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Apple Announces Jeff Williams Stepping Down as COO Later This Month

Apple today announced a major executive shakeup: Jeff Williams will be stepping down as COO of the company later this month, and he will be succeeded by Sabih Khan, who has served as Apple's Senior Vice President of Operations since 2019.


Since being promoted to COO in 2015, Williams has overseen Apple's entire worldwide operations, as well as customer service and support. He has also led Apple Watch engineering and health initiatives, and he took over Apple's design team in 2023.

Williams will remain at Apple in a transitionary role until he fully retires from the company towards the end of this year. He will continue reporting to Apple CEO Tim Cook and overseeing Apple's design team and Apple Watch engineering until he retires, at which point the design team will report directly to Cook.

Cook shared a heartfelt message about Williams, who has worked at Apple since 1998:
Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn't be what it is without him. He's helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple's health strategy; and led our world class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication. I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeff's true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he's created and, while he'll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands.
Williams shared his own heartfelt farewell message:
I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can't thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years. June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting. I've had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years and I think he's the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple's future under his leadership in this role.
Apple said Khan will gradually transition into the role of COO starting later this month, as part of a "long-planned succession." For the past six years, he has been in charge of Apple's global supply chain, overseeing everything from manufacturing to logistics.

Cook expressed confidence in Khan, who has worked at Apple for more than 30 years:
Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple's supply chain. While overseeing Apple's supply chain, he has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, overseen the expansion of Apple's manufacturing footprint in the United States, and helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges. He has advanced our ambitious efforts in environmental sustainability, helping reduce Apple's carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.
We wish Williams all the best in retirement.
This article, "Apple Announces Jeff Williams Stepping Down as COO Later This Month" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 Makes Big Change to Phone Calls and Messages on iPhones in EU

iOS 26 was announced nearly a month ago, but there is one change related to phone calls and messages that flew under our radar until now.


As reported by German tech news website Heise last month, Apple has introduced new APIs that allow for developers to implement support for making cellular phone calls and sending and receiving SMS/MMS/RCS messages in third-party apps, but only iPhone users in the EU will be able to take advantage of this functionality.

These carrier-based capabilities have always been limited to Apple's Phone and Messages apps, so this is a big change. Apple likely expanded these features in response to current or anticipated regulations under the EU's Digital Markets Act.

Third-party apps could already offer Wi-Fi calling and messaging.

Apple says iPhone users in the EU will only be able to make carrier-based phone calls and/or send and receive carrier-based SMS/MMS/RCS messages in a supported third-party app when they have selected the app as their default dialing app and/or default carrier messaging app. Otherwise, the functionality is not enabled.

These capabilities will not be available in third-party iPad apps, or in iPhone apps running on macOS or visionOS, according to Apple.

For the cellular phone call functionality in particular, even the developer of an app requires an Apple Developer account registered in the EU. Given how locked down these capabilities are, do not expect them to expand to the U.S. or elsewhere any time soon.

iOS 26 is currently in beta. The update should be released to the general public in September.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

This article, "iOS 26 Makes Big Change to Phone Calls and Messages on iPhones in EU" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The 10 Best Apple Deals Under $100 for Prime Day

As Prime Day continues today, we're highlighting all of the best Apple deals you can get for under $100 on Amazon. This includes AirPods, Apple Pencil Pro, AirTags, iPhone cases, USB-C chargers, and more.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

You can find every Apple deal available during Prime Day in our dedicated post. Remember that you'll need an Amazon Prime membership to get Prime Day deals, and you can sign up for Prime on Amazon if you don't have the service yet.

$30 Or Under




In the cheapest category, you can get Apple's 20W USB-C Power Adapter for $13.00, down from $19.00 and the AirTag 1 Pack for $19.99, down from $29.00.




$50 Or Under




For accessories priced between $30 and $50, there are a few sales on Amazon for Prime Day. You can get the 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter for $49.98, down from $59.00, as well as discounts on iPhone 16 cases.



$100 Or Under




Lastly, we're tracking a few deals on Apple products that are just under $100 for Prime Day. You can get an AirTag 4-Pack for $64.99 ($34 off), an Apple Pencil Pro for $99.00 ($30 off), and AirPods 4 for $89.00 ($40 off).





If you're on the hunt for more Prime Day discounts, be sure to visit our big Prime Day post where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the event.




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Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Apple Seeds Third tvOS 26 Developer Beta

Apple today provided developers with the third beta of tvOS 26 for testing purposes, with the beta coming two weeks after the second beta was released.


The software updates can be downloaded through the Settings app on the Apple TV.

tvOS 26 adopts new Liquid Glass design changes inspired by visionOS, much like iOS 26 and macOS 26. The update also includes support for karaoke using an iPhone as a microphone, improvements for using AirPlay speakers with a TV, new Aerial screen savers, and quicker logins to apps at setup thanks to Apple Account syncing.

The beta is limited to developers right now, but tvOS 26 will be available to public beta testers in the near future ahead of its fall launch.

Apple released ‌iOS 26‌, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26 yesterday, but tvOS 26 was held until today.
This article, "Apple Seeds Third tvOS 26 Developer Beta" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iPhone 17 Air: Here's What Apple's Thinnest iPhone Ever Will Look Like

A new hands-on video of an iPhone 17 Air dummy model has surfaced, providing a closer look at the rumored design of Apple's thinnest iPhone ever.


According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 Air will measure just 5.5mm at its thinnest point, surpassing the 6.9mm record held by the iPhone 6. However, to achieve this impressively thin and lightweight design, the device is expected to have some compromises compared to iPhone 17 Pro models, including worse battery life, only a single rear camera, only a single speaker, and an A19 chip instead of an A19 Pro chip.

iPhone 16 Pro models are 8.25mm thick, so the iPhone 17 Air would be 33% thinner than those devices, if Kuo is accurate. This ultra-thin design can be seen in the hands-on video, along with some of the device's other rumored features, including a 6.6-inch display with a Dynamic Island, a single 48-megapixel rear camera on a wide pill-shaped bump, a USB-C port, a single speaker, an Action button, and a Camera Control button.

iPhone 17 Air Black looks so good pic.twitter.com/ovOTNUKEg6

— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) July 8, 2025

Other rumored iPhone 17 Air features include MagSafe and 12GB of RAM, and Apple reportedly plans to release an optional battery case for the device.

The device is also expected to lack a physical SIM card slot worldwide, meaning it will rely entirely on eSIM technology, even outside of the United States.

Apple will likely unveil the iPhone 17 Air in early September, so there are only around two months to go until the device is finally official.
Related Roundup: iPhone 17 Air
Related Forum: iPhone

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How to Get These 4 New AirPods Features Today

Like previous iPhone software updates, iOS 26 adds several new features to Apple's AirPods. While iOS 26 will be officially released this fall, there's nothing stopping you from installing the latest ‌iOS 26 beta –‌ and getting access to the new AirPods features today.


New AirPods Features


Apple's upcoming iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe updates add the following new features to AirPods, thanks to an AirPods firmware update (more on that below). Controls for the new features are also listed.
  • Pause Audio for Sleep: If you're listening to music, a podcast, or a book while you're in bed and you're wearing AirPods, the AirPods will pause your audio when you fall asleep. (Settings ➝ [Your Name]'s AirPods ➝ Pause Media When Falling Asleep.)

  • Camera Remote: AirPods can be used as a camera remote with the Camera app on ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌. Just press and hold on the AirPods stem to take a photo or start a video recording. (Settings ➝ [Your Name]'s AirPods ➝ Camera Remote.)

  • Keep Audio in Headphones: When you use AirPods, you can opt to keep audio in your headphones when other playback devices like cars and speakers connect to the ‌iPhone‌. (Settings ➝ General ➝ AirPlay & Continuity ➝ Keep Audio with Headphones.)

  • Improved Call Quality: The H2 chip in the ‌AirPods 4‌ and ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 brings more natural vocal texture and clarity to voice recordings, ‌iPhone‌ calls, FaceTime calls, and all CallKit-enabled apps like Zoom. (No change in Settings necessary.)

How to Get the New AirPods Features


Step 1: Install iOS 26 Beta


In order to gain access to the new AirPods features in beta, you'll first need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 26 beta or iPadOS 26 beta, respectively. Apple has released the beta versions to developers, but even non-developers can download beta software updates on their iPhones and iPads for free. Follow this link to learn how it's done, then meet us back here.

Of course, if you have reservations about installing the developer beta on your main device, you can always wait for the public beta that will be released very shortly. Apple said to expect availability sometime in the month of July.

Step 2: Install AirPods Beta Firmware


Once you have your device running the iOS 26/iPadOS 26 beta, you need to give Apple permission to install beta firmware on your AirPods.
  1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad, then open Settings ➝ [Your Name]'s AirPods.

  2. Swipe to the bottom of the menu and tap AirPods Beta Updates.
    settings
  3. Toggle on the switch next to AirPods Beta Updates to the green ON position.
    settings


After you've completed these steps, the firmware update will be installed automatically when your AirPods are in their charging case and near to your iPhone or iPad. This could take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, so be patient.

Once the firmware update is complete, additional options to control the new AirPods features will appear within the Settings app, in the menu screens described above. Bear in mind that the new features are in beta and as a result cannot be guaranteed to work consistently.
Related Forums: AirPods, iOS 26

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These Four Games Are Coming to Apple Arcade

Apple today announced that four additional games will be added to the Apple Arcade library on Thursday, August 7, including Play-Doh World.


Exclusive to Apple Arcade, Play-Doh World lets you create digital Play-Doh characters and more.

"Whether sculpting, stretching, squishing, or squashing, kids are invited to unlock their imagination with creative activities, fun games, and rewarding interactions," part of the App Store description for the game says.


Apple's full description of the game, from its press release:
Play-Doh brings its magic to the digital space with Play-Doh World, allowing players to craft their own characters and watch them spring to life. From inventing wild zoo animals to styling outrageous salon hairdos, every corner of this colorful universe responds to the player's creative whim. With dozens of interactive zones, collectible special Play-Doh, and regular content updates, Play-Doh World offers creative activities and open-ended, imagination-led play — all in a safe, ad-free environment.
The three other games that are coming to Apple Arcade on August 7:More details about all of the games are outlined in Apple's announcement.

Apple Arcade is a subscription service that provides access to hundreds of games across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. All of the games are free of ads and in-app purchases. In the U.S., Apple Arcade costs $6.99 per month, and it is bundled with other Apple services in all Apple One plans.

Apple Arcade can be accessed through the App Store and the new Apple Games app.
This article, "These Four Games Are Coming to Apple Arcade" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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AirTag 4-Pack Available for New Best-Ever Price of $64.99 During Prime Day

Amazon this week has Apple's AirTag 4-Pack for $64.99, down from $99.00. This beats the previous all-time low price by about $3, and it's one of the all-around best discounts during Prime Day.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Amazon provides delivery dates as soon as today for Prime members at some residences in the United States, and you won't need to clip an on-page coupon in order to see this deal. If you're shopping for just one AirTag, Amazon has the AirTag 1-Pack for $19.99, which is a record low price.



Be sure to check out our main post for even more Apple-related discounts during Prime Day.




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Hands-On With Samsung's M9 OLED Smart Monitor

Samsung first showed off its OLED M9 Smart Monitor back in January at CES, but now the 32-inch Mac-compatible display is launching. We were able to check it out early to see how it performs with a Mac.


Samsung's M line is marketed as an all-in-one display that's ideal for work, watching content, and gaming, and it does deliver. The M9 is Samsung's premium display, and it's priced at $1,599, so it's on par with the Studio Display.

The M9 uses OLED technology and it's 4K, while the Studio Display has an LED panel with a 5K resolution. Samsung's display is basically a little OLED TV that works with your Mac, and while it's not as sharp as an OLED TV or as crisp as the Studio Display with its 5K resolution, it's impressive to look at. You're limited to 60Hz with the Studio Display, but the M9 supports up to 165Hz, and Macs support up to 120Hz, so you get smoother scrolling and gameplay with the M9. Samsung is using AI-based 4K upscaling to improve lower resolution content.

When it comes to design, the M9 is sleek and modern looking, and the wide stand is not too far off from the Studio Display. The M9 is adjustable, so you can tweak the height and the tilt, and turn the display vertical if you want. At the top and bottom of the display, there are thicker bezels. The top bezel includes a built-in 4K webcam and a microphone, plus the display has included speakers.

For connectivity, Samsung included an HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort, a USB-C port with 90W power delivery, and two USB-A ports. Samsung says it included a unique cooling system with a coolant that can diffuse heat five times faster than a graphite sheet, which better prevents burn-ins. The monitor also detects static images like logos and drops the brightness.

This is a "smart" display with built-in AI, so you can stream content from apps like Netflix right from the monitor, plus you can stream games with no PC. The smart component is what really sets it apart from the Studio Display on a software level, while the 4K resolution, display size, and OLED display technology are the main hardware differences.

The M9 isn't a direct competitor to the Studio Display because the two monitors have different functions, but it is worth considering if you're looking for a great multifunction display for work and play.

Samsung's new M9 Smart Monitor can be ordered from Samsung's website for $1,599.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Tag: Samsung

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iOS 18 Code Leak Reveals All-New Chip Coming to iPhones, Apple TV, and HomePod Mini

A new leak has revealed several of Apple's next-generation chips coming to future iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and HomePod mini models.


Last month, an individual in China uploaded a YouTube video (with English subtitles) of an alleged iPhone 16 engineering prototype from last year. According to a MacRumors tipster, the device is running an internal build of iOS 18 from March 2024, but it is a non-UI version, meaning that you cannot load the Home Screen or other interfaces.


Within the code for this internal iOS 18 build, there are codenames and identifiers for many upcoming Apple chips, according to the video and our tipster:
  • A19 chip for the iPhone 17 Air, and likely iPhone 17e

  • A19 Pro chip for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • M5 chip for the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro

  • M5 Pro chip for the MacBook Pro and Mac mini

  • S11 chip for the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3

  • C2 modem for the iPhone 17e, likely the entire iPhone 18 lineup, and more

  • Proxima, the codename for an all-new Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip for the next Apple TV and HomePod mini models and more
Most of those are obvious one-number-higher-than-currently chips, but the all-new "Proxima" chip is a little more interesting. The chip was first reported on last year by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and he said that it would be included in new Apple TV and HomePod mini models launching later this year. He also expects at least some iPhone 17 models to use the chip, along with future iPad and Mac models starting next year.

Similar to how Apple ditched Intel for Mac processors, and how it has started transitioning away from Qualcomm for iPhone modems, the company's planned Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chip will allow it to replace a chip that is currently supplied by Broadcom. Apple's chip is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, which would be an upgrade for the Apple TV (currently on Wi-Fi 6) and the HomePod mini (currently on Wi-Fi 4).

Our tipster also claimed that Apple has tested a Mac Pro with an M3 Ultra chip, but it is unclear if it will be released at this point. They also uncovered evidence that Apple has no plans to release an M4 Ultra chip, as the company already strongly implied, so it is possible that the Mac Pro might not be updated until an M5 Ultra chip is ready.
Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod mini, iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Apple Watch Series 10 Drops to $279.99 Record Low Price for Prime Day

It's Prime Day, and Amazon is now discounting the Apple Watch Series 10 to a new all-time low price for both the 42mm and 46mm GPS models. Be sure to check out our main post for even more Apple-related discounts during Prime Day.

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.

Amazon has the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 for $279.99, down from $399.00, as well as the 46mm GPS model for $309.99, down from $429.00. Both of these are record low prices on the Apple Watch Series 10, and they're available in numerous case colors and band styles.


42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10



46mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10




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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Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Prime Day iPad Air Deals Include New All-Time Low Prices Across Entire M3 Lineup

Prime Day is in full swing today, and it now includes fresh record low prices on nearly every M3 iPad Air model, including Wi-Fi and cellular tablets. Be sure to check out our main post for even more Apple-related discounts during Prime Day.

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.

Prices start at $479.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M3 iPad Air, down from $599.00. Across the board these are all $120 discounts on the M3 iPad Air, and each one is a new best-ever price for the tablet.




Our list below focuses on Wi-Fi models, but you'll also find many cellular models on sale at $120 off right now. The 128GB cellular 11-inch iPad Air is available for $629.00 and the 128GB cellular 13-inch iPad Air is available for $829.00, both representing new record low prices.

11-inch M3 iPad Air



13-inch M3 iPad Air




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's iPad Mini 7 Hits New All-Time Low Price of $379 for Prime Day

Prime Day has arrived, and we're tracking new record low prices across nearly every model of the iPad mini 7. If you're shopping for something else, you can find great Prime Day deals on AirPods, MacBooks, AirTag, and more in our dedicated post.

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.

Amazon has record low prices on every Wi-Fi model of the iPad mini 7 this week, starting at $379.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. Cellular models are a bit more rare during this sale, but there are a few available at low prices as well.





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 2025? 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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Get Apple's 11th Gen iPad for Just $279 During Prime Day

We're covering the best of Prime Day as the event has officially kicked off today, and now includes discounts across the 11th generation iPad lineup. For deals on AirPods, MacBooks, and AirTag, be sure to check out our dedicated Prime Day post.

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.

Amazon is taking $70 off Wi-Fi and cellular models of Apple's 11th generation iPad for Prime Day. Prices start at $279.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, down from $349.00. Many of these deals are solid second-best prices on the tablet, and the lowest prices we've tracked in weeks.





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 2025? 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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Bluesky Adds New Notification Options, Including for Specific Accounts

Bluesky is rolling out some updates to enhance its notifications system, offering users of the social media platform and X (Twitter) rival a more customizable alerts experience.


First, there's a new Activity Notifications that enables you to receive alerts only for specific accounts, which is useful if you want to keep up to date with a particular friend, brand, or media outlet – like MacRumors, for instance.

Enabling this feature is similar to how it works on X: visit a profile and tap the bell icon to receive notifications every time that account publishes a new post.

Meanwhile, as part of wider notification preference updates, users can now opt to receive notifications only when certain accounts reply to them.


Other new options also include individual alert customizations for new followers, likes, replies, mentions, quotes, and reposts. Each option can be set to apply only to accounts the user follows or to everyone, or they can be disabled entirely.

Bluesky said that its previous "priority notifications" feature has been removed. This feature let users receive notifications only from accounts they follow. To replicate this behavior now, users need to manually set their reply, mention, and quote notifications to "people you follow only."


Bluesky has over 34 million active users, according to the company. That's still a lot less than Meta's Threads in total users, but the platform continues to gain popularity as an alternative to X.
Tag: Bluesky

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Apple to Launch iPhone 17e Next Spring, Claims Korean Report

Apple plans to launch a second-generation iPhone 17e next spring, reports Korean outlet The Elec.


According to the report, the iPhone 17e will use the same OLED panel as that found in the iPhone 16e – a panel that originally debuted in the iPhone 14 – as part of its efforts to use lower-cost components based on established production lines.

Similar to the iPhone 16e, which launched in February of this year starting $599, BOE and Samsung are said to be supplying the display panels, though LG Display may also be involved. The iPhone 16e offers a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, an A18 chip, and a USB-C port, positioning it as a more affordable alternative within the iPhone 16 family.

Back in April, one leaker claimed that iPhone 17e was nearing the trial production stage, with the mid-range device tentatively scheduled for a May release. Since then, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that Apple will launch a second-generation iPhone 17e in the first half of next year.

It is not expected to be the last of its kind. Looking further ahead, Kuo said a third-generation "e" device will reportedly be released alongside the standard iPhone 18 in the first half of 2027. The unusual timing is because Apple is said to be launching the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in the spring – a full six months after the iPhone 18 Pro models – as part of its switch to a split iPhone yearly launch strategy.
Related Roundup: iPhone 17
Related Forum: iPhone

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iPhone 17 Air's Standout Color Option Rumored to Be Different From Any Before

A unique blue finish will be the "main" color option of the all-new iPhone 17 Air, according to a rumor coming out of Asia.

The iPhone 13 Pro's "Sierra Blue" finish (2021).

According to the Weibo leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital," blue is highly likely to be the "main color" of the ‌iPhone 17 Air‌ upon its launch later this year, placed at the forefront of Apple's marketing materials.

The leaker went on to explain that the ‌iPhone 17 Air‌'s blue finish is "different from all the blue colors released by Apple in the past." The finish is apparently "very light," and in low-light conditions, could be "easy to confuse with white."

The rumor bears a resemblance to the Apple's "Sierra Blue" finish, which was the standout color offered on the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro. Sierra Blue was the first "Pro" ‌‌iPhone‌‌ color option to use a lighter shade that was still saturated with color. Sierra Blue was a unique metallic, almost icy look, that could appear blue in some conditions, and light grey in others. Apple went on to further experiment with even paler pastel glass and aluminum colors with the iPhone 15 models.

Fixed Focus Digital has a mixed track record for Apple rumors. While the leaker has had some major wins, such as reporting that the fourth-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE would in fact be the "iPhone 16e" and the iPhone 16 Pro's Gold Titanium color option, other claims have been inaccurate. The ‌iPhone 17 Air‌ is expected to debut alongside the rest of the new ‌iPhone‌ lineup in the fall.
Related Roundup: iPhone 17 Air
Related Forum: iPhone

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BOE Becomes Apple's Biggest MacBook Display Supplier

Chinese display maker BOE is poised to overtake all rivals as Apple's largest supplier of MacBook panels in 2025, but the company's newfound dominance may not last for long with OLED MacBook Pro models on the horizon for next year.


According to market research firm Omdia, BOE is expected to capture 51% of Apple's MacBook display panel orders this year, up from 39% in 2024. The increase is primarily attributed to Apple's expanded procurement of LCD panels for the MacBook Air lineup, which now comes in 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch sizes.

BOE is projected to ship approximately 11.5 million units to Apple in 2025, representing the first time the Chinese manufacturer will supply more than half of the display panels used across Apple's MacBook lineup. Omdia believes that Apple's growing demand for ‌MacBook Air‌ panels was instrumental to the change.

Apple is forecast to purchase 22.5 million display panels for MacBooks in total this year, representing a 1% increase year-over-year. Although the increase in procurement volume is modest, the redistribution of orders among suppliers is considerable.

LG Display has historically been Apple's primary MacBook display supplier. It is now expected to supply only 8.48 million units in 2025, corresponding to a 35% market share. This marks a 12.2% decline in LG Display's shipment volume and a 9% point decrease in its share compared to the previous year.

Sharp continues to supply mini-LED panels for the ‌MacBook Pro‌ and it is forecast to supply 3.1 million units to Apple in 2025. This represents a 20.8% year-over-year decline in shipment volume and corresponds to a 14% market share. Omdia believes that weakening demand for ‌MacBook Pro‌ models has affected the supply volumes of LG Display and Sharp, as Apple redirects a greater proportion of orders to BOE.

Omdia noted that BOE's resurgence may not last for long; Apple is expected to upgrade the ‌MacBook Pro‌ to OLED technology next year:

OLED technology, with its superior display performance and slimmer, lighter form factors, is expected to be introduced in MacBooks starting 2026. Samsung Display is likely to join Apple's MacBook supply chain at that time, intensifying competition among display makers as the market shifts from LCD to OLED.


Until OLED panels begin shipping, BOE is expected to retain its dominant position in the MacBook display supply chain, largely due to the strength of the ‌MacBook Air‌ in Apple's product lineup. For now, BOE's 12% point gain year-over-year gives it a clear lead over its South Korean and Japanese rivals.
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Apple Appeals US Ban on Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Feature

Apple has asked a U.S. federal appeals court to overturn an import ban on Apple Watch models with blood oxygen monitoring capabilities, arguing that the decision was based on a patent dispute involving an undeveloped competing product, Reuters reports.


On Monday, attorneys for Apple appeared before a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to contest a 2023 ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) that blocked imports of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2023 due to alleged patent infringement. The ban stemmed from a complaint filed by Masimo, a medical technology firm based in California, which accused Apple of violating its patents related to pulse oximetry — the measurement of blood oxygen saturation through non-invasive sensors.

Apple's legal counsel this week argued that the ITC's ruling was unjustified because, at the time Masimo filed its complaint in 2021, the company had not yet brought a competing product to market. Masimo's first smartwatch, the W1, which included blood oxygen tracking, was not released until 2022 — two years after Apple introduced the feature with the Apple Watch Series 6.

Apple maintains that Masimo's device was not market-ready when the company filed its complaint, and that the legal standard should not permit hypothetical products to justify trade restrictions. The decision had wrongly "deprived millions of Apple Watch users" of the blood-oxygen feature, Apple's attorney said.

Masimo's attorney countered that Apple was attempting to "rewrite the law" by asserting that the ITC should only block imports when a physical, commercialized product exists at the time of complaint filing.

The ITC originally ruled in Masimo's favor in October 2023, determining that Apple's implementation of blood oxygen measurement technology infringed several of Masimo's patents. As a result, the commission issued an exclusion order blocking imports of Apple Watch models that included the contested functionality. Following a brief stay granted by the Federal Circuit in December 2023, the import ban was reinstated in January 2024.

Apple subsequently modified its devices for the U.S. market, disabling the blood oxygen sensor in newly sold Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models in order to resume domestic sales without violating the order. International models retain full functionality.

The case remains under consideration by the Federal Circuit. A ruling is expected later this year.
Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Trump Administration Reignites Criticism of Apple's China Dependence

Apple is once again under pressure from the Trump administration over its dependence on Chinese manufacturing, as senior trade advisor Peter Navarro publicly criticized CEO Tim Cook for failing to shift iPhone production to the United States.


In an interview on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street," White House Senior Counselor for trade and manufacturing Peter Navarro sharply criticized Apple's global manufacturing strategy, focusing on its continued reliance on China for ‌iPhone‌ production. Navarro accused Apple CEO ‌Tim Cook‌ of delaying efforts to relocate operations and claimed that the company had made insufficient progress:

Going back to the first Trump term, Tim Cook has continually asked for more time in order to move his factories out of China. I mean, it's the longest running soap opera in Silicon Valley. And my problem with Tim Cook is he never takes the steps to actually do that. And with all these new advanced manufacturing techniques and the way things are moving with AI and things like that, it's inconceivable to me that Tim Cook could not produce his iPhones elsewhere around the world and in this country.


Multiple industry analysts and economists have warned that reshoring Apple's production facilities to the United States would face serious logistical, economic, and labor-related barriers. Apple currently sources thousands of parts from over 40 countries.

Navarro's comments come as the Trump administration prepares to impose a new round of tariffs following the expiration of the 90-day tariff pause that was introduced in April 2025. During that pause, the administration sought to negotiate updated trade agreements with key manufacturing countries. As of this week, those efforts have led to partial deals with some countries, while others now face new tariffs of between 10% and 40% on exports to the United States.

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Apple Loses Key AI Executive to Meta's Multimillion-Dollar Hiring Spree

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been offering AI engineers massive pay packages to poach them from other companies, and a key Apple engineering manager has decided to take the deal, according to Bloomberg.


Ruoming Pang, who manages Apple's foundation models team, is moving from Apple to Meta. He was in charge of a team with approximately 100 employees that work on Apple's large language models. Models developed by Pang's team are used for Apple Intelligence features like email summaries, Priority Notifications, and Genmoji.

Meta lured Pang with a deal worth tens of millions of dollars per year. Meta has also scooped up AI experts from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Scale AI.

Rumors suggest that Apple has been considering relying on technology from Anthropic or OpenAI for a future LLM version of Siri, rather than using the models it has been working on. Those discussions have reportedly impacted the morale of the foundation models team that Pang is leaving. Other engineers on the team are also mulling offers from other companies.

Apple is struggling to catch up to competitors that have more advanced AI features, including Google and Samsung. Earlier this year, Apple delayed the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ ‌Siri‌ features that it had promised at WWDC 2024, and the delay led to a restructuring of its AI teams. Apple's AI efforts are now being overseen by Apple's software chief Craig Federighi and Mike Rockwell, who led Vision Pro development.
Tag: Meta

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Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 3

Apple is continuing to refine and update iOS 26, and beta three features smaller changes than we saw in beta 2, plus further tweaks to the Liquid Glass design. Apple is gearing up for the next phase of beta testing, and the company has promised that a public beta is set to come out in July.


Transparency


In some apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and the App Store, Apple has toned down the transparency of the navigation bars. The look is more opaque to make the buttons more legible.

Beta 2 on left, beta 3 on right

With some backgrounds, notifications have a darker tone to make the text more readable, and there Safari has the same transparency changes with certain colors.

There have been some complaints about the changes that Apple is continuing to make, with some users suggesting that Apple is eliminating too much of the transparency that makes ‌iOS 26‌ unique.

Wallpaper


Apple added new color options for the default "iOS" wallpaper that it designed for ‌iOS 26‌, so now we have Halo, Dusk, Sky, and Shadow. There are three different blue tone options, and one version that has shades of purple.


The wallpapers have more unique color differences when viewed in Dark Mode.


Control Center


Apple tweaked the blue and green colors for the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirDrop, and Cellular Toggles. The colors are brighter and more in line with the other colors in Control Center.


iPadOS 26 Mouse Cursor


In iPadOS 26, if you shake the cursor, it will get bigger so that it's easier to find on the display. It's the same behavior that's available in macOS.

Maps


The Maps app gains support for fog advisories when using offline maps, plus beta 3 fleshes out the feature that alerts you to commute delays.

Safari


The folders interface in Safari features some minor design tweaks.


Bug Fixes


Apple says it fixed an issue that could cause iPads connected to external displays to go into sleep mode while in active video calls.

Read More


We have additional info on all of the new features in ‌iOS 26‌ in our roundup.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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The Best Prime Day Deals on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and More

Amazon is back with its annual summertime Prime Day event, lasting for four days from July 8-11, the longest Prime Day yet. As it does every year, Prime Day offers shoppers a huge selection of deals across Amazon's storefront. Even though the event doesn't officially begin until tomorrow, we're tracking numerous all-time low prices on Apple gear right now.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

For our coverage, we're focusing on discounts for Apple and Apple-related products that can be purchased right now on Amazon. As of today, this includes deals on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook Air, and more. We're also sharing deals being matched at retailers like Best Buy in some cases.



As is typical for Prime Day deals, these markdowns are very time sensitive, so sales listed below may disappear fast, and new ones may appear even faster. With this in mind, we'll keep this article updated over the next few days, and keep an eye on the MacRumors front page as we'll be posting particularly great deals in separate articles next week.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Amazon Prime Day requires you to have an Amazon Prime membership to take advantage of the discounts. Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139.00 per year, and it comes with a 30-day free trial for new subscribers.

Special for 2025, Amazon is also offering a free six month trial to Prime for Young Adults right now. Prime for Young Adults is a discounted Prime membership for anyone age 18-24 that offers all of the Prime benefits at $69.00 per year, half of the price of regular Prime.

AirPods



Amazon has the USB-C AirPods Max on sale for $429.99, down from $549.00, and the AirPods Pro 2 for $149.00, down from $249.00. You'll also find an all-time low price on the AirPods 4 for Prime Day.





iPad



Amazon is taking up to $55 off Wi-Fi and cellular models of Apple's 11th generation iPad for Prime Day. Prices start at $279.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, down from $349.00, a new all-time low price on this model.




iPad Mini



Amazon has record low prices on every Wi-Fi model of the iPad mini 7 this week, starting at $379.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. You'll also find a few deals on cellular models during this sale.




iPad Air



Amazon this week has discounts across nearly the entire M3 iPad Air lineup, offering $100 off these tablets. Prices start at $479.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M3 iPad Air, down from $599.00. Best Buy is matching all of these deals on the iPad Air.



11-inch M3 iPad Air



13-inch M3 iPad Air




MacBook Air



Amazon today has low prices across nearly the entire M4 MacBook Air lineup, with up to $175 off both 13-inch and 15-inch models.

Starting with the 13-inch models, Amazon has $150 off all three configurations of this notebook. Prices start at $849.00 for the 256GB model, then raise to $1,049.00 for the 16GB/512GB model and $1,249.00 for the 24GB/512GB model. All of these are solid second-best prices on the M4 MacBook Air.





Moving to the larger display models, Amazon has both 512GB versions of the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week, as well as the 256GB model. The 16GB/512GB model is available for $1,249.00 and the 24GB/512GB model is on sale for $1,424.50. Across the board, these are all second-best prices on the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air.





Apple Watch



Series 10


Amazon is offering numerous all-time low prices on Apple Watch Series 10 devices ahead of Prime Day, including both GPS and cellular models at $119 off original prices. Best Buy is matching these prices in many cases.




Amazon has the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 for $279.99, down from $399.00, as well as the 46mm GPS model for $309.99, down from $429.00. Both of these are record low prices on the Apple Watch Series 10, and they're available in numerous case colors and band styles.

SE


In addition to Series 10 deals, Amazon is discounting the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE to $169.00 today, down from $249.00. This is the best price we've tracked so far in 2025, and it's available in Starlight, Silver, and Midnight Aluminum color options.



Additionally, you can get the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE for $199.00 today on Amazon, down from $279.00. This one is also available in Midnight, Silver, and Starlight Aluminum colors, and multiple band sizes.



Apple Watch Ultra 2




Amazon has introduced a new all-time low price on the Black Apple Watch Ultra 2, available for $649.00, down from $799.00. This is the first time in a few weeks that we've tracked any notable discount on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.



Models on sale at this price include the Black Titanium Case with Black Trail Loop (M/L), Black Titanium Case with Dark Green Alpine Loop (L), and more. If you're shopping for the Natural color option, you can find the models with the Navy Ocean Band and Tan Alpine Loop (M) on sale for $649.00 as well.

Accessories








Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.




Deals Newsletter


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Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Apple Seeds Third Beta of macOS Tahoe to Developers

Apple today provided developers with the third beta of macOS Tahoe 26 for testing purposes, with the update coming two weeks after the second beta.


Registered developers can download the new beta software through the System Settings app. Right now, there is a bit of a bug with the beta that is preventing Apple silicon Macs from being able to download it. Intel Macs can be updated with no issue, but Apple will need to address the server side bug before it will be available to everyone.

macOS Tahoe features Apple's Liquid Glass redesign, which extends across all of the new updates this year. Apple also brought the Phone and Journal apps to the Mac for the first time, and introduced a new cross-platform Games app.

With the update, Apple overhauled how Spotlight works, enabling new functionality that allows it to be used to complete all kinds of actions like sending emails without having to open up an app. There are also changes to a number of apps, including Messages, Safari, and Notes.

All of the new features that are included in macOS Tahoe are outlined in our dedicated roundup. There were several tweaks made in the second beta, so check that out to see what's changed so far.

Apple plans to release macOS Tahoe to public beta testers in the near future, and the update will see an official launch in the fall.
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Apple Seeds Third Developer Betas of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

Apple today provided developers with the third betas of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 for testing purposes, with the updates coming two weeks after Apple seeded the second betas.


Registered developers can download the new beta software using the Software Update section of the Settings app.

‌iOS 26‌ and ‌iPadOS 26‌ feature Apple's new Liquid Glass design aesthetic, with a focus on translucency and glass-like interface elements. The design extends to the Lock Screen, Home Screen, and Control Center, along with menus and buttons in apps.

Apple's software includes features for apps like Messages, Phone, Shortcuts, and Apple Music, along with new Apple Intelligence features, a revamp for CarPlay, and more. In ‌iPadOS 26‌, there's a whole new multitasking system that supports multiple app windows for a more Mac-like experience.

For more on the features in ‌iOS 26‌, we have a dedicated iOS 26 roundup and a separate iPadOS 26 roundup. Several new features were found in beta 2, and we rounded them up.

While the ‌iOS 26‌ and ‌iPadOS 26‌ betas are limited to developers right now, Apple plans to release a public very soon. The updates will launch in the fall.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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Apple Seeds Third watchOS 26 and visionOS 26 Developer Betas

Apple today provided developers with the third betas of watchOS 26 and visionOS 26 for testing purposes, with the betas coming two weeks after the second betas were released.


The software updates can be downloaded through the Settings app on each device. A developer account is required.

‌watchOS 26‌ and tvOS 26 adopt new Liquid Glass design changes inspired by visionOS, much like iOS 26 and macOS 26. watchOS has a new AI-powered Workout Buddy for motivation and the Smart Stack incorporates more personal context for better suggestions. There's also a new Notes app and support for Live Translation.

visionOS 26 adds support for spatial widgets that can be placed anywhere in the space around you, along with refinements to make personas more lifelike and support for shared spatial experiences between two Vision Pro users.

The third ‌watchOS 26‌ beta should address an issue that affected Hermes Apple Watch models, causing them to overheat and crash. Apple has not yet seeded a third tvOS 26 beta.

The betas are limited to developers right now, but ‌watchOS 26‌ will be available to public beta in the near future. The updates will launch in the fall.
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iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has now been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models later this year.


In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo today, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum frame, with a glass section on the back of the devices to preserve MagSafe and Qi wireless charging support. This part-aluminum, part-glass design for iPhone 17 Pro models was previously reported by The Information's Wayne Ma, and it is now backed by an additional source.

Apple has continued to use aluminum frames for the lower-end iPhone models each year, including the latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature titanium frames, so the return to aluminum for the Pro models would be a notable change. Instant Digital said the aluminum frame will be very thin, and they expect the iPhone 17 Pro models to feature ultra-thin bezels.

Aluminum is lighter and cheaper than titanium, but Apple's reasons for allegedly shifting back to the material are unknown at this point.

A previous rumor indicated that the all-new "iPhone 17 Air" model will still use a mix of titanium.

Instant Digital has more than 1.4 million followers on Weibo, and the account has accurately leaked Apple information before, such as the Yellow finish for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2's Titanium Milanese Loop. However, like most sources, the account does not have a perfect track record.

Apple will announce the iPhone 17 series in September, so we will find out if and why the company returns to aluminum in a few more months.
Related Roundup: iPhone 17 Pro
Related Forum: iPhone

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Apple's AirTag 4-Pack Drops to Record Low $67.99 Price for Prime Day

Amazon this week has Apple's AirTag 4-Pack for $67.99, down from $99.00. This is the first time since February that we've seen the AirTag 4-Pack hit this record low price, making it another great Prime Day deal.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Amazon provides delivery dates as soon as today for Prime members at some residences in the United States, and you won't need to clip an on-page coupon in order to see this deal. If you're shopping for just one AirTag, Amazon has the AirTag 1-Pack for $19.99, which is a record low price.



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




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Prime Day Deals Arrive for AirPods Pro 2 at $149 and AirPods 4 at $89 [Updated]

Amazon Prime Day has arrived, and today you can find record low prices on nearly every AirPods model on Amazon.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

The highlight of these deals include the AirPods Pro 2 for $149.00, down from $249.00, and the USB-C AirPods Max for $399.00, down from $549.00. It's been months since we've seen discounts this steep, so now is the best time to buy these models if you've been waiting for great AirPods deals.






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.

Update: This article has been updated with new record low prices across the board on every AirPods model.




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iPhone 17 Models Rumored to Feature Redesigned Dynamic Island

iPhone 17 models will feature a redesigned Dynamic Island user interface, according to a post today from Digital Chat Station, an account with more than three million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The account has accurately leaked some information regarding future Apple products in the past.


The account did not share any specific details about the alleged changes that are planned for the Dynamic Island, but the mention of a new user interface makes it sound like there will be some changes on the software side. It may be that iOS 26 introduces a redesigned Dynamic Island exclusively on all iPhone 17 models.

On the hardware side, Dynamic Island rumors have been conflicting. It was initially rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might have a smaller Dynamic Island area compared to the iPhone 17 Pro and earlier iPhone models, but it was later reported that such a change might not be happening until the iPhone 18 Pro models. And if a smaller Dynamic Island cutout ends up happening this year, one source said it would be on all iPhone 17 models.

All in all, it sounds like there is a decent chance that the Dynamic Island will change in some way on iPhone 17 models, for the first time since the feature was introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro models in 2022. Apple should unveil the iPhone 17 series in early September, so we will find out for sure in around two months from now.
Related Forum: iPhone

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iPhone 16 Pro Design Change Rumored to Expand to iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air

Apple says the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature the thinnest bezels around the screen of any product it has ever released, and it has now been rumored that this design change will expand to more iPhone models later this year.


The entire iPhone 17 series will feature thinner bezels, according to Digital Chat Station, an account with more than three million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The account has accurately leaked information about future Apple products in the past, such as camera-related details for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

Notably, this means the iPhone 17 base model and the all-new "iPhone 17 Air" model would have ultra-thin bezels, rather than only the Pro models.

Here is what Apple said about the iPhone 16 Pro bezels in a press release last year:
The new Pro lineup features the thinnest borders of any Apple product and introduces larger display sizes: 6.3 inches on iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches on iPhone 16 Pro Max — the largest iPhone display ever.
Previous rumors have indicated that the iPhone 17 base model will be equipped with a 6.3-inch display, up from a 6.1-inch display on the iPhone 16 base model. The so-called "iPhone 17 Air" is expected to have a 6.6-inch display.

Here is what to expect based on all rumors to date:

  • iPhone 17: 6.3-inch display with ultra-thin bezels

  • iPhone 17 Air: 6.6-inch display with ultra-thin bezels

  • iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display with ultra-thin bezels

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display with ultra-thin bezels

In line with previous rumors, Digital Chat Station said that the iPhone 17 base model will look more or less the same as the iPhone 16 base model. They also reiterated that the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a much larger camera bump across the back of the devices, plus an upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto camera with up to 5× optical zoom.

Apple should unveil the iPhone 17 series in September.
Related Roundups: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air
Related Forum: iPhone

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Apple Challenges 'Unprecedented' €500M EU Fine Over App Store Steering Rules

Apple is appealing the 500 million euro ($570 million) fine that it is facing in the European Union for allegedly violating the Digital Markets Act.


In a statement to MacRumors, Apple said that the fine is unprecedented, and goes beyond what the law requires.
Today we filed our appeal because we believe the European Commission's decision--and their unprecedented fine--go far beyond what the law requires. As our appeal will show, the EC is mandating how we run our store and forcing business terms which are confusing for developers and bad for users. We implemented this to avoid punitive daily fines and will share the facts with the Court.

Apple was fined in April for restricting app developers from informing users about purchase options available outside of the App Store. The European Commission said that developers should have the ability to direct customers to outside of the ‌App Store‌.

"App developers distributing their apps via Apple's ‌App Store‌ should be able to inform customers, free of charge, of alternative offers outside the ‌App Store‌, steer them to those offers and allow them to make purchases," said the EC in its ruling.

Besides fining Apple 500 million euros, the EC also ordered Apple to change its ‌App Store‌ rules around steering or face further fines. Apple made the required changes in late June to prevent being further penalized during the appeals process. Apps that are distributed through EU storefronts can now freely link to deals available outside of the ‌App Store‌, and can even provide alternate purchase options that don't use Apple's in-app purchase system.

Apple also updated its fee structure in the European Union, and by January 1, 2026, all EU developers will pay a Core Technology Commission, an initial acquisition fee, and a store services fee. Fees will vary based on the level of ‌App Store‌ service that developers opt to use, and Small Business Program participants will pay lower fees. The maximum fee under the new system for ‌App Store‌ app distribution with Apple's full suite of services is 20 percent, 10 percent lower than the prior 30 percent fee.

There is a tiered system for ‌App Store‌ services to lower fees. Developers that want to pay less can choose tier 1, and Apple will not provide automatic app updates, ratings, reviews, search suggestions, ‌App Store‌ features and marketing, and analytics. Tier 2 provides all of the current ‌App Store‌ services. Tier 1 is mandatory, and tier 2 is optional.

Apple says that the European Commission required it to offer different tiers that would let developers pay less for fewer services, which is why there is a new, more complex system. The EC also instructed Apple on which services developers should be able to opt out of, resulting in Apple moving search discovery and browse options out of its mandatory tier.

Apple plans to argue that the EC is telling it how to operate its business, and that the commission has expanded the definition of steering beyond what the law requires.
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TikTok to Launch New App for US Users in September

TikTok will launch a new U.S.-exclusive version of its app on app stores on September 5, as part of an ongoing effort to comply with federal legislation requiring the divestment of its American operations due to national security concerns, The Information reports.


The existing version of TikTok, internally codenamed "M," will be removed from U.S. app stores on the day of the new app's debut, and users will be directed to download the replacement version, internally referred to as "M2."

U.S. TikTok users will need to migrate to the new version in order to maintain access to the platform beyond March 2026. The current app will cease functioning after that date.

Apple does not allow developers to create region-specific forks of apps within a single listing, meaning TikTok is required to distribute "‌M2‌" as a distinct bundle identifier under a new App Store entry. The move is unusual for an app of TikTok's scale, especially given its estimated 170 million U.S. users. All user data will reportedly be transferred to U.S.-based infrastructure as part of the switch.

The decision to release a separate app for the United States follows the passage of a law by Congress mandating that Chinese parent company ByteDance either sell its U.S. TikTok business or face a nationwide ban. The U.S. version of the app will then will be managed under the oversight of a U.S.-based ownership group, including Oracle.
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New iPhone 17 Pro Renders Highlight Apple Logo and MagSafe Design Changes

New renders today provide the best look yet relocated Apple logo and redesigned MagSafe magnet array of the iPhone 17 Pro and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max.

Image via Majin Bu.

Several of the design changes coming to the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ model have been rumored for some time, such as the elongated camera bump that spans the full width of the device, with the LiDAR Scanner and flash moving to the right side.

The device is also expected to move to an aluminum frame that encompasses the new camera bump design, similar to the iPad Pro. To enable wireless charging, there will be a cutout in the aluminum frame below the camera bump for a glass segment.

Most recently, it emerged that the Apple logo will likely be repositioned to the center of this glass segment. The repositioning means the Apple logo will now appear lower than before when viewed relative to the full height of the device.

This has a subsequent impact on the appearance of ‌MagSafe‌ accessories, since the magnetic ring on clear cases would obscure the Apple logo. To resolve this, Apple will apparently change the distinctive ‌MagSafe‌ magnet array to add a break in the circle to allow the Apple logo to show through.

The latest render from the leaker known as "Majin Bu" depicts both the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max in clear cases, showing how Apple apparently proposes to change the ‌MagSafe‌ magnet array to allow the relocated Apple to be clearly shown in its new, lower position, centered to the glass cutout.

The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max is expected to launch in the fall, with upgrades including a 48-megapixel telephoto camera, 24-megapixel front-facing camera, and the A19 Pro chip.
Related Roundup: iPhone 17 Pro
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Apple's $350 Million Gamble on 'F1' Is Starting to Pay Off

Apple's latest original film, "F1: The Movie," has become the company's highest-grossing theatrical release to date, earning over $293 million globally within ten days of release, Variety reports.


According to Variety, the film earned $146 million globally during its opening weekend and has since surpassed $293 million worldwide, overtaking Ridley Scott's "Napoleon" ($221 million) and Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" ($158 million) as Apple's highest box office performer to date. Two of Apple's movies, "Fly Me to the Moon" ($42 million) and "Argylle" ($96 million), severely underperformed.

IMAX screenings have been a significant contributor to revenue, accounting for $60 million globally, or roughly 20% of total ticket sales. Outside of the United States and Canada, where F1 has grossed $109.5 million to date, the top-performing international markets include China ($22 million), the United Kingdom ($17.3 million), Mexico ($12.3 million), France ($11.5 million), and Australia ($9.8 million).

The production cost for F1 is estimated to have exceeded $250 million, with marketing expenses reportedly adding another $100 million. While the film's box office performance has exceeded that of Apple's previous theatrical titles, the total gross remains below the estimated break-even threshold for a film with such a high combined budget. Box office returns are also typically split between studios and exhibitors, with studios often receiving around 50% of domestic ticket revenue and a smaller share internationally. As a result, it is unlikely that F1 has yet recouped its full investment from theatrical ticket sales alone.

Following its run in theaters, F1 is expected to become available on Apple TV+ later in 2025.
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Here's Which Vehicles Offer iPhone Car Keys

In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further.


Apple has a web page with a list of vehicle models that support iPhone car keys, but it has not been updated in a while, so it is missing some recent additions. Our list below is more up to date, but if we are missing any vehicles, let us know.

How It Works


There are three levels of this feature, as explained in an Apple support document. Availability varies by vehicle model.
  • Lock, unlock, and start your car with passive entry

  • Lock, unlock, and start your car by proximity

  • Lock and unlock your car remotely
Express Mode lets you use your Wallet app key without unlocking your iPhone, or authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

You will need an iPhone XS or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 5 or newer. Passive entry requires an iPhone 11 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer.

Existing Vehicles

Audi

  • 2025 and newer A5

  • 2025 and newer Q5

  • 2025 and newer SQ5

  • 2025 and newer A6

  • 2025 and newer S6

  • 2025 and newer Q6

  • 2025 and newer SQ6

BMW

  • 2021 and newer 1 Series

  • 2021 and newer 2 Series

  • 2021 and newer 3 Series

  • 2021 and newer 4 Series

  • 2021 and newer 5 Series

  • 2021 and newer 6 Series

  • 2021 and newer 8 Series

  • 2021 and newer X5

  • 2021 and newer X6

  • 2021 and newer X7

  • 2021 and newer X5 M

  • 2021 and newer X6 M

  • 2021 and newer Z4

  • 2022 and newer i4

  • 2022 and newer iX

  • 2022 and newer iX1

  • 2022 and newer iX3

  • 2023 and newer i3

  • 2023 and newer i7

  • 2024 and newer i5

MINI

  • Aceman (produced from May 2024)

  • Cooper (3-door) C / S (produced from March 2024)

  • Cooper (3-door) E / SE (produced from November 2023)

  • Cooper (5-door) (produced from July 2024)

  • Countryman (produced from November 2023)

Hyundai

  • 2023 and newer Palisade

  • 2024 and newer Elantra

  • 2024 and newer Kona

  • 2024 and newer Santa Fe

  • 2024 and newer Sonata

  • 2025 and newer Tucson

  • 2025 and newer Santa Cruz

  • 2025 and newer IONIQ 5

  • 2023 and newer IONIQ 6

  • 2026 and newer IONIQ 9

Kia

  • 2023 and newer Telluride

  • 2023 and newer Niro

  • 2023 and newer Seltos

  • 2024 and newer EV3

  • 2024 and newer EV6

  • 2024 and newer EV9

  • 2024 and newer Sorento

  • 2025 and newer Carnival

  • 2025 and newer K5

Genesis

  • 2023 and newer GV60

  • 2023 and newer G90

  • 2024 and newer G70

  • 2024 and newer GV70

  • 2024 and newer GV90

Mercedes-Benz

  • 2024 and newer E‑Class

  • 2025 and newer EQE

  • 2025 and newer EQS

Polestar

  • All models of the Polestar 3

  • All models of the Polestar 4

RAM

  • 2025 and newer RAM 1500

Volvo

  • 2024 and newer EX30

  • 2024 and newer EX90

Lotus

  • 2024 and newer Eletre

  • 2024 and newer Emeya
A few other automakers have started offering iPhone car keys, like BYD, NIO, and Lynk & Co.

Availability may vary by country.

Future Vehicles


During its WWDC 2025 keynote last month, Apple said that the following 13 automakers would "soon" offer vehicle models with iPhone car keys:
  • Acura

  • Chevrolet

  • Cadillac

  • GMC

  • Porsche

  • Rivian

  • Smart

  • Lucid Motors

  • Tata Motors

  • Hongqi

  • WEY

  • Chery

  • Voyah
For Rivian, this will include the second-generation R1S and R1T and newer, according to a press release from more than a year ago.
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Apple Launching These 15+ Products Later This Year

The calendar has turned to July, meaning that 2025 is now more than half over. And while the summer months are often quiet for Apple, the company still has more than a dozen products coming later this year, according to rumors.


Below, we have outlined at least 15 new Apple products that are expected to launch later this year, along with key rumored features for each.

iPhone 17 Series


  • iPhone 17: Same design and A18 chip as iPhone 16, but with a larger 6.3-inch display. Upgraded 24-megapixel front camera, and possibly 120Hz support.

  • iPhone 17 Air: All-new model with an ultra-thin and lightweight design, 6.6-inch display, A19 chip, 12GB of RAM, single 48-megapixel rear camera, 24-megapixel front camera, single speaker, and an optional battery case.

  • iPhone 17 Pro: A redesigned rear camera bump with a trio of 48-megapixel cameras, an aluminum frame, an A19 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, and potentially a vapor chamber cooling system for improved heat dissipation.

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: All of the iPhone 17 Pro features listed above, plus a slightly thicker design for a larger and longer-lasting battery.

Apple Watches


  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: 5G support, plus satellite connectivity for sending and receiving text messages in supported areas without Wi-Fi and cellular coverage. Other likely upgrades include an S10 chip or newer, faster charging, and a wide-angle OLED display that is brighter when viewed from an angle.

  • Apple Watch Series 11: Spec-bump year with an S11 chip and smaller changes, following bigger design updates with the Series 10 last year.

  • Apple Watch SE 3: Initially rumored to feature a plastic case in bright color options, but that might not be happening anymore. Not many rumors beyond that yet, but the Apple Watch SE has not been updated since 2022, so it should catch up with a handful of new features and improvements this year.

M5 Chip Devices


The following devices are rumored to receive Apple's next-generation M5 chips this year, but no major design changes are expected for any of them.

  • iPad Pro: M5 chip

  • Vision Pro: M5 chip

  • iMac: M5 chip

  • Mac mini: M5 and M5 Pro chips

  • MacBook Pro: M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips

Home and Accessories


  • Apple TV 4K (4th generation): Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support, and likely a newer chip than the A15 Bionic in the current model, for faster performance. A built-in FaceTime camera has been rumored for a future Apple TV, but it is unclear if that will arrive with the next model.

  • HomePod mini (2nd generation): Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support, and likely improved sound quality.

  • AirTag (2nd generation): Up to 3× longer item tracking range vs. current AirTag, and a more tamper-proof speaker as an anti-stalking measure.

Wild Cards


Most of the devices in this list should be announced in September or October this year.
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 Hits New Record Low Price of $649 for Prime Day

Amazon has introduced a new all-time low price on the Black Apple Watch Ultra 2, available for $649.00, down from $799.00. This is the first time in a few weeks that we've tracked any notable discount on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Models on sale at this price include the Black Titanium Case with Black Trail Loop (M/L), Black Titanium Case with Dark Green Alpine Loop (L), and more. If you're shopping for the Natural color option, you can find the models with the Navy Ocean Band and Tan Alpine Loop (M) on sale for $649.00 as well.



Amazon also has a few of the Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 models with the Titanium Milanese Loop on sale for Prime Day at $749.00, down from $899.00. You'll find the Large, Medium, and Small sizes all available at this price.

We've begun tracking all of the best early Prime Day deals in our dedicated post. 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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AirPods Prime Day Deals Arrive With AirPods Pro 2 at $159.99 and AirPods 4 at $99.99

Amazon has the AirPods Pro 2 for $159.99 ahead of Prime Day, down from $249.00. Free delivery options provide an estimated delivery date of around July 11, while Prime members should get the headphones sooner in most cases.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Compared to past sales, this an all-time low price on the AirPods Pro 2. Amazon also has the AirPods 4 available for $99.99 during this sale, an all-time low price.





We've begun tracking all of the best early Prime Day deals in our dedicated post, and it also includes every color of the USB-C AirPods Max on sale at $449.99, down from $549.00. 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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Here's How the iPhone 17 Pro Max Will Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro

Apple should unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, and there might be one bigger difference between the Pro and Pro Max models this year.


As always, the Pro Max model will be larger than the Pro model:
  • iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
Given the Pro Max is physically larger than the Pro, it has more internal space, allowing for a larger battery and longer battery life. Nothing new.

It has been rumored that the Pro Max model will go one step further this year, though.

In March, it was rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be approximately 5% thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, likely in order to accommodate a larger battery. This would result in the iPhone 17 Pro Max having even longer battery life compared to the iPhone 17 Pro, which is not expected to be any thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro.

It was recently rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro Max's battery capacity will reach the 5,000 mAh mark, up from 4,676 mAh for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The thickness rumor originated from Ice Universe, an account with more than 1.5 million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The account has previously shared accurate information about future Apple products.

In some years, the Pro Max gets some camera features before the Pro, but that is not expected to be the case this year. Both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are rumored to be equipped with a trio of 48-megapixel rear cameras, along with an upgraded 24-megapixel front camera. No camera differences have been rumored yet.

It was initially rumored that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might have a smaller Dynamic Island compared to the iPhone 17 Pro and earlier models, but it was later reported that such a change might not be happening until next year. Even if it does happen this year, one source said the smaller Dynamic Island would be on all iPhone 17 models.

All in all, the iPhone 17 Pro Max might be pretty similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, beyond its larger screen and even bigger lead in battery life.
Related Roundup: iPhone 17 Pro
Related Forum: iPhone

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