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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 β€ŒSiriβ€Œ features. When Apple first delayed the smarter β€ŒSiriβ€Œ in March 2025, the company said it would launch "in the coming year."

Later in 2025, Apple said that β€ŒSiriβ€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 β€ŒSiriβ€Œ is still set to come out this year.

According to rumors, Apple was planning to release the Apple Intelligence version of β€ŒSiriβ€Œ in spring 2026, but ran into issues with accuracy. Since Apple never gave a launch date beyond 2026, the β€ŒSiriβ€Œ update isn't exactly delayed, but Apple has needed to adjust its internal schedule. Apple has until December 31, 2026 to update β€ŒSiriβ€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 β€ŒSiriβ€Œ and Gemini-powered β€ŒApple Intelligenceβ€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 β€ŒSiriβ€Œ because Apple is anticipating much more cloud usage when the smarter β€ŒSiriβ€Œ launches.

Apple plans to introduce β€ŒiOS 27β€Œ at the Worldwide Developers Conference, which is set to begin on June 8, 2026. We'll hear more about β€ŒSiriβ€Œ at WWDC.
This article, "Google Confirms Gemini-Powered Siri Coming Later This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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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 β†’ General β†’ 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 β€ŒiOS 26β€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 OpenAI’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.
This article, "OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Images 2.0 With Thinking Capabilities and Better Text Rendering" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Leaker: Apple to Downgrade iPhone 18 in Two Ways

22 April 2026 om 17:01
Following the emergence of a rumor that Apple is planning to downgrade the iPhone 18 to cut costs, further detail has emerged suggesting that display and chip specifications will see downgrades.


Earlier this week, the leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital" said that the β€ŒiPhone 18β€Œ features "certain manufacturing downgrades" that bring it more into line with the low-cost iPhone 18e model. The decision is said to be "a cost-cutting measure."

Now, the leaker has provided further detail. For example, the β€ŒiPhone 18β€Œ's display specifications will be downgraded, resulting in inferior screen quality. The manufacturing process itself is said to be "taking a step backward."

The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch display with ProMotion and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. Since ProMotion was among the biggest upgrades for the device last year, it seems likely that brightness could be among the display specifications to be reduced.

In a follow-up post, the leaker provided some insight into Apple's decision. Rather than increase the price of the β€ŒiPhone 18β€Œ, the company plans to downgrade certain components, including the chip, to maintain the same price point.

Although both the β€ŒiPhone 17β€Œ and iPhone 17e feature the A19 chip, the β€ŒiPhone 17β€Œ's variant has a five-core GPU, instead of the β€ŒiPhone 17eβ€Œ's four-core version. The iPhone 17 Pro's A19 Pro chip is essentially the same but has a six-core GPU.

As a result, a reduction from five to four GPU cores in the β€ŒiPhone 18β€Œ could be among the planned downgrades. Fixed Focus Digital added that it is "highly probable" that Apple will tweak the name of the device's A-series chip in an effort to disguise the extent of downgrade.

The Weibo leaker ultimately doubled-down on the move, saying that "the downgrade in the standard β€ŒiPhone 18β€Œ model's specifications has now been confirmed." Engineering Validation Testing (EVT) of the β€ŒiPhone 18β€Œ and iPhone 18e are apparently set to take place simultaneously in June.

The leaker's previous report outlined Apple's decision to implement new cost-control strategies for the device, including specific downgrades to manufacturing processes, chips, memory, and more. The move will "effectively bring it in line with the '18e' model."

With the β€ŒiPhone 17eβ€Œ and β€ŒiPhone 17β€Œ, the biggest differences are the Dynamic Island, display size, ProMotion, brightness, the front facing camera, the Ultra Wide camera, and battery life. It is not clear which key differentiators will remain between the two devices in their next iterations.



The leaker apparently verified the information using multiple sources. They noted that the information originates from the same source who correctly confirmed that the β€ŒiPhone 17eβ€Œ would continue to feature a "notch," contrary to false reports that the device would have a β€ŒDynamic Islandβ€Œ.

The standard β€ŒiPhone 18β€Œ is expected to launch months after the iPhone 18 Pro models as part of an all-new split launch strategy. Apple's usual fall iPhone announcement is expected to include the β€ŒiPhone 18 Proβ€Œ, β€ŒiPhone 18 Proβ€Œ Max, and the so-called foldable "iPhone Ultra." The iPhone 18e, β€ŒiPhone 18β€Œ, and iPhone Air 2 will likely follow in the spring of 2027.
Related Roundup: iPhone 18
Related Forum: iPhone

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Opera Browser Gains Per-Tab Volume Booster, Video Popout

22 April 2026 om 16:29
Opera has pushed another update for its flagship browser, with new changes aimed at making video streaming and conferencing better. Here are the details.


Opera users now get direct access to YouTube and Twitch from the browser sidebar, allowing them to pin the panel for side-by-side viewing or snap the video out with the Video Popout feature, which creates a floating overlay that they can move while navigating the web.

Meanwhile, in what the company is describing as a first for any browser, Opera now has an integrated Volume Booster that lets users increase a tab's volume by up to 500 percent. The feature includes per-tab control, so users can, for example, keep background music at a quiet 5%, while simultaneously boosting a quiet video in another tab to 500%.

The company says this native feature means users no longer need to rely on third-party volume extensions that can cause full-screen glitches and security warnings.

Opera is also touting major quality-of-life upgrades to remote working in the latest update. The app now fully supports any video conferencing website that supports PiP, which includes full compatibility with Zoom. Users also get per-site control over Auto-PiP permissions for every individual conferencing website. And in an aesthetic change for consistency, the Video Popout window matches the chosen Opera One theme for the first time.


Opera browser is available now as a free update and can be downloaded from the company's website.
This article, "Opera Browser Gains Per-Tab Volume Booster, Video Popout" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iPhone 18 Pro's Special Color Rumored Yet Again

22 April 2026 om 16:25
Last week, Macworld's Filipe EspΓ³sito reported that Apple is testing four color options for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, and one of those colors has since been corroborated by a known leaker on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.


The four alleged color options include Light Blue, Dark Cherry, Dark Gray, and Silver.

Dark Cherry would be the signature new color option for the iPhone 18 Pro models this year, following Cosmic Orange for the iPhone 17 Pro models. This might end up being the "deep red" that was previously rumored for the devices.

Weibo leaker "Instant Digital" today corroborated the Dark Cherry color option, describing it as a mix of burgundy, coffee, and deep purple. Those were all previously-rumored iPhone 18 Pro color options, but it appears that they are actually one in the same.

"Instant Digital" has accurately leaked Apple information before, such as the yellow color for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.

Light Blue looks similar to the iPhone 13 Pro's Sierra Blue color option.

Depending on the shade, Dark Gray could be similar to either the iPhone 13 Pro's Graphite color option or the iPhone 14 Pro's Space Black finish.

Silver would remain an option too β€” it is Apple's classic color.

iPhone 17 Pro models are available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver. Macworld said Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue will likely be discontinued, so do not expect either of those color options to remain available for the iPhone 18 Pro models.

Last year, Macworld accurately leaked the iPhone 17 Pro's Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue colors, but the report also mentioned black, white, and gray color options that did not materialize. So, at least some of the rumored iPhone 18 Pro colors will likely prove to be true, but it remains to be seen if Apple moves forward with all four.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models in September.
Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro

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Apple Watch Series 11 Hits $100 Off on Amazon, Starting at $299

22 April 2026 om 16:12
Amazon this week has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. This sale includes a handful of aluminum models of the Series 11 on sale at record low prices.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. On Amazon, you'll find two of both the 42mm and 46mm GPS models on sale at these all-time low prices.




In terms of cellular models, Amazon doesn't have any all-time low prices as of writing, but you can shop a few solid second-best deals this week. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $429.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $459.00, down from $529.00.

Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.




Deals Newsletter


Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Vision Pro Creator Mike Rockwell Has Considered Leaving Apple

22 April 2026 om 15:10
Mike Rockwell, the Apple executive who led development of the Vision Pro and is now in charge of rebuilding Siri, has considered leaving the company or moving into an advisory role as soon as next year, according to a new Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman.


Rockwell is said to have reservations about reporting to his new boss, software chief Craig Federighi, and wants a bigger remit than the one he currently has, according to people with knowledge of the matter who spoke to Gurman. Rockwell was apparently once lined up for a role defining Apple's product and AI roadmap – something close to a chief technology officer position – on the assumption that head-worn wearables would form the foundation of Apple's post-iPhone era.

However, that trajectory has gone south because the Vision Pro has struggled to find a mainstream audience, with many put off by its $3,499 price tag and physical heft. Apple is still developing smart glasses and other wearables, but the picture for Rockwell is decidedly murkier than it once was.

Rockwell took on the Siri project in March 2025 as part of a wider reshuffle, after Tim Cook lost confidence in the AI work being done under former AI chief John Giannandrea and reassigned the voice assistant away from his team.

Gurman reports that Rockwell is unlikely to walk away before finishing the Siri overhaul, which is now expected to arrive as part of iOS 27. He is one of several senior Apple figures who are said to be weighing their next move as John Ternus prepares to take over from CEO Tim Cook in September.

Among them is retail and HR chief Deirdre O'Brien, who has told colleagues she is considering retirement, while government affairs head Kate Adams is set to retire later this year. Marketing boss Greg Joswiak, App Store head Phil Schiller, and services chief Eddy Cue are all approaching four decades at the company, raising the prospect of further departures during Ternus's watch.
Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

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iPhone 18 Pro to Kick Off Apple's Four-Part Camera Upgrade Plan

22 April 2026 om 13:55
Apple is evaluating four camera upgrades for future iPhone models, with the first new feature scheduled for this year's iPhone 18 Pro models, according to a reputable Chinese leaker.


The Weibo-based account Digital Chat Station claims that Apple has implementation plans for the following upgrades:

  • Variable aperture

  • 1/1.12-inch "ultra-large" main camera sensor

  • Enhanced optical image stabilization for ultra-wide lens

  • 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens

The variable aperture is widely rumored to be introduced with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected to launch this September. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in December 2024 that the main rear camera on both β€ŒiPhone 18 Proβ€Œ models will offer variable aperture. More recently in October, a report claimed that Apple is moving ahead with those plans and was discussing components with suppliers.

Apple has never implemented a variable aperture on an iPhone. From the iPhone 14 Pro through the iPhone 17 Pro, the main camera uses a fixed Ζ’/1.78 aperture, meaning the lens remains fully open at all times when capturing images. In contrast, a variable aperture lets the camera control how much light reaches the sensor. In low-light conditions, it opens to admit more light, while in bright scenes, it closes to avoid overexposure. This should also give users more control over depth of field.

The other camera upgrades the leaker mentioned appear to be ones that Apple is testing for future models beyond the iPhone 18 Pro, with an unclear timeline for implementation.

Regarding the "ultra-large" main sensor, the 1/1.12-inch label is based on a legacy optical format, not a literal measurement. It dates back to video camera tubes, so the number doesn't correspond directly to the sensor's physical width. In practice, a 1/1.12-inch sensor has a diagonal of around 14.5mm – far smaller than the label might suggest, but very large by smartphone standards. It's the same size as Sony's LYTIA LYT-901, which is shipping in the Vivo X300 Ultra. It's significantly larger than the 1/1.28-inch main sensor the iPhone 17 Pro models use, and would offer improved low-light performance, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio.

As for the 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, Digital Chat Station has mentioned multiple times that Apple is studying the technology, but they recently said it is unlikely to feature in an iPhone before 2028.

Digital Chat Station has more than three million followers on Weibo, and has a track record of accurately leaking Apple-related information. For example, they accurately revealed the overall design of the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro, as well as the triple 48-megapixel rear camera system of the β€ŒiPhone 17 Pro.β€Œ Recently, the leaker claimed Apple's first foldable, expected to arrive alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, will be called "iPhone Ultra."
Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro

This article, "iPhone 18 Pro to Kick Off Apple's Four-Part Camera Upgrade Plan" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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X Rolls Out AI-Powered Custom Timelines for Premium Users

22 April 2026 om 11:45
X, formerly Twitter, has announced it is launching a custom timelines feature that allows users to pin specific topics to their home tab in the X app for iOS.


The company says custom timelines are powered by Grok AI, which understands the social media platform's algorithm personalization so that timelines are tuned for individual users.

Paying users will see an Add+ button appear next to the Following tab, with support for over 75 topics, ranging from design to robotics to real estate. X says Grok's filters work even better for topics a user already engages with.

Early access to custom timelines is currently limited to Premium subscribers on iOS, with Android set to follow "soon."

Ladies and gentlemen, today we're launching one of our biggest changes to

Introducing Custom Timelines

This feature allows you to pin a specific topic to your home tab. With support for over 75 topics, you can dive deep into your favorite niche on X.

It's powered by Grok's… pic.twitter.com/9jkIEXvubj

β€” Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) April 21, 2026

Today, X is also rolling out a tool to snooze topics on the For You tab, allowing users to tune out politics- or sports-related posts, for example.
This article, "X Rolls Out AI-Powered Custom Timelines for Premium Users" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Launches Tap to Pay on iPhone in Malaysia

22 April 2026 om 10:51
Apple has announced the availability of Tap to Pay on iPhone in Malaysia, allowing independent sellers, small merchants, and large retailers in the region to use β€ŒiPhonesβ€Œ as a payment terminal.


Tap to Pay allows iPhones to accept payments via Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital walletsβ€Œβ€Œβ€Œ. All transactions are encrypted, and Apple has no information about what is purchased or the person who made the purchase.

No additional hardware or credit card machine is requiredβ€Œ to use Tap to Pay on iPhone. The feature uses NFC technology to securely authenticate the contactless payments, plus the feature also supports PIN entry, which includes accessibility options.

Starting today, ADAPTIS, Fiuu, HitPay, Stripe, and Zoho are the first payment platforms in Malaysia to bring Tap to Pay on iPhone to its merchants. Tap to Pay on iPhone will also be coming soon for checkout at Apple The Exchange TRX. Supported contactless debit and credit cards include American Express, JCB, Mastercard, MyDebit, UnionPay, and Visa.

Tap to Pay on β€ŒiPhoneβ€Œ launched in February 2022 in the United States, and since then, Apple has expanded it to more than 50 countries and regions around the world.
This article, "Apple Launches Tap to Pay on iPhone in Malaysia" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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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!!! πŸ₯³ 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."
This article, "MacRumors Readers React to Tim Cook Stepping Down as CEO" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple TV's Hit Show 'Silo' is Returning Soon: Release Date and Trailer

21 April 2026 om 22:29
Apple today announced that its hit sci-fi series "Silo" is returning for a third season starting Friday, July 3, and it shared a teaser trailer.


"Silo" follows the lives of 10,000 people living in an underground bunker to escape the seemingly toxic wasteland outside. The people are unaware of why the silo was built, and those who seek the truth face deadly consequences. Rebecca Ferguson stars as Juliette Nichols, an engineer who attempts to unravel the mysteries surrounding the silo following a loved one's murder. The show is based on Hugh Howey's best-selling book series, and it is one of the most popular original series on the Apple TV streaming service.

The third season will have 10 episodes, with one released every Friday through September 4.

Apple already renewed "Silo" for a fourth and final season as well.

"With the final two chapters of 'Silo,' we can't wait to give fans of the show an incredibly satisfying conclusion to the many mysteries and unanswered questions contained within the walls of these silos," said showrunner and executive producer Graham Yost, regarding the third and fourth seasons of the show.

About Season Three (Spoilers Ahead)


Apple says the third season "continues the saga of a dystopian society."

"In the present, Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) survives her forced 'cleaning' but returns with memory loss as the silo recovers from rebellion and faces a dangerous new threat," says Apple. "Meanwhile, in the 'Before Times,' journalist Helen Drew (Jessica Henwick) and Congressman Daniel Keene (Ashley Zukerman) uncover a conspiracy that pulls them into a chain of events with catastrophic, irreversible consequences."

Trailer



Apple TV


In the U.S., Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month or $129 per year, with a free one-week trial available for new subscribers. Apple TV is also included in Apple One and Peacock bundles, with all of the options outlined on Apple's website.

You can stream Apple TV in the Apple TV app, which is available on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, select smart TVs, on the web at tv.apple.com, and more.
Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

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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 β€ŒApp Storeβ€Œ, Cal AI is once again the number four app on the β€ŒApp Storeβ€Œ's Health and Fitness charts.
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Apple Teases 'Incredible Road Map Ahead'

21 April 2026 om 21:10
In an all-hands meeting with employees today, Apple's future CEO John Ternus teased an "incredible road map ahead."


"I'm not exaggerating when I say this is the most exciting time to be building products and services at Apple in my entire career," said Ternus. While the meeting was private, Ternus' comments were reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Appearing alongside Apple's current CEO Tim Cook at the Steve Jobs Theater, Ternus expressed optimism about artificial intelligence in particular.

"AI is going to create almost unlimited potential," said Ternus. "We're going to be able to keep unlocking possibilities that are going to create entirely new opportunities for our products and services, and I'm so excited about what that's going to mean for our users." Unsurprisingly, he did not provide any specific details at this time.

"We are about to change the world once again," he said.

Ternus ensured that design remains "core" to Apple, and he promised that the company is still committed to user privacy and environmental responsibility.

As for Cook, he told employees he is "healthy" and plans to serve as Apple's executive chairman for "a long time." Apple said Cook will "assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world."

Ternus will become Apple's CEO on September 1.
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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 β€ŒmacOS Tahoeβ€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 β€ŒmacOS Tahoeβ€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€Œ because there's no stem, but the in-ear fit is different. The β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€Œ.

The β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 β€ŒAirPods Pro 3β€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 that’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 Apple’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. Satechi’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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Get Up to $52 Off the 11th Gen iPad, Available From $299 [Update: Sold Out]

21 April 2026 om 17:49
Amazon this week is taking up to $52 off Wi-Fi models of Apple's 11th generation iPad. Prices start at $299.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, down from $349.00, which is a solid second-best price on this model.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Additionally, Amazon has the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad for $399.99 ($49 off) and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad for $597.00 ($52 off). Free delivery estimates are placed around the end of April for most of these iPad models, but Prime members should be able to get same-day delivery in many locations.





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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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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Anker Earth Day Sale Features Up to 40% Off Popular Chargers and More

21 April 2026 om 15:51
Anker is hosting a new suite of deals for Earth Day on both Amazon and Anker.com, highlighted by the new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $119.99, down from $149.99. This accessory just launched last month, and Amazon's sale today is a solid second-best price.

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.

The Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station features Qi2.2 support, which lets a compatible MagSafe β€ŒiPhoneβ€Œ charge at up to 25W. It's the same speed as Apple's β€ŒMagSafeβ€Œ charger, and it is 10W faster than the standard Qi2 β€ŒMagSafeβ€Œ chargers. You can also simultaneously charge an Apple Watch and AirPods with the device.



There are plenty of other Anker discounts happening on Amazon this week, including Anker's popular 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube for $89.98, down from $129.99. Below you'll find a list of the best Anker discounts on Amazon this week, also including wall chargers, portable chargers, and more.

Anker's website has most of the same deals, with discounts that increase with the more you buy. You'll get 5 percent off when you spend $89 or more, 10 percent off when you spend $139 or more, and 20 percent off when you spend $199 or more.



Although it's not on sale, Anker recently launched a new desktop charging accessory with the Anker Nano Desk Clamp Power Strip for $69.99. The new device attaches to your desk and has 10 total ports including six AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports. It supports 70W USB-C fast charging and comes in white and black color options.

Wall Chargers



Wireless Chargers



Portable Chargers



If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.




Deals Newsletter


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Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Top Leaders React to Apple Announcing Tim Cook Will Step Down as CEO

21 April 2026 om 15:42
Apple on Monday announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO, and some top leaders around the world have publicly commented on the news.


Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company, including "engaging with policymakers around the world."

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella:
Wishing you all the best in this next chapter, Tim Cook. You've always led with clarity and purpose, and your impact on Apple and across our industry will be felt for years to come.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai:
Congrats on an incredible run Tim Cook, always respected your deep commitment to Apple's mission and best wishes in your new role!
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman:
Tim Cook is a legend.

I am very thankful for everything he has done and I am very thankful for Apple.
U.S. President Donald Trump:
I have always been a big fan of Tim Cook, and likewise, Steve Jobs, but if Steve was not taken from the Planet Earth so young, and ran the company instead of Tim, the company would have done well, but nowhere near as well as it has under Tim.
More from Trump:
I was very impressed with myself to have the head of Apple calling to "kiss my ass."
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey:
Here in Alabama, we will always be proud of Tim Cook! He is an Alabamian through and through β€” born in Mobile and a graduate of Auburn University. I wish Tim Cook continued success and am grateful for all he has done and will continue to do for our state.
Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett:
Apple would not be the Apple of today without Tim Cook.
More from Buffett:
Covering the world and getting along with countries with all kinds of histories and doing right by the customer, people who worked for him, certainly the shareholders, which we were lucky enough to be one of… he's one of a kind.
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon:
Congratulations to Tim Cook on his nearly 15 years of leadership at Apple, and to John Ternus on becoming CEO.
Apple's former iPod chief Tony Fadell:
Congratulations Tim Cook on one of the most consequential leadership runs in tech.

This year marks 50 years of Apple, and Tim has led Apple through a defining stretch of that history.
Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey:
RIP Tim Apple
We will update this story with any additional quotes throughout the day.
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WhatsApp Testing Paid 'Plus' Subscription Tier – Here's What's Included

21 April 2026 om 15:19
WhatsApp has started testing a paid subscription tier called WhatsApp Plus, which adds a set of personalization options on top of the standard messaging experience, according to WABetaInfo.


The paid plan Meta is testing appears to be geared towards hardcore users who spend a lot of time in the app: subscribers get access to premium sticker packs with fullscreen overlay animations (visible to recipients without the plan), optional accent colors that replace the app's default green across the UI, and alternate app icons ranging from minimal designs to textured effects like glitter, nebula, and fuzzy purple.

The plan also raises the pinned-chat limit from 3 to 20, adds 10 exclusive ringtones, and allows bulk application of custom themes and notification settings across chat lists.

While we don't know how much the plan will cost when it goes live, the test interface currently shows €2.49 per month in Europe and $29 in Mexico. Based on the beta, users may eventually see a free one-month trial.

Otherwise, WhatsApp's main functionality remains unchanged. Messaging, voice and video calls, status updates, and end-to-end encryption are still free, suggesting the paid tier sits alongside existing features rather than restricting anything that was previously unpaid.

Overall, it's a test that was anticipated – Meta has been laying the groundwork for subscription revenue across its apps for some time. The company is already testing "Instagram Plus," a new paid subscription service in select markets for roughly $1–$2/month. That plan offers premium features focused on Stories, such as anonymous viewing, 48-hour story duration, and analytics on re-watches.

The optional WhatsApp plan is currently available to a limited number of Android beta users, with a wider rollout planned over the coming weeks. iOS support is expected at a later stage, and the subscription is not expected to apply to WhatsApp Business.
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Report: Ternus to Bring Jobs-Era Decisiveness Back to Apple

21 April 2026 om 12:51
Apple on Monday announced that CEO Tim Cook is stepping down as the company's chief executive officer, with hardware engineering chief John Ternus set to take the helm. In a new Bloomberg report, reporter Mark Gurman suggests one of the reasons Ternus has been chosen as successor is for his decision-making style, which is said to be closer to co-founder Steve Jobs than Cook, who has a more deliberative approach.


From the report:
"Ternus will make decisions" when it comes to product development, said one person who has worked closely with both executives. "If you go to Tim with 'A' or 'B,' he won't pick. He'll ask a series of questions instead if he has concerns."

Ternus, on the other hand, will choose, said the person, who asked not to be identified in order to speak candidly. "It could be right or wrong, but at least it's a decision."

That shift could mark the end of an era in which major product decisions were made collectively by a small group of top executives. Ternus is expected to take a more centralized approach where he will be a singular decision-maker.
Earlier this month, Ternus reportedly reorganized the hardware engineering division around a new AI platform designed to speed up product development and improve device quality. Ternus is said to be keen to deploy AI quickly throughout Apple to improve its operations, suggesting he is willing to make clear calls and shake things up where necessary. Ternus has also told employees he will remain closely involved in hardware engineering development, indicating a sharper focus on products.

He is also reportedly ready to push back when it matters – Ternus apparently opposed development of the Vision Pro, which has flopped, as well as the company's autonomous car project that cost around $10 billion, but was ultimately scrapped.

Cook will hand over the reins to Ternus on September 1, in time for him to oversee the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro models as well as the company's first foldable iPhone later the same month. Cook will continue to advise Apple in a new role as executive chairman.
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200MP Telephoto iPhone Lens Unlikely to Arrive Before 2028

21 April 2026 om 11:15
Apple is unlikely to add a 200-megapixel telephoto camera to the iPhone before 2028, despite having already tested such a sensor in prototypes, according to leaker Digital Chat Station.


In a post today shared on China's Weibo social platform, the leaker said Apple has evaluated a 200-megapixel sensor for a periscope-type camera, but adoption remains at least a couple of years away.

The leaker did not give a reason for the time frame, but they have previously referred to Apple's continuing focus on improving optical flexibility and low-light performance, rather than a jump in raw resolution. This year's iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture, alongside a 48-megapixel telephoto camera featuring a longer focal length and a larger aperture.

Digital Chat Station's latest post reflects a shift in position. In March, they said a 200-megapixel sensor could potentially ship in an iPhone as soon as next year, but the supply chain evidence no longer appears to support this claim.

Back in January, Morgan Stanley reported that Apple is working to bring a 200-megapixel camera to the iPhone as soon as 2028, so the two independent sources are now more closely aligned on the matter.

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.

Digital Chat Station has a large following on Chinese social media platform Weibo, and the account has previously shared accurate information about Apple's future products.
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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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Apple CEO Tim Cook Stepping Down, John Ternus Taking Over

20 April 2026 om 22:33
Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple's chief executive officer, and hardware engineering chief John Ternus is set to take over, Apple announced today.


Cook will continue on as Apple CEO through the summer, with Ternus set to join Apple's Board of Directors and take over as CEO on September 1, 2026. Cook is going to transition to executive chairman, and he will "assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world."

In a statement, Cook said that his time as Apple's CEO has been the "greatest privilege" of his life.
It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world. John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.

Ternus said that he is optimistic about what Apple can achieve in the years to come.
I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple's mission forward. Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.

Apple says that the transition was approved by the Board of Directors and is the result of a "thoughtful, long-term succession planning process." The current board chair, Arthur Levinson, will become the lead independent director on the board.
This article, "Apple CEO Tim Cook Stepping Down, John Ternus Taking Over" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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