ConnexionSwift SDK for Android now available
Following the announcement of the Android Workgroup earlier this year, the first preview release of the Swift SDK for Android was just rolled out. Here are the details.
more…Vue lecture
iOS 26.1 will let third-party apps back up photos in the background
Apple is working on a new framework that will allow third-party photo apps to back up images more reliably. Here are the details.
more…9to5Rewards: Enter to win iPhone 17 Pro/Air [Giveaway]
We’re giving away the new iPhone 17 (Pro or Air) to one lucky reader this month courtesy of iMazing, one of the most advanced and comprehensive iPhone management platforms available on both macOS and Windows. Enter the giveaway below and, for a limited time, get the new iMazing 3.4 for 20% off.
more…iOS 26.1 Beta Liquid Glass Battery Drain Test: Tinted vs Clear Mode
In the fourth iOS 26.1 beta, Apple added a "Tinted" option that reduces the translucency of Liquid Glass for those who prefer a more opaque look. I saw some comments wondering whether the setting might preserve battery life, so I thought I'd do some testing.
I did four separate tests using the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and I kept the parameters as similar as possible. Here are the settings I used for each test:
For every test, I used Light mode and not Dark mode, I turned off True Tone and Night Shift, and set my iPhone to 50% brightness. The display was also set not to turn off. My battery health is still 100%, and ambient temperature during testing was 68 to 72 degrees.
I left my notifications turned on because I get a fairly even distribution of notifications throughout the day and I wanted to mimic how I'd use my iPhone. My Home Screen was set to the standard icons.
I did the exact same series of actions for each test, timed to the second.
During each of the five segments, I swiped to access notifications on the Lock Screen four times, and swiped to open Control Center four times. I opened up notifications and Control Center 20 times total for each test, then swiped back to close them. These were timed to roughly 3.5 minute intervals.
When I swapped from one app to another, I swiped up to close it and exit to the Home Screen, swiped down to bring up search, typed in the app name, and tapped to open it.
Every test was 2.5 hours, with a few extra seconds between each segment to switch apps. Tests were split over two days, one at approximately 3:00 p.m., and one at 5:30 p.m.
I only charge my iPhone to 80%, so between each 2.5 hour period, I charged my iPhone back to 80% before starting the next test. The only wildcard factors were notifications and the content that was on TikTok and Instagram as I scrolled.
The results weren't what I expected. I went into this test thinking that turning on Reduce Transparency and Reduce Motion would have an effect, but it didn't. I didn't find a selection of settings that changed the battery that my iPhone used.
I did end up with 1% less battery with the two middle tests, but there wasn't enough of a deviation to draw any conclusion. I can't see fractions of a percent with battery measurements, so it's possible that the two 70% tests were close to 69% and I had minor differences because of the small variations in content between tests.
I wanted to include the percent totals for each segment of testing because there were some minor differences.
I wanted my test to mimic how I might regularly use my phone, but it was only a 2.5 hour period. It's possible that a full 16 hours of swiping in and out of apps and features that use Liquid Glass could have more of an aggregate battery saving effect. I'm guessing it would only be a tiny percent of overall battery usage though, and mostly inconsequential.
The apps that I used don't all have Liquid Glass-heavy interfaces. TikTok and Instagram, for example, barely use Liquid Glass at all. Heavy use of apps that have more Liquid Glass elements could change the results, but there aren't many apps that I spend a lot of time on that use Liquid Glass like that.
I use an iPhone 17 Pro Max. I am curious if there would be a difference in battery life on an older iPhone that might struggle more to render Liquid Glass effects.
If anyone with an older iPhone wants to do similar testing, I'd be happy to revisit this with another article that includes more testing from MacRumors readers. I am also able to do more testing if anyone has suggestions on what I might be able to change to actually reduce battery consumption.
On the iPhone 17 models, I don't think there are Liquid Glass-related settings to change that will make a meaningful difference in battery consumption.
There seems to be no reason to turn on something like Tinted mode or Reduce Transparency unless you want the opacity for visual preference reasons.
Low Power Mode, Adaptive Power Mode, Dark Mode, and turning down screen brightness seem to still be the most effective ways to eke out more battery life.
This article, "iOS 26.1 Beta Liquid Glass Battery Drain Test: Tinted vs Clear Mode" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Test Settings
I did four separate tests using the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and I kept the parameters as similar as possible. Here are the settings I used for each test:
- Liquid Glass set to Clear.
- Liquid Glass set to Tinted.
- Liquid Glass set to Tinted with Reduce Transparency and Increase Contrast on.
- Liquid Glass with Reduce Transparency, Increase Contrast, and Reduce Motion turned on.
For every test, I used Light mode and not Dark mode, I turned off True Tone and Night Shift, and set my iPhone to 50% brightness. The display was also set not to turn off. My battery health is still 100%, and ambient temperature during testing was 68 to 72 degrees.
I left my notifications turned on because I get a fairly even distribution of notifications throughout the day and I wanted to mimic how I'd use my iPhone. My Home Screen was set to the standard icons.
How I Tested
I did the exact same series of actions for each test, timed to the second.
- 30 minutes of scrolling TikTok.
- 30 minutes of YouTube videos.
- 30 minutes of scrolling Instagram/watching reels.
- 30 minutes of Safari on the MacRumors website. Scrolling and tapping to a handful of different pages.
- 30 minutes of the Maps app. I routed myself to the same location, but I didn't actually go. It was more of a test to have the Liquid Glass interface up for a solid 30 minute period.
During each of the five segments, I swiped to access notifications on the Lock Screen four times, and swiped to open Control Center four times. I opened up notifications and Control Center 20 times total for each test, then swiped back to close them. These were timed to roughly 3.5 minute intervals.
When I swapped from one app to another, I swiped up to close it and exit to the Home Screen, swiped down to bring up search, typed in the app name, and tapped to open it.
Every test was 2.5 hours, with a few extra seconds between each segment to switch apps. Tests were split over two days, one at approximately 3:00 p.m., and one at 5:30 p.m.
I only charge my iPhone to 80%, so between each 2.5 hour period, I charged my iPhone back to 80% before starting the next test. The only wildcard factors were notifications and the content that was on TikTok and Instagram as I scrolled.
Test Results
The results weren't what I expected. I went into this test thinking that turning on Reduce Transparency and Reduce Motion would have an effect, but it didn't. I didn't find a selection of settings that changed the battery that my iPhone used.
- Round 1 - This was the "Clear" round, and my baseline. I started at 80% and ended right at 70%.
- Round 2 - Tinted mode. I started at 80% and ended at 69%.
- Round 3 - Tinted mode, Reduce Transparency, and Increase Contrast. I started at 80% and I ended at 69%.
- Round 4 - Tinted mode, Reduce Transparency, Increase Contrast, and Reduce Motion. I started at 80% and ended at 70%.
I did end up with 1% less battery with the two middle tests, but there wasn't enough of a deviation to draw any conclusion. I can't see fractions of a percent with battery measurements, so it's possible that the two 70% tests were close to 69% and I had minor differences because of the small variations in content between tests.
Test Results Expanded
I wanted to include the percent totals for each segment of testing because there were some minor differences.
- Round 1 - TikTok ended at 79%, YouTube ended at 77%, Instagram ended at 74%, Safari ended at 72%, Maps ended at 70%.
- Round 2 - TikTok ended at 78%, YouTube ended at 75%, Instagram ended at 72%, Safari ended at 70%, Maps ended at 69%.
- Round 3 - TikTok ended at 78%, YouTube ended at 76%, Instagram ended at 73%, Safari ended at 70%, Maps ended at 69%.
- Round 4 - TikTok ended at 79%, Instagram ended at 77%, YouTube ended at 74%, Safari ended at 72%, and Maps ended at 70%. In this round, I accidentally swapped Instagram and YouTube, but restarting would have changed the time of day of the test so I just did those two apps swapped.
Caveats
I wanted my test to mimic how I might regularly use my phone, but it was only a 2.5 hour period. It's possible that a full 16 hours of swiping in and out of apps and features that use Liquid Glass could have more of an aggregate battery saving effect. I'm guessing it would only be a tiny percent of overall battery usage though, and mostly inconsequential.
The apps that I used don't all have Liquid Glass-heavy interfaces. TikTok and Instagram, for example, barely use Liquid Glass at all. Heavy use of apps that have more Liquid Glass elements could change the results, but there aren't many apps that I spend a lot of time on that use Liquid Glass like that.
I use an iPhone 17 Pro Max. I am curious if there would be a difference in battery life on an older iPhone that might struggle more to render Liquid Glass effects.
If anyone with an older iPhone wants to do similar testing, I'd be happy to revisit this with another article that includes more testing from MacRumors readers. I am also able to do more testing if anyone has suggestions on what I might be able to change to actually reduce battery consumption.
Conclusion
On the iPhone 17 models, I don't think there are Liquid Glass-related settings to change that will make a meaningful difference in battery consumption.
There seems to be no reason to turn on something like Tinted mode or Reduce Transparency unless you want the opacity for visual preference reasons.
Low Power Mode, Adaptive Power Mode, Dark Mode, and turning down screen brightness seem to still be the most effective ways to eke out more battery life.
This article, "iOS 26.1 Beta Liquid Glass Battery Drain Test: Tinted vs Clear Mode" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Chipolo Loop and Card Review: Rechargeable AirTag Alternatives With Find My Integration
It's been over four years since Apple launched its Find My network accessory program, and unlike the AirTag, Find My-compatible devices have been evolving. Chipolo recently came out with a pair of new accessories that integrate with Find My, the Loop and the Card.
Prior to this review, I saw some complaints that prior Chipolo products stopped working after a few months, so I wanted to do a longer review. I've had them for a little over two months, and so far they've been working as intended.
The $39 Loop has a round shape, and it's bigger than the AirTag, but lighter because it doesn't include a replaceable battery inside. It connects to the Find My app like an AirTag, and it shows up inside the Items tab. You can attach the Chipolo Loop to anything and it works almost exactly like an AirTag.
You need an accessory if you want to connect the AirTag to keys or similar objects, but Chipolo's Loop has a built-in flexible silicone loop at the top. The attachment point is thick and feels sturdy even though it's pliable.
The Loop is made entirely from plastic, and because it lacks a metal back and it's light, it doesn't feel as premium as the AirTag if that's something that you care about. Between the two, I prefer the design of the loop with the built-in attachment point.
I also like that the Loop comes in several different colors, including navy, mint, honey, coral, and charcoal. I have the coral color, and it's easier to find when it's tucked in a bag. The AirTag is fine, but it's nice to have options.
What I like best about Chipolo's Loop is the built-in battery. It recharges via USB-C, and that is just way more convenient for me than replacing an AirTag battery. My AirTags have been out of battery for months because it's annoying to have to order CR2032 batteries (which I don't have on hand), and then open it up to swap them out.
With the Loop, I just plug it in. The battery can last for up to six months, and I haven't had it long enough to test the full battery life. The downside with something like the Loop is lithium battery degradation over time. It might not last as long as an AirTag, but it should hold up for several years to come.
It has IP67 water resistance so it can stand up to immersion in up to a meter of water, and dunking it in a bowl full of water didn't faze it.
There's a speaker in the Loop, so it can play a sound to help you find a lost item, plus the charging light can blink so you can find it in the dark.
Chipolo says the Loop has a Bluetooth range of 400 feet, and it seemed similar to the AirTag in range. It reliably delivered item left behind notifications, but it doesn't have Ultra Wideband with Precision Finding, so it can't track items indoors as reliably as the AirTag can.
The $39 Card is sized to fit in a wallet, like a credit card. Apple doesn't have an equivalent product, because the AirTag is too thick to fit comfortably inside most wallets. The Card is only available in black, and it is made from matte plastic. It has an unassuming look, and I'm not sure that someone who stole a wallet would immediately know what it is because it looks similar to a key card.
Chipolo's Card is 2.5mm thick. Standard credit cards are 0.76mm thick, so the Card is about three credit cards thick. It won't work well in a wallet that's designed to be super thin, like the iPhone variants that only hold a couple of cards, but it fits fine in my small wallet and doesn't add too much bulk. It's not the thinnest of the Find My-connected card-like trackers that I've used, but it's not too far off.
There isn't room for a USB-C port on the Card, so it uses Qi wireless charging. It's magnetic, so I can pop it right on a MagSafe charger.
Aside from the Qi charging the Card it has all of the same specifications as the Loop. The battery lasts for up to six months, it has the same sound level, the Bluetooth range, water resistance, and it supports all of the same Find My features.
The speakers in the Chipolo Card and Chipolo Loop are louder than the AirTag speaker, but I think the higher pitch of the AirTag sound stands out more to my ears. There is an option to change the ringtone on the Chipolo, and some of the alternate options do sound louder.
A decibel meter on my phone suggests the Chipolo devices are around 74db, and the AirTag is at about 67db. I can hear either one from a room away, but further than that is tough unless it's dead quiet. With a different sound setting, the Chipolo is closer to 82db.
On the Chipolo devices, there is an option to adjust the volume of the sound, so you can set a medium and low volume if desired. High is the default.
In the Find My app, Find My-compatible devices like the Loop and Card are listed right alongside the AirTag and are added in the same way. I opened up Find My, tapped the "+" button to add an item, pressed the button on each device, and selected a name and emoji.
Unrelated to Chipolo, I'm not sure why Apple doesn't allow me to use Genmoji for an item icon. It's limited to standard emoji for both AirTags and third-party products.
The Loop and Card offer all available Find My functions:
The only thing I can't do in Find My with the Chipolo products that I can do with an AirTag is use the "Find Nearby" feature for precision locating. I do think this is an important option for items that you're likely to lose indoors, like your car keys or your Apple TV remote. I wouldn't use the Chipolo Loop for items like that because Precision Finding works better in those situations.
The most important part of the Find My network is the way that it links Apple devices owned by other people. AirTags and Find My-compatible products like the Loop and Card can ping any nearby Apple device, which helps you find your lost items even if you're nowhere near them.
The Loop and Card are meant to work with the Find My app and Apple's Find My network, but they are also compatible with the Chipolo app that adds extra features. You just need to download the Chipolo app from the App Store and connect the Loop or Card to Bluetooth to get the extra features.
Here's what's available:
There are also settings for changing the volume of the Chipolo device, and options for sharing a referral code with friends to get a free Chipolo.
Chipolo's Loop and Card are item trackers with a few useful features over the AirTag, offering a better range of design options and changeable sounds. I like the bright colors of the Loop and the thin design of the Card, and being able to recharge them via USB-C and Qi, respectively, is a major plus.
On the downside, they do not have Precision Finding for indoor tracking purposes, so I might not use them if I specifically wanted to locate items very close by.
The one negative is the price. I think the Card and Loop are a little too expensive at $39 each. I can get an AirTag for $29 from Apple, and even cheaper from retailers like Amazon. If I want to attach the AirTag to something I do need an extra accessory, so that puts the price closer to Chipolo's options.
I think the integrated battery is worth an upcharge, and if you're like me and don't replace AirTag batteries as often as necessary, spending the extra money for simpler charging could be a good investment.
The Chipolo Card and Chipolo Loop are available from the Chipolo website for $39.
This article, "Chipolo Loop and Card Review: Rechargeable AirTag Alternatives With Find My Integration" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Prior to this review, I saw some complaints that prior Chipolo products stopped working after a few months, so I wanted to do a longer review. I've had them for a little over two months, and so far they've been working as intended.
Chipolo Loop
The $39 Loop has a round shape, and it's bigger than the AirTag, but lighter because it doesn't include a replaceable battery inside. It connects to the Find My app like an AirTag, and it shows up inside the Items tab. You can attach the Chipolo Loop to anything and it works almost exactly like an AirTag.
You need an accessory if you want to connect the AirTag to keys or similar objects, but Chipolo's Loop has a built-in flexible silicone loop at the top. The attachment point is thick and feels sturdy even though it's pliable.
The Loop is made entirely from plastic, and because it lacks a metal back and it's light, it doesn't feel as premium as the AirTag if that's something that you care about. Between the two, I prefer the design of the loop with the built-in attachment point.
I also like that the Loop comes in several different colors, including navy, mint, honey, coral, and charcoal. I have the coral color, and it's easier to find when it's tucked in a bag. The AirTag is fine, but it's nice to have options.
What I like best about Chipolo's Loop is the built-in battery. It recharges via USB-C, and that is just way more convenient for me than replacing an AirTag battery. My AirTags have been out of battery for months because it's annoying to have to order CR2032 batteries (which I don't have on hand), and then open it up to swap them out.
With the Loop, I just plug it in. The battery can last for up to six months, and I haven't had it long enough to test the full battery life. The downside with something like the Loop is lithium battery degradation over time. It might not last as long as an AirTag, but it should hold up for several years to come.
It has IP67 water resistance so it can stand up to immersion in up to a meter of water, and dunking it in a bowl full of water didn't faze it.
There's a speaker in the Loop, so it can play a sound to help you find a lost item, plus the charging light can blink so you can find it in the dark.
Chipolo says the Loop has a Bluetooth range of 400 feet, and it seemed similar to the AirTag in range. It reliably delivered item left behind notifications, but it doesn't have Ultra Wideband with Precision Finding, so it can't track items indoors as reliably as the AirTag can.
Chipolo Card
The $39 Card is sized to fit in a wallet, like a credit card. Apple doesn't have an equivalent product, because the AirTag is too thick to fit comfortably inside most wallets. The Card is only available in black, and it is made from matte plastic. It has an unassuming look, and I'm not sure that someone who stole a wallet would immediately know what it is because it looks similar to a key card.
Chipolo's Card is 2.5mm thick. Standard credit cards are 0.76mm thick, so the Card is about three credit cards thick. It won't work well in a wallet that's designed to be super thin, like the iPhone variants that only hold a couple of cards, but it fits fine in my small wallet and doesn't add too much bulk. It's not the thinnest of the Find My-connected card-like trackers that I've used, but it's not too far off.
There isn't room for a USB-C port on the Card, so it uses Qi wireless charging. It's magnetic, so I can pop it right on a MagSafe charger.
Aside from the Qi charging the Card it has all of the same specifications as the Loop. The battery lasts for up to six months, it has the same sound level, the Bluetooth range, water resistance, and it supports all of the same Find My features.
Sound
The speakers in the Chipolo Card and Chipolo Loop are louder than the AirTag speaker, but I think the higher pitch of the AirTag sound stands out more to my ears. There is an option to change the ringtone on the Chipolo, and some of the alternate options do sound louder.
A decibel meter on my phone suggests the Chipolo devices are around 74db, and the AirTag is at about 67db. I can hear either one from a room away, but further than that is tough unless it's dead quiet. With a different sound setting, the Chipolo is closer to 82db.
On the Chipolo devices, there is an option to adjust the volume of the sound, so you can set a medium and low volume if desired. High is the default.
Find My
In the Find My app, Find My-compatible devices like the Loop and Card are listed right alongside the AirTag and are added in the same way. I opened up Find My, tapped the "+" button to add an item, pressed the button on each device, and selected a name and emoji.
Unrelated to Chipolo, I'm not sure why Apple doesn't allow me to use Genmoji for an item icon. It's limited to standard emoji for both AirTags and third-party products.
The Loop and Card offer all available Find My functions:
- View a map with the item location
- Play a sound
- Get directions
- Share item with others
- Allow others to see owner info and get access item location (such as if you lose your luggage at the airport)
- Notify when found
- Notify when left behind (lets you know when your item isn't with you)
- Item left behind notification exceptions (so you can set "safe" locations like home)
- A link to the Chipolo app
- Options to change name and icon
- Battery status
The only thing I can't do in Find My with the Chipolo products that I can do with an AirTag is use the "Find Nearby" feature for precision locating. I do think this is an important option for items that you're likely to lose indoors, like your car keys or your Apple TV remote. I wouldn't use the Chipolo Loop for items like that because Precision Finding works better in those situations.
The most important part of the Find My network is the way that it links Apple devices owned by other people. AirTags and Find My-compatible products like the Loop and Card can ping any nearby Apple device, which helps you find your lost items even if you're nowhere near them.
Chipolo App
The Loop and Card are meant to work with the Find My app and Apple's Find My network, but they are also compatible with the Chipolo app that adds extra features. You just need to download the Chipolo app from the App Store and connect the Loop or Card to Bluetooth to get the extra features.
Here's what's available:
- Call Your Phone - You can set the Card or Loop to cause your phone to ring with a double press on either device. This requires full access to your location, though. I'm not using this feature, but I did test it and it works. It could be useful if you don't have an Apple Watch with the iPhone pinging feature.
- Change the Ringtone - There are a bunch of ringtones you can select. There are holiday themed options, and classic tunes like Frére Jacques, Oh Susanna, In the Hall of the Mountain King, and more. I set it to Frére Jacques, which is louder than the default ringing sound. Hall of the Mountain King is a nice video game-sounding theme, so it's fun to have options.
- Take a Selfie - You can use a double press on the Loop or Card to take a selfie with the Camera app, but you need to do it through the Chipolo app so it's not the most convenient feature.
- Ring and Blink - There's an option to have the Loop and Card blink when they ring to make them easier to find in the dark, which is potentially useful for locating an item in a dimly lit area or at night. Once turned on, this works when you activate the device with the Play Sound feature in the Find My app.
There are also settings for changing the volume of the Chipolo device, and options for sharing a referral code with friends to get a free Chipolo.
Bottom Line
Chipolo's Loop and Card are item trackers with a few useful features over the AirTag, offering a better range of design options and changeable sounds. I like the bright colors of the Loop and the thin design of the Card, and being able to recharge them via USB-C and Qi, respectively, is a major plus.
On the downside, they do not have Precision Finding for indoor tracking purposes, so I might not use them if I specifically wanted to locate items very close by.
The one negative is the price. I think the Card and Loop are a little too expensive at $39 each. I can get an AirTag for $29 from Apple, and even cheaper from retailers like Amazon. If I want to attach the AirTag to something I do need an extra accessory, so that puts the price closer to Chipolo's options.
I think the integrated battery is worth an upcharge, and if you're like me and don't replace AirTag batteries as often as necessary, spending the extra money for simpler charging could be a good investment.
How to Buy
The Chipolo Card and Chipolo Loop are available from the Chipolo website for $39.
This article, "Chipolo Loop and Card Review: Rechargeable AirTag Alternatives With Find My Integration" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
You should watch Adam Savage’s delightful review of the new M5 Apple Vision Pro
In February, Adam Savage published a very interesting video sharing his overall impressions of the Apple Vision Pro, one year into using the device. Now that the M5 version is out, he’s back with an equally interesting review. Watch it below.
more…9to5Mac Daily: October 24, 2025 – iPhone satellite rumors, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
Sponsored by Backblaze: Never lose a file again. Use code “9to5daily” at checkout for 20% off or try for free.
Your iPhone battery can last longer with this new iOS 26 feature
Battery life is easily one of the iPhone’s most important features. Whether you own an ultra-thin iPhone Air, battery beast iPhone 17 Pro Max, or some other model, iOS 26 recently introduced a new feature that can make your iPhone’s battery last longer: Adaptive Power.
more…Apple TV’s next two shows are my most anticipated of the fall
Apple TV is currently airing new seasons for two of its biggest hits, Slow Horses and The Morning Show. But over the next couple weeks, two brand new Apple TV series will premiere that have long been my most anticipated shows of the fall.
more…HomeKit Weekly: SwitchBot Smart Desk Fan adds quiet, portable cooling with HomeKit integration
Small room fans are one of the easiest ways to keep air moving and a space comfortable. I personally love to sleep with a fan blowing on me. What makes the SwitchBot Smart Desk Fan even better is that it supports Matter, so you can easily use it within your HomeKit environment. That means you can automate it based on the room temperature, so instead of running all the time, it only comes on when needed and shuts off when it’s not.
more…iFixit tears down the M5 MacBook Pro and finds small, but welcome repairability improvements
Despite minor hardware improvements compared with its predecessor, the new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro features interesting repairability tweaks, according to iFixit’s teardown. Here are the details.
more…Next year’s iPhone Air could prove a hit thanks to two new advantages
I really love my iPhone Air, but so far reporting indicates that not many users are willing to give it a chance. Rumors say there’s a new ‘iPhone Air 2’ coming next fall, however, and it could prove a bigger hit thanks to two new advantages.
more…Instagram adds new watch history feature for revisiting Reels
TikTok has long offered a way to revisit old videos you’ve seen, but until now Instagram offered no such feature. Fortunately, that missing feature is finally here: Reels now come with a dedicated watch history inside the Instagram app.
more…iFixit Tears Down M5 MacBook Pro
Repair site iFixit today did one of its device teardowns on Apple's new M5 MacBook Pro model, which Apple released on Wednesday.
Unsurprisingly, there are few changes to the device because the only new features are a new M5 chip and a faster SSD, but iFixit did find some subtle tweaks related to repairability.
The MacBook Pro's casing is still secured with P5 screws, and battery replacement is more difficult than it needs to be because Apple only sells the battery as part of the main chassis that also includes the keyboard. Getting to the fan, ports, and other components inside the MacBook Pro requires removing the logic board, and iFixit says that essentially every component in the MacBook Pro has to come out to perform a battery replacement following Apple's official repair steps.
On the plus side, iFixit found that the trackpad no longer needs to be removed to access the pull tabs on the central battery cells, a small but useful update. There is a new 72.6 Wh battery in the MacBook Pro, which is a little bit higher capacity than the 72.4 Wh battery in the prior-generation M4 MacBook Pro. The battery finding is a bit odd, since Apple's own specifications page still lists a 72.4 Wh battery.
Since little has changed with MacBook Pro repair, iFixit gave the device a repairability score of 4 out of 10.
This article, "iFixit Tears Down M5 MacBook Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Unsurprisingly, there are few changes to the device because the only new features are a new M5 chip and a faster SSD, but iFixit did find some subtle tweaks related to repairability.
The MacBook Pro's casing is still secured with P5 screws, and battery replacement is more difficult than it needs to be because Apple only sells the battery as part of the main chassis that also includes the keyboard. Getting to the fan, ports, and other components inside the MacBook Pro requires removing the logic board, and iFixit says that essentially every component in the MacBook Pro has to come out to perform a battery replacement following Apple's official repair steps.
On the plus side, iFixit found that the trackpad no longer needs to be removed to access the pull tabs on the central battery cells, a small but useful update. There is a new 72.6 Wh battery in the MacBook Pro, which is a little bit higher capacity than the 72.4 Wh battery in the prior-generation M4 MacBook Pro. The battery finding is a bit odd, since Apple's own specifications page still lists a 72.4 Wh battery.
Since little has changed with MacBook Pro repair, iFixit gave the device a repairability score of 4 out of 10.
Tag: iFixit
This article, "iFixit Tears Down M5 MacBook Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Best Apple Deals of the Week: AirTag 4-Pack Hits $64.99 All-Time Low Price Alongside Sales on AirPods and iPad
This week Apple's AirTag 4-Pack hit an all-time low price at $34 off, and we're still tracking this great deal today, along with big discounts on AirPods, charging accessories on Amazon, and the 11th generation iPad.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The AirPods Pro 2 are at a solid $79 discount this week on Amazon, available for $169.99, down from $249.00. You can also get the AirPods Max for $479.99, down from $549.00.
Amazon has the AirTag 4-Pack for the all-time low price of $64.99, down from $99.00. You can also get a 1-Pack for $24.99, which is a second-best price.
Amazon this week has a few notable sales from popular brands like Satechi, Jackery, Anker, and Ecovacs. These include discounts on everything from MagSafe-compatible car chargers to portable power stations, Find My compatible wallets, and robot vacuums. You can find every deal in our original post.
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.
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.
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
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AirPods
- What's the deal? Take up to $69 off AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2
- Where can I get it? Amazon
- Where can I find the original deal? Right here
The AirPods Pro 2 are at a solid $79 discount this week on Amazon, available for $169.99, down from $249.00. You can also get the AirPods Max for $479.99, down from $549.00.
AirTag
- What's the deal? Get $34 off AirTag 4-Pack
- Where can I get it? Amazon
- Where can I find the original deal? Right here
Amazon has the AirTag 4-Pack for the all-time low price of $64.99, down from $99.00. You can also get a 1-Pack for $24.99, which is a second-best price.
Amazon Sale
- What's the deal? Save on popular brands like Anker, Jackery, and Ecovacs
- Where can I get it? Amazon
- Where can I find the original deal? Right here
Amazon this week has a few notable sales from popular brands like Satechi, Jackery, Anker, and Ecovacs. These include discounts on everything from MagSafe-compatible car chargers to portable power stations, Find My compatible wallets, and robot vacuums. You can find every deal in our original post.
- Nano USB-C 30W Foldable Charger - $15.99, down from $19.99
- 10,000 mAh Magnetic Power Bank - $34.99, down from $49.99
- Soundcore V40i Open-Ear Headphones - $49.99, down from $79.99
- 10,000 mAh MagGo Qi2 Power Bank - $56.99, down from $89.99
- 140W 4-Port USB-C Charger - $79.99, down from $99.99
- Power Station with Lantern - $79.99, down from $149.99
iPad
- What's the deal? Get $50 off 11th gen iPad
- Where can I get it? Amazon
- Where can I find the original deal? Right here
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.
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.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: AirTag 4-Pack Hits $64.99 All-Time Low Price Alongside Sales on AirPods and iPad" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Here’s what the first spatial stylus for Apple Vision Pro can (and can’t yet) do
The new M5 Apple Vision Pro has arrived, which you can read all about in our official review. Alongside the new headset and standalone Dual Knit Band, Apple is selling the new Logitech Muse spatial stylus for Apple Vision Pro.
more…iOS 26.1: Everything new so far
After a summer of beta testing, Apple released iOS 26 to everyone last month. Now, attention has shifted to iOS 26.1. This update is available to developers and public beta testers now, and will likely be released to everyone later this month. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s new in iOS 26.1.
more…iOS 26 Leaker Being Sued by Apple is Actually a 'Lifelong Apple Fanboy'
In July, Apple sued well-known YouTuber Jon Prosser and his acquaintance Michael Ramacciotti over alleged theft of the company's trade secrets, after Prosser leaked some iOS 26 details in videos uploaded to his YouTube channel Front Page Tech. If you are not caught up on the lawsuit, read our initial coverage to learn more.
Earlier this week, Prosser told The Verge he has "been in active communications with Apple since the beginning stages of this case," despite Apple's attorneys indicating he missed his deadline to formally respond to the complaint. The court entered a default judgment against Prosser last week, citing his failure to respond.
"The notion that I'm ignoring the case is incorrect," said Prosser. "That's all I am able to say."
In a court document filed on Thursday, Apple's attorneys said they are aware that Prosser has "publicly acknowledged" the complaint. However, they said he "has not indicated whether he will file a response to it or, if so, by when."
As for Ramacciotti, Apple said he has agreed to respond to the complaint by October 29.
In a statement filed with the court, Ramacciotti's attorneys said he is "not a professional leaker," but rather "a lifelong Apple fanboy who failed to fully appreciate the value and proprietary nature of the information that he learned about iOS 26."
Ramacciotti had "no intent to monetize this information" when he contacted Prosser, they said.
Apple is concerned that Ramacciotti "intentionally deleted relevant evidence," including "several hundreds of thousands of text messages," after the company advised him of the need to preserve evidence on July 23. His attorneys disputed this assertion.
Apple and Ramacciotti have informally discussed a potential settlement, and these talks were "ongoing," according to the court filing on Thursday.
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Earlier this week, Prosser told The Verge he has "been in active communications with Apple since the beginning stages of this case," despite Apple's attorneys indicating he missed his deadline to formally respond to the complaint. The court entered a default judgment against Prosser last week, citing his failure to respond.
"The notion that I'm ignoring the case is incorrect," said Prosser. "That's all I am able to say."
In a court document filed on Thursday, Apple's attorneys said they are aware that Prosser has "publicly acknowledged" the complaint. However, they said he "has not indicated whether he will file a response to it or, if so, by when."
As for Ramacciotti, Apple said he has agreed to respond to the complaint by October 29.
In a statement filed with the court, Ramacciotti's attorneys said he is "not a professional leaker," but rather "a lifelong Apple fanboy who failed to fully appreciate the value and proprietary nature of the information that he learned about iOS 26."
Ramacciotti had "no intent to monetize this information" when he contacted Prosser, they said.
Apple is concerned that Ramacciotti "intentionally deleted relevant evidence," including "several hundreds of thousands of text messages," after the company advised him of the need to preserve evidence on July 23. His attorneys disputed this assertion.
Apple and Ramacciotti have informally discussed a potential settlement, and these talks were "ongoing," according to the court filing on Thursday.
Tag: Apple Lawsuits
Related Forum: iOS 26
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Deals: M5 iPad Pro up to $100 off, iPad Pro Magic Keyboard $140 off, 24GB M3 MacBook Air $750 off, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is kicking off with the first notable Amazon discounts on the new M5 iPad Pro. The most affordable 13-inch is $50 off and we have a higher-end 2TB model at $100 off the list price. Those offers join a chance to land the compatible Magic Keyboard at up to $140 off as well as this 24GB M3 MacBook Air at up to $750 off the original price, the return of Prime Day pricing on Apple’s 4-pack of AirTags ($16 each), and even more down below.
more…Apple holds special developer event touting immersive media experiences for Vision Pro
Coinciding with this week’s launch of Apple Vision Pro (M5), Apple held a special “Meet with Apple” event at its Developer Center in Cupertino focused on visionOS. Throughout the multi-day experience, Apple showed developers the best practices for creating immersive experiences for the spatial computing platform.
Apple invited developers to attend the event in-person this week, but it was also streamed live on YouTube.
more…The MacRumors Show: iPhone Air Is in Trouble
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the latest rumors about the iPhone Air not selling as well as Apple hoped.
There have been many recent reports suggesting the iPhone Air has failed to catch on with consumers, with Apple moving to cut production due to lower-than-expected sales. The first warning sign was the ready availability of the iPhone Air at launch, suggesting lower than expected demand.
Last week, Japan's Mizuho Securities said that Apple would reduce iPhone Air production by at least one million units because of underwhelming sales performance. Nikkei then reported that Apple planned to cut production significantly almost to "end-of-production levels."
KeyBanc Capital Markets said that there is "virtually no demand" for the iPhone Air and that Apple would "drastically" cut production as a result. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo then clarified that suppliers have been asked to reduce capacity by more than 80% between now and the first quarter of 2026, and some components with longer lead times will be discontinued by the end of 2025.
Samsung is apparently seeing a similar response to its super thin iPhone Air rival, the Galaxy S25 Edge. Reports indicate that Samsung canceled a next-generation model after disappointing sales.
According to Kuo, the iPhone Air's poor performance suggests that the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models already "cover the majority of high-end user demand," so there is little room for new market segments. All of the other new iPhones are all believed to be selling better than expected, with Apple increasing production of these models.
Apple apparently planned three more iPhone Air generations, but that could now change in light of real-world sales data. We could get yet another new iPhone form factor as soon as 2026, with rumors suggesting that Apple will debut a foldable model alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.
You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's all-new M5 chip and the three updated devices it announced containing it last week.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
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Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
There have been many recent reports suggesting the iPhone Air has failed to catch on with consumers, with Apple moving to cut production due to lower-than-expected sales. The first warning sign was the ready availability of the iPhone Air at launch, suggesting lower than expected demand.
Last week, Japan's Mizuho Securities said that Apple would reduce iPhone Air production by at least one million units because of underwhelming sales performance. Nikkei then reported that Apple planned to cut production significantly almost to "end-of-production levels."
KeyBanc Capital Markets said that there is "virtually no demand" for the iPhone Air and that Apple would "drastically" cut production as a result. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo then clarified that suppliers have been asked to reduce capacity by more than 80% between now and the first quarter of 2026, and some components with longer lead times will be discontinued by the end of 2025.
Samsung is apparently seeing a similar response to its super thin iPhone Air rival, the Galaxy S25 Edge. Reports indicate that Samsung canceled a next-generation model after disappointing sales.
According to Kuo, the iPhone Air's poor performance suggests that the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models already "cover the majority of high-end user demand," so there is little room for new market segments. All of the other new iPhones are all believed to be selling better than expected, with Apple increasing production of these models.
Apple apparently planned three more iPhone Air generations, but that could now change in light of real-world sales data. We could get yet another new iPhone form factor as soon as 2026, with rumors suggesting that Apple will debut a foldable model alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.
You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's all-new M5 chip and the three updated devices it announced containing it last week.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
Tag: The MacRumors Show
This article, "The MacRumors Show: iPhone Air Is in Trouble" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Could Apple's Rumored Budget MacBook Still Debut Before Year's End?
Apple this month updated the 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro with its next-generation M5 chip, but there's one rumored new Apple product in particular that many will still be hoping to see before the holidays.
Back in June, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is developing a "more affordable" 13-inch laptop to compete with Chromebooks and drive MacBook purchases. Kuo did not mention pricing, but he said that the new MacBook would use an A18 Pro chip, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro last year.
Using an iPhone chip would be a major divergence from Apple's usual strategy of using M-series chips in its Macs, but it makes sense from both a cost and performance perspective. The A18 Pro chip is around 40% slower than Apple's M4 chip, but its multi-core CPU performance is virtually identical to the M1 chip in the 2020 MacBook Air, and it even outperforms the M1 chip for graphics.
In August, DigiTimes reported that the low-cost MacBook will start between $599 and $699. The current 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $999 in the U.S., but Apple still sells the M1-powered 2020 MacBook Air for $649 through Walmart, so Apple could be eyeing the new machine as a like-for-like, budget-range replacement.
One thing to bear in mind is that the A18 Pro chip lacks Thunderbolt support, so the new MacBook would likely be equipped with regular USB-C ports. But that's unlikely to be a deal-breaker for customers seeking the most affordable Mac they can get their hands on. It's also unclear how much RAM would be included in the rumored MacBook, since the A18 Pro chip only has 8GB of RAM, whereas all current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models have a minimum of 16GB of RAM.
Apart from the internal specs, Kuo said the device is expected to have an ultra-thin and lightweight design, and that it could come in silver, blue, pink, and yellow finishes.
The analyst said the new MacBook would enter mass production toward the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 or early in the first quarter of 2026. DigiTimes reported that final assembly would take place in the fourth quarter, with the laptop becoming commercially available in late 2025 or early 2026, similar to Kuo's launch estimation.
The timelines suggest the device could still be announced before the year's end. That said, it's not clear whether Apple has any more announcements planned for 2025, though it isn't unusual for the company to announce new products in late October and even into November.
This article, "Could Apple's Rumored Budget MacBook Still Debut Before Year's End?" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Back in June, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is developing a "more affordable" 13-inch laptop to compete with Chromebooks and drive MacBook purchases. Kuo did not mention pricing, but he said that the new MacBook would use an A18 Pro chip, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro last year.
Using an iPhone chip would be a major divergence from Apple's usual strategy of using M-series chips in its Macs, but it makes sense from both a cost and performance perspective. The A18 Pro chip is around 40% slower than Apple's M4 chip, but its multi-core CPU performance is virtually identical to the M1 chip in the 2020 MacBook Air, and it even outperforms the M1 chip for graphics.
In August, DigiTimes reported that the low-cost MacBook will start between $599 and $699. The current 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $999 in the U.S., but Apple still sells the M1-powered 2020 MacBook Air for $649 through Walmart, so Apple could be eyeing the new machine as a like-for-like, budget-range replacement.
One thing to bear in mind is that the A18 Pro chip lacks Thunderbolt support, so the new MacBook would likely be equipped with regular USB-C ports. But that's unlikely to be a deal-breaker for customers seeking the most affordable Mac they can get their hands on. It's also unclear how much RAM would be included in the rumored MacBook, since the A18 Pro chip only has 8GB of RAM, whereas all current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models have a minimum of 16GB of RAM.
Apart from the internal specs, Kuo said the device is expected to have an ultra-thin and lightweight design, and that it could come in silver, blue, pink, and yellow finishes.
The analyst said the new MacBook would enter mass production toward the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 or early in the first quarter of 2026. DigiTimes reported that final assembly would take place in the fourth quarter, with the laptop becoming commercially available in late 2025 or early 2026, similar to Kuo's launch estimation.
The timelines suggest the device could still be announced before the year's end. That said, it's not clear whether Apple has any more announcements planned for 2025, though it isn't unusual for the company to announce new products in late October and even into November.
This article, "Could Apple's Rumored Budget MacBook Still Debut Before Year's End?" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Verizon launches new, affordable ‘Lite’ home internet plan
Verizon has just announced an entirely new ‘Lite’ home internet plan available for customers. Here are the details.
more…