Over the last few weeks, iRobot has added Matter support to more of its Roomba robot vacuums, allowing them to be integrated with the Home app and used with Siri voice commands.


Matter integration has been available for the Roomba Combo 10 Max since earlier this year, but existing Roomba Plus 500 Combo, Roomba Max 700 Vac, and Roomba Max 700 Combo vacuums can get Matter support through a firmware update. Matter has not yet been re-added for the Roomba Combo J7 and J9.

Matter-enabled Roomba vacuums can be added to the Home app on devices running iOS 18.4 or higher, as long as a Home hub is available (Apple TV or HomePod). The Home app doesn't support the full suite of features available with robot vacuums, but basic commands are available. Vacuums can be set to vacuum and mop an entire home, or a specific room or area with ‌Siri‌ voice commands.

Once added to the Home app, a Roomba vacuum with Matter can be set to clean automatically with automations and can integrate with other HomeKit devices. You could, for example, set the Roomba to vacuum whenever you leave the house, or at a certain time. Automations can be triggered by presence, time, sensors, or when an accessory like a light is activated.

Apple added support for Matter-connected robot vacuums in iOS 18.4 earlier this year. Several companies have since come out with Matter options, including Roborock, Ecovacs, Switchbot, and Roomba.

iRobot's added Matter support comes as the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in December. iRobot has been sold to Picea Robotics, a Chinese company that already manufactures some of the Roomba devices. The acquisition is expected to be completed by February 2026, and iRobot says there will be no disruption in app functionality, product support, or customer programs.

Going forward, iRobot will remain a private company owned by Picea, and the Roomba brand will continue with new models planned for the future.

(Thanks, Max!)
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Amazon and Best Buy this week have all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. These discounts beat the Black Friday prices we saw last month by about $30.

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.

You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. On Amazon, you'll find three of the 42mm GPS models on sale at this all-time low price, and three of the 46mm GPS models on sale.




If you're shopping for cellular models, you can find record low prices on multiple models this week on Amazon. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $399.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $429.00, down from $529.00.




Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.

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Apple is rumored to be introducing a foldable iPhone in September 2026, and since it will bring the biggest form factor change since the ‌iPhone‌ was introduced in 2007, curiosity about the design is high. A 3D designer created an iPhone Fold design based on rumors, and we printed it out to see how it compares to Apple's current iPhones.


The foldable ‌iPhone‌ is going to be smaller than any current ‌iPhone‌ when it's closed, and it'll be shorter than Samsung's Galaxy foldables. Rumors suggest it'll be somewhere around 5.4 inches, which would make it as small as the now-discontinued ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini.

When open, the ‌iPhone‌ Fold will be somewhere around 7.6 inches. It'll be smaller than the iPad mini, but the display will be larger than any ‌iPhone‌ to date. The ‌iPhone‌ Fold will be short and wide, for a book-like form factor and usage experience with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

We don't know the dimensions of the foldable ‌iPhone‌ yet, and rumors vary somewhat, so the 3D print isn't an exact representation of the device that Apple has in the works. The 3D model was based on a mockup created by MacRumors reader iZac, who based his design on rumors that were circulating in May. He mocked up a 5.49-inch display when the ‌iPhone‌ is closed, and a 7.76-inch display when it's open. There are no sizing rumors that are significantly off from those figures, but we've heard 5.3 to 5.5 inches for the outer (closed) display, and 7.6 to 7.8 inches for the inner (open) display.

iZac's design also uses a 4.8mm thickness for the device when it's unfolded, and rumors about thickness vary too. It could be 4.8mm, or it could be as thin as 4.5mm.

The hinge on the 3D print is just a stand-in, because we don't know what Apple's hinge will look like. Rumors suggest that Apple spent a lot of time and effort creating a hinge that will make the crease between the two halves of the device almost invisible. We also don't know what the camera area will look like.

Even though the 3D print isn't a spot on representation of the device that Apple is planning to launch, it's close enough to the rumors to provide a good idea of how the ‌iPhone‌ Fold will look and feel in the hand.

Do you plan to get an ‌iPhone‌ Fold? Let us know in the comments below.
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Apple has asked the UK Court of Appeal to overturn a £1.5 billion ($1.76 billion) antitrust ruling that found the company overcharged millions of App Store users, escalating one of the most significant competition cases ever brought against the company in the country (via The Guardian).


The application follows a decision in October by the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), which concluded that Apple abused its dominant position by charging excessive commissions on ‌App Store‌ purchases between 2015 and 2024. The tribunal found that Apple's control over app distribution on iPhones and iPads allowed it to impose commission rates of up to 30% that were higher than would have prevailed in a competitive market, resulting in consumer harm estimated to be worth £1.5 billion.

The case was raised as a collective action on behalf of approximately 36 million British consumers. Under UK collective proceedings law, eligible consumers are automatically included unless they opt out, meaning that anyone in the UK who made ‌App Store‌ purchases during the relevant period could be entitled to compensation if the ruling stands.

In its judgment, CAT said Apple should have charged lower commissions, estimating that rates of around 17.5% on app sales and 10% on in-app purchases would have been more appropriate. The tribunal acknowledged that this assessment relied on "informed guesswork" based on the evidence presented.

Apple strongly disputes that approach. After the October ruling, the company sought permission from CAT to appeal, but the tribunal refused in November, concluding that Apple had not met the legal threshold to challenge its decision. Apple has now applied directly to the Court of Appeal, which has the authority to grant permission even where CAT has declined.

Apple said it disagrees with the ruling and argues that the tribunal took a flawed view of the app economy. In a previous statement responding to the decision, the company said the ‌App Store‌ operates in a "thriving and competitive app economy" and provides developers and consumers with security, privacy protections, and access to a large marketplace. Apple also noted that most developers now pay a reduced 15% commission and that the ‌App Store‌ facilitated more than $55 billion in sales in the UK last year.

If Apple's appeal is rejected and the ruling is upheld, the £1.5 billion award will be distributed among eligible UK consumers, with individual payouts likely to be relatively small but collectively significant.
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Apple now has additional time to allow for tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, thanks to a delay on any actual cost impact until June 2027.


While the United States will still apply new tariffs on semiconductor imports from China, the effective tariff rate will be set at zero for approximately 18 months, according to a Federal Register filing (via CNBC). The tariff rate will increase on June 23, 2027, with the specific percentage to be announced at least 30 days in advance.

For Apple, the decision removes the near-term risk of higher import costs on a wide range of chips used across its products. While Apple designs its own A-series and M-series processors, which are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Taiwan, the company continues to rely on China-based suppliers for many other semiconductor components, including power management integrated circuits, display driver chips, connectivity controllers, and various supporting logic chips embedded throughout its devices. Many of those components would fall within the scope of the China-specific semiconductor tariff once the rate increases in 2027.

Although the tariff is technically being imposed immediately, the zero percent rate functions as a delay mechanism rather than a suspension. This preserves the legal and regulatory framework needed to raise tariffs at a later date, reducing immediate trade friction while retaining leverage in future negotiations, and provides clarity to firms like Apple amid long-term supply chain decisions.

The timing is particularly significant for Apple because of its ongoing efforts to diversify manufacturing and sourcing beyond China. Apple previously faced concerns about a potential 100% semiconductor import tariff. In August, Apple committed $600 billion toward domestic manufacturing and infrastructure efforts.
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Samsung kicked off a new end-of-the-year sale this week, introducing great deals on monitors, TVs, Galaxy smartphones, and home appliances. Many of these deals are the exact same all-time low prices we tracked during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. 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 good time to purchase a Samsung monitor, with hundreds of monitor deals available during the event. One of the best markdowns is on the 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Monitor, available for $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99. If you're looking to add a second monitor to your workstation, you'll also find a few smaller options, like the 32-inch ViewFinity S7 for $299.99, down from $459.99.



For even more potential savings, eligible shoppers have the chance to get additional discounts through Samsung offer programs. These programs provide extra discounts for students, military, and employees of select businesses, and they provide up to 30 percent extra savings on Samsung's website, so be sure to check whether you're eligible for any of these programs.

TVs

• 55-inch QLED QEF1 Smart TV - $359.99, down from $599.99


• 55-inch QLED Q7F Smart TV - $399.99, down from $529.99


• 55-inch QLED Q8F Smart TV - $699.99, down from $749.99


• 75-inch Vision AI Smart TV - $649.99, down from $1,199.99


• 50-inch The Frame - $999.99, down from $1,099.99


• 75-inch Neo QLED QN70F Smart TV - $999.99, down from $1,599.99


• 65-inch The Frame - $1,599.99, down from $1,799.99 (extra $100 off available through offer programs)


• 55-inch OLED S95F Smart TV - $1,999.99, down from $2,299.99
  
• 75-inch The Frame Pro - $2,699.99, down from $3,199.99


• 85-inch The Frame Pro - $3,799.99, down from $4,299.99 (extra $660 off available through offer programs)


• 85-inch Neo QLED QN90F Smart TV - $2,999.99, down from $4,499.99

Monitors

• 27-inch Odyssey G3 Monitor - $159.99, down from $229.99


• 32-inch ViewFinity S70A UHD Monitor - $299.99, down from $459.99


• 34-inch ViewFinity S6 Monitor - $399.99, down from $799.99


• 27-inch Odyssey OLED G6 Gaming Monitor - $649.99, down from $899.99


• 49-inch Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor - $777.99, down from $1,299.99


• 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen - $1,299.99, down from $2,699.99


• 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99

Appliances

• Bespoke Smart Dishwasher - $899.99, down from $1,299.00


• Large Capacity Side-by-Side Fridge - $999.00, down from $1,666.00


• 4-Door French Door Fridge - $1,799.00, down from $2,999.00


• Bespoke All-in-One Combo Washer/Dryer - $2,099.00, down from $3,299.00


• Mega Capacity 3-Door French Door Fridge - $2,499.00, down from $3,499.00


• Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $3,399.99, down from $4,999.00

Galaxy Products

• Galaxy XR - Save up to $1,140 with the Explorer Pack


• Galaxy S25 Ultra - Save up to $700 in instant trade-in credit


• Galaxy Ring - Get up to $150 trade-in credit


• Galaxy Watch Ultra - Save up to $250


• Galaxy Watch 8 - Save up to $200

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 costly Detroit-based Developer Academy program relies heavily on taxpayer funding while delivering mixed job outcomes, according to WIRED.


The Apple Developer Academy in Detroit launched in 2021 in partnership with Michigan State University. The tuition-free program offers a 10-month course focused on building apps for Apple platforms, providing students with MacBooks, iPhones, mentorship, and monthly stipends intended to cover living costs. The academy has welcomed over 1,700 students since 2021, with about 600 completing the 10-month program.

An investigation by WIRED found that nearly $30 million has been spent on the academy over four years, equating to roughly $20,000 per student. Previously undisclosed records show Apple contributed about $11.6 million, while more than $8.5 million came directly or indirectly from Michigan taxpayers, including state funding used to provide student stipends. Additional funding was supplied by private philanthropy, including the Gilbert Family Foundation.

Academy officials told WIRED that about 71% of graduates from the past two years moved into full-time employment across various industries, a figure broadly in line with many coding boot camps but below outcomes reported by some traditional computer science degree programs. Apple and the university declined to release detailed graduate employment data, despite requirements from one funder that such data be collected.

Student experiences have varied. Some graduates credited the academy with exposing them to technology careers and building confidence, while others said the Apple-centric curriculum and limited stipends left them struggling financially and unprepared for the broader job market. One former student told WIRED that many participants relied on food assistance, while another said recent stipend reductions forced students to juggle multiple side jobs.

A senior director at Apple who oversees the Detroit program and 17 other Apple Developer Academies worldwide, said increasing student financial support is a continuing priority and that the academy is designed to build broadly applicable skills such as teamwork, research, and technology literacy rather than train students for a single job outcome. The academy takes credit for 62 apps and 13 businesses.

He added that the curriculum is frequently adjusted in response to student demand and technological change, noting that workshops were added when students expressed interest in developing apps for the Apple Vision Pro and Apple TV, and that generative AI tools are now incorporated into coursework, provided students can fully explain the code they produce, with alumni also able to access ongoing virtual instruction focused on AI.
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One of Apple's Chinese assemblers suffered a significant cyberattack earlier this month, DigiTimes reports.


The cyberattack may have compromised sensitive production-line information and manufacturing data linked to Apple, and the scope of the breach and its operational impact is unclear. Sources quoted by DigiTimes indicate that the issue has been addressed, but that internal evaluations are ongoing to determine whether there were losses or disruptions tied to the incident. The specific company targeted has not been disclosed.

Clients such as Apple typically initiate internal risk assessments to determine the severity of such breaches, the type and volume of data exposed, and whether remediation measures implemented by the supplier are sufficient. Decisions about whether to adjust production orders are said to depend on the outcome of those assessments rather than being automatic responses to an incident due to supply chain complexity. The report added that, in most cases, companies prefer to require suppliers to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and tighten internal controls instead of immediately reallocating production.
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Support for Apple Car Keys may now be more likely to come to Tesla vehicles, amid new evidence that the automaker is embracing native, system-level digital car keys.


According to Not a Tesla App, 4.52.0 of Tesla's mobile app contains multiple code references to Harmony Wallet Key Cards. The discovery is notable because it represents a shift in how Tesla appears to be approaching mobile device integration.

Tesla's current Phone Key relies on Bluetooth communication between the vehicle and the Tesla app running in the background on a smartphone. By contrast, a native wallet key is stored at the operating system level and uses secure hardware elements, often making it more reliable and accessible.

The code strings identified in Tesla app version 4.52.0 specifically reference integration with Huawei's HarmonyOS, suggesting that the initial implementation is designed for Huawei Wallet on HarmonyOS devices. HarmonyOS is widely used in China, where Huawei is a dominant presence in the smartphone market. Tesla has historically used the Chinese market as a testing ground for new software capabilities before expanding them globally.

Although the references do not mention Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, the underlying functionality closely mirrors how Apple implements native digital car keys on the iPhone. Apple introduced Car Key support in Apple Wallet in 2020, allowing compatible vehicles to be unlocked, locked, and started using NFC, Bluetooth, or ultra wideband. ‌Car Keys‌ are stored in the Secure Enclave on the ‌iPhone‌ and Apple Watch, enabling features such as Express Mode, which allows a vehicle to be unlocked without Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, and even functionality even when the device battery is almost totally depleted.

Earlier this month, Rivian announced native support for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet digital car keys as part of its 2025.46 software update. In recent weeks, Porsche, Toyota, and General Motors all appear to be following suit.
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Apple reportedly tested a version of the first-generation AirPods with bright, iPhone 5c-like colored charging cases.


The images, shared by the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami," claim to show first-generation AirPods prototypes with pink and yellow exterior casings. The interior of the charging case and the earbuds themselves remain white.

They seem close to some of the color options offered for the ‌iPhone‌ 5c, which came in blue, green, pink, yellow and white. Apple has only ever released AirPods in white.



In 2023, Kosutami shared images of AirPods in pink. Apple apparently developed five different color options for AirPods to approximately match the ‌iPhone‌ 7, but decided not to move forward with the idea.

Some users have sought after AirPods in different color options for several years. While Apple was seemingly only ever considering offering the charging case in different color ways, it is interesting to know that the company got as far as prototyping distinct color options for the device to match various ‌iPhone‌ models. Today, the AirPods Max are the only AirPods to have been offered in different color options.

Kosutami previously shared images of various Apple prototypes, including all-black Vision Pro parts, an earlier version of the MagSafe charging puck, FineWoven Apple Watch bands, a functional AirPower charging mat, an unreleased "Magic Charger" accessory, and more.
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from MacRumors! News in the Apple world has unsurprisingly been relatively slow over the past week, but Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone managed to make its way back into the news, while we also shared updates on current and future Apple TV news.


iOS 26.3 will be bringing some new features, particularly for users in the EU, so we'll look for additional betas and eventually a public release once the new year rolls around, and read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

Top Stories

Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected

Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report and new mockups are anything to go by.


Based on The Information's recent report that the foldable iPhone will feature a 5.3-inch external display and a 7.7-inch internal display when unfolded, designer Ben Geskin mocked up a physical representation of what such a device might look like in the hand, and it's actually remarkably compact with a form factor very similar to a passport book.

Apple is reportedly still testing next-generation ultra-thin flexible glass for the device's interior display, seeking to find the best solution to make the crease down the middle essentially invisible.

Where's the New Apple TV?

Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new ‌Apple TV‌ before the end of 2025, but it's clear that's not going to happen now.


It's not clear what happened, but it's possible Apple decided to hold all home-related product announcements until spring 2026, when the smarter, more capable version of Siri will be ready in iOS 26.4.

In the meantime, check out our video recapping what we might see in the next-generation Apple TV.

Turn Off the User Profiles Screen on Apple TV 4K

Some current Apple TV users have been annoyed by the new profile selection screen that appears every time you wake the device. While it's a handy feature for multi-user households, there are plenty of households that want to use their Apple TVs under only a single profile, so the selection screen is simply a nuisance.


Fortunately, there's a relatively easy way to turn off the profile selection screen if you know to look for it.

iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA

Apple is continuing to increase interoperability support in its products for users in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, and the EU is once again crediting the DMA for new expansions coming in iOS 26.3.


Third-party devices like earbuds will be able to seamlessly pair with iOS devices similar to how AirPods and Beats products already work, by simply bringing the accessory close to the device to bring up a simple one-step pairing process.

Users in the EU will also see expanded notifications support for third-party accessories like smartwatches, allowing users to view and interact with incoming iOS notifications on a third-party device as they can already do on an Apple Watch.

Apple Hit With Supersized Fine in Italy Over an iPhone Privacy Feature

Italy's Competition Authority (AGCM) has imposed a €98.6 million ($116 million) fine on Apple over its App Tracking Transparency feature.


Since the release of iOS 14.5 in April 2021, Apple has required apps to ask for permission before tracking a user's activity across other apps and websites for personalized advertising, as part of a feature named App Tracking Transparency. If a user selects the "Ask App Not to Track" option, the app is unable to access the device's advertising identifier.

In a press release and executive summary this week, the AGCM said the App Tracking Transparency rules are "disproportionate," and "harmful" to app developers and advertisers. Ultimately, it found that Apple abused its dominant position in the EU market.

iPhone 18 Trial Production to Start in February Ahead of Spring 2027 Launch

Apple is reportedly already preparing to begin trial production of the iPhone 18 series after Chinese New Year, according to Weibo-based leaker Fixed Focus Digital.


The claim suggests small-scale manufacturing runs will start once factories return to normal operations following the Lunar New Year shutdown, which typically ends in late February.

The Chinese leaker claims that production lines for the iPhone 18 Pro models have already been set up, indicating that the Pro hardware design has already been locked in. Multiple sources have reported that Apple will move to a split-release strategy, with the Pro and Fold models debuting in the usual fall time frame while the standard iPhone 18 won't be released until spring 2027 alongside an iPhone 18e and potentially an iPhone Air 2.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
This article, "Top Stories: iPhone Fold Mockup, Where's the New Apple TV?, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max have been available to buy since September, and a fair few will have been gifted over the holidays. If you're the proud owner of one of Apple's latest models, then keep reading. Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone or completely new to the devices, this article will help you get the most out your new ‌iPhone‌.


MacRumors has put together the following series of ‌iPhone 17‌ how-to articles explaining all the new features that can be found on Apple's newest models.

All iPhone 17 Models (Incl. iPhone Air)

• Dynamic Island Explained: What It Does and How to Use It


• iPhone 17 Camera Control: Everything You Need to Know


• Action Button: What It Does and How to Customize It


• How to Use the New Center Stage Front Camera


• How to Rotate the Front Camera Without Changing iPhone Orientation


• How to Disable Center Stage Front Camera Auto-Zoom


• How to Disable Center Stage Front Camera Auto-Rotate


• How to Enable Dual Capture Video Recording


• How to Disable Adaptive Power Mode (On by Default)


• How to Hard Reset or Force Restart All iPhone 17 Models

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

• How to Use 8x Optical Zoom


• Shooting Video in Apple's New ProRes RAW Format

iOS 26

• Ultimate iOS 26 Walkthrough: Guides and How Tos for Every New Feature


• Tone Down Apple's New Liquid Glass Design for Improved Legibility


• iOS 26 Setup Guide: 10 Things You Should Do First


• Tint App Icons to Match Your New iPhone 17 Color


• Tint App Icons to Match Your iPhone's Case Color


• iOS 26: All the New iPhone Lock Screen Customizations


• All the New iPhone Ringtones in iOS 26


• iOS 26 Camera App: New Features and Design Changes

Happy holidays!
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Have you been good this year? If so, you may be interested to know that Google has launched its annual Santa tracking feature, allowing Santa to be tracked in real time on his journey to the North Pole as he prepares to deliver presents to children around the world.


Google's Santa Tracker continues a two-decade tradition for the company, allowing excited children (and grown-ups!) to keep up with the jolly gift-giver's travels throughout December 24. On this day, Santa's Village transforms into a tracking experience where children can follow Santa and his reindeer as they merrily go about their important work.

Santa can be tracked using a web browser on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by visiting Google's official Santa Tracking website. The site features a live map of Santa's current location, his next stop, a live video feed of his journey, and the estimated time that he will arrive in each specific location.

The Santa site provides pictures of locations that Santa has already visited, a live count of gifts that have been delivered, and Santa's current distance from your location. There are also a selection of games to play, creative things to do, and videos to watch.

Other Santa tracking services are also available, such as the NORAD Tracks Santa Claus app and website, but Google's site is often the most interactive and detailed. Happy holidays!
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Apple Gift Cards are one of the most common Apple-related gifts given during the holidays, so if you've received one today, here are all of the things you can and cannot use it for.


After redeeming an Apple Gift Card, the value is added to the Apple Account balance and automatically applies at checkout when making eligible purchases. It can be spent on a wide range of Apple products, services, and digital content.

Apple Gift Cards are marketed as a single, flexible balance that works across Apple's ecosystem, but there are clear limits on what they can and cannot be used for once redeemed to an Apple Account.

What Apple Gift Cards Can Be Used For

• Purchasing Apple hardware and accessories on apple.com, in the Apple Store app, or in an Apple retail store.


• Using the balance toward Apple hardware when checking out, with any remaining cost paid using another payment method.


• Buying apps and games on the App Store, including in-app purchases.


• Paying for digital media, including movies, TV shows, and books through Apple's digital storefronts.


• Covering subscriptions to Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage, as well as eligible third-party app subscriptions billed through the ‌App Store‌.

What Apple Gift Cards Can't Be Used For

• Making purchases outside Apple's ecosystem, such as goods or services from non-Apple retailers.


• Starting certain recurring payments, such as AppleCare+ plans, without an additional credit or debit card on file.


• Redeeming or using balances across different countries or regions, as gift cards are typically region-locked.


• Transferring to or purchasing other gift cards.


• Exchanging for cash or cash equivalents.

While Apple Gift Cards are intentionally designed to be more versatile than older ‌App Store‌ or ‌Apple Store‌–only gift cards, they still come with some limits. For users, the key distinction is that Apple Gift Cards work best for Apple-direct purchases and subscriptions, but they can't replace a traditional payment method for gifting or non-Apple spending.
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2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out.

1. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows.


2. One Thing (Free) - One Thing is a super simple menu bar app that helps you remember the one main thing that you need to accomplish. Whatever you type in will show up in your menu bar so it's front and center. Text and colors are customizable, and you can use emoji.


3. Launchy (Free, $6.99 Pro upgrade) - Launchy is a customizable app launcher and switcher with a radial menu interface that you can use to launch and switch between your seven favorite apps.


4. Folder Preview ($2.99) - Folder Preview lets you see what's inside a folder or a zip file by pressing the spacebar in Finder.


5. Command X ($4) - Command X brings the Windows cut and paste workflow to Mac. You can use Command X and Command V keyboard shortcuts to cut and paste folders in the Finder app.


6. ImageOptim (Free) - ImageOptim uses quality preserving compression to reduce image file size, plus it removes private EXIF metadata, thumbnails, comments, color profiles, and other image cruft.


7. Monocle ($9) - Monocle blurs your background apps and brings the main app you're using to the forefront, so you can better focus on what you're doing. Monocle says it's noise canceling for your screen.


8. Dockdoor (Free) - Dockdoor adds live window previews to the dock, and enables option + tab window switching. Hovering over an icon on your Mac's dock will show a preview of the app and all windows from it.


9. Substage ($3.99/month) - Substage adds an AI-based natural language text bar to the Finder app so you can control your Mac with simple written commands instead of tricky command lines. It supports converting, organizing, and managing files and images. It can also answer questions about files, do calculations, and manage settings on your Mac.


10. Bauhaus Clock ($19) - Bauhaus Clock adds an elegant clock screensaver to your Mac. It's design-forward, with careful attention to detail and a sharp look that makes the Mac a focal point in the room when it's idle. The look is customizable with different colors and day and night settings.

Have a favorite Mac app we didn't mention? Let us know about it in the comments below.
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Apple CEO Tim Cook disclosed a roughly $3 million open-market purchase of Nike shares this week (via Reuters).


According to a regulatory filing published yesterday, Cook purchased 50,000 Class B shares of Nike on December 22 at an average price of $58.97 per share, for a total investment of approximately $2.95 million. The filing shows that Cook now holds about 105,000 Nike shares, a position valued at nearly $6 million.

Nike shares rose following the disclosure, gaining between about 2% and 5% in premarket and early regular-session activity, after the stock had fallen sharply in the days following the company's most recent earnings report, which highlighted ongoing challenges in its business, particularly in China. Nike is currently in the early stages of a turnaround effort under CEO Elliott Hill, who returned to the company last year after retiring.

Cook has served on Nike's board of directors since 2005 and is its lead independent director, a role he assumed in 2016 after Nike co-founder Phil Knight stepped down as chairman. In addition to his position at Apple, Cook also chairs Nike's compensation committee, placing him in a central governance role at the apparel maker. The December 22 transaction represents Cook's largest open-market purchase of Nike shares in years and comes at a time when the company is under pressure from investors following a prolonged decline in its stock price.
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In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.


The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future.

To set up the feature, open the Wallet app and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, select Driver's License and ID Cards and follow the steps.

Supported States

The following 13 states offer driver's licenses in the Wallet app:

• Arizona (since March 2022)


• Maryland (since May 2022)


• Colorado (since November 2022)


• Georgia (since May 2023)


• Ohio (since July 2024)


• Hawaii (since August 2024)


• California (since September 2024)


• Iowa (since October 2024)


• New Mexico (since December 2024)
• Montana (since August 2025)


• North Dakota (since September 2025)


• West Virginia (since October 2025)


• Illinois (since November 2025)

The feature is also available in Puerto Rico.

Future States

Apple and local DMV offices have announced that the following U.S. states have signed on to adopt the feature, but no timeframes were disclosed:

• Connecticut


• Kentucky


• Mississippi


• Oklahoma


• Utah


• Arkansas


• Virginia

Participating Airports

Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports in the U.S., for domestic travel. Given that Apple Wallet IDs are not accepted by law enforcement, and lack many other use cases, carrying a physical ID is still necessary.

Here are just some of the airports that offer the feature — there are hundreds of others:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)


• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)


• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)


• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)


• Denver International Airport (DEN)


• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)


• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG)


• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)


• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)


• San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)


• Los Angeles International (LAX)


• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)


• Des Moines International Airport (DSM)


• Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)


• Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)


• Lea County Regional Airport (HOB)


• Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)


• Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)


• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)


• Great Falls International Airport (GTF)


• Missoula International Airport (MSO)


• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)


• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)


• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)


• Richmond International Airport (RIC)


• Norfolk International Airport (ORF)


• Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)


• Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)

Travelers should refer to TSA signage to confirm availability of the feature.

Digital Passport

If you live in a state that does not yet offer Apple Wallet IDs, you can now create a Digital ID based on your U.S. passport, and present it at the same participating TSA checkpoints, for age and identity verification purposes during domestic travel. It is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel.
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Brazilian regulators have approved a settlement that will require Apple to change how the App Store operates on iPhone in the country, including allowing alternative app stores, expanded payment options, and a defined new fee structure.


In a press release, Brazil's Administrative Council of Economic Defense (CADE), said its court has approved a Term of Commitment to Cease proposed by Apple to resolve an investigation into the company's ‌App Store‌ rules on iOS. The case began in 2022 and examined whether Apple's restrictions on app distribution and payments limited competition in Brazil.

CADE said the investigation focused on Apple's prohibition of third-party app stores on iOS, the requirement that developers use Apple's in-app purchase system for digital goods and subscriptions, and restrictions that prevented developers from informing users about alternative payment options.

Under the settlement, Apple will be required to allow developers in Brazil to link to external payment options and promote offers that take place outside their apps. Developers will also be permitted to offer third-party payment methods within their apps alongside Apple's own in-app purchase system, with CADE requiring that these options be presented next to Apple's payment option.

Apple will also have to allow third-party app stores in Brazil. CADE specified that Apple may still display warnings or informational messages to users, but those messages must be neutral, objective, and limited in scope, and must not introduce extra steps or barriers that make alternative options harder to use.

According to Brazilian technology site Tecnoblog, which said it obtained the details directly from CADE, purchases made through the ‌App Store‌ will remain subject to a 10% or 25% commission under standard terms. Developers who use Apple's payment system would also pay a 5% transaction fee.

If an app directs users to pay outside the app using only static text, with no clickable link or button, Apple will not charge a fee. If the app includes a clickable button or link that sends users to an external website for payment, Apple will charge a 15% fee. Third-party app stores will be subject to a 5% Core Technology Commission.

CADE said Apple will have up to 105 days to implement the required changes once the new rules become binding.
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Apple's next-generation iPhone Air could still launch in the fall of 2026, according to the Weibo leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital."


The leaker claims to have been told by sources that the second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ will launch in the fall. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17e is said to already be in mass production ahead of unveiling at a spring product launch event.

The rumor comes in contrast to an array of corroborated reports that the second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ has been delayed until March 2027, where it is expected to launch alongside the standard iPhone 18 and a lower-end ‌iPhone‌ 18e. The second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ was originally rumored to launch alongside the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro, ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max, and foldable ‌iPhone‌ in the fall of 2026, but poor sales of the debut model apparently led Apple to delay the launch.

The second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ is rumored to address complaints about the device by adding a second rear camera and lowering its price. A lighter weight, vapor chamber cooling, and a larger battery capacity are also among the rumored new features.

It is still possible that a new ‌iPhone Air‌ could launch in the fall of next year, especially if Apple has expedited development of new features, since this was the original scheduled launch time frame. Nevertheless, it would be surprising if the multitude of rumors indicating a delayed launch were mistaken.
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With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year.


Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out.

Below, we have listed 25 products that were discontinued by Apple this year.

iPhones

Apple discontinued the third-generation iPhone SE in February, after introducing the iPhone 16e. As a result, Apple no longer sells any iPhone models with a Home button, Touch ID, LCD screen, a sub-6-inch screen size, or Lightning.

The original iPhone SE was released in March 2016. That model's design was largely based on the iPhone 5s, with key specs including a 4-inch display, a Touch ID home button, and an aluminum and glass frame with chamfered edges. However, the device was powered by a newer A9 chip from the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

Apple went on to release two more iPhone SE models in 2020 and 2022, respectively, with those devices having a similar design as the iPhone 8.

Meanwhile, the iPhone Plus has effectively been replaced by the ultra-thin iPhone Air in Apple's smartphone lineup. Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus were discontinued this year, and it is only a matter of time before the iPhone 16 Plus is axed too. Apple is not expected to release another Plus model in the foreseeable future.

Here are all of the iPhone models that were discontinued this year:

• iPhone 16 Pro Max (succeeded by iPhone 17 Pro Max)


• iPhone 16 Pro (succeeded by iPhone 17 Pro)


• iPhone 15 Plus


• iPhone 15


• iPhone 14 Plus


• iPhone 14


• iPhone SE (succeeded by iPhone 16e)

iPads

It was a spec-bump year for the iPad lineup, with the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and entry-level iPad all receiving faster chips, but no major design changes.

Here are all of the iPad models that were discontinued this year:

• iPad Pro with M4 chip (updated with M5 chip)


• iPad Air with M2 chip (updated with M3 chip)


• iPad 10 (updated with A16 chip)

Apple Watches

Apple Watch Series 11 is a very minor upgrade over the now-discontinued Series 10, but the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 offer some more meaningful changes. None of the latest Apple Watch models received a new chip, though.

Here are all of the Apple Watch models that were discontinued this year:

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (succeeded by Apple Watch Ultra 3)


• Apple Watch Series 10 (succeeded by Apple Watch Series 11)


• Apple Watch SE 2 (succeeded by Apple Watch SE 3)

Macs

Here are all of the Mac models that were discontinued this year:

• Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips (updated with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips)


• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chip (updated with M5 chip)


• 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip (updated with M4 chip)


• 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip

Other

Here are other Apple products and accessories that were discontinued this year:

• AirPods Pro 2 (succeeded by AirPods Pro 3)


• Apple Vision Pro with M2 chip (updated with M5 chip)


• MagSafe Charger with Qi 2 (succeeded by MagSafe Charger with Qi 2.2 support)


• 30W USB-C Power Adapter (succeeded by 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max)*


• Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable (succeeded by USB-C to 3.5mm Audio Cable)


• MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter

* In the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, and select other countries only.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments section.
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Samsung is preparing to supply Apple with advanced image sensors for the iPhone in Austin, Texas, according to The Elec.


The sensors will reportedly be made by Samsung at its existing facility in Austin. The company is expected to install production equipment for the project in the near future and has posted job listings for mechanical and electrical technicians, engineers, and managers to work on set up.

Samsung is expected to make the ‌iPhone‌'s image sensor with a three-stack design, which enables higher pixel density and improved low-light performance by vertically stacking multiple sensor layers. Stacked sensor architecture also allows for faster readout speeds, reduced power consumption, and higher dynamic range. This manufacturing process has not previously been deployed at a commercial scale.

Earlier this month, Samsung notified the city of council of Austin of its intention to spend $19 billion on its Austin facility. The new image sensor production line is expected to begin operation in March at the earliest.

The new sensor is believed to be destined for the iPhone 18, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2027. Apple reportedly reached a deal with Samsung in August for supply of the component.

This will be the first time Apple will move away from Sony as the sole supplier for ‌‌iPhone‌‌ image sensors and make the component in the United States. Today, Sony is the sole supplier of ‌‌iPhone‌‌ image sensors; they are produced in Japan and delivered via TSMC.
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Apple is working on a foldable iPhone that's set to come out in September 2026, and rumors suggest that it will have a display that's around 5.4 inches when closed and 7.6 inches when open. Exact measurements vary based on rumors, but one 3D designer has created a mockup based on what we've heard so far.


On MakerWorld, a user named Subsy has uploaded a 1:1 ‌iPhone‌ Fold replica (via Macworld), which can be 3D printed to give you a rough idea of the size of the upcoming foldable ‌iPhone‌.

Subsy claims that the model is "based on recently leaked CAD drawings of the ‌iPhone‌ Fold," but there haven't been actual CAD leaks to our knowledge. There were reports of CAD drawings earlier this month, but it turns out those drawings were concept drawings and renders created by MacRumors reader iZac back in May.

iZac designed a mockup with a 5.5-inch display when the device is closed, and 7.76 inches when open. That's in line with the multiple rumors that we've heard, but so far, we don't have exact dimensions.

While you can now print a 3D mockup of iZac's concept, the design isn't based on an actual CAD render. It's likely somewhat similar to what the ‌iPhone‌ Fold will look like in terms of size, but Apple's design for the cameras and the hinge will probably differ quite a bit.

If you have a 3D printer, it's a useful way to get something that's close to the size of the ‌iPhone‌ Fold so you can see how it compares to your existing ‌iPhone‌. We'll likely see more accurate CAD renders and dummy models starting to surface in the first months of 2026.
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A Texas federal judge today blocked an App Store age verification law that was set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, which means Apple may not have to support the changes after all.


The Texas ‌App Store‌ Accountability Act (SB2420) requires Apple and other app marketplaces to confirm user age when a person creates an Apple Account. Apple Accounts for users under 18 would need to join a Family Sharing group, with new controls available for parents and restrictions for minors.

In a preliminary injunction that delays the implementation of the act, Judge Robert Pitman said that it violates the First Amendment and is "more likely than not unconstitutional."

The Act is akin to a law that would require every bookstore to verify the age of every customer at the door and, for minors, require parental consent before the child or teen could enter and again when they try to purchase a book. As set out below, the Court finds a likelihood that, when considered on the merits, SB 2420 violates the First Amendment.

The injunction was in response to a motion filed by the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), a group that includes Apple and Google. Today's decision is a win for Apple, as Apple has been fighting against age assurance requirements in Texas and other states. Apple says that the Texas law impacts user privacy.

While we share the goal of strengthening kids' online safety, we are concerned that SB2420 impacts the privacy of users by requiring the collection of sensitive, personally identifiable information to download any app, even if a user simply wants to check the weather or sports scores.

The court will move on to determining whether the law is facially invalid, which would mean that it is unconstitutional and will be entirely thrown out.
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Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026.


Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18 aspect ratio when open. Samsung has used a similar size for its prior Z Fold devices.

Rumors suggest the ‌iPhone‌ Fold's display will measure in at 5.3 to 5.5 inches when closed, and 7.5 to 7.8 inches when open (rumors vary). It's squatter and wider than Samsung's taller, narrower design, with a 4:3 aspect ratio when open.

Samsung's "Wide Fold" will coincidentally feature a 7.6-inch display when open, and a 5.4-inch display when closed. It's also expected to have a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it noticeably different than prior models because of the more square shape.

The wider 4:3 aspect ratio is expected to be more comfortable to hold than a taller device, similar to a notebook.

ETNews says that Samsung plans to release its wider foldable device in the fall of 2026, which is also when the ‌iPhone‌ Fold will be coming out. The wide fold will join the next-generation Galaxy Fold for a total of two "Fold" devices, plus there will be a flip device.
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