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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With macOS Golden Gate, Apple phased out several legacy features and services, cutting support for older devices and accessories. More cuts are coming in macOS 28 as Apple continues to root out lingering Intel features.


Here's everything that's been dropped.

• Support for Intel Macs - ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ is the first version of macOS that runs only on Apple silicon Macs. Intel Macs can't run it and are limited to macOS Tahoe. Apple still plans to offer security updates through fall 2028.


• Boot Camp Assistant - Since ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ doesn't run on Intel Macs, it doesn't support Boot Camp. Apple silicon Macs require virtualization software like Parallels or VMware Fusion to run Windows.


• Rosetta 2 (Temporarily) - Upgrading to ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ removes Rosetta, but if you have an app installed that requires it, you can reinstall it. ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ is the last version of macOS that will have full Rosetta support.


• Apple Filing Protocol - Apple deprecated AFP back in macOS Sequoia 15.5, and there is no AFP client at all in ‌macOS Golden Gate‌.


• Time Capsule Backups - With no support for AFP, Time Capsule no longer works with Macs running ‌macOS Golden Gate‌. Time Capsule requires AFP or SMBv1, but Time Machine backups now use the SMBv2 or SMBv3 protocol.


• AirPort Utility - AirPort Utility is no longer included when you install ‌macOS Golden Gate‌. If you had the app before updating, you can still use it, but Apple makes no guarantee that it still works. AirPort Utility lets users manage AirPort base stations like the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express.

macOS 28, which is expected in fall 2027, will largely drop support for Rosetta 2. Most apps that rely on Rosetta will not open on Macs running macOS 28, though Apple is making an exception for some legacy games that are unmaintained.

In ‌macOS Golden Gate‌, you'll see a warning when using any app that relies on Rosetta, so you're aware that the app won't continue to work in the future without a developer update. You can also see which apps are affected by going to Settings > General > About > Intel-Based Apps and then clicking on Details.
This article, "What's Gone in macOS Golden Gate and What's Next in macOS 28" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today updated its TestFlight app for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS to version 4.4.0, adding support for features introduced in the latest software updates and products.


TestFlight for iPhone supports landscape orientation ahead of the iPhone Duo's October launch, though the option is available on all iPhones. TestFlight can now be resized when using iPhone Mirroring on a Mac running macOS 27 with an iPhone running iOS 27.

Apple says the update also includes unspecified stability improvements and bug fixes.

This article, "TestFlight App Gets New iOS 27 Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Google today said its digital wardrobe option is available in the Google Photos iOS app in the U.S., India, and Brazil.


Google first announced the feature back in April, but it was limited to Android users until now. The wardrobe option uses AI to pull images of clothing from the Google ‌Photos‌ library, organizing them into a digital closet.


Users can put items together to create outfits and virtually try them on.

The app shows clothing items in a new Wardrobe section in the Collections tab. Clothing can also be viewed in specific categories like tops or bottoms. Items of clothing can be mixed and matched, and the results can be shared with friends or saved to a moodboard.

Google ‌Photos‌ is also getting 15 new templates for Remix, a feature that uses AI to transform images.
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Apple Music is teaming up with Goldenvoice to livestream the Head Trip music festival that's taking place in Indio, California, on October 10 and 11.


Head Trip will feature Calvin Harris, Fisher with Chris Lake, Peggy Gou with Four Tet, Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex, Dom Dolla with Kettama, and more. Tickets to the in-person event started at $499 but have sold out, and only passes starting at $589 are available now.


Music fans who don't want to pay that much or travel to the California desert can instead watch the livestream for free through ‌Apple Music‌.

"Head Trip brings together an extraordinary lineup of artists who are shaping dance and electronic music culture right now," says Stephen Campbell, Global Head of Dance, Electronic Music & DJ Mixes at Apple Music. "Our goal at Apple Music has always been to bring fans closer to the artists, scenes, and dance floors driving this culture forward. Teaming up with Goldenvoice on Head Trip gives us an incredible opportunity to take the energy of this one-of-a-kind festival beyond Indio, giving fans around the world the chance to experience these performances on Apple Music."

Sets from the main stage of the event will be livestreamed across both days of the festival, according to Digital Music News. More information about Head Trip can be found on the festival website.
This article, "Apple Music to Host Free Head Trip Festival Livestream" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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watchOS 27.2 could introduce a feature that lets Apple Watch screenshots be previewed with options to share or delete, similar to how screenshots work on the iPhone.


Signs of the feature were found in watchOS 27.2 by code explorer pdfu. The option is hidden behind a feature flag that's not enabled, but it could be introduced in a later watchOS 27.2 beta.


Right now, taking a screenshot on the Apple Watch sends it directly to the iPhone Photos app with no confirmation screen. It's easy to accidentally take a screenshot since it only requires pressing the Digital Crown and side button at the same time.

On the iPhone, taking a screenshot shows either a full-screen preview or a thumbnail preview depending on your settings, but both options let you save, share, or delete the screenshot with a couple taps.

Screenshots on Apple Watch are disabled by default but can be turned on through the Settings app on the watch or the Apple Watch app on iPhone. An option to save or delete screenshots would add more control than a simple on or off toggle.
This article, "watchOS 27.2 Code Hints at iPhone-Style Screenshot Previews" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new Beats 360 headphones are available for purchase at many Apple Stores around the world as of today. Retailers like Best Buy and Target also have some stock available in stores.


Apple's Beats brand announced the headphones earlier this week after teasing them for several months. The Beats 360 are over-ear headphones with a design similar to the AirPods Max and interchangeable ear cushions so you can swap colors.

Compared with the Beats Studio Pro, the Beats 360 have up to 1.75x more noise cancellation and improved sound quality. Features like Personalized Spatial Audio, Transparency mode, and Adaptive EQ are supported, as are fast pairing and automatic device switching. They have IPX4 sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for the gym.

The Beats 360 work with two kinds of cushions. The Performance Knit memory foam cushions are breathable and meant for working out, while the UltraPlush cushions have a softer, more pillowy feel. The Beats 360 ship with the Performance Knit cushions, and the UltraPlush can be purchased separately.

Beats 360 are priced at $349.99, and for a limited time, Apple is selling add-on ear cushions for a discounted $9.99 price through October 31. Headphone colors include Black, Cloud, Pink, and Sky. The Performance Knit cushions come in Black, Cloud, Pink, Sky, Navy, and Volt, while the UltraPlush come in Black and Cloud.
This article, "Beats 360 Headphones Now Available in Apple Stores" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today shared a video promoting the new parental control features it added in iOS 27.


Apple says Child Accounts are easier to set up in ‌iOS 27‌ and more intuitive to use. Improved controls allow parents to choose the types of apps children have access to, while Ask to Buy lets kids request new apps and games.

Ask to Browse gives parents a way to block or allow the websites children visit in Safari, plus parents can decide who kids can call and message. Communication Safety in Messages and FaceTime detects and blocks both violence and nudity in images and videos.

Time Allowances and Schedules let parents customize what children can access by the day, hour, and activity, with options to limit apps during school hours. There are one-tap controls to pause access entirely during family events like dinnertime or allow unlimited screen time.

Apple's updated parental controls come as the company deals with regulatory pressure over child safety in countries like the UK, U.S., and Australia. The UK has called for device-level controls that keep kids from viewing and sharing inappropriate images, while the U.S. Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act is now in the Senate. Australia has already prohibited children under 16 from creating accounts on certain social media apps.

Apple's new child safety features became available on September 14 with the launch of ‌iOS 27‌, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate. Every device in a Family Sharing group needs to be running the latest software for the Screen Time update to work.
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OpenAI saw disappointing results working with Apple to integrate ChatGPT in Siri, according to court documents filed [PDF] in its ongoing legal fight with Elon Musk's company SpaceXAI (xAI at the time the lawsuit was filed).


Apple added ChatGPT to ‌Siri‌ in December 2024, but users had to go through a multistep opt-in process, which added a layer of friction. By January 2025, OpenAI said the integration was "off to a slow start" and the company cut its forecast for the number of incremental logged-in weekly active users that it expected to get from the partnership.

Much of the filing is redacted, but OpenAI said that by the time Musk's companies filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI, "it was clear that Apple's integration of ChatGPT was dramatically underperforming." In a later section of the filing, OpenAI said again that the Apple integration was "persistently underperforming," leading to a March 2026 conversation between Apple and OpenAI that is redacted.

OpenAI asked Apple for a two-year exclusivity period, but Apple refused. The agreement between the two companies explicitly said the deal was non-exclusive and Apple had the right to "integrate products or services that provide the same or similar functionality as [ChatGPT]." Apple told OpenAI that it planned to integrate one provider and then add more, and it made similar statements publicly when announcing the feature. Apple also signed a deal with Google, and Apple's newest models are based on Gemini.

OpenAI's filing disputes many of the claims in the xAI lawsuit. Musk alleged OpenAI and Apple had an exclusive deal and that the agreement harmed xAI's growth and customer acquisition. OpenAI says the contract proves there was no exclusive deal, and even if there were, xAI can't prove harm because the ChatGPT ‌Siri‌ integration just didn't draw many new ChatGPT users.

Even if the Court assumes that Apple users who elect to use ChatGPT through Apple Intelligence are foreclosed from OpenAI's rivals (which they are not), the amount of foreclosure caused by the Agreement is indisputably de minimis. While Plaintiffs' experts declined to calculate foreclosure shares, OpenAI's expert, Dr. Catherine Tucker, calculated the share of GenAI consumers who accessed ChatGPT through Apple Intelligence across multiple metrics using the same data and market definition relied upon by Plaintiffs' experts. On these assumptions, Dr. Tucker found foreclosure shares of [REDACTED] across all metrics, consistent with OpenAI's internal view that Apple Intelligence saw minimal usage.

Musk's companies dropped their claims against Apple earlier this month, leaving OpenAI as the sole defendant in the lawsuit. OpenAI's filing asks the court to toss out xAI's claims prior to the trial planned for January 2027.
This article, "ChatGPT in Siri 'Persistently Underperforming,' Says OpenAI" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In the mid–1990s, Apple worked on an operating system called Copland, which was announced but never commercially released because of project management issues and feature creep. Parts of Copland were eventually included in Mac OS 7.6 and Mac OS 8, but it was so problematic as a whole that Apple nixed it before it was finished.


Michael Steil, who works to reverse engineer vintage hardware and software, was recently able to get Copland running in emulation. He modified the open-source Power Mac emulator DingusPPC, and he said it took 11 patches to get Copland up and running. He has a browser version of Copland you can try on his website, and shared the patches needed to boot Copland.

During Copland's development, Apple released three beta versions. The last beta was D11E4, which is what Steil got to work. He said Copland is "notoriously hard to run on real hardware," and wasn't previously available in emulation.

After Apple canceled Copland in August 1996, it looked outside the company for a new operating system. That led to the purchase of NeXT in 1997 and the return of Steve Jobs. NeXTSTEP, NeXT's operating system, was the precursor to Mac OS X.
This article, "You Can Now Try Apple's Unreleased Copland OS in Your Browser" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released watchOS 27.0.1, a minor update to the watchOS 27 operating system that came out last week. The update is limited to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.


watchOS 27.0.1 can be downloaded through the Settings app on the watch or the Apple Watch app on a connected iPhone. Software can only be installed when the Apple Watch is on the charger and has over 50 percent battery.

Apple's release notes say the update fixes bugs, including an issue that could cause the Apple Watch to restart unexpectedly.
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Disney today increased the prices on several of its Disney+ and Hulu streaming plans, with the increase coming exactly one year after Disney's last price hike.


Premium ad-free plans are $2 to $2.50 more expensive per month, while Disney's ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu plans are $0.50 higher per month. The ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle has not changed in price, and that's what Disney is steering customers toward.

• Disney+ (Ads) - $12.49, up from $11.99


• Disney+ (No Ads) - $21.49, up from $18.99


• Hulu (Ads) - $12.49, up from $11.99


• Hulu (No Ads) - $21.49, up from $18.99


• Disney+, Hulu Bundle (Ads) - $12.99, no change


• Disney+, Hulu Bundle (No Ads) - $21.99, up from $19.99


• Disney+, ESPN, Hulu Bundle (Ads) - $21.99, up from $19.99


• Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu (No Ads), ESPN Select (Ads) - $32.99, up from $29.99


• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Basic (Ads) - $21.99, up from $19.99


• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Basic (No Ads) - $34.99, up from $32.99

Bundles with ESPN or HBO Max are also $2 to $3 more expensive. Buying a standalone Disney+ or Hulu plan is just $0.50 cheaper per month than getting a bundle, both with ads and without. Disney is pushing bundles because it has been merging Hulu content into the Disney+ app to create an all-in-one experience.

When Disney+ launched in November 2019, it was priced at $6.99 per month. It did not have ads at the time, with Disney introducing its first ad-supported plan in 2022. Pricing for the no-ad option has increased more than 200% in nearly seven years.

Apple's streaming TV service launched right around the same time as Disney+ for $4.99 per month. Today, the Apple TV service is $14.99 per month, also a 200% increase. Other streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max raise prices regularly too.

Disney's higher prices go into effect for new subscribers today, and for existing subscribers on their next monthly bill.
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Apple's smarter, more capable version of Siri is expanding to the HomePod, according to details found by code sleuth pdfu. According to pdfu, ‌HomePod‌ Software 27 includes the system behind ‌Siri‌ AI, called "Linwood," along with new status lights in the ‌Siri‌ AI colors.


Since ‌HomePod‌ Software 27 is out and ‌Siri‌ AI isn't available on existing HomePods, it's possible support will be limited to new ‌HomePod‌ models.


Rumors suggest Apple is working on an updated HomePod mini, and the main upgrade will be a faster processor. Apple is expected to equip it with an S9 chip or newer, and it's possible the ‌HomePod mini‌ could even get the latest S11 chip that's in the Apple Watch Series 12.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and later support ‌Siri‌ AI, though a connected iPhone with Apple Intelligence is required for the ‌Siri‌ functionality. The next ‌HomePod mini‌ models are expected to work in the same way, offering some ‌Siri‌ AI and ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features when used with a compatible iPhone.

The ‌HomePod mini‌ isn't expected to get a redesign, but along with an updated processor, Apple could add its N1 networking chip, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and updated colors.

The Apple TV 4K is also expected to get a processor capable of supporting ‌Siri‌ AI, and Apple is working on a dedicated home hub with ‌Siri‌ AI integration. All of the new products, ‌HomePod mini‌ included, could launch as soon as October. Apple is also working on an updated full-size ‌HomePod‌, but it isn't clear when it will launch.
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Apple today seeded the first 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 second 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.
This article, "Apple Releases First Public Betas of iOS 27.2 and macOS Golden Gate 27.2" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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OpenAI today launched GPT–6 Sol and GPT–6 Luna, two new models that follow GPT–6 Astra. OpenAI says the new models were developed using methods similar to Astra's for improvements in professional work, factuality, coding, computer use, and alignment.


GPT–6 Sol is for everyday work, and it costs less than Astra. GPT–6 Luna is an even cheaper model. Luna is optimized for fast responses and higher volume, while Sol has more reasoning capability.

The new models outperform their predecessors on OpenAI's benchmark tests, and GPT–6 Sol makes "about half as many mistakes" as GPT–5.6 Sol. GPT–6 Sol shows improvements in coding and computer use compared to GPT–5.6 Sol, and it matches or beats Claude Fable 5.1 scores on some benchmarks.

OpenAI compared GPT–6 Sol to Opus 5 on several tests, but Anthropic released a new Opus 5.5 model today that outperforms Astra on some coding and knowledge work benchmarks.

GPT–6 Sol and Luna are adopting the improved communication style OpenAI introduced with Astra for simplified conversations with less jargon and fewer low-value details. Answers should be slightly shorter without losing substance, and the new models have lower rates of misleading claims about their coding work in OpenAI's alignment testing.

OpenAI is lowering token prices for Sol and Luna compared to their 5.6 counterparts, and prompt caching has been improved. OpenAI says agents will reuse more context, respond faster, and get 90 percent discounts on cached input-token reads.

GPT–6 Sol is priced at $2 per million input tokens and $10 per million output tokens, down by half. GPT–6 Luna costs $0.10 per million input tokens and $0.50 per million output tokens, down from $0.20 and $1.20, respectively. GPT–6 Sol costs half as much per token as Opus 5.5, but Anthropic says Opus 5.5 uses fewer tokens per task than Opus 5, so it's not a straight comparison.

GPT–6 Sol and GPT–6 Luna are rolling out in ChatGPT Work and Codex starting today for Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu users. GPT–6 Luna is available to Free and Go users in the desktop app. GPT–6 Sol and Luna are not yet available in Chat mode.
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Anthropic today launched Claude Opus 5.5, which it says is the first model in a new 5.5 model family. Opus 5.5 performs at the level of Claude Fable 5.1 on most work, but costs 40 percent less to run than Opus 5.


According to Anthropic, Opus 5.5 is a "major step up" from Opus 5 with improvements in performance and safety. Opus 5.5 is comparable to Mythos 5.1 in biology and cybersecurity, so Anthropic is launching it with safeguards similar to those on Fable 5.1. Opus 5.5 also generates output over 30 percent faster than Opus 5.

On benchmarks shared by Anthropic, Opus 5.5 surpassed Fable 5.1 on agentic coding, knowledge work, computer use, visual chart recognition, and multidisciplinary reasoning. Anthropic says the model communicates more naturally than prior models, putting important information at the front of a response so it's easier to understand at a glance. It is less likely to use jargon or idiosyncratic phrases, and it follows the writing rules it's given.

Claude Opus 5.5 is available on all platforms as of today. With the launch of Opus 5.5, Anthropic is raising the five-hour usage limits on Pro, Max, Team, and seat-based Enterprise plans. Subscribers have also received a rate limit reset that can be used anytime between now and October 22.
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Apple today released a firmware update for the Beats 360 over-ear headphones, so customers ordering the headphones will have new software available when they arrive. The firmware has a 4A262 version number, up from the prior 4A260 firmware.


We don't know what's included in the firmware update, but Apple may share details on its support site.

Announced this morning, the Beats 360 feature an all-new over-ear headphone design with a focus on comfort, active noise cancellation, and sound quality. Beats 360 come in multiple colors and can be customized with removable ear cups and headband cushions in different colors. The headphones are priced at $349.99 and can be ordered from Apple's website and from Amazon.com.

Firmware updates for Beats are delivered over the air. Firmware will be installed when the Beats 360 headphones are fully charged and connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Apple says the headphones should be turned off and kept in Bluetooth range of your Apple device.

On Android devices, the headphones can be updated using the dedicated Beats app.
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Apple has paused development on a camera-equipped AI wearable, reports Bloomberg. The device was described as a pin or pendant that could be attached to clothing or worn around the neck.


A camera would relay information about the wearer's surroundings to Siri, like the rumored AirPods with cameras that could come as soon as 2027. The AI pin would have Visual Intelligence features, with ‌Siri‌ AI able to answer questions about where the wearer is located or what the wearer is looking at.

The prototype Apple worked on was described as similar in size to an AirTag, with a thin, circular disc shape. It was made from aluminum and glass, with a physical control button on the side.

Rumors suggested Apple could introduce the AI wearable as soon as 2027, but with development postponed, that seems unlikely. Apple is working on several other wearables, including a screen-free fitness band, AI smart glasses, and AirPods with cameras.
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Apple is working on an activity tracker that doesn't have a screen, reports Bloomberg. The screen-free health and fitness device is said to be similar to Whoop's line of bands. Whoop makes wrist-worn trackers with 24/7 monitoring, but without a display.


Apple has apparently been "exploring" the category for months and has developed prototypes, but hasn't decided whether the project will move forward. Apple chair Tim Cook and services chief Eddy Cue are interested in the product, notable because Cue now leads Apple's health teams. Cue is said to be pushing for wearables with simpler interfaces, like the screen-free Whoop and Oura Ring.

Prototypes have a fabric band attached to a computing module that rests on the wrist. Sensors track heart rate and other metrics, similar to the Apple Watch.

The latest Apple Watch models adopt features similar to those offered by Whoop and Oura products, including an overall readiness score and an estimate of biological age. A new version of the Health app is being tested in iOS 27.2, and it has a more user-friendly interface with clearer guidance than before.

If Apple moves forward with the screen-free tracker, it likely would not launch until at least 2028. Apple is expected to debut wearable AI smart glasses and AirPods with cameras before then.
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Apple CEO John Ternus did an interview with Canal+ talk show Clique following Apple's September event. He discussed the iPhone Duo's design, difficulties Apple ran into when developing it, his plans for Apple, and more.


On the design of the ‌iPhone Duo‌, Ternus explained why Apple went with an iPad-like shape when the device is unfolded.

I think it's something new and unique, right? But I think we didn't want to just do what we'd seen other people do, which is sort of take two phone shapes and stick them together and then you get this weird square thing. We came at it from we want to build a large screen experience that feels right to us. And obviously we've been doing that for a long time with iPad. And so we knew kind of the shape, you know, we came up with this new aspect ratio.

Ternus said that when developing the ‌iPhone Duo‌, there were "so many problems" to solve, but a foldable was an opportunity for Apple employees to "be really clever" and "come up with entirely new things." He said some of the hardware engineering problems Apple had to address involved the design of the hinge and the display, and making them reliable.

When asked to share his favorite ‌iPhone Duo‌ trick, Ternus showed off the device's opening animation. "I mean, this is really fun, you know, the animation that you get as you open it across from one side to the other. It's just sort of whimsical and fun. And it brings a smile to your face."

Ternus reiterated Apple's stance on AI companions, saying that Siri AI is "not designed to be your friend," which is something we heard earlier this year from Craig Federighi. Ternus said Apple doesn't want to replace human relationships. "They're how we learn, they're how we grow, they're how we find joy and happiness," he said.

Then-CEO Tim Cook and Apple's board asked Ternus if he wanted to be the next Apple CEO. Ternus didn't say when he was approached, but he said the question came as a surprise. "When Tim asked me if it was something I would consider, I would say the good news is I was sitting down, because I never in a million years would have imagined that happening," said Ternus.

As Apple's CEO, Ternus said he doesn't have plans for a radical change. He was asked if Apple was going back to its roots under his leadership, with more of a focus on engineering products.

I don't think anything's really changed. Sure, I'm new in this job, but the focus on innovation, the focus on products, the focus most importantly on our customers, that has never changed. That's been here from the beginning.

I am super passionate about products. I love building things. That's why I've been here so long. That's why I love what I do. And so I'm excited to continue doing that. But I don't think of it as some radical change.

Ternus said it was "amazing" to be able to say "one more thing" on stage at Apple's September event. "I've seen Steve say it, and I've seen Tim say it," he said. "And so having the opportunity for me to say it was pretty magical. Kind of goosebumps."

The full interview includes Ternus' thoughts on ‌Tim Cook‌, the AI race, Apple's environmental goals, the Vision Pro, the new parental controls added in iOS 27, and more.
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Apple is no longer signing iOS 26.6.2, so if you've upgraded to iOS 27, there is no option to downgrade to a version of iOS 26. ‌iOS 27‌ came out a week ago.


Software that is "signed" can pass a server-side verification check that Apple performs when a new version of iOS is downloaded. If an update fails the verification check, it can't be installed.

By unsigning software, Apple prevents customers from installing outdated, less secure versions of iOS.

If you haven't installed ‌iOS 27‌ yet, you can still keep using ‌iOS 26‌, but once you've upgraded, there's no going back. You also can't downgrade from ‌iOS 27‌ to iOS 26.7 (which was released alongside ‌iOS 27‌) because iOS 26.7 is an over-the-air update with no restore file available.
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With the second beta of macOS Golden Gate 27.2, Apple updated the look of the volume and brightness sliders when you adjust them with the keyboard.


The new sliders have a segmented bar instead of a plain line, making it clearer how much each key press adjusts volume or brightness. Apple used a similar design in macOS Sequoia before Liquid Glass, and the new look is a cross between the old slider and the Liquid Glass slider.

There are no longer two icons at the beginning and end of the slider, and Apple now uses a single larger icon on the left. The sliders appear where a matching menu bar icon is located, so if you have a dedicated sound icon, the slider shows up below it.


The design of the Control Center sliders did not change, and the updated look can only be seen when you change volume or brightness with the keyboard.

Apple seeded the ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 beta to developers earlier today. We're expecting the software to launch toward the end of October.
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Apple is testing the next macOS Golden Gate update, and developers can download the second ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 beta. The second beta comes a week after Apple released the first 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. We're expecting a launch toward the end of October.
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Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming iOS 27.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after Apple released the first iOS 27.2 beta. Apple also seeded an 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 a iOS 27.1 beta was surprise, especially because the company plans to ship the iPhone Duo with iOS 27.1. Apple is likely holding iOS 27.1 until the Duo comes out, just to keep the features under wraps. iOS 27.1 will add updated app layouts and features built for the iPhone Duo's two displays. The ‌iPhone Duo‌ will have a vertical dock, vertical Dynamic Island, new dual-screen app layouts, side-by-side app multitasking, and exclusive Camera app capabilities.

Since the ‌iPhone Duo‌ will launch on Friday, October 23 and will ship with iOS 27.1, Apple will need to release the iOS 27.1 update before then. Since iOS 27.2 includes new ‌Siri‌ AI languages, it too will launch sometime during the month of October.
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