Apple reportedly plans to unveil an iPad mini 8 with an OLED display next week, with those invited to Apple's Los Angeles experience on Wednesday, October 28 expected to receive hands-on time with the device, alongside MacBook Pro models with touch-enabled OLED displays, a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip, and an iMac with an M6 chip.


Here are 10 new features and changes expected for the iPad mini 8:

• Apple's latest A20 Pro chip, manufactured with TSMC's advanced 2nm process. Expect up to around 1.5× faster CPU performance and up to around 2.5× faster GPU performance compared to the A17 Pro chip in the current iPad mini. A20 Pro also introduces a "dual 16-core Neural Engine" for a total of 32 cores.


• With the A20 Pro chip, the next iPad mini will have 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB of RAM in the current model. This means the device will support the ability to customize the pace and expressiveness of Siri AI's voice.


• A slightly larger OLED display with better overall image quality compared to the current LCD model, thanks to richer colors and higher contrast ratio with true blacks. Apple has apparently tested both 60Hz and 120Hz (ProMotion) refresh rates for the new model, but it is unclear which option it chose.


• Slimmer bezels around the display compared to the current model.


• Landscape front camera, meaning the camera will be in the right bezel instead of the top bezel when holding the device in an upright position.


• Apple's custom-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support.


• Apple's custom-designed C1X or C2 modem for cellular configurations.


• A redesigned speaker system with no speaker holes and potentially an iPhone earpiece-like speaker in the top bezel.


• IP-rated water resistance for the first time.

In the U.S., the current iPad mini starts at $599 after receiving a $100 price increase in June, which Apple attributed to skyrocketing RAM and storage chip prices. With a costlier OLED display, the next model might be even more expensive.
This article, "iPad Mini 8 Expected Next Week With These 10 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In a support document that it has since deleted, Australian carrier Telstra said RCS support would be available starting with an iOS update coming in December. If this timeframe remains accurate, then iPhone users with Telstra will likely be able to use RCS in the Messages app starting with iOS 27.3.

RCS has many benefits over the traditional SMS standard for text messaging with Android users, including end-to-end encryption, read receipts, typing indicators, in-line replies, and more. Apple maintains a list of supported carriers.
This article, "iOS 27.3 May Expand RCS Support to Australia's Telstra in December" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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As reported by 9to5Mac, Apple is now selling parts for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chips, and new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips on its self-service repair store in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

After ordering parts and tools, customers with the know-how can follow the steps in Apple's repair manuals for each of these devices, allowing them to skip a visit to the Apple Store's Genius Bar or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
This article, "Apple Now Sells DIY Repair Parts for iPhone 18 Pro and Two New Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In a press release focused on its latest American Manufacturing Program commitments today, Apple reiterated that Mac mini assembly in the U.S. will begin later this year, with Foxconn expected to build the computer at a facility in Houston, Texas.

In an interview earlier this year, Apple's operations chief Sabih Khan said that Mac mini units assembled in the U.S. would primarily serve the U.S. market, while production would continue in Asia for orders placed abroad.
This article, "Apple Says Mac Mini Assembly in U.S. to Begin Later This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new fourth-generation Apple TV 4K announced last week can connect to up to four HomePods in front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right positions, enabling an all-Apple surround sound system for home theater setups. There is also a related new feature that has not received as much attention: Whole Room Audio.


Apple says the Whole Room Audio feature spreads sound evenly across four HomePods in a room.

"Whole Room Audio spreads sound evenly across four HomePod speakers for audio that's perfect for parties or game day," says Apple. "Everything from music to sports commentary comes through clearly, no matter where you are in the room."

According to the user "pdfu," who has been digging into Apple's software code in recent months, "Surround Sound" and "Whole Room Audio" will be separate options in tvOS 27.2's audio settings when four HomePods are connected to the new Apple TV 4K.


When enabled, "pdfu" said Whole Room Audio assigns the same left or right stereo channel to HomePods positioned diagonally opposite each other. This arrangement is designed to provide a more consistent stereo listening experience throughout a room, regardless of where you are standing or which direction you are facing. As mentioned by Apple, the feature is ideal for parties, where people might not always be facing the TV.

"Whole Room Audio" was previously referred to as "Party Mode" in rumors.

You can connect four of the new HomePod mini 2 speakers to the new Apple TV 4K, or you can mix and match pairs of HomePod mini 2 and full-sized HomePod 2 speakers, so long as the front and rear pairs of speakers match. For example, you can have two full-sized HomePod 2 speakers up front and two HomePod mini 2 speakers in the rear.

Previous-generation Apple TV 4K models remain limited to two HomePods for stereo sound.

The new Apple TV 4K launches on Friday, November 13, while the HomePod mini 2 launches on Friday, October 30. Both devices can be pre-ordered now.
This article, "New Apple TV 4K Features 'Whole Room Audio' With Four HomePods" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today announced new and expanded partnerships with two U.S. companies for iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro components and materials.


Through its existing American Manufacturing Program, Apple said it will commit up to $100 million over the next three years to Pennsylvania-based manufacturer Perryman, which produces titanium used in iPhone Duo enclosures.

In addition, Apple said Delaware-based Qnity Electronics will produce "advanced films" for the variable aperture camera system on the iPhone 18 Pro models.

Apple's commitments to Perryman and Qnity are part of its overall promise to invest $600 billion in U.S. manufacturing and innovation by the end of 2029.

"American ingenuity is vital to all our products, from the titanium crafted for iPhone Duo to breakthrough camera innovations in iPhone 18 Pro," said Apple's operations chief Sabih Khan. "We're proud to work with Perryman and Qnity Electronics to continue expanding our American Manufacturing Program and support U.S. jobs."

Apple said U.S. companies produce nearly 100 components in the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro.

By the end of 2026, Apple said all of the cover glass for all iPhone and Apple Watch models sold worldwide will be produced by Corning in Kentucky.

Apple CEO John Ternus highlighted this U.S. manufacturing announcement in a post on X today.
This article, "Apple Says Nearly 100 iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Parts Made in USA" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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