ConnexioniOS 26.3 public beta 2 now available, here’s what’s new
Apple has a new beta 2 version of iOS 26.3 available for public beta testers, here’s what to expect from the latest software update.
more…Vue lecture
How to get an Apple Watch Series 11 or Ultra 3 for (almost) free
For years, John Hancock has offered Vitality Plus life insurance program members a way to earn an Apple Watch for (almost) free with regular exercise.
Recently, the Vitality program expanded to include the newest Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Here’s how it works and how to take advantage if you’re hoping an Apple Watch will help with your new year’s resolutions.
more…Kuo: Apple's AI Deal With Google Is Temporary and Buys It Time
Apple is preparing to mass-produce its own AI-focused server chips in the second half of 2026 amid reliance on a short-term partnership with Google to meet immediate AI expectations, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a new post on X, Kuo said that Apple is facing mounting short-term pressure in artificial intelligence that is shaping its current strategy, even as it continues to pursue long-term control over core AI technologies.
Kuo explained that Apple has encountered two immediate challenges in its in-house AI development that have effectively pushed it toward partnering with Google. The first is the need for a credible AI showing at WWDC later this year after previously announcing Apple Intelligence and significant Siri upgrades that have yet to materialize. The second is the rapid pace of improvement in cloud-based AI systems, which has raised expectations to a level where simply delivering on earlier promises may no longer be enough.
Kuo argues that as AI capabilities have advanced, user perceptions of what constitutes a competitive assistant or system-level AI have shifted. In that context, even a fully delivered version of Apple Intelligence as it was originally presented could struggle to stand out, particularly without access to more powerful large-scale models. This has apparently driven an urgent need for Apple to supplement its current approach with more capable AI models from other companies.
Kuo described Apple's AI deal with Google as a way to ease short-term pressure rather than a long-term strategic shift. He said on-device AI is unlikely to drive hardware sales in the near term, but the partnership gives Apple time to manage expectations across its platforms while continuing its own AI development. Over the longer term, Kuo said AI is expected to become central to hardware differentiation, operating system design, and the overall user experience, making ownership of core AI technologies increasingly important.
He added that Apple's in-house AI server chips are expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2026, with Apple-operated data centers coming online in 2027. Kuo said this timing suggests Apple expects demand for on-device and hybrid AI workloads to grow more meaningfully from 2027, as it gains greater control over its server-side computing and infrastructure.
This article, "Kuo: Apple's AI Deal With Google Is Temporary and Buys It Time" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
In a new post on X, Kuo said that Apple is facing mounting short-term pressure in artificial intelligence that is shaping its current strategy, even as it continues to pursue long-term control over core AI technologies.
Kuo explained that Apple has encountered two immediate challenges in its in-house AI development that have effectively pushed it toward partnering with Google. The first is the need for a credible AI showing at WWDC later this year after previously announcing Apple Intelligence and significant Siri upgrades that have yet to materialize. The second is the rapid pace of improvement in cloud-based AI systems, which has raised expectations to a level where simply delivering on earlier promises may no longer be enough.
Kuo argues that as AI capabilities have advanced, user perceptions of what constitutes a competitive assistant or system-level AI have shifted. In that context, even a fully delivered version of Apple Intelligence as it was originally presented could struggle to stand out, particularly without access to more powerful large-scale models. This has apparently driven an urgent need for Apple to supplement its current approach with more capable AI models from other companies.
Kuo described Apple's AI deal with Google as a way to ease short-term pressure rather than a long-term strategic shift. He said on-device AI is unlikely to drive hardware sales in the near term, but the partnership gives Apple time to manage expectations across its platforms while continuing its own AI development. Over the longer term, Kuo said AI is expected to become central to hardware differentiation, operating system design, and the overall user experience, making ownership of core AI technologies increasingly important.
He added that Apple's in-house AI server chips are expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2026, with Apple-operated data centers coming online in 2027. Kuo said this timing suggests Apple expects demand for on-device and hybrid AI workloads to grow more meaningfully from 2027, as it gains greater control over its server-side computing and infrastructure.
This article, "Kuo: Apple's AI Deal With Google Is Temporary and Buys It Time" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Glasses predicted to drive major product growth with three strengths
A new report from Smart Analytics Global (SAG) projects big growth in the AI smart glasses market in the years ahead. And Apple Glasses, in part due to three expected strengths, are believed to be a key driver of that growth.
more…iOS 26.3 Hints at Improved iPhone-to-Android Texting Coming Soon
Starting with the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for carriers to be able to support end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, and that news should actually have even bigger implications for the Messages app on the iPhone.
In order to offer E2EE for RCS, iOS 26.3 or later would need to support RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which includes many iMessage-like enhancements for RCS:
The enhancements listed above were actually introduced in RCS Universal Profile 2.7, and iOS would finally get them by jumping to RCS Universal Profile 3.0.
iMessage conversations with blue bubbles have already supported end-to-end encryption by default since iOS 5. iMessage has also supported in-line replies since iOS 14, while the options to edit and unsend iMessages were introduced with iOS 16.
Last year, Apple said it planned to add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to the Messages app in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS software updates. However, Apple did not provide a specific timeframe.
As mentioned above, Apple appears to finally be laying the groundwork for E2EE for RCS in the iOS 26.3 beta, but it will be up to carriers to implement support, and Apple might also work with Google to ensure there is a consistent experience across iOS and Android. Hopefully we begin to see support roll out at some point between iOS 26.3 and iOS 27.
E2EE for RCS may be limited to select countries at first, as carriers begin rolling it out.
This article, "iOS 26.3 Hints at Improved iPhone-to-Android Texting Coming Soon" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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In order to offer E2EE for RCS, iOS 26.3 or later would need to support RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which includes many iMessage-like enhancements for RCS:
- End-to-end encryption, which will prevent Apple and any other third party from being able to read messages and attachments while they are being sent between devices, as has always been the case with iMessage
- In-line replies
- Edit messages
- Unsend messages
- Full-fledged Tapback support for RCS messages, with no special workarounds
The enhancements listed above were actually introduced in RCS Universal Profile 2.7, and iOS would finally get them by jumping to RCS Universal Profile 3.0.
iMessage conversations with blue bubbles have already supported end-to-end encryption by default since iOS 5. iMessage has also supported in-line replies since iOS 14, while the options to edit and unsend iMessages were introduced with iOS 16.
Timing
Last year, Apple said it planned to add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to the Messages app in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS software updates. However, Apple did not provide a specific timeframe.
As mentioned above, Apple appears to finally be laying the groundwork for E2EE for RCS in the iOS 26.3 beta, but it will be up to carriers to implement support, and Apple might also work with Google to ensure there is a consistent experience across iOS and Android. Hopefully we begin to see support roll out at some point between iOS 26.3 and iOS 27.
E2EE for RCS may be limited to select countries at first, as carriers begin rolling it out.
Related Forum: iOS 26
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Deals: M4 iPad Pro $400 off, M4 Pro Mac mini $150 off, AirTags from $16 each, Powerbeats Fit, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break features a $150 price drop on the 24GB M4 Pro Mac mini to join the entry models starting from $499. We also have $400 off Apple’s top-end 13-inch M4 iPad Pro joined by deals on the official Neon Yellow Sport Band as well as the 4-pack of AirTags delivering Apple trackers as low $16 a pop, and even lower price on the orange Powerbeats Fit ANC buds. There’s also a $300 price drop on Samsung’s 4K 165Hz OLED Smart Monitor, and Apple’s official 6-foot 240W USB-C Woven Charge Cable back at the $18 Prime shipped Amazon low. Scope it all out below.
more…Pixelmator Pro is Coming to iPad With Apple Pencil Support and More
Apple today announced that Pixelmator Pro is coming to the iPad, complete with a new touch-optimized workspace, full Apple Pencil support, the ability to work between iPad and Mac, and all of the powerful editing tools from the Mac version.
Pixelmator Pro is a popular image editing app that was acquired by Apple last year. There is already a more basic Pixelmator app available for the iPad and iPhone, and now the full-fledged Pixelmator Pro experience is coming to the iPad.
Apple says Pixelmator Pro for iPad will be compatible with iPad models equipped with the A16, A17 Pro, or M1 chip or later on iPadOS 26 or later.
Here are some of the Pixelmator Pro for iPad features highlighted by Apple:
For example, in both the iPad and Mac apps, Apple Creator Studio subscribers will get access to a new Warp tool for twisting and shaping image layers.
This article, "Pixelmator Pro is Coming to iPad With Apple Pencil Support and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Pixelmator Pro is a popular image editing app that was acquired by Apple last year. There is already a more basic Pixelmator app available for the iPad and iPhone, and now the full-fledged Pixelmator Pro experience is coming to the iPad.
Apple says Pixelmator Pro for iPad will be compatible with iPad models equipped with the A16, A17 Pro, or M1 chip or later on iPadOS 26 or later.
Here are some of the Pixelmator Pro for iPad features highlighted by Apple:
- A full-featured Layers sidebar allows creators to use images, shapes, text, and video
- Smart selection tools for isolating and editing specific parts of images
- Advanced bitmap and vector masks
- Super Resolution for intelligently upscaling photos
- Deband for removing compression artifacts
- Auto Crop with automatic composition suggestions
- Apple Pencil support for pressure-sensitive brushing, plus hover, squeeze, and double tap
For example, in both the iPad and Mac apps, Apple Creator Studio subscribers will get access to a new Warp tool for twisting and shaping image layers.
Related Forum: iPad Accessories
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Apple TV unveils return of major sci-fi series coming next month
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is returning to Apple TV next month for season 2, and the sci-fi epic with Godzilla and King Kong just revealed a brand new titan in its first trailer.
more…Amazon Takes Up to $200 Off M5 iPad Pro With New Discounts
Amazon this week is back with big discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, including both 11-inch and 13-inch models. The highlight this time around is the 1TB Wi-Fi 13-inch M5 iPad Pro with Nano-Texture Glass, which is on sale for $1,799.00, down from $1,999.00.
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.
Many of the deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during Black Friday. Amazon also has the 2TB Wi-FI 13-inch M5 iPad Pro with Nano-Texture Glass for $2,199.00, down from $2,399.00, which is an all-time low price.
You'll find some of these deals matched at Best Buy, with in-store pick-up available this week for many locations. The latest iPad Pro models are equipped with the current-generation M5 chip, and feature a super-slim design, Thunderbolt support, up to 2TB storage, and OLED display technology.
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 in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, "Amazon Takes Up to $200 Off M5 iPad Pro With New Discounts" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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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.
Many of the deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during Black Friday. Amazon also has the 2TB Wi-FI 13-inch M5 iPad Pro with Nano-Texture Glass for $2,199.00, down from $2,399.00, which is an all-time low price.
You'll find some of these deals matched at Best Buy, with in-store pick-up available this week for many locations. The latest iPad Pro models are equipped with the current-generation M5 chip, and feature a super-slim design, Thunderbolt support, up to 2TB storage, and OLED display technology.
11-Inch M5 iPad Pro
- 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,099.00 ($100 off)
- 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,499.00 ($100 off)
- 1TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,599.00 ($100 off)
- 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,999.00 ($100 off)
13-Inch M5 iPad Pro
- 256GB Wi-Fi - $1,149.00 ($150 off)
- 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,399.00 ($100 off)
- 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,759.00 ($140 off)
- 1TB Wi-Fi Nano-Texture Glass - $1,799.00 ($200 off)
- 2TB Wi-Fi Nano-Texture Glass - $2,199.00 ($200 off)
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 in 2026? 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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Apple’s new AI server chips are reportedly coming this year
Apple just struck a big deal with Google to power future AI features, and now per Ming-Chi Kuo, it sounds like the company is gearing up to mass-produce its in-house AI server chips soon.
more…Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and Freeform are becoming freemium apps
Apple has long made its own productivity apps completely free to use on any of its hardware, but that’s about to change.
While core features will remain free, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and Freeform are set to get AI and premium content which will require a paid subscription …
more…Apple announces Pixelmator Pro is coming to iPad
Apple acquired the app-making team at Pixelmator in late 2024, with the acquisition closing nearly one year ago. Now, in the first major change since the acquisition, Pixelmator Pro is coming to iPad alongside the launch of Apple Creator Studio.
more…Apple Introduces New 'Creator Studio' Bundle of Apps for $129 Per Year
Apple today introduced a new Apple Creator Studio bundle that offers access to six creative apps, as well as exclusive AI features and content, as part of a single subscription. In the U.S., pricing is set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year.
Here are the six apps included with an Apple Creator Studio subscription:
Apple Creator Studio subscribers will also receive access to exclusive AI features and premium content across not only the Final Cut Pro and Pixelmator Pro apps, but also the iWork apps Numbers, Pages, and Keynote, and the Freeform app later this year. So if you want the best, fully-featured versions of all of these apps going forward, you will need to subscribe to the bundle.
In the Pixelmator Pro app on the Mac and iPad, for example, Apple Creator Studio subscribers will get access to a new Warp tool for twisting and shaping image layers. And in the Numbers, Pages, and Keynote apps, an Apple Creator Studio subscription will unlock a Content Hub with royalty-free photos, premium templates, themes, and more.
Apple says there will be separate Creator Studio and one-time purchase "versions" of each app. If you have both versions installed on your Mac, the Creator Studio versions will have "unique icons" so that they stand out, according to Apple.
Apple Creator Studio will be available through the App Store starting Wednesday, January 28. All new subscribers will be able to receive a one-month free trial, and customers who purchase a new Mac or a qualifying iPad model with an A16, A17 Pro, or M-series chip or later will be eligible for an extended three-month free trial.
For college students, Apple Creator Studio costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year.
If you set up Family Sharing, you can share an Apple Creator Studio subscription with up to five other family members with a linked Apple Account for free.
Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage will each remain available for one-time purchase, and free versions of the Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and Freeform apps will continue to exist. However, only Apple Creator Studio subscribers will receive access to some of the premium new AI features and content.
Apple has a FAQ at the bottom of the Creator Studio page.
This article, "Apple Introduces New 'Creator Studio' Bundle of Apps for $129 Per Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Here are the six apps included with an Apple Creator Studio subscription:
- Final Cut Pro on the Mac and iPad
- Logic Pro on the Mac and iPad
- Pixelmator Pro on the Mac and iPad
- Motion on the Mac
- Compressor on the Mac
- MainStage on the Mac
Apple Creator Studio subscribers will also receive access to exclusive AI features and premium content across not only the Final Cut Pro and Pixelmator Pro apps, but also the iWork apps Numbers, Pages, and Keynote, and the Freeform app later this year. So if you want the best, fully-featured versions of all of these apps going forward, you will need to subscribe to the bundle.
In the Pixelmator Pro app on the Mac and iPad, for example, Apple Creator Studio subscribers will get access to a new Warp tool for twisting and shaping image layers. And in the Numbers, Pages, and Keynote apps, an Apple Creator Studio subscription will unlock a Content Hub with royalty-free photos, premium templates, themes, and more.
Apple says there will be separate Creator Studio and one-time purchase "versions" of each app. If you have both versions installed on your Mac, the Creator Studio versions will have "unique icons" so that they stand out, according to Apple.
Apple Creator Studio will be available through the App Store starting Wednesday, January 28. All new subscribers will be able to receive a one-month free trial, and customers who purchase a new Mac or a qualifying iPad model with an A16, A17 Pro, or M-series chip or later will be eligible for an extended three-month free trial.
For college students, Apple Creator Studio costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year.
If you set up Family Sharing, you can share an Apple Creator Studio subscription with up to five other family members with a linked Apple Account for free.
Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage will each remain available for one-time purchase, and free versions of the Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and Freeform apps will continue to exist. However, only Apple Creator Studio subscribers will receive access to some of the premium new AI features and content.
Apple has a FAQ at the bottom of the Creator Studio page.
Tag: Final Cut Pro
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Apple debuts ‘Apple Creator Studio’ subscription, here’s what you get
Apple has announced Apple Creator Studio, which it describes as a “groundbreaking collection of powerful creative apps designed to put studio-grade power into the hands of everyone.”
Apple Creator Studio will launch on the App Store on Wednesday, January 28, and will cost $12.99 per month or $129 per year. There will also be a one-month free trial offer. College students and educators can subscribe for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year.
more…macOS 26 windows are hard to resize because they aren’t really rounded
One of the things I noticed after upgrading to macOS 26 was that I would sometimes fail when trying to resize windows – I’d try to grab the corner, but nothing would happen.
It turns out that this isn’t clumsiness on my part, but rather a design error by Apple – and that’s because the corners of windows aren’t really rounded …
more…End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messages Referenced in Latest iOS 26.3 Beta
Apple appears close to supporting end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, almost a year after the GSM Association said it was working to implement the privacy feature for messages sent between Android and iPhone devices.
As shared by Tiino-X83 on X (Twitter), the latest iOS 26.3 beta includes references to a new carrier bundle setting that will let carriers enable and disable E2EE for RCS messages.
It's possible that the setting relates to making the encryption status of messages visible to the user, as per the GSMA standard's requirements. The requirement is stupulated because local regulations can prohibit E2EE for all users, and users must be notified of encryption status.
End-to-end encryption for RCS was announced in March 2025, as part of version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile. Apple said it planned to add support to the Messages app in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS software updates, but the company has since been silent on the subject.
The carrier bundle references in the latest iOS 26.3 beta could be Apple laying the groundwork for future support, and are no guarantee that E2EE for RCS messages are coming with the software release. But they at least indicate that Apple is working to bring support at some point in the future.
RCS support as a whole was added to the iPhone with iOS 18, which supports RCS Universal Profile 2.4. It is effectively a modernized version of the SMS standard, which remains available as a fallback option for text messages over a cellular network.
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As shared by Tiino-X83 on X (Twitter), the latest iOS 26.3 beta includes references to a new carrier bundle setting that will let carriers enable and disable E2EE for RCS messages.
It's possible that the setting relates to making the encryption status of messages visible to the user, as per the GSMA standard's requirements. The requirement is stupulated because local regulations can prohibit E2EE for all users, and users must be notified of encryption status.
End-to-end encryption for RCS was announced in March 2025, as part of version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile. Apple said it planned to add support to the Messages app in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS software updates, but the company has since been silent on the subject.
Le chiffrement de bout en bout arrive sur le RCS de l’iPhone !
— Tiino-X83 (@TiinoX83) January 12, 2026
Je viens de vérifier les carrier bundles d’iOS 26.3 bêta 2, et Apple a ajouté un nouveau paramètre permettant aux opérateurs d’activer le chiffrement pour le RCS
Pour le moment, aucun opérateur ne l’a encore activé pic.twitter.com/RkFGH5J5ut
The carrier bundle references in the latest iOS 26.3 beta could be Apple laying the groundwork for future support, and are no guarantee that E2EE for RCS messages are coming with the software release. But they at least indicate that Apple is working to bring support at some point in the future.
RCS support as a whole was added to the iPhone with iOS 18, which supports RCS Universal Profile 2.4. It is effectively a modernized version of the SMS standard, which remains available as a fallback option for text messages over a cellular network.
Tags: Encryption, RCS
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Mac Shipments Were Flat at the End of 2025 as Rival PC Brands Surged
Apple's Mac business ended 2025 with flat year-over-year shipments in the holiday quarter despite a broader rebound in the global PC market, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC).
The findings suggest that global PC shipments rose 9.6% year over year in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 76.4 million units, exceeding expectations as brands accelerated purchases ahead of anticipated supply constraints and component price increases. Within that total, Apple shipped 7.1 million Macs during the quarter, which is essentially unchanged from the same period a year earlier, resulting in a decline in quarterly market share even as the overall market expanded.
Apple ranked fourth globally behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell, all of which posted double-digit shipment growth. Lenovo shipped 19.3 million units in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 14.4% year over year, while HP shipped 15.4 million units, up 12.1%. Dell recorded the fastest growth among the top three at 18.2%, with 11.7 million units shipped.
IDC attributed the stronger-than-expected fourth quarter to factors including the end of support for Windows 10, tariff-related uncertainty earlier in the year, and growing concern over tightening memory supply. These dynamics encouraged many vendors to pull forward inventory purchases into late 2025, amplifying the usual holiday period seasonal uplift.
For the full year, Apple's performance was more robust. IDC estimates that Apple shipped 25.6 million Macs in 2025, up from 23.0 million units in 2024, representing year-over-year growth of 11.1%. That increase outpaced the overall PC market, which grew 8.1% to 284.7 million units globally. Apple's annual market share rose to 9.0% from 8.7% the year before, even as its fourth-quarter share fell to 9.3% from 10.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024 due to faster growth by major Windows brands.
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The findings suggest that global PC shipments rose 9.6% year over year in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 76.4 million units, exceeding expectations as brands accelerated purchases ahead of anticipated supply constraints and component price increases. Within that total, Apple shipped 7.1 million Macs during the quarter, which is essentially unchanged from the same period a year earlier, resulting in a decline in quarterly market share even as the overall market expanded.
Apple ranked fourth globally behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell, all of which posted double-digit shipment growth. Lenovo shipped 19.3 million units in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 14.4% year over year, while HP shipped 15.4 million units, up 12.1%. Dell recorded the fastest growth among the top three at 18.2%, with 11.7 million units shipped.
IDC attributed the stronger-than-expected fourth quarter to factors including the end of support for Windows 10, tariff-related uncertainty earlier in the year, and growing concern over tightening memory supply. These dynamics encouraged many vendors to pull forward inventory purchases into late 2025, amplifying the usual holiday period seasonal uplift.
For the full year, Apple's performance was more robust. IDC estimates that Apple shipped 25.6 million Macs in 2025, up from 23.0 million units in 2024, representing year-over-year growth of 11.1%. That increase outpaced the overall PC market, which grew 8.1% to 284.7 million units globally. Apple's annual market share rose to 9.0% from 8.7% the year before, even as its fourth-quarter share fell to 9.3% from 10.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024 due to faster growth by major Windows brands.
Tag: IDC
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Apple didn’t do its Siri Gemini deal for you and I, but it’s still good news
Apple yesterday confirmed reports that it was partnering with Google’s Gemini to provide the AI features for Siri and more.
The primary reason for the announcement couldn’t have been made any clearer by the way the company chose to release the news …
more…
Apple @ Work Podcast: Assesing the most exciting features for IT with Apple’s recent software ugprades
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In this episode of Apple @ Work, Weldon Dodd joins the show to talk about Kandji becoming Iru, what he’s looking forward to this year from Apple, and our “dream” features for IT admins from Apple.
Apple's Patent Grants Declined in 2025 as Innovation Slows
Apple's U.S. patent activity declined sharply in 2025 amid a broader slowdown in patent filings, according to newly released data from IFI CLAIMS Patent Services.
The data shows that Apple was granted 2,722 U.S. patents in 2025, down from 3,082 in 2024, a year-over-year decline of roughly 12% that pushed the company down two positions to sixth place in IFI's annual ranking of the top 50 recipients of U.S. patent grants. The shift marks a notable change for Apple at a time when its spending on artificial intelligence, silicon design, and software continues to expand, but it also reflects a wider contraction in patent activity across the United States.
Total U.S. patent grants in 2025 fell to 323,272, a decline of less than 1% from the previous year, while U.S. patent applications dropped more steeply, falling 9% to 393,344. IFI noted that the decline in applications represents the lowest level since 2019, following a record high in 2024. The data is compiled directly from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and forms the basis of IFI's annual Top 50 and Top 10 Fastest Growing Technologies reports.
The slowdown was visible across core technology areas that typically account for a large share of U.S. patents, with filings and grants falling in key categories such as digital data processing and data transmission. The slowdown was not limited to Apple, with other major U.S. technology companies such as Google also falling in the patent rankings in 2025, while Nvidia did not receive enough U.S. patent grants to place in the Top 50 despite its central role in the AI boom.
It also came as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office continued to work through a backlog of more than 1.2 million applications, which has delayed the pace at which patents are issued. While U.S.-based companies still received the largest number of patents overall, their total fell by more than 5% in 2025, even as companies in several Asian countries increased their patent counts.
Apple's decline occurred as several competitors either held steady or increased their patent output. Samsung retained the top position for the fourth consecutive year with 7,054 U.S. patent grants, accounting for more than 2% of all patents issued in the United States in 2025. Apple chip supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) ranked second with 4,194 grants, followed by Qualcomm in third place with 3,749.
Apple's drop contrasted with gains by companies such as Dell and Toyota, which moved up eight and six places respectively, driven largely by patents related to computing infrastructure, energy storage, and vehicle systems. Key areas of research in 2025 included AI and battery technologies.
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The data shows that Apple was granted 2,722 U.S. patents in 2025, down from 3,082 in 2024, a year-over-year decline of roughly 12% that pushed the company down two positions to sixth place in IFI's annual ranking of the top 50 recipients of U.S. patent grants. The shift marks a notable change for Apple at a time when its spending on artificial intelligence, silicon design, and software continues to expand, but it also reflects a wider contraction in patent activity across the United States.
Total U.S. patent grants in 2025 fell to 323,272, a decline of less than 1% from the previous year, while U.S. patent applications dropped more steeply, falling 9% to 393,344. IFI noted that the decline in applications represents the lowest level since 2019, following a record high in 2024. The data is compiled directly from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and forms the basis of IFI's annual Top 50 and Top 10 Fastest Growing Technologies reports.
The slowdown was visible across core technology areas that typically account for a large share of U.S. patents, with filings and grants falling in key categories such as digital data processing and data transmission. The slowdown was not limited to Apple, with other major U.S. technology companies such as Google also falling in the patent rankings in 2025, while Nvidia did not receive enough U.S. patent grants to place in the Top 50 despite its central role in the AI boom.
It also came as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office continued to work through a backlog of more than 1.2 million applications, which has delayed the pace at which patents are issued. While U.S.-based companies still received the largest number of patents overall, their total fell by more than 5% in 2025, even as companies in several Asian countries increased their patent counts.
Apple's decline occurred as several competitors either held steady or increased their patent output. Samsung retained the top position for the fourth consecutive year with 7,054 U.S. patent grants, accounting for more than 2% of all patents issued in the United States in 2025. Apple chip supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) ranked second with 4,194 grants, followed by Qualcomm in third place with 3,749.
Apple's drop contrasted with gains by companies such as Dell and Toyota, which moved up eight and six places respectively, driven largely by patents related to computing infrastructure, energy storage, and vehicle systems. Key areas of research in 2025 included AI and battery technologies.
Tag: Patent
This article, "Apple's Patent Grants Declined in 2025 as Innovation Slows" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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