ConnexionApple TV releasing Pluribus season finale early next week
It’s happening again. Pluribus viewers won’t have to wait a full week to see the conclusion to season one.
more…Vue lecture
Apple faces revived App Store antitrust class action at U.S. appeals court
Following U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ reversal of her own certification of a class action suit accusing Apple of monopolizing the iPhone app market, the case was put back in play today. Here are the details.
more…TikTok U.S. Sale to Oracle-Led Group Set to Close in January
TikTok has agreed to sell its U.S. operations to an investment group that includes Oracle, Silver Lake, and UAE-based company MGX, reports Axios. The "TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC" that includes the three companies will own 45 percent of TikTok, while ByteDance will keep close to 20 percent. Existing investors will continue to hold the remaining shares.
The U.S. group will handle U.S. data protection and content moderation, while also maintaining algorithm security. It has been tasked with retraining the content recommendation algorithm on U.S. user data to "ensure the content feed is free from outside manipulation." Oracle will be in charge of auditing and validating compliance with National Security Terms.
The agreement states that the USDS Joint Venture will "operate as an independent entity" that has authority over U.S. data protection, while TikTok's global U.S. entities will manage global product interoperability along with e-commerce, advertising, and marketing.
With the sale, TikTok will be able to continue operating in the United States while complying with the 2024 Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The act required TikTok parent company ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. operations to a non-Chinese company or be banned from operating in the United States.
TikTok was briefly banned in January, but Donald Trump signed an executive order granting an extension that brought it back. The ban has been extended multiple times since then to provide additional time for a deal to be established. The agreement is set to go into effect on January 22.
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The U.S. group will handle U.S. data protection and content moderation, while also maintaining algorithm security. It has been tasked with retraining the content recommendation algorithm on U.S. user data to "ensure the content feed is free from outside manipulation." Oracle will be in charge of auditing and validating compliance with National Security Terms.
The agreement states that the USDS Joint Venture will "operate as an independent entity" that has authority over U.S. data protection, while TikTok's global U.S. entities will manage global product interoperability along with e-commerce, advertising, and marketing.
With the sale, TikTok will be able to continue operating in the United States while complying with the 2024 Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The act required TikTok parent company ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. operations to a non-Chinese company or be banned from operating in the United States.
TikTok was briefly banned in January, but Donald Trump signed an executive order granting an extension that brought it back. The ban has been extended multiple times since then to provide additional time for a deal to be established. The agreement is set to go into effect on January 22.
Tag: TikTok
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After years of drama, TikTok’s U.S. sale is set to close next month
Stop us if you’ve heard this before, but it appears that the TikTok sale odyssey may be about to wrap up. Here are the details.
more…AirPods Pro 3's Static and Noise Issues Haven't Been Resolved
Since the AirPods Pro 3 launched, there have been complaints from users who have noticed a static-like sound or a crackling issue when using the earbuds, particularly when Active Noise Cancellation is on but no media is playing. Users have also run into strange high-pitched whistling sounds that happen intermittently.
We shared the issues back in late October, and despite two subsequent firmware updates, the problems haven't been solved. Apple released AirPods Pro 3 firmware version 8B25 in November, and firmware version 8B30 on December 10.
Feedback from users who have installed the firmware updates indicate that the noise issues have not been addressed. Affected users are hearing static noises with Active Noise Cancellation on, sometimes with media playing and sometimes without. There have also been reports of problems with latency and sound syncing when watching videos.
Some AirPods Pro 3 users have had their AirPods replaced by Apple, but replacement earbuds have had the same issue, so it's not clear if there is a hardware fix for the problem.
Apple's latest firmware updates have not provided details on what's included, specifying only "bug fixes and other improvements."
This article, "AirPods Pro 3's Static and Noise Issues Haven't Been Resolved" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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We shared the issues back in late October, and despite two subsequent firmware updates, the problems haven't been solved. Apple released AirPods Pro 3 firmware version 8B25 in November, and firmware version 8B30 on December 10.
Feedback from users who have installed the firmware updates indicate that the noise issues have not been addressed. Affected users are hearing static noises with Active Noise Cancellation on, sometimes with media playing and sometimes without. There have also been reports of problems with latency and sound syncing when watching videos.
Some AirPods Pro 3 users have had their AirPods replaced by Apple, but replacement earbuds have had the same issue, so it's not clear if there is a hardware fix for the problem.
Apple's latest firmware updates have not provided details on what's included, specifying only "bug fixes and other improvements."
This article, "AirPods Pro 3's Static and Noise Issues Haven't Been Resolved" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Following sweeping App Store changes, AltStore PAL launches in Japan
Japanese users can now download AltStore PAL and sideload apps on their iPhones and iPads. Here’s how.
more…DuckDuckGo’s AI platform can now generate images
The new Duck.ai feature, still in beta, adheres to DuckDuckGo’s privacy-first approach to AI and to search in general. Here are the details.
more…Security Bite: This app tells you if your Mac’s webcam or mic was triggered while you were away
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple.
The Mac’s built-in green LED privacy indicator—paired with those displayed on-screen in macOS—do a solid job of alerting users in real time when the webcam or microphone is active. When you’re actively working on your Mac, they’re hard to miss. But that protection assumes you’re actually there to see the privacy indicators light up.
What happens when you’re away from your Mac and malware triggers the camera or microphone to quietly record or eavesdrop—without you being there to notice the green light? How would you ever know?
Well, there’s an app for that.
more…Fortnite Not Coming to iOS in Japan as Epic Games CEO Accuses Apple of 'Obstruction and Lawbreaking'
Epic Games is not going to bring Fortnite to iOS in Japan as promised because of the fees imposed by Apple's new App Store rules, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said on social media. Sweeney complained that Apple did not comply with Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act "honestly" and instead "launched another travesty of obstruction and lawbreaking in gross disrespect to the government and people of Japan."
Back in 2024 when the MSCA passed, Sweeney said that Epic would launch Fortnite in Japan in late 2025. He made the announcement before he was aware of how Apple planned to comply with the MSCA.
Sweeney accused Apple of charging "competition-crushing" junk fees, including a five percent fee on revenue from apps distributed through alternate app marketplaces. Epic Games would need to pay Apple a five percent fee on all revenue generated via game purchases made through an Epic Games Store in Japan, or 15 percent on digital purchases through a web link if the Fortnite app were to be distributed through the App Store.
Sweeney said that Epic Games plans to raise complaints with the Japanese Fair Trade Commission.
Apple says that it worked with Japanese regulators when establishing its new rules to comply with the MSCA, so it is not clear if Epic Games will be able to persuade Japan to implement more stringent restrictions.
Japan's rules allow Apple to be compensated for its intellectual property, and Japan's interoperability rules allow Apple to refuse requests in situations where privacy and security would be compromised. Along with allowing for alternative app marketplaces, the MSCA adds support for alternate payment methods and allows Japanese users to set new functionality for the iPhone's Side Button.
Epic Games was able to bring the Epic Games Store to the European Union, but Apple does have a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for marketplaces there, too. The Core Technology Fee will transition to a five percent Core Technology Commission for all developers in the EU starting on January 1, 2026, so the fees will be very similar to the Japan fees.
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Back in 2024 when the MSCA passed, Sweeney said that Epic would launch Fortnite in Japan in late 2025. He made the announcement before he was aware of how Apple planned to comply with the MSCA.
Sweeney accused Apple of charging "competition-crushing" junk fees, including a five percent fee on revenue from apps distributed through alternate app marketplaces. Epic Games would need to pay Apple a five percent fee on all revenue generated via game purchases made through an Epic Games Store in Japan, or 15 percent on digital purchases through a web link if the Fortnite app were to be distributed through the App Store.
Obviously, real competition won't happen, and consumers won't benefit, when Apple abuses its position between users and competitors to obstruct honest dealing between them. This is another sad day in the history of relationships between platform makers, developers, and consumers, and we will be raising our complaints with the Japanese Fair Trade Commission.
Sweeney said that Epic Games plans to raise complaints with the Japanese Fair Trade Commission.
Apple says that it worked with Japanese regulators when establishing its new rules to comply with the MSCA, so it is not clear if Epic Games will be able to persuade Japan to implement more stringent restrictions.
Japan's rules allow Apple to be compensated for its intellectual property, and Japan's interoperability rules allow Apple to refuse requests in situations where privacy and security would be compromised. Along with allowing for alternative app marketplaces, the MSCA adds support for alternate payment methods and allows Japanese users to set new functionality for the iPhone's Side Button.
Epic Games was able to bring the Epic Games Store to the European Union, but Apple does have a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for marketplaces there, too. The Core Technology Fee will transition to a five percent Core Technology Commission for all developers in the EU starting on January 1, 2026, so the fees will be very similar to the Japan fees.
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‘Beat the Reaper’: Apple TV picks up new dramedy, starring Will Poulter
Apple confirmed today that it will adapt Josh Bazell’s 2009 debut novel “Beat the Reaper” for Apple TV. Here are the details.
more…Apple Quietly Discontinued Flyover City Tours in Apple Maps
Apple Maps no longer offers a Flyover feature that provides users with automated tours of notable landmarks in major cities. The Flyover option appears to have been nixed around when iOS 26 launched, but its removal went largely unnoticed.
Flyover city tours were introduced in 2014 with iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite, using Flyover imagery to generate an aerial tour. Most cities with Flyover imagery supported the tour feature, but it may not have been used often since Apple was able to quietly discontinue it.
Flyover imagery has not been removed and over 350 cities continue to have 3D Flyover imagery that highlights landmarks, parks, important buildings, and more with a bird's-eye view.
Apple uses imagery collected with small military-grade planes that created detailed maps of buildings from above for Flyover. The feature is not available in some areas due to privacy and security concerns.
Flyover city tours used to be accessible by tapping on the Flyover icon when searching for a city, but that option has now been removed.
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Flyover city tours were introduced in 2014 with iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite, using Flyover imagery to generate an aerial tour. Most cities with Flyover imagery supported the tour feature, but it may not have been used often since Apple was able to quietly discontinue it.
Flyover imagery has not been removed and over 350 cities continue to have 3D Flyover imagery that highlights landmarks, parks, important buildings, and more with a bird's-eye view.
Apple uses imagery collected with small military-grade planes that created detailed maps of buildings from above for Flyover. The feature is not available in some areas due to privacy and security concerns.
Flyover city tours used to be accessible by tapping on the Flyover icon when searching for a city, but that option has now been removed.
Tag: Apple Maps
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Here’s why you may have to wait until 2027 to get an iPhone Fold
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently made a rare appearance on the MacroMicro podcast, where he shared some new information regarding the iPhone Fold’s production timeline. Here are the details.
more…iOS 26.2 makes one of my favorite Apple Watch features even more useful
One of my favorite Apple Watch features introduced this year is Sleep Score. Sleep is a crucial part of life, and this feature gives you a look at three different facets of it: duration, bedtime, and interruptions.
With this week’s launch of iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2, it just got even more useful.
more…ChatGPT just made it way easier to find important conversations
OpenAI is on a streak when it comes to releasing user experience improvements to ChatGPT. The latest update will make finding important conversations much easier.
more…Apple builds single AI model that can see, create and edit images
Building on a previous model called UniGen, a team of Apple researchers is showcasing UniGen 1.5, a system that can handle image understanding, generation, and editing within a single model. Here are the details.
more…macOS Tahoe Bug Causes Studio Display Flickering Issues
macOS Tahoe introduced a bug that causes a Studio Display connected to a Mac to flicker every so often, and subsequent updates only seem to have made the issue worse.
Mac users with the Studio Display have been complaining about intermittent flickering since the update launched in September. There are also complaints from users who have other kinds of displays, so it might be a bug that is affecting more than one type of external monitor.
We have experienced this issue with a MacBook Pro running macOS Tahoe connected to a Studio Display, and the macOS Tahoe 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 updates haven't improved the situation at all. In fact, the flickering seems to be getting worse in recent days.
Flickering happens most often when switching between apps that feature stark white backgrounds, or scrolling through webpages on light backgrounds. Any app can cause the flickering, and sometimes it just seems to be random. When flickering occurs, it's typically a brief flicker, but the display can also flicker several times in a row for a few seconds at a time. Switching from dark content to light content can almost always trigger a flicker on affected machines.
It's not clear what is causing the issue, but given that multiple Studio Display owners are experiencing it, it's likely some kind of software issue that could be addressed with new Studio Display firmware rather than a hardware problem.
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Mac users with the Studio Display have been complaining about intermittent flickering since the update launched in September. There are also complaints from users who have other kinds of displays, so it might be a bug that is affecting more than one type of external monitor.
We have experienced this issue with a MacBook Pro running macOS Tahoe connected to a Studio Display, and the macOS Tahoe 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 updates haven't improved the situation at all. In fact, the flickering seems to be getting worse in recent days.
Flickering happens most often when switching between apps that feature stark white backgrounds, or scrolling through webpages on light backgrounds. Any app can cause the flickering, and sometimes it just seems to be random. When flickering occurs, it's typically a brief flicker, but the display can also flicker several times in a row for a few seconds at a time. Switching from dark content to light content can almost always trigger a flicker on affected machines.
It's not clear what is causing the issue, but given that multiple Studio Display owners are experiencing it, it's likely some kind of software issue that could be addressed with new Studio Display firmware rather than a hardware problem.
Related Roundup: macOS Tahoe 26
Related Forum: macOS Tahoe
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Apple updates developer agreement with new privacy rules, Japan-specific terms, more
Apple has added new provisions to multiple sections of its Developer Program License Agreement, including Japan-specific terms, following yesterday’s announcement of changes to the App Store. Here’s what’s new.
more…AltStore Available in Japan One Day After Apple Enables Alternative App Marketplaces
Just a day after Apple announced alternative app marketplace support for iOS users in Japan, AltStore PAL has launched in the country.
iPhone users in Japan can download the alternative app marketplace from the AltStore website, and then use the AltStore to download apps without having to go through Apple's App Store. Prospective AltStore users need to be physically located in Japan, and have a Japanese App Store account. Devices also need to be running iOS 26.2 or later.
AltStore developer Riley Testut said that Apple did not provide a heads up about the App Store rule changes that went into effect yesterday, but the marketplace was able to launch within a few hours because it has been live in the European Union for months now.
To celebrate AltStore PAL's launch in Japan, users can get a month of free Patreon access with patron-exclusive features. AltStore is free to download, but the AltStore Patreon provides access to beta updates for the popular Delta game emulator.
Along with Delta, AltStore PAL offers several other apps created by independent developers, some of which have functionality that's not allowed in the standard App Store. Apps distributed through AltStore PAL are able to monetize through Patreon subscriptions.
Apple is allowing alternative app marketplaces to meet the requirements of the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) that went into effect on December 18. Marketplace apps are required to pay Apple a five percent Core Technology Commission.
Alternative app marketplaces require authorization from Apple to operate, and are able to distribute apps that have also been notarized by Apple. The notarization process checks for basic functionality and ensures that apps do not include malware, but marketplace apps are not subject to the same content requirements, and Apple has little content oversight.
This article, "AltStore Available in Japan One Day After Apple Enables Alternative App Marketplaces" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iPhone users in Japan can download the alternative app marketplace from the AltStore website, and then use the AltStore to download apps without having to go through Apple's App Store. Prospective AltStore users need to be physically located in Japan, and have a Japanese App Store account. Devices also need to be running iOS 26.2 or later.
AltStore developer Riley Testut said that Apple did not provide a heads up about the App Store rule changes that went into effect yesterday, but the marketplace was able to launch within a few hours because it has been live in the European Union for months now.
To celebrate AltStore PAL's launch in Japan, users can get a month of free Patreon access with patron-exclusive features. AltStore is free to download, but the AltStore Patreon provides access to beta updates for the popular Delta game emulator.
Along with Delta, AltStore PAL offers several other apps created by independent developers, some of which have functionality that's not allowed in the standard App Store. Apps distributed through AltStore PAL are able to monetize through Patreon subscriptions.
Apple is allowing alternative app marketplaces to meet the requirements of the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) that went into effect on December 18. Marketplace apps are required to pay Apple a five percent Core Technology Commission.
Alternative app marketplaces require authorization from Apple to operate, and are able to distribute apps that have also been notarized by Apple. The notarization process checks for basic functionality and ensures that apps do not include malware, but marketplace apps are not subject to the same content requirements, and Apple has little content oversight.
This article, "AltStore Available in Japan One Day After Apple Enables Alternative App Marketplaces" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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9to5Mac Daily: December 18, 2025 – iOS 26.3 beta testing begins
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.
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Apple's New M5 MacBook Pro Hits $1,349.99 on Amazon ($249 Off)
Amazon today has dropped the price of the new M5 MacBook Pro to $1,349.99, down from $1,599.00. This is the 10-Core model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, and it's a match of the all-time low price on the M5 MacBook Pro.
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.
Additionally, the 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro has hit $1,549.99 on Amazon, which is another $249 discount on the notebook. Both models have estimated delivery dates that are after Christmas, but if you've been waiting for a return of the best prices we've ever seen on these models, now's definitely a good time to buy.
This version of the MacBook Pro just launched in October and it comes with the newest M5 chip, which offers up to 15% faster CPU performance and up to 45% faster graphics when compared to the M4 chip. 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 this holiday season? 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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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.
Additionally, the 16GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro has hit $1,549.99 on Amazon, which is another $249 discount on the notebook. Both models have estimated delivery dates that are after Christmas, but if you've been waiting for a return of the best prices we've ever seen on these models, now's definitely a good time to buy.
This version of the MacBook Pro just launched in October and it comes with the newest M5 chip, which offers up to 15% faster CPU performance and up to 45% faster graphics when compared to the M4 chip. 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 this holiday season? 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
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Why iPhone Air feels removed from time
When Apple released the radically new iPhone X in 2017, it marked the beginning of a years long march into a new era of iPhone design. A year later, iPhone XR replaced the legacy iPhone 8, bringing a corner to corner display, Face ID, and the gesture based experience that largely retired big bezels and the Home button.
Eight years later, iPhone Air stands as the closest thing Apple has delivered to another iPhone X moment. The leap is narrower in scope, but no less intentional. Where iPhone X reset expectations across the entire lineup, iPhone Air represents a deliberate divergence. Its ultra thin design favors a futuristic feel over feature maximalism, carving out a distinct place alongside Apple’s more traditional models.
iPhone Air is also expected to remain on the market longer than iPhone X did. Apple replaced iPhone X with iPhone XS in less than a year. iPhone Air, on the other hand, has a looser relationship with time.
more…Google Pixel tweaks emoji designs to match iPhone in latest Android 16 beta [Gallery]
As a part of the Android 16 QPR3 beta update that rolled out to Google Pixel phones yesterday, Google has also updated its emoji set to include a few refreshed designs ahead of a larger update to come.
more…Deals: AirPods Pro 3 $199, 24GB M5 MacBook Pro $250 off, M3 iPad Air $200 off, black Trail Loop, more
Just when you thought the Apple deals were about to start ramping down ahead of the holidays, Amazon has announced a M4 MacBook Air back at $250 off and the most affordable 24GB M5 MacBook Pro at $250 off, but we also spotted a new all-time low on the most affordable M3 iPad Air models at $200 off, and the 2025 black Apple Trail Loop at its best price to date too. Head below for a closer look, AirTag price drops, smart home gear, chargers, and more.
more…iPhone roadmap rumors, iOS 26.2 released, Apple Music in ChatGPT
Benjamin and Chance discuss the late-in-the-year public launch of iOS 26.2, and the beginning of the 26.3 beta cycle. The Information has some juicy new details about the forthcoming iPhone roadmap, ChatGPT adds a clever Apple Music integration, and Chance tried using the PSVR2 spatial controllers with his Vision Pro.
And in Happy Hour Plus, there’s more tantalizing evidence of a higher-end iMac in the works. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.
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