During this year’s WWDC, Apple confirmed that 13 new automakers had committed to adopting the Apple Wallet car key feature. Now, it looks like a handful of them may be close to flipping the switch.

more…

Still waiting for Apple’s first smart home hub with a screen? Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reports that the product is scheduled to arrive in spring 2026. Notably, manufacturing will take place in Vietnam and not China, where most first-gen products are produced. Gurman also reports on Apple’s target price for the first new smart home product.

more…

Apple is aiming to launch a new home hub and indoor security camera in 2026, with a tabletop robot coming in 2027, reports Bloomberg.


The home hub has an iPad-like 7-inch display, and it will be able to run apps and control smart home devices. There are apparently two versions in the works, one that is designed to be mounted on the wall, and a second tabletop model. The tabletop home hub has a speaker base that "resembles a screen-equipped version of the HomePod mini."

Both versions of the home hub will include a FaceTime camera for video calls, and sensors to recognize the person that's using it. It will be able to differentiate between different members of the household, adjusting available apps and features for each person.

Apple could charge around $350 for the home hub, which would make it much more expensive than competing products like the Amazon Echo Show, and it would be $50 more than the full-sized HomePod. Apple's operations teams are said to be looking at ways to cut the cost, so it's possible the device could be more affordable at launch. If not, costs may come down for future versions.

Apple's home hub has been finished since last year. Apple wanted to launch it in March 2025, but ended up pushing it back because the more advanced version of Siri wasn't ready to go. An updated ‌Siri‌ built using next-generation architecture will be ready to go in March 2026, and after that, Apple will be free to launch the home hub.

An Apple-designed security camera that integrates with the home hub could be released as soon as late 2026, and a full tabletop robot is slated for 2027. The robot is similar in design to the home hub, but it includes a 9-inch display and a motorized arm that can move the screen around on a user's workspace. The robot will cost several hundred dollars because of the included components.

Apple is planning to manufacture its upcoming smart home devices in Vietnam in a continuing effort to reduce its reliance on manufacturing in China. According to Bloomberg, Apple normally manufactures devices in a new product category in China to start with, but this time around, it will work with BYD in Vietnam. BYD is a Chinese company that makes electric vehicles, and Apple reportedly worked with BYD on battery technology before the Apple Car was scrapped.

BYD will be in charge of final assembly, testing, and packaging for the home hub and the tabletop robot. Apple has been expanding manufacturing in Vietnam for the last several years, and some iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, and Macs are assembled there.
This article, "Apple's 2026 Home Hub Could Cost $350" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple is going to launch a new version of the MacBook Pro as soon as tomorrow, so we thought we'd go over what to expect from Apple's upcoming Mac.

M5 Chip

The ‌MacBook Pro‌ will be one of the first new devices to use the next-generation M5 chip, which will replace the M4 chip.

The M5 is built on TSMC's more advanced 3-nanometer process, and it will bring speed and efficiency improvements. A leaked iPad Pro with an M5 chip was benchmarked two weeks ago, and it featured 12 percent faster multi-core CPU performance compared to the M4 chip, and a 36 percent faster GPU.

The M5 chip in the ‌iPad Pro‌ had a 9-core CPU, but the M5 in the new ‌MacBook Pro‌ could have a 10-core CPU like the 10-core M4 chip in the current version of the ‌MacBook Pro‌.

Design

There are no rumors of design changes, and we are expecting the upcoming M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ to look just like the M4 version. There is a possibility that Apple will add a new color, because a teaser for the ‌MacBook Pro‌ seems to feature a ‌MacBook Pro‌ with a blue tint.

It's possible we'll get a dark blue version of the ‌MacBook Pro‌ that matches the iPhone 17 Pro.

Other Possible Updates

Aside from an M5 chip, we haven't heard of any new features that will be available in the M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌.

While not rumored, Apple could perhaps add the upgraded 18-megapixel Center Stage front-facing camera that's in the iPhone 17, or introduce the N1 networking chip with Bluetooth 6 and Wi-Fi 7 support. The current version of the ‌MacBook Pro‌ is limited to Wi-Fi 6E, even though the iPhone has supported Wi-Fi 7 for the last two years.

Apple may not be planning for significant hardware changes other than the chip, because swapping the camera or the networking chip would require more significant internal updates compared to just an M4 to M5 chip swap.

Just One Model?

It's looking like we're only going to get a single updated MacBook, with Apple adding the M5 to the base 14-inch model.

The ‌MacBook Pro‌ line typically features Pro and Max chips in higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch machines as well, but those chips are apparently not ready yet and won't be coming until 2026.

The M5 Pro and M5 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ models are expected in early 2026.

Why You Shouldn't Buy One

If you're not in serious need of a new ‌MacBook Pro‌, 2025 is a bad time to upgrade. The next-generation ‌MacBook Pro‌ after the late 2025/early 2026 models is expected to feature an OLED display, which will mark a major upgrade in display quality.

Of course, it's possible that the base 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ isn't going to get an OLED display and will stick with mini-LED, but it's not clear at this point.

The transition to OLED will also likely bring a design update along with M6 chip technology, which is another reason to wait.

Launch Date

Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak teased the M5 MacBook Pro earlier today, so it's likely going to launch imminently, perhaps as soon as tomorrow morning.
This article, "Apple's M5 MacBook Pro Imminent: What to Expect" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

With every flagship smartphone launch, the new devices are subject to bend tests, drop tests, and other durability tests. YouTuber JerryRigEverything (Zack Nelson) is known for his scratch and bend tests, and he did his usual routine with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This time, something went wrong.


When Nelson bent the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, it broke on the first test, and the second test damaged the battery and engulfed his studio in smoke. Nelson bent the smartphone backward in a way unlikely to occur in normal use, but it's also the first time that he's had a battery rupture.

"Surprisingly, in the decade that I've been durability testing phones, I have never had a smartphone explode before," he says. "The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first phone to go up in smoke."

He goes on to explain that he's subjected every mainstream smartphone from the last decade to the exact same tests, but this is the first time he's had a failure that set off his fire alarm. At the end of the video, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a smoking, charred mess, and Nelson suggests not putting an open 10 Pro Fold in a pocket.

According to Nelson, Google's line of foldable Pixel smartphones have had the same antenna line design issue for the last three years. Every one bends at the antenna line, and this time around, the layers of the battery were pinched together, resulting in a short circuit that caused a thermal reaction.

iFixit told The Verge that while the battery fire is dramatic, it's "not necessarily a sign that something is wrong with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold design." The battery does not appear to have been discharged before the bend test, and iFixit said that short circuits can happen if you break the insulating layers of a battery. Google has not yet responded to the incident.

The Verge also points out that Google has had other battery issues this year. The company updated the Pixel 6A to address a potential battery overheating risk, and also updated the 4A to improve the stability of the battery's performance.
This article, "Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Catastrophically Fails Bend Test, Ends Up a Charred Mess" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple TV+ is now just Apple TV, and Apple’s senior vice president of Services says the change was simply the right moment to make it.

In a guest appearance on The Town podcast hosted by Matt Belloni, Eddy Cue discussed why the company decided to drop the “Plus” from Apple TV Plus and why Apple does not believe it will create confusion with its other products of the same name.

more…

Apple CEO Tim Cook is in Shanghai, China to celebrate the upcoming launch of the iPhone Air in the country, and during his visit, he met with Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning and The Monsters creator Kasing Lung.


On Chinese social network Weibo, Cook said that Lung demonstrated how he sketches his characters on his iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil. Lung is the designer behind the Labubu character that has become wildly popular worldwide.

During the meeting, Lung gifted Cook a one-of-a-kind Labubu modeled after Cook. The Labubu features white fur, glasses, black jeans, a blue shirt, sneakers, and a tiny iPhone 17.


Cook, meanwhile, said that Labubu "now has her own new iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange," and Lung drew a picture of Cook meeting Labubu.

Lung shared a selfie with Cook on Instagram, and also offered a closer look at Cook's unique "‌Tim Cook‌ Labubu."


While in China, Cook also stopped by the Apple Pudong retail location, met with the Lilith Games team behind AFK Journey, and visited Wang Feifei on the set of her new music video, which was filmed in a single shot using an ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌.

iPhone Air preorders are set to launch in China on October 17, with a launch to follow on October 22. The ‌iPhone Air‌ was delayed in China because Apple needed regulatory approval for an iPhone without a physical SIM.

At 5.6mm, the ‌iPhone Air‌ is too thin for a physical SIM slot, and so it will be the first eSIM ‌iPhone‌ that Apple offers in China.
This article, "Apple CEO Tim Cook Gifted Custom Labubu During China Visit" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Car key support for select General Motors vehicles could be added to the Apple Wallet app in the near future, according to code discovered by MacRumors. Apple has added settings for GM vehicles to an internal list of vehicles that offer car key integration.


Digital car keys let users lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using the NFC capabilities of an iPhone or Apple Watch. Apple began supporting NFC-based digital keys in the Wallet app in 2022, and car manufacturers have since been adopting the feature.

At WWDC, Apple said that 13 vehicle brands would "soon" be adding support for digital car keys, including GMC, Chevrolet, and Cadillac. The other brands include Acura, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Lucid Motors, Tata Motors, Hongqi, WEY, Chery, and Voyah.

Car keys in the Wallet app will be available for select Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models, but GM has not provided details on specific models that will offer support. So far, only the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV and the 2026 GMC Sierra EV are confirmed to include digital key integration.

Apple has now added backend support for GM, Voyah, and Smart vehicles, but the car manufacturers have yet to roll out car key functionality.

Select newer vehicles from BMW, Genesis, Kia, Audi, Hyundai, Lotus, Mercedes, Volvo, and more offer car keys support, with a list available on MacRumors.com.
This article, "Select GM Vehicles May Soon Offer iPhone Car Key Support" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Following a limited test earlier this year, Mozilla is now adding Perplexity AI as a default search engine option. Here’s how it works.

more…

Following last month’s 1.5 update, which introduced new features and the Liquid Glass design, Apple Invites was updated today with new “festive event backgrounds.” Here’s what’s new.

more…

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by 9to5Mac Daily Plus: Get ad-free versions of every episode by visiting 9to5mac.com/join. 

more…

Rumors indicated that Apple had new products ready to launch this week, and now with its MacBook Pro tease, the company has seemingly confirmed that. Here’s everything new that might launch.

more…

Apple announced today an expansion of its environmental initiatives across five European countries, along with a new donation to support environmental education in China. Here are the details.

more…

Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak today teased the launch of an upcoming product, saying "something powerful is coming" on social media.


A short animation accompanying Joswiak's teaser reveals a brief glimpse of a MacBook Pro along with the words "coming soon." The shape of the ‌MacBook Pro‌ is a V, which is the Roman numeral for 5. Joswiak also used "Mmmmm" in his caption, which is 5 Ms.


Rumors suggest that Apple is preparing to introduce its next-generation M5 chip this week, and it is set to debut in the 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌.


Aside from an M5 chip, the ‌MacBook Pro‌ is not expected to get any other major design changes. So far, it looks like Apple might introduce just the 14-inch M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌, holding higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips until 2026.

Apple is also expected to introduce a new iPad Pro and Vision Pro with an M5 chip this week, and we could also potentially see new Apple TV and HomePod mini models.

This article, "Apple Teases Upcoming M5 MacBook Pro Launch: 'Something Powerful is Coming'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reported over the weekend that Apple is likely to launch three new M5 products this week—which Apple has just officially teased. Now it seems that new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini updates might be imminent too.

more…

We’re all eagerly awaiting new Apple products this week, including an iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and MacBook Pro. In a new post on X today, Apple’s marketing VP Greg Joswiak teases that “something powerful is coming,” accompanied by a graphic clearly showing the side profile of a MacBook Pro.

more…

Netflix dominates paid TV streaming, and now it’s coming for podcasts next. Netflix and Spotify have announced a new partnership that will bring a variety of Spotify’s video podcasts to Netflix.

more…

HomePod mini and Apple TV inventory is starting to dwindle at select Apple Store locations around the world, suggesting that new models may be imminent.


For example, the HomePod mini is completely out of stock in all five color options at Apple's flagship Regent Street store in London, as of this writing.

Some other HomePod mini and Apple TV configurations are out of stock at some Apple Store locations, but online availability is faring better for now.

Both the HomePod mini and Apple TV are expected to be updated this year, and the following new features and changes have been rumored for the devices:

• HomePod mini: S9 chip or newer with support for next year's revamped version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support, improved sound quality, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and potentially new color options like Red.


• Apple TV: A faster A17 Pro chip that will support next year's revamped version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, and an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support. A built-in FaceTime camera has been rumored for a future Apple TV, but it is unclear if that will arrive with the next model.

In his Power On newsletter last weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple planned to announce new products "this week." However, in a follow-up post on X, he merely said the products would be announced "as early as this week."
This article, "HomePod Mini and Apple TV Stock is Dwindling at Select Apple Stores Ahead of New Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Update: Apple says the issues affecting Find My and Apple Maps have been resolved. Original story below.

---

Amid sporadic reports on social media, Apple has confirmed ongoing problems affecting Find My and Apple Maps. Apple says “some users are affected” by these issues.

more…

This summer, Apple launched its first ever public beta for AirPods firmware. And today, ahead of iOS 26.1’s upcoming release, the company has shipped new public beta firmware for testing on select AirPods models.

more…

Apple today released public new beta firmware that's designed for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. The firmware is now available for Apple's public beta testing group, and it has a build number of 8B5014c. Apple provided this firmware to developers last week.


The firmware comes alongside a new public beta of iOS 26.1, and it likely adds support for Live Translation in new languages, including Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese (both Mandarin Traditional and Simplified).

With iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, Apple added a beta firmware update installation option that's available from the AirPods settings interface when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, which facilitates beta testing.

Public beta testers can use the beta option to turn on beta downloads after signing up on Apple's website.
This article, "Apple Releases AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 Firmware for Public Beta Testers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Public beta 3 is here for iPadOS 26.1 and more. Here’s what’s new in Apple’s just-released wave of new beta software updates.

more…

Apple today provided public beta testers with the third releases of upcoming iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, tvOS 26.1 and watchOS 26.1 updates for testing purposes. Apple seeded the betas to developers earlier this week.


After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section in the Settings app on each device.

iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 expand Apple Intelligence to new languages, including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese.

AirPods Live Translation is also available in Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese (both Mandarin Traditional and Simplified) in iOS 26.

There are a few other minor changes to apps like Photos, Music, the Apple TV app, and Phone, with details available in our iOS 26.1 features guide.
This article, "Apple Seeds Third Public Betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Following yesterday’s release of macOS Tahoe 26.1 developer beta 3, Apple has just released the equivalent public beta. Here’s what to expect from macOS Tahoe 26.1.

more…