Astropad today announced the launch of Fresh Coat, a new anti-reflective screen protector that's designed to make the iPhone easier to see outdoors and under bright lights.


Fresh Coat is a glass screen protector that cuts down on up to 75 percent of reflections while preserving color accuracy.

We were able to try out Fresh Coat ahead of launch, and can confirm that it does indeed cut down on reflections without impacting the ‌iPhone‌'s color or display visibility, with no sign of haze. Astropad includes a tray that ensures a precise alignment and makes applying the screen protector foolproof, and it comes with an app clip that walks you through the installation process.

Astropad uses a five-layer system for Fresh Coat, including a flexible bonding layer to cushion drops, a dust barrier to protect from debris, "armorine" tempered glass for screen protection, an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, and finally, the anti-reflective coating. The entire package is 0.6mm thick.


The same type of anti-reflective technology is rumored to be coming to the iPhone 17 Pro models, and now the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro can get it too. Fresh Coat will also benefit the iPhone 17 models, providing extra reflection reduction. In fact, Astropad says that standard screen protectors will cancel out Apple's antireflective coating, but Fresh Coat will preserve it.

Fresh Coat is priced at $27.99, which includes a 20 percent launch discount. The screen protector is available now from the Astropad website for the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max, ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌, and ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max. An ‌iPhone 17‌ version is also available for pre-order.
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Ecobee this week announced that its Smart Security home monitoring system now works with Apple's Home app, across devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.


This integration allows you to view and change modes (Stay, Away, and Disarm) directly from an Ecobee smart thermostat's tile in the Home app, or by using Siri voice commands on an iPhone or iPad. You can also create HomeKit automations (such as "arm at 10 PM, disarm at 7 AM"), and receive push notifications for mode changes.

Ecobee's Smart Thermostat Premium can act as a security hub, eliminating the need to buy a standalone home security device. The thermostat can be paired with Ecobee's cameras and sensors, providing you with alerts for unexpected motion and entry, reminders to arm your home, smoke alarm detection, and more. In the U.S., Ecobee's Smart Security plan costs $5 per month, or $10 per month with 24/7 professional monitoring.

Ecobee's smart thermostats already worked with Apple's Home app for non-security features.
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Less than a week ahead of when Apple plans to unveil the Apple Watch Ultra with satellite capabilities, Garmin introduced its own smartwatch with satellite connectivity.


The Fenix 8 Pro is Garmin's first smartwatch to feature its inReach satellite and cellular connectivity. InReach is the technology that Garmin uses for its handheld navigation devices. With inReach, the Fenix 8 Pro can send location check-ins and text messages over satellite using the Garmin Messenger app.

There is also included cellular connectivity, so the smartwatch can make phone calls, send 30-second voice messages, and provide LiveTrack links and weather forecasts when an LTE connection is available.

LiveTrack is a feature that allows the wearer's family and friends to keep track of their location during an activity or adventure.

For emergencies, there is an SOS feature that will send a message to the Garmin Response center over a satellite or cellular connection. Garmin Response will then communicate with the user, their emergency contacts, and search and rescue organizations to provide help. Garmin says that its Response team has supported over 17,000 inReach incident responses across over 150 countries.

Along with satellite connectivity, the Fenix 8 Pro has a high-resolution microLED display with 4,500 nits of brightness, making it the "brightest smartwatch ever," according to Garmin. Other features include dive-rated and leakproof metal buttons, a metal sensor guard cover, and an LED flash light. It can track health metrics and provide an endurance score, hill score, daily suggested workouts, sleeping advice, ECG functionality, and more.

There are two Fenix 8 Pro sizes, including 47mm and 51mm, and two different display options. The AMOLED model is priced starting at $1,200 and it gets up to 27 days of battery in smartwatch mode. The microLED model, which is available only in a 51mm size, is priced at $2,000 and it gets up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Garmin's new smartwatch models will be available for purchase on September 8, one day before Apple's September 9 event that will see the unveiling of the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple's upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to include integrated satellite connectivity, allowing Apple Watch wearers to send text messages and get help when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is unavailable.

Apple does not charge for satellite service at this time, while Garmin does. Garmin's inReach plans start at $7.99 per month, with additional fees for some of the satellite-based features based on which plan is selected.
This article, "Garmin Beats Apple to Market with Satellite-Connected Smartwatch" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The Instagram app is expanding to the iPad at long last, with Instagram releasing a dedicated iPad app as of today.


Instagram for ‌iPad‌ focuses on Reels, and when opening the app, it will go directly to the Reels page. Stories will be available at the top of the interface, with support for messaging as well.

There is a dedicated Following tab that provides different filtering options. "All" will display recommended posts and reels from accounts you follow, while "Friends" will show recommended posts from accounts you follow and that follow you back. The "Latest" option will show chronological posts and reels from accounts that you follow.


Instagram for ‌iPad‌ was designed to take advantage of a larger display area, providing access to more features with fewer taps. Instagram says that people can catch up on messages and notifications using layouts that display both tabs at the same time, and when you watch reels, you can expand the comments while the reel stays at full size.

The Instagram app for the ‌iPad‌ is rolling out now, and it is available on iPads that support iPadOS 15.1 and later.
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Mophie today announced the launch of the Max Charging Stand, a two-in-one charger that's designed for the USB-C AirPods Max and the AirPods or AirPods Pro.


The Max Charging Stand holds the ‌AirPods Max‌ upright, with a magnetic USB-C charging dongle that connects to the USB-C port in the headphones. Mophie created the stand with the magnetic dongle to ensure that the ‌AirPods Max‌ are aligned perfectly for charging without the user having to fuss with positioning.

There are also included magnets to ensure that the ‌AirPods Max‌ are put into low power mode while they're on the charger, increasing charger speed.

Along with the upright charger for the ‌AirPods Max‌, there is a smaller Qi-based charging platform that can be used for AirPods or ‌AirPods Pro‌ that support wireless charging.

The stand is made from aluminum so it matches well with the aluminum ‌AirPods Max‌, and it comes in black. There is a soft silicone cradle that keeps the ‌AirPods Max‌ from being scratched, and an integrated LED that lets you know when charging has started.

The Max Charging Stand can be purchased from the Mophie website for $150.
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Google has confirmed that Gemini for Home, its generative AI-powered replacement for Google Assistant, will begin rolling out on October 1 through an early access program, marking a major upgrade to its smart home platform and highlighting Apple's slower progress in deploying similar AI technology for Siri.


At the Made by Google 2025 event, the company announced that Gemini for Home will be available on all existing Nest smart speakers and displays, in addition to powering upcoming devices. The platform uses Google's latest AI models to facilitate more natural conversations, contextual reasoning, and multi-step commands. Google said the update maintains the familiar "Hey Google" activation phrase but eliminates the need for rigid phrasing, allowing users to speak more naturally.

Demonstrations highlighted Gemini for Home's ability to execute chained instructions, such as "Dim the lights and set the temp to 72 degrees," as well as interpret exceptions in commands like "Turn off the lights everywhere except my bedroom."

The platform also expands the remit of voice assistant functionality beyond smart home controls alone to include grocery list planning, recipe suggestions, troubleshooting help, and travel advice. In addition, users can engage in open-ended conversations through Gemini Live, a feature that removes the need to repeat the hotword during back-and-forth discussions.


The announcement of the October 1 rollout puts pressure on Apple, which is preparing to introduce its major but delayed update to ‌Siri‌ in 2026. ‌Siri‌ has not yet gained comparable capabilities such as chained commands, advanced reasoning, or contextual automation. Apple's HomeKit platform remains focused on preconfigured automations and single-action commands, and the company has not announced any AI enhancements for the HomePod or Apple TV.

Gemini for Home will begin replacing Google Assistant across Nest Hubs, Nest Minis, and Nest Audio devices in supported regions starting October 1, with a wider rollout to follow.
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Apple today previewed its fourth retail store in India, ahead of the location's grand opening on Thursday, September 4, at 1 p.m. local time.


Apple Koregaon Park is the company's first store in Pune, and its second new location opening in India this week, after Apple Hebbal in Bengaluru.

Apple Koregaon Park looks similar to Apple Hebbal. Both stores feature a combined Genius Bar and Apple Pickup area for technical support and in-store pickup of online orders. This two-in-one counter has been rolling out at a handful of Apple's new and recently-renovated stores in the U.S., Canada, U.K., China, and elsewhere over the past year.

Overall, the interior of Apple Koregaon Park is quite familiar and unremarkable by now, as this general design debuted a few years ago. The store will be staffed by 68 team members from 11 Indian states, according to Apple. Customers can participate in free Today at Apple sessions, which are designed to inspire learning and creativity.

To celebrate the new stores in India, Apple shared a peacock-themed wallpaper for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The wallpaper can be downloaded on the store's page for a limited time, or you can use the direct links provided in the previous sentence.

The store page also features an Apple Music playlist with Indian dance hits.

The two new stores in India are opening just ahead of Apple's annual iPhone event, on Tuesday, September 9. India should be a first-wave launch country for the iPhone 17 series, with the devices likely to be available in stores starting Friday, September 19.

As we previously reported, Apple is also planning to open a new store at the DLF Mall of India in Noida, but that location has yet to be officially announced.

India is an increasingly important market for Apple for both sales and manufacturing, with the company reportedly boosting iPhone production in the country, as part of its supply chain diversification efforts. In late July, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the majority of the iPhones sold in the U.S. last quarter were imported from India.
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reMarkable today unveiled the Paper Pro Move, a compact color E Ink tablet that brings its minimalist writing experience to a more portable form factor aimed at those seeking a focused alternative to full-featured tablets like the iPad mini.


The Paper Pro Move features a 7.3-inch Canvas Color display based on E Ink Gallery 3 technology, offering improved color reproduction and a paper-like texture optimized for handwriting. The tablet measures 7.7 inches tall, 4.24 inches wide, and 6.5 millimeters thick, weighing 235 grams, making it significantly smaller and lighter than the 11.8-inch Paper Pro introduced in 2024. The ‌iPad mini‌, on the other hand, measures 7.69 inches tall, 5.3 inches wide, and 7.2 millimeters thick, weighing 293 grams.

Despite its reduced size, the Paper Pro Move maintains the same 64GB of internal storage and a two-week battery life target as its larger sibling, supported by a 2,334 mAh battery. It is powered by a dual-core 1.7 GHz ARM Cortex-A55 processor and 2GB of LPDDR4 memory, compared to the quad-core chipset in the larger model. Optimizations for the smaller screen include a movable toolbar, improved gesture navigation, handwriting search, and integration with Slack and Quick Share.

The Paper Pro Move enters a category dominated by multipurpose tablets such as the ‌iPad mini‌, which offers an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, the A17 Pro processor, Apple Pencil support, and iPadOS. While the ‌iPad mini‌ has a catch-all customer base seeking an multi-purpose device with apps, browsing, cameras, and performance for creative workflows, the Paper Pro Move caters to those prioritizing a distraction-free e-paper writing environment with lower eye strain and much longer battery life. The Paper Pro Move supports PDFs and ePub documents but does not provide access to digital bookstores or third-party apps.

Pricing begins at $449 with the standard Marker stylus, while a $499 configuration includes the Marker Plus with an integrated eraser. Accessories include folio cases in polymer weave and leather options, priced from $69 to $139, and discounted when bundled. The Paper Pro Move complements rather than replaces the Paper Pro and reMarkable 2, which remain available. It is available to order from the company's website starting today.
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Amazon is discounting a collection of Beats headphones and speakers this week, including a low price on the Beats Pill and discounts on Beats Solo Buds, Studio Buds+, Solo 4, and Studio Pro.

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.

During this sale, you can get the Beats Pill for $99.00 on Amazon, down from $149.95. This discount is available in five colors of the Bluetooth speaker.



Additionally, Amazon has the Beats Studio Buds+ for $99.95, down from $169.95. These have up to 9 hours of playback (up to 36 hours with charging case), USB-C, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance.

You'll also find a few steep discounts on over-ear headphones, like the Beats Studio Pro at $199.95, down from $349.99. Many of these deals are solid second-best prices on each pair of headphones.

• Beats Solo Buds - $59.00, down from $79.99


• Beats Studio Buds+ - $99.95, down from $169.95


• Beats Solo 4 - $129.95, down from $199.95


• Beats Pill - $99.00, down from $149.95


• Beats Studio Pro - $199.95, down from $349.99

Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

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Netflix today announced an update to its Moments feature that lets users save and share favorite scenes as standalone clips, available now in the streaming service's iOS app.


The enhanced feature replaces the bookmark-style system and instead allows you to set both the start and end point when saving scenes, giving more precise control over which portions of a scene you want to preserve. Previously, users could only mark a beginning timestamp, which was basically like creating a viewing reminder rather than a shareable segment.

You can access the updated feature by tapping the "Clip" button while watching on mobile devices. The interface now displays drag handle controls over the filmstrip for customizing the clip length, while tapping Save takes you to the usual options for sharing a moment.

Netflix has launched the update alongside "Wednesday" season 2, part 2, so fans have a new way to capture and replay their favorite moments from the new series.


Netflix says the original Moments feature has been used across thousands of Netflix titles since it debuted last year. The company revealed that the most saved scene globally features the Saja Boys performing "Soda Pop" in KPop Demon Hunters. Two other musical performances from the same movie, "Your Idol" and "How It's Done," claimed the second and third spots respectively.
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Apple has been granted a patent for a shock-resistant haptic engine design that aims to significantly improve the durability of future iPhones, Apple Watches, and other devices.


The patent is titled "Electronic device having a shock-resistant haptic engine" and was granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office earlier this week (via Patently Apple). The proposed system introduces a haptic engine that uses a system of non-linear cantilevered springs to protect delicate internal components from damage caused by drops or collisions. The design incorporates springs with varying thickness and chamfered edges, enabling them to respond softly to minor impacts while stiffening under heavy loads to absorb and distribute force more effectively.

The haptic engine described in the filing consists of a movable mass suspended on flexures within an enclosure. During standard operation, this mass vibrates to produce tactile feedback, but during an impact event, the mass is redirected toward spring assemblies built into the enclosure lid rather than striking rigid surfaces. The springs create a controlled, non-linear stiffness profile that lengthens the time over which force is distributed, reducing the risk of component failure.

The design focuses on minimizing size and weight while improving resilience. Figures accompanying the patent show both a smartphone and a watch implementation, with multiple spring assemblies integrated into the enclosure lid.

Patent filings cannot be taken as evidence of Apple's immediate plans, but they do indicate areas of active research and interest for the company, as well as what it is considering developing for future devices. As a mechanical component, the Taptic Engine is a vulnerable point of failure in iPhones and Apple Watches, so a more durable version arriving in the future seems plausible.
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In iOS 26, currently in beta, Apple Notes has gained new Markdown support, letting you seamlessly import and export files in the popular plain-text formatting language. Whether you're a developer, writer, or content creator, this long-awaited feature should bridge the gap between your existing Markdown workflow and Apple's native note-taking app.


For those unfamiliar with Markdown, it's a simple way of writing that uses plain text symbols (like ** for bold or # for headings) to format documents without complicated menus. It's popular because the same text works both as easy-to-read notes and as polished, styled content when exported.

In Apple's Notes app, the new functionality works both ways: you can bring existing Markdown files into Notes while preserving formatting like headings, links, and lists, or export your Notes content as Markdown for use in other apps. The following steps show you how to do both.

Bear in mind that Notes doesn't display Markdown syntax while you're writing – it continues to show rich text formatting as usual. The Markdown conversion happens during the import and export process, so you'll see the plain text formatting only when viewing the file outside of Notes.

Import Markdown Files into Notes

1. Locate your Markdown (.md) file on your iPhone (e.g., in Files or your writing app).


2. Open the file, tap Share, then choose Notes.


3. Tap Import at the prompt to save the file to an Imported Notes folder.

If you're working in the Notes app on an iPad running iPadOS 26, you can also choose File ➝ Import to Notes… from the Notes menu bar (accessed with a swipe down from the top of the screen). Select your Markdown file from the files interface, then tap Import to confirm the import.

Once the note is imported, look for the Imported Notes folder where your note will be saved. Then you can verify that key formatting has been preserved in the note. When you import a Markdown file, Notes automatically converts the plain text formatting into rich text, preserving headings, links, bulleted lists, and text styling like bold and italics.

Export Notes in Markdown Format

1. In Notes, open the note you want to export.


2. Tap the Share icon in the top-right corner.


3. Select Export as Markdown.


4. Choose where to share or save the markdown file from the share sheet options.

The exported file retains the note's structure and formatting as standard Markdown syntax, making it compatible with text editors, documentation tools, and publishing platforms that support the format.

Apple is expected to officially release iOS 26 in September.
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While the iPhone 17 series will take center stage at Apple's event next week, rumors suggest the company plans to release many other new products this year.


Below, we have recapped 10 other Apple products that are expected to launch this year, with some likely to debut at the event and others to follow later.

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: A slightly larger display, S11 chip, 5G support, and satellite connectivity for sending and receiving text messages in supported areas without Wi-Fi and cellular coverage. Other likely upgrades include faster charging, and a wide-angle OLED display that is brighter at an angle.


• Apple Watch Series 11: Expect a spec-bump year with an S11 chip and smaller changes, after the Apple Watch Series 10 featured bigger changes last year. iOS 26 beta code allegedly 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 and an S11 chip have been rumored for this model. The device was rumored to feature a plastic case in bright color options, but that might not be happening anymore. Given the Apple Watch SE has not been updated since 2022, it has many features to catch up on.


• iPad Pro: The next iPad Pro is expected to be powered by Apple's next-generation M5 chip. In addition, the device will reportedly be equipped with two front cameras, for both portrait and landscape orientation usage.


• Vision Pro: A minor refresh is expected for the Vision Pro, with rumored upgrades including an M4 chip or an M5 chip, and a new head strap that makes it easier to wear the headset for extended periods.


• Apple TV 4K (4th generation): Rumored features include an A17 Pro chip for faster performance, and an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support. A built-in FaceTime camera has been rumored for a future Apple TV, but it is unclear if that will arrive with the next model.


• HomePod mini (2nd generation): Rumored features include an S9 chip or newer, and an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support. Improved sound quality is also a safe bet.


• AirTag (2nd generation): Up to 3× longer item tracking range vs. current AirTag, a more tamper-proof speaker, and "very low" battery life alerts.


• AirPods Pro 3: Updated design, increased noise cancellation, and heart rate monitoring.


• Studio Display 2: A new version of the Studio Display with mini-LED backlighting is expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026.

This article, "Beyond iPhone 17: Apple Rumored to Launch 10 Other Products in 2025" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors.


According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max have a typical maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, but can boost to a peak of 2,000 nits for a brief period when outdoors.

Moreover, the frame rate of intense games will be more stable thanks to the device's redesigned thermal architecture. Frame-drops and lag will occur much less frequently. Similarly, performance when shooting 4K video at 60 frames-per-second in warm outdoor conditions, such as under direct sunlight in the summer, will be improved.

The two devices are apparently set to become the longest-battery life iPhones to date, thanks to both increased capacity and improved efficiency across the device. Previous rumors suggested that the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max could have a battery over 5,000 mAh in capacity.

The entire iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be announced at Apple's "Awe dropping" event next week on Tuesday, September 9.
This article, "New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has made available the sixth public beta of iOS 26, bringing a more stable version of the software to a wider audience following lengthy testing by developers. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your device for the beta software and how to install it.


Signing up to get the ‌iOS 26 or ‌iPadOS 26 public beta is simple, and can be done by enrolling an iPhone or iPad in Apple's free Apple Beta Software Program. The steps you need to complete to install the software on your device are provided towards the end of this article, but before you jump ahead, here are a few things worth considering.

Is My iPhone Compatible With iOS 26?

iOS 26 is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer. In other words, the following models are supported:

• iPhone 16e


• iPhone 16


• iPhone 16 Plus


• iPhone 16 Pro


• iPhone 16 Pro Max


• iPhone 15


• iPhone 15 Plus


• iPhone 15 Pro


• iPhone 15 Pro Max


• iPhone 14


• iPhone 14 Plus


• iPhone 14 Pro


• iPhone 14 Pro Max


• iPhone 13


• iPhone 13 mini


• iPhone 13 Pro


• iPhone 13 Pro Max


• iPhone 12


• iPhone 12 mini


• iPhone 12 Pro


• iPhone 12 Pro Max


• iPhone 11


• iPhone 11 Pro


• iPhone 11 Pro Max


• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Note that this compatibility list does not mean that all iOS 26 features will work with the above models. Several of the update's features are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models, since they rely on Apple Intelligence. You can learn more about them here. Note that iOS 26 will come pre-installed on new iPhone 17 models when they launch in September 2025.

Should I Install iOS 26 Public Beta?

Great question! Before downloading the update, it's worth noting that Apple does not recommend installing iOS 26 beta updates on your main iPhone, so if you have a secondary device, use that. This is beta software, which means there are often bugs and issues that pop up that can prevent software from working properly or cause other problems. Apple still has fixes to make before the final release later this month.

Make an Archived Backup of Your Device First

Before installing the beta, make sure to back up your iOS device before installing the software using the following method, otherwise you won't be able to revert back to iOS 18 if things go wrong.

1. Plug your iPhone into your Mac using the supplied cable.


2. Allow the accessory to connect by clicking Allow in the dialog prompt.


3. Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.


4. Click your iOS device's name in the sidebar.
   
   
5. If this is the first time connecting your device to your Mac, click Trust in the Finder window.
   
   
6. Tap Trust on your device when prompted, then enter your passcode to confirm.


7. In the General tab, click the circle next to where it says Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.


8. If you want to encrypt the backup, check the box next to Encrypt local backup, then enter a password to protect your data.


9. If you don't want to create an encrypted backup, or you've already set up encrypted backups, click Back Up Now.
   
   

When the backup is finished, you can find the date and time of the last backup in the General tab, just above the Manage Backups button. Remember that this backup will not be overwritten when you manually or automatically back up your iPhone in the future, so you can restore it at any time by using the Restore Backup... option in the same Finder screen.

How to Download iOS 26 Public Beta

Downloading and install the iOS 26 Public Beta is very straightforward. Simply follow these steps:

1. Head over to Apple's Beta Software Program website and sign up using your Apple Account credentials.
   
   
2. Now go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update on your iPhone.


3. Tap Beta Updates. If you don't see the option, try switching off Download iOS Updates (Automatic Updates ➝ Download iOS Updates), then tap Back and it should appear.


4. Select iOS 26 Public Beta in the list, then tap Back.


5. Wait for the Software Update screen to check Apple's servers. When the iOS 26 Public Beta appears, tap Download and Install, then follow the instructions and wait for installation to complete.
   

iOS 26 Features

iOS 26 introduces a striking system-wide redesign built around Liquid Glass, a translucent material that reflects and refracts ambient content and dynamically responds to user input. The new aesthetic applies across the Lock Screen, Home Screen, toolbar controls, navigation elements, app icons, and widgets.

The update also brings new Apple Intelligence features. With Live Translation available in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, conversations across languages are now seamless and entirely on-device to ensure privacy. New Visual Intelligence capabilities mean you can ask questions about screen content. There are also smarter Shortcuts with intelligent actions to make automation easier.

Communication apps gain smart upgrades too. The revamped Phone app now combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails in one view, adds Call Screening, and includes a clever Hold Assist feature. Messages gains filtered inboxes for unknown senders, typing indicators in group chats, custom backgrounds and polls, and Apple Cash transfers.

CarPlay gets a visual refresh aligned with the Liquid Glass design and now includes compact call notifications, tappable Message reactions, pinned conversations, widgets, and Live Activities support.

Apple has also updated some of its key apps: Apple Music adds Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation plus AutoMix DJ-style transitions; Maps introduces privacy-protected "Visited Places" and smarter route preferences; Wallet supports installment/rewards payments, refreshed boarding passes with Live Activities, and deeper integrations with Maps and Find My. Lastly, a new Games app debuts as a central hub for mobile gaming, featuring a unified library, Apple Arcade support, event tracking, and friend status updates.

• How to Downgrade From iOS 26 Beta Back to iOS 18

A general release of iOS 26 is expected in the coming weeks, likely during or shortly after Apple's "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9, when the new iPhone 17 lineup will be revealed. For a full breakdown of what's new, be sure to check out our dedicated iOS 26 roundup.
This article, "How to Install iOS 26 Public Beta 6 on Your iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Opera is making a bold claim about fixing one of mobile browsing's most persistent annoyances: tab overload. The company's latest Opera One for iOS update introduces what it calls "the most advanced tab management system" on the platform, in what sounds like a concerted effort to target Safari and Chrome users drowning in dozens of open tabs.


The Norwegian browser maker has rolled out several desktop-inspired features to mobile, including customizable grid and list layouts for better tab visualization. Users can now organize tabs into color-coded groups for keeping work projects separate from vacation planning or shopping comparisons, for example.

Perhaps most useful is the new tab search function, which lets you quickly locate specific pages by typing keywords that appear in the webpage title or URL. The interface also supports intuitive swiping between regular tabs, private browsing, and synced tabs from other devices.

"Some people say we're too much into tab overload, and indeed we are – because we can control it," reckons Opera product manager Jona Bolin.


Whether Opera's solution will convert committed Safari users remains to be seen, but the company clearly believes better tab management could be its ticket to wider mobile browser relevance.

Beyond tab management, Opera has made the browser more personal with customizable menu options. You can now configure which features appear in the main menu, keeping your most-used tools within easy reach.

The update also relocates Opera's Aria AI assistant to a more prominent position in the center of the bottom bar, providing one-tap access to the company's multi-model AI system that can tap into GPT-4o or Gemini 2.0 depending on the query.


If you're suffering from mobile tab chaos, Opera could be the solution you're looking for. Opera One for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for free [Direct Link].
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Apple will introduce four new iPhones next week, and the standard iPhone 17 will arguably be the least interesting of the bunch. It's not going to get the super slim design like the iPhone 17 Air, nor will it have the upgraded camera setup like the 17 Pro. There are still a handful of features to look forward to, though, which we've outlined below.


This guide is limited to the standard ‌iPhone 17‌, which will be Apple's most affordable ‌iPhone 17‌ model. We've done similar rumor roundups for the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro if you want to check those out.

Size and Design

There are usually two standard ‌iPhone 17‌ models, but this year, we're limited to one. Apple is eliminating the "Plus" model and replacing it with the ultra thin iPhone.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ will look a lot like the iPhone 16, but Apple is expected to increase the display size. Instead of 6.1 inches, it'll be 6.3 inches, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro. There will be a single 6.3-inch standard ‌iPhone 17‌ this year.

While the ‌iPhone 17 Air‌ and the iPhone 17 Pro models will have a pill-shaped camera bar that spans most of the back of each device, rumors suggest the ‌iPhone 17‌'s camera bump isn't going to change. It will continue to have a dual-lens camera setup with a small vertical pill-shaped bump.

Colors

The standard ‌iPhone 17‌ models could come in black, white, steel gray, green, purple, and light blue if rumors are correct.

Display

The ‌iPhone 17‌'s bezels could be slimmer to bring it in line with the other ‌iPhone‌ models, and it is expected to use the same LTPO display as the current ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌. The display allows for 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, so smoother scrolling is a feature we could see come to the standard ‌iPhone‌ for the first time.

A-Series Chip

We're expecting the ‌iPhone 17‌ to be equipped with the standard A19 chip, built on an updated 3-nanometer process. The A19 will bring speed and efficiency improvements compared to the A18, but there won't be radical differences.

Compared to the A19 Pro that's expected for the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ models, the A19 will likely have fewer GPU cores.

All ‌iPhone 17‌ models are rumored to feature vapor chamber cooling technology that will disperse heat across a larger surface area to prevent thermal throttling and keep performance stable.

Connectivity

The ‌iPhone 17 Air‌ will feature Apple's C1 modem, but the ‌iPhone 17‌ and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ models are expected to use Qualcomm modem technology for 5G connectivity.

All four ‌iPhone 17‌ models are expected to get Apple's first custom-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Apple's chip could bring efficiency and connectivity improvements that result in better battery life.

Charging

The ‌iPhone 17‌ will be able to charge at up to 25W with third-party wireless chargers that support the new Qi 2.2 standard.

Cameras

All four ‌iPhone 17‌ models will get an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera, which will improve image quality and allow for more cropping in for selfies. The current selfie camera is limited to 12 megapixels.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ will have the same 48-megapixel Wide and Ultra Wide lenses that are in the ‌iPhone 16‌, and we haven't heard rumors about upgrades for these lenses.

Pricing

Rumors about pricing have been mixed, and some analysts have suggested Apple might raise prices. If there is an increase, the base ‌iPhone 17‌ could start at $850 instead of $799, but it continues to be unclear if there will indeed be a price hike.

Apple could opt to increase prices for the Air and Pro models while keeping the standard ‌iPhone 17‌ at $799.

Launch Date

Apple will introduce the ‌iPhone 17‌ at the "Awe Dropping" event that kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows the same pre-order and launch timing that it has used in the past, pre-orders could take place on Friday, September 12 with a launch to follow on Friday, September 19.

Read More

We have more information on the features rumored for the ‌iPhone 17‌ in our iPhone 17 roundup.
This article, "One Week Until iPhone 17: Here's What We Know" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Google will not be barred from entering into search agreements with companies like Apple, the judge presiding over the antitrust case between Google and the U.S. Department of Justice said today (via Bloomberg).


Google is not allowed to enter into exclusive contracts for search engine distribution, but it is still allowed to pay to Apple to be a search engine option on iPhone. Apple earns around $20 billion annually from Google, and there was a risk that the two companies could be banned from entering into search engine agreements.

"Cutting off payments from Google almost certainly will impose substantial -- in some cases, crippling -- downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers, which counsels against a broad payment ban," said the judge.

Google is specifically allowed to make payments and offer "other consideration" to distribution partners for the preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, and Gemini.

Google will not have to sell its Chrome browser, or the Android operating system. The judge said that the government "overreached in seeking the forced divestiture" of the assets.

Besides being barred from entering into exclusive search engine distribution contracts, Google will also need to share data with rival search engines. The DOJ had asked that Google be forced to provide data on how it decides what to surface based on a given search.

Google was found to have a search monopoly back in August of 2024, and the court has been deciding what action to take to break up Google's monopoly since then. The DOJ was pushing for the divestiture of Chrome and the possible divestiture of Android.

Google is appealing the ruling, likely due to the data sharing component.
This article, "Court Allows Google-Apple Search Deal to Continue With Conditions" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices.


Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac:

Model	Starting Price	Model	Starting Price	Change
iPhone 16	$799	iPhone 17	$799	—
iPhone 16 Plus	$899	iPhone 17 Air	$899-$949	$0 to +$50
iPhone 16 Pro	$999	iPhone 17 Pro	$1,099	+$100
iPhone 16 Pro Max	$1,199	iPhone 17 Pro Max	$1,199	—

If these estimates prove to be accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro's starting price would increase by $100 compared to the iPhone 16 Pro. However, previous rumors have indicated that the iPhone 17 Pro will start with 256GB of storage, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro starts at 128GB. So, the starting price would only be increasing because of Apple eliminating a SKU. Still, it would break an 8-year streak of the Pro model or equivalent starting at $999.

The good news is that the standard iPhone 17 and the highest-end iPhone 17 Pro Max will avoid price increases, if these estimates prove to be accurate.

The all-new iPhone 17 Air's starting price might be $50 higher compared to the iPhone 16 Plus.

Apple has largely managed to avoid raising iPhone prices in the U.S. for a long time now, despite rumors of price increases year after year. So, on one hand, the company deserves the benefit of the doubt currently. On the other hand, nothing lasts forever. We will find out the real prices during Apple's event on Tuesday, September 9.
This article, "iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today released the sixth public betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and tvOS 26, allowing the public to test the updates ahead of their September launch. The sixth public betas come a week after the fifth public betas, and the updates correspond with the ninth developer betas that were released earlier today.


Public beta testers that have registered on Apple's website can download the latest ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, and macOS 26 public betas by opening the Settings or System Settings app, going to the General section, tapping on Software Update, and choosing the ‌iOS 26‌, ‌iPadOS 26‌, or macOS 26 Public Beta options.

‌iOS 26‌ and ‌iPadOS 26‌ feature Apple's Liquid Glass design, with a visual aesthetic that focuses on transparency. Icons, menu buttons, navigation bars, and more reflect and refract light with subtle animations. There are pop-out menus in some areas, tab bars shrink down, and everything has a more rounded look.


There are new Apple Intelligence features like Visual Intelligence for screenshots, updated order tracking in the Wallet app, new features in Reminders, and Live Translation for the Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps. Image Playground has ChatGPT style options, and Genmoji supports mixing two or more emoji characters to make something new.


2D photos have a more 3D look with a Spatial Scene feature, and Safari has updated navigation. In the Phone app, there are new Call Screening and Hold Assist features that will save you time, while the Messages app supports customizable backgrounds and polls. Apple Music has a DJ-like AutoMix feature, CarPlay has an overhauled interface, there's a new Apple Games app, and Preview has come to the iPhone for the first time.


macOS Tahoe has the same Liquid Glass design as ‌iOS 26‌, and it extends to app icons, folders, the Dock, in-app navigation, menus, the Control Center, and the Menu Bar. The Control Center and the Menu Bar are customizable, and you're also able to customize folders, app icons, and widgets.


Safari has an updated tab design and a redesigned sidebar, and Apple has brought the Phone app to the Mac for making phone calls through Wi-Fi Calling. The Phone app supports the new Call Screening and Hold Assist features.

Spotlight has been overhauled with improved search and the ability to execute hundreds of actions without opening up an app. There's a new Games app with a Game Overlay feature, and developers have access to Metal 4.

More on what's new can be found in our iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe roundups.
This article, "Apple Releases Sixth Public Betas of iOS 26 and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's Beats brand will soon come out with new color options for several of its products, according to information discovered by MacRumors. The Beats Studio Pro headphones are set to be released in colors that Apple is referring to as dark slate and pink internally. It is worth noting that we've previously seen mentions of unreleased Sand Gray and Soft Pink colors for the Studio Pro, and it’s possible these are same colors currently labeled by Apple as Dark Slate and Pink.


Apple plans to debut the Beats Solo 4 with rose gold and champagne gold color options.


The Beats Solo Buds will come in a new cream color that Apple calls "icing" internally.


The Beats Studio Pro, priced at $350, can be purchased in Navy, Black, Sandstone, and Brown. The $200 Beats Solo 4 come in Matte Black, Slate Blue, Cloud Pink, and a special edition JENNIE Ruby Red. Apple's $80 Solo Buds are currently available in Black, Storm Gray, Arctic Purple, and Transparent Red.


There is no word when the new Beats colors might come out, but Apple could introduce them at the upcoming September 9 event.
This article, "Beats Working on New Colors for Solo Buds, Studio Pro, and Solo 4" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's lead artificial intelligence researcher for robotics is leaving the company for Meta, reports Bloomberg. Jian Zhang joined the Meta Robotics Studio on Tuesday.


Three additional AI researchers are also leaving Apple's Foundation Models AI team for OpenAI and Anthropic, continuing an exodus that began in July. At least a dozen AI experts have left Apple for Meta, OpenAI, and other companies since January.

Meta has been offering AI engineers massive pay packages that other AI companies are not able to compete with. Meta was able to lure Apple's Foundational Models team lead Ruoming Pang with a $200 million pay package. Zhang was developing automation technology and exploring the role of AI in tech products, but his team was separate from the group that is working on creating a robot virtual companion.

According to a recent report from Financial Times, industry recruiters see the mass departures from Apple as a "crisis of confidence" around the company's AI future. Apple is continuing to work on a smarter LLM version of Siri that's expected to debut next year, but it had a serious misstep with the delayed Apple Intelligence version of Siri that failed to make it into iOS 18.

In an employee meeting in August, software engineering chief Craig Federighi said that Apple has successfully developed a second-generation ‌Siri‌ architecture that will bring major improvements to ‌Siri‌ in 2026.

Apple is considering a third-party solution to power ‌Siri‌'s AI capabilities, and has reportedly held discussions with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. A final decision hasn't been made as of yet, but Apple's wavering has caused tension within its LLM team. Additional AI team members are said to be actively interviewing for jobs at other companies.
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Dolby today unveiled Dolby Vision 2, a next-generation version of the popular Dolby Vision HDR format.


Dolby Vision 2 features a more powerful image engine that Dolby says "unlocks even more out of your TV," plus it supports new Content Intelligence tools to optimize TV sets for a "captivating picture" based on the content that's being watched. Specifically, Dolby says that Content Intelligence will gain the following benefits:

• Precision Black reduces consumer frustration that the image is "too dark" by making it crystal clear and improving clarity in any viewing environment without compromising artistic intent.


• Light Sense fine-tunes picture quality through advanced ambient light detection and new reference lighting data from the content source to optimize your TV for the ideal viewing experience.


• Sports and Gaming Optimization introduce new enhancements such as white point adjustments and motion control designed specifically to address the unique needs of live sports and gaming.


• New tone-mapping that takes advantage of modern TV improvements like brightness and color improvements.

TVs will be able to provide higher brightness, sharper contrast, and more deeply saturated colors "while preserving the artist's creative vision," according to Dolby.

In addition to these HDR features, Dolby Vision 2 includes Authentic Motion, described as a creative driven motion control tool that can make "scenes feel more authentically cinematic without unwanted judder."

There's a core Dolby Vision 2 product that will provide improved picture quality to mainstream TVs, and a Dolby Vision 2 Max designed for the highest performing TVs. The Max product will utilize the full capabilities of higher-end displays.

Dolby Vision 2 will come first to TV sets from Hisense, but other manufacturers are likely to add support in the future. The current Apple TV models support Dolby Vision, so it makes sense that a future version of the ‌Apple TV‌ would include Dolby Vision 2.
This article, "Dolby Vision 2 Debuts With Solution for HDR Content That's 'Too Dark'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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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 $595.92 ($53 off). Free delivery estimates are placed around September 7 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.

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This article, "Amazon Takes Up to $53 Off 11th Gen iPad, Available From $299" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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