U.S. Apple Watch owners who signed up to receive a payment from an Apple lawsuit settlement over swollen batteries have started receiving their money this week.


The lawsuit was filed in 2021, but Apple agreed to pay a $20 million settlement in January of this year to avoid further legal fees. Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 owners had until April 10 to submit claims, but anyone who had reported a battery swelling issue to Apple was automatically eligible for a payment.

Payments are being distributed in the form of a prepaid Mastercard, so if you receive an unexpected email about the Smith et.al v. Apple Inc. Settlement with an included prepaid card, that's what it is. Apple Watch owners were supposed to receive $20 minimum with the potential for more based on the number of claims, and one Reddit user said they received a little over $25.

The lawsuit suggested that early Apple Watch models had a design defect with the battery and the display. Battery swelling could put pressure on the Apple Watch face, causing the display to detach. The plaintiffs claimed that this led to operational failures and injuries from the "razor-sharp edges" of broken screens.

Apple was accused of knowing about the defect and selling the Apple Watch models anyway, with the plaintiffs seeking general, special, incidental, statutory, punitive, and consequential damages, as well as the costs for replacing their Apple Watches. While Apple settled, the company denies any wrongdoing and denies that the Apple Watches had issues.
This article, "Apple Watch Swollen Battery Settlement Payments Arriving This Week" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple today responded to Elon Musk's claims that the App Store favors OpenAI's ChatGPT app, telling Bloomberg's Mark Gurman that the ‌App Store‌ is "fair and free of bias."

The App Store is designed to be fair and free of bias. We feature thousands of apps through charts, algorithmic recommendations, and curated lists selected by experts using objective criteria. Our goal is to offer safe discovery for users and valuable opportunities for developers, collaborating with many to increase app visibility in rapidly evolving categories.

Yesterday, Musk threatened to sue Apple, and claimed that the company was violating antitrust rules by favoring ChatGPT over other AI apps like Grok. "Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the ‌App Store‌, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation. xAI will take immediate legal action," Musk said.

Musk did not provide any evidence or further information on Apple's alleged antitrust violations, but he seems to have missed that AI app DeepSeek hit number one on the ‌App Store‌ charts earlier this year. ChatGPT continues to be in the number one position on the free apps chart, with Grok in the number five spot. X is number 32.

Musk also claimed that Apple "refuses" to put the X or Grok apps in the ‌App Store‌'s "Must Have" section, where ChatGPT is listed. Grok has recently been updated with adult-themed content that includes celebrity deepfakes, and it regularly makes headlines for its questionable Musk-guided responses to queries.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded to Musk's claims of Apple favoritism by pointing out that Musk has manipulated X algorithms to benefit himself and his companies.

Apple is already facing an antitrust lawsuit levied by the U.S. Department of Justice, and it is still appealing a recent ruling in the Apple vs. Epic Games lawsuit that required major ‌App Store‌ changes.
This article, "Apple Denies Musk's ChatGPT Favoritism Claims, Says App Store Has No Bias" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

With Apple paying tariffs on imports from many of the countries where it sources devices and device components, there have been multiple rumors about possible price increases for the iPhone 17 models.


The tariff situation has been in flux for most of the year, leading to a lot of uncertainty. We've rounded up the pricing rumors we've heard so far, and provided context on the latest tariff situation.

Pricing Rumors

• Jeff Pu (GF Securities), August 2025 - Prices are "likely" to go up, no specific numbers provided.


• Instant Digital (Weibo), August 2025 - iPhone 17 Pro to be $50 more expensive, but start with 256GB of storage instead of 128GB.


• Edison Lee (Jefferies), July 2025 - Prices will go up $50 across the ‌iPhone 17‌ lineup.


• WSJ, May 2025 - Apple considering increasing ‌iPhone 17‌ prices. No specific numbers provided.


• Reuters, April 2025 - iPhone could cost up to $2,300 with tariffs.


• CNBC, April 2025 - Apple would need to raise prices by 17 to 18 percent to offset tariffs.


• Counterpoint Research, April 2025 - Apple would need to raise prices 30 percent to offset tariffs.

Most speculation about a potential price increase is outdated at this point, or analysts have shied away from providing specific numbers. The most concrete recent rumor we've seen is the July Jefferies prediction suggesting a $50 increase across the lineup.

Reciprocal Tariff Changes and Exemptions

When high reciprocal tariffs were first announced against countries like China, India, Vietnam, and Malaysia in April, there were fears that Apple could be hit with huge fees. Tariffs were pushed back, negotiated, and Apple CEO Tim Cook was at work behind the scenes negotiating, and at this point, Apple is going to be subject to minimal tariffs.

Shortly after the tariffs were announced, the Trump administration exempted a long list of products from being subject to tariffs, and that list included almost all of Apple's devices. The ‌iPhone‌, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and other Apple devices are exempt from reciprocal tariffs, which were the highest tariffs that were put in place.

The upcoming 50 percent tariff on imported goods from India is a reciprocal tariff, which Apple does not have to pay at the current time. Apple also does not pay the current 25 percent fee. The high reciprocal tariffs on China are paused again, but Apple wouldn't need to pay that anyway.

When semiconductors and related products were exempted from reciprocal tariffs in April, Trump promised that there was a semiconductor-specific tariff in the works that could be applicable to Apple.

Earlier this month, Trump claimed there would be a 100 percent tariff on chips and semiconductors imported into the United States, but he said that companies that are building in the United States or that have committed to building in the U.S. will not have to pay those tariffs.

Apple has pledged to spend $600 billion on U.S. manufacturing, and won't have to pay that semiconductor tariff. That tariff isn't in place yet, and the terms are unknown, so it's still just talk at this point.

What Apple's Actually Paying

While Apple is exempt from the reciprocal tariff fees on semiconductors and related devices, it does have to pay other tariffs that are in place. That includes the 20 percent "Fentanyl Tariff" on goods imported from China that Trump enacted earlier this year, and tariffs on products that are not exempt.

During Apple's July earnings call, Apple CEO ‌Tim Cook‌ said that Apple paid $800 million in tariff related costs in the June quarter, and that it is expecting $1.1 billion in tariff costs in the September quarter. That estimate assumes the current tariff situation remains unchanged and no additional tariffs are added.

So Will Prices Go Up?

In Q4 2024, ‌iPhone‌ revenue was $46 billion. If we use that number and the $1.1 billion estimate from Apple, tariffs would eat up around 2.4 percent of ‌iPhone‌ revenue. Apple could make that up by increasing costs around $20 per ‌iPhone‌. Increasing costs of one model by $50 (as rumored for the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌) could also help offset the cost without Apple having to raise prices on all devices.

The $1.1 billion is not only applicable to the ‌iPhone‌ and applies to all products, so the iPhone-specific impact would be lower.

Of course, that assumes the tariffs are not changing, and it also doesn't take into account any potential component cost increases. Apple's exemption from some tariffs does not mean that the company's suppliers aren't seeing an effect from tariffs and other related pressures.

Apple hasn't raised the $799 price of the base ‌iPhone‌ model for the last five years, so price increases on some models while keeping the base price intact seems like a possibility.

Apple also has a wild card slot with the iPhone 17 Air, because it's an all-new device and we don't have an existing model to compare it to. Right now, rumors suggest it'll be $899, which is the same starting price as the iPhone 16 Plus.
This article, "Will the iPhone 17 Cost More? All the Rumors About a Price Increase" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

It is now mid-August, meaning that Apple's annual iPhone event is just around the corner.


This year, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17, the all-new iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Here are some of the key rumors for those devices:

• iPhone 17: Same design as iPhone 16, but with an A19 chip, a larger 6.3-inch display, an upgraded 24-megapixel front camera, and possibly 120Hz support.


• iPhone 17 Air: All-new model with an ultra-thin and lightweight design, 6.6-inch display, A19 chip, 12GB of RAM, single 48-megapixel rear camera, 24-megapixel front camera, single speaker, and an optional battery case.


• iPhone 17 Pro: A redesigned rear camera bump with a trio of 48-megapixel cameras, an aluminum frame, an A19 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, an orange or copper color option, and potentially a vapor chamber cooling system.


• iPhone 17 Pro Max: All of the iPhone 17 Pro features listed above, plus a slightly thicker design for a larger and longer-lasting battery.

We are still waiting for Apple to announce the iPhone 17 event, which is rumored to take place on Tuesday, September 9. If that timing is accurate, then the most likely date for Apple to announce the event with one of its clever taglines would be Tuesday, August 26, as the company typically provides two weeks' notice.

Of course, these dates are not official yet.

Since 2020, iPhone event videos have been pre-recorded, but in recent years Apple has invited select reporters to the Steve Jobs Theater to watch the video in person. Afterwards, attendees receive hands-on time with the new devices.

The table below provides an overview of dates for the last six iPhone events, with 2020 and 2021 being outliers due to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

iPhone Series	Announcement Date	Event Date	Delta (Days)
iPhone 16	Monday, August 26, 2024	Monday, September 9, 2024	14
iPhone 15	Tuesday, August 29, 2023	Tuesday, September 12, 2023	14
iPhone 14	Wednesday, August 24, 2022	Wednesday, September 7, 2022	14
iPhone 13	Tuesday, September 7, 2021	Tuesday, September 14, 2021	7
iPhone 12	Tuesday, October 6, 2020	Tuesday, October 13, 2020	7
iPhone 11	Thursday, August 29, 2019	Tuesday, September 10, 2019	12

This article, "When Will Apple Announce the iPhone 17 Event?" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

We're just about a month away from Apple's annual September event, and we're going to get a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time since 2023. There are some useful new features rumored for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which we've summarized below.

1. Satellite Connectivity - The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be the first Apple Watch to feature satellite connectivity, allowing wearers to get help even when out of range of cellular towers and Wi-Fi. It will mimic the satellite functionality on the iPhone 14 and later, so it will support off grid texting. With satellite functionality, the Ultra 3 will better compete with satellite wearables from companies like Garmin.


2. Bigger Display - It looks like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will have slimmed down bezels, allowing for more viewable display space. So far, we're not hearing rumors of a larger casing size.


3. 5G - All cellular Apple Watch models use LTE right now, but rumors suggest Apple will adopt MediaTek's modem chip with 5G RedCap support. 5G RedCap is a 5G service designed for wearables that don't need standard 5G speeds, but it should still be faster than LTE.


4. Faster S11 Chip - Apple regularly updates the chips in its Apple Watch models, so the Ultra 3 could get an S11 SoC this year. The S11 is expected to have a more compact, efficient design, and we could see battery life optimizations.


5. Blood Pressure Monitoring - This one isn't a sure thing, but Apple has been working on a blood pressure monitoring feature for the Apple Watch. It may or may not be ready in time for the Ultra 3, because of issues with accuracy and reliability. If it is ready to go, don't expect exact systolic and diastolic readings. Instead, the Apple Watch will monitor for hypertension and send an alert if the condition is detected over time.

Most of these features are also rumored for the Apple Watch Series 11, with the exception of satellite connectivity and the larger display. The Series 10 got a display size update last year, and satellite functionality is supposedly going to be an Ultra only selling point.

Both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Apple Watch Series 11 will get watchOS 26, which has the Liquid Glass redesign, an updated Smart Stack and customizable Control Center, and the AI-powered Workout Buddy that'll motivate you to keep fit.

It's looking like Apple could hold its ‌iPhone‌ event on September 9, so that's when we could see the new Apple Watch models debut.
This article, "Top 5 Features Coming to the Apple Watch Ultra 3" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

While the summer months are often relatively quiet for Apple, the company still has many new products coming later this year.


Below, we have outlined at least 10 new Apple products that are expected to launch later this year, along with key rumored features for each.

This article was originally published last month, and it has been updated with the latest rumors.

iPhone 17 Series

• iPhone 17: Same design as iPhone 16, but with an A19 chip, a larger 6.3-inch display, an upgraded 24-megapixel front camera, and possibly 120Hz support.


• iPhone 17 Air: All-new model with an ultra-thin and lightweight design, 6.6-inch display, A19 chip, 12GB of RAM, single 48-megapixel rear camera, 24-megapixel front camera, single speaker, and an optional battery case.


• iPhone 17 Pro: A redesigned rear camera bump with a trio of 48-megapixel cameras, an aluminum frame, an A19 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, an orange or copper color option, and potentially a vapor chamber cooling system.


• iPhone 17 Pro Max: All of the iPhone 17 Pro features listed above, plus a slightly thicker design for a larger and longer-lasting battery.

Apple Watches

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: A slightly larger display, 5G support, and satellite connectivity for sending and receiving text messages in supported areas without Wi-Fi and cellular coverage. Other likely upgrades include an S10 chip or newer, faster charging, and a wide-angle OLED display that is brighter at an angle.


• Apple Watch Series 11: Spec-bump year with an S11 chip and smaller changes, following bigger design updates with the Series 10 last year. iOS 26 beta code apparently includes references to an unreleased "Sleep Score" feature that could be exclusive to the next Apple Watch models.


• Apple Watch SE 3: Larger display sizes are possible. The device was rumored to feature a plastic case in bright color options, but that might not be happening anymore. Not many rumors beyond that yet, but the Apple Watch SE has not been updated since 2022, so it has many features to catch up on.

M5 Chip Devices

Both the iPad Pro and the Vision Pro are expected to be updated with an M5 chip this year.

The next iPad Pro will reportedly also be equipped with two front cameras, for both portrait and landscape orientations, while the updated Vision Pro will reportedly come with a new head strap that makes it easier to wear the headset for extended periods.

No other major design changes are expected for these devices.

The first Macs with the M5 series of chips were initially expected in 2025, but recent rumors suggest they might not launch until 2026.

Home and Accessories

• Apple TV 4K (4th generation): Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support, and likely a newer chip than the A15 Bionic in the current model, for faster performance. 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.


• HomePod mini (2nd generation): Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support, and likely improved sound quality.


• AirTag (2nd generation): Up to 3× longer item tracking range vs. current AirTag, and a more tamper-proof speaker as an anti-stalking measure.

Wild Cards

• AirPods Pro 3: Updated design and improved active noise cancellation, but rumors have been conflicting about a 2025 or 2026 launch.


• Studio Display 2: New model with mini-LED backlighting in late 2025 or early 2026.

There may also new accessories, such as an updated version of the MagSafe Charger for iPhones and new Beats products.

Most of the devices in this list should be announced in September or October this year.
This article, "Apple Launching These 10+ New Products Later This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple launched the HomePod mini almost five years ago and with a successor now on the horizon, here are six things to expect from a second-generation model.

Smart Home Focus

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that, just like the next-generation Apple TV, the new ‌HomePod mini‌ "will be built with Apple's new smart home ecosystem in mind."

It is unclear if the next ‌HomePod mini‌ will have Siri improvements. Unlike Apple's long-rumored smart home hub product, the new ‌HomePod mini‌ is not expected to get Apple Intelligence support.

New Chip

The second-generation ‌HomePod mini‌ is highly likely to contain a more up-to-date chip for more advanced computational audio and improved responsiveness. The current ‌HomePod mini‌ is equipped with the Apple Watch Series 5's S5 chip from 2019.


Apple is likely to opt for the S9 chip, which was a considerable leap forward in terms of performance, or one of its derivatives such as the S10, which is a more compact iteration of the S9. The as-yet unreleased S11 chip for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also an option.

The S5 chip in the ‌HomePod mini‌ is derived from Apple's A12 Bionic architecture but runs at lower clock speeds and is tuned for always-on, low-power operation, making it well-suited for tasks like ‌Siri‌ processing and real-time audio tuning. In contrast, the S9 and S10 chips are based on the A13 chip, offering higher CPU and GPU performance, a more advanced Neural Engine, and greater efficiency per watt.

Custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

The new ‌HomePod mini‌ will be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, according to Gurman.


The chip will apparently support Wi-Fi 6E, which is much faster and has lower latency compared to the current ‌HomePod mini‌'s Wi-Fi 4 connectivity. Wi-Fi 6E extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 to the 6 GHz band, enabling faster wireless speeds and reduced signal interference with a compatible router.

Second-Generation Ultra Wideband Chip

Apple could bring its second-generation Ultra Wideband chip to the ‌HomePod mini‌ for a more reliable and lower-latency Handoff experience. The chip debuted in 2023's iPhone 15 lineup.


If present, the chip should allow far more precise spatial awareness than the current model, allowing it to detect the exact position and orientation of nearby devices within a few centimeters. It could also enable novel new features such as auto-adjustment of two stereo paired HomePod minis when one is moved.

Improved Sound Quality

The current ‌HomePod mini‌ uses a single full-range driver powered by a neodymium magnet, paired with two passive radiators. The driver is positioned to fire sound downward into an acoustic waveguide that directs audio 360 degrees.


The waveguide and custom suspension system reduce distortion, while a three-microphone array listens for ‌Siri‌ commands, and a fourth inward-facing mic helps cancel out sound from the speaker so voice pickup remains clear even at high volumes.

Apple could improve the ‌HomePod mini‌'s audio hardware by adding a second active driver for stereo separation, upgrading the full-range driver to a higher-excursion design for better low-end and clarity, and using larger or additional passive radiators. It could also refine the waveguide to improve sound quality or incorporate higher-quality materials to enhance accuracy.

New Color Options

New color options are also highly likely, but specific finishes are not yet known. The current ‌HomePod mini‌ comes in Blue, Yellow, Midnight, Orange, and White.

Release Date

In January, Gurman reported that Apple was aiming to release a new ‌HomePod mini‌ "toward the end of the year." If that timeframe remains accurate, the second-generation ‌HomePod mini‌ could arrive anywhere from September to December 2025.
This article, "6 Things to Expect From the HomePod Mini 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple's A20 chip in the iPhone 18 will be packaged with TSMC's Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology, according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This change has been rumored by multiple other sources previously.


Apple would be moving away from TSMC's InFO (Integrated Fan-Out) packaging it uses currently.

It is unclear if this change will be limited to higher-end models, like the iPhone 18 Pro and the so-called "iPhone 18 Fold," or if it will extend to the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air. Kuo's research note today mentioned a second half of 2026 timeframe, which is when the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone are expected to launch. The Information said the lower-end iPhone 18 models will not be released until spring 2027.

In any case, at least some A20 chips would have RAM integrated directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, rather than sitting adjacent to the chip and connected via a silicon interposer. This could contribute to faster performance for both overall tasks and Apple Intelligence, and longer battery life from improved power efficiency. A20 chips may take up less space in the iPhone compared to previous chips.

A20 chips are also expected to be manufactured with TSMC's 2nm process, which would also contribute to faster performance and improved power efficiency over A18 and A19 chips, which are or will be fabricated with TSMC's 3nm processes.

All in all, A20 chips in iPhone 18 models are shaping up to have significant underlying changes.
This article, "A20 Chips in iPhone 18 Models Again Rumored to Feature New Design" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

In a research note today, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that MacBook Pro models with M5 chips might not launch until 2026.


Kuo discussed how the A20 chips in iPhone 18 models will be packaged with WMCM (Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module) technology, which integrates the so-called "underfill and molding processes" for more efficient manufacturing and increased yield, a term that refers to the percentage of functional chips that can be obtained per silicon wafer.

Kuo went on to say that high-end M5 chips in 2026 MacBooks — likely referring to the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips — will continue to have separate underfill and molding processes during production. His mention of 2026 is the key part here, as it was previously rumored that MacBook Pro models with M5 chips would launch in late 2025. Last month, however, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was "considering" pushing back the release of the next MacBook Pro models with the M5 series of chips until 2026.

All in all, Kuo's mention of "2026 MacBooks" with high-end M5 chips is the latest clue that the MacBook Pro might not be updated this year after all.

Timing aside, we recommend skipping the MacBook Pro models with the M5 series of chips if you can wait, as the subsequent models with the M6 series of chips are expected to feature more significant changes, including an OLED display, a thinner design, and possibly a smaller notch. However, those models might not launch until early 2027 now.
This article, "MacBook Pro Models With M5 Chips Might Not Launch Until Next Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple's Wallet app in iOS 26 includes a new feature that lets you store physical card information alongside your digital payment cards. This allows you to quickly access account numbers, expiry dates, and other details without carrying the physical card.


It's a simple addition in iOS 26, but it brings the Wallet app closer to being a comprehensive card management tool, filling the gap that third-party apps like 1Password typically fill. With the full card information to hand, you can check your card's expiry date for a subscription service or provide account details over the phone, without needing to dig through your physical wallet or memorize card numbers. It also means you don't have to delve into settings to find Safari's Autofill fields.

Adding Physical Card Information

To store your physical card details, follow these steps:

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone, then tap one of your stored cards. Alternatively, add a new card using the + button, then select it in Wallet.


2. Tap the "123" card symbol at the top, then authenticate with Face ID or your passcode.
   
   
3. Select Add Physical Card Information.


4. Fill in your card details including name, number, expiry date (optional), and security code.


5. Add a description to help identify the card.


6. Tap Done to save.
   
   

Apple encrypts and stores this information in your iCloud Keychain, keeping it secure and accessible only to you. The details are not used for Apple Pay transactions.

Viewing Stored Information

After adding your details, simply tap the card in Wallet and then tap the same "123" button at the top. You'll need to authenticate with Face ID or your passcode before the information displays, adding an extra layer of security to your stored card data.

Note that this is a feature of iOS 26, which is currently in beta. Apple will roll out a public release of iOS 26 sometime in September.
This article, "iOS 26: Save Physical Card Details in Wallet App" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple today announced that three additional games will be added to the Apple Arcade library on Thursday, September 4, including new NFL and Jeopardy! titles.


Just in time for the start of the upcoming NFL season on September 4, NFL Retro Bowl '26 features authentic NFL players and rosters with retro styling. In this year's version of the game, there is a new Retro Bowl Championship Leaderboard that tasks players with competing against each other in weekly matchups, in line with the NFL schedule.

Jeopardy! Daily brings a version of the beloved quiz show to Apple Arcade across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.


The third new game coming to Apple Arcade next month is My Talking Tom Friends+, which lets kids care for virtual pets and more.

In addition, many existing Apple Arcade games like Hello Kitty Island Adventure and Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition will be receiving updates next month with refreshed in-game content, according to Apple.

Apple Arcade is a subscription service that provides access to hundreds of games across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. All of the games are free of ads and in-app purchases. In the U.S., Apple Arcade costs $6.99 per month, and it is also bundled with other Apple services in all Apple One plans.

Apple Arcade can be accessed through the App Store, and in the new Apple Games app.
This article, "Apple Arcade Gets New NFL and Jeopardy Games and More Next Month" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Amazon this week is taking $50 off Wi-Fi models of Apple's 11th generation iPad. Prices start at $299.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, down from $349.00, a second-best price on this model.

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.

Additionally, Amazon has the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad for $399.00 ($50 off) and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad for $599.00 ($50 off). Free delivery estimates are placed around August 17 for these iPad models, but Prime members should be able to get same-day delivery in many locations.





The 11th generation iPad is mainly a spec bump for the tablet line, now featuring the A16 chip and more storage, with the same design as the 10th generation iPad. The new ‌iPad‌ starts with 128GB of storage, and is also available in 256GB and a new 512GB configuration. The previous model was only available in 64GB and 256GB configurations.

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.

---

This article, "Amazon Takes $50 Off 11th Gen iPad, Available From $299" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple today announced that it has teamed up with Bulgarian fashion designer Kiko Kostadinov to create a limited-edition Beats Pill speaker.


The speaker features a "Kiko gray" finish, and it has a colorful, braided lanyard:

For this collaboration, we looked to the ornate geometry found in ancient iconography, reinterpreting those motifs for the speaker's custom grill. These shapes, rooted in the visual language of Thracian craftsmanship, speak to a history where pattern and meaning were closely intertwined. The speaker is finished in our signature "Kiko gray," a cool, neutral tone that adds a subtle, utilitarian edge. The braided lanyard acts as a subtle talisman—echoing the protective charms and ceremonial threads found in Bulgarian folk tradition, where color and craft carry meaning across generations.

The speaker will be available to purchase on the Kiko Kostadinov website starting this Friday, August 15 at 5 a.m. Eastern Time, and it will also be sold at Kiko Kostadinov stores in Los Angeles and Tokyo. The limited-edition model has the same features and specs as the regular Beats Pill from 2024, and it should have the same $149.99 price.

Apple acquired Beats for $3 billion in 2014.
This article, "Apple Releasing Limited-Edition Beats Pill Speaker Later This Week" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple now offers some older Apple TV+ original films for digital purchase and rental in the ‌Apple TV‌ app's store section.


Older ‌Apple TV‌+ titles including Sofia Coppola's 2020 movie "On the Rocks," Sian Heder's Academy Award-winning 2021 film "CODA," and Aaron Schneider's 2020 World War II drama "Greyhound" are now available to buy or rent in 4K HDR options within the store section of the ‌Apple TV‌ app. This differs from Apple's usual distribution model for ‌Apple TV‌+ originals, which generally limits availability to active subscribers and excludes purchase or rental through the ‌Apple TV‌ Store.

Users in online forums have recently reported seeing the purchase options directly within the ‌Apple TV‌ app on Apple devices. CheapCharts, which tracks iTunes Store pricing and availability, lists the films under their respective iTunes IDs — 1805979868 for On the Rocks, 1806204768 for CODA, and 1805971117 for Greyhound.

The updated listings in the TV app suggest the company is testing or rolling out a new hybrid distribution model for its in-house productions. This could allow non-subscribers to access specific older titles without committing to the $9.99 per month ‌Apple TV‌+ subscription.
This article, "Older Apple TV+ Movies Available to Purchase Directly" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

United Airlines today announced that select Apple TV+ shows are now available to watch for free through its in-flight entertainment system.


The shows are available to watch on United's more than 130,000 seatback screens, and in the United app. At launch, the airline is offering the first seasons of Severance, Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, and Silo, with The Morning Show and Bad Sisters to be added this September. Additional content will be added each month.

United eventually plans to have 300,000 seatback screens across its fleet, as it takes delivery of hundreds of new airplanes and retrofits existing aircraft.

This latest partnership between United and Apple provides the airline's passengers with an additional entertainment perk, while giving hit Apple TV+ shows more exposure. With only the first seasons of hit shows currently available, the passengers may be inclined to subscribe to Apple TV+ to keep watching the shows.

United also supports Apple's Live Activities and Share Item Location features.

In the U.S., Apple's streaming service is priced at $9.99 per month, or $99 per year. It is also bundled in all Apple One plans.
This article, "United Airlines Now Lets You Watch Hit Apple TV+ Shows For Free" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will return to iOS in Australia after Apple and Google were found to have broken competition law by banning ‌Epic Games‌ from their app stores.


Federal judge Jonathan Beach found that both companies had broken the law by misusing their market power in the way they run their app stores. Apple was ruled to have engaged in conduct that prevents direct downloading or sideloading of apps and blocks developers from using alternative payment methods. Google was also found to have breached the law for the similar Google Play billing system.

The victory is another win for Epic in its global legal campaign against Apple's App Store policies. Epic began legal proceedings against Apple in Australia in 2020 after it blocked Fortnite updates when Epic attempted to let players make in-app purchases via its own third-party payment service, bypassing Apple's 30% commission. Fortnite is still available in Australia on Android, but only through sideloading or through the Samsung store.

"This is a win for developers and consumers in Australia," Epic said in a post on X (Twitter), though the company conceded that there were 2,000+ pages of findings that it would "need to dig into to fully understand the details."

Apple said it "strongly disagreed" with the ruling while welcoming the Australian court's rejection of some of Epic's other claims.

The ruling follows similar victories for Epic in the United States, where Fortnite returned to the ‌App Store‌ in May, and the European Union, where the game is available through the ‌Epic Games‌‌ Store alternative app marketplace. The U.S. version of Fortnite includes an option for players to purchase in-app currency using the ‌‌Epic Games‌‌ website as an alternative to in-app purchase. It is not available on the ‌‌App Store‌‌ in other countries.

Apple is currently appealing the U.S. court ruling that forced it to change its ‌domestic ‌App Store‌‌ rules to allow developers to link customers to purchase options available outside of the ‌‌App Store‌‌.
This article, "Fortnite Coming Back to iPhone in Australia After Epic's Legal Victory" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Elon Musk has threatened legal action against Apple, claiming that the company is violating antitrust rules by favoring OpenAI's ChatGPT in App Store rankings over his Grok AI assistant.


"Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation. xAI will take immediate legal action," Musk said in a post on X (Twitter), which he also owns.

Musk failed to provide evidence to support his claim. Meanwhile, fellow X users noted that DeepSeek reached #1 overall on the App Store in January, long after Apple's partnership with OpenAI was announced that allows Siri to offload complex queries to ChatGPT.

The tech billionaire also criticized Apple for not featuring X or Grok in the App Store's "Must Have" section. ChatGPT currently holds the top spot for free apps, while Grok ranks sixth. Google's Gemini chatbot sits at 57th.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hit back with his own post on X, calling Musk's claims "remarkable" given allegations about Musk manipulating his own social media platform to benefit his companies.

Musk's remarks come amid growing pressure on Apple from regulators and competitors over its App Store practices. In April, a U.S. judge ruled that Apple violated a court order to open the App Store to more competition and referred the company for a criminal contempt probe, following a case brought by Fortnite maker Epic Games.

The same month, the EU fined Apple €500 million ($587 million) for violating the Digital Markets Act, citing restrictions that blocked developers from directing users to cheaper offers outside the App Store. Apple is currently appealing the fine.
This article, "Elon Musk Threatens to Sue Apple Over App Store Rankings" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air will include an A19 Pro chip with a 5-core GPU, according to Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital. The Chinese account, which has over two million followers, claims that only the iPhone 17 Pro models will have the full 6-core GPU A19 Pro configuration.


It's the second time in as many months that Fixed Focus Digital has claimed to reveal accurate details about the ultra-thin device's chip specifications. The reduced GPU core count suggests Apple is using binned chips based on yields, or may be managing thermal constraints in the slimmer form factor, but most users are unlikely to notice the performance difference during typical usage.

The claim contradicts earlier reporting from industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who over a year ago predicted the iPhone 17 Air would use a standard A19 chip, rather than the Pro variant.

The Weibo leaker also claims that the base iPhone 17 model will use an A19 chip. A few months ago, supply chain analyst Jeff Pu said the device would have an A18 chip, but he has since rescinded the claim – he now also expects the regular iPhone 17 model to be equipped with the A19.

Fixed Focus Digital previously broke the news ahead of launch about the iPhone 16e name for Apple's upcoming iPhone SE successor.

Apple is expected to debut the iPhone 17 lineup next month, with an announcement rumored to be happening on Tuesday, September 9, so we don't have long to wait to find out all the specifics.
This article, "iPhone 17 Air to Feature A19 Pro Chip With Reduced GPU Performance" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Cinemas, the company that is being sued for alleged trademark infringement by Apple, today said that it is committed to defending its brand.

We are committed to defending our brand, our history, and our continued right to operate as Apple Cinemas--an identity that is and has always been clearly distinct and fully compliant with all applicable trademark laws.

Apple Cinemas is a long-established independent theater chain with no connection to Apple Inc. Our name reflects our geographic roots and has never been intended to suggest, or used to imply, any affiliation with their brand. Furthermore, claims of consumer confusion are unfounded. Apple Cinema's branding is clearly differentiated.

We have responded reasonably and transparently to all legal communications regarding this matter and remain focused on growing our business and brand in good faith, as we have for over a decade.

Apple filed a lawsuit against Apple Cinemas last Friday. Apple's attorneys accused Apple Cinemas of "knowingly and intentionally using the name Apple to sow confusion for its own benefit."

Apple Cinemas has operated since 2013, and the company claims that its name came from its first planned location at Apple Valley Mall in Rhode Island, but a movie theater never opened at that mall. Apple Cinemas operates 14 total locations, according to its website. One of those is in San Francisco, California, while the others are in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York.

Apple believes that Apple Cinemas is pursuing a nationwide expansion in the United States, including close to Apple's headquarters and retail stores.

In the lawsuit, Apple said that its "repeated efforts to resolve the matter amicably" were unsuccessful. Apple also cited comments from people who were under the impression that Apple Cinemas is owned by Apple. Apple has produced movies and TV shows distributed through its Apple TV+ service since 2019.

Apple Cinemas tried and failed to trademark both the Apple Cinemas name and the "Apple Cinemas Experience," with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office denying the marks in 2024 because of potential confusion with Apple's prior trademark rights.

Apple is seeking monetary damages and an injunction to stop Apple Cinemas from using the name.
This article, "Apple Cinemas Won't Back Down in Trademark Battle with Apple" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

An in-person Live Translation feature could soon be available on the AirPods, according to imagery found in iOS 26 beta 6.


There's a picture of the AirPods with Hello in several different languages, along with a suggestion that the feature will be activated with a double press. The file itself is named "Translate," which certainly seems to imply that there will be a gesture to activate a Live Translation option.

9to5Mac reported on the image first, but we can confirm that it is tucked away in the files for the Translate app in the latest beta.

Prior to the launch of ‌iOS 26‌, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that the AirPods would get a translate feature for translating in-person conversations, and it looks like Apple is working on introducing it soon. Live Translation for AirPods could come either in the launch version of ‌iOS 26‌, or in an update to ‌iOS 26‌.

‌iOS 26‌ already offers Live Translation for the Phone app, Messages app, and FaceTime, so an in-person option through the AirPods makes sense.

Based on the images, the feature will work on the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4. Existing Live Translation features are linked to Apple Intelligence, which means the AirPods feature could also require an iPhone that supports ‌Apple Intelligence‌.
This article, "Live Translation Coming to AirPods" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

There's just about a month to go until Apple unveils new iPhones at its September event, and that means time is running out for Apple to perfect iOS 26. We've reached a weekly beta update cadence, and Apple seeded ‌iOS 26‌ beta 6 to developers today.


There are changes to Liquid Glass, tweaks to navigation, new ringtones, and more.

Ringtones

There are now several variants of the Reflection ringtone, including Buoyant, Dreamer, Tech, Pop, Reflected, and Surge. Reflected is the "Alt 1" Reflection ringtone that was added in the second beta of ‌iOS 26‌.


There's also a new Little Bird ringtone.

Toggles

Toggles now have a Liquid Glass effect when tapped.

Lock Screen

The Liquid Glass effect on the Lock Screen has been updated. The clock is more transparent than it was before, though it still has a frosted glass look.


When entering a passcode, the passcode buttons are now more translucent than before.

Navigation Bars

Navigation bars in apps have been slightly updated to enhance translucency without impacting readability.


In some places, there's more translucency, but in others, the background is more opaque so that text can still be read even if the background is busy.

App Animations

Apple changed the animation for opening and closing apps, and it's much faster than before so apps open more quickly. The animation has a very slight bounce to it, matching the bounce that's been added to the Lock Screen and Control Center.

Camera

Apple removed the toggle in the Camera app that allowed users to activate Classic Mode. Classic Mode reversed the scroll direction when switching from mode to mode in the app.

Now Classic Mode is the default, and there's no option to return to the animation from earlier betas.


The toggle was initially added in beta 5.

Introductory Video

When you update to ‌iOS 26‌, there's now an introductory video that walks you through the Liquid Glass design changes.

Preview App

Apple changed the design of the Preview app, adding larger buttons for creating a new document and scanning a document. When scanning a document, the location of the buttons has also changed, and they're at the bottom of the interface rather than the top.

Read More

We have additional info on all of the new features in ‌iOS 26‌ in our dedicated iOS 26 roundup.
This article, "Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 6" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

It has been more than three years since Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac, as part of its move away from Intel processors. Since then, the 24-inch iMac has been Apple's only all-in-one desktop computer, with no larger model available.


Will a larger iMac ever make a comeback? Below, we recap the latest rumors.

In November 2023, Apple announced that it had no plans to release a new version of the 27-inch iMac with an Apple silicon chip at that time. Instead, Apple recommended pairing its standalone Studio Display with a Mac Studio or Mac mini. But an even larger iMac could materialize one day, if rumors from the past are still accurate.

In late 2023, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo both said Apple was developing a 32-inch iMac, which Kuo said would launch in 2025. Kuo said the larger iMac's screen would feature mini-LED backlighting, allowing for increased brightness and a higher contrast ratio compared to the current LCD model.

Unfortunately, it has been many months since we received any sort of update about Apple potentially releasing another larger iMac. In February, Gurman briefly mentioned that "Apple also will probably eventually get around to offering a larger-screen iMac," but he has not commented on the topic since as far as we have seen.

All in all, the latest update on a larger iMac is essentially that there is no update, unfortunately. Apple is expected to update the 24-inch iMac with an M5 chip by early next year, though, and that would be the next timely opportunity for the company to release the rumored 32-inch iMac, if such a computer is ever coming.

In the meantime, Apple continues to sell two standalone monitors, including the 27-inch Studio Display from 2022 and the 32-inch Pro Display XDR from 2019.
This article, "Will Apple Release a Larger iMac Again? Here's What Rumors Say" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple is continuing to tweak the way that the Liquid Glass design looks ahead of the iOS 26 launch, and the latest beta makes a change to the Lock Screen.


The Lock Screen clock has been updated with additional transparency, allowing more of the background to peek through.


The clock also has more of a 3D, floating look, which is in line with the rest of the Liquid Glass design. Apple didn't change the Liquid Glass look of the control buttons, but the icons are larger. Lock Screen widgets haven't changed.


With the updated floating design and added translucency, the clock can be somewhat harder to see on certain darker backgrounds, but it is definitely more of a Liquid Glass aesthetic.

Apple has been tweaking different ‌iOS 26‌ design elements throughout the beta testing process as it aims to perfect Liquid Glass before the ‌iOS 26‌ debut in September.
This article, "Apple Changes Liquid Glass Again in iOS 26 Beta 6" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

With the sixth beta of iOS 26, Apple has added several new ringtones that are alternatives to the classic "Reflection" ringtone. Reflection is the ringtone that Apple has long used as the default on the iPhone.


In addition to the standard Reflection ringtone, there are now six variants: Buoyant, Dreamer, Tech, Pop, Reflected, and Surge.

Reflected is identical to the "Alt 1" ringtone option that was added back in the second beta of ‌iOS 26‌.

The classic Reflection ringtone is still the default, so if you prefer one of the new sounds, you'll need to set it manually. Apple also added a new ringtone called Little Bird, which is distinct from the new Reflection options. You can listen to all the new ringtones below.