Apple released iOS 26 on September 15, and it's now available for all iPhone users with a compatible device. There are a lot of changes and features to learn about, so if you want a quick, easy-to-read list that outlines what's new, we've got you covered.

Design

• Liquid Glass design that reflects light and refracts what's underneath. It's system wide, with dynamic tab bars and toolbars that morph to provide more tools or let you view more of what's on the screen.


• There are new animations for when accessing the Control Center, Lock Screen, and more.


• Buttons, sliders, switches, and other controls have new animations and a reflective Liquid Glass look.


• App icons have a layered glass look, plus there's an option for clear glass-like icons.


• The Time on the Lock Screen adapts to ‌iPhone‌ wallpaper and notifications, and you can make it larger or smaller.


• Buttons, the keyboard, menus, navigation bars, and other UI elements have a more rounded look.

Apple Intelligence

• Live Translation available for calls and texts in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone.


• In-person Live Translation with AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3.


• Two or more emoji can be mixed together to create a new emoji.


• Customize Genmoji based on people with expressions that show emotion like happy, sad, and more.


• You can change the hairstyle of ‌Genmoji‌ created based on people from your Photos Library.


• Customize Image Playground creations with expressions and emotion using emoji.


• Generate images in any style using ChatGPT.


• When you ask Siri for help with a device, ‌Siri‌ knows on-screen and on-device context, such as settings, model, and software.


• ‌Siri‌ can take action on responses from ChatGPT, such as playing a song in Apple Music when you ask ChatGPT for recommendations.


• The ‌Siri‌ ChatGPT integration feature now uses GPT-5 instead of GPT-4.

Visual Intelligence

• Ask questions about what's on your screen, from finding products to figuring out what you're looking at. It uses the screenshot interface.


• Summarize, read aloud, or translate text on your screen.


• Add an event to your Calendar from your screen.


• Visual Intelligence can identify more types of objects, including art, books, landmarks, and sculptures.

Music

• AutoMix can smoothly transition from one song to the next using time stretching and beat matching. Apple says it's like a DJ in your pocket.


• Your favorite albums, songs, and playlists can be pinned to the top of the Music app.


• Playlists can be organized into Folders directly on the ‌iPhone‌.


• You can get monthly replay insights rather than just a yearly report.


• There are Translation and Pronunciation guides for lyrics.


• When you AirPlay audio to a HomePod, everyone else in your house can see what's playing, control the music, and change which ‌HomePod‌ speakers are playing.


• The ‌iPhone‌ works as a microphone for karaoke on the Apple TV.

Safari

• Any website can be added to the Home Screen as a web app and will open as a web app.


• New Compact design option for tab bar, but Bottom and Top remain available.


• Advanced Fingerprinting Protection now automatically obscures browser and device data in all browsing modes.

Camera

• Simplified two-button navigation.


• Panoramic photos are captured faster with less motion blur.


• Alert to clean camera lens if it's dirty.


• AirPods work as a Camera remote.


• AirPods can be used to record high-definition audio.

Photos

• The Tab design separating Library and Collections is back.


• You can add 3D movement to 2D photos with Spatial Scenes.


• When searching, you'll now see video thumbnails in search results so you can find a specific video that matches your search term.

Messages

• A custom background can be set for every conversation. You can choose built-in options, use a photo, or generate an image with ‌Image Playground‌.


• Messages supports polls, and Apple Intelligence can suggest a poll when it might make sense.


• There's new on-device spam detection that filters out spam messages. The model that determines what's considered spam is regularly updated with user feedback.


• Unknown Numbers can be filtered into a new list that's out of view. The feature separates out spam, transactions, promotions, and general unknown.


• You can copy and paste just a part of a text message instead of the whole thing.


• Group chats support typing indicators.


• Group chats support Apple Cash payments.


• Search understands natural language and can also show results based on related terms. So if you search for "sand," you might also see results with ocean or beach.


• Unfinished messages are saved in a Drafts filter section.


• When dictating a message or other text, the dictation feature supports spelling out names.

Phone

• Unified layout that aggregates Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails into one screen.


• Hold Assist waits on the line for you.


• Call Screening can ask unknown callers for their name and reason for calling so you can decide whether to answer. You can also ask for more information with Live Reply.


• Filter out spam calls and calls from Unknown Numbers. Unknown Numbers go into a separate list, but you can mark them as known.


• SharePlay works for Phone calls.


• There's an option to report voicemails as spam.


• Incoming voicemails are summarized.


• When traveling, eSIM setup is easier, and travel eSIMs turn off automatically when you return home.


• There's a SIM-based Focus Mode, so if you have two SIMs, you can change your Focus filter options.


• Using the eSIM Quick Transfer feature requires Face ID or Touch ID when Stolen Device Protection is turned on.


• There are seven new ringtones in ‌iOS 26‌, including six variants of the Reflection ringtone and a ringtone called Little Bird.


• You can set a new custom ringtone by saving it to the Files app and using the Share Sheet.

Battery

• Adaptive Power conserves battery when you're using more power than normal. It adjusts performance, background activities, and screen brightness. Adaptive Power is available for ‌Apple Intelligence‌ iPhones.


• You can see how long it will take your ‌iPhone‌ to charge when it's plugged in.


• The Battery UI has been overhauled to provide more information about your battery life from day to day and which apps drain the most battery.

Shortcuts

• Shortcuts can incorporate ‌Apple Intelligence‌ models to summarize text, create images, organize documents, compare documents, and more.


• There are pre-set options to use ‌Image Playground‌ and Writing tools in Shortcuts.

FaceTime

• ‌FaceTime‌ has a new main page with Contact Posters from recent callers.


• Use Unknown Callers filter to block people you don't know from calling you.


• ‌FaceTime‌ calls can detect nudity and blur it out when Communication Safety options are turned on.

Files

• The Files app now has a list view option.


• File folders can be customized with emoji and colors, with changes syncing across devices.


• You can select which app to use to open different file types by tapping and holding then choosing the Open With option.

CarPlay

• Live Activities support.


• Messages supports tapbacks for quick responses, and you can pin important conversations.


• Compact call UI that doesn't block the entire screen.


• Support for getting glanceable information from widgets on the ‌Home Screen‌.


• There's an option to wirelessly stream videos to the CarPlay screen over ‌AirPlay‌ when parked, though this requires car manufacturers to implement support.

Maps

• If you have a commute, the ‌iPhone‌ can learn your routine and let you know if there's something that will make you late.


• Your ‌iPhone‌ can also let you know about severe weather alerts for your destination or significant location.


• You can automatically keep a list of all of the places that you've visited for later reference.


• Maps supports natural language search.

Wallet

• The Wallet app supports U.S. passports, and the digital document can be used at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. This isn't live yet, but is coming soon.


• Boarding passes now support Live Activities and have information like airport maps.


• You can track all of your orders, with data pulled from the Mail app.

Games

• There's a new Games app that shows App Store games and Apple Arcade titles.


• Challenges let you compete with friends in single-player games, and you can also team up for multiplayer games.


• Games Overlay lets you adjust settings and see what your friends are doing without leaving a game.

Clock

• You can customize the interval between alarms when using the snooze feature, choosing between 1 minute and 15 minutes.

Home

• HomeKit-enabled thermostats have an Adaptive Temperature option to adjust the temperature when you're on your way home, when you're away, and when you're sleeping. The feature uses on-device intelligence to save energy when you're away.

Notes

• The Notes app supports Markdown import and export, so you can import Markdown formatted files or save and download your notes as Markdown files.


• Math Notes supports three-dimensional graphs when writing an equation starting with z=.

Reminders

• Reminders can suggest items you might want to add to your to-do list from emails, notes, and more.


• There's an option to pull ingredients out of a recipe in Safari and add it to Reminders by sharing text on a page to the Reminders app.


• Reminders can categorize related tasks into sections that are grouped together, such as sorting a grocery list into logical categories.

Podcasts

• Podcasts supports Enhance Dialogue to cut down on background sounds on a per-show basis.


• There's an option to change your listening speed from 0.5x to 3x.

Passwords

• Passwords supports autofilling verification codes from notifications received from apps.


• There's now a timeline of changes you've made in Passwords, so you can see your previous passwords.

Preview

• The Mac Preview app is now available on the ‌iPhone‌.


• PDF AutoFill can fill out PDF forms automatically with your information.


• PDFs can be marked up, resized, and rotated, plus scanned images can be opened in Preview as a PDF.

Feature Notes

Some of the features on this list are limited to newer iPhones, including anything that requires ‌Apple Intelligence‌. Wallet order tracking, Messages polls suggestions, Live Translation, ‌Visual Intelligence‌, ‌Genmoji‌, Reminders suggestions and categorization, and Adaptive Power all require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, for example.

Spatial Scenes requires an ‌iPhone‌ 12 or later, and lens cleaning reminders require an ‌iPhone 15‌ or later.

In-person Live Translation requires ‌AirPods 4‌ with ANC, AirPods Pro 2, or ‌AirPods Pro 3‌. Supported languages are limited, and include English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Compatibility

‌iOS 26‌ is compatible with the ‌iPhone‌ 11 and later and the ‌iPhone‌ SE 2.

Read More

For more on all of the new features in ‌iOS 26‌, we have a dedicated iOS 26 roundup that walks through all of the changes. We also have an iOS 26 ultimate guide that includes feature breakdowns and instructions on how to use all of the new additions.
This article, "iOS 26: The Top 100 New Features and Changes" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 launched this week alongside companion updates for Apple’s other platforms. There are so many new features in each update, it can be easy to miss some of the changes. Fortunately, Apple has published new comprehensive documents outlining every new feature in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe.

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Apple today released new firmware for the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds that came out earlier this year. The updated firmware has a version number of 8A353, an update to the prior 7B30 firmware that came out in March.


The updated firmware adds new functionality when combined with the iOS 26 update. The heart rate monitoring feature in the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 is now compatible with the Fitness app, and wearers will be able to see real-time performance metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and the Burn Bar, features that previously required an Apple Watch.

Both the Apple Watch and ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 can be used simultaneously to provide data to the Health app, and Apple added a new algorithm that improves heart rate reading speeds. If there's a poor fit that's impacting heart rate monitoring, a new alert will suggest adjustments.

Heart rate monitoring in ‌iOS 26‌ can be done with just a single earbud, and the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 can be used for step tracking even when the iPhone is not nearby. Apple also added support for Siri head gestures, so there is now an option to nod your head yes or shake your head no to accept or decline calls, hear or decline text messages, and more.

Most of these features are designed for ‌iPhone‌ users, but the improved heart rate tracking algorithm and fit notifications are also available on Android devices.

The updated firmware can be installed on the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 by connecting them to power and ensuring that they are in Bluetooth range of an ‌iPhone‌, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi. Firmware can be checked on the ‌iPhone‌ by going to Settings > Bluetooth and tapping the Info button next to the Beats headphones in the list. Android users can download new Beats firmware through the Beats app for Android.
This article, "Apple Releases New Powerbeats Pro 2 Firmware With iOS 26 Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 was finally released on Monday, but the software train never stops, and the first developer beta of iOS 26.1 will likely be released soon.


iOS 18.1 was an anomaly, as the first developer beta of that version was released in late July last year, to allow for early testing of Apple Intelligence features. The first betas of iOS 15.1, iOS 16.1, and iOS 17.1 were all released in the second half of September, so it is likely the iOS 26.1 beta cycle will begin this month.

The following new features are expected to be added in future updates, ranging from iOS 26.1 to iOS 26.4. These are only the features that are known about so far, so there will obviously be many others added over the course of the next year.

Digital Passport

A future version of iOS 26 will let you add a digital version of your U.S. passport to Apple's Wallet app. Unfortunately, the feature has been delayed.

The so-called "Digital ID" feature for U.S. passports will be available in a "software update," according to Apple's fine print on its iOS 26 page. Apple did not mention a specific version, but hopefully it arrives in iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2.

After creating a Digital ID in the Wallet app, you will be able to present it in person at TSA checkpoints in select U.S. airports for identity verification purposes during domestic travel. However, Apple says it is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel and border crossing purposes.

Apple says the Digital ID feature is secure, private, and compliant with REAL ID.

It will also be possible to use the Digital ID feature for age and identity verification in apps, online, and in stores, according to Apple.

RCS Upgrades

Earlier this year, Apple said it planned to add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to the Messages app in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS software updates, and we are still waiting for that to happen. As of the first official version of iOS 26 released this week, the upgrade has yet to be implemented on iPhones.

End-to-end encryption for RCS was announced in March, as part of version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile, a global standard for RCS features and specifications. This means that Apple has indirectly confirmed that it will support RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which includes not only end-to-end encryption for RCS, but several other iMessage-like enhancements for RCS that were originally introduced in RCS‌ Universal Profile 2.7.

Apple has to wait on carriers to implement RCS Universal Profile 3.0 too, so it is understandable why the process is taking time.

Here are five new capabilities to expect for RCS conversations on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, once Apple rolls out support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0:

• End-to-end encryption, which will prevent Apple and any other third party from being able to read messages and attachments while they are being sent between devices, as has always been the case with iMessage


• In-line replies


• Edit messages


• Unsend messages


• Full-fledged Tapback support for RCS messages, with no special workarounds

RCS support as a whole was added to the iPhone with iOS 18, which supports ‌RCS‌ Universal Profile 2.4. It is effectively a modernized version of the SMS standard, which remains available as a fallback option for text messages over a cellular network.

RCS will be playing catch up with iMessage in many ways. iMessage conversations with blue bubbles have already supported end-to-end encryption by default since iOS 5. In addition, iMessage has supported in-line replies since iOS 14, while the options to edit and unsend iMessages were introduced with iOS 16.

It seems likely that Apple will roll out these RCS upgrades at some point during the iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 software cycle.

Personalized Siri

In late July, Apple CEO Tim Cook said his company was making "good progress" on a more personalized version of Siri, and he reiterated the features were on track to launch next year. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects the new Siri to launch in the U.S. in spring 2026, so Apple is likely aiming for an iOS 26.4 launch.

Apple first announced the personalized Siri features during its WWDC 2024 keynote, but in March it announced that they were delayed. The new capabilities will include better understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls. For example, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps.

Weather via Satellite

A little more than three months ago, MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered references to an unreleased "Weather via satellite" feature in the code for the first iOS 26 developer beta. However, the feature has yet to be released or even announced by Apple, so it is unclear if it is still coming or if it was scrapped.

The references have not been removed from the code, as of the iOS 26 Release Candidate, so it is possible that Apple will introduce the feature eventually. Perhaps the feature will be added in a follow-up update, such as iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2.

The feature would let you view the forecast and other weather information in the Weather app, in supported areas without Wi-Fi and cellular range. Apple's other satellite features include Emergency SOS via satellite, Messages via satellite, Find My via satellite, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, with availability varying by country.

Apple has yet to charge a fee for any of its satellite features. Last week, the company announced it is providing existing iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users with an additional year of free access to the entire suite of satellite features on those devices.

New Emoji

iOS 26.4 will likely add new built-in emoji to the iPhone.

In celebration of World Emoji Day on July 17, the Unicode Consortium previewed some of the new emoji that will be coming with Unicode 17.0.

Here are some of the new emoji:

• Trombone


• Treasure Chest


• Distorted Face


• Hairy Creature (Bigfoot/Sasquatch)


• Fight Cloud


• Apple Core


• Orca


• Ballet Dancers


• Landslide

Notably, Distorted Face is a popular emoji in Discord servers. It is essentially a distorted version of the embarassed face emoji, also known as Flushed Face.


It typically takes Apple several months to design new emoji in its own style, so the emoji listed above will likely be added to the iPhone in iOS 26.4.

Apple most recently added new emoji to the iPhone with iOS 18.4, an update that came out in late March. iOS 17.4, iOS 16.4, and iOS 15.4 also introduced new emoji over the years, so the timing has become predictable by this point if it holds up.
This article, "iOS 26.1 to iOS 26.4: Here Are 5 New Features to Expect on Your iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 is packed with major changes for the iPhone, including a new Liquid Glass design. But if you’re not a fan of the fresh design, here’s how to make iOS 26 look and feel more like iOS 18 again.

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iPhone 17 is officially here, and Mophie is launching four new MagSafe batteries to give you more power. The lineup includes both slim and high-capacity options with and without kickstands. Not upgrading to iPhone 17? Mophie’s Qi2 Powerstation Wireless Batteries can upgrade your existing iPhone experience too.

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iOS 26 shipped to all users yesterday, but it came with a build number that was different than the RC previously available to beta testers. Now, one day later, Apple has released that public version for beta testers too.

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Mophie today announced the launch of four new Qi2 wireless chargers that can charge MagSafe-compatible iPhones at up to 15W.


The $60 Powerstation Wireless Slim has an ultra-thin design that's meant to provide extra power without adding too much bulk. It has a 5,000 mAh battery and also includes a 20W USB-C power delivery port for wired charging. It's just 9mm thick, so it pairs well with the iPhone Air or any of Apple's new iPhone 17 models.

Mophie also has a version of the Slim with a built-in stand that is able to rotate 180 degrees, making it ideal for watching videos in either portrait or landscape mode. It is priced at $70, and is 11mm thick to accommodate the stand.

The $80 Powerstation Wireless has a larger 10,000 mAh capacity, but a thicker design than the slim model at 15mm. It too includes a 20W USB-C port for faster wired charging. The $90 Powerstation Wireless with Stand is 2mm thicker, coming in at 17mm, plus it supports 30W wired charging.

Mophie's new wireless chargers can be purchased from the Mophie website or from Amazon.
This article, "Mophie Launches New Qi2 Wireless Chargers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Alongside the ongoing pre-orders for the new , Apple Watch Ultra 3, and , our 9to5Toys Lunch Break has some notable deals to scope out today elsewhere. Firstly, we are tracking the first chance to save and new all-time lows on the Beats woven USB-C cables at $13 Prime shipped alongside a collection of iPhone 17/Air screen protectors from $3 a pop. On the more substantial side of things, Apple’s 24GB M4 MacBook Air models are now $200 off while $300 price drops await on the most affordable M4 MacBook Pro models, and the upgraded 512GB Mac mini is at $110 off. We also have deals on iPhone 16 Pro Max, M3 iPad Air, and an ongoing 25% off sitewide at Satechi. Everything awaits below. 

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iOS 26 is now available for all users, but beta testers who have had the update for months may now wonder when Apple plans to debut the first iOS 26.1 beta. Here’s when to expect the next beta update.

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Apple released macOS Tahoe on September 15, which means it's now available for all Macs that support it. If you didn't download the new software yet, here are some features that might entice you to upgrade.

• Liquid Glass - macOS Tahoe has a whole new design, and it matches the Liquid Glass that Apple brought to iOS 26. Buttons, navigation bars, widgets, the Dock, menus, side bars, and more all have a more translucent look that reflects the background underneath and refracts light. There are new icon options, including tinted and entirely clear.


• Customizable Control Center - You can rearrange the Control Center in macOS Tahoe, putting what you access most often front and center. You're also able to use multiple Control Center pages, and add third-party app controls like on iOS.


• Customizable Menu Bar - You can also rearrange the Menu Bar, plus add Control Center controls to it. Live Activities from the iPhone will also show up in the Menu Bar now through ‌iPhone‌ Mirroring.


• Spotlight Redesign - Spotlight is very different in macOS Tahoe, and it might take some getting used to. There's no more Launchpad, because the new Spotlight functionality has replaced it. There are four main Spotlight options to access apps, files, complete actions, and access the Clipboard History.


• Clipboard - Spotlight now saves what you copy and paste, so you have a log of what you've been doing that you can go back and reference. You can see your entire history for the day, but it is limited to 24 hours.


• Spotlight Actions - You can use Spotlight Actions to do all kinds of things without opening an app. You can send texts, emails, create shortcuts for features in apps, set timers, create Calendar events, make reminders, and much more, plus there's integration with the Shortcuts app to take things even further. There are quick access phrases you can assign to launch tasks quickly, like CH for bringing up ChatGPT.


• Folder Customization - You can assign colors to folders, and also add an emoji or character to help you better organize your files. Folders get a color tag, which is a useful way to group things together.


• Widgets - You can move widgets from the Notification Center to the desktop for quicker access. This works with widgets from Apple apps and from third-party apps.


• Shortcuts - The macOS Shortcuts app supports creating automations, much like the Shortcuts app in ‌iOS 26‌. You can make Shortcuts that run at a specific time of day, with a trigger action, when an accessory connects, when an action in an app takes place, when the battery drains to a certain level, when activating a Focus mode, and more. It's super powerful when paired with Spotlight's new functionality.


• Phone App - Apple brought the Phone app to the Mac, so you can make calls, accept calls, and use features like Hold Assist and Call Screening. You still need a connected ‌iPhone‌ with Wi-Fi Assist turned on.


• Journal App - The Journal app is new to the Mac, and it makes a lot of sense on a platform that has a full keyboard. It works just like the iOS version of the app, but there are also some added features like the option to create multiple journals.


• Games App - The Games app is also new to the Mac. It's a cross-platform app that aggregates Mac App Store games and Apple Arcade games with your own games library, plus it provides options for playing with friends. There's a new Game Overlay that lets you adjust game settings and connect with friends without exiting the game, and if you're on battery, there's a Low Power Mode so you can play longer.

Read More

For more on the new features in macOS Tahoe, make sure to check out our roundup.
This article, "10+ macOS Tahoe Features You Should Check Out" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Over the last several years, CarPlay’s new features have been rare and few. But between CarPlay Ultra’s launch and everything new in iOS 26 for standard CarPlay, things have quickly changed. Here’s what’s new in iOS 26, CarPlay’s biggest update in years.

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Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 17 Pro and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, featuring a new Fusion telephoto camera, a brighter display, the A19 Pro chip, and more. As Apple's premium flagship offerings, the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max are the most fully-featured iPhones available.


The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ starts at $1,099 and the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max starts at $1,199. For the Pro model, this is a $100 price increase over last year's model, but there is also no longer a 128GB storage configuration available for this device, meaning that it is effectively only a price hike if you normally buy this model. In fact, if you normally buy the 256GB model, it represents a $100 price cut.

Both phones have the same OLED Super Retina XDR always-on display with ProMotion and the Dynamic Island, the A19 Pro chip, 5G connectivity, a "Pro" rear camera setup, and are available in the same color options. Although the two phones share the vast majority of features, there are eight differences between the devices.

Our guide highlights the crucial differences between the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, and helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these two iPhone models is best for you. Both models share the same thickness of 0.34 inches (8.75 mm), but otherwise have very different sizes and weights.

	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
Height	5.91 inches (150.0 mm)	6.43 inches (163.4 mm)
Width	2.83 inches (71.9 mm)	3.07 inches (78.0 mm)
Weight	7.27 ounces (206 grams)	8.22 ounces (233 grams)

Other differences essentially come down to display size and battery life. Unlike some previous years, there are no camera differences between the two devices at all for this generation.

‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
6.3-inch display	6.9-inch display
4,252 mAh battery	5,088 mAh battery
Up to 33-hour battery life	Up to 39-hour battery life
256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage

Pricing is also a key area of difference, with the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max reaching almost $2,000 when configured with 2TB of storage.

	256GB	512GB	1TB	2TB
‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	$1,099	$1,299	$1,499
‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max	$1,199	$1,399	$1,599	$1,999

The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max represents the most you can get out of an ‌iPhone‌ with the best possible battery life, but that does not necessarily translate into a worthwhile purchase for all users. The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and Pro Max are some of the thickest iPhones ever. With a 6.9-inch display, the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max is a large and hefty device.

Some may find the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max's size excessive or uncomfortably large to hold, while others will love the larger display for consuming media. Screen size is ultimately a matter of personal preference, and since the ‌‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and ‌‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max share most of their other features, it comes down to individual taste.

The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max also offers the longest possible battery life, and offers a 2TB storage option. The added $100 in price for the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max seems fair for its additional display area and battery life, but it is important to weigh up these factors in your personal use case. With added storage, the Pro Max quickly becomes an expensive device.

The most important decision point when choosing between the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max is undoubtedly screen size, but comfort, pocketability, weight, and battery life are also important considerations that will depend based on your personal needs and preferences. If you are hesitant about the size and weight of the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, it may be better to stick with the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, but it is otherwise unlikely to disappoint, especially if price is not an issue.
This article, "iPhone 17 Pro vs. 17 Pro Max Buyer's Guide: 8 Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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One of the promises of the smart home is that it, in theory, should intelligently adapt and respond to your needs. iOS 26 provides a key upgrade in that department with new Adaptive Temperature features in the Home app to automate your thermostat.

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Siri hasn’t had the best year, largely owing to major feature delays amid ever-stronger AI competition. While the big Siri upgrades we’ve been waiting for are reportedly coming next spring, Apple has five surprise new features available now in iOS 26.

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Both US and Chinese officials are stating that an agreement has been reached for an American TikTok spin-off to be sold to American investors.

It’s not the first time the Trump administration has claimed that a deal has been agreed, but it is the first time that China is backing the claim, albeit in somewhat more muted terms …

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The first set of reviews are out for the new Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3, ahead of the devices launching on Friday.


As we already noted in our buyer's guide last week, the Series 11 is a fairly minor upgrade over the Series 10. Apple says the Series 11 offers up to 24 hours of battery life, a six-hour increase over the Series 10. However, while the Series 11 does have a slightly larger battery over the Series 10, Apple also changed its testing parameters to include six hours of sleep tracking per day. So, are the battery gains that noticeable?

According to CNET's Vanessa Hand Orellana, they are:

Apple rates the Series 11 for up to 24 hours of "normal use," and after wearing it through at least three full battery cycles, I can confirm that's accurate. With notifications turned on (heavy Slack-ing and texting), at least one 30- to 45-minute outdoor workout a day, a full night of sleep tracking and some mild flashlight use, I've consistently managed to squeeze between 27 and 32 hours per charge.

TechRadar's Jacob Krol also said Series 11 battery life was promising:

The bigger story is battery life: battery capacity is up 9% on the 42mm model and 11% on the 46mm. Apple rates both models for 24 hours of typical use and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode. In practice, I pulled my 46mm review device off the charger at 54% one night, slept with tracking enabled, and didn't hit 1% until after 5pm the next day – so I got about 17 hours from half a charge. With light use, a full day and a half is very realistic.

Given the 18-hour battery life figure that Apple advertised for the Series 10 and older was widely believed to be an understatement, though, more scientific and thorough testing is needed to determine any exact year-over-year increase.

What else is new? The cover glass on the Apple Watch Series 11 display is said to offer 2× more scratch resistance compared to the previous generation, but this only applies to aluminum models, as titanium Series 10 and Series 11 models already have a more durable sapphire cover. And if you have a cellular configuration, 5G is now supported.

The new Hypertension Notifications (compatible with Series 9 and newer) and Sleep Score health features (Series 6 and newer) do not require a Series 11.

And that's it — making the Series 11 one of the smallest upgrades ever.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 also gets longer 42-hour battery life, Emergency SOS via satellite directly on the wrist, a slightly larger display, and 5G on cellular models. This makes for a slightly bigger upgrade over the Ultra 2, albeit not significantly.

9to5Mac's Zac Hall offered a good overview of the new Ultra 3 capabilities, including Emergency SOS via satellite, which was previously limited to the iPhone:

In most instances, the connection demo experience works flawlessly. It can't work indoors, and in some cases, you may be able to see the sky, but nearby trees will prevent establishing a connection. This requirement will limit how useful satellite connectivity can be, but it's still impressive that an Apple Watch can even do this now without an iPhone.

The real winner, though, is the Apple Watch SE 3. The budget-conscious model received its first update in three years, and it packs quite a few new features.

Apple Watch SE 3 features an S10 chip, an always-on display, Double Tap gesture support, wrist temperature sensing for retrospective ovulation estimates, sleep apnea detection, fast charging support, 5G support on cellular configurations, on-device Siri, and many other improvements. It is also compatible with the new Sleep Score feature. And in the U.S., the device continues to start at just $249.

The Verge's Victoria Song said the Apple Watch SE 3 is "the one to buy."

From her review:

The line between the SE 3 and Series 11? For many people, it's now nonexistent.

The skeptic in me believes that the SE 3's glow-up is partly an effort to draw more people into the Apple Watch ecosystem. It's an incredible value, and Apple happens to be coming off five consecutive quarters of declining Apple Watch shipments due to a decrease in consumer demand, fewer models, and ho-hum feature upgrades. You don’t need to be a financial whiz to see the SE 3 will likely do gangbusters in terms of sales.

Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 can be pre-ordered now.

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This article, "Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 Reviews: Which is the Biggest Upgrade?" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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AirPods Pro 3 will ship to users this Friday, September 19. And while they should prove a fantastic upgrade for everyone (read our full review here), it seems one new feature will be exclusive to iPhone 17 and iPhone Air owners.

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Apple Sports was updated today with a Home Screen widget, availability in more countries, and the ability to schedule Live Activities for upcoming events.


The widget lets you view scores and schedules for your favorite leagues and teams at a glance. While the app remains available on the iPhone only, the widget can also be accessed on an iPad and Mac logged in to the same Apple Account.

In addition, the app has been released in eight more countries in Europe, including Austria, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. It was previously only available in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.

When you schedule Live Activities for upcoming events, they automatically appear on your Lock Screen when the event begins, so you do not miss any action.

Last, the app now supports Ligue 2, Segunda División, Serie B, Primeira Liga, and 2. Bundesliga.

Launched in February 2024, the Apple Sports app shows scores, stats, standings, upcoming games, and more for a variety of leagues.

Apple Sports version 3.3 is available now in the App Store.
This article, "Apple Sports App Updated With Widget, Expands to These 8 Countries" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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If you’ve just installed iOS 26, the first thing you will, of course, have noticed is the new Liquid Glass user interface. This has proved a somewhat polarizing feature, with some developers arguing it’s not yet ready for primetime.

It certainly takes some getting used to, but overall I’m a fan, and I particularly like some of the small but notable changes …

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Apple has now made iOS 26 available to download on compatible iPhone models, and if you just installed the new software, Apple has made some changes and feature additions to the iPhone Lock Screen that you may want to check out.


To download iOS 26 on your iPhone, go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update, then let your device check Apple's servers for the latest software. Wait for the update screen to appear, then hit Update Now. With that done, here are five new things you can do to customize your the Lock Screen in iOS 26.

Change iPhone Clock to Liquid Glass

In iOS 26, Liquid Glass is Apple's new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, while dynamically transforming to help bring greater focus to content across system controls, navigation elements, app icons, and widgets. The design represents the most significant visual overhaul since iOS 7, and it also brings a new clock appearance option to your iPhone Lock Screen.

1. Wake your iPhone so the Lock Screen is showing.


2. Long press anywhere on the Lock Screen, then tap Customize.


3. Tap the time within the square frame.


4. Tap the new Glass option to switch from Solid.


5. Make any other desired changes to the clock's color and style, then tap Done to finish.

Move Lock Screen Widgets to Bottom

In iOS 18, the row of widgets on your Lock Screen is literally locked in place right below the clock. In iOS 26, however, Customize mode lets you drag them down to the bottom of the screen, so that they hover just above the two quick actions (assuming you have any). The new optional positioning makes tapping a widget during one-handed use a lot easier.

1. Long press anywhere on the Lock Screen, then tap Customize.


2. Below the clock, drag the widgets frame to the bottom of the screen.


3. Make any other desired changes to the Lock Screen, then tap Done to finish.

Resize Lock Screen Clock

In iOS 26, Apple has made it so that the clock on the Lock Screen can be expanded to fill more of the display, making it easier to read. This can be done in Customize mode thanks to a new drag handle on the bottom-right corner of the selection frame around the time.

You can make the digits take up half of the screen, though if you have any widgets, they will slide down to the bottom of the display. In addition, if you have a depth effect applied to a photo and pinch to crop, the time will automatically adjust to accommodate the subject. Bear in mind that the ability to expand the time depends on the selected photo – if there's no space above the photo's subject, the drag handle won't appear.

1. Long press anywhere on the Lock Screen, then tap Customize.


2. Rest your finger on the drag handle located at the bottom-right of the clock frame.


3. Drag down to resize the clock, then up to adjust if it's too big.


4. Make any other desired changes to the Lock Screen, then tap Done to finish.

Turn Lock Screen Wallpaper Into a Spatial Scene

In iOS 26, your iPhone can convert 2D images into a 3D Spatial Scene that can be viewed on your Lock Screen.

When you're browsing Lock Screen wallpaper options, iOS automatically suggests photos from your library that are compatible with the feature. And if you manually select a Lock Screen photo that supports Spatial Scenes, you'll see a toggle on the customization screen that lets you enable or disable the effect.


The feature works using generative AI that analyzes your photos to identify different elements and create depth maps. Importantly, it doesn't require Apple Intelligence to function, meaning Spatial Scenes works on iPhone 12 and newer models.

It's hard to appreciate without trying it yourself, but the results are impressive as the image animates when you move your device. Spatial Scenes use machine learning rather than Apple Intelligence, which means the feature is available on iPhone 12 and newer devices.

Make Music Albums Animate

iOS 26 introduces full-screen animated album art on the iPhone Lock Screen for select Apple Music tracks. By tapping the album art in the Lock Screen music player, the artwork expands and animates, creating a more immersive listening experience. While animated album art has been available within the Apple Music app for some time, this marks its first appearance on the Lock Screen. Not all songs support it yet, but the number is steadily increasing. Apple is also opening the Animated Album Art feature to third‑party developers, so expect it to work with apps like Spotify and YouTube Music soon.
This article, "iOS 26: All the New iPhone Lock Screen Customizations" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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When Apple Watch arrived in 2015, there was no way to send or receive data without an iPhone or wifi. Now these things can talk to space. It’s wild.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the first version to include satellite connectivity, a feature introduced with iPhone 14 just three years ago. It comes standard in every Ultra 3 and enables the ability to contact emergency services without a cellular connection.

Over the last few days, we’ve been testing and Apple Watch Series 11. Check out our early impressions below.

more…

The Apple Sports app has seen a number of great updates over the year, and the latest of these is support for widgets on your Home Screen.

These can be customized to show live scores and schedules for your favorite teams and leagues, Including Live Activities on your Lock Screen. Apple has also rolled out the app to eight new countries …

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The latest version of popular task manager app Things 3 is now available with comprehensive support for iOS 26 and Apple's other major software updates, introducing a redesigned interface and a range of enhancements.


Things 3.22 features a complete visual refresh tailored for Liquid Glass, with an updated app icon and refined UI elements throughout. The new icon is available in four variants: Default, Dark, Tinted, and Clear.

The interface now incorporates redesigned curves for windows, to-dos, dialogs, and control elements, offering wider spacing and visual transparency in areas such as the sidebar. The release also introduces dynamic interface elements, such as glassy buttons that scale and glow in response to touch. The app's signature Magic Plus button now displays fluid-like deformation when moved.

Things gains full support for the new Windowed Apps mode in iPadOS 26. It supports the creation of new windows via both contextual menu actions—such as right-clicking a list and selecting "Open in New Window"—and through the File menu. Additionally, iPad users can now access a full system menu bar by swiping down from the top of the screen. Things has updated its menu structure accordingly to expose more powerful controls and keyboard shortcuts in this environment.


The widget system has also been updated. Widgets now support new appearance styles, including Dark, Tinted, and the new Clear option. With the latest release, widgets are also supported on the Vision Pro, where they can be placed freely in the user's immersive workspace.

Things 3.22 introduces quick controls on both the Mac and Apple Watch. On macOS, the app adds two Control Center toggles: New To-Do and List (with user-defined destination). These can be added to the Control Center panel or pinned directly to the menu bar for fast access. On the Apple Watch, the New To-Do control allows task creation via swipe, typing, or voice input.

Things also now supports Apple's Writing Tools framework on the Vision Pro. This allows users to edit the text in their task with options to rewrite, summarize, proofread, or reformat content.

The update also expands integration with Spotlight and Apple Shortcuts. On macOS, users can create a new to-do directly from Spotlight by typing "Create To-Do," pressing Return, and entering a title. The task will be added to the Inbox even if Things is not running. Things 3.22 is available now.
This article, "Things 3.22 Introduces Refreshed Interface and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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