Apple is partnering with UK charity The King's Trust to launch a new education program that will help young people build careers in creative industries, Apple said today.


The Apple x King's Trust Creative Labs will give people aged 18 to 30 the opportunity to work with Apple experts as they look into different career paths.

An initial cohort of up to 20 people is participating in specialized workshops to learn "valuable, industry-aligned skills using Apple technologies." The educational experience started this week with music industry and creative workshops timed to the opening of Apple Music Hall at Battersea Power Station in London. Apple chairman Tim Cook and King Charles III visited Apple Music Hall to meet with attendees.

More cohorts and more sessions will follow over the next year.

Apple has worked with The King's Trust since 2019, expanding access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics programming to schools across the UK. Apple says it is also working with The King's Trust on resources that will build AI literacy, creativity, and agency among educators and young people.
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Some Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 owners have experienced unexpected skin irritation with the new models, according to reports on the MacRumors forums and Reddit.


Affected users complain of a burning sensation and redness under the sensor area. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 measure heart rate every five seconds, and some people have wondered if that's the cause of the skin irritation.

Along with more frequent heart rate readings, the Series 12 and Ultra 4 have a larger ECG electrode surface, photodiodes in a ring-shaped arrangement, and larger green LEDs. It is unknown if any of these design changes are a problem, but wrist irritation from the Apple Watch is a complaint that dates back to the original model.

Apple says reactions can be caused by wearing a band too tight or too loose, or by irritants like soap and sweat under the watch. Some Apple Watch models contain nickel, but it is a low amount below EU limits, and Apple says it's unlikely to be a problem. The Apple Watch case and certain Apple Watch bands have trace amounts of acrylates and methacrylates from adhesives, but Apple says it designs the watch and bands to keep those components away from skin.

Apple recommends making sure a band fits well and keeping the Apple Watch, bands, and skin clean and dry. Apple adds that cleaning may be required after workouts or exposure to liquids like sweat, soap, sunscreen, and lotion.

Some users have seen the issue clear up after an adjustment period wearing the watch, and cleaning the back of the watch and the band has also helped in some cases. Other users have returned their devices. Apple advises that users experiencing redness, swelling, itchiness, or other irritation consult a physician before putting the watch back on.
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Apple is working with LG Electronics on smart home accessories that will integrate with the upcoming home hub and other Apple home products, reports Bloomberg.


LG is making a wired video doorbell, thermostat, smart deadbolt lock, temperature sensor, indoor security camera, outdoor security camera, and floodlight camera, according to documents LG submitted to the Federal Communications Commission and UL Solutions. Apple is not mentioned in the filings, and LG asked the FCC to keep details confidential. The devices will be built and branded by LG, though Bloomberg says Apple helped develop them.

This arrangement with so-called second-party suppliers gives Apple a way to quickly expand its ecosystem without shouldering the full cost and complexity of producing and supporting a wide range of accessories. Apple can also help shape the products' design, tailor their features and oversee engineering while keeping the work largely under wraps.

While Apple is expected to introduce the rumored home hub, a new Apple TV 4K, and a new HomePod mini on October 13, the LG accessories won't be ready to launch for a few months.

Several of LG's devices support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter, with the lock also offering UWB support for close-proximity auto-unlocking.

Apple has worked with LG frequently. It uses LG Display components in its devices, and when Apple didn't sell Apple-branded displays, it teamed up with LG for 4K and 5K UltraFine monitors made for Macs. LG is not known for smart home accessories, but it bought a majority stake in smart home platform Homey in 2024. LG may be aiming to compete with Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Ring, Google Nest, and other smart home brands.
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Apple plans to announce its earnings for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2026 on Monday, November 2, according to the company's updated Investor Relations page.


The earnings report will be available at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time on November 2, with new Apple CEO John Ternus and CFO Kevan Parekh to discuss the results during a 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time phone call. Apple will stream the call on its website.

Apple's Q4 2026 earnings will cover launch-week iPhone 18 Pro sales. Apple also released the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 during the quarter. The iPhone Duo won't be included because the quarter covers the period between June 28 and September 26, and the device won't launch until October 23.

Apple executives could comment on memory pricing and supply constraints, as well as share holiday quarter expectations.

During Apple's Q3 2026 call, Parekh said total company revenue would grow 9 to 11 percent year-over-year in the September quarter. Apple expects iPhone revenue to be affected by foreign exchange headwinds and supply constraints, with growth in the mid-teens year-over-year.

Q4 2025 revenue was $102.5 billion, so Apple's guidance suggests $111.7 to $113.7 billion for Q4 2026.
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Since 2023, Apple's newer iPhones have had an 80 percent charge limit for those who want to extend battery lifespan. Charging to 80 percent instead of 100 percent is supposed to put less stress on the battery, improving longevity.


For the last three years, I've used that setting on my iPhone. I started with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, then did the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and most recently, the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

After 12 months at an 80 percent maximum charge, my iPhone 17 Pro Max is at 97 percent maximum capacity with a cycle count of 277.


Last year, my iPhone 16 Pro Max was at 94 percent capacity after 12 months, and in 2024, my iPhone 15 Pro Max was also at 94 percent capacity.

During the year I tested the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max, I tried not to let the battery dip below 20 percent. This year, I did the same thing, but I also tried to do more charging over USB-C than Qi2 or MagSafe. I'm not sure if that helped, but 97 percent capacity is the best result I've had yet with the charge limit turned on.

I don't know how my battery result compares to others, but if you've kept yours at 100 percent, you can compare your capacity to mine to see if there's any real difference.

Apple transitioned to aluminum and added vapor chamber cooling with the ‌iPhone 17‌ Pro Max, and I did think my iPhone spent less time uncomfortably warm than the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max. It may be that the vapor chamber cooling made the biggest difference and limiting wireless charging didn't matter.

I don't use the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max as my main iPhones anymore, but I do use them daily as test devices. They still have the 80 percent limit turned on, so I can share some longer-term battery results.

• iPhone 15 Pro Max (36 months) - 88%, 369 cycles


• ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max (24 months) - 93%, 343 cycles


• ‌iPhone 17‌ Pro Max (12 months) - 97%, 277 cycles

Last year, my ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max hit 299 cycles by September 24. This year, I'm only at 277 cycles. It's nearly two weeks later than I usually report results too, so the larger battery meant less charging.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ Pro Max has a bigger battery and faster charging than the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max, so an 80 percent charge limit wasn't as difficult to live with as it was in the past. I rarely ran out of battery, though I did still bring a battery pack with me most places. My favorite battery packs right now are the ones with built-in USB-C cables, especially those that can attach to my iPhone magnetically but charge it over USB-C. It's faster charging that's still convenient. I also continue to be a fan of the super-slim battery packs that add little bulk and weight to an iPhone.

For the iPhone 15 Pro Max and ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max, I didn't think sacrificing a fifth of my battery was worth the capacity I ended up with, and that's still mostly the case. I'm guessing my 97 percent capacity isn't too far off from the battery health readings on iPhones that didn't have the charge limit turned on.

As for older devices, my two-year-old ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max only lost 1 percent capacity from 2025 to 2026, and my iPhone 15 Pro Max didn't lose any capacity at all during the year. Both phones had fewer battery cycles (44 and 17, respectively), but they're holding capacity even after sitting dead for short periods of time throughout the year.

The most hands-off way to manage battery health is to use Optimized Battery Charging, since it minimizes time spent at 100 percent battery while still charging to full. Setting an 80 percent limit and then turning it off on days you need 100 percent is also a good compromise that could save you battery capacity over time. Apple has 90 and 95 percent options too, which might be a better choice.

My iPhone 18 Pro Max is already set to 80 percent, so I'll check in again in September 2027. I'm going to stick with USB-C charging when I can, and I'm curious how the even bigger battery will affect longevity and what the 80 percent limit is like day to day.

What's your iPhone battery capacity and cycle count? Share it in the comments below and weigh in on whether you think battery charge limits are worthwhile.
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Apple today seeded the second betas of iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and watchOS 27.2. The software comes a day after Apple provided the third betas to developers.


To get the new betas, you can sign up on Apple's beta testing website. After you're signed up, the betas can be installed through the Software Update section in the Settings app on each device.

iOS 27.2 includes the redesigned Health app that Apple introduced at its September iPhone event. It features new Insights and Longevity tabs with more insight into health and fitness data. There's also a Health Age feature that uses your metrics to determine your fitness age vs. your actual age.

In the Apple TV app, there are new profile options, and Siri AI is now available in French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

There are a few other features in the updates, which are listed in our iOS 27.2 guide.
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Apple's latest tvOS 27.2 beta adds weight to rumors that the next Apple TV will have Siri AI and Apple Intelligence support. Code suggests Apple is adding an Improve ‌Siri‌ & ‌Apple Intelligence‌ toggle to the tvOS Settings app.


"Help improve foundation models and ‌Siri‌ by allowing Apple to collect and use your text and audio interactions with ‌Siri‌, Dictation, and Translate," the text reads.

Other Apple devices with ‌Apple Intelligence‌ have similarly labeled privacy disclosures and data-sharing opt-ins. On devices that don't support ‌Apple Intelligence‌, the setting is labeled "Improve ‌Siri‌ & Dictation." The new code is included alongside the existing code for ‌Siri‌ data sharing, so it's likely only Apple Intelligence-capable hardware will see it.

tvOS 27.2 also has a new ‌Siri‌ Messages UI framework, indicating message content could be displayed on the ‌Apple TV‌ in the future. ‌Siri‌ may be able to read messages sent to a linked iPhone and show smart reply options on the ‌Apple TV‌. The current version of ‌Siri‌ on ‌Apple TV‌ doesn't support sending or reading messages, so the framework is likely linked to ‌Siri‌ AI.

Apple is working on a version of the ‌Apple TV‌ with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and an A19 or A19 Pro chip, hardware that could support on-device ‌Siri‌ AI features. Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for the new ‌Apple TV‌ with tvOS 27.2.

We could get a new ‌Apple TV‌ as soon as October 13.
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macOS Golden Gate 27.2 adds code referencing new touch-specific gestures in apps like Safari, Notes, Photos, and Quick Look, a possible sign Apple is preparing to release the rumored OLED touchscreen MacBook, possibly called the "MacBook Ultra."


Code in the latest beta adds new gesture recognition tools to several Apple apps. Safari gets a touch sentinel recognizer, ‌Photos‌ has PXGTouchDwellGestureRecognizer, Notes has ICTouchPressGestureRecognizer, and Quick Look gets a dragTouch feature.

While the code could be for the touchscreen MacBook, it's also applicable to Sidecar. ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ brought full touch input to ‌Sidecar‌, which is the feature that lets an iPad be used as a display for a Mac. It's possible Apple is expanding on those ‌Sidecar‌ features, so it's not a clear indication of a new Mac.

Touch-friendly changes started with the launch version of ‌macOS Golden Gate‌, which added pull-to-refresh gestures in Safari, Mail, and Calendar.

An ‌OLED‌ MacBook Ultra with touchscreen capabilities could launch as soon as late 2026. The device is rumored to be thinner and lighter than existing models, and it's expected to have a Dynamic Island and Apple's M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
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Apple is testing the next macOS Golden Gate update, and developers can download the third ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 beta. The third beta comes two weeks after Apple released the second beta.


Registered developers can download ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 by opening up the System Settings app, clicking on General, selecting Software Update, and opting into ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ betas.

‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 introduces Siri AI in new languages and includes new brightness and volume sliders.

We're expecting ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 to launch toward the end of October.
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Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming iOS 27.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming two weeks after Apple released the second iOS 27.2 beta. Apple also seeded a new iPadOS 27.2 beta.


Registered developers can download the beta updates by opting in under Settings > General > Software Update and selecting the iOS 27 developer beta.

iOS 27.2 includes Apple's redesigned Health app with new Insight and Longevity tabs. It also brings Siri AI in new languages. There are several other new features, with details available in our features guide.

Apple releasing an iOS 27.2 beta ahead of an iOS 27.1 beta was a surprise because the company plans to ship the iPhone Duo with iOS 27.1, but it likely wants to keep some of the iPhone Duo features hidden for longer.

The ‌iPhone Duo‌ will launch on October 23. Apple previously said the new ‌Siri‌ AI languages in iOS 27.2 would be available in October, so it's likely iOS 27.2 will come shortly after the ‌iPhone Duo‌'s release date.
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Alongside new betas of iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, and macOS Golden Gate 27.2, Apple has released the third betas of watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2. The betas come two weeks after Apple released the second betas.


Registered developers can download the betas through the Settings app on each device.

With iOS 27.2 and watchOS 27.2, Apple is testing the new Health app that it showed off during its September iPhone event. The updated Health app has new Insights and Longevity tabs with a readiness score that uses information from the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models.

There's no word on what's being added in visionOS 27.2 and tvOS 27.2, but Apple is expected to introduce a new version of the Apple TV 4K with Siri AI support sometime before the end of the year.
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Apple Cash will soon require identity verification to add money. In emails going out to customers, Apple explains that starting on November 9, Green Dot Bank will begin requiring users to verify their identity when reloading their Apple Cash cards.


Identity verification is already required when adding, sending, or receiving over $500 total, but verification for any reload is new. Apple says Green Dot Bank may make it easier to add money to an Apple Cash card by introducing support for transferring funds from a bank or merchant in the future.

Right now, reloading an Apple Cash card can only be done through the Wallet app using a connected debit or prepaid card.

Apple Cash users who have iOS 27 and who live in a state with support for digital driver's licenses can use a license stored in the Wallet app for identity verification.

Customers whose identity can't be verified will not be able to send or receive money or add money to an Apple Cash balance. Money already in an Apple Cash account can still be used for transactions or transferred to a bank account.

Apple says identity verification is required for "fraud protection and regulatory reasons."

Apple Cash is a U.S.-only feature that is available to customers 18 or older, though users under 18 can access Apple Cash through Apple Cash Family.
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Apple is working on a new smart home accessory that will serve as a hub for interacting with Siri AI, controlling HomeKit devices, watching videos, checking the calendar and the weather, and generally offering up useful information to everyone in the household.


This guide aggregates everything that we know about Apple's smart home hub.

Design

Apple's smart home device will somewhat resemble an iPad, and it will have a display-focused design. It is expected to be square rather than rectangular, and it will measure in at 6 inches with quarter-inch black bezels around the edges.

In terms of size, it will look similar to two iPhones that are side-by-side, and it will be about as thick as an iPhone. Apple imagines people having multiples of the hub in different rooms of the house. The device will support touch input for opening apps and controlling connected devices.


Apple is making two versions of the home hub. One will have a 6-inch display and is meant to be mounted on the wall, and the second version has the same 6-inch display and a hemispherical speaker base that looks similar to the iMac G4. The display attaches to the base with a polished metal arm that holds the small screen and allows it to be tilted forward or backward. The base features speaker hole perforations and a rubber bottom for stability.


The wall-mounted version will have a thin square base for the speakers and the mics, and it will sit flush against the wall. Both models will have a 1080p camera on the front for FaceTime calls, authenticating users, and recognizing different people in the home. Apple is planning to release the hub in a gray aluminum finish.

The device has no internal battery and is instead meant to be used while connected to power via USB-C.

Sensors

The smart home hub will be able to determine how close a person is standing to it, adjusting features from there. When no one is nearby, for example, it might show the temperature, but as someone approaches, it could shift to an interface for adjusting the thermostat.

Person detection will likely allow it to be used in smart home automations for doing things like turning on the lights when someone enters a room. The sensor will be able to tell one person from another, and it could recognize hand gestures for longer-range control.

Facial recognition

The home hub will use a Face ID-like feature along with voice for authentication and to identify who is in a room. With the recognition features, the home hub will be able to switch to the profile for the person in the home who is interacting with the device. Each user will have a customizable profile and interface with options to change profiles through the Control Center.

The camera won't be as accurate as Face ID, so voice is an alternative. Apple's HomePod also uses voice recognition for some personalized features. Users will be able to set up secondary authentication with an iPhone for more security, and a visitor mode will hide personal information.

Rumors suggest there is a Mac-style edge light around the screen to offer lighting so the device can identify people in the dark.

Chip

Apple's smart home accessory is expected to use an A18 chip or better for Apple Intelligence support. Given that ‌Apple Intelligence‌ requires 8GB RAM minimum, it will have at least 8GB RAM.

Operating System

Apple's home hub will run an operating system that Apple refers to as "Charismatic" internally, though it could be called homeOS when it launches. It's going to use elements from tvOS, watchOS, and iOS, and it will sync with the iPhone for setup purposes.

Interface

Apple does not plan to create a dedicated App Store for the home hub, but it will come with several apps pre-installed. The main view will be a customizable home screen with widgets that can show the weather, important home controls, photo slideshows, upcoming events, and more. A built-in camera will scan the face of each user, bringing up different apps and a Home Screen for each person.

The interface is something like a cross between watchOS and the iPhone's StandBy mode, with a heavy focus on clock faces and photo slideshows when the device is idle. The ‌Home Screen‌ will feature Apple Watch-like icons, but the apps will have an iPad-like design with a two-panel layout. There will be familiar customization options like pressing and holding to rearrange icons and swiping up to get to the app launcher.

There will be a Widget Gallery that suggests widgets from a linked iPhone. Widgets shown on the device from an iPhone that's connected will only display widget content when the primary user is in the home. A Smart Stack will be available to intelligently rotate through different widget options throughout the day, and the clock will be customizable with a Face Gallery.

The hub will adopt the visual aesthetic of ‌Siri‌ AI, with darker design elements. A software-based dock will be available for launching apps, and the hub will be built around ‌Siri‌ AI.

Apps

Several Apple apps will be installed even though there won't be a dedicated ‌App Store‌. Apps that are rumored:

• Safari


• Apple News


• Apple Music


• Apple Podcasts


• Notes


• Calendar


• Photos


• Home


• Messages


• Reminders


• ‌FaceTime‌

The hub will support integration into ‌HomeKit‌ scenes alongside other smart home products, and it will play videos, so it can be used for things like following along with a recipe when in the kitchen.

Intercom

More than one of the devices can be used throughout the home, and two or more can serve as room-to-room intercoms.

AirPlay

With its built-in speakers, the device will support music playback and it will be able to work as an AirPlay receiver.

homeOS Trademark

Apple appears to be using a shell company to trademark "homeOS" in several countries around the world, with the trademarking kicking off in October 2024. Apple has secured the homeOS trademark in Liechtenstein, and trademarks are pending in the U.S., Argentina, Peru, and more.

Future Smart Home Accessories

Apple is creating an indoor security camera that will connect to the home hub, and it's rumored for 2027. Privacy would be a focus, providing an alternative to cameras from companies like Ring and Nest.

Pricing

Apple's home hub could be priced somewhere around $350, which would make it more expensive than competing products like the Amazon Echo Show.

Launch Date

Apple's smart home hub is rumored to be debuting on October 13 alongside a new Apple TV 4K and a new HomePod mini.

This article, "Apple's Smart Home Hub: Everything We Know So Far" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's rumored smart home hub will have different faces users can choose from, some of which are similar to StandBy screens planned for the iPhone Duo. Leaker pdfu shared setup screens of the Photo Face said to be for Apple's upcoming home product.


Based on the images, users can select from different photo collections, memories, or shared albums for the Photo Face, and those photos will be shown on the device's display. Photos are pulled from iCloud, so iCloud Photos needs to be turned on for it to work. Users will be prompted to set up the Photo Face when activating the device.

Pdfu says the Photo Face for the hub is the same as the Photo Face coming to the ‌iPhone Duo‌, and that could explain why Apple hasn't made the ‌iPhone Duo‌'s StandBy mode available in the Xcode simulator yet.

This is the first visual of a home hub face we've seen. The hub is expected to have a 6-inch screen, and it will look similar to an iPad except for the square shape and the base. The hub is rumored to have an iMac G4-like half-dome metal base that connects to the display with an arm.

Prior rumors have said the home hub won't have a full App Store, but it will support apps and widgets like Calendar, Weather, Music, Messages, Reminders, and more. The device will be able to tell when someone is approaching it, and can distinguish between people in the home to show different widgets for each user. It makes sense for the hub to display a StandBy-like interface when it is not in active use.

There will be multiple idle display options to choose from, just like there are now when using the iPhone in StandBy mode. Earlier today, Bloomberg said the home hub interface is "built heavily" around clock displays and photo slideshows, so the Photo Face will likely be an integral part of the device's software.

The home hub is rumored to be debuting on October 13.
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Apple Pay is now available in India, which means customers with an eligible card can add it to the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch for contactless and online payments.


To use Apple Pay in India, users will need an Axis Bank credit card on the Visa or Mastercard network. Earlier today, TechCrunch reported that merchants and payment terminals will need to add Apple Pay support, so the service might not work at every contactless payment location.

RuPay, India's domestic card network, is not compatible with ‌Apple Pay‌. Major banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI Card have not added support either.

There have been rumors about ‌Apple Pay‌ expanding to India for about a decade, but regulatory issues made it difficult. India already has a popular digital payment option, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). UPI is a state-backed payment system that allows funds to be transferred instantly between two bank accounts. UPI handles approximately 84 percent of India's digital transaction volume, and it does not work with ‌Apple Pay‌.
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OpenAI today announced the launch of "Dots" to compete with Meta's popular Muse agent. OpenAI describes Dots as always-on agents "built to handle everything."


Dots use the GPT–6 Astra model and have a cloud computer with a web browser, much like Muse. The agents learn from feedback over time, and OpenAI says they can work on the user's goals "24/7" and connect to over 4,000 apps. From the announcement:

You can ask questions, explore ideas, and give feedback along the way; or you can simply hop on a voice call when you need to talk something out. The more you work together, the more your dot learns your preferences, how you think, and what good looks like to you.

Users can communicate with Dots through ChatGPT or other apps like Slack or Teams, and options to text Dots are planned. Dots can carry context across different channels and will do "proactive research" on projects in the background. Dots follow ChatGPT's permissions and support custom rules for which tasks require approval.

Users can create a "primary dot" and name it starting today, with teams of Dots coming later. Dots are rolling out for Pro, Business Premium, and Enterprise plans in select markets, with other users to get access soon.

Eligible users get one Dot at no extra cost. Conversations with the agent don't count toward ChatGPT usage limits, but tasks will use plan allowances. Dots can be set up in the ChatGPT desktop app and accessed in the mobile app afterward.

OpenAI also introduced GPT–6.1 Sol today, which it says is a major upgrade to GPT–6 Sol with improvements in agentic coding, computer use, and professional work.
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Repair site iFixit today took apart Apple's AirPods 5 for one of its traditional teardown videos. It turns out the new AirPods are slightly more repairable than prior models, but it's still not a simple home fix.


The ‌AirPods 5‌ use pronged batteries that Apple previously used in the AirPods 3, but not the AirPods 4. The battery can be removed with a "nifty pair of tongs," and iFixit says the component is "intuitive to unplug." When the AirPods 3 used the pronged battery, there was no easy way to get into the earbud, but the ‌AirPods 5‌ are easier to pry open.

iFixit was able get into the ‌AirPods 5‌ with a hair dryer to heat the adhesive and a clamp to hold the earbud in place. The left and right earbuds use different batteries with reversed polarity, so the battery from a left AirPod can't be swapped into a right AirPod, and vice versa.

While the earbuds have a better repair score, iFixit said the case is "still a disaster" and difficult to get into without destroying it.

iFixit gave the ‌AirPods 5‌ a repairability score of 2/10, up from the 0/10 score all previous versions have earned. The site says "skilled technicians and even intrepid DIYers" should be able to replace the AirPods batteries "with a decent success rate."
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Some iPhone 18 Pro owners have noticed an unusual crackling sound coming from the speaker of the device, leading to complaints on the MacRumors forums and Reddit.


Users have called it a crackle, a faint tick or pop, or random clicking. Many say the problem is with the earpiece speaker, and both the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max appear to be affected.

Some people hear the sound consistently, while others hear it during app use, scrolling websites, when receiving notifications, when the keyboard pops up, or when making a call using a cellular connection. On affected units, reports suggest toggling Airplane Mode on and off triggers the sound, as does adjusting screen brightness quickly.

Apple released iOS 27.0.1 yesterday to fix a bug that could cause ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models to restart when Face ID authentication fails. The release notes didn't mention a speaker fix, and early feedback says the update did not help.

There are reports from people who returned their ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models only to get a second iPhone with the same issue. It's not clear what's causing the problem, but if it is a bug, a future software update may address it.
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People who plan to purchase an iPhone Duo can go through the "Get Ready" process starting on Monday, October 12. The new detail was added to the iPhone Duo product page yesterday, according to Reddit.


Get Ready lets users select a preferred color and capacity, confirm their carrier status, choose accessories, choose an AppleCare+ plan, select a trade-in, add a payment method, and set a shipping and billing address.

When pre-orders go live, Get Ready is helpful because it allows for one-tap ordering. It will be especially beneficial for the ‌iPhone Duo‌ because supplies are expected to be limited.

Pre-orders could sell out within minutes given reports of production issues leading to supply constraints, and users who have Get Ready will be able to submit orders faster.

‌iPhone Duo‌ pre-orders will begin on Friday, October 16 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time or 8 a.m. Eastern Time. The device will launch on Friday, October 23. Pricing starts at $1,999.
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Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5042a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers.


There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases.

When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 or later, there is a beta firmware option that can be accessed in the AirPods settings interface. Toggling on beta updates allows users to install the beta firmware.

Firmware updates can then be downloaded by connecting the AirPods to an Apple device and connecting them to power. It can take a few hours for new firmware to be installed because there is no software update option like there is for other Apple devices.
This article, "Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today shared a guide meant to help parents use the child safety tools in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate. Apple says "Building Healthy Digital Habits: A Guide for Families" was developed in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).


The six-step guide covers balancing screen time with sleep, exercise, schoolwork, and time with friends and family. It has advice on getting kids on board with screen time limits and using the different parental control features. From Apple's announcement:

• Start a conversation about screen time, with tips for parents to approach the topic and establish expectations in a way that helps kids feel included in the plan.


• Create a Child Account, which enables age-based safeguards and gives parents access to parental controls to manage their child's experience.


• Set safety settings for websites and apps, including Ask to Buy and Ask to Browse, so families can review new apps and websites together.


• Make a schedule for device use, using Time Allowances and Schedules to balance time online with sleep, schoolwork, physical activity, and time with family and friends.


• Manage communications, with parents deciding who their child can communicate with and Communication Safety, on by default for all users under 18, helping protect kids from viewing or sharing sensitive content.


• Continue the conversation as kids grow, with guidance on adjusting the family's plan over time.

The guide includes the AAP's recommendations on screen time by age group, from infants to teens, along with strategies to help children develop healthy screen time habits.

Apple added new parental control options and an overhauled version of Screen Time in ‌iOS 27‌. Parents can choose which apps children can access, monitor and control website access, keep tabs on approved contacts, and set different screen time schedules based on time of day. Using the new version of Screen Time requires all devices in a Family Sharing group to be running ‌iOS 27‌, ‌iPadOS 27‌, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27.

The guide comes as Apple deals with regulatory pressure over child safety in countries like the UK, U.S., and Australia.
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Apple today updated Apple Creator Studio and Final Cut Camera for iOS to add new features.


Final Cut Camera, Apple's professional iPhone filming app, now supports the variable aperture feature on the iPhone 18 Pro. Users can tweak aperture and select between aperture priority and shutter priority modes, plus there's support for Cinematic mode effects for video. Apple says the app was also redesigned from the ground up to give creators easy access to pro settings like shutter angle, ISO, and white balance.

There are customizable overlays with false color and clipping indicators for exposure and improved focus peaking with sensitivity control. A tally light activates when recording is happening, and there's a two-finger tap gesture for clearing the viewfinder to focus on the shot. Other new features include support for professional video scopes, clean SDI out, and genlock offset.

Pages, Numbers, and Keynote all have new templates and themes to choose from, along with better tools for collaboration. Keynote supports intelligent slide generation and Numbers has trigonometry, statistics, and logic functions for solving complex problems in a spreadsheet. Pages for Mac has a Screen View that optimizes content for reading and writing.

Pixelmator Pro for iPad has new template collections on Mac and ‌iPad‌ for launching ideas, businesses, or products. There's a Podcasts category with cover artwork options. The ‌iPad‌ app also adopts Select and Mask from the Mac app for precise mask and selection refinements.

Final Cut Pro and Motion on Mac have a new option to add Cinematic mode effects to video captured on the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌, so users can adjust focus points and depth of field in the Final Cut Pro timeline. Compressor supports converting video with Cinematic mode effects back into the previous Cinematic mode format, and it has new HEVC and MPEG–4 export presets.

Freeform includes automatic Dark Mode support for boards, folders for better organization, and support for Writing Tools. With Writing Tools, Apple Intelligence is able to rewrite, proofread, and summarize handwritten notes. In visionOS 27, the Vision Pro version of Freeform lets users pull multiple items from a board into their space, with multiple users able to view 3D models together as a group.

All of the updates are available today. Apple Creator Studio is priced at $12.99 per month and it gives access to all of Apple's creative apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro. In free apps like Numbers, Pages, and Keynote, it adds premium features that are not available in the free apps.
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We've seen previews of iOS 27 running on the iPhone Duo, including a new StandBy mode that activates even when the iPhone isn't charging. Apple showed the mode in press materials, but leaker pdfu today shared a more in-depth look at some of the options.


There are multiple StandBy faces available on the ‌iPhone Duo‌, five of which we weren't aware of.

A Home Camera view will show a single camera feed or a grid of up to nine camera feeds. There's a Home Modular option that likely shows smart home controls, and a Snoopy-themed face.


Apple also appears to be adding a face called Flow that could have animations, and there's a face named Fade with no details available. Faces we've seen in marketing materials include Analog, Digital, Classic Calendar, Weather, Photos, Memories, Shared Albums, and Modular.

A face editor will let users adjust the StandBy mode interface, choosing different styles and colors, similar to the existing iPhone StandBy customization screens. Swipe gestures are available for quick visual adjustments.

There are five widget layouts to choose from for clock faces that support widgets. The layouts include StandBy, Stacked, Top, Middle, and Bottom.

The ‌iPhone Duo‌ will be available for pre-order on October 16 ahead of an October 23 launch, and we'll likely see more details come out as we approach the release date.
This article, "iPhone Duo StandBy Leak Reveals Five Unannounced Faces" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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It's been a little over a week since the iPhone 18 Pro models launched, and we want to hear from MacRumors readers. What do you think of Apple's newest iPhones?


If you upgraded from an older phone, was it worth it? What about upgrading from an iPhone 17 Pro? What problems are you running into? Anything you love so far?

MacRumors readers have already been sharing early opinions on the MacRumors forums, and there are interesting discussion threads to read through. For early reviews and hands-on images, make sure to check out the first impressions and photos thread.

People have been taking excellent photos with the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and sharing results in a dedicated image thread. If you're still thinking about getting the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and want to know how the new variable aperture lens performs, the thread includes useful real-life examples.





Curious about battery life? There's a whole thread for that with early data. Readers have also shared how heavy the iPhone 18 Pro Max feels in the hand, and we've seen the reasons why some 17 Pro Max owners decided to upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The new iPhones aren't perfect, and a few people have run into heat issues, speaker bugs, and problems with Face ID. Apple just released iOS 27.0.1 with a Face ID fix, so if you're having that bug, let us know if the new software solves it.

For easy navigation, here are all the threads linked above, along with other suggested reading.

• iPhone 18 Pro Max is here! First impressions and photos thread


• Photos taken with iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max – Worldwide (2026–2027)


• iPhone 18 Series + Duo Battery Mega-Thread


• Did anyone with a 17 Pro Max upgrade to the 18 Pro Max?


• How really heavy is the 18PM?


• iPhone 18 Pro Max speaker issue?


• New 18 Pro - "Face ID not available"?


• 18 Pro Max rebooting


• Extreme heating up on 18 PM


• iPhone 18 Pro TLC vs QLC NAND modules


• iPhone 18 Pro Unlocks - Even If I'm Not Looking Directly at It?

Holding out for the iPhone Duo instead of the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌? You're not alone. Lots of MacRumors readers are discussing Apple's foldable, weighing possible downsides, and mulling where to order for the best chance of getting one at launch.
This article, "iPhone 18 Pro First Impressions: What Do You Think So Far?" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26.7.1, iPadOS 26.7.1, macOS Tahoe 26.7.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.8.1 address a major vulnerability that Apple believes was used against a small number of people.


Apple's security support pages say there was a CoreGraphics out-of-bounds write issue that could be exploited with a maliciously crafted file, allowing for arbitrary code execution. It has been fixed with improved bounds checking.

Apple says the flaw was exploited in an "extremely sophisticated attack" on targeted individuals running older versions of iOS. Apple's latest operating systems don't appear to be affected, and the iOS 27.0.1, iPadOS 27.0.1, and macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1 updates that came out today have no published CVE entries.

While the attack wasn't widespread, if you're still running a version of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, or macOS Sequoia, you should install the new updates as soon as possible. Now that the vulnerability is public, it could be further exploited against users who aren't protected.
This article, "iOS 26.7.1 Fixes Vulnerability Used in Targeted Attacks" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released macOS 27.0.1, the first update to the macOS Golden Gate operating system that came out in mid-September.


Mac users can download the new ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ software by using the Software Update section in System Settings.

Apple says ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.0.1 fixes unspecified bugs. Apple has also released macOS 26.7.1 and macOS 15.8.1 security updates.
This article, "Apple Releases macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1 With Bug Fixes" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released iOS 27.0.1, the first update for the iOS 27 update that came out two weeks ago.


iOS 27.0.1 can be downloaded over the air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple has also released iPadOS 27.0.1 and visionOS 27.0.1 updates, as well as iOS and iPadOS 26.7.1 updates for devices not updated to iOS and iPadOS 27.

According to Apple's release notes, iOS 27.0.1 addresses an issue that could cause Face ID not to work properly on the iPhone 18 Pro.

Some iPhone 18 Pro users have complained that authentication can fail to work for things like unlocking a locked app. In some cases, the device freezes up and then reboots. Other users have seen a "‌Face ID‌ is Not Available" message when attempting ‌Face ID‌ setup, and others have experienced issues with the Require Attention for ‌Face ID‌ setting. Apple's release notes for the update are below.

This update provides bug fixes for your iPhone, including fixes for the following issues:

- iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may unexpectedly restart when Face ID fails to authenticate
- A color artifact may appear on photos captured at 2x under certain lighting conditions at f/1.48 on a small number of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max devices
- Opening Notification Center and Control Center simultaneously may cause the touchscreen to become unresponsive

The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models have an infrared camera that's under the display for the first time, but it's unclear if the hardware has been causing a problem. Apple said last week that it would be able to address the ‌Face ID‌ bugs with a software update.

While the iOS 27.0.1 update has multiple ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ bug fixes, it is available for all iPhones able to run ‌iOS 27‌.
This article, "Apple Releases iOS 27.0.1 With Face ID Bug Fix" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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An antitrust lawsuit accusing Apple of blocking tap-to-pay competition is moving forward and will see banks and credit unions able to band together to sue Apple.


U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White this week certified a class in the lawsuit. It will include any U.S. entities that issued any payment card enabled for Apple Pay and paid Apple a fee for ‌Apple Pay‌ transactions on that payment card. He also denied a motion from Apple to exclude expert testimony that plaintiff attorneys allege offers proof Apple has monopoly power over the mobile wallet market.

First filed in 2022, the suit claims Apple illegally collects up to $1 billion annually in fees by preventing rivals from accessing the iPhone's NFC chip to build mobile wallets that would compete with ‌Apple Pay‌. When an iPhone user buys something with a card linked to ‌Apple Pay‌, the card issuer has to pay Apple a 0.15 percent fee for credit cards and half a cent for debit cards, according to the lawsuit. If you make a $1,000 purchase via ‌Apple Pay‌, Apple collects $1.50 from the card issuer.

The complaint alleges that Apple forces card issuers to pay fees by making ‌Apple Pay‌ the only tap-to-pay option. It points to Google's Android, which supports multiple wallets and does not collect a fee from card issuers for contactless payments. It suggests Apple would not be able to continue to charge "substantial fees" if it were forced to support other mobile wallets on Apple devices.

Apple has changed its policies since the lawsuit was filed. As of iOS 18.1, developers are able to offer NFC contactless payments in their apps. Developers have access to the NFC chip in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, the European Economic Area, and many other countries.

Attorneys are seeking repayment of the fees card issuers have paid and injunctive relief to "put an end to Apple's policies."
This article, "Banks and Credit Unions to Team Up Against Apple Pay Fees" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The next low-cost iPad will be equipped with an A19 chip, C1X modem, N1 networking chip, and 8GB RAM, according to details found in Apple's code by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.


We've heard some of these same specifications in prior rumors, so this is more of a confirmation than a new leak. The ‌iPad‌ 11 has an A16 chip, so the upgrade to the A19 in the 12th-generation ‌iPad‌ will bring a noticeable improvement in performance. More importantly, the A19 supports Apple Intelligence, so the ‌iPad‌ 12 will have all the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ and Siri AI features missing from the ‌iPad‌ 11.

The ‌iPad‌ 11 has 6GB RAM, but 8GB RAM is the minimum for ‌Apple Intelligence‌, and the RAM boost will also speed things up.

Apple's C1X modem supports sub–6GHz 5G networks, and it is more efficient than the Qualcomm modem used in the existing ‌iPad‌. The addition of the N1 networking chip will bring support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.

Though not included in the code, it's possible the ‌iPad‌ 12 will be available in new colors.

There is no word on when Apple will release the new ‌iPad‌, and at this point, we're not expecting it until spring 2027. The current ‌iPad‌ is priced starting at $449 after a June 2026 price hike, and the new model will likely have the same starting price.

There's no low-cost ‌iPad‌ coming this year, but Apple is expected to refresh the iPad mini before the end of October. We discovered new details about the ‌iPad mini‌ just this morning. It will have an A20 Pro chip, a new speaker system, and a landscape front-facing camera. Prior rumors say it will feature an OLED display as the main upgrade.

We also found official images of the Apple TV 4K and the HomePod mini, including its colors. The ‌HomePod mini‌ will come in green, pink, blue, white, and black.
This article, "Apple Code Confirms iPad 12 Specs: A19, 8GB RAM, N1, C1X Modem" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Lululook to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a new Apple Watch Ultra 4. Lululook makes all kinds of accessories for Apple devices, including the Apple Watch. The company has a selection of Apple Watch bands that work well with the new Series 12 and the Ultra 4 models.


Lululook's $129.99 Strata Milanese Band matches the ‌Apple Watch Ultra 4‌. It is made from 99 percent woven grade 5 titanium, and it has a coating that protects it from scratches. The Strata band comes in black and natural finishes, and the titanium is about 40 percent lighter than stainless steel.


The band has a spring-loaded titanium locking mechanism with a side-press button to open it. Lululook says the band will stay in place during workouts and activities from running to swimming. While made for the Ultra, the band works with the larger 44mm to 49mm Apple Watch models, and it comes in medium and large size options to fit wrists from 155mm to 210mm.


For a more casual look, Lululook sells the $36.99 MagDuo Reversible Apple Watch Band. As the name suggests, the band has a dual color scheme, and users can flip between two color options. The exterior of the band features pebble-textured silicone, while the interior is made of soft silicone so it is comfortable to wear all day.


The MagDuo band has a breathable hollow design to keep the wrist cool, and it uses a double-sided magnetic closure. Lululook says the magnet was tested to 1.3kg of pull, and there are extra loops for security.


Colors include Graphite Gray/Driftwood, Cobalt Blue/Mist Blue, Pink/Purple, Black/Orange, Desert Dune/Cream, and Onyx Black/Beige. The MagDuo is compatible with all Apple Watch models, and there are two size options: one for the Apple Watch Ultra and larger-sized Apple Watch models, and one for the smaller Apple Watch models.


Lululook is offering MacRumors readers a discount code on the Apple Watch bands. Just use promo code Macrumors for 10 percent off at checkout.


We have an ‌Apple Watch Ultra 4‌ for one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.


Lululook Giveaway
The contest will run from today (September 25) at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on October 2. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after October 2 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
This article, "MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Ultra 4 From Lululook" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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