In a post on its developer news website today, Apple announced that it will be introducing "additional controls" for the "Full Disk Access" setting on macOS due to new risks posed by AI agents. This announcement comes amid the rise of always-on AI agents like Meta's Muse and OpenAI's Dots, which have prompted privacy concerns.


"Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history—without users' full knowledge and understanding," said Apple.

"As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially," it added.

Here is the full text of Apple's announcement:

We give developers powerful APIs to build incredible capabilities into their apps for Apple products, backed by a set of controls designed to protect users' private data. Full Disk Access largely sidesteps these controls in order to allow backup apps to function properly on the Mac. Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history—without users' full knowledge and understanding. For communication apps, this can also compromise the privacy of the people users are communicating with.

Going forward, we will introduce additional controls to ensure that users who genuinely wish to grant an app this extraordinary level of access can only do so with very explicit user action. Addressing this is critical. As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially. We are committed to ensuring users clearly understand these risks before granting such access, so they can make informed decisions about their own data and privacy.

Apple did not say when the new "Full Disk Access" controls will be implemented.
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AT&T and Apple are taking action today as they try to resolve iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.


Thousands of iPhone 18 Pro Max users have been unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, text messages, and data. The underlying cause has yet to be disclosed, but AT&T and Apple continue to work toward a resolution.

First, Apple today released an AT&T carrier settings update (version 72.1, up from 72.0.2) for iPhones. Given the timing of this update, it presumably includes some optimizations related to iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular connectivity, but it is unclear if AT&T has fully resolved the issues or if further tweaks will be necessary.

When a carrier settings update is available on your iPhone, you will be prompted to install it. If you dismiss the notification or do not see it, open the Settings app, tap General → About, and the update should appear there. You can see your iPhone's current carrier settings version in the same About menu, next to your carrier's name.

Second, Apple today started requiring iPhone 18 Pro Max users to install iOS 27.0.1 in order to set up the device, even though most if not all affected users have said that the update does not resolve the issues. A leaked AT&T email said iOS 27.0.1 is meant to help mitigate future impacts, so it may still help in some way.

In a statement shared with MacRumors today, AT&T said it is "working with Apple" on this.

Apple did not respond to our request for comment.

It is not yet clear if a follow-up update like iOS 27.0.2 will be required as part of a fix, or if the carrier update alone will be sufficient.
This article, "AT&T and Apple Just Took Steps Toward Fixing iPhone 18 Pro Max Issue" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In a statement shared with MacRumors today, AT&T said it is "working with Apple" to resolve iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues.


"Apple has released a software update to address an issue that may affect calls, data, texts, and 911 calls on a small number of Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max phones," an AT&T spokesperson said. "AT&T customers with an iPhone 18 Pro Max should update their phones now to the latest available software. Our top priority is ensuring customers can stay connected when they need it most, and we are working with Apple to make it right."

As we reported last week, affected iPhone 18 Pro Max users are unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, text messages, or data either persistently or intermittently, and their devices typically enter SOS mode as a result. The underlying cause has not been confirmed, and Apple has yet to publicly comment on the matter.

Thousands of users have experienced this problem since the iPhone 18 Pro Max launched on September 18, according to discussion threads across the Apple Support Community, Reddit, MacRumors Forums, and other online platforms.

Notably, the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only new iPhone unveiled last month that is equipped with a Qualcomm cellular modem. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo are equipped with Apple's C2 modem worldwide, as is the iPhone 18 Pro Max in all other countries. However, it is unclear if this is a contributing factor.

AT&T said iPhone 18 Pro Max users who have experienced or continue to experience issues can return to an Apple or AT&T store for additional support.

Yesterday, AT&T sent a text message to some customers advising them to update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately, even though that update does not appear to resolve the issues, according to comments shared by affected users.

In an alleged internal email shared on Reddit today, AT&T clarified that its guidance about updating to iOS 27.0.1 is meant to help mitigate future impacts, but it is unclear if or how the update actually helps. Apple's release notes for iOS 27.0.1 only mentioned fixes for other bugs, including a Face ID issue affecting iPhone 18 Pro models.

The alleged email added that customers can visit an Apple or AT&T store for a replacement device, but some customers said their request for a replacement under warranty was declined. With this issue becoming more widespread, hopefully Apple and AT&T are working to inform employees about the issue and implement a formal process.

iPhone 18 Pro Max users should be aware that today is the final day to return the device to Apple under the company's standard 14-day return policy in the U.S., for customers who purchased or received it on September 18 launch day.

Typically, Apple is able to address issues like these with software updates, so hopefully it will be able to fix the issue in iOS 27.0.2 or later. Hardware issues are more rare, but when they do happen, Apple sometimes launches a free repair program. We will continue to provide further updates on this topic as more information becomes available.
This article, "AT&T on iPhone 18 Pro Max Issues: 'We Are Working With Apple'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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We're just a few days out from Prime Big Deal Days on October 6, and Amazon is already offering some savings on accessories including Anker chargers, Samsung monitors, and 4K TVs. We're also tracking deals on the new Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Apple Watch Ultra 4 this week.

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

Early Prime Day Deals

• What's the deal? Shop early Prime Day deals on Apple-related accessories and more


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon's fall Prime Day, called Prime Big Deal Days, is nearly upon us, and early discounts have already started appearing online. We're tracking big markdowns on TVs, monitors, charging accessories, and more in our original article, and be sure to keep an eye on the MacRumors front page for more Prime Big Deal Days news as the event gets closer.

Beats 360

• What's the deal? Save on Beats 360 cushion kits and more


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

The new Beats 360 headphones were announced last week, and they're now available to order on Amazon and other retailers. They're available in Black, Cloud, plus a bundle where you can style the headphones however you'd like thanks to interchangeable ear cushions and headbands.

Alongside the launch, Beats announced that its Cushion Kits compatible with the Beats 360 are available for just $9.99 for the next month, down from $49.99. Stock on these has begun to dwindle since launch, so be sure to get in soon before they disappear.

Mac Mini and Mac Studio

• What's the deal? Take up to $50 off Mac mini and Mac Studio


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon recently introduced the first cash discounts on Apple's brand new Mac mini and Mac Studio, with discounts reaching up to $50 off original prices. All of these deals represent the first discounts on the new computers, which just launched last month.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

• What's the deal? Take $19 off Apple Watch Ultra 4


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

The new Apple Watch Ultra 4 just launched last month, and Amazon is offering the first cash discounts on select models for the first time since their launch. You can get the Apple Watch Ultra 4 for $779.99, down from $799.00.

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, "Beats 360 Cushion Kits and Apple Accessories See Early Prime Day Price Drops" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The Apple Watch has received some incremental updates in recent years, with significant upgrades becoming fewer and farther between as the device has progressed. Since the Apple Watch's generation-over-generation enhancements are relatively small, it is all the more important to consider when an upgrade is justified and whether an older model could suffice for your needs.


The Apple Watch Series 12 brings a more substantial set of changes than the Series 11, which was one of the smallest refreshes in the device's history. While Apple has discontinued previous Series models, older watches may still be available at lower prices from third-party retailers or secondhand.

Read on to see the breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with each Apple Watch model compared to its direct predecessor. Viewing each generation's changes in this way helps weigh up the accumulative upgrades one receives by skipping multiple generations when buying a new device, as well as get a sense of which generations offered the biggest overall upgrades.

Apple Watch Series 12 (2026)

• S11 chip (based on A20 Pro)


• 4GB of RAM


• New Health Sensing System


• Second-generation electrical heart sensor


• Fourth-generation, always-on optical heart sensor


• Background heart rate measurements every five seconds throughout the day


• Heart rate variability measured up to 24x more often


• Recovery HRV metric


• Readiness app


• Daytime view in the Vitals app


• More accurate step tracking


• Steps and real-time heart rate watch face complications


• Audio Intelligence with Sound Recognition and automatic Shazam detection


• Live Rewind and Siri Recap


• Ceramic Shield 2 front glass, 60% tougher than Series 11's Ion-X glass (aluminum models only)


• Aluminum or titanium and zirconia back replaces metal and sapphire crystal back


• Up to 10 hours of outdoor workout tracking (25% longer than Series 11)


• 15 minutes of charging provides up to 12 hours of normal use (up from eight hours)


• Five minutes of charging provides up to 10 hours of sleep tracking (up from eight hours)


• Aluminum and titanium cases are 1mm wider and around two grams heavier


• Slightly larger bezels and display area is approximately 2% smaller despite unchanged screen resolutions


• Ceramic case option introduced in Pearl White and Night Blue, with slightly larger dimensions than aluminum and titanium models


• Dark Bronze, Light Gold, and Black aluminum finishes replace Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black; Space Gray remains available


• Radiant Gold titanium replaces Gold and Slate; Natural titanium remains available

Apple Watch Series 11 (2025)

• 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (aluminum models only)


• 5G connectivity (cellular models only)


• 7–10% larger battery


• Space Gray aluminum option reintroduced

Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)

• Refined design with a thinner casing, display with more rounded edges and a wider aspect ratio, and front glass that extends further over the sides for a higher screen-to-body ratio
  
• 42mm and 46mm case sizes


• Larger displays


• LTPO3 display for faster refresh rate in always-on mode, enabling a live ticking seconds hand on select watch faces


• Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)


• S10 chip (same CPU as S9, but more compact)


• Water temperature sensor


• Depth app and Depth gauge to 6m


• Microphone with voice isolation


• Redesigned speaker with media playback


• Metal back with larger charging coil and integrated antenna


• Faster charging (0–80% in about 30 minutes)


• Titanium casing replaces stainless steel option, now in Silver (matches previous stainless steel casing, Apple Watch Hermès only), Gold, Slate, and Natural


• Starlight, Midnight, Pink, and (PRODUCT)RED finishes discontinued, replaced with Silver, Rose Gold, and polished Jet Black finishes

Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)

• Retina display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness


• Display can get dimmer in dark rooms and at night (down to 1 nit of brightness)


• Double tap gesture


• Wrist flick gesture


• Sleep apnea detection


• Hypertension detection


• S9 chip (based on A15 Bionic)


• 2GB of RAM


• 4-core Neural Engine (2x faster than Series 8)


• ‌Siri‌‌ processed on-device for requests that do not need information from the internet


• ‌‌Siri‌‌ can access health and fitness data


• 25% more accurate dictation


• Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip


• Precision Finding for iPhone 15 models


• HomePod proximity integration


• 64GB storage


• Pink aluminum casing introduced

Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)

• S8 chip (same CPU as S6)


• More powerful gyroscope and high dynamic range accelerometer


• ‌Crash Detection


• Body temperature sensor


• Wrist temperature sensing during sleep
mem

• Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates


• Blue and Green aluminum casings discontinued, Silver aluminum reintroduced


• Apple Watch Edition discontinued

Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)

• 41mm and 45mm case sizes


• 1.7mm display borders for almost 20% more screen area than Series 6


• QWERTY keyboard


• Up to 70% brighter display than Series 6 indoors when wrist is down


• S7 chip (Same CPU as S6)


• Crack-resistant front crystal (50% thicker)


• IP6X dust resistance


• Fast charging for up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes (33% faster than Series 6)


• Silver and Space Gray aluminum casings discontinued, Midnight, Starlight, and Green introduced

Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)

• Up to 2.5x brighter always-on display


• Access Notification Center, Control Center, and Complications when display is asleep


• S6 chip (based on A13 Bionic, 20% faster than S5)


• 1.5GB of RAM


• Always-on altimeter


• First-generation Ultra Wideband chip


• 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi


• Blood oxygen sensor


• Faster charging for a full charge in under 1.5 hours


• Improved battery life for tracking certain workouts, such as indoor and outdoor runs


• Blue and (PRODUCT)RED aluminum casing options introduced


• Space Black stainless steel casing available with Apple Watch Hermès only, Graphite option introduced


• Ceramic Apple Watch Edition discontinued

Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)

• Always-on Retina display


• Force Touch removed


• S5 chip


• Compass


• 32GB storage


• Apple Watch Edition reintroduced with White Ceramic, Natural Titanium, and Space Black Titanium casing options

Apple Watch Series 4 (2018)

• 40mm and 44mm case sizes


• Over 30% larger display with curved corners


• 3.0mm display borders


• S4 chip (2x faster than S3)


• Gyroscope and accelerometer


• Barometric altimeter


• Fall detection


• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi


• Optical heart sensor and electrical heart sensor for ECG


• 16GB storage


• Digital Crown with haptic feedback


• 50% louder speaker


• Relocated microphone for reduced echo and better sound quality


• Faster charging for a full charge in 1.5 hours


• Gold stainless steel casing introduced


• Apple Watch Edition discontinued

Apple Watch Series 3 (2017)

• S3 chip (70% faster than S2)


• Barometric altimeter


• Bluetooth 4.2


• ‌Siri‌ able to speak through the onboard speaker


• LTE cellular model available with red Digital Crown


• Rose Gold aluminum casing discontinued


• Gray Ceramic Apple Watch Edition model introduced

Apple Watch Series 2 (2016)

• Retina display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness (2x brighter than previous generation)


• S2 chip (dual‑core)


• 1GB of RAM


• GPS and GLONASS receiver


• Water resistant up to 50 meters


• Gold and Rose Gold aluminum casing options added


• 18K Gold and Rose Gold Apple Watch Edition discontinued, Ceramic model introduced in White


• Apple Watch Nike+ variant introduced

The Series 12 has a stronger case than the Series 11 as an upgrade in general, but most Series 11 owners still have little reason to get a new device. Its new heart sensors, more frequent HRV measurements, Readiness app, and longer workout battery life matter most if you rely on your Apple Watch for training and recovery insights. Sound Recognition may also appeal to deaf or hard of hearing users, while the ceramic case offers a finish unavailable with the Series 11.

Upgrading from a Series 10 brings these changes alongside the Series 11's 5G connectivity on cellular models and longer rated everyday battery life. From a Series 9, you would also gain the thinner Series 10 design, larger display, depth gauge, and water temperature sensor.

The cumulative upgrades become more compelling for Series 8 users and older, particularly if battery wear is affecting daily use. Series 7 owners gain Crash Detection and temperature sensing as well as the newer design and Series 12 health features. The biggest differences will be felt by those with a Series 6 or older, though the condition of your current watch and the cost of replacing it still matter.

watchOS 27 supports Series 9 and later, leaving the Series 8 and older without the latest major software release. That does not mean they will immediately stop working or receiving all security updates, but they are now considered old devices. If you are shopping for a replacement, a discounted or secondhand Series 11 may offer better value if you do not need the Series 12's health features, providing you can find it at a sufficiently low price. watchOS 26 is not supported by the Series 5 or older, so anyone with one of these devices should definitely consider upgrading soon.

Looking to the future, it looks like next year's Apple Watch Series 13 could offer some major upgrades including a redesign and new sensors. This could make it a great upgrade for those with a Series 11 or older.
This article, "Upgrading From an Older Apple Watch? Here's How the New Features Stack Up" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Following more than three months of renovations, the Apple SouthGate store in Bath, England will be reopening on Friday, October 23, just in time for iPhone Duo launch day.

Last year, Apple permanently closed its store in the heart of nearby Bristol, but Apple Cribbs Causeway remains open inside a shopping center on the outskirts of the city. In other UK store news, Apple Lakeside in Essex was also renovated and reopened in September.
This article, "Apple Store in UK Reopening on iPhone Duo Launch Day" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In a text message sent to customers today, AT&T acknowledged that some iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on its network are experiencing cellular issues.


AT&T said that customers should immediately update to iOS 27.0.1, despite the fact that many affected users have said that the update does not resolve the issues. There are now at least thousands of users that have experienced this problem, according to discussion topics across the Apple Support Community, Reddit, and MacRumors Forums.

Here is what the text message says:

Hi, it's AT&T. Action needed: An important Apple software update for your iPhone 18 Pro Max is available. Some phones may be unable to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. Update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately — Settings > General > Software Update. Please contact AT&T or Apple if you have questions.

Apple's release notes for iOS 27.0.1 did not mention a fix for AT&T cellular issues. Rather, the update fixed a Face ID issue on the iPhone 18 Pro models.

As we reported last week, affected iPhone 18 Pro Max users are unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, text messages, or data either persistently or intermittently, and their devices typically enter SOS mode as a result. The underlying cause has not been confirmed, and Apple has yet to publicly comment on the matter.

Notably, the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only new iPhone unveiled last month that is equipped with a Qualcomm cellular modem. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo are equipped with Apple's C2 modem worldwide, as is the iPhone 18 Pro Max in all other countries. However, it is unclear if this is a contributing factor.

If a software issue is identified, then another update such as iOS 27.0.2 may be required. If there is a hardware issue, though, then this would obviously be a much bigger problem. We will provide further updates as new information becomes available.
This article, "AT&T Acknowledges iPhone 18 Pro Max Issues: Update 'Immediately'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Twelve South, a well-known accessory maker for Apple products, has released a new AirFly Drive accessory that turns wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay.


AirFly Drive uses Wi-Fi to establish a connection between your iPhone and vehicle, eliminating the need to use a USB-C cable for CarPlay.

Priced at $39.99 in the U.S., the AirFly Drive plugs into a USB data port in your vehicle. The accessory is essentially a compact aluminum cube with a USB-A port on it, with a USB-C adapter included in the box. It is designed to stay plugged in, so that you can get in your vehicle and use wireless CarPlay right away every time.

You only need to pair your iPhone with the AirFly Drive once, and then it will offer fast automatic reconnection every time the vehicle starts, with no app, account, or charging required. A button on the accessory allows for one-press switching between two paired iPhones, which is useful if two people share the same vehicle.


Before first-time setup, you must disconnect your iPhone from your vehicle by choosing "Forget This Device" in the vehicle's Bluetooth settings.

Twelve South says the AirFly Drive works with any iPhone running iOS 10 or newer and any vehicle that already has factory support for wired CarPlay.

Similar wired-to-wireless CarPlay dongles from other brands are available on Amazon, but Twelve South is a reputable maker of accessories for Apple products. AirFly Drive is available to order now in white or black.
This article, "New 'AirFly Drive' Accessory Turns Wired CarPlay Into Wireless CarPlay" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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