Kwikset today announced the Aura Reach, a smart lock that offers Matter over Thread and Bluetooth connectivity. With Matter, the lock is able to connect to HomeKit, allowing it to be controlled through Apple Home or with Siri voice commands.


The Aura Reach supports hands-free auto unlock, proximity keypad wakeup, and a guided installation process for easy setup. It is able to be activated alongside other ‌HomeKit‌ and Matter devices using automations in the Apple Home app.

Users can set up temporary access codes for guests, track entry history, and get alerts if someone attempts to use an invalid code. The lock incorporates the Kwikset SmartKey Security, so it can be rekeyed in seconds. The lock is available in satin nickel and black color options.

Unlike some of the higher-end smart locks that have been coming out at CES, the Aura Reach does not include UWB, nor does it work with Apple's Home Key feature.

The Aura Reach is one of several Matter-enabled smart locks in Kwikset's lineup, including the Halo Select and Halo Select Plus. Compared to those locks, it lacks Wi-Fi, Home Key, and door sensing technology that's able to determine whether a door is open or closed.

The Aura Reach is priced at $189 and is available from major retailers like Amazon starting today.
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OWC today announced the launch of a fully certified 2-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable, which OWC says is the longest Thunderbolt 5 cable available for Macs and PCs.


The cable has been certified by Thunderbolt and independent testing labs, and it meets the full Thunderbolt 5 specification. It offers up to 80Gb/s bi-directional data performance, up to 120Gb/s video streaming performance for multiple displays, and 240W power delivery.

The 2-meter cable is priced at $80, and it joins OWC's other Thunderbolt 5 cables in 0.3m, 0.8m, and 1m lengths. It is available from the OWC website.

At CES, OWC is also debuting an 8TB Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD that supports transfer speeds of up to 6000MB/s, and a capacity expansion for the ThunderBlade X12 RAID SSD. It now supports up to 12 16TB SSDs for up to 192TB of storage, double the prior limit.
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Samsung announced a refreshed Odyssey gaming display lineup for CES 2026, which includes five updated models with higher resolutions and refresh rates.


The new 32-inch Odyssey G9 is a 6K 3D display that doesn't require glasses to see the 3D effect. Samsung says the monitor uses real-time eye tracking to adjust depth and perspective in response to the viewer's position, providing a layered sense of dimension with no need for a headset.

The Odyssey G9 features a 165Hz refresh rate that's enhanced to 330Hz with Dual Mode, and 1ms gray-to-gray response time for minimal motion blur and ghosting. Samsung says that PC gamers will have access to an expanded lineup of supported titles with 3D effects created in collaboration with game studios, so it's unclear if the 3D functionality will be available for Macs.

Either way, games will not natively support 3D functionality, and game designers will need to optimize their games for the technology. The first games that will offer support include The First Berserker: Khazan, Lies of P: Overture, and Stellar Blade. According to Samsung, gamers can expect added dimensionality that enhances terrain, distance, and object separation compared to standard 2D gameplay.

Samsung's 27-inch Odyssey G6 display offers a 600Hz refresh rate enhanced to 1,040Hz through Dual Mode for competitive gaming. Players will be able to better track targets and see fine details during high-speed movement. The G6 is compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.

There are also several new Odyssey G8 displays, including a 32-inch 6K model with a 165Hz refresh rate, a 27-inch 5K model with a 180Hz refresh rate, and a 32-inch OLED model with a 240Hz refresh rate.

More information on Samsung's Odyssey display lineup can be found on the Samsung website. Samsung has not yet announced pricing for the new displays.
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Back in June, Google surprisingly brought back Snapseed but only on iOS. The app’s latest update introduces a retro “Snapseed Camera” for iPhone users.

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Twelve South today announced a new Valet tray with Qi2-certified wireless charging that combines 15W magnetic charging with a leather-lined catch-all for everyday items.


The Valet features Qi2 wireless charging, delivering up to 15W of power to compatible iPhone models and other Qi2 devices. It also includes a USB-C port capable of supplying up to 15W of power to a second device. It is concealed beneath the base of the tray to reduce visible cables. The Valet is powered via a USB-C port with a braided cable.

The tray is built around a weighted zinc alloy base for stability and is wrapped in Nappa leather. The charging pad itself is raised slightly above the tray surface, creating a defined area for phone placement while leaving the surrounding space available for other personal items.

Valet is available with black or taupe leather as standard, while the outer metal frame is removable and can be swapped independently of the main body, with options for black, taupe, brown, or ecru inserts.

There is an integrated cable management system in the base, enabling the Valet to be oriented in four different configurations. This allows the wireless charging pad to be positioned on the left or right side of the tray, or the entire unit to be rotated into a portrait orientation for narrower surfaces.

A small status light provides visual confirmation that a device has begun charging. The light briefly pulses when charging starts and then fades out after eight seconds.

Valet is available for pre-order in the United States for $179.99, with launch scheduled for January 15, 2026. International availability is planned for later in 2026.
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Apple released iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 last month, and it turns out the updates were hiding a Wi-Fi improvement. The changes mean that select Mac and iPad users might notice faster Wi-Fi speeds, file transfers, and more.

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Last week, Apple kicked off its annual New Year Sale in Japan with an array of offerings, including a limited-edition AirTag.

Now, Apple’s Lunar New Year sale has started, and it’s headlined by a limited-edition version of AirPods Pro 3 with a special Year of the Horse emoji on the case. Here’s where you can buy them…

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With the release of iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2, Apple has improved the Wi-Fi speeds for select Macs and iPads that support Wi-Fi 6E. Updated Wi-Fi connectivity specifications are listed in Apple's platform deployment guide.


The M4 iPad Pro models, M3 iPad Air models, A17 Pro iPad mini, M2 to M5 MacBook Pro models, ‌M2‌, M3, and M4 MacBook Air models, and other Wi-Fi 6E Macs and iPads now support 160MHz maximum channel bandwidth when connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, the same theoretical maximum throughput supported by 6GHz networks. Previously, these devices were limited to 80MHz.

In ideal conditions, a 160MHz maximum means that iPad and Mac users should see faster file transfers, quicker uploads, and smoother streaming. Wi-Fi 6E devices can take advantage of 6GHz networks, but 5GHz networks remain far more common. 6GHz networks require new router hardware, along with a machine that can take advantage of a 6GHz network.

With the upgrade, Wi-Fi 6E devices that connect to a 5GHz network can get throughput approaching peak 6GHz speeds without having to connect to a 6GHz network. Users who have a Wi-Fi 6 or 6E setup that supports 160MHz on 5GHz networks will be able to take advantage of the bandwidth improvement. Macs that have the updated 160MHz bandwidth limit will not see improvements when connected to 5GHz routers limited to 80MHz.

Though 5GHz bandwidth has improved on select Macs and iPads, 6GHz networks still have the benefit of less congestion and more spectrum.

(Thanks, Johnie!)
This article, "iPadOS and macOS 26.2 Double 5GHz Wi-Fi Bandwidth for Wi-Fi 6E Devices" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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For the first time in five years, the MacBook Pro is rumored to get a major redesign later this year with significant feature upgrades too. I’m excited by what’s coming, but there’s one change that may not be for everyone.

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Pioneer today announced a new in-dash receiver that supports Dolby Atmos audio playback within Apple CarPlay, extending the feature into the aftermarket category for the first time.


Apple has supported Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio across much of its ecosystem since 2021, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod, and Apple Music. In vehicles, however, Dolby Atmos playback through Apple ‌CarPlay‌ has depended on automakers integrating compatible audio hardware, resulting in availability being restricted to a relatively small number of high-end models. Pioneer's new SPHERA in-dash receiver makes Atmos-capable ‌CarPlay‌ available to a much broader base of drivers through aftermarket installation.

The system uses a vehicle's existing speaker setup rather than requiring specialized or factory-installed Atmos hardware. The company says the receiver uses an optimized four-channel configuration that works with standard front and rear speakers, allowing spatial audio playback without additional height or ceiling-mounted speakers.

Pioneer's proprietary Pure Autotuning technology is designed to address the acoustic variability of vehicle interiors, accounting for different sizes, shapes, materials, and speaker placements. It automatically adjusts time alignment, frequency response, and channel levels to place the listener at what Pioneer calls the acoustic center position.

The receiver itself features a 10.1-inch HD capacitive touchscreen and supports wireless ‌CarPlay‌, wireless Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The interface includes a split-screen mode that allows navigation to remain visible while drivers access audio controls or system functions.

SPHERA is designed for universal aftermarket installation and can be fitted to a wide variety of vehicles with minimal modification. Pioneer announced it at CES 2026 and said the receiver will be available starting in the spring, with pricing starting at $1,300.
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iPadOS 26 is a major update for productivity, but it also introduces several new iPad apps for users, my favorite of which is Apple’s Journal app.

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Apple has designed a limited edition version of the AirPods Pro 3 to celebrate Lunar New Year, and customers in select countries can purchase them starting today. The Year of the Horse Special Edition ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ feature a unique horse emoji character that's otherwise unavailable.


Customers in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore are able to buy the AirPods, and they'll be available as long as supplies last. Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17 in 2026.

Apple designs special edition AirPods with a custom engraving each year. There have been limited edition AirPods to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, Year of the Ox, Year of the Tiger, Year of the Rabbit, and Year of the Snake.

The special edition ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ are identical to the standard ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ and the pricing is the same. The only thing that's different is the engraving. Apple released the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ in 2025, introducing improved sound, better Active Noise Cancellation, an updated fit, and heart rate sensing. Orders placed today will begin shipping out to customers on January 8.

Along with special edition ‌AirPods Pro 3‌, Apple is also selling a selection of Year of the Horse-themed accessories, such as iPhone cases, power banks, AirTag covers, organizers, and travel chargers.
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LISEN has been one of my favorite recent brands that I’ve been watching. The company’s new 3-in-1 charger is a really nice addition to its lineup. One of the things I love most about it is the foldable design, which is somewhat unique for most MagSafe charging setups. It can charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, and also includes Qi2 support. I have a new office setup, this is the one I am using next to my laptop.

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The annual CES tech event kicks off this week, with all kinds of companies showing off new products that are going to launch throughout 2026. Unsurprisingly, AI is the theme of this year's show, and almost everything you can think of is getting an artificial intelligence upgrade.


We sent MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera to CES to check out what's new, and our first video covers the CES Unveiled preview event that happens before the show begins, along with some new Samsung products.

Samsung is showing off its latest smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold. Instead of just folding in two like a book, it has three folds, so it goes from 6.5 inches when closed to 10 inches when opened up. With the extra fold, it looks and feels much more like a tablet, and there's a lot of screen real estate for multitasking, playing games, and watching content. When it's closed up, it's thick, but still pocketable.

Most of Samsung's other devices like TVs are getting iterative updates and AI support with the new Vision AI Companion. The AI can answer questions about content on the screen, provide recommendations on what to watch or listen to, suggest what to eat, and give recipes from food you see on TV. There are also intuitive AI modes to personalize the viewing experience, tweaking picture and sound controls.

Samsung debuted a 130-inch microRGB TV with its most impressive color spectrum to date, updated OLED Frame TVs with realistic art, a record player with an animated display, and Movingstyle displays that are meant to detach from a base so they can be taken around the home.

Samsung's smart home integration is getting an AI update that allows smart home products to be activated based on sleeping metrics collected by the Galaxy Watch. If the watch detects that the wearer is too hot, it can turn on the AC. Or if the room is dry, it's able to turn on a connected humidifier. For gamers, Samsung showed off new Odyssey gaming displays, including the 6K Odyssey G9.

There were multiple fun and unusual products at CES Unveiled, like the $8,500 4D Falcon Massage Chair from Bodyfriend. It looks like a mech suit chair hybrid device, and it offers custom massage profiles with built-in leg and arm stretching functionality. It includes zero gravity recline, hand acupressure pads, and 36 airbags.

The $120 Ostation from Olight is able to recharge up to 32 AA batteries at one time, testing to ensure they're functional. There's also a version for AAA batteries, and both are handy if you use a lot of these battery types.

LiberNovo was showing off the $930 Omni desk chair, a dynamic ergonomic chair that senses the curve of your back and adapts automatically to offer support. It includes an adaptive neckrest and movable armrests that shift when the user leans back.

Belkin has some useful new charging products, including a $65 Qi2.2 3-in-1 charging dock and a Qi2.2 power bank that has an extra magnet so you can still use wallets, grips, or stands. Qi2.2 charges devices at up to 25W, just like MagSafe.

The $500 HoverAir Drone is a compact drone with a built-in high-resolution camera and stabilization, so it's like having a tiny film crew for video recording. It has covered rotors, so it's safe to use indoors.

Withings debuted a next-generation $600 Body Scan scale that's able to measure more than 60 biomarkers. It monitors heart pumping efficiency, cellular health, and metabolic function with eight EKG-capable electrodes on the scale surface and four in a retractable handle.

CES Unveiled also included a bunch of AI companion robots like the Tombot, a lifelike robotic dog with interactive sensors, real puppy sounds, and voice control. It's meant to offer emotional support without the need for traditional pet care, but it's not available for purchase yet.

We'll be covering more CES highlights throughout the week, so make sure to stay tuned, and check out our CES 2026 hub for all of our coverage.
This article, "CES 2026 Day 1: AI for Everything" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple’s long-delayed AI upgrades for Siri are set to finally launch this year. Here’s the expected release date for the new and improved Siri.

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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 9to5Mac Daily Plus: Get ad-free versions of every episode by visiting 9to5mac.com/join. 

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Anker announced a new series of products at CES this week, and most of them will begin rolling out to customers later in January. A few of these devices, including the Nano Docking Station and 45W Nano Charger, have pre-order discounts on Anker's website, and we're also tracking big discounts in Anker's New Year's sale.

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.

Normally $39.99, early adopters of the 45W Nano Charger can get it for $29.99 this week with Anker's automatically applied coupon code. As of writing, all colors are in stock except for the orange option.



The new 45W Nano Charger features a Smart Display and a 180-degree foldable plug to ensure the display always faces where you want it to regardless of plug orientation. The accessory can also identify an iPhone model and provide the appropriate amount of power for fast charging while protecting battery health.



You can also get the new Nano Docking Station for the discounted price of $109.69 when pre-ordering, down from $149.99. This accessory includes a built-in removable hub so some features are available on-the-go. It supports three displays with up to a 4K resolution over DisplayPort and HDMI, and it offers 100W charging and 10Gb/s data transfer.


Lastly, Anker is hosting a big New Year's sale this week, with up to 38 percent off popular charging accessories. In addition to the automatically applied discounts on each item, Anker is providing $10 off orders over $99, $15 off orders over $139, and $20 off orders over $179.

Anker Chargers

• Nano II 65W Charger - $25.99, down from $39.99


• Nano Wireless Car Charger - $39.99, down from $59.99


• 6-Port 200W Prime Charging Station - $59.99, down from $79.99


• 3-Port 67W Wall Charger (2-Pack) - $74.79, down from $99.98


• 13-in-1 Nano Docking Station - $109.69, down from $149.99


• 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station - $129.71, down from $199.99


• 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station - $145.98, down from $229.99

Anker SOLIX

• Anker 521 PowerHouse (300W) - $129.99, down from $249.99


• Anker 535 PowerHouse (500W) - $249.00, down from $649.99


• SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $469.99, down from $799.00


• SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 + Solar Panel - $619.99, down from $1,298.00


• SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $719.99, down from $1,498.00


• SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station - $1,199.00, down from $2,599.00


• SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station - $2,199.99, down from $3,999.00


• SOLIX F3000 + Expansion Battery + Solar Panel - $2,199.00, down from $5,397.00


• SOLIX F3800 Plus Smart Home Power Kit - $5,798.00, down from $8,897.00

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Apple is moving its store in Downtown Montréal, with the new location set to open on Friday, January 16, at 10 a.m. local time, according to iPhone in Canada.


The new store will be in a historic building at the northeast corner of Rue Saint-Catherine and Rue de la Montagne in Montréal, the most populous city in the Canadian province of Québec. Apple renovated the building over the past few years.

To celebrate the new store, Apple has made a custom wallpaper for the Mac and iPhone available on the store page for a limited time.

As another way of celebrating, Apple collaborated with Montréal-based artist Catherine Potvin, who created the special artwork that will be visible on the store's facade until the grand opening. At the store, customers who make a purchase can receive a complimentary Apple Store bag illustrated by Potvin at the following times:

• Friday, January 16 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.


• Saturday, January 17 between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Apple's existing Sainte-Catherine store opened in 2008, and the new location is very close by.


As spotted by designer Filip Chudzinski, Apple has announced that its Baybrook store in Friendswood, Texas, a suburb of Houston, will also be reopening in its original location on Friday, January 16, at 10 a.m. local time. Apple operated a temporary store inside the shopping mall while it renovated the original location.
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Apple Vision Pro owners will be able to watch live basketball games in the Apple Immersive format starting on Friday, January 9, Apple said today.


Apple is partnering with Spectrum to air Los Angeles Lakers games in 3D in the Spectrum SportsNet and NBA apps. The Apple Immersive basketball games will be available to Vision Pro users in the Lakers' regional broadcast territory, which includes Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of southern Nevada. Viewers will need Spectrum internet or a provider with a package that includes Spectrum SportsNet.

For ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ users in other areas, Apple Immersive replays and highlights will be available nationwide and in select international markets where the Vision Pro is available (Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan will not have access). The first game replay will be available on Sunday, January 11. Replays are watchable by any ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ user with a free NBA ID.

Apple says that the Spectrum Front Row Apple Immersive experience features a feed of up to 150Mb/s with seven unique viewing angles. Views include the scorer's table, the area beneath each basket, a high-and-wide view of the arena, the player tunnel, the broadcast booth, and a roaming courtside perspective for interviews and commentary from Mark Rogondino and former Lakers forward Danny Green.

Viewers will be able to watch each pass, shot, and block up close, with in-game graphics like player rosters, shot clocks, and scores in 3D as if they're floating right in front of the viewer. Spatial Audio will make viewers feel as if they're watching right from the court.

Apple Immersive Lakers games will air on January 9, February 5, February 20, March 5, March 10, and March 30, with times and a full schedule available on Apple's website.
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Back in October, Apple announced that select Lakers NBA games would stream in Apple Immersive video on Apple Vision Pro in 2026. Today, Apple and Spectrum have published the full schedule of Apple Immersive games.

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Pioneer was first to bring Apple CarPlay to existing cars in 2014, and now the company is pulling off another CarPlay first.

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Alongside an influx of new product releases and reveals courtesy of CES 2026, we are ready to kick off the new year with our first 9to5Toys Lunch Break of 2026. We have $100 off iPad mini 7 and $100 off Apple Watch Series 11 models alongside the return of he best price to date on the official Anchor Blue Apple Watch Sport Loop at the $34 low. We also spotted a chance to secure Apple Pencil Pro at up to 37% off, Apple’s latest 25W Qi2.2 MagSafe Charger sitting down at $30, and the Anker New Year sale with up to 55% off Prime and Nano chargers, bundle offers, and more. Head below for a closer look. 

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2026 could finally be the year that the Apple Card receives a new financial partner, and this could lead to some changes for cardholders.


As a refresher, the Apple Card launched in 2019, and it remains available in the U.S. only. The credit card can be managed in the iPhone's Wallet app, with key benefits including color-coded spending summaries, no fees, and Daily Cash cash back paid out daily. Apple Card holders can also open a high-yield savings account.

In July, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chase Bank parent company JPMorgan was in "advanced talks" with Apple about replacing Goldman Sachs as the Apple Card's partner bank. Goldman Sachs has been gradually winding down its consumer lending business, following billions of dollars in losses, and Apple is reportedly willing to let them out of a contract that is otherwise supposed to run until 2030.

Barclays and Synchrony were also reportedly in talks to become the Apple Card's new financial partner, but it is unclear if those companies are still in the running. As for the Apple Card's payment network, it had been reported that Visa and American Express had expressed interest in taking over for Mastercard.

If the Apple Card does get a new financial partner, there could be updates to the card's features, policies, interest rates, customer service processes, and more.

Chase Bank does not currently offer a high-yield savings account, so it is unclear what would happen to the Apple Card's savings account if they take over the credit card. Apple Card holders are currently being offered a 3.65% APY.

You can apply for an Apple Card on Apple's website.
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Twelve South is one of my favorite Apple accessory makers, and as CES 2026 kicks off this week, it has announced an addition to its product line: the Twelve South Valet.

The Valet is described as a “wireless charging station and personal essentials tray.” Think of it as a place to drop your phone, keys, wallet, and other essentials — and charge your phone at the same time.

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