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Apple's AI Smart Glasses Likely to Support Hand Gesture Controls

29 April 2026 om 22:45
Apple is developing a set of AI smart glasses to rival products like the Meta Ray-Bans, and MacRumors has learned a few more details about Apple's work on the device from an inside source.


The AI glasses will include two cameras. A high-resolution camera will be included for capturing photos and videos that can be shared on social media and used like iPhone photos. A second lower-resolution wide-angle lens will read hand gestures and provide visual input for Siri.

Apple uses hand gesture-based input for the Vision Pro, and rumors suggest the AirPods Pro will be updated with low-resolution cameras and support for gestures as well. Apple appears to be leaning into gesture support, and it's an ideal input method when no screen is available to interact with.

While future versions of the smart glasses could include an integrated display for augmented reality features, the first version will have no display at all. Apple will not include a screen, LiDAR, 3D cameras, or other similar technology because such features are too energy-intensive.

Battery life is a major constraint because Apple needs to keep the glasses slim and lightweight. Battery size is the bottleneck behind the hardware decisions that Apple is making, and it's why Apple is opting for a stripped-down feature set.

According to recent rumors, Apple is testing multiple styles for the smart glasses, with plans to use acetate. Acetate is a lightweight plant-based material that's more flexible than plastic.

Apple's smart glasses will incorporate the smarter version of โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ that Apple plans to introduce in iOS 27. The device will be able to take photos, record video, and make phone calls, plus users will be able to interact with โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ to ask questions about what's around them. The feature set will be similar to the features available in the Meta Ray-Bans that Apple is aiming to compete with.

Rumors suggest Apple could preview the glasses later this year, with a launch to follow in 2027, though it's also possible we won't see them announced until 2027.
This article, "Apple's AI Smart Glasses Likely to Support Hand Gesture Controls" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop

29 April 2026 om 22:08
Apple has all but given up on the Vision Pro after the M5 model failed to revitalize interest in the device, MacRumors has learned. Apple updated the Vision Pro with a faster M5 chip and a more comfortable band in October 2025, but there were no other hardware changes, and consumers still weren't interested.


The Vision Pro has been criticized for its high price tag and its uncomfortable weight. The device is over 1.3 pounds, and even with the more comfortable Dual Knit Band that Apple added to redistribute weight, it continues to be hard to wear for long periods of time. The M5 chip added a 120Hz refresh rate, 10 percent more rendered pixels, and around 30 additional minutes of battery life, but the price tag stayed at $3,499, and it ended up not selling well.

The Vision Pro has been unpopular since it first launched, and Apple only sold around 600,000 units in total. Insider sources told MacRumors that Apple has received an unusually high percentage of returns, far exceeding any other modern Apple product.

Apple has apparently stopped work on the Vision Pro and the Vision Pro team has been redistributed to other teams within Apple. Some former Vision Pro team members are working on Siri, which is not a surprise as Vision Pro chief Mike Rockwell has been leading the Siri team since March 2025.

There have been mixed rumors about a new Vision Pro over the last couple of years, with Apple rumored to be working on a lighter-weight Vision Air that's much cheaper, but the project was stopped last year. If Apple finds a way to create a much cheaper, more comfortable VR headset in the future, the Vision Pro line could be revived, but right now, the company has no plans to launch a new model. Apple has not discontinued the Vision Pro and is continuing to sell the M5 model.

Instead of continuing to experiment with virtual reality, Apple is working on smart glasses that will eventually incorporate augmented reality capabilities, but the first version will be similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses with AI and no integrated display.

Apple has not been able to use the technology developed for the Vision Pro in its smart glasses because that tech draws too much power for a smaller, lighter device.
Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

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iOS 27 Camera App to Get 'Siri' Mode With Nutrition Label Scanning

29 April 2026 om 18:54
Apple is planning to integrate Apple Intelligence and Siri into more of its apps in iOS 27, including the Camera app, reports Bloomberg. The โ€ŒiOS 27โ€Œ Camera app will have a dedicated โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ mode that will be available alongside the existing Photo, Video, Portrait, and Panorama modes. When in โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ mode, the existing Camera app shutter button will feature the โ€ŒApple Intelligenceโ€Œ logo, letting users know the โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ features are available.


โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ mode will incorporate Visual Intelligence, making the feature more accessible. Right now, โ€ŒVisual Intelligenceโ€Œ is activated by long pressing the Camera Control button, and it is a gesture that many people may not even be aware of.

In addition to being relocated to the Camera app with โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ branding, โ€ŒVisual Intelligenceโ€Œ is also being updated with new features. It will be able to scan a nutrition label on food items to log the dietary information, plus users will be able to use it to add contact details for someone directly to the Contacts app.

MacRumors first discovered signs of the โ€ŒVisual Intelligenceโ€Œ features in Apple code in mid-April. Here's a bit more on what we found:

  • Nutrition - Users will be able to scan nutrition labels on food packaging for calorie and macronutrient tracking using the Health app.

  • Contacts - โ€ŒVisual Intelligenceโ€Œ will let users scan phone numbers and addresses on business cards and other print media, adding the information to the Contacts app.

  • Wallet - In the Wallet app, โ€ŒVisual Intelligenceโ€Œ will capture information from physical event tickets and membership cards, generating digital versions.


Existing โ€ŒVisual Intelligenceโ€Œ features will continue to be available, and it will be able to identify objects like plants and animals, add events to the Calendar app, and send visual information to ChatGPT and Google image search. Users will also be able to access the revamped โ€ŒVisual Intelligenceโ€Œ through the Camera Control button, but it will open up to the โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ interface in the Camera app instead of the standalone โ€ŒVisual Intelligenceโ€Œ experience that we have now.

Apple will introduce โ€ŒiOS 27โ€Œ at the Worldwide Developers Conference that's set to begin on June 8, 2026.
Related Roundup: iOS 27
Tag: Siri

This article, "iOS 27 Camera App to Get 'Siri' Mode With Nutrition Label Scanning" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Pay for Transit Now Works in These 12 U.S. Cities

29 April 2026 om 00:50
Several major U.S. cities support the Apple Pay for transit feature that Apple has rolled out, providing a simple way for those who use public transportation to pay for rides.


โ€ŒApple Payโ€Œ for transit works in Atlanta, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, DC.

Some of these cities have supported โ€ŒApple Payโ€Œ for transit purposes for several years, and in others like Atlanta, support is new as of 2026. Atlanta launched its tap-to-pay MARTA contactless system in March 2026, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users to tap to pay their fares at rail station fare gates using the Apple Wallet app.

Cities that support โ€ŒApple Payโ€Œ for transit allow iPhone owners to turn on Express Mode to pay for transit fares without needing to unlock their device and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. A card for Express Transit can be selected by opening up the Wallet and โ€ŒApple Payโ€Œ section of the Settings app and tapping on the Express Transit Card option to make a selection.

When a credit or debit card is associated with Express Mode, it can be used to pay for transit automatically with no authentication. On iPhone models that support power reserve, transit payments can also be made when the iPhone is out of battery. Power reserve works for up to five hours after an iPhone dies, and it is available on the iPhone XS and later.

Some cities support adding a credit or debit card to the Wallet app for transit, while others require a specific transit card to be added to the Wallet app. The Bay Area works with the Clipper app or a credit card. Chicago's system only works with the Ventra card, LA's transit works with the TAP card, and Portland's transit system works with the Hop card.

In some locations, there's also support for fare capping. With New York's OMNY system, for example, subway and local bus fares are capped at $35 per week. As long as you use the same device each time you tap pay for a ride, rides after the $35 cap will be free for the rest of the seven-day period. LA's TAP system and OC's Wave system also support fare capping for โ€ŒApple Payโ€Œ.

The iPhone 6s and 2016 iPhone SE and later all support Express Mode with โ€ŒApple Payโ€Œ for transit purposes. Express Mode also works on the Apple Watch Series 1 or later as long as watchOS 5.2.1 or later is installed.

โ€ŒApple Payโ€Œ for transit also works in several cities around the world, including London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Toronto, Beijing, and Shanghai.

When traveling, you will need to look into how transit works in the city you're in, but it is a simple way to use public transportation because there's no need to pre-purchase travel tickets at a kiosk. Apple has a website where the different transit systems are explained.
Related Roundup: Apple Pay

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Claude Gains Integrations With Adobe, Blender, SketchUp and Other Creative Apps

28 April 2026 om 23:41
Anthropic today updated Claude with new connectors aimed at creative professionals, adding integrations for Ableton, Adobe, Affinity, Autodesk Fusion, Blender, Resolume Arena and Wire, SketchUp, and Splice.


Connectors are tools that Claude can use to access other platforms and help with completing tasks. Anthropic says that Claude can open up new ways for creatives to work and take on larger-scale projects.

  • Ableton - Allows users to ask questions about the official product documentation for Live and Push.

  • Adobe - More than 50 tools across Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop, Premiere, and Express are available.

  • Affinity - The Affinity connector lets users automate repetitive production tasks and generate custom features.

  • Autodesk Fusion - Fusion subscribers can create and modify 3D models through conversations with Claude.

  • Blender - The Blender connector adds a natural-language interface for the Python API. Users can analyze and debug Blender scenes, build custom scripts to batch-apply changes to objects, and add new tools to the Blender interface. Blender's documentation is also available.

  • Resolume Arena and Wire - Visual artists can control Arena, Avenue, and Wire in real time with natural language.

  • SketchUp - Users can describe an idea to Claude as a starting point for a 3D model and then open it in SketchUp for further revision.

  • Splice - Music producers can search Splice's catalog of royalty-free samples.


Anthropic suggests that Claude can be helpful for multiple creative tasks, offering tutoring for complex tools, writing scripts and plugins for software, translating formats and restructuring data, and completing repetitive production work.
This article, "Claude Gains Integrations With Adobe, Blender, SketchUp and Other Creative Apps" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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YouTube Tests AI-Powered 'Ask YouTube' Conversational Search Feature

28 April 2026 om 22:12
YouTube is testing a new search feature that it says is meant to feel more like a conversation than a search interface. Users are able to ask complex questions in natural language, receive results that include video and text, and then ask follow-up questions.


The new search option is part of YouTube Labs, an opt-in program that lets YouTube Premium subscribers gain early access to experimental features and prototypes. YouTube Labs is available to U.S. users, and subscribers sign up on the YouTube Labs website.


According to YouTube, subscribers who opt in to try the new search can enter a prompt in the search bar, like "plan a 3-day road trip between San Francisco and Santa Barbara," and then select the Ask YouTube option to get the results. Search results include AI summary text, short videos, and long videos, with relevant segments in videos highlighted.

The Ask YouTube search interface suggests some search prompts, such as "unique ideas for a backyard water feature," "plan a living room redesign using thrifted items," and "how to make a traditional French omelet."


Other YouTube Labs features in testing right now include Beyond the Beat AI details when listening to radio and mixes in the YouTube Music app, and VibeCheck, an AI coaching feature that provides tips on Shorts videos before they're published.

The updated search feature will be in testing until June 8.
This article, "YouTube Tests AI-Powered 'Ask YouTube' Conversational Search Feature" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 27 to Add New Apple Intelligence Photo Editing Tools

28 April 2026 om 20:37
Apple will add new Apple Intelligence photo editing tools to the Photos app in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, reports Bloomberg.


On-device โ€ŒApple Intelligenceโ€Œ will be able to make subtle changes to image quality, positioning, and focus, with the new capabilities joining Clean Up, the sole AI editing feature that Apple has released to date.

The โ€ŒPhotosโ€Œ app in โ€ŒiOS 27โ€Œ, iPadOS 27, and โ€ŒmacOS 27โ€Œ will have an โ€ŒApple Intelligenceโ€Œ Tools section when editing an image. Options will include Extend, Enhance, and Reframe.

  • Extend - Extend generates additional image content beyond the original frame of the photo, filling in scenery when changing the crop of an image. This tool will support expanding the edges of an image with zoom gestures.

  • Enhance - Uses AI to automatically tweak color, lighting, and other image parameters, similar to how the auto editing feature works now.

  • Reframe - When used with spatial photos, Reframe will let users change the perspective of an image after it's captured.


Apple apparently hasn't gotten the tools working perfectly, so Extend and Reframe could be delayed or scaled back. Clean Up, Apple's existing AI tool, still has issues even a year and a half after launching. It is able to remove unwanted objects from an image, but it is not as good at filling in missing information as other AI tools from smartphone makers like Samsung and Google.

More on the features coming in โ€ŒiOS 27โ€Œ, including Siri updates, can be found in our iOS 27 roundup. โ€ŒiOS 27โ€Œ will be previewed at the WWDC 2026 keynote that's set to take place on June 8, 2026.
Related Roundup: iOS 27

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Apple Weather App Experiencing Outage [Update: Fixed]

28 April 2026 om 20:00
If you've noticed the Apple Weather app isn't loading weather data right now, you're not alone. The app appears to be experiencing an outage.


According to Apple's System Status page, the Weather app may be slow or unavailable for some users. The problem started at 11:36 a.m. Eastern Time and is ongoing.

Reports on social media suggest that the Weather app is slow to load for some, and is not loading data for others. We'll update this article when the issue has been resolved.

Update: Apple says the issue is fixed as of 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time,
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Tim Cook Meets With Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Ahead of CEO Transition

28 April 2026 om 19:42
Apple CEO Tim Cook met with United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Monday. The U.S. Department of Commerce shared details on the meeting on social media, and said that Lutnick wished Cook well, commending his "remarkable leadership and lasting contributions to American technology."


Last week, Apple announced that Cook would be stepping down from his role as CEO on September 1, 2026, with current hardware engineering chief John Ternus set to take over. Cook's visit with Lutnick was his first high-level Trump administration meeting since last week's transition news.

Cook does not plan to leave Apple, and will instead transition to executive chairman, where he will "assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world."

In a letter to employees, Cook said that he is healthy and that he plans to be at Apple "for a long time" in his new role. "Apple will be my top priority," he said. "It's who I am at my core, and I can't imagine it any other way."

Cook told employees that he believes he can help strengthen Apple's global relationships. Cook has navigated two Trump presidencies so far, maintaining a positive relationship with the Trump administration and earning tariff exemptions for Apple.

Cook personally donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund in 2025, and he presented Trump with a custom gift featuring a glass plaque with a 24-karat gold base after promising Apple would invest a total of $600 billion in the U.S. over a four-year period.

Trump last week said that he has "always been a big fan" of Cook, and that the two had a "long and very nice relationship." Trump said he was pleased with Cook's outreach efforts. "I was very impressed with myself to have the head of Apple calling to 'kiss my ass,'" said Trump. According to Trump, he solved a "fairly large problem" for Cook during his first term, and he said he would help Cook where possible when Cook is not "too aggressive" in what he asks for.

Ahead of announcing his transition to a new role, Cook said in an early April interview that the Trump administration was "very accessible," and willing to "engage." Cook explained that he felt engagement and communication were important values, giving some insight into how he is approaching his new position.
But engagement for me, not just in the U.S. but around the world, is so important because it is very complex, working through local laws, local customs, local culture, local regulations. Every country is its own story. Everybody looks at things differently.

The only way you get a feel for that is to sit before someone and communicate and engage. If you went in my conference room, you would see the Teddy Roosevelt quote 'It is not the critic who counts.' I've never believed that just yelling from the sideline about plus or minus was a good strategy. Your voice just goes into the wind.

So you'll see me everywhere, and you'll wonder 'oh, he's meeting with somebody that has a different view than him.' I think that's good. I think it's good. I think a problem in the world right now is that it's so polarized and different views aren't shared or discussed. They just become hardened. And I don't think that's good.

With Cook taking on communication with policymakers around the world, incoming CEO John Ternus will be able to spend more time focusing on Apple's growth, and he won't be exposed to the same criticism that Cook has faced for his relationship with Trump and other world leaders.

Cook is still in Washington and he attended today's State Arrival Ceremony for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who began their four-day state visit on Monday. Cook may also attend the State Dinner this evening.
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Fourth macOS Tahoe 26.5 Beta Now Available for Developers

27 April 2026 om 19:07
Apple today provided the fourth beta of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.5 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after the third beta.


Developers can download the โ€ŒmacOS Tahoeโ€Œ 26.5 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required.

No new features were found in the first three โ€ŒmacOS Tahoeโ€Œ 26.5 betas, and it's likely the update primarily focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements.

Update 1:05 pm: The update is now also available to public beta testers.
Related Roundup: macOS Tahoe
Related Forum: macOS Tahoe

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Apple Seeds Fourth iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Betas to Developers

27 April 2026 om 19:03
Apple today seeded the fourth betas of upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after Apple released the third betas.


Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include new Siri capabilities, suggesting any โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ updates are being held until iOS 27. The Maps app has a Suggested Places feature for recommending locations to visit nearby based on trends and recent searches, plus Apple is laying the groundwork for ads in the Apple Maps app.

Apple is continuing to test end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. Apple included the feature in the iOS 26.4 beta, but removed it before the update launched to the public.

In the European Union, Apple is testing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables like earbuds and smartwatches. The functionality will allow third-party wearables to have many of the same features as the Apple Watch and AirPods.

More detail on what's new in iOS 26.5 can be found in our iOS 26.5 beta features guide.

Update 1:05 pm: The update is now also available to public beta testers.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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Apple Releases Fourth watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5 and visionOS 26.5 Betas

27 April 2026 om 19:01
Apple today provided developers with the fourth betas of upcoming watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple released the third betas for each platform.


The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required.

There's no word on what's in the software as of yet. watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS often get few features in each new beta, with updates primarily focusing on bug fixes and performance improvements. Nothing new was found in the first three betas.
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Apple Hit With Unfair Labor Practice Charge for Refusing to Transfer Unionized Towson Workers

27 April 2026 om 18:56
The IAM Union representing Apple employees in Towson, Maryland today said that it is filing an Unfair Labor Practice charge [PDF] against Apple with the National Labor Relations Board. The union is accusing Apple of unlawful discrimination against unionized workers.


Earlier this month, Apple announced plans to close the Towson Apple Store alongside two other Apple locations in Connecticut and California. The Towson store was the first Apple retail location to unionize in the U.S. back in 2022.

With most store closures, employees are relocated automatically to nearby stores, but Apple said the union rules at the Towson location prevented it from moving the workers to other stores. Apple instead said that Towson employees are "eligible to apply for open roles at Apple in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement."

The IAM Union said at the time that it was "outraged" by Apple's decision, and that there was nothing in the agreement that prevented employees from being relocated. IAM said Apple's claim was false, and that it raised "serious concerns" that the closure was a "cynical attempt to bust the union."

In today's filing, the IAM Union complained that Apple allowed employees at two non-union stores to transfer to other locations, but forced Towson employees to reapply for positions through the same process as external candidates.
"This is about whether workers are treated fairly under the law or punished for exercising their rights," said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. "Apple is denying union-represented workers the same opportunities it is giving to others -- and doing so because these workers chose to organize. That is discrimination, and it is exactly what federal labor law is designed to prevent."

The union has asked Apple to reverse its decision and give Towson workers the same opportunity to transfer to other retail locations.

The three stores that Apple is closing are located in struggling shopping malls that are slowly shutting down and losing foot traffic.

Update: Apple has issued the following statement to MacRumors regarding the complaint:
We strongly disagree with the claims made, and we will continue to abide by the agreement that was negotiated and agreed with the union. We look forward to presenting all of the facts to the NLRB.

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Ads Are Coming to Apple Maps This Summer: Here's What to Expect

24 April 2026 om 22:58
Apple is planning to start showing ads in the Apple Maps app this summer, and signs of ads have already shown up in the iOS 26.5 beta as Apple prepares to roll them out.



Where Ads Show Up


Ads will be displayed in the โ€ŒApple Mapsโ€Œ search interface. Depending on the search, relevant ads will be shown first in search results.

Apple is also implementing a new Suggested Places feature in Maps that will show recommendations based on what's trending nearby and the user's recent searches.

Suggested Places


The Maps app is getting a Suggested Places feature that recommends locations to visit based on trending places that are around you and your recent Maps searches. Ads will be shown in Suggested Places.



No Opt-Out


Similar to ads in the App Store, there will be no option to turn off ads in โ€ŒApple Mapsโ€Œ. Ads will be displayed for all users in the U.S. and Canada.

Countries


Ads will be shown in โ€ŒApple Mapsโ€Œ in the United States and Canada first, and could expand to other countries in the future.

Platforms


Ads will be displayed in the Maps app on iPhone and iPad.

What Ads Look Like


Apple says that ads in Maps will be clearly marked as ads with an "Ad" label, similar to how ads show up in the โ€ŒApp Storeโ€Œ search results.

Businesses will be able to bid for ad placement, which is how ads in the โ€ŒApp Storeโ€Œ work. The highest bidder for a given term will have their ad shown in the app.

Privacy


Your location and ads that you see and interact with in the Maps app are not associated with your Apple Account, and the data is not shared with third parties.

Beta Testing


Apple is laying the groundwork for Maps ads in the iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 betas. There's an ads splash screen in the Maps app along with underlying ad code, but ads are not yet live.

Launch Date


Apple only said "summer" for the ads launch. "Summer" in the Northern Hemisphere starts on June 21 and ends on September 22. iOS 26.5 is likely to launch in late May or early June, and it's possible ads will be tied to the update.
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Here's What's Coming in the 2026 Apple TV

23 April 2026 om 21:08
There are a lot of folks waiting for a new version of the Apple TV because the set-top box hasn't been updated since 2022. There is an update coming this year, but people will need to wait a bit longer because Apple is holding the next โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ until the new version of Siri comes out this fall.


Design


โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing in 2026. The next โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black plastic material.

We're expecting the 2026 โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ to be indistinguishable from the existing โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ on the exterior, with no changes to size or design.

New Chip


The โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ 4K is going to get a new A-series chip, and that'll be the biggest upgrade. Rumors suggest Apple is planning to use the A17 Pro that was first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Compared to the A15 Bionic in the current โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ, the A17 Pro is a solid update, and it's a good reason to hold off on buying the current model. The A17 Pro is built on a 3-nanometer process for faster speeds and better efficiency, and it has hardware-accelerated ray tracing for higher-quality graphics in games.

The A17 Pro is the oldest chip Apple makes that supports Apple Intelligence, and it's also used in the iPad mini 7.

Given that Apple has held the โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ update for so long, it's possible it'll get an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM update is possible too, especially if the โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ has any kind of โ€ŒApple Intelligenceโ€Œ support.

Apple Intelligence and Siri


The next โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ is ready to launch, but new โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ features are the holdup. Apple wants to release the โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ with the smarter version of โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ that's in the works, and it's not ready to go.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the Apple TV is linked to "new artificial intelligence features" that Apple has postponed until iOS 27, which is coming in September 2026. Apple intended to launch the โ€ŒApple Intelligenceโ€Œ โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ features in spring 2026, but the company was still experiencing issues with โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ. At this point, we're not going to see new โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ capabilities until iOS 27, which also means a delay for all the devices that Apple is holding.

Along with the โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ, the rumored home hub and a new version of the HomePod are waiting on โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ.

Updated โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ features may require more RAM and a faster chip, so if you want the smarter โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ on the โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ, that's another reason to wait before making a purchase.

Wi-Fi


The โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ could get Apple's N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Wi-Fi 7 works with the 6GHz band offered by newer routers.

6GHz connectivity is faster and less congested, which you want for a device designed for streaming content.

Bluetooth and Thread


The โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ 4K could get Bluetooth 6 for connecting devices like controllers and earbuds.

Apple's N1 chip also supports Thread, so the โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ will be able to continue to serve as a Thread border router and a Matter hub for smart home devices.

Pricing


There have been rumors of a price drop, so it's possible Apple has plans for a cheaper โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ.

Apple could release two models, one that's higher-end and one that has lower specs and a lower price tag, or it could keep the existing โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ around as a low-cost option.

Launch Date


Since the new version of โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ has been pushed to โ€ŒiOS 27โ€Œ and the โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ is tied to that update, we're likely not going to see the โ€ŒApple TVโ€Œ refreshed until September 2026 at the earliest.
Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

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Base Mac Mini Sold Out From Apple Online Store

22 April 2026 om 23:59
Apple appears to be sold out of the base Mac mini, and the machine is listed as โ€œCurrently Unavailableโ€ from the Apple Online Store.


The base โ€ŒMac miniโ€Œ is the model with an M4 chip, 256GB of storage, and 16GB RAM. M4 Mac mini models with upgraded storage are still in stock, as are โ€ŒMac miniโ€Œ models that are equipped with the M4 Pro chip. Configurations with 24GB RAM are also still available, but some models that use 32GB RAM or higher are out of stock.

When an Apple device goes out of stock, it can be an indication of an imminent refresh, but itโ€™s not clear if thatโ€™s the case with the โ€ŒMac miniโ€Œ. The โ€ŒMac miniโ€Œ has been in high demand because people are purchasing it to use as a machine to run AI models locally, so itโ€™s possible the shortage is related to demand rather than a sign that an update is coming soon.

Apple is also dealing with RAM shortages caused by a surge in global memory demand that has led to increased RAM pricing. The memory shortages previously caused some higher tier โ€ŒMac miniโ€Œ and Mac Studio models to go out of stock. Apple removed the 512GB โ€ŒMac Studioโ€Œ from its online store entirely earlier this year.

Apple is working on M5 and M5 Pro versions of the โ€ŒMac miniโ€Œ for 2026, but the update may not come until later in the year due to the RAM supply issues.

(Thanks, Max!)
Related Roundup: Mac mini
Buyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: Mac mini

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What to Expect From the Next AirPods Pro, Launching as Soon as This Year

22 April 2026 om 23:34
Apple is working on a new version of the AirPods Pro, which could come as soon as this year. The AirPods are expected to be a variant of the current AirPods Pro, which suggests they won't be called the AirPods Pro 4.


Cameras


Multiple sources have said Apple is developing AirPods Pro that have tiny infrared cameras. The cameras won't be used to take photos or videos like an iPhone camera, but will instead provide the AirPods with information about what's around the wearer.

Cameras could potentially provide data to a connected iPhone, improving Visual Intelligence and Siri features that are set to come out in iOS 27.

Gestures


The infrared cameras could recognize hand gestures, allowing music and other features to be controlled with hand movements.

The AirPods Pro already support head gestures for doing things like declining or accepting phone calls, and the addition of hand gestures could expand this functionality.

Apple could even remove pressure sensitivity from the stem of the AirPods Pro, making gestures the main control method.

Vision Pro Integration


Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the cameras integrated into the AirPods Pro will upgrade the spatial audio experience when used with the Apple Vision Pro headset.

Naming


There is some disagreement about where the AirPods Pro with cameras will fit in the AirPods lineup, and what they will be called.

The AirPods Pro 3 came out in September 2025, and the new model with cameras isn't expected to be labeled AirPods Pro 4. Apple could just upgrade the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ with cameras and keep the name, or call them something like โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ with Cameras.

Apple released two versions of the AirPods 4, one that has ANC and one that doesn't. The ANC model is named โ€ŒAirPods 4โ€Œ with Active Noise Cancellation, so there is precedent for a straightforward AirPods Pro name.

Apple could also call the AirPods Pro with cameras the "AirPods Ultra," and that's what some rumors suggest will happen.

H3 Chip


It's possible that Apple will include a new H3 chip with camera-equipped AirPods Pro. Apple is working on a new chip, but the current โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ launched with the same H2 chip that was in the AirPods Pro 2.

The H3 chip is expected to bring lower latency and improved audio quality.

Pricing


Some rumors suggest the AirPods Pro with cameras will be more expensive than the existing model, while others say they will be the same price. If Apple is planning to sell them for $249, the AirPods Pro with cameras would replace the current model. If they're more expensive at ~$299, they could be sold alongside the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ.

Launch Date


A new version of the AirPods Pro with cameras could come out as soon as 2026, and if that launch timing is accurate, we'll likely see them introduced alongside new iPhone models in September.
Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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iOS 26.4.2 Patches Flaw That Let FBI Extract Deleted Signal Messages

22 April 2026 om 21:01
The iOS 26.4.2, iPadOS 26.4.2, iOS 18.7.8, and iPadOS 18.7.8 updates that Apple released today address a security vulnerability that the FBI recently used to extract Signal message previews from an iPhone even after the app was deleted.


A flaw with notification services allowed notifications that were supposed to be deleted to be retained on an iPhone or iPad. Apple says it fixed the logging issue with improved data redaction.

Apple became aware of the vulnerability after recent court testimony revealed that the FBI was able to access the internal notification database on an iPhone involved in a case, providing law enforcement with access to message previews. The iPhone in question was set to display the content of Signal messages on the Lock Screen, and with that feature enabled, the iPhone stores message content.

The defendant in the case had deleted the Signal app and had Signal messages set to disappear, but the iPhone kept the messages in its database long enough for the FBI to access them.

Apple users running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, iOS 18, or iPadOS 18 should update to the latest versions to avoid being impacted by the security flaw.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Tags: FBI, Signal
Related Forum: iOS 26

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Google Confirms Gemini-Powered Siri Coming Later This Year

22 April 2026 om 20:08
Google today commented on its partnership with Apple, confirming that Gemini will power a new, more personalized version of Siri that's set to be released later in 2026.


Google Cloud chief Thomas Kurian mentioned the Apple partnership during Google Cloud Next 2026, a conference that's taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada today.
Earlier this year, we announced a monumental partnership with one of the most iconic brands that will bring the power of our technology to users everywhere around the world. We're collaborating with Apple as their preferred cloud provider to develop the next generation of Apple Foundation Models based on Gemini technology.

These models will now power future Apple Intelligence features including a more personalized Siri coming later this year.

Kurian's comment doesn't provide us with any new information because Apple has already committed to a 2026 launch for the new โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ features. When Apple first delayed the smarter โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ in March 2025, the company said it would launch "in the coming year."

Later in 2025, Apple said that โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ would get an update at some point in 2026, though it did not provide a specific launch timeline. In February 2026, Apple confirmed to CNBC that the new version of โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ is still set to come out this year.

According to rumors, Apple was planning to release the Apple Intelligence version of โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ in spring 2026, but ran into issues with accuracy. Since Apple never gave a launch date beyond 2026, the โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ update isn't exactly delayed, but Apple has needed to adjust its internal schedule. Apple has until December 31, 2026 to update โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ, but we could get a first look at the new personal assistant in iOS 27.

Kurian did say that Google Cloud is Apple's "preferred cloud provider," which is the same language that Google used earlier this year. It continues to be unclear if the new โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ and Gemini-powered โ€ŒApple Intelligenceโ€Œ features will use Private Cloud Compute or will run on Google's servers.

Apple has asked Google to investigate setting up servers in Google data centers to run โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ because Apple is anticipating much more cloud usage when the smarter โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ launches.

Apple plans to introduce โ€ŒiOS 27โ€Œ at the Worldwide Developers Conference, which is set to begin on June 8, 2026. We'll hear more about โ€ŒSiriโ€Œ at WWDC.
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Apple Releases iOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.4.2 With Bug Fixes

22 April 2026 om 19:23
Apple today released minor iOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.4.2 software updates for the iPhone and iPad, respectively. The updates are available two weeks after Apple released iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1.


The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings โ†’ General โ†’ Software Update.

According to Apple's release notes, the software updates contain unspecified bug fixes and security updates.

Apple also released iOS 18.7.8 for older iPhones that are not updated to iOS 26.

Apple is already beta testing iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, the next versions of โ€ŒiOS 26โ€Œ that will likely launch later in May.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Images 2.0 With Thinking Capabilities and Better Text Rendering

22 April 2026 om 18:19
OpenAI this week introduced ChatGPT Images 2.0, which the company says brings a new era of image generation. Images 2.0 is an updated model that can better handle complex visual tasks.


It is able to follow detailed instructions, placing and relating objects accurately, preserving fine detail, and rendering dense layouts. Images 2.0 is OpenAIโ€™s first image model with thinking capabilities, and it has an improved sense of composition and visual taste, which OpenAI says will result in images that feel less AI-generated.

Images 2.0 is able to search the web to get real-time information, create up to eight images from a single prompt, and double-check its output. Graphics can be created across several aspect ratios and at up to 2K resolution. The new model also has improved multilingual understanding and can better render non-Latin text like Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, and Bengali.

Images 2.0 is available now for all ChatGPT, Codex, and API users.
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MacRumors Readers React to Tim Cook Stepping Down as CEO

21 April 2026 om 23:17
Apple yesterday announced that longtime Apple CEO Tim Cook is planning to step down from his role later this year, with current hardware engineering chief John Ternus set to take over as CEO. We've seen media reports suggesting Ternus will bring Jobs-like decisiveness back to Apple, as well as reactions from top world leaders, but we thought we'd also highlight what MacRumors readers think of the transition.


Reactions on the MacRumors forums run the gamut from positive to negative, with some people praising Cook for everything he's done for Apple, and others celebrating his departure from the role.

From Cook fans:

  • nfl46 - Thank you, Tim! He left John in a reallyyyyyyy good financial position!

  • RMMediccc - Thanks for being the right guy at the right time Tim. You will be missed, but it was time and you are making the correct call just as Steve did.

  • DocMultimedia - Congrats to Mr. Cook for amazing growth for Apple over so many years. Hopefully Apple will continue to grow under Mr. Ternus. So much respect for both (unlike many on this forum).

  • Adelphos33 - A lot of... let's say disappointing responses. Cook became COO on October 14, 2005. One of the best and most important executives of all time. He made a lot of people very wealthy, and not just Apple employees. A personally pioneering one as well.

  • KPOM - Tim Cook will go down as one of the best CEOs to lead a Fortune 500. I expect he'll stay on as executive chairman at least until January 2029 as he is Apple's ambassador to the world of politics.

  • transpo1 - Cook was the right guy for the job at the right time. He could never do what Jobs did, and Jobs could never do what Cook did. Jobs told him "Don't do what I would do, do what you would do," and like it or not, he made wildly profitable decisions that enabled the company to keep moving forward from a position of enormous success.


From Cook critics:

  • Kylo83 - good, hopefully we actually see real change now

  • firstcitazen - Ding Dong the ....

  • iPedro - But Tim Cook was anything but a visionary and he completely missed what Steve Jobs intended for Siri, which debuted in the iPhone the day before his death. New blood is needed and an engineer who's a stickler for detail is a great place to start.

  • turbineseaplane - Party time!!! ๐Ÿฅณ Fantastic news. It's time for some fresh ideology, I hope.

  • Anonymous123 - Good riddance. Glad to see the penny pincher finally gone. Hope this marks a new, better direction for Apple. Less focus on services and ads, more focus on higher quality software and hardware, please.

  • gleepskip - Tim Cook is so dull, his memoirs would be an autobiography titled "Supply Chain Optimization: A Love Story."

  • delsoul - Does this mean we'll finally get some ballsy, new daring products instead of trying to appease the shareholders nonstop with boring stale products

  • superarijit - He got fired, pure and simple, PR free. Why? Imagine the utter billions he lost on failed Apple Intelligence, Apple Car, Apple Vision Pro and more. Crap software, same hardware every year. He's lucky that iphone saved him each and every time.

  • tgurske - Thank god. I don't know why Jobs picked a Toyota Camry to be CEO but I can't wait for someone interesting to get in there.

  • iMac The Knife - Hip hip hooray! Cook ended up being the worst possible choice to succeed Steve Jobs as Apple's CEO - at least in terms of product design, user experience, and genuine innovation.

  • HiVolt - It's finally happening. I really hope Ternus can make things better, and at least he will have a more interesting personality than a potted plant.


From Ternus fans:

  • Nismo73 - John's the guy for the job. Congrats!

  • venom600 - Awesome... glad to have a hardware guy in charge.

  • aj8690 - MAKE CEOs HOT AGAIN

  • spritle - THE TERNUSATOR!

  • jonnyb098 - Best Apple News in a while. Apple needs a product visionary after 5 years of stagnation (Vision Pro is not a consumer hit at all nor do most know it exists). Tim made the company a behemoth but that comes with risks. John is a product guy and that's what Apple needs now.

  • fant0mas - I like that John doesn't wear white shoes though... his taste in this regard seems better than Tim's. Hope this means that the OS designs will improve again as well.


General comments:

  • terminator-jq - Tim Cook had very big shoes to fill, but ultimately he did great work in making Apple one of the most valuable companies worldwide. That being said the change and CEO could not have come at a better time. Smart phones have stagnated and we are quickly approaching the new augmented reality era. If Apple is going to maintain this leadership position through this transition, having a hardware guy at the helm might be their best bet.

  • Brother Cavil - People expecting meaningful change from Ternus are in for a world of disappointment. If you pop your head outside the delusional MacRumors bubble, people LOVE their Apple products. He has no incentive to fix what isn't broken. Quite the opposite.

  • erikkfi - You can't look at Apple's revenue and sales graph since 2011 and argue that Tim was an unsuccessful CEO on a metric that, like it or not, is really important. Since 2011 Apple has lost its flair, imagination, and verve, though, while still making very good, buttoned-down products that sell like crazy. I don't think they make many viscerally desirable products anymore. I hope a change at the top can help with that, but I don't know much about Ternus' taste and where he falls on a hypothetical Steve-Tim spectrum.

  • jon9091 - Can he take Liquid Glass with him?

  • turbineseaplane - Feel free to take the Vision Pro with you on the way out the door. That was quite the dud Tim.

  • GermanSuplex - Negativity aside, Cook had a good run but it's time for a change. I expect the foldable iPhone will deliver a hardware "wow" factor that's been missing, and it's got a big hole to dig itself out of, but if they can overdeliver on their revamped Siri, that would be a good way to kickstart this guy's stint.

  • macduke - Finally, and someone "younger." Between this and the liquid ass guy leaving and Apple hiring the excellent designer Sebastiaan de With, I'm hopeful for the future of Apple. They just need to get their AI ducks in a row. But nothing wrong with paying for a model they can keep in-house and customize.

  • AnInanimateCarbonRod - I'm grateful for his time as CEO. Apple's ecosystem is still by far and away the only one I want to be in. iPhones, iPads and the Mac are still the best products in their class. MacBook Neo has totally upended the low-end market and put everyone else to shame. Apple Silicon is incredible engineering and an industry wide game changer. They haven't wavered from their commitment to privacy - and remain the only tech company I actually trust with my data. I could go on and on - AirPods, Apple TV, etc. - all fantastic successes in their own right.

  • mk313 - Man, what are the macrumors commenters going to complain about now!

  • mjschabow - Future Hot Take: "Tim Cook never would have allowed this."


Tim Cook is set to step down as CEO on September 1, 2026, which is when Ternus will take over. Cook will remain at Apple as executive chairman, a role he intends to hold "for a long time."
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Apple Pulled Cal AI for Deceptive Billing Design, Not External Payments

21 April 2026 om 21:54
Apple recently cracked down on Cal AI, an app owned by MyFitnessPal that tried to skirt Apple's in-app purchase rules. Apple told TechCrunch that it briefly pulled the calorie-counting app last week for violating purchasing guidelines and using a deceptive billing design.


When the app was pulled last week, there was speculation that it was removed for implementing web-based payments, something that is now allowed in the U.S. Apple said that's not the whole story, though, and the app was violating other guidelines.

Apple's ongoing legal battle with Epic Games led a judge to force Apple to allow U.S. developers to include links to external payment systems in their apps, but apps that are not classified as reader apps also have to include an in-app purchase option. Apps like Netflix and Spotify that offer streaming content are considered reader apps, but Cal AI is not.

As a non-reader app, Cal AI was allowed to direct users to a non-Apple purchase option for a subscription, which it did with a purchase flow using Stripe, but the purchase option should have been displayed alongside an in-app purchase option. Apple said Cal AI bypassed its required in-app purchase flow, misled customers by displaying the weekly calculated pricing more prominently than the amount the user would be billed, and had a free trial toggle that did not make the subscription's automatic renewal clear.

The app also prompted users who declined the initial subscription to agree to a second, different subscription purchase flow, leading to multiple negative reviews for its confusing third-party payment options.

Cal AI fixed the issues that Apple brought up, and the app returned to the App Store. TechCrunch suggests that Cal AI was experimenting to see whether Apple was still enforcing its rules following the court ruling requiring it to allow external payments in apps. With the Cal AI crackdown, Apple made it clear that it is indeed policing external payments.

MyFitnessPal and Cal AI have not commented on the situation. After returning to the โ€ŒApp Storeโ€Œ, Cal AI is once again the number four app on the โ€ŒApp Storeโ€Œ's Health and Fitness charts.
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Tim Cook Says He's 'Healthy,' Plans to Remain at Apple 'for a Long Time'

21 April 2026 om 20:04
Tim Cook today told employees he plans to be at Apple "for a long time" in his new role as executive chairman. Cook shared the information in an all-hands meeting detailed by Bloomberg.


"I am healthy. My energy is high, and I plan to be in this role for a long time," said Cook. He said he will support current hardware engineering chief John Ternus in any way necessary when Ternus takes over as CEO, and he plans to continue to offer knowledge and experience whenever it's needed. "Apple will be my top priority," he said. "It's who I am at my core, and I can't imagine it any other way."

Cook is stepping down from his role as Apple CEO, handing the company over to Ternus. Apple announced the upcoming change yesterday, and said that Cook will remain on as executive chairman, where he will "assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world."

During the meeting, Cook told employees that he thinks he can help with strengthening Apple's global relationships. When asked why he is stepping down now, Cook said that it was a good time because Apple is "doing great," the product lineup is "incredible," and Ternus is ready for the role. "These three things all intersected, and they intersect now. And so now was the time," said Cook.

Cook is set to remain CEO through September 1, 2026, at which point he will move into his new role and Ternus will take over as CEO. Cook will see Apple through WWDC, but Ternus will be leading the company by the time the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold launch.
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Apple Releases New iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5 and macOS Tahoe 26.5 Public Betas

21 April 2026 om 19:17
Apple today provided public beta testers with new releases of upcoming iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and tvOS 26.5 updates for testing purposes. The public betas come a day after Apple provided the betas to developers. These are the third iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 betas, but the second โ€ŒmacOS Tahoeโ€Œ 26.5 public beta.


After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section of the Settings app on each device.

iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and โ€ŒmacOS Tahoeโ€Œ 26.5 include a new Suggested Places feature for recommending nearby locations to visit, and Apple is also gearing up to start showing ads in Maps.

Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users again, and there are proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables in the EU.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe
Related Forums: iOS 26, macOS Tahoe

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AirPods Pro 3 vs. Sony WF-1000XM6: Which Flagship Earbuds Should You Buy?

21 April 2026 om 18:44
Sony refreshed its earbuds earlier this year, introducing the $330 WF-1000XM6 earbuds to compete with the $249 AirPods Pro 3 that came out last September. We compared Sony's new earbuds with Apple's latest model to see which is better.


Sony's XM6 earbuds are smaller than the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ because there's no stem, but the in-ear fit is different. The โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ have foam-infused silicone tips that are comfortable to wear for multiple hours at a time. Sony is using a polyurethane and silicone foam hybrid that feels secure in the ears, but you'll feel them more when using them for longer periods. The XM6 aren't as likely to fall out of your ears when moving around, so they're better for workouts. Earbud fit is going to vary from person to person, so some people might find the XM6 more comfortable. Both the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ and the XM6 come with tips in multiple sizes to fit ears in different shapes.

Though Sony's earbuds have a tighter fit that's ideal for fitness-related use, the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ have heart rate tracking and better waterproofing for sweat resistance. The XM6 have an IPX4 water resistance rating, compared to the IP57 dust and water resistance rating of the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ.

The โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ and the XM6 are both high-end flagship earbud options, and they produce excellent sound. Like fit, your opinion on sound quality will come down to individual preference.

Sony offers LDAC high-resolution codec support for improved sound quality on an Android device, along with an app that supports EQ adjustments with custom presets, adjustable bass, treble sliders, and more. Apple does not offer built-in EQ, but AirPods come with well-balanced tuning that sounds great to many people. If you want to tinker with sound adjustments, Sony's earbuds are the way to go, but if you want good sound with no tuning requirements, the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ are the better pick.

As with sound, both models have some of the best Active Noise Cancellation you can get from earbuds. The XM6 seem to do just a bit better at canceling out low-frequency sound like engines on an airplane and higher-frequency sound like office chatter, but it's close. How the ANC works for each person will come down to the ear seal with the tip and personal preference.

Apple's โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ have the edge when it comes to Transparency because the sound passing through the microphones is more natural. Sony's version of transparency is fine, but it sounds more robotic. The difference is especially noticeable with voices. The XM6 seem to have better noise isolation on calls when outdoors, but indoors, the AirPods sound clearer.

The โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ can be used as an over-the-counter hearing aid alternative, but the XM6 can't, plus there's spatial audio support, real-time Live Translation, and heart rate tracking for workouts. Sony's earbuds have better gesture control, 360 Reality Audio, and more software customization.

The XM6 offer eight hours of playback with ANC on, which is the same battery life as the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ. For the AirPods, spatial audio with head tracking and heart rate sensing drop that total down slightly, but battery life is almost identical overall. The โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ case has enough battery for 24 hours of listening time, as does the XM6 case.

If you're in the Apple ecosystem, you're going to have a better experience with the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ with iCloud-based features like one-tap pairing, automatic device switching anywhere you're signed in with your Apple ID, and support for Apple features like Live Translation. Sony can't implement the same close integration with Apple devices, which makes it harder to recommend Sony earbuds for Apple users.

The XM6 earbuds pair through the iPhone's Bluetooth menu or the Sony Sound Connect app. It's not a one-tap process, and while Sony can now support connecting to two devices at once, it's still not as good as Apple's process.

If you have Apple devices, the โ€ŒAirPods Pro 3โ€Œ are probably the better choice, and they're $81 cheaper too. The XM6 are the best pick for Android users or those who really want to tinker with sound.
Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Satechi Launches ChargeView 140W Desktop Charger

21 April 2026 om 18:00
Satechi is adding to its lineup of charging solutions for Apple devices with the new ChargeView 140W Desktop Charger thatโ€™s available starting today. The ChargeView is a gallium-nitride charger that has adaptive charging intelligence and a digital display that shows real-time power usage.


The ChargeView is meant to be used on top of a desk, so it has space black aluminum build to match Appleโ€™s Macs and a clean, modern design. It is meant to be used upright to minimize the amount of space that it takes up on a desk. The ChargeView includes four USB-C ports, with 140W total output. 140W is enough to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro at full speed, but power is split when using more than one port. The included display shows how power is distributed.

Fast charging for the iPhone, iPad, and Macs is supported, and Satechi says the ChargeView supports USB PD 3.2 with AVS for advanced power optimization. Satechiโ€™s power optimization makes sure devices get optimal output with protection against overheating, overcurrent, and overvoltage.

The ChargeView 140W Desktop Charger is priced at $100 and it can be purchased from the Satechi website or from Amazon.com.
Tag: Satechi

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Yelp's AI Assistant Can Now Book Restaurants, Doctors, and More

21 April 2026 om 16:51
Yelp is introducing an expanded version of its Yelp Assistant, an agentic chatbot that is able to answer questions, suggest places to visit, and complete tasks like booking a restaurant reservation.


Answers rely on hundreds of millions of Yelp reviews sourced from real people, which Yelp says allows the assistant to address "complex and highly specific requests." Yelp Assistant was previously available for hiring service professionals and getting answers to questions about businesses, but now it is available across all Yelp categories.

Users are able to ask specific questions when looking for a location, such as "birthday dinner spots with vegan options and heated outdoor seating," or "top-rated gyms with group classes and childcare."

With the AI Assistant, users can start out by asking questions to find a suitable location, and then make reservations, book appointments, place delivery orders, or get quotes in the same conversation. Yelp is adding new integrated services including Vagaro, Zocdoc, and Calendly.


There is a new AI-powered personalization model for the Yelp home feed on the iPhone and iPad, and it is able to surface more relevant content and improved recommendations.

Yelp is also updating its AI Menu Vision feature with support for photo overlays so users can see what popular dishes, drinks, and desserts look like.

The Yelp Assistant is rolling out today and it is accessible through a new Assistant tab in the Yelp app.
Tag: Yelp

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Apple's Tim Cook Shares Community Letter After Announcing Plans to Step Down as CEO

20 April 2026 om 22:55
Current Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to leave his role on September 1, 2026, and as he prepares to step down as CEO, he has written a letter addressed to the Apple community.


Cook said that he starts his day reading notes from Apple users all over the world, which fills him with an indescribable gratitude. According to Cook, Ternus is the perfect person to take over as Apple's CEO.
To the Apple community:

For the past 15 years I've started just about every morning the same way. I open my email and I read notes I received the day before from Apple's users all over the world.

You share little pieces of your lives with me and tell me things you want me to know about how Apple has touched you. About the moment your mom was saved by her Apple Watch. About the perfect selfie you captured at the summit of a mountain that seemed impossible to climb. You thank me for the ways Mac has changed what you can do at work and sometimes give me a hard time because something you care about isn't working like it should.

In every one of those emails I feel the beating heart of our shared humanity. I feel a sense of deepening obligation to work harder and push further. But most of all, I feel a gratitude that I cannot put into words, that I somehow got to be the person on the other end of those emails, the leader of a company that ignites imaginations and enriches lives in such profound ways it defies description. What an honor and a privilege it has been.

Today we announced that I'm taking the next step in my journey at Apple. Over the coming months I will be transitioning into a new role, leaving the CEO job behind in September and becoming Apple's executive chairman. A new person will be stepping into what I know in my heart is the best job in the world. That leader is John Ternus, a brilliant engineer and thinker who has spent the past 25 years building the Apple products our users love so much, obsessed with every detail, focused on every possible way we can make something better, bolder, more beautiful, and more meaningful. He is the perfect person for the job.

John cares so much about who we are at Apple, what we do at Apple, who we reach at Apple, and he has the heart and character to lead with extraordinary integrity. I am so proud to call him Apple's next CEO. This company will reach such incredible heights under his leadership, and you will feel his impact in every bit of delight and discovery that grows out of the products and services to come. I can't wait for you to get to know him like I do.

This is not goodbye. But at this moment of transition, I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you. Not on behalf of the company, this time, though there is a wellspring of gratitude for you that overflows inside our walls. But simply on behalf of me. Tim. A person who grew up in a rural place in a different time and, for these magical moments, got to be the CEO of the greatest company in the world. Thank you for the confidence and kindness you've shown me. Thank you for saying hi to me on the street and in our stores. Thank you for cheering alongside me when we unveiled a new product or service. Thank you, most of all, for believing in me to lead the company that has always put you at the center of our work. Every day we get up and think about what we can do to make your life a little bit better. And every day, you've made mine the best I could have asked for.

Cook will remain on as Apple CEO until September 1, 2026, which is when John Ternus will take over. After Ternus assumes the role of CEO, Cook will continue to advise Apple in a new role as executive chairman.
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Johny Srouji Taking Over as Apple's Chief Hardware Officer as John Ternus Transitions to CEO

20 April 2026 om 22:46
Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies Johny Srouji is set to take on an expanded role as Apple's Chief Hardware Officer as John Ternus transitions to his role as Apple's next CEO.


Srouji is going to lead Hardware Engineering, reporting to Ternus. Current Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Srouji has been pivotal in Apple's transition to Apple silicon.
Johny is one of the most talented people I have ever had the privilege to work with. He has played a singular role in driving Apple's silicon strategy, and his influence has been felt deeply not just inside the company, but across the industry. He has always led his organization with remarkable deftness and judgment, and time and again, his team has delivered breakthrough innovations that have transformed our products. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as Apple's chief hardware officer.

Srouji is well-known as Apple's chip lead, and he has overseen the development of Apple silicon chips for the Mac. Apple's hardware engineering team is responsible for all of Apple's hardware products, and Srouji will lead everything from product design to system engineering to reliability and durability testing.
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