Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser that was first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ to allow users to test features that are planned for future release versions of the Safari browser.


‌Safari Technology Preview‌ 248 includes fixes and updates for Accessibility, CSS, Editing, Forms, Images, JavaScript, Media, Navigation, Networking, Rendering, SVG, Scrolling, Security, Storage, Web API, Web Inspector, WebDriver, and WebRTC.

The current ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release is compatible with machines running macOS Tahoe and macOS Golden Gate, the newest version of macOS.

The ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple's website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.

Apple's aim with ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.
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Apple today released the second public betas of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, allowing anyone with a compatible device to download and test the new software. The second betas come a week after Apple seeded the first betas.


You can get started by signing up on Apple's beta website and then opting in to the public beta by going to Settings > General > Software Update and choosing the ‌iOS 27‌ or ‌iPadOS 27‌ Public Beta option.

‌iOS 27‌ introduces Siri AI, a more capable version of ‌Siri‌ that can search the web, access your personal information, see what's on your screen, and take actions in and across apps. ‌Siri‌ in ‌iOS 27‌ is more similar to Claude or ChatGPT than the prior version of ‌Siri‌, with a dedicated ‌Siri‌ app for back-and-forth conversations. You can use ‌Siri‌ AI if you have a device that supports Apple Intelligence.

Apple updated the Liquid Glass design that debuted last year, adding a slider to adjust the transparency level and refining its look. There are new AI features in many of Apple's apps. Visual Intelligence moved to the Camera app and supports new features like getting the nutritional information for a meal or splitting a bill, and ‌Siri‌ is able to generate text for you or help you refine your writing with Write with ‌Siri‌.

There are new AI photo editing tools in the Photos app, Safari can organize your tabs automatically, and you can create Shortcuts and Safari extensions using natural language commands. AirPods have custom EQ, the Home app supports 4K video cameras, and there are new child safety controls for parents.

Apple made dozens of improvements to device performance, and everything feels faster, even on older iPhones. Apps launch quicker, AirDrop transfers are faster, the keyboard loads quicker, and more.

Additional information on the new features in ‌iOS 27‌ can be found in our dedicated iOS 27 roundup, with info on ‌iPadOS 27‌ available in our separate iPadOS 27 roundup.
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Apple today released the second public beta of macOS Golden Gate, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of its fall release. You can sign up to test the update on Apple's beta website, and then download it by going to System Settings > General > Software Update and toggling on the macOS 27 beta.


‌macOS Golden Gate‌ includes the same Siri AI features as iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, but you get to ‌Siri‌ through Spotlight with a Command + Space keyboard shortcut. ‌Siri‌ can search the web to answer questions, look through your personal data like photos, emails, and messages to help you find what you're searching for, and complete actions in and between apps. There is a dedicated ‌Siri‌ app, and you can hold ongoing conversations with ‌Siri‌.

Apple brought Visual Intelligence to the Mac, so ‌Siri‌ can look at what's on your screen and answer questions about it.

The Liquid Glass design introduced last year has been updated, and Apple added a slider for controlling overall system transparency. Liquid Glass opacity has been changed so it better diffuses complex content, and other design changes bring more depth and separation to the UI so it's easier to tell which window is active.

Apps now feature uniform toolbars with headings and controls that are easier to read, and windows no longer have such dramatically rounded corners. Sidebars are no longer floating and extend edge-to-edge, plus window positioning is more consistent across external displays.

Write with ‌Siri‌ is able to generate text from scratch, correct your grammar, or give you feedback on your writing, and there are new AI editing tools in the Photos app. In Shortcuts, you can create automations with natural language requests, and search has been improved in Mail and Messages. Apple made multiple performance improvements across ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ for a faster, smoother experience even on older Macs.

More on the new features in macOS 27 can be found in our macOS Golden Gate roundup.
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Apple today released the second public betas of tvOS 27 and watchOS 27, giving Apple TV and Apple Watch users a chance to try the new software ahead of its fall launch. There's also a new HomePod Software 27 beta for the ‌HomePod‌ and HomePod mini.


You can sign up for Apple's public beta testing program on the beta website, and then download the updates through the Settings app on each device.

‌watchOS 27‌ adopts Siri AI, and you can use ‌Siri‌ from your wrist as long as you have an iPhone that supports it. ‌Siri‌ AI can access your personal information, answer all kinds of questions, and complete tasks for you. There is a dedicated ‌Siri‌ app that's front and center on the watch in the new dynamic app grid that comes up when pressing the Digital Crown.

There's a new gesture for selecting a widget in the Smart Stack, plus Apple added Smart Stack suggestions for finding a parked car, accessing a transit card, and getting a birthday reminder.

Workout Buddy works without your iPhone nearby, treadmill run and walk distances are tracked more accurately, and Apple added a unified Find My app that also supports Precision Finding.

tvOS 27 has a redesigned Podcasts app, Hi-Res Lossless audio and AutoMix song transitions in Apple Music, and easier profile switching. With performance improvements, apps launch faster, animations are speedier, and devices connect more quickly when AirPlaying content.

More on what's new in the updates can be found in our watchOS 27 roundup and Apple TV roundup.
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Apple is testing new Mac mini configurations with generationally mismatched M6 and M5 Pro chips, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, but he did not provide a release timeframe.

In a similar move last year, Apple updated the Mac Studio with mismatched M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips.
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Android 17 includes a wireless native migration experience for transferring more types of data from an iPhone, making the process of switching to an Android device easier.


Google says the upgraded method allows Google Accounts, passwords, Wi-Fi credentials, and eSIMs to be transferred. It also supports photos, videos, contacts, messages, and calendars, like the prior version of the switching tool. Data transfers require an iPhone with iOS 26.3 or later.

Both Apple and Google had to implement iPhone and Android transfer tools that work without an app to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act. When you set up a new Android smartphone or iPhone, there are now simple built-in options to transfer data from a competing platform. Before the on-device transfer options, Google and Apple offered apps for moving data.

The Digital Markets Act requires services to offer data portability to prevent lock-in to an operating system. It also forced Apple and Google to implement a simplified eSIM transfer process.

Android 17 with the new data transfer method has been rolling out to select Pixel devices since June and will also come to Samsung's newly announced Galaxy Z Flip8 and Z Fold8 smartphones.
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Apple has finished development of a new iMac that it plans to release later this year, according to a report today from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The updated iMac is one of 11 new Mac models that Apple plans to release over the next two years or so.


The next iMac will unsurprisingly have a newer chip, but the report did not indicate if Apple plans to use the existing M5 chip or the upcoming M6 chip. Apple has never released an iMac with its higher-end "Pro" or "Max" chips.

No major design changes have been rumored for the next iMac, so it will likely continue to have a 24-inch LCD screen. However, the report said Apple is planning a subsequent iMac with an OLED display for release "further in the future."

The current iMac with the M4 chip was announced in October 2024. The desktop computer did not receive an M5 chip upgrade last year, so the model coming this year would represent the first refresh in two years. The report said the iMac will continue to come in two configurations, with varying CPU/GPU core counts and ports.

Apple discontinued the Intel-based iMac Pro and 27-inch iMac models in 2021 and 2022, respectively, and the computer has only come in a 24-inch size since then. Over the years, there have been rumors that an iMac Pro with at least a 30-inch display and Apple silicon might be released one day, but nothing of that sort has materialized.

Apple raised prices on all Macs last month amid rising memory chip costs. In the U.S., the iMac now starts at $1,499, up from $1,299.
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Apple is working on a new MacBook Neo with two key upgrades, including an A19 Pro chip and increased RAM, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The updated MacBook Neo is one of 11 new Mac models that Apple plans to release.


With the A19 Pro chip, the second-generation MacBook Neo should have 12GB of RAM, up from an A18 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM in the current model.

The report suggested that the next MacBook Neo will also have new color options. Existing finishes include Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo.

While the report did not indicate when the next MacBook Neo will be released, the first half of next year seems likely. The current MacBook Neo was released in March of this year. In the U.S., the laptop initially started at a breakthrough $599 for the general public, but Apple raised the starting price to $699 last month.

You can still get a MacBook Neo for as low as $599 in the U.S. through Apple's education store, so long as you are a verified college student or meet other eligibility criteria, or if you opt for a certified refurbished model.

Apple previously said the MacBook Neo was in high demand, but it remains to be seen how the $100 price increase might impact sales. Even at $699, it is still the most affordable MacBook, coming in well below the MacBook Air's increased $1,299 starting price. The company's next quarterly earnings report will be released on July 30.
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Apple is preparing to refresh every Mac it sells over the next two years, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


The plans come amid a Mac resurgence, with sales projected to climb for a third consecutive year, partly thanks to a growing following among users who lean on the machines for demanding, agent-based AI workloads.

The wave of new Macs will begin this fall with a refreshed entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro and the first new iMacs in two years. Here's everything coming, according to the report:

• Refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro (entry-level) (Fall 2026): Among the first Macs with the new M6 chip; codename J804.


• Mac mini (timing dependent on memory supply): New model in testing with M5 Pro and M6 chips.


• Mac Studio (timing dependent on memory supply): New model in testing with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips.


• Refreshed iMac (Fall 2026): First new iMacs in two years; codenames J833 and J834.


• High-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook (End of 2026 to Early 2027): All-new design with an OLED touch screen; M5 Pro and M5 Max chip options; codenames K114 and K116.


• Refreshed MacBook Air (Early 2027): 13-inch and 15-inch models similar to the current machines; codenames J913 and J915.


• 14-inch MacBook Pro (entry-level) (2027): 14-inch model resembling the high-end K114 and K116 design but with a standard M7 chip; codename K104.


• Refreshed MacBook Neo (timing unclear): New budget laptop using an A19 Pro chip and more memory; part of a periodic refresh cycle with new colors.


• Follow-up high-end MacBook (End of 2027 to Early 2028): Successor to K114 and K116, moving to M7 Pro and M7 Max chips.


• OLED MacBook Air (2028 earliest): A future version of the MacBook Air with an ‌OLED‌ panel, implicitly with a redesign.


• OLED iMac (timing unclear): New iMac model with an ‌OLED‌ screen, matching the technology coming to MacBook and ‌MacBook Air‌.

Development of the refreshed iMacs and the entry-level ‌MacBook Pro‌ is reportedly complete, though the machines aren't expected to ship until the fall. The high-end MacBook with the ‌OLED‌ touchscreen remains the most notable model on the roadmap, and Apple is said to be testing it internally with macOS 27.1, which is scheduled for release at the end of October.

The Mac mini and Mac Studio have become popular among users running AI applications thanks to their processing power, but demand has been outstripping supply and new orders for some current models reportedly won't ship for at least three months. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in April that it could take "several months" for those machines to reach a supply-demand balance. As a result, the timing of successors to those machines is currently unclear.
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Samsung today debuted its latest foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip8, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and the new Galaxy Z Fold8, which has a design similar to what we're expecting from the foldable iPhone coming this September. We were able to take a look at the new Samsung foldables ahead of launch.


The Galaxy ZFold 8 Ultra has a 6.5-inch cover screen when closed, and an 8-inch display when it's unfolded. Both displays are OLED with 120Hz refresh rates. The device is just 4.1mm thick when open.

Samsung included a three-camera setup with a 200-megapixel wide lens, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and 30x Space Zoom. There are also two selfie cameras, one on the cover screen and one on the main display.

Samsung's Z Fold8 has a 7.6-inch display when open and a 5.5-inch display when closed, and it looks like Samsung read the foldable iPhone rumors and beat Apple to it. It has a passport-style form factor, so it's not as tall as prior Samsung foldables. It's wider and more square than the designs Samsung used in the past.

The aspect ratio of the unfolded Z Fold8 makes it feel similar to using an iPad mini, which feels more natural than using taller foldables. It's a size that's perfect for watching videos or running two apps side by side. The Z Fold8 gives us a pretty clear look at what the Apple foldable will look like and what it will feel like to use.

Samsung is reserving higher-tier specs for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. The Z Fold8 also has a three-camera setup, but with lower-end camera options. Both devices support the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and offer up to 16GB of RAM. Samsung is also releasing the Galaxy Z Flip8, which has a 6.9-inch display when unfolded and a 4.1-inch cover screen when closed. The Flip8 doesn't open like a book, and instead has a clamshell design.

Samsung is now offering foldables in three sizes and two form factors, and it has had multiple years to refine its foldable designs. Samsung is on its eighth-generation devices, while Apple's first foldable hasn't launched yet.

Along with new foldable smartphones, Samsung also launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, which have the same round display that Samsung watches have used for several years. The titanium Watch Ultra2 is 47mm, while the Watch9 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes.

Samsung's watches offer a bioelectrical impedance analysis, reading body composition from the wrist. They also have heart rate tracking, sleep apnea detection, and other features that mirror what's available on the Apple Watch.

Samsung's new Galaxy foldables and smartwatches are available for pre-order starting today from the Samsung website.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
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WhatsApp just announced a raft of new features spanning CarPlay, iPad, and iPhone that are "designed to work wherever you do, across your devices and the other apps you use."


First up, WhatsApp for CarPlay and Android Auto has been completely refreshed. Now you can hear and respond to messages, make calls, see your call history, and reach your favorites, all hands-free directly from your car's screen.

Over on WhatsApp for web and desktop, a new feature powered by Adobe Acrobat means you can now open PDFs right inside WhatsApp without having to download them, then make lightweight edits like highlighting and annotating right in the chat.

Thirdly, you can now share a song straight from Apple Music or Spotify to your WhatsApp Status, so your friends can see what you're listening to.

Last but not least, it's now possible to sign up to WhatsApp on your iPad. Since WhatsApp announced its iPad app last year, one of the most requested features from users is the ability to create a WhatsApp directly on an iPad, without needing to link a phone. Now you can.

WhatsApp says these features are already rolling out to users now.
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There is an "update in progress" at the Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino, California, according to a new notice posted on Apple's website.


The building remains open to the public while the work is completed, but the area housing a 3D augmented reality model of Apple Park is temporarily closed.

"Please pardon our appearance while we improve our store," says Apple. "During this time, the Exhibition Space is temporarily closed."

Opened in November 2017, the Apple Park Visitor Center functions as both a store and a tourist attraction. While the Exhibition Space is closed for now, visitors can still grab a coffee at the on-site Caffè Macs, buy Apple merch, head up to the rooftop for a scenic view, or stroll through the adjacent "Mirage" public art installation.

Apple did not indicate when the improvements will be completed.
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Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models have entered mass production and are now in a production ramp-up phase, according to China Securities News.


In a new report citing supply chain sources (via MyDrivers), Apple's main assembly partner Foxconn is said to have entered its peak recruitment period to prepare for large-scale production and stocking ahead of the fall launch. Hourly wages, base pay, and rehire bonuses have all been raised to attract workers amid the ramp-up.

The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ is expected to introduce a smaller Dynamic Island cutout for its front camera and Face ID sensors. The opening is said to shrink from 20.76mm to 13.49mm, an area reduction of roughly 35%, which would push the screen-to-body ratio up to about 94.7% and reduce how much the cutout intrudes on full-screen content like games and movies played in landscape mode.

The devices are also expected to gain the A20 Pro chip, continuing Apple's usual performance and efficiency gains, alongside a new main camera with variable aperture technology that adjusts light intake depending on the shooting environment, which should improve low-light photography and depth-of-field control.

Chinese brokerages offer a mixed but largely bullish view on the device. CSC Financial said iPhone 17 sales have been strong and that Apple's innovation cycle is trending upward, with a foldable iPhone and smart glasses among several new products expected between 2026 and 2027 that could directly benefit the sector. Industrial Securities said the combination of expanding Apple Intelligence availability, the iPhone 18 lineup, and a new foldable iPhone should keep hardware and AI innovation driving the high-end smartphone market, and recommended investors continue tracking mid-to-long-term opportunities tied to Apple's product strength and AI upgrades.

Apple is reportedly adjusting its release cadence for the line this year, adopting a staggered rollout rather than launching the full lineup at once. The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max are expected to arrive first, in September, while the standard ‌iPhone 18‌ is not expected to launch until next year, likely alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2.
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Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to feature a variable-aperture camera. The upgrade has been rumored repeatedly and would be a first for Apple's smartphone lineup, but what would it actually change for everyday users?


An aperture is the opening inside a camera lens that lets in light. A natural comparison would be the pupils of your eyes, which open wider in the dark and become smaller in bright conditions.

Current iPhone cameras have an opening that's fixed to the one size. To compensate for this, the iPhone adjusts other settings and uses software processing to brighten or darken the image. By contrast, a variable aperture would give the device mechanical control over the amount of light entering the camera.

The biggest improvement – and the one you're most likely to notice first – would be smoother-looking video when shooting outdoors. In bright sunlight, the existing camera on an iPhone has to capture each frame very quickly to avoid an overexposed image, which can sometimes make movement look unnaturally sharp or jerky.

In contrast, the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture camera would typically make the lens opening smaller to limit the amount of light that gets in. Doing so should prevent washed-out highlights and allow the camera to record movement with more natural-looking blur. Photos taken in good lighting could also appear sharper, especially around the edges. Not only that, Portrait Mode photos that use the "bokeh" effect should also look more realistic, as opposed to looking rendered computationally.

It's still unclear whether users will control the aperture themselves or whether the iPhone will adjust it automatically. That's a big question mark, since it should determine whether it becomes a hands-on photography tool or a built-in feature that simply makes photos and videos look better behind the scenes.

We should learn the answer to this question in the coming months. Apple is expected to debut the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September, alongside its first foldable iPhone.
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Apple today announced that AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage is now available for the iPad and Apple Watch in Japan, after previously being limited to the iPhone there.

In addition, monthly and annual AppleCare+ plans are now available for a wider range of Apple products in Japan.
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Anthropic today said Claude Code for desktop has been updated to work with the iOS Simulator, with the integration available in public beta.


Claude Code can open in-progress apps in the iOS Simulator pane when it's instructed to build, run, or check an app. Claude can watch the iOS Simulator live as it runs, interact with it, and then iterate until a project is finished. Developers can continue to use the iOS Simulator as Claude works.

The pane in Claude Code drives the simulator directly, and it does not need computer use, which lets Claude control the screen the way a person would. With direct access, it works without the macOS Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions required for computer use.

Claude's screenshots of a device in iOS Simulator are sent to Anthropic and kept per standard conversation retention settings. Anthropic suggests users not sign in to real accounts on a device Claude uses.

iOS Simulator integration is available in Claude Code Desktop on macOS, and Xcode with the iOS platform installed is required. The simulator pane is available in local sessions only. Instructions on using the iOS Simulator with Claude Code can be found on Anthropic's website.
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Apple Invites was updated today with two minor features related to RSVPing to an invite: hosts and guests can now react with emoji when someone replies to an event, and a confetti animation now appears when guests reply.


Version 1.10 of the app also contains bug fixes and performance improvements, according to Apple. The update is available now in the App Store.

Released for the iPhone in February 2025, the Apple Invites app makes it easy to invite people to events, such as birthday parties and baby showers. The ability to create an event in the app requires subscribing to an iCloud+ plan with at least 50GB of storage, but anyone who receives an event link can RSVP for free on any device.
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Apple today updated its TestFlight app with a search field for quickly finding apps that you are beta testing, along with bug fixes and performance improvements.

TestFlight version 4.3 is available now in the App Store.
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Best Buy today is offering customers a chance to get $160 off every model of the iPhone Air during its Black Friday in July event.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. 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 256GB iPhone Air for $839.99 ($160 off), and this is an unlocked model available in all colors. The retailer is also offering the 512GB model for $1,039.99 and the 1TB model for $1,239.99, both $160 off.



Additionally, Amazon is back with an all-time low price on the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, available for $59.00, down from $99.00.



The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is only compatible with the iPhone Air, and it can add up to 65 percent additional charge to the smartphone. The MagSafe Battery supports up to 12W of fast wireless charging, and it sports a thin and light design similar to the iPhone Air.

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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Apple addressed a vulnerability in Hide My Email that exposed a user's real email address, reports 404 Media. Apple told the site the issue was fully fixed in a patch released on July 3.


The Hide My Email vulnerability was brought to Apple's attention in June 2025, but the company did not fix it until 404 Media publicized the bug in early July.

EasyOptOuts co-founder Tyler Murphy, who first reported the flaw to Apple, said he was told it was under investigation. Apple told him the vulnerability was fixed in March 2026, but it had not been. In the following months, Apple said it was again looking into the problem, but Murphy was unconvinced Apple would actually address it, so he contacted 404 Media to make it public.

404 Media confirmed the vulnerability has been patched, and has now shared details on how it worked, since it can no longer be exploited. Hide My Email is a paid iCloud+ feature that lets users create an anonymous email address for website sign-ups and email correspondence.

Sending a targeted Hide My Email user a message that got rejected as spam caused the person's real email address to appear in email logs.

"We don't know how often hidden email addresses were leaked in email logs. For many major email hosts, the leak was triggered simply by an email being automatically rejected as spam, even if it was a legitimate message. Such emails probably didn't make it to your inbox, so you can't review your spam folder to learn whether you were affected," Murphy and EasyOptOuts co-founder Ben Weiner said in a new statement.

"The bug that caused Apple's Hide My Email to leak hidden email addresses to senders has been fixed. However, we don't think the risk to Hide My Email users has been eliminated. Because non-malicious emails could bounce, revealing your hidden email address, and because mail transfer logs are often retained, we'd assume that any hidden email address linked to a Hide My Email address created before July 7, 2026, may have been exposed and could still be in third-party logs," they added.

While the bug has now been addressed, email logs that pre-date the fix could still expose user email addresses.

Apple has been sued over the Hide My Email flaw, and the plaintiffs are seeking class action status. The lawsuit says Apple violated California's false advertising law and other consumer protection statutes because Apple knew Hide My Email did not work as advertised.
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Apple today highlighted the SOS feature in the Apple Watch, publishing a short video featuring a man named Phil, who crashed while mountain biking.


Phil was biking with his two young children when he had an accident and was knocked unconscious. His Apple Watch detected the fall, calling emergency services and alerting his wife.

He ended up breaking his collarbone and seven ribs, but was able to receive help quickly because his watch gave emergency services his location. Phil was in the hospital for a week, and at the end of the video, he said "Just really glad that I had my Apple Watch on."

The Apple Watch is able to detect serious falls and vehicle crashes, getting help when the wearer is unconscious or unable to get help on their own. It calls emergency services automatically, and alerts a person's emergency contacts.
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After launching a new "Apple Upgrade" program next week, Apple plans to stop accepting new iPhone Upgrade Program sign-ups, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

It remains to be seen if existing iPhone Upgrade Program members will be able to remain enrolled in the program beyond their current terms, or if they will be migrated to the Apple Upgrade program at some point. One key difference, according to the report: Apple Upgrade will not bundle in AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage, which should result in a lower monthly payment. AppleCare+ will remain available separately, with upfront, annual, and monthly payment options.
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Apple and Klarna are partnering on a new "Apple Upgrade" leasing program set to launch in the U.S. on Tuesday, July 28, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


The program will allow you to finance most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models, with a 24-month term for iPhones and Apple Watches and a 36-month term for iPads and Macs. Customers will be able to pay off the device early during the term, upgrade early to a newer device, or keep or return the existing device after the term.

The report said some lower-priced devices, including the Apple Watch SE, the entry-level iPad, the iPhone 16, and the MacBook Neo, will not be eligible.

Klarna is a popular "buy now, pay later" service, similar to Affirm. Apple Upgrade will require a soft credit check, and additional fees may apply in some cases.

Apple plans to stop accepting new iPhone Upgrade Program sign-ups once the new Apple Upgrade program launches, the report added. Unlike the iPhone Upgrade Program, however, Apple Upgrade will apparently not include AppleCare+ coverage.

Apple plans to advertise the program as a way to have lower monthly payments compared to current financing programs, according to the report, so it sounds like Apple Upgrade will be a rebranded, all-in-one program that replaces the iPhone Upgrade Program and some other standard financing options that the company has offered.
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Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models and its first foldable iPhone are less than two months away from being unveiled, with the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 expected to follow in spring 2027 as part of the company's new split-launch strategy. We've looked back at everything we know so far, and ranked the most consistent rumors, followed by the more speculative ones.

Solid Rumors

• iPhone Air 2 With Two Cameras – The second-generation iPhone Air is reportedly in advanced testing with an Ultra Wide camera joining the existing Main camera. The overall design is expected to remain largely unchanged apart from the additional lens.


• New iPhone 18 Pro Colors – Dark Cherry is expected to be this year's signature finish, accompanied by Light Blue, Silver, and a Dark Gray option. The four colors have appeared in dummy-model images that corroborate earlier reports.


• iPhone 18 Pro Variable Aperture Lens – Both Pro models are expected to gain a variable aperture for the 48-megapixel Main camera. This would let the camera adjust how much light reaches the sensor and provide users with greater control over exposure and depth of field.


• More RAM for iPhone 18 – Reports disagree over whether the standard iPhone 18 will have 9GB or 12GB of RAM, but both amounts would be an increase over the iPhone 17's 8GB. The additional memory would support some of the more advanced on-device Apple Intelligence features coming in iOS 27.


• iPhone 18 Pro Battery Life – Leaked capacities suggest larger batteries for Apple's premium models, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max potentially reaching around 5,567mAh outside of China. A more efficient 2nm A20 Pro chip and LTPO+ display could deliver a more noticeable improvement in actual battery life.


• Book-Style Foldable Design – Apple's first foldable is consistently described as a short, wide, book-style device with an approximately 5.5-inch outer screen and 7.8-inch inner display. It is expected to use a 4:3 aspect ratio and resemble a small iPad when unfolded. It has been compared to "two titanium iPhone Airs side by side."


• New Apple-Designed Modems – The foldable iPhone and at least international versions of iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to use Apple's faster second-generation C2 modem, which could come with support for 5G satellite connectivity. However, if the C2 lacks mmWave capability (which is not a feature of the C1 or C1X), Apple is expected to opt for a Qualcomm modem instead for the U.S. market.


• Higher Prices – Rising memory and storage costs make price increases likely across the iPhone 18 lineup. Analysts estimate that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could start at $1,299 and $1,399, respectively – $200 more than their predecessors – while the foldable iPhone is expected to cost north of $2,000.

Possibly, Maybe

• iPhone Air 2 Battery Life – One leaker claims the iPhone Air 2 will have a 3,500 mAh battery, an increase of around 11 percent over the current model. The 2nm A20 chip and a potentially thinner display could provide further efficiency or make room for the larger cell.


• Only Two Foldable Colors – Some reports point to only two understated finishes for the foldable iPhone. White or silver appears most likely, while the darker option has variously been described as indigo, space gray, or black.


• Smaller Dynamic Island – Alleged prototypes, screen protectors, and CAD images of the iPhone 18 Pro depict a Dynamic Island around 35 percent narrower than on current iPhone 17 models. Other reports say Apple considered both designs or may have postponed the change until next year's models due to challenges with Face ID components, so this rumor remains ambiguous.


• Thicker Camera Plateau – Dummy models suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max's camera plateau could increase from 11.23mm to 11.54mm. A separate report says the smaller iPhone 18 Pro's camera housing will also become thicker, but no precise measurement has been shared.


• Simplified Camera Control – Apple is reportedly removing the capacitive sensing layer from Camera Control in future iPhones and instead relying solely on pressure sensitivity. The change could eliminate swipe gestures and accidental adjustments while reducing manufacturing and repair costs.


• Crease-Free Foldable Display – Apple is said to have reduced the inner display's crease to less than 0.15mm deep, making it almost invisible during normal use. More recent rumors appear to acknowledge that some physical crease may be unavoidable, so "nearly crease-free" is probably more realistic than completely crease-free.


• iPhone Ultra Naming – Recent rumors have increasingly referred to the foldable as the "iPhone Ultra," which would suit its expected position above the Pro Max. There is still no firm evidence of the final name, and "iPhone Fold" remains another, albeit outside possibility.

Seems Unlikely

• iPhone 18 Pro Teleconverter – A single report claims Apple has evaluated a teleconverter that would increase the camera's effective focal length. The claim comes from a relatively new Apple leaker, and it remains unclear how such a system would work inside an iPhone.


• Hole-Punch Selfie Camera – An early report from The Information said the iPhone 18 Pro would abandon the Dynamic Island for a top-left hole-punch camera. Subsequent reports instead point to either a smaller centered Dynamic Island or no change, making the hole-punch design look increasingly doubtful.


• iPhone 18 Downgrades – One leaker claims Apple will reduce the standard iPhone 18's display and chip specifications to control costs, potentially sharing more components with the iPhone 18e. The report has little corroboration and conflicts with expectations for a 2nm A20 chip and additional RAM.


• Foldable UDC Front Lens – The foldable's inner display has been rumored to contain a 24-megapixel under-display camera (UDC), but other information suggests the technology will not be ready this year. Apple may instead use visible hole-punch cameras on both the inner and outer displays.


• Goodbye, SIM Tray – The foldable iPhone itself is widely expected to be eSIM-only, but the SIM tray does not appear ready to disappear from the entire lineup. Battery capacity rumors still list physical-SIM variants of the iPhone 18 Pro for China, Hong Kong, and other markets.

What are you most looking forward to in the iPhone 18 lineup? Let us know in the comments below. For more rumors, check out our iPhone 18, iPhone Fold, iPhone Air, and iPhone 18 Pro roundups, which we update regularly.
This article, "iPhone 18 Rumor Reality Check: 20 Claims Ranked by Likelihood" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Amazon this week is taking $50 off Wi-Fi models of Apple's 11th generation iPad. Prices start at $399.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, down from $449.00. This is now the best price we've seen on the iPad since Apple's price hikes in June.

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 $499.00 ($50 off) and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad for $699.00 ($50 off). Free delivery estimates are placed around July 26 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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This article, "Score the A16 iPad for Its Best Price Since June's Hike" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 27 includes a rebuilt search architecture for Siri AI. As a result, iPhones running the iOS 27 beta go through a re-indexing process that can take many days to be completed, but iOS 26.6 should help to speed things up for users who skip the beta.

iOS 26.6 "optimizes the Spotlight index to prepare for iOS 27," according to Apple's release notes for the update, which will likely be released next week. iOS 26.6 also fixes various bugs and security vulnerabilities.
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Apple's principal chipmaker TSMC plans to raise prices by as much as 10 percent starting in 2027, according to a new report from Nikkei Asia.


The Taiwan-based foundry has reportedly held talks with clients about base price increases of 5 to 10 percent, covering both mature nodes and the more advanced processes at 7-nanometers and below that Apple relies on for its A-series and M-series chips. Negotiations began in June and were finalized this month, according to the publication's sources, with the new pricing set to take effect at the start of 2027.

Customers placing additional high-performance computing orders beyond their original forecasts will face a further 10 to 15 percent premium, which could lead to some advanced chip orders costing more than 10 percent extra overall.

The increased prices are said to reflect rising costs for materials, manufacturing equipment, and construction of new overseas chip plants.

TSMC reportedly decided to delay the hikes until 2027 to give customers time to adjust after negotiations concluded. The company declined to comment on the reported prices, but told Nikkei Asia that its general market approach was "strategic, not opportunistic."

Apple is TSMC's largest customer, and the timing means higher chip costs would come in the same year that Apple is rumored to launch additional iPhone 18 models as well as its 20th anniversary iPhone models. Whether Apple absorbs the increases or passes them along to customers remains to be seen. Apple last month dramatically increased device prices across multiple product lines, which CEO Tim Cook called "unavoidable," citing the soaring cost of memory and storage chips.
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Apple is reportedly prototyping a larger iPhone display measuring roughly 6.96 inches, which would likely be marketed as a 7-inch panel if it reaches production.


According to Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is testing the display internally in preparation for the 20th anniversary iPhone, which is expected to launch next year. The leaker said that the screen ratio is the same as the current iPhone 17 Pro Max, but whether the display is ultimately used in the iPhone 20 Pro Max remains unconfirmed at this stage.

Last month, Bloomberg reported that Apple had started ramping up work on two sizes of the 20th anniversary iPhone. Multiple rumors have suggested the device will have an edge-to-edge display with curved glass at all sides for a nearly borderless visual effect.

This year's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max models are expected to be the same dimensions as the current iPhone 17 Pro models, which are available in 6.3- and 6.9-inch sizes.

Apple last increased the size of its premium iPhone displays with the iPhone 16 Pro lineup in 2024. The iPhone 16 Pro grew from 6.1 to 6.3 inches, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max increased from 6.7 to 6.9 inches, thanks to slimmer bezels and slightly larger chassis dimensions.

Today's rumor is the first time that we have heard of any plans to increase the display size for Apple's 2027 commemorative iPhone.
This article, "Apple Testing 7-Inch Display for Largest 20th Anniversary iPhone Model" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Samsung today announced the launch of its first credit card in the United States, debuting the Samsung Galaxy Card in partnership with Barclays.


The Samsung Galaxy Card works as a standard Visa card and offers special financing options for Samsung Galaxy devices purchased through Samsung. Apple Card has a similar financing option for Apple devices.

There is no annual fee for the Samsung Galaxy Card, and cardmembers earn 5% cash rewards on in-store or online purchases made directly from Samsung in the U.S. There are 3% cash rewards on purchases made using Samsung Wallet, 2% cash rewards on streaming service purchases like Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify, and 1% on everything else.

New users can earn $200 in cash rewards after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of opening an account, and get a 20% discount on the Samsung VIP Advantage membership when using a Galaxy Card. ‌Apple Card‌ has 3% cash back for Apple purchases and purchases from select merchants, 2% for Apple Pay purchases, and 1% for everything else, so Samsung is offering higher cash back amounts.

‌Apple Card‌ is built around Apple's Wallet app, and the same is true for the Galaxy Card. It is integrated into Samsung Wallet, and the app can be used for account management. Samsung Wallet also houses passes, IDs, and digital keys, much like the Apple Wallet app.

Barclays says the Samsung Galaxy Card is its first digital wallet-native credit card, with no separate banking app. Apple worked with Goldman Sachs for the ‌Apple Card‌, but Goldman Sachs is exiting the partnership and JPMorgan Chase is taking over as issuer in a transition that will run through 2027.

After a user applies for the Samsung Galaxy Card and is approved, it is available for use immediately in Samsung Wallet. Samsung will ship out a physical version of the card, which is black metal, the inverse of the white titanium ‌Apple Card‌.

Samsung users can apply for the card online or in Samsung retail stores starting on July 22, which is the date of the Samsung Unpacked event. Samsung is expected to introduce its latest Galaxy foldables at the event.
This article, "Samsung Debuts Galaxy Card With 5% Cash Back to Take On Apple Card" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is continuing to tweak iOS 27 ahead of its September launch, and the fourth developer beta is available as of today. There are fewer changes than in prior betas, but Apple is still adding new features.

TV App

In the Settings section of the Apple TV app, there's a new Automatic Downloads toggle. Turning it on will automatically download the next two episodes of shows you start in Continue Watching. They'll be deleted when you finish the episodes.

Photos

There is a "Zoom Photos to Fill" toggle in the ‌Photos‌ section of the Settings app. It slightly zooms photos that nearly match the screen's aspect ratio, and it is turned on by default.

Wallpaper

Apple has removed the wallpaper feature that it added in the Notification Center in beta 3. When swiping, you would see a cutout of the subject of your wallpaper on the Home Screen, but that's no longer available.

Siri Voices

The Siri Voice selection interface has changed. On devices without the option to set a customizable voice, it has the custom voice look with voices and accents to select. On devices with custom ‌Siri‌ selections, there are more voices options, which Apple says are coming soon.


The customizable voice for ‌Siri‌ is limited to the iPhone 17 Pro, ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, and iPhone Air right now.

Siri Settings

In the ‌Siri‌ section of the Settings app, there's a new option to adjust the length of previews in the ‌Siri‌ app. You can choose up to five lines, or none.


In Accessibility, there's a new "Always Show Request" toggle that shows a transcription of what you say to ‌Siri‌ on the screen.

Siri Search or Ask

When you swipe down to get to the ‌Siri‌ Search or Ask interface, there's now a splash screen that explains it.

ProRes Log Format

In the Camera section of the Settings app, there's an option to choose a ProRes log format if you toggle Apple ProRes on. You can tap on ProRes Log Video Encoding and select Log or Log 2.


Log 2 is the latest format and retains more information in the file for additional flexibility when editing color and making adjustments after the video is captured.

Wi-Fi Assist

There's an option to enable or disable Connectivity Assist for each Wi-Fi network, regardless of whether the Connectivity Assist master toggle is on.

AirPods

Apple changed the look of AirPods options in Control Center, including adding more options for Adaptive mode.

Dual Battery iPhone References

Code in the fourth beta of ‌iOS 27‌ references an iPhone with two batteries, with strings like "The batteries in this iPhone are performing as expected."



It may hint at the foldable iPhone Ultra, which is expected to have a dual-battery design.

This article, "Everything New in iOS 27 Beta 4" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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