 200-megapixel camera to the iPhone as soon as 2028. Digital Chat Station's remarks don't rule out such a move – indeed, the leaker said last May that Apple was looking at future adoption – but they do indicate that engineering-stage development on the sensor has yet to begin.

Samsung introduced a 200-megapixel rear camera on its Galaxy S23 Ultra in 2023, and the follow-up models also have one. With a 200-megapixel camera, an iPhone would be able to shoot photos with greater detail. The increased megapixel count would also result in higher-resolution photos, which can be cropped further and printed at larger sizes without a loss of image quality.

However, Digital Chat Station says current Pro-series prototypes continue to test a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture, alongside a 48-megapixel telephoto camera featuring a longer focal length and a larger aperture. The leaker says these changes will be introduced later this year in iPhone 18 Pro models, indicating Apple is continuing its emphasis on optical flexibility and low-light performance, rather than a jump in raw resolution.

The leaker adds that 200-megapixel sensors – reportedly supplied by Samsung – are currently only at a material or component evaluation stage. This typically refers to early feasibility checks within the supply chain, rather than integration into complete iPhone prototypes.

Digital Chat Station also notes that Apple has shown interest in "multispectral imaging technology", though testing has reportedly not yet begun. Multispectral imaging could theoretically enable improved material/object detection and image processing, but there is no suggestion that such features are anywhere close to shipping.
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Lighting company Signify today announced a new SpatialAware scene feature that's coming to Philips Hue lights. SpatialAware scenes take into account the position of all of the Hue lights in a room, using an algorithm to distribute light in a more natural way.


The SpatialAware feature analyzes the layout of each room in the home with Hue lights, and then lighting scenes are tailored to your personal space. Lighting is meant to feel more immersive and dynamic than before.


Right now, when a Scene Gallery scene is activated, the different colors are randomly sent to different lights without the system knowing where those lights are positioned. SpatialAware allows color to be distributed more intentionally for a more natural look. A scene that's designed to mimic a sunset, for example, will set lamps on one side of the room to warm yellow tones to mimic the setting sun, while lamps on the other side are set to darker shades.

SpatialAware requires the Hue Bridge Pro that came out last year, and it uses an iPhone or iPad camera to scan the room to figure out where each light is located. Scans can be updated with each new light that's added. SpatialAware will be accessible through the Scene Gallery, and it is an optional setting.

At launch, SpatialAware will be compatible with around half of the light scenes available in the Scene Gallery, and it has been designed primarily for nature-based scenes like lake mist, mountain breeze, and savanna sunset.

Along with SpatialAware, Signify is adding support for migrating multiple Hue bridges to a single Bridge Pro during the Bridge Pro setup process, and it is bringing Apple Home support to the Hue Secure camera line.

The Hue Secure Camera, Hue Secure video doorbell, and Hue contact sensors will work with Apple Home in the future, and users will be able to stream live video in picture-in-picture mode on the Apple TV and get real-time alerts using the Apple Home app.

The Hue AI assistant has been updated with the ability to create automations based on natural language user requests, such as "wake me up at 6:45 a.m. every day except on Saturdays," and AI support is expanding to additional languages like Dutch, German, and Spanish.

Automations for lights and accessories are also now listed in the Rooms and Zones they control for easier adjustment, with options to rearrange content to put the most used automations front and center.

The new Hue SpatialAware feature is launching in spring 2026, while Apple Home support is coming in the first quarter of 2026. Multi-bridge migration and AI assistant automations are available now.
This article, "CES 2026: Philips Hue Line Get New SpatialAware Scenes, Hue Cameras Gain HomeKit Support" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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At CES 2026, Google announced some new Gemini features that it's bringing to Google TVs. Google TV is built into some TV sets and set-top boxes, and while it may not be immediately relevant to many Apple users, it does give us a look at what AI can do on a TV set.


Gemini on Google TV will be able to answer queries with a "visually rich framework" that offers up imagery, videos, and real-time sports updates. A "Deep Dives" feature will give users narrated, interactive overviews of a topic that are simplified for the whole family.

Users can search through their Google Photos Library using Gemini to find specific people or moments. It enables image editing on the TV, with options to apply artistic styles or generate cinematic slideshows. Nano Banana, Google's image generator, can reimagine personal photos or create original media right on the TV. Veo, Google's video generation tool, is also coming to Google TV.

Google is also adding an option to use natural language to optimize TV settings, which is perhaps the most useful new feature that Gemini integration brings. Users can tell Gemini things like "the screen is too dim" or "I can't hear the dialogue" to make quick adjustments to picture and sound.

According to Google, the Gemini features will be coming to TCL devices first, and other Google TV devices over the coming months.

Apple is planning to use a version of Google Gemini for some of its upcoming AI features, including the smarter version of Siri. The next-generation version of the Apple TV is expected to get an A17 Pro chip, which is compatible with Apple Intelligence.

With Apple adopting Gemini and Apple TVs soon becoming capable of new AI features, it's possible that some of the features that Google has announced for Google TV could be replicated on the ‌Apple TV‌. Apple could use ‌Apple Intelligence‌ and the new version of ‌Siri‌ to simplify controls, make better content suggestions, and more. The updated ‌Apple TV‌ and the new version of ‌Siri‌ could both come in spring 2026.
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Aukey introduced a new desktop charging option this week, debuting the $150 MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro. The DeskHive is a 5-in-1 charging solution that combines wired and wireless charging in a compact desktop box.


Measuring in at 3.76 x 3.76 x 3.07 inches, the DeskHive includes two retractable USB-C cables, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, and a Qi2.2 25W charger for wirelessly charging the iPhone. The magnetic charger has an adjustable hinge so it can be positioned at different angles for video calls or watching content.

With GaN technology, the DeskHive provides up to 200W for charging, offering support for charging at 140W through the USB-C port. A digital display offers real-time output for each wired port.

Aukey was also showing off the MagFusion Ark charger that it first debuted last year. The MagFusion Ark has a 6-in-1 design that includes a base station able to charge up to three devices, and three detachable 6,700 mAh power bank spheres for multi-device charging.


The MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro and the MagFusion Ark are expected to launch in the second quarter of 2026.
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GE Lighting this week unveiled Matter-compatible GE Smart Shades that are able to integrate with the Apple Home app. Priced starting at $300, the Smart Shades offer simple, screw-free installation, with white and gray fabric options. The shades can be purchased in a translucent fabric to let light through, or a blackout version. All options have aluminum trim and no visible hardware.


The motorized shades are designed to raise or lower via an included remote control, the Apple Home app, Siri voice commands, or time-based automations. There are options to integrate shade controls with other smart home products, or based on whether or not someone is home.

GE's Smart Shades support Matter over Thread, and can connect to HomeKit with a compatible Matter hub. In Apple's ecosystem, that includes the Apple TV, the HomePod, or the HomePod mini.

GE is offering multiple width options up to 38 inches, in lengths up to 76 inches. GE says that the motor that powers the shades is "whisper quiet." An included magnetic rechargeable battery will last for up to six months before it needs to be recharged.

The GE Smart Shades can be purchased from Amazon or the GE website as of today. Pricing starts at $299 and goes up to $370 for blackout versions and larger sizes.
This article, "CES 2026: GE's $300 Matter Smart Shades Work With Apple Home" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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