Apple potentially used a shell company named Home Services LLC to secretly file for a "HomeView" trademark in the U.S. and various other countries last year, around the same time that another shell company named Home Operations Suite LLC that also might be linked to Apple filed for a "homeOS" trademark.


Apple reportedly plans to unveil an all-new smart home hub during its "Welcome home" launch on Tuesday, October 13. Will the device be named HomeView, and will its all-new operating system be named homeOS? We shall soon find out.

Apple has a history of using shell companies to secretly file trademarks related to unannounced hardware and software. For example, prior to the Apple Vision Pro launching in 2023, a shell company that was ultimately connected to Apple filed a trademark for "visionOS," which ended up being the name of the Vision Pro's operating system. However, Apple was also behind a trademark for an "xrOS" name that it ultimately abandoned in favor of visionOS, so trademark filings do not always correspond with Apple's final branding decisions.

"HomePad" is another speculative name for Apple's home hub, given that the device is expected to be somewhat of a HomePod-iPad hybrid.

Perhaps the device will have a straightforward "Apple Home" name? That name could be confusing given there is also an Apple Home app, but this is a company that has an Apple TV 4K device, an Apple TV app, and an Apple TV streaming service, so it is certainly possible. Or maybe "HomePod Pro" instead? Share your guesses in the comments section.
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The final three weeks of October are going to be extremely busy for Apple, so we have recapped some key dates below if you want to mark your calendar.


Apple will be announcing new products on October 13, the iPhone Duo launches on October 23, and even more products are expected to debut on October 27.

Here are six important Apple dates coming up this month:

• Monday, October 12: You can get ready for your iPhone Duo pre-order.


• Tuesday, October 13: Apple is holding a "Welcome home" experience to unveil an all-new smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K.


• Friday, October 16: iPhone Duo pre-orders begin at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.


• Friday, October 23: iPhone Duo launches.


• Tuesday, October 27: While not yet officially announced, Apple reportedly plans to unveil even more new products on this day, including redesigned MacBook Pro models with OLED touchscreens, an iPad mini with an OLED display, a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip, and an iMac with an M6 chip.


• Friday, October 30: iPhone Duo launches in 28 additional countries and regions.

Apple said the iPhone Duo will ship with iOS 27.1, while iOS 27.2 is expected to be released to the public at some point in October too.

Finally, Apple plans to release a Mac Studio with 512GB of RAM in "late October," but it has yet to announce a specific release date.
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For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Southern Straps to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an Apple Watch Series 12 and a nylon band from Southern Straps to go along with it.


Southern Straps is a California-based company that has been making high-quality bands for the Apple Watch since the device first launched in 2015, and the company's selection of bands offer a an alternative to Apple's bands in unique styles that Apple does not offer.


Southern Straps set out to make nylon NATO-style bands for the Apple Watch over a decade ago, and it is still making those same handcrafted watch straps today. With years of experience, Southern Straps has had time to perfect the band's look and construction.

Available for $60 or two for $105, each Southern Straps Apple Watch band is made from a single piece of nylon that is folded over, heat sealed, and stitched together for durability. The multi-step process makes sure that each band holds up for years of use, and they come with a five-year warranty.


Southern Straps offers over 10 color options, ranging from solid colors in green, black, and beige, to striped options in colorful combinations like blue and green, blue and red, khaki and red, blue and white, blue and orange, black and gray, and the classic red, white, and blue.

Bands can be ordered with hardware in black, silver, or gold to match the different Apple Watch models. There are two sizes: one that is compatible with 42mm to 49mm Apple Watch models, and one that is compatible with smaller 38mm to 42mm models. The bands work with every Apple Watch model from the original Apple Watch to the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the Series 12.


Pegged spring bars are included with each band so that you can change the hardware if you get an Apple Watch in a new size or a new color. Southern Straps bands are perfect for daily use and transition easily from work to working out.



We have an Apple Watch Series 12 for one lucky MacRumors reader, plus a Southern Straps band. 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.


Southern Straps Giveaway
The contest will run from today (October 9) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on October 16. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after October 16 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.
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Apple today added the first-generation Apple TV 4K from 2017 to the vintage products list on its website, just four days before a new model is finally expected to debut.

A fourth-generation Apple TV 4K will reportedly be unveiled on Tuesday, October 13, as part of Apple's "Welcome home" launch.
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Apple shares fell more than 2.5% in early trading today in response to Nikkei Asia's report that the company is cutting iPhone 18 Pro component orders due to weaker-than-expected demand. October orders were reportedly reduced by at least 15%, with higher memory costs and $100 price increases weighing on demand.
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Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event is over, but there are plenty of Apple deals still available as we head into the weekend. This includes big discounts on AirPods Max 2, Apple Watch Series 12, MacBook Pro, and more.

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

AirPods Max 2

The only remaining Prime Day AirPods deal is on the AirPods Max 2, which Amazon has for $429.00 right now in every color, down from $549.00. This is a great second-best price, as we haven't tracked it any lower in months.

Apple Watch

For the Apple Watch Series 12, you can get the 42mm GPS model for $349.99 and the 46mm GPS model for $399.99, both of which are $49 discounts and new all-time low prices. Both of these models have two colors available at these all-time low prices, and you'll find a few cellular options on sale as well.

Mac Mini and Mac Studio

Apple's M5 Max Mac Studio with 36GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is still on sale for $2,299.00, down from $2,499.00. Regarding the Mac mini, you can get the 16GB RAM/256GB SSD Mac mini for $779.99, down from $899.00, and the 16GB RAM/512GB SSD model for $949.99, down from $1,099.00.

MacBook Air

Amazon introduced $200 off nearly every M5 MacBook Air model for Prime Big Deal Days, and every single model is still available today. These are the best prices we've seen on the M5 MacBook Air in the wake of Apple's summertime price hikes.

In terms of 13-inch models, Amazon has the 16GB/512GB 13-inch MacBook Air for $1,099.00, down from $1,299.00. This one is available in all four colors on Amazon, and it's accompanied by the 16GB/1TB and 24GB/1TB model for $200 off as well.





For the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air models, prices start with the 16GB/512GB model for $1,299.00, down from $1,499.00. You can also get the 16GB/1TB model for $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00, all $200 off and the best prices we've seen in months.

MacBook Pro

Amazon has introduced a giant $600 discount on the 36GB/2TB 14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro, now priced at $3,499.00. This is the steepest discount on the 14-inch models right now, but you'll also find a few entry-level options on sale below.





In terms of the larger display models, we're tracking big discounts on all four models on Amazon. These start at $2,749.00 for the 24GB/1TB M5 Pro configuration ($250 off), and reach up to $4,499.00 for the 48GB/2TB M5 Max device ($500 off).

iPad Air

Amazon this week has multiple discounts on the M4 iPad Air, providing up to $149 off these 2026 models. These remain the best prices we've seen in the wake of Apple's summer price hikes, and many deals are being matched at Best Buy.




The new iPad Air features the M4 chip, C1X modem, and N1 networking chip, which brings support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. In terms of design, the 2026 models are identical to the 2025 iPad Air tablets, with an edge-to-edge display, slim bezels, and aluminum chassis.

iPad

Finally, Amazon has the 2025 iPad for $50 off in all Wi-Fi configurations, starting at $399.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model.





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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On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we look ahead to Apple's recently announced October 13 event and its expected push into the smart home market, including a dedicated home hub, the HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV.


Apple is expected to introduce its first smart home hub, a new ‌HomePod mini‌, and an updated ‌Apple TV‌ 4K, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Siri AI is expected to be central to all three devices, following years of delays.

The impending launch also comes amid Apple's reported efforts under CEO John Ternus to introduce products more frequently and accelerate development. Moving beyond predictable spring and fall release cycles could give Apple more opportunities to experiment, particularly in categories where existing products have gone years without substantial hardware changes.

The home hub is expected to feature a square 6-inch display, with a tabletop version resembling the iMac G4 and a separate wall-mounted model. Its new operating system reportedly combines customizable clock and photo displays, Apple Watch-style app icons, and iPad-like layouts. A range of apps including FaceTime, Music, Calendar, Notes, and more should make it useful for quick interactions throughout the day. Facial and voice recognition will bring up individual profiles, while a guest mode will hide personal information from visitors. The device is rumored to start at around $350.

The ‌Apple TV‌ 4K is rumored to tout an A19 or A19 Pro chip, additional memory, Apple's N1 networking chip, and an updated ‌Siri‌ Remote, while retaining its existing design. The hardware should improve gaming performance and enable Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.

The ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 is also expected to retain its current design, with leaked images revealing green, pink, and lighter blue finishes alongside white and black. A faster S-series chip would support Siri AI. A new full-sized HomePod is reportedly planned for a later date. Separately, software findings point to four-HomePod surround sound mode.

Apple's reported collaboration with LG could help expand the ecosystem around the home hub. The planned lineup includes a video doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat, and temperature sensor, along with indoor, outdoor, and floodlight cameras. These would carry LG branding, with Apple reportedly contributing to their development.

Apple's longer-term plans also include its own privacy-focused camera and sensor, reportedly designed to analyze the home without recording video. A higher-end home hub with a 9-inch display mounted on a robotic arm also reportedly remains in development.

Apple has now announced a product event for Tuesday, October 13, sharing a "Welcome home" teaser. Selected members of the media have been invited to an "Apple Experience" in Tribeca, New York, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.

You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or other podcast apps. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your player.



If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion with photographer and videographer Tyler Stalman about whether the iPhone 18 Pro's camera is a compelling reason to upgrade, how its new features affect everyday shooting, and what photographers gain or give up with the iPhone Duo.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Michael Fisher, Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also email us at podcast@macrumors.com or head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
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Smart home accessories that Apple reportedly helped LG develop could offer iPhone proximity controls and a way to begin setup before the devices have power, according to findings shared by the leaker known as "pdfu."


The findings concern the upcoming LG-branded accessory range that Bloomberg revealed earlier this week. The lineup reportedly includes a thermostat, temperature sensor, deadbolt lock, wired video doorbell, and several security cameras. Apple apparently co-developed the accessories.

One of the features, called "Proximity Control," will surface a shortcut when an iPhone is tapped against or brought close to an accessory. Pdfu says the Dynamic Island will present an "Open Controls" option for products such as thermostats. Cameras and doorbells will instead display a camera viewer.

The interaction will also apparently work on iPads and iPhones without a ‌Dynamic Island‌, using a notification that remains visible for 30 seconds. A setting in the Home app will let users switch proximity controls off after configuring the accessory.

MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris identified the Dynamic Island references earlier this week. Pdfu says the underlying feature has appeared in code since iOS 27.0, with its settings changing during development. Earlier versions included an option to open controls automatically, but the enabled setting in iOS 27.2 currently asks users to open them through a prompt.

According to the leaker, the accessories will use an identifier stored on an NFC tag alongside a Bluetooth Low Energy broadcast to support recognition and proximity interactions. Tapping a device for the first time will also produce ‌Dynamic Island‌ feedback as setup begins.



The second feature, described in a separate post, will allow pairing to start while an accessory is unpowered. An iPhone will transfer its pairing identity and network credentials into the accessory's secure element using near-field communication (NFC). When the device receives power, it will connect to Wi-Fi or Thread, allowing a home hub to finish Matter setup.

Pdfu says that this setup method will be exclusive to HomeKit. LG replaces the secure element's Matter NFC applet with a ‌HomeKit‌ applet, even though iOS 27 also supports standard Matter NFC. Conventional Matter pairing will remain available once the accessories are powered on.



Proximity Control is still being revised across beta releases, according to pdfu, so its behavior could change before shipping.

Apple yesterday announced its "Welcome home" event for Tuesday, October 13, with a home hub, updated Apple TV 4K, and refreshed HomePod mini expected to be announced. Apple could provide a preview of LG's accessories, although Bloomberg says their release remains at least a few months away.
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Prime Day deals have started drying up, but you can still get $200 off every model of the M5 MacBook Air as we head into the weekend. These are the best post-hike prices we've seen on the M5 MacBook Air, and prices now start at $1,099.00 for the 512GB 13-inch model and $1,299.00 for the 512GB 15-inch model.

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.

Not only is every storage configuration on sale at these all-time low prices, but Amazon has nearly every color in stock as well. Free delivery estimates place most computers arriving around early next week, while Prime members should see it sooner.





For the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air models, prices start with the 16GB/512GB model for $1,299.00, down from $1,499.00. You can also get the 16GB/1TB model for $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00, all $200 off and the best prices we've seen in months.





If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Apple's Mac shipments declined 11.3% in the third quarter of 2026, but the company increased its market share as worldwide PC shipments fell more sharply, according to IDC's latest preliminary estimates.


Apple shipped an estimated 5.9 million Macs between July and September, compared with 6.7 million a year earlier. That put Apple's market share at 9.5%, up from 8.5% in the third quarter of 2025. Apple retained fourth place in IDC's vendor rankings.

Across all brands, shipments dropped to 62.7 million units from 78.5 million a year earlier, a decline of 20.1%. The downturn followed a 3.8% annual decrease in the second quarter. Third-quarter shipments were also 9.1% below the second-quarter total, despite this usually being a busier period for the industry.

Lenovo led the market with 14.9 million shipments, followed by HP with 10.3 million and Dell with 7.6 million. Their respective declines were 22.6%, 30.9%, and 25%. ASUS, in fifth place with 5.5 million shipments, recorded an 8.6% decrease, making it the only top-five vendor with a smaller percentage decline than Apple.

IDC says the timing of earlier orders contributed to the weak quarter. Manufacturers and distribution partners secured stock sooner than usual to limit their exposure to rising memory costs, reducing the volume left for later in the year. With sellers still holding that inventory, there was apparently less need to order additional devices during the third quarter.

The research firm also cited component shortages and higher prices, linking the pressure on supply and costs to the expansion of AI data centers. Apple raised prices in June, with former CEO Tim Cook citing sharply rising memory expenses during the company's July earnings call.

IDC added that sellers could offer discounts to reduce unsold stock, but it does not expect prices to return to where they were a year ago. The firm also warned that a weakening economy could further depress demand through the end of 2026 and into 2027.
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Apple has asked some of its suppliers to cut production of iPhone 18 Pro components due to lower-than-expected demand, according to Nikkei Asia ($).


Citing its own sources, the report claims that Apple has been more cautious about shipments since early September because of the rising cost of memory chips, leading to higher prices. Component orders for October were said to have been cut by at least 15 percent compared with what was originally requested.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max start at $1,199 and $1,299 respectively, which is $100 more than the models they replace. Apple has publicly blamed AI-driven memory chip costs for the recent price increases across its lineup, which has seen prices of MacBooks and iPads tick up, as well as for iPhone 16 and 17 models and other products.

Nikkei also said that softer demand between late August and October could be related to Apple changing its iPhone launch schedule. Rather than announcing its latest flagship iPhone series in one go, as it typically does, Apple is expected instead to release the regular iPhone 18 in the spring of 2027, alongside the lower-cost iPhone 18e and the ultra-thin iPhone Air 2, as part of a split launch strategy.

The iPhone 18 Pro models feature 12GB of RAM, which is the same working memory as last year's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. One rumor has it that Apple originally planned to equip the iPhone 18 Pro lineup with 16GB of RAM, but it may have ultimately decided against it due to the higher cost.
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Apple has reached an agreement to recruit employees from Huxe and license the AI audio startup's technology, according to a new European Commission filing.


The filing says Apple will have the right to make employment offers to certain Huxe employees and receive a non-exclusive license to the company's intellectual property, so this isn't an outright acquisition of the company.

Huxe was founded by former Google NotebookLM team members Raiza Martin, Jason Spielman, and Stephen Hughes. NotebookLM – since renamed Gemini Notebook – is Google's AI research tool, which is best known for its ability to turn documents and other source material into podcast-style audio discussions.

Huxe brought a similar approach to personalized listening, given that its app generated audio briefings based on users' emails, calendars, and interests, as well as podcasts about topics they wanted to explore. Listeners could interrupt the AI hosts to ask questions or request a different explanation.

The startup announced in May that it was winding down, and said its team was moving on and that development would stop. Its audio service ended on May 28. Apple notified the Commission of the arrangement on June 9.

The filing does not say which employees Apple could recruit, nor does it confirm whether anyone has actually been hired.
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Apple is planning to introduce new products on Tuesday, October 13, Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak announced today. It won't be a traditional Apple event, but Apple has invited some members of the media to New York City to get some hands-on time with whatever's introduced.


Those of us not invited to the New York Experience are likely to be introduced to the new devices via press releases that'll come out on launch day. Since the NYC visits begin at 9:00 a.m. on the 13th, that may be when the product announcements will happen.

The video Joswiak shared gives us a major hint at what's coming, and as expected, it's home-related. We're expecting at least three new devices, including one all-new product.

Home Hub

We've been hearing rumors about Apple's home hub for months because it's been ready to ship and waiting on Siri AI. It's got a 6-inch display, and there are two varieties. One is meant to be mounted on the wall, and one is meant to be used with a half-dome speaker base.

‌Siri‌ AI is a central part of the hub, and they'll basically give users a way to get information and answers from ‌Siri‌. The hub will run a version of tvOS that could be called homeOS, with familiar Apple apps and widgets. It'll be a central home device, showing members of the family upcoming calendar events and other personalized information, along with offering an easy way to control connected smart home devices.

It will display the time when not in use, and it will be customizable so you can choose the widgets and apps you want to see. It has a camera so it can be used to make video calls, and it'll play videos too so you can put it in the kitchen and follow along with a recipe. Presence sensors and the camera will be able to tell the hub which member of the family is nearby, and it will show a custom interface for each person. It will use facial recognition for identification.

Pricing on the hub could start at around $350, and Apple envisions users putting several of the hubs in their homes.

HomePod mini

The HomePod mini is getting a refresh with new color options and a faster processor, plus an N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. We're expecting the ‌HomePod mini‌ to offer new ‌Siri‌ AI features.

Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV 4K is also getting an upgraded chip and more RAM. It could have the A19 or A19 Pro and either 8GB or 12GB RAM. It too will get the N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, and it is also expected to offer a full ‌Siri‌ AI experience.

Other Possibilities

There are more devices we're expecting Apple to launch before the end of the year, but Apple is going to hold another product launch on October 27 to introduce new Macs and the OLED iPad mini.

• iPad mini - The ‌iPad mini‌ is getting a major upgrade with an ‌OLED‌ display, improved waterproofing, and a faster chip. Expect it to be more expensive.


• OLED MacBook - Apple is planning to launch an ‌OLED‌ touchscreen MacBook, which could be a MacBook Pro or a new MacBook "Ultra." It's going to have the same M5 Pro and M5 Max chips as the current ‌MacBook Pro‌ models, but it will have an all-new display and a thinner, lighter design. It's going to be a premium product that will likely cost more than the current 14-inch and 16-inch high-end ‌MacBook Pro‌ models.


• iMac - Apple is working on an M6 iMac.


• 14-inch MacBook Pro - We could get a 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ with an M6 chip before the year ends.

We'll have full coverage of all of Apple's announcements on the 13th, plus we'll be sharing last-minute rumors ahead of the launch so make sure to stay tuned.
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Anthropic today updated its usage policy (via The Verge) to bar users from subjecting Claude to "sustained and needless abusive or cruel behavior."


Anthropic says the abuse rule is meant to apply only in extreme cases, where users "repeatedly act cruelly" toward the AI models with "no discernible purpose." The rule does not apply to ordinary user frustration, pushback, dark creative themes, or model testing and research.

Claude models are already able to end such conversations with persistently abusive users, and ending the conversation will continue to be the main enforcement tool. When Claude ends a chat, no further messages can be sent in that conversation, but other chats are not affected.

Anthropic initially gave Claude the option to end a conversation in August 2025 while researching AI welfare. At the time, Anthropic said it was unsure whether Claude has moral status, but the company wanted low-cost ways to reduce risks to Claude. Anthropic found that Claude Opus 4 had a "robust and consistent aversion to harm." The model demonstrated a preference against dealing with dangerous tasks, apparent distress when speaking with users seeking abusive conversations, and a tendency to end harmful conversations when allowed to do so.

Anthropic's usage policy has been reorganized to bring together related clauses, and several other rules have changed.

• Deceptive campaigns - A new section on deceptive campaigns aggregates rules against political and commercial fraud and disinformation, prohibiting fake reviews, astroturfing, fake sites, and bots acting as humans.


• Elections - A narrower elections section prohibits deceiving voters and interfering with voting.


• Weapons - Claude can't be used to develop weapons software or components, and a new rule bans modifying biological or chemical agents to increase lethality or transmissibility. Users are also prohibited from using Claude to arm drones and unmanned systems.


• Law enforcement - Law enforcement rules have been rewritten. Claude can't decide or suggest who to investigate, arrest, charge, or prosecute. Tracking people without consent is not allowed, and there is a new ban on building surveillance tools. Doxxing is also prohibited.


• Physical actions - A new section on physical actions says that if Claude is controlling hardware that could harm someone, a qualified person has to watch the work and be ready to stop it if needed.


• Harmful content - There is a new rule that bans creating, sharing, or threatening to share non-consensual intimate imagery and the tools used to make it.

Most of the changes clarify Anthropic's existing rules and are targeted at misuse Anthropic has tracked. Anthropic says it found state media outlets, government propaganda offices, and commercial firms were using Claude to run networks of fake accounts and fabricated news sites, leading to the new deceptive campaigns section.

The new policy takes effect on November 12. More information on the changes can be found on Anthropic's website, as can the full usage policy.
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Apple will introduce new OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro models and an ‌OLED‌ iPad mini "on or around" Tuesday, October 27, reports Bloomberg. The launch will also include an M6 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ and an M6 iMac.


The October 27 follows Apple's October 13 debut of a new smart home hub, a revamped Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini. Earlier this month, MacRumors reported that Apple would do two rounds of product launches during October.

Bloomberg says both the October 13 and October 27 product launches will include "an online video presentation" as well as a hands-on experience for members of the media.

Apple has been working on an ‌OLED‌ MacBook for several years now, and while some rumors indicated it could be named the MacBook Ultra, Bloomberg suggests the 14-inch and 16-inch notebooks will be in the ‌MacBook Pro‌ family. The devices will be thinner and lighter than current ‌MacBook Pro‌ models and they will have ‌OLED‌ displays, touchscreen capabilities, and a Dynamic Island.

The ‌iPad mini‌ will have a landscape camera for video calls, a redesigned speaker system, and a new ‌OLED‌ display.
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Starting today, iPhone users still running iOS 26 will see iOS 27.0.1 as the prominent software update in the Settings app under General → Software Update, with iOS 26.7.1 now relegated to a smaller "Also Available" section at the bottom.


iOS 27 was released on September 14, but until now that update and later iOS 27.0.1 were shown under the "Also Available" section, with iOS 26.7 and later iOS 26.7.1 shown in the prominent position. By reversing the order in which the updates are shown today, Apple is more actively encouraging iPhone users who are still on iOS 26 to install iOS 27.

Apple is not forcing iPhone users to install iOS 27, but at least installing iOS 26.7.1 is recommended in order to receive the latest security fixes.

Apple has yet to share iOS 27 adoption numbers.
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CEO John Ternus is making changes to Apple's leadership, reports Bloomberg. Apple veteran Steve Smith will take over mergers and acquisitions and corporate development, which was previously led by Adrian Perica. M&A is an important team at Apple, handling acquisitions and arrangements like the deal Apple had with OpenAI to add ChatGPT to Siri.


Perica will stay at Apple to oversee iCloud, Fitness+, and Apple News, which he has done since 2023, and will now report to App Store and services lead Eddy Cue. While Perica reported to Tim Cook in his M&A role, Smith will report to Apple CFO Kevan Parekh as M&A moves back to the finance division.

Carson Oliver is being promoted to vice president of the ‌App Store‌, and he has been in charge of the ‌App Store‌ since Phil Schiller stepped down from his role as ‌App Store‌ chief in late August. Oliver is reporting to Cue, who is now overseeing the ‌App Store‌ and other services.

According to Bloomberg, Cue is assessing potential successors, and Perica is a lead candidate. Apple Music lead Oliver Schusser is also in the running.
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In his new role as the executive chairman of Apple's board of directors, Tim Cook told The Independent's David Phelan that he is "not meddling" with Apple's new CEO John Ternus.

"First of all, John and I have an incredible level of trust in each other," said Cook. "The relationship must be based on trust, and the communication must be frequent and significant. But other than that, what I'm focused on right now is worldwide policy. And the interface with governments around the world matters because there are lots of things where we're trying to advance or advocate for change. There's a significant amount of work in that, and I'm doing that and helping John in any way he sees fit. I'm not meddling. I'm not a meddler."
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The Independent's David Phelan on Wednesday interviewed Apple's executive chairman Tim Cook at Apple's U.K. headquarters in the Battersea Power Station, and one of the topics they discussed was John Ternus taking over as Apple's CEO.


Ternus, who was previously Apple's hardware engineering chief, succeeded Cook as Apple's CEO on September 1. Cook said the transition "started years ago."

"It's been an interesting transition," said Cook. "We really set out to have the best transition ever, a textbook example that people could look back to and learn from. It actually started years ago. Obviously, these things are not quick things and I feel so great about how things are going. I think everything has gone sort of exactly the way I had envisioned it. And it feels fantastic. Because Apple deserved the best."

Cook said that he stepped down on September 1, just eight days before Ternus unveiled the iPhone Duo, in part to give Ternus some immediate momentum.

"I wanted John to have some wind at his back," said Cook. "And the wind at Apple is very much based on the product cycle. This product cycle feels unbelievably great. The Duo is coming in a few weeks and it's amazing."

Cook had the seemingly impossible task of succeeding the legendary Steve Jobs as CEO. Jobs told Cook not to make a decision simply because it is what Jobs would have done, and Cook said that he provided Ternus with similar advice.

"The advice I've given him is, make it your own job," said Cook. "Put your time in the things that you can add the most value to around the company. And that means don't mimic me. Just like I didn't mimic Steve. We all have different strengths."

Apple and The King's Trust, a charity founded by King Charles III, on Wednesday announced an "immersive new education program to help young people build careers in the creative industries," with more details outlined in our previous coverage.

Cook commented on the program in his interview with Phelan.

"It's a way for us to give back in a way that is uniquely Apple," he said. "There are a lot of ways to do philanthropic activities, but I think you want to do ones where you can give part of yourself... not just your resource, but part of yourself, and we have such great creative people in the company that can be incredible mentors to these folks."

Cook also touched on the new Apple Music Hall inside Apple's Battersea headquarters, describing the performance venue as "uniquely Apple."

"I'm not sure there's a lot of people that could do it, and there's certainly not a lot of people that would. Every detail has been thought through, the construction, the design, the technology behind it, spatial audio capabilities: it's the perfect place to perform, whether you're a top-tier artist now, or an emerging artist, one that's just starting out. And it's a commitment to live performance and the recognition that that is so important."
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Apple's new smart home hub is coming next week, expected to allow users to control all of their HomeKit gadgets directly from its rumored 6-inch square display, or via Siri AI. In anticipation of the home hub launch, we've gathered some of the most notable (and discounted) HomeKit and Matter-enabled smart home devices below, all of which you'll be able to control via the home hub.

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.

You can check out everything we know so far about the home hub, now rumored to be coming in four colors with an iMac G4-style design.

Lights

Philips Hue

• Hue Starter Kit, 1 Bridge + 2 60W A19 Bulbs - $69.99, down from $142.99


• Philips Hue Calla Outdoor Pathway - $109.99, down from $149.99


• Hue Go Table Lamp - $135.36, down from $179.99


• 60W A19 3-Pack Hue White and Color Ambiance - $134.99, down from $147.99


• 75W White 4-Pack Hue White and Color Ambiance - $168.00, down from $197.99


• Hue Starter Kit: Bridge Pro + 3 A19 Smart Bulbs - $199.99, down from $259.99


• Hue Signe Floor Lamp - $233.19, down from $362.99

Govee

• Govee E12 Smart Light Bulbs 4-Pack - $29.99, down from $49.99


• Govee Smart Table Lamp 2 - $53.99, down from $79.99


• Govee Star Projector Lights - $74.98, down from $99.99


• Govee Hexa Light Panels - $99.99, down from $179.99


• Govee LED Neon Rope Light - $99.99, down from $159.99


• Govee Mini Light Panels - $99.99, down from $149.99


• Govee Sparkle String Lights - $109.99, down from $149.99


• 100 ft Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights - $189.99, down from $329.99

Nanoleaf

• Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Light Bulbs - $22.79, down from $29.99


• Nanoleaf Essentials Bulbs 4-Pack - $37.49, down from $49.99


• Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock - $47.99, down from $59.99


• Nanoleaf Smart Ceiling Light - $63.99, down from $79.99


• Nanoleaf Smart String Lights - $69.99, down from $149.99


• Nanoleaf Smart Floor Lamp - $77.99, down from $119.99


• Nanoleaf LED Shapes Wall Lights - $124.99, down from $149.99


• Nanoleaf LED Mask - $129.99, down from $249.99

Smart Plugs

• Tapo Apple HomeKit Smart Plug Mini 2-Pack - $17.99, down from $23.99


• Aqara Zigbee Smart Plug - $24.99, down from $32.99


• Eve Energy Outlet - $39.95, down from $54.95

Smart Locks

• Aqara Smart Lock U100 - $124.99, down from $149.99


• Aqara Smart Lock U50 - $99.99, down from $119.99

Cameras

• Aqara Indoor Security Camera - $118.99, down from $139.99


• Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro - $139.99, down from $199.99


• Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 - $99.99, down from $144.99


• Aqara G100 - $33.99, down from $39.99

Sensors

• Eve Water Guard - $74.95, down from $109.95


• Aqara Water Leak Sensor 3-Pack - $39.99, down from $49.39


• Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor - $15.98, down from $19.98


• Ecobee Smart Sensor 2-Pack - $74.99, down from $99.99

Vacuums

• X11 Omnicyclone - $699.00, down from $1,099.99


• Eufy Robot Vacuum E28 - $629.99, down from $999.99

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Apple today announced an upcoming product launch that will take place on Tuesday, October 13. We are expecting Apple's announcement to focus on new smart home products, including the long-rumored smart home hub, a new Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini.


The home hub is an all-new device that's like a cross between an iPad and a HomePod. It's rumored to have a 6-inch square display, and it's designed as a multi-person device to control smart home products, place FaceTime calls, watch videos, get news and weather information, stay up to date on calendar events, and more. It will integrate with Siri AI, and voice will be the main method of interaction.

Apple envisions people installing a hub in multiple rooms in the house. There will be a version meant to be mounted on the wall and a version with a half-dome speaker base, similar in design to the iMac G4. A camera and a presence sensor will detect when a person is in the room, and the device will be able to tell who it is to show a customized interface with widgets and apps. Pricing could be around $350.


The ‌HomePod mini‌ is going to get new colors, an N1 networking chip for improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a faster S-series processor that will support ‌Siri‌ AI. The ‌Apple TV‌ 4K is going to get an A19 or A19 Pro chip, a RAM upgrade, the same N1 chip as the ‌HomePod mini‌, and an upgraded ‌Siri‌ Remote.

There is an OLED iPad mini in development, and it could come during the home event. The ‌iPad mini‌ is expected to be more water-resistant with a faster chip and the first ‌OLED‌ display in a smaller tablet size.

Timing on the October 13 product launch is unknown, and it is also unclear if there will be an event component or if the devices will debut via press release. Some members of the media have been invited to an "Apple Experience" set to take place in Tribeca, New York on October 13 at 9:00 a.m. Attendees will likely get hands-on time with the new products Apple introduces.

Rumors suggest Apple has several Macs coming before the end of the year, but those could be introduced at later in the year instead of during the home product launch.

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Amazon today announced a new lineup of Alexa Tablets, introducing three aluminum tablets with Google Play access, integrated Alexa+, and prices starting at $229.99 to compete with Apple's iPad lineup.


The new tablets run Android, moving away from Amazon's Fire OS and its separate app store. Google Play support brings access to apps such as YouTube, Gmail, and Google Docs, addressing a longstanding limitation of Amazon's tablets.

The flagship Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499.99 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, aiming to rival the iPad Pro at a significantly lower price point. It features a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip, a 12-inch display with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a 3:2 aspect ratio, a 6.5mm-thick aluminum body, Wi-Fi 6E, and quad Dolby Atmos speakers. Amazon claims that the device has up to 16 hours of video playback.

A $549.99 version adds a "Nanomatte" display, using precision-etched glass developed with Corning to reduce glare. Higher configurations offer up to 16GB of RAM. Unlike Apple's nano-texture display option, which requires a 1TB or 2TB ‌iPad Pro‌, Amazon's matte finish is available with 128GB of storage.


Amazon is also introducing a $149.99 Pro Keyboard and $89.99 Pro Pen for the 12-inch model. Both attach magnetically, while the keyboard includes a trackpad and connects without Bluetooth pairing. The pen supports pressure sensitivity and wireless charging, and the tablet supports multiple app windows for multitasking.

The Alexa Tablet 11 starts at $329.99 with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, offering an 11-inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate. A 128GB version costs $379.99. The smaller Alexa Tablet 8 starts at $229.99 with an 8.7-inch display, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage.


Alexa+ can answer questions and control smart home devices through voice or touch. An optional On-Screen Intelligence feature lets the assistant respond to displayed content, with screen access disabled by default and a visual indicator when active. Tablet-specific Alexa+ access is included, while full access across compatible Alexa devices requires Prime membership or a separate Alexa+ subscription.

The lineup also introduces a Kindle reading mode that silences notifications and reduces blue-light output. Amazon quotes up to 20 hours of reading on the 11-inch and Pro models, and up to 19 hours on the compact model.

The tablets undercut several models in Apple's lineup. The Alexa Tablet 11 starts below the $449 entry-level iPad, although Apple's model includes 128GB of storage. The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro costs less than the $749 11-inch iPad Air, while offering a larger display and higher refresh rate. Apple's $1,199 ‌iPad Pro‌ offers a tandem OLED display and an M5 chip.


Amazon also announced Kids tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes, starting at $229.99 and $329.99, respectively. Versions for ages three and up include a soft bumper case, while those for ages six and up come with a slim hard case. Each includes a year of Amazon Kids+ and parent-managed access to Google Play.

Parents can set screen-time limits, filter content, and monitor activity through the Parent Dashboard, also available on iOS and Android. A new AI-powered Storybuilder feature lets children use their voices to create illustrated stories.

Orders open today, with shipping starting October 14 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain on October 19. The Kids models also launch in Japan on October 14.
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Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event has ended, but the Apple deals have kept rolling into today, with the year's best prices still available on AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 12, and more.

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

AirPods

Some of the best overall discounts this Prime Day were on AirPods, and you can still get the AirPods Pro 3 for the record low price of $179.00, down from $249.00. We haven't seen a deal this good since over the summer, during the first Prime Day event in June.

Apple Watch

For the Apple Watch Series 12, you can get the 42mm GPS model for $349.99 and the 46mm GPS model for $399.99, both of which are $49 discounts and new all-time low prices. Both of these models have two colors available at these all-time low prices, and you'll find a few cellular options on sale as well.

Mac Mini and Mac Studio

Apple's M5 Max Mac Studio with 36GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is still on sale for $2,299.00, down from $2,499.00. Regarding the Mac mini, you can get the 16GB RAM/256GB SSD Mac mini for $779.99, down from $899.00, and the 16GB RAM/512GB SSD model for $949.99, down from $1,099.00.

MacBook Air

Amazon introduced $200 off nearly every M5 MacBook Air model for Prime Big Deal Days, and every single model is still available today. These are the best prices we've seen on the M5 MacBook Air in the wake of Apple's summertime price hikes.

In terms of 13-inch models, Amazon has the 16GB/512GB 13-inch MacBook Air for $1,099.00, down from $1,299.00. This one is available in all four colors on Amazon, and it's accompanied by the 16GB/1TB and 24GB/1TB model for $200 off as well.





For the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air models, prices start with the 16GB/512GB model for $1,299.00, down from $1,499.00. You can also get the 16GB/1TB model for $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00, all $200 off and the best prices we've seen in months.

MacBook Pro

Amazon has introduced a giant $600 discount on the 36GB/2TB 14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro, now priced at $3,499.00. This is the steepest discount on the 14-inch models right now, but you'll also find a few entry-level options on sale below.





In terms of the larger display models, we're tracking big discounts on all four models on Amazon. These start at $2,749.00 for the 24GB/1TB M5 Pro configuration ($250 off), and reach up to $4,499.00 for the 48GB/2TB M5 Max device ($500 off).






If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Apple's entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro has received a massive discount today on Amazon, coming in at $563 off its new price. This is the 18-Core M5 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro with 24GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, available for $2,436.53, down from $2,999.00.

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.

This is a $563 discount on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, and it beats the previous markdown we tracked during Prime Day this week by over $300. As of writing, it's only available in the Space Black option, and delivery times are slipping into November.



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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On his Power On podcast today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman insisted that Apple plans to hold an "online home event" on Tuesday, October 13 to introduce an all-new smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K, all with Siri AI.

It is not clear if Gurman is referring to a feature-length, live-streamed event video, or if he considers a series of Apple Newsroom press releases and per-product YouTube videos to be an "event." Either way, selected reporters and content creators would likely receive hands-on time with the devices later on Tuesday.
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Jon Prosser is arguing that Apple's alleged trade secrets are now public, while the company seeks his YouTube revenue records, channel analytics, and third-party messages to investigate his alleged financial gain from leaks about iOS 26.


In a new joint status report filed yesterday, Apple said it is still waiting for YouTube revenue reports, channel analytics, and third-party communications requested from Prosser more than three months ago. The materials concern his alleged financial gain and how Apple's confidential information was obtained and shared, continuing the discovery dispute detailed in August.

Prosser's lawyer says he has already fulfilled the discovery obligations agreed to when the parties sought to set aside the default against him. He says Apple keeps requesting more documents each time records are produced.

His attorney also argues that Apple's identified trade secrets are now public following the release of ‌iOS 26‌ and macOS 26, and questions whether some were ever secret given earlier third-party disclosures. He says Apple's written descriptions lack corresponding images, making its claims difficult to assess.

Apple disputes that its disclosure is deficient and says it is willing to discuss it with the defendants' lawyers. It also says Prosser's deposition testimony and his Signal exchanges with Michael Ramacciotti suggest the pair coordinated to obtain and disclose confidential information for financial gain, contradicting Ramacciotti's denial of a conspiracy.

Ramacciotti wants to distance his case from Prosser's defense, with his lawyer saying he is "unwilling to be drawn into it." He has asked Judge James Donato for an October conference at which Apple would explain what further evidence it needs, followed by a deadline within 30 days to dismiss its claims against him or commit to trial. He now conditions a second deposition and updated written answers on Apple first providing a roadmap to resolution.

Apple filed the lawsuit in July 2025, alleging that Prosser and Ramacciotti coordinated to access an Apple employee's development iPhone and profit from unreleased software information. Prosser published videos showing recreations of ‌iOS 26‌'s Liquid Glass redesign before Apple's announcement. Apple is seeking damages and an injunction against further disclosure of its trade secrets.

In his July 2 response to the lawsuit, Prosser admitted participating in a FaceTime call during which Ramacciotti showed him features running on the development device. He denied participating in a coordinated scheme or that the information he viewed constituted trade secrets.

If the court does not grant Ramacciotti's request for an October status conference, the parties plan to submit their next update on December 2.
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Apple's iPhone Air 2 will be approximately 0.4mm thinner than the current model despite having a higher-capacity battery, claims the account "yeux1122" on the Korean Naver blog. Apple lists the original iPhone Air at 5.6mm thick, so a 0.4mm reduction would put its successor at approximately 5.2mm, around 7% thinner. Interestingly, that would match the thickness of the new iPhone Duo when unfolded.

A previous rumor claimed the iPhone Air 2 will feature a 3,500mAh battery. That's up from the 3,149mAh battery in the current iPhone Air, indicating around an 11% increase in raw capacity. The next-generation device is expected to launch early next year alongside the iPhone 18e and the regular iPhone 18.
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Ahead of the expected imminent launch of the new iPad mini 8, word out of Asia suggests that the device will feature a 60Hz OLED display rather than a ProMotion 120Hz display.


The information comes courtesy of a hit-and-miss tipster running the account "yeux1122" on the Korean Naver blog. "There have been mentions of 120Hz in some overseas reports, but the domestic production quantity has already been confirmed to be LTPS at 60Hz," the tipster wrote. "That's it."

It's not the first time we've heard that OLED iPad mini won't share the same ProMotion display as the iPad Pro models. In July, the same leaker claimed they had been told by a source in Apple's supply chain that the unreleased iPad mini is equipped with a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) backplane hybrid OLED panel clocked at 60Hz.

Apple's ‌iPad Pro‌ models feature two-stack low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED panels‌, which makes the display capable of dynamically adjusting its refresh rate between 10Hz and 120Hz (aka ProMotion). In contrast, LTPS OLED panels are usually paired with fixed refresh rates – such as 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz – and are typically dimmer than LTPO panels.

If the leak is true, it's likely to disappoint iPad mini fans. Previous reports have not been clear on whether the iPad mini 8 will feature a higher refresh rate than the 60Hz LCD display used in the existing iPad mini 7. Given that the base iPhone 17 uses a 120Hz ProMotion panel, some would have believed it was reasonable to expect the same on the first OLED iPad mini. That said, the iPhone 17e goes to show that Apple is still in the 60Hz OLED business, so it might not consider the iPad mini to be a big enough market to justify the more advanced panel technology.

There are at least some other new features of the new iPad mini 8 that we can expect. It should come with a faster A20 Pro chip, FaceTime camera relocated from portrait to landscape orientation, a redesigned speaker system, and a water-resistant design.

The new iPad mini is expected at some point in October, but Apple has not yet announced a launch date. Apple will unveil some new home products on Tuesday, October 13, according to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. However, MacRumors' sources indicate that Apple plans to hold a separate event in the final week of October, so the iPad mini 8 could arrive then.

Update: Apple will debut the new iPad mini on or around Tuesday, October 27, reports Bloomberg.
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Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has walked back somewhat on his previous reporting that Apple's upcoming touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro will be thinner than current models. "I don't think it'll be significantly thinner in the end," he posted on X late Wednesday in reply to a question about the machine, which is expected to launch on October 27.

In October 2025, Gurman reported that the OLED MacBook Pro models would have "thinner and lighter" frames. Then again in November 2025, he said the touchscreen models would have "a thinner chassis." Now it seems that they will only be "significantly lighter," per Gurman's October 2026 newsletter. It seems thinner and lighter do not necessarily go hand in hand.
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Microsoft today announced launch timing and pricing for the Surface Laptop Ultra that it unveiled earlier this year.


The 15-inch Surface Laptop Ultra is priced starting at $2,599, undercutting Apple's $2,999 16-inch MacBook Pro, and it targets the same creator and developer market. Microsoft says it is built for "demanding creative, software development, AI, engineering, and 3D workloads."

Microsoft's new laptop uses an Nvidia RTX Spark chip, which includes an Nvidia Blackwell RTX GPU with up to 6,144 cores and an Nvidia Grace CPU with up to 20 cores. It supports up to 128GB of unified memory and has a new thermal architecture to support the hardware. The RTX Spark is an Arm-based chip, so the laptop runs Windows on Arm with x86 apps using Microsoft's Prism emulation.

According to Microsoft, the Surface Laptop Ultra is its most powerful notebook to date. It has the "brightest, sharpest, and most vivid display" Microsoft has used in a Surface device, with peak HDR brightness that's 25% higher than the M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌'s. The mini-LED display is a touchscreen, and it supports gestures and navigation, but not pen input.

The laptop is lighter than the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, with a large haptic trackpad and upgradeable storage. Microsoft even adopted a MagSafe equivalent, adding support for Magnetic Connect. Microsoft says Magnetic Connect is the "world's first built-in magnetic USB-C charging on a laptop." The device has three USB-C ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Along with the Surface Laptop Ultra, Microsoft announced the $5,999 Surface RTX Spark Dev Box to compete with devices like the Mac Studio and Mac mini. It is equipped with an Nvidia RTX Spark chip and offers up to 1 petaflop of AI performance with support for AI models up to 120B parameters.

Microsoft is offering a bonus to customers who "break up" with their MacBooks. MacBook owners can get up to $1,000 cash back when purchasing a Surface Laptop Ultra by trading in an eligible MacBook. The Surface Laptop Ultra launches on October 16.

"We're confident that once today's creators and developers experience everything Surface Laptop Ultra has to offer, they won't look back," reads Microsoft's website.

The Surface Laptop Ultra will directly compete with Apple's rumored OLED MacBook, which could also have an Ultra name. The MacBook Ultra is expected to feature a touchscreen, M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and a thinner and lighter design.
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