Amazon is offering numerous all-time low prices on Apple Watch Series 10 devices today, including both GPS and cellular models at $100 off original prices. Best Buy is matching these prices in many 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.

Amazon has the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 for $299.00, down from $399.00, as well as the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, 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, all of which you can find in the lists below.

42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10

• Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band (S/M) - $299.00, down from $399.00


• Jet Black Aluminum Case with Ink Sport Loop - $299.00, down from $399.00


• Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Plum Sport Loop - $299.00, down from $399.00


• Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Loop - $299.00, down from $399.00


• Silver Aluminum Case with Blue Cloud Sport Loop - $299.00, down from $399.00


• Silver Aluminum Case with Denim Sport Band (S/M) - $299.00, down from $399.00

46mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10

• Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band (M/L) - $329.00, down from $429.00


• Jet Black Aluminum Case with Ink Sport Loop - $329.00, down from $429.00


• Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band (M/L) - $329.00, down from $429.00


• Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Plum Sport Loop - $329.00, down from $429.00


• Silver Aluminum Case with Blue Cloud Sport Loop - $329.00, down from $429.00


• Silver Aluminum Case with Denim Sport Band (M/L) - $329.00, down from $429.00

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

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Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming macOS Sequoia 15.6 update to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a month after Apple released ‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.5.


Developers can opt-in to the ‌macOS Sequoia‌ beta through the Software Update section of the System Settings app. An Apple ID associated with an Apple Developer account is required to get the beta.

There's no word yet on what's included in ‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.6, but rumors suggest that Apple plans to bring Apple Intelligence to China. There have been some regulatory hurdles that Apple is dealing with, so ‌Apple Intelligence‌ in China might be delayed beyond macOS 15.6.

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Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming over a month after Apple released iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5.


iOS 18.6 and iPadOS 18.6 can be downloaded from the Settings app on a compatible device by going to General > Software Update.

With the iOS 18.6 update, Apple may bring Apple Intelligence to China for the first time. Apple is expected to partner with Alibaba and Baidu for AI features in the country, but it is not clear if this has been delayed because Apple is facing regulatory hurdles in China.

We don't know of any other new features expected for iOS 18.6, and Apple is winding down work on iOS 18 as it shifts focus to iOS 26. ‌iOS 26‌ is in beta testing right now and it is set to be released in September.
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Leaker Sonny Dickson recently launched Collectible Phones, a new website focused on art created from discarded iPhones that would otherwise be sent to a landfill.


Dickson's company sources out-of-commission iPhones from recycling facilities, selecting those in the best condition to disassemble and preserve. The site says that only the best components are picked, carefully glued to a backboard, and then placed in a high-quality frame.

Each component is labeled with details and specifications, so you'll see all of the information about the iPhone's display, logic board, battery, and more. Launch date, pricing, and other interesting tidbits are included too.

Right now, Collectible Phones is offering the $349 Collectible 2G, featuring Apple's iconic original ‌iPhone‌ from 2007. Each component of the original ‌iPhone‌ has a description of what it was, from the camera to the Home button. Dickson sourced an original screenshot of the first version of iOS, so you can see what the Home screen of the ‌iPhone‌ looked like back in 2007.

Each Collectible 2G piece can be purchased with either a black frame or a silver frame that's ready to hang on the wall. Frames measure in at 30cm x 42.3cm, and shipping is free worldwide. In the future, Dickson plans to add more devices to the collection.
This article, "iPhone Parts Become Wall Art in New 'Collectible Phones' Display Pieces" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today provided developers with the first betas of upcoming visionOS 2.6, tvOS 18.6, and watchOS 11.6 updates for testing purposes. The software comes over a month after Apple released visionOS 2.5, tvOS 18.5, and watchOS 11.5.


The betas are available to registered developers at the current time, and can be downloaded from the Settings app on each device.

There's no word on what's included in the beta updates at this time, but we'll update this article if any new features are found.
This article, "Apple Seeds First Betas of visionOS 2.6, tvOS 18.6, and watchOS 11.6" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple will finally deliver the Apple Watch Ultra 3 sometime this year, according to analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities Hong Kong (via @jukanlosreve).


The analyst expects both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 to arrive this year (likely alongside the new iPhone 17 lineup, if previous launches are anything to go by), according to his latest product roadmap shared with investors.

It's been a long wait for Ultra fans. Apple skipped updating the rugged smartwatch entirely in 2024, choosing instead to simply add a black titanium color option to the existing Apple Watch Ultra 2. That means it will have been nearly two years when September rolls around since we've seen any meaningful changes to the Ultra lineup.

Pu's timeline aligns with other industry watchers who expect Apple's fall event to bring refreshes across the Apple Watch family. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested the Ultra 3 could gain satellite connectivity and 5G capabilities, features that would arguably help justify the extended development cycle.

The analyst's broader Apple roadmap paints an interesting picture for 2025. More notably, he predicts that Apple will also release its rumored HomePad tablet this year, while pushing AirPods Pro 3 back to 2026 – a timeline that conflicts with other recent predictions.

• 6 Features Coming to the Apple Watch Ultra 3

For Ultra users hanging onto first-generation models, the wait might finally be worth it. Two years of development could mean more substantial upgrades than the typical annual refresh cycle allows, assuming Apple hasn't just been sitting on its hands.
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Apple has lost a legal challenge in the Netherlands after a Dutch court ruled that the company abused its dominant market position by imposing restrictive payment terms on dating app developers (via Reuters).



The ruling was issued earlier today by the Rotterdam District Court, confirming a 2021 decision by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), which found that Apple violated European Union competition laws by forcing dating app developers to use its proprietary in-app payment system, prohibiting them from directing users to alternative payment methods, and charging commissions of up to 30% on transactions.

The court's decision means that the ACM's prior enforcement actions still stand, including a significant penalty for non-compliance. In a statement provided to Reuters following the ruling, an Apple spokesperson said the company would appeal the decision:

This ruling undermines the technology and tools we've created to benefit developers and protect users' privacy and security, and we plan to appeal.

The ACM initially ordered Apple in August 2021 to revise its policies for dating apps distributed via the Dutch App Store. Apple was told to allow developers of these apps to either integrate an alternative payment system or direct users to external payment options. When Apple failed to implement these changes in a manner the ACM deemed sufficient, the regulator imposed a series of weekly fines totaling €50 million. The case in the Netherlands is part of broader ongoing international scrutiny of Apple's ‌App Store‌ practices.
This article, "Court Upholds Regulator's Case Against Apple Over App Store" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Accessory maker Satechi has announced that it is releasing a new NVMe SSD enclosure that is specially designed for the latest Mac mini.


The slim aluminum enclosure is the same size as the Mac mini models with M4 and M4 Pro chips, allowing it to sit atop the computer. It connects to the Mac mini with an included USB 4 cable, offering data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps.

The enclosure can hold up to an 8TB NVMe SSD, and it has a hidden compartment for storing the braided USB 4 cable. In addition, Satechi says it has integrated cooling vents and a thermal pad, for peak performance without thermal throttling.


While the enclosure matches the look and size of the latest Mac mini, it can be used with a wide variety of Apple devices, including MacBooks and iPads.

In the U.S., Apple charges $2,400 to upgrade a Mac mini to 8TB of built-in storage, so using external NVMe storage is a much cheaper option. Satechi says the enclosure will be available starting this Tuesday for $119.99, and customers can receive an additional $20 off using code LIMITED20 for a limited time. You have to provide your own NVMe SSD, with 8TB options available for as little as $500 to $700 depending on sales.

The product page for the enclosure will go live tomorrow, so keep an eye on Satechi's website.
This article, "Satechi's New Accessory Lets You Add Up to 8TB of Storage to Mac Mini" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Best Buy this week is taking $200 off several models of the M3 MacBook Air from 2024, with deals focusing mainly on the 13-inch versions of the computer. Prices start at just $699.00 for the 256GB M3 MacBook Air, down from $899.00.

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

You'll also find the 16GB RAM/512GB SSD M3 MacBook Air on sale for $899.00 and the 24GB RAM/512GB SSD M3 MacBook Air on sale for $1,099.00. All of these represent record low prices on the computer and right now only Best Buy has the deals.





Apple's original price on the 256GB 13-inch M3 MacBook Air was $1,099.00, so Best Buy's price today represents a huge discount on the previous generation computer.

If you're on the hunt for the newest M4 MacBook Air, some deals remain at Amazon this week. You can get the entry-level 256GB 13-inch M4 MacBook Air for $849.00 ($150 off) and the 256GB 15-inch M4 MacBook Air for $1,049.00 ($150 off).

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

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watchOS 26 brings a significant upgrade to the Apple Watch's architecture, transitioning the latest models to full arm64.


The change was revealed in Apple's "What's new in watchOS 26" video for developers. The Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are set to move from arm64_32 to the full arm64 architecture.

The arm64_32 architecture was a modified version of the standard 64-bit ARM architecture with 32-bit pointers, specifically optimized for the constrained memory environments of wearable devices. This hybrid architecture allowed Apple to implement the benefits of 64-bit instruction sets while maintaining a tighter memory footprint than full 64-bit systems.

The standard arm64 architecture provides 64-bit pointers and access to broader memory ranges, enhanced performance, and increased compatibility with general-purpose ARM computing standards. The move also opens the door for potentially more complex and computationally intensive watchOS applications, since arm64 provides access to more registers and system resources compared to the more compact arm64_32, as well as more direct alignment with development tools and runtime environments used across other Apple platforms.

watchOS 26 apps must now be built with awareness of both arm64 and arm64_32, depending on the target device. Apple clarified that older models, such as the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and Series 8, continue to use the arm64_32 architecture. As a result, watchOS apps need to include separate binaries to support both instruction sets. Xcode automatically manages the build process for arm64 and arm64_32 as long as developers maintain appropriate deployment targets and architectures in their project settings.

Existing apps built for arm64_32 will continue to run on newer Apple Watches running watchOS 26 via compatibility layers, but re-compilation for native arm64 is encouraged for best performance and forward compatibility. It is likely that arm64_32 support on the Apple Watch will gradually diminish over coming years as legacy hardware is retired. All of Apple's other platforms already use the full arm64 architecture.
This article, "watchOS 26 Moves Latest Apple Watch Models to New Architecture" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 has been stealing the spotlight over the last week, but there is still another iOS 18 update on the horizon, according to a leaker.


The first iOS 18.6 beta should be coming very soon, as a private account on X with a proven track record of sharing iOS information today shared a build number (22G5054d) for the beta. We do not link to the account's posts at the owner's request.

Apple's software engineers have been internally testing iOS 18.6 since March, according to MacRumors analytics. There are now thousands of pageviews from iPhones running the iOS 18.6 beta in our website's visitor logs, as testing ramps up.

iOS 18.6 will likely be a minor update with bug fixes and security patches, but some smaller new features are also possible. The update was initially expected to enable Apple Intelligence in China, but that has reportedly been delayed due to regulatory hurdles.

The table below provides an overview of iOS 13.6 through iOS 17.6.

iOS Version	First Developer Beta	Public Release	Inclusions
iOS 13.6	June 1, 2020	July 15, 2020	- Digital car keys in Wallet app - Apple News+ audio stories - Symptoms category in Health app - Bug fixes and small enhancements
iOS 14.6	April 22, 2021	May 24, 2021	- Apple Podcasts subscriptions - Family Sharing for Apple Card - AirTag and Find My enhancements - Bug fixes
iOS 15.6	May 18, 2022	July 20, 2022	- Restart live sports in TV app - Bug fixes
iOS 16.6	May 19, 2023	July 24, 2023	- Bug fixes and security patches
iOS 17.6	June 17, 2024	July 29, 2024	- Bug fixes and security patches

For those curious, we have not yet seen any evidence of an iOS 18.5.1 update being in the works, so Apple might jump right to iOS 18.6.

Following beta testing, iOS 18.6 will likely be released in July.

There will likely be an iOS 18.7 update too with additional security patches in September, before Apple fully moves on to the iOS 26 cycle.
This article, "iOS 18.6 Beta Coming Soon Alongside iOS 26 Beta" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple may launch the AirPods Pro 3 in 2026, according to analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities Hong Kong, contradicting earlier predictions of a much sooner release.


Pu's Apple product timeline (via @jukanlosreve) comes as a bit of a surprise. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said in February that new AirPods with heart rate monitoring were "months away," suggesting a late 2025 launch at the earliest. Code references to AirPods Pro 3 were also recently unearthed in the iOS 26 beta by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser.

That said, in a recent Ming-Chi Kuo report, the analyst said AirPods may not see significant updates until 2026, when he expects IR camera-equipped AirPods to enter mass production. However, it was not clear if Kuo was writing about the standard non-Pro AirPods, and the analyst did not respond to requests for clarification.

Historically, Apple has launched significant AirPods updates alongside new iPhones, so a September event – likely shared with the upcoming ‌iPhone‌ 17 series – was thought to be the most plausible window. A 2026 release would mark four years since the AirPods Pro 2 debuted in September 2022.

Pu's product roadmap shows Apple focusing on other hardware in 2025. The analyst expects the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 to arrive this year, which is no real surprise. More notably, he predicts that Apple will also release its rumored HomePad tablet this year – though he offered no more specific date.

For 2026, Pu forecasts the AirPods Pro 3 launching alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and a refreshed Vision Pro. Looking further into 2027 and beyond, he anticipates blood monitoring capabilities coming to Apple Watch and the debut of "Vision Air" and smart glasses.

The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to feature significantly improved active noise cancellation and heart rate monitoring, similar to the recently announced Powerbeats Pro 2. Apple last updated the AirPods Pro line with a USB-C charging case in September 2023.
This article, "AirPods Pro 3 Not Launching Until Next Year, Claims Analyst" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's Terminal app is getting a visual refresh in macOS Tahoe, and it's the first notable design update since the command-line tool debuted.


The updated Terminal will support 24-bit color and Powerline fonts, according to Apple's State of the Platforms presentation at WWDC25. The app will also adopt the new Liquid Glass aesthetic with redesigned themes that align with macOS 26's broader visual overhaul.

Terminal already offers various color profiles, but the macOS 26 version promises enhanced customization options for displaying system information in more visually appealing ways.

It's a long-overdue modernization of an app that's essential for developers and power users, as it's remained largely unchanged for over two decades.

macOS Tahoe launches this fall, with the developer beta available now and the first public beta expected in July.
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The popular, previously PC-centric graphics benchmarking suite 3DMark has been launched natively on macOS, offering Mac users a dedicated tool to test their system's gaming performance.


The new macOS version includes four benchmark tests: Wild Life Extreme, Solar Bay, Steel Nomad Light, and the demanding Steel Nomad benchmark previously exclusive to Windows. All tests run natively using Apple's Metal API and produce results comparable across Windows, iOS, and Android platforms.

UL Solutions developed the macOS port after discovering that one-sixth of 3DMark Steel Nomad Light submissions came from Mac devices running the iOS version. The problem was that the iOS app's frame rate limitations, particularly on powerful Macs, could negatively impact benchmark scores.

Mac users who purchase the full version ($34.99) gain access to Explorer Mode for the Steel Nomad benchmarks, allowing free exploration of test scenes and hidden secrets. Additional features include result saving to 3DMark.com accounts, custom resolution settings, HDR support, and Steam achievements.

Existing 3DMark owners automatically can pick up the macOS version at no extra cost. Future purchases will include both Windows and macOS versions where supported, according to UL Solutions.

3DMark for macOS is available through Steam, where a free demo version can also be downloaded. UL Solutions sys a full version is coming soon to the Epic Games Store, and the app can be directly from 3DMark.com.
This article, "3DMark Benchmarking Tool Now Available on macOS" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple plans to offer public betas of AirPods firmware updates for the first time.


The public will be able to test upcoming AirPods firmware updates through the free Apple Beta Software Program, with no Apple Developer account required.

"New public betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, HomePod software 26, watchOS 26, and AirPods Firmware are coming soon," says Apple.

In a press release, Apple said that the first AirPods firmware public beta will be available in July.

Apple already released a developer beta of an upcoming firmware update for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 last week. With the new firmware, the ‌AirPods 4‌ and AirPods Pro 2 gain support for improved audio quality for phone calls and video calls, plus studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, and videos. There is also an option to use AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording. Plus, these AirPods models can automatically pause audio if it is detected that you fell asleep.
This article, "Apple to Start Releasing Public Betas of AirPods Firmware Updates" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Watches are gaining support for custom Control Center controls.


Starting with watchOS 26, controls that are available in the Control Center gallery on an iPhone are automatically available on the Apple Watch as well. This is true even if the iOS app offering the control lacks a corresponding watchOS app. When you tap on one of these controls, the action is performed on the companion iPhone.

watchOS app developers can also create entirely new custom controls for watchOS, and in this case the action is performed on the Apple Watch directly.

The custom controls can even be assigned to the Action button on all Apple Watch Ultra models.

Until now, the Apple Watch's Control Center only offered controls from Apple, such as Wi-Fi, Airplane Mode, Theater Mode, and Flashlight toggles. You can access the Control Center on watchOS by pressing on the side button.

All of these changes mirror those introduced on the iPhone with iOS 18 last year.

watchOS 26 is currently in beta for the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer. The update will likely be released to the general public in September.
This article, "watchOS 26 Brings Your iPhone's Control Center to Your Apple Watch" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are three months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices.


Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of June 2025:

• Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone X through iPhone 14 Pro have a stainless steel frame. The back of the devices will supposedly have a new "part-aluminum, part-glass" design.


• Rectangular camera bump: iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to have a large rectangular camera bump with rounded corners. Apple apparently plans to stick with a triangular arrangement for the rear camera lenses.


• Sky Blue finish: Like the latest MacBook Air, the iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to be available in a Sky Blue color.


• Larger battery: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a slightly thicker design that allows for a larger battery.


• A19 Pro chip: iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to use Apple's next-generation A19 Pro chip, which will reportedly be manufactured with TSMC's newer third-generation 3nm process. Like usual, expect modest year-over-year performance gains and power efficiency improvements compared to the current iPhones.


• Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip: All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to get a Wi-Fi 7 chip designed by Apple rather than Broadcom.


• 24-megapixel front camera: All four iPhone 17 models are said to feature an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera, whereas all iPhone 16 models are equipped with a 12-megapixel front-facing camera.


• 48-megapixel rear Telephoto camera: An upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto camera is rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models, up from the 12-megapixel Telephoto camera on iPhone 16 Pro models.


• Dual video recording: According to Jon Prosser, of the YouTube channel Front Page Tech, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will allow users to record video with the front and rear cameras simultaneously in the Camera app.


• 8K video recording: Apple allegedly tested 8K video recording on the iPhone 16 Pro models, but such functionality is still not available. With the iPhone 17 Pro models expected to have entirely 48-megapixel rear cameras, perhaps 8K video recording will debut on those devices.


• 12GB of RAM: iPhone 17 Pro models, and even the iPhone 17 Air, are rumored to have 12GB of RAM. This upgrade should help to improve the performance of Apple Intelligence and multitasking. All four iPhone 16 models have 8GB of RAM.


• Improved cooling: All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to feature internal design changes that result in better heat dissipation. A vapor chamber cooling system has been rumored for the Pro models.

Check out our iPhone 17 Pro roundup for even more rumors.
This article, "iPhone 17 Pro Launching in Three Months With These 12 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Amazon has the AirPods Pro 2 for $169.00 this weekend, down from $249.00. Free delivery options provide an estimated delivery date of around June 19, 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 is a match of the best price we've tracked so far in 2025 and it's an overall solid second-best price on the AirPods Pro 2. Amazon also has the AirPods 4 available for $99.00 during this sale, an all-time low price.





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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This article, "AirPods Pro 2 Available for Lowest Price of the Year So Far at $169, Plus AirPods 4 at $99" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's annual developer conference has come to a close for 2025, and WWDC was packed with announcements right from the start of Monday's keynote. As expected, we got a unified numbering scheme across Apple's platforms, as well as a redesign that makes for a more cohesive experience.


Alongside the redesigns, all of Apple's operating systems are also seeing a host of feature additions and improvements, and developers are able to access beta versions now to help get their apps ready for a public release of the new operating system versions later this year. Read on below for a high-level overview of Apple's WWDC announcements!

Everything Apple Announced at WWDC 2025 in 10 Minutes

At this week's WWDC 2025 keynote event, Apple unveiled a new design that will inform the next decade of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS development, so needless to say, it was a busy day. Apple also unveiled a ton of new features for the iPhone, an overhauled Spotlight interface for the Mac, and a ton of updates that make the iPad more like a Mac than ever before.


Apple's event lasted for an hour and a half, but we've recapped all of the announcements in a 10-minute video, just in case you don't want to sit through the entire spiel. We've also rounded up all of our coverage from the day, so you can dive deeper into any of the new features, while Dan and Hartley sat down with Kevin Nether at Apple Park for an on-location episode of The MacRumors Show discussing Apple's announcements.

Apple Announces iOS 26 With 'Liquid Glass' Design, Live Translation, Overhauled Phone App, and More

Apple at WWDC announced iOS 26, introducing a comprehensive visual redesign built around its new "Liquid Glass" concept, alongside expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, updates to core communication apps, and more.


Liquid Glass is a translucent material that reflects and refracts surroundings to create dynamic, responsive interface elements, according to Apple. The new design language transforms the Lock Screen, where the time fluidly adapts to available space in wallpapers, and spatial scenes add 3D effects when users move their iPhone. Meanwhile, app icons and widgets gain new customization options, including a striking clear appearance.

Apple Unveils macOS Tahoe With Liquid Glass Design, Phone App, Live Translation, and More

Apple this week announced macOS Tahoe 26 at WWDC 2025, introducing a striking visual redesign alongside expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities and new Continuity features that further integrate Mac and iPhone workflows.


Similar to iOS 26, macOS Tahoe updates center around what Apple calls a "gorgeous new design" built with Liquid Glass, a translucent material that reflects surrounding elements. The Dock, sidebars, and toolbars have been refined to emphasize content, while a completely transparent menu bar makes displays feel larger. Users gain extensive personalization options, including colorful app icon tints, customizable folder colors with emoji symbols, and enhanced Control Center layouts.

Apple Announces watchOS 26 With Liquid Glass Design, Workout Buddy, and Smart Stack Intelligence

Apple announced watchOS 26 at WWDC, carrying over the "Liquid Glass" design language from iOS 26 to the wrist while delivering a new AI-powered fitness feature called Workout Buddy and updated Smart Stack functionality.


Liquid Glass uses real-time rendering to create translucent interface elements that reflect and refract content. The design appears across Smart Stack widgets, Control Center, notifications, and in-app navigation. The Photos watch face also receives numerals made of Liquid Glass, showing more of users' photos through the display.

Workout Buddy uses Apple Intelligence to analyze workout data and fitness history, providing spoken motivation during exercise sessions, while the Smart Stack adds a hints feature using contextual data, sensor information, and routine patterns for actionable suggestions. These appear as visual prompts on the display, such as Backtrack in remote locations or workout suggestions when arriving at fitness locations.

tvOS 26 Adds These New Features to Your Apple TV

Apple this week announced tvOS 26, which is now available in developer beta. The upcoming software update includes a handful of new features for the Apple TV, although some of the changes are only available on newer models.


The most obvious change is the new Liquid Glass design, which was also introduced across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26. The new design language includes shimmery app icons, and translucent elements that reflect colors. The new design is only visible on the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) and Apple TV 4K (3rd generation).

Other new features in tvOS 26 include an optional new user profile selection screen at wake-up, the ability to use an iPhone as a microphone for Apple Music Sing, FaceTime improvements, new Aerial screen savers, and more.

visionOS 26 Announced With Spatial Widgets, Shared Experiences, Enhanced Personas, and More

Apple at WWDC announced visionOS 26, bringing spatial widgets, dramatically improved Personas, and new collaborative experiences to Apple Vision Pro users.


Apple says the update transforms widgets into spatial objects that integrate seamlessly into users' physical environments. These customizable widgets — including Clock, Weather, Music, and Photos — offer unique interactions and persist in space each time users don Vision Pro. Users can decorate their surroundings with panoramas, spatial photos, distinctive clock faces, and quick access to Apple Music playlists. The new Widgets app helps discover compatible widgets from iOS and iPadOS apps, according to Apple.

Elsewhere, Personas receive their most significant upgrade yet, leveraging volumetric rendering and machine learning for striking expressivity and sharpness. The enhanced avatars now display full side profiles with remarkably accurate hair, lashes, and complexion details.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
This article, "Top Stories: WWDC 2025 Recap With iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today launched a repair program for Mac mini models with the M2 chip, after it determined that a "very small percentage" of these computers may no longer power on. No other Mac mini models are part of this program.


If your Mac mini has exhibited this issue, you can enter its serial number on Apple's website to see if it is eligible for this program. If it is, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will provide service, free of charge.

Mac mini models with the M2 chip were first released in 2023, but Apple says that affected units were manufactured between June 16 and November 23 of 2024.

The worldwide program covers an eligible Mac mini for up to three years after it was purchased.

Apple did not provide a reason for the power issue.
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Visual Intelligence, an Apple Intelligence feature that Apple introduced last year, has some new capabilities in iOS 26 that make it more useful and better able to compete with the functionality available through some Android smartphones.

Onscreen Awareness

In iOS 18, ‌Visual Intelligence‌ only works with the camera, but in ‌iOS 26‌, it also works with what's on your device. You can capture a screenshot of what's on your screen and then use ‌Visual Intelligence‌ on it to identify what you're looking at, find images, and get more information through ChatGPT.

How to Get Use Onscreen Awareness for Visual Intelligence

‌Visual Intelligence‌ for screenshots works about the same as ‌Visual Intelligence‌ with the camera app, but it's located in the screenshot interface. Take a screenshot (hold down the volume up button and the side button), and then tap out of the Markup interface if it's showing.

To get out of Markup (which is the default view), tap on the little pen icon at the top of the display. From there, you should see the ‌Visual Intelligence‌ options.

Highlight to Search

With Highlight to Search for ‌Visual Intelligence‌ onscreen content awareness, you can use a finger to draw over the object in the screenshot that you want to look up. It's similar to Android's Circle to Search feature.


Highlight to Search lets you conduct an image search for a specific object in a screenshot, even if there are multiple things in the picture. It uses Google Image search by default, but Apple showed off the feature working with other apps like Etsy during its keynote event. Apps will likely need to add support for the feature.

In some cases, ‌Visual Intelligence‌ will identify individual objects in an image on its own, and you can tap without needing to use Highlight to Search. This is similar to the object identification feature in the Photos app, but it still leads to an image search.

Ask and Search

If you don't need to isolate one object in your screenshot, you can simply tap on the Ask button to ask questions about what you're seeing. Questions will be relayed to ChatGPT, and ChatGPT will provide the information. The Search button queries Google Search for more information.


As with the standard Visual Search, if your screenshot includes dates, times, and related information for an event, it can be added directly to your calendar.

New Object Identification

Apple didn't mention it, but ‌Visual Intelligence‌ adds support for quick identification of new types of objects. It can now identify art, books, landmarks, natural landmarks, and sculptures, in addition to the animals and plants it was able to provide information on before.


If you use ‌Visual Intelligence‌ on an object that it is able to recognize, you'll see a small glowing icon pop up. Tapping on it reveals information about what's in view. What's neat about this aspect of ‌Visual Intelligence‌ is that it works with the live camera view or with a snapped photo.

For standard Ask and Search requests using ‌Visual Intelligence‌, you have to take a photo so that it can be relayed to sources like ChatGPT or Google Image Search. Art, books, landmarks, natural landmarks, sculptures, plants, and animals can be identified on-device without contacting another service.

Compatibility

‌Visual Intelligence‌ is limited to devices that support ‌Apple Intelligence‌, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro models and the iPhone 16 models. It is activated by a long press on the Camera Control button on devices that have Camera Control, or using the Action Button or a Control Center toggle.

Launch Date

‌iOS 26‌ is in beta testing right now, but it will launch to the public in September.
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Apple today added M4 MacBook Air models to its refurbished store in the United States, making the latest ‌MacBook Air‌ devices available at a discounted price for the first time since they launched earlier this year.


Both 13-inch and 15-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ models are available, with Apple offering multiple capacities and configurations. The refurbished devices are discounted by approximately 15 percent compared to equivalent new models. Pricing starts at $849 for the base M4 MacBook Air model, down from $999.

Refurbished stock will fluctuate as Apple sells its current inventory and replaces it with new devices, but there are over 30 options to choose from right now if you've been holding out for a discounted M4 model.

Apple's refurbished Macs are identical to new products. Apple uses a refurbishment process with full functionality testing, thorough cleaning, battery replacement, and inspection. Refurbished devices are eligible for AppleCare+ and have the same 14-day return period as new devices.

Refurbished M4 Mac mini and MacBook Pro models have been available for purchase since February, and Apple began offering refurbished versions of the M4 Max and M3 Ultra Mac Studio earlier this week.
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With iOS 26, Apple is adding support for transferring an eSIM from an iPhone to an Android device, and vice versa. The new functionality will make it easier for smartphone users to move their numbers between platforms, alleviating the need to contact a carrier for help with a transition between ‌iPhone‌ and Android.


Some ‌iOS 26‌ users have noticed a "Transfer to Android" option in their cellular settings, though it is not an option for all plans at the current time. On Reddit, an ‌iPhone‌ user with US Mobile's Dark Star eSIM found a cellular option to transfer an eSIM to an Android device.

When adding an eSIM in ‌iOS 26‌, there's also a "Transfer From Android" option. Tapping on it provides a QR code that can be scanned with an Android device to start the transfer process, and that's also how the ‌iPhone‌ to Android transfer process works.

Apple appears to have implemented the new functionality alongside Google. Prior to when ‌iOS 26‌ debuted, an Android 16 beta featured a reference to a "Transfer to Android" feature that hinted at the new cross-platform transferring options.

In iOS 18, it is simple to transfer an eSIM from ‌iPhone‌ to ‌iPhone‌, but it is not easy to transfer an eSIM from an ‌iPhone‌ to an Android device. It typically requires contacting a carrier to get a QR code, as there is no automated way to make the transition. With ‌iOS 26‌, many ‌iPhone‌ users who want to move to Android should have an easier time doing so.
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Apple this week announced that App Store app developers will be able to offer redemption codes for all types of in-app purchases starting later this year.


In 2020, Apple introduced the ability for developers to offer customers unique, alphanumeric codes that they can redeem in the App Store for free or discounted auto-renewable subscriptions. Later this year, Apple will be allowing developers to offer these codes for any in-app purchases, including consumable items like in-game currency.

Apple previously said that developers can offer customers these one-time codes digitally, such as through an email, or offline at physical events. For example, the team behind Clash of Clans could promote the game at a convention by offering customers who walk by their booth a card with a redemption code for a free or discounted Sack of Gems.
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iOS 26 can dynamically reserve space for automatic updates, according to Apple.


"Depending on the amount of free space available, iOS might dynamically reserve update space for Automatic Updates to download and install successfully," says Apple's release notes for the first iOS 26 developer beta.

This change will ensure that iPhone users who have Automatic Updates turned on in the Settings app actually have enough storage space available for those updates to download and install. However, Apple has not shared any further information about this capability at this time, so it is unclear exactly how it works.
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Apple this week introduced a new Automatic Sign-In API, which will make it easier to sign in to apps across multiple Apple devices.


Starting with Apple's latest software releases, such as iOS 26 and tvOS 26, you will be able to sign in to a supported app on one Apple device and automatically be signed in to the app on other Apple devices. For example, if you sign in to the Disney+ app on your iPhone, you would automatically be signed in to the Disney+ app on your Apple TV. However, it will take time for developers to begin implementing this functionality.

Apple says this feature will eliminate the need to re-enter usernames and passwords across its software platforms, by linking app logins to a user's Apple Account.

tvOS 26 is currently available in beta.
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Apple today provided developers with a revised version of the first iOS 26 beta for testing purposes. The update is only available for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, so if you're running ‌iOS 26‌ on an iPhone 14 or earlier, you won't see the revised beta.


Registered developers can download the new beta software through the Settings app on each device.

The revised beta addresses an issue that could cause some ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ models to show a low battery symbol and be unable to start up after updating to the initial ‌iOS 26‌ beta.

‌iOS 26‌ includes all of the new features that were shown off at Apple's keynote event on Monday. Apple debuted its Liquid Glass design, which you'll find throughout ‌iOS 26‌ and Apple's other software updates.

Along with a refreshed design, there are a long list of new features in ‌iOS 26‌, including changes to Messages, Phone, Safari, Music, Photos, Camera, and more.

While today's beta is limited to developers to give them time to learn the new features and adjust their apps, Apple will provide public beta testers with a chance to try the software in July. ‌iOS 26‌, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26 are set to launch to the public in September.
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Apple's software engineering chief Craig Federighi and marketing chief Greg Joswiak went on a WWDC 2025 media tour this week.


The pair of executives discussed key WWDC 2025 announcements, explained why the more personalized version of Siri is delayed, and more.

We have rounded up their various interview videos below, including their full-length discussion with The Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern.








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Apple this week announced iOS 26, and the upcoming software update includes many new features and changes for CarPlay.


To try out these features now, you will need to be using an iPhone running iOS 26, which is currently available in developer beta.

Below, we recap nine changes to CarPlay.

Liquid Glass Design

When you are using CarPlay with an iPhone running iOS 26, the new Liquid Glass design extends to the CarPlay interface. Like on the iPhone, the new look includes more shimmery app icons and translucent user interface elements.

New Messages App Features

Starting with iOS 26, you can respond to messages with standard Tapbacks like a heart, thumbs up, or exclamation marks directly through CarPlay.

Pinned Conversations

You can now view your pinned conversations in the Messages app on CarPlay.

Compact View for Phone Calls

CarPlay has a new compact view for incoming phone calls, so that you can still see other information on the screen, such as turn-by-turn directions.

Live Activities

CarPlay's Dashboard screen can now show Live Activities, letting you keep track of things like a flight's arrival time at a glance.

Widgets

The regular version of CarPlay now has a widgets screen, for things like calendar appointments and HomeKit accessory controls.

Widgets were previously limited to CarPlay Ultra.

On a related note, all of these new features are coming to CarPlay Ultra.

Multi-Touch Maps

Starting with iOS 26, CarPlay users can interact with mapping apps using multi-touch gestures in supported vehicles. This allows users to zoom and pan on the map with their fingers, just like they can on an iPhone.

Watch Videos While Parked

iPhone users will be able to wirelessly stream videos to the CarPlay screen using AirPlay, according to Apple. For safety reasons, video playback will only be available when the vehicle is parked, to prevent distracted driving. The connected iPhone will be able to detect when the vehicle is in motion and end playback.

Automakers need to add support for this feature, so it might be limited to newer vehicles and take some time to roll out.

Smart Display Zoom

iOS 26 adds a new Smart Display Zoom setting to CarPlay.

When the setting is enabled, CarPlay will be automatically resized to better fit the shape and size of your vehicle's dashboard screen, if possible.

The images below show what CarPlay looks like before and after the Smart Display Zoom setting is enabled. With the setting turned on, all of the user interface elements become smaller, allowing for an extra row of app icons to fit on the screen.


iOS 26 should be released in September.
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This week's best Apple deals include low prices on AirTag, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and Beats headphones. You'll also still find a few great Father's Day sitewide sales going on this weekend, all of which will expire when the holiday rolls around this Sunday, June 15.

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.

Father's Day Deals

• What's the deal? Save on popular Apple accessories for Father's Day


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Father's Day deals continued this week at numerous retailers, and they include great deals on everything from Sonos home audio equipment to Mophie charging accessories and more.

• Sonos - Get up to $250 off home audio equipment


• Logitech - Get 20% off two or more items


• Native Union - Get 20% off sitewide


• Belkin - Get up to 30% off select purchase amounts


• GRID Studio - Get 15% off sitewide


• ZAGG - Get 25% off sitewide

Beats

• What's the deal? Get up to 51% off Beats headphones


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon this week began discounting a collection of Beats headphones and speakers, including an all-time low price on the Powerbeats Pro 2. You can get this new 2025 model for $199.95 in four colors, down from $249.99. This deal on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is being matched at Best Buy, along with a few other Beats deals.

• Beats Studio Buds+ - $99.95, down from $169.95


• Beats Pill - $99.00, down from $149.95


• Beats Solo 4 - $99.95, down from $199.95


• Beats Fit Pro - $169.95, down from $199.99


• Beats Studio Pro - $169.95, down from $349.99


• Powerbeats Pro 2 - $199.95, down from $249.99

AirTag

• What's the deal? Get up to $24 off AirTag


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon this week introduced a few good deals on the AirTag 1-Pack and 4-Pack, available for $22.98 for the former and $74.99 for the latter.

iPad Air

• What's the deal? Get $100 off M3 iPad Air


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon this week introduced discounts across nearly the entire M3 iPad Air lineup, offering $100 off these tablets. Prices start at $499.00 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.

iPad Mini

• What's the deal? Get $100 off iPad mini 7


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon and Best Buy this week brought back $100 discounts across numerous models of the iPad mini 7. Prices start at $399.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model, and all of these represent record low prices for each model.

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

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iPadOS 26 allows iPads to function much more like Macs, with a new app windowing system, a swipe-down menu bar at the top of the screen, and more. However, Apple has stopped short of allowing iPads to run macOS, and it has now explained why.


In an interview this week with Swiss tech journalist Rafael Zeier, Apple's software engineering chief Craig Federighi said that iPadOS 26's new Mac-like features strike a good balance between productivity and simplicity. He added that macOS is not optimized for touch-screens, although rumors suggest that might change one day.

"We want to retain all the simplicity of the iPad, but still allow iPad users who want to go deeper and further to push it at their own pace to doing more," said Federighi, in a sit-down interview at Apple Park's podcast studio. "I think with macOS, you'd lose what makes iPad iPad, which is the ultimate touch device. But there are lots of things the two platforms can learn from one another, and that's where we've adapted our best ideas to each."

The quote above is only a portion of Federighi's answer, with the full interview available below.


For those who are still looking for a true iPad and Mac hybrid, Apple is reportedly working on everything from touch-screen Macs to a 19-inch foldable iPad, so the dream of using macOS on a touch-screen might be just a few years away.
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Alongside WWDC this week, Logitech announced notable new accessories for the iPad and Apple Vision Pro.


The Logitech Muse is a spatially-tracked stylus developed for use with the ‌Apple Vision Pro‌. Introduced during the WWDC 2025 keynote address, Muse is intended to support the next generation of spatial computing workflows enabled by visionOS 26. The device incorporates six degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking, pressure-sensitive tips, and real-time haptic feedback to allow users to interact with digital environments through precise input and tactile realism.

According to Logitech, Muse is intended for use across a wide range of spatial computing applications, including 3D design, collaborative workspaces, and immersive visualization tools. During the keynote, the Muse stylus was used to draw freehand in virtual space, annotate objects, and measure dimensions of virtual items. The device features both physical buttons and gesture controls. Muse will be available later in 2025 through both Logitech and Apple.


Logitech also introduced the Flip Folio, a versatile new keyboard case for iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The accessory includes a full-size Bluetooth keyboard that magnetically attaches to the back of the protective folio case when not in use. The case also includes a multi-angle kickstand that supports both landscape and portrait orientations.


The Flip Folio is compatible with the 11-inch and 13-inch M4 ‌iPad Pro‌ models, as well as the 11-inch and 13-inch M2 and M3 ‌iPad Air‌. It also supports the 5th generation ‌iPad Air‌. The keyboard includes dedicated shortcut keys and supports pairing with up to three Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The keyboard is powered by replaceable coin cell batteries with an estimated battery life of up to two years under typical usage.


The Flip Folio is priced at $179.99 in the United States for the 13-inch version and $159.99 for the 11-inch model. Logitech is launching the Flip Folio in several colorways: Graphite and Black will be available globally in June 2025, though Black is exclusive to North America. Additional Pale Grey and Lilac options will arrive in September in select regions, while a Sand color variant will also debut in September as a North America exclusive.



This article, "Logitech Announces Two New Accessories for WWDC" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In macOS Tahoe, Apple introduces the concept of Themes, with new appearance settings that go beyond the traditional Light and Dark modes, allowing you to customize the look of your Mac desktop more than ever. Here's what's changed.


In System Settings ➝ Appearance, there are still the standard Auto, Light, and Dark modes, but Apple has added several options that allow you to really mix things up and create your own stylized desktop environment.


"Accent color" has become "Color," and there's a new "Text highlight color" option, so you can now make highlighted text appear in a different shade to buttons, pop‑up menus, radio buttons, checkboxes, and focused outlines.


The default setting maintains the classic macOS look with app icons displaying their original colors. But you can now customize folder colors independently through a dedicated new "Folder Color" setting. When set to Automatic, folders retain their traditional blue appearance, but switching to other colors like purple will change all folder colors system-wide.


Meanwhile, a new "Icon & widget style" section offers three distinct modes alongside the Default. Like iOS 18, the new Dark option applies black backgrounds to icons throughout the system interface, including System Settings sidebar icons (this works in both Light and Dark modes). You can set this to Always or Automatic, which switches to dark icons at night while maintaining the default appearance during daylight hours.


The new Clear setting emphasizes the Liquid Glass redesign and adds a new transparency by picking up background colors, creating a more translucent interface effect. Clear also includes Light and Dark variants, or it can be set to Auto for automatic day-night switching.


Most notably, the Tinted option allows comprehensive color customization of both icons and folders. With "Tinted" selected, the Folder color setting becomes "Icon, widget & folder color," allowing you to select from preset colors or choose custom tints using the Other option (which includes a color picker and a theme color). Tinted mode can also be configured as Light or Dark for a more subdued appearance or set to Auto for time-based switching.


Overall, the new Theme enhancements ensure "personalization parity" between macOS and iOS. Apple is offering unprecedented control over your desktop's visual appearance, but you still get system-wide consistency across interface elements. For added visual customization, you can even add a symbol or emoji to folders for a unique flair. What do you think of the new Theme options in macOS 26? Let us know in the comments.
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Apple today added the iPhone XS to the vintage products list on its website.


Apple considers a device to be "vintage" once five years have passed since the company stopped distributing it for sale. Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers may still offer repairs for vintage devices, subject to parts availability.

Apple released the iPhone XS in September 2018, and it was discontinued a year later. However, the device remained available through select resellers for longer, so it has only recently reached the five-year mark for vintage status.

In two more years from now, the iPhone XS will be classified as fully obsolete, at which point Apple will no longer service the device.

Apple already classified the larger iPhone XS Max as vintage in November 2024.

Overall, the iPhone XS was a relatively minor upgrade over the iPhone X. The device's key new features included a faster A12 Bionic chip, improved cameras, and dual SIM support, while the iPhone XS Max offered a larger 6.5-inch display.

Apple also moved the iPad 5 from the vintage list to the obsolete list today.

Last, Apple added fine print to the page that says 2018 Mac mini owners should check with an Apple Authorized Service Provider to determine the service status of that computer, which was added to the vintage list a few months ago. It seemed a bit early for this model to be considered vintage, but the situation is not clear to us.
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On this week's special episode of The MacRumors Show from Apple Park, we recap Apple's major announcements from WWDC 2025.


Apple introduced a uniform naming scheme across its platforms—iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and macOS are now versioned by the calendar year. This includes macOS 26, titled "Tahoe." The update marks the final macOS release to support Intel-based Macs.

Liquid Glass is a new translucent design language inspired by visionOS. It dynamically refracts and reflects its surroundings across icons, menus, widgets, and controls, introducing a clear, immersive home screen experience. This is Apple's most sweeping visual refresh since iOS 7.

Nearly all of the new features in iOS 26 carry over to Apple's other platforms. Messages gains chat backgrounds, polls, and typing indicators in group threads. A new Games app aggregates event feeds, community tabs, and "Play Together" social features. The Photos app returns to a Library/Collections tabbed interface and introduces spatialized photo effects. Battery settings now include recharge‑time estimates and adaptive power mode. The Phone app is redesigned (and extended to iPad and Mac) with unified design, call screening, and Hold Assist. Apple Music offers animated album art full-screen, Music pins, AutoMix DJ transitions, and lyric translation. Finally, Maps introduces a "Visited Places" feature leveraging on‑device intelligence.

watchOS 26 debuts a refreshed Workout app layout and introduces Workout Buddy, an AI fitness coach that uses voice guidance to mark milestones, deliver stats, and celebrate records. The Apple Watch can now suggest workout music, and the Smart Stack UI adapts more intelligently. A wrist‑flick gesture dismisses notifications, and notification volume auto‑adjusts. Plus, the Notes app makes its debut on watchOS.

In visionOS 26, users can place widgets in physical space, and the system retains their position. A "Look to scroll" gesture enables more intuitive navigation, and users can now unlock iPhones via Vision Pro. The update introduces new customizable Personas and enhanced guest‑mode collaboration. New accessories such as the Logitech Muse (a 6‑DoF pen) and PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers are now supported.

iPadOS 26 embraces macOS‑style windowing—full‑screen with resizable grab handles, traffic‑light controls, flick‑to‑tile window placement, and Exposé. A persistent menu bar and revamped pointer introduce desktop-like navigation. The Files app features customizable columns, default‑app settings per file type, folder personalization, and drag‑to‑Dock support. Apple adds a standalone Preview app and the Journal app (also now on macOS). Developers gain local audio‑input APIs, video‑call recording tools, and background‑task support.

macOS 26 Tahoe adopts Liquid Glass throughout, introduces color‑and‑emoji folder customization, and brings support for Shortcut automations. Spotlight becomes a full‑featured launcher—complete with intelligent suggestions, inline app actions, Quick‑Key shortcuts, clipboard history, and developer App Intents integration. A new Applications experience replaces Launchpad.

Apple Intelligence expands with developer access to its foundation model via a new API, supporting private, offline AI integration. Visual Intelligence extends across screens, allowing direct in‑screenshot actions, while Image Playground gains support for ChatGPT image‑creation. Live Translation is built in for Messages, calls, and FaceTime captions, and these tools are now accessible through developer APIs.

YouTuber Kevin Nether, also known as "Kevin the Tech Ninja," joins us on this week's episode. See more of his work over on his YouTube channel. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.



Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Kevin Nether, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
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If you installed iOS 26 Beta or iPadOS 26 Beta through Apple's Developer Program or Software Beta Program, you may decide you want to downgrade because of usability or stability issues. Keep reading to learn how it's done.


Apple's beta versions of its major software updates can be notoriously buggy, especially the early releases. You may find apps not working properly, poor battery life, device crashes, and features that don't do what they're supposed to. Fortunately, you can restore your iPhone or iPad to the previous version of iOS.

If you made an archived backup before you installed the iOS 26 beta, you can remove the ‌beta and restore the backup. If you didn't make a backup, you can still downgrade, but you won't be able to restore your device to its original state before you upgraded.

Also, bear in mind that if you've installed watchOS 26 on your Apple Watch, you won't be able to use it with your ‌iPhone‌ once you've gone back to iOS 18. And downgrading an Apple Watch to a previous version of watchOS can't be done manually either – if you want to remove ‌watchOS 26, you'll have to send your watch in to Apple.

How to Downgrade From iOS 26 Beta or iPadOS 26 Beta

1. Launch Finder on your Mac (or iTunes on Windows PCs.)


2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a Lightning or USB-C cable.


3. Put your device into recovery mode. The method of doing this depends on your device, so check the list below these steps to find your model. Apple also provides more information on Recovery mode in this support article.
   
   
4. A dialog will pop up asking if you want to restore your device. Click Restore to wipe your device and install the latest public release of iOS or iPadOS.


5. Wait while the restore process completes.

How to Enter Recovery Mode on Your iOS Device

• iPad models with Face ID: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until your device begins to restart. Continue holding the Top button until your device goes into recovery mode.
  
• iPhone XS or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

One you've followed the above steps, you can restore a backup of your device from iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 using your Mac or iCloud.
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Valve has quietly released a Steam Client Beta that runs natively on Apple Silicon, finally ending its reliance on the Rosetta 2 translation layer.


The updated Steam client eliminates the performance overhead that plagued Mac gamers since Apple's transition to its own chips. Steam's Chromium-based interface, which could slow to a crawl on occasion, now runs directly on Apple Silicon rather than through Intel emulation.

Early testers report dramatically faster launch times and smoother navigation through the Store and Library. The difference should be immediately apparent, with basic actions like switching tabs feeling fluid rather than laggy.

Apple announced this week at WWDC that macOS Tahoe will be the last version supporting Intel Macs, with Rosetta 2 set for deprecation. Starting with macOS 28, Apple said that only a limited version of Rosetta 2 will remain available for older games that rely on Intel-based frameworks

Mac users can access the beta through Steam's settings. Navigate to Interface, select "Steam Beta Update" from the Client Beta Participation dropdown, then restart to download the roughly 230MB update.

You can verify the native version is running by checking Activity Monitor – Steam should appear with "Kind: Apple" rather than "Kind: Intel."
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Apple's Passwords app is getting a handy new feature in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe that should eliminate a particularly frustrating password management scenario.


The Passwords app now saves complete version history for stored logins that have been changed, which could be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a situation where a password gets accidentally overwritten.

Users will find a new "View History" button when opening any login that has multiple saved versions. The history display shows each different password iteration, creation timestamps, and an option to clear the stored versions.

Apple launched the standalone Passwords app in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia after years of burying password management tools within the Settings app, and the version history addition is a nice refinement in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and MacOS Tahoe.

The update should prove particularly valuable for users managing frequently-changing credentials or situations where you update a password on a website and something causes the new credentials to not register properly.
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Apple TV devices will support Thread 1.4 when tvOS 26 launches this fall, according to network analysis by Matter Alpha. The update was discovered in the tvOS 26 beta announced at WWDC, suggesting the upcoming HomePod Software 26 will also support the latest version of the protocol.


Thread 1.4 addresses a particular issue in the form of competing Thread networks. Previously, border routers from different manufacturers would create separate networks, which fragments your smart home setup. The new standard ensures all Thread 1.4 devices join a single mesh network instead.

The protocol update also gives Thread devices direct internet access, enabling features like smart shades that adjust based on weather conditions or lights that change color with sports scores.

Since HomePod uses a fork of tvOS, the upcoming HomePod Software 26 will likely include Thread 1.4 support as well. Both Apple TV 4K and HomePod models work as home hubs in Apple's smart home ecosystem, and they also serve as Thread border routers.

Thread 1.4 was officially released in September 2024 and includes improved testing tools for manufacturers plus better network visibility for troubleshooting. The Thread Group reports major device and platform vendors are gradually adopting the standard, though Google and Amazon's adoption of Thread 1.4 is expected to come next year at the earliest.

Apple users will gain access to the new Thread 1.4 capabilities when tvOS 26 is released in September.
This article, "Apple TV Thread 1.4 Update Coming in tvOS 26 This Fall" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 adds a new Smart Display Zoom setting to CarPlay.


When the setting is enabled, CarPlay will be automatically resized to better fit the shape and size of your vehicle's dashboard screen, if possible.

The images below show what CarPlay looks like before and after the Smart Display Zoom setting is enabled. With the setting turned on, all of the user interface elements become smaller, allowing for an extra row of app icons to fit on the screen.



Apple highlighted the setting in a WWDC 2025 video for developers this week.

"Vehicle screens come in many shapes and sizes," said Olivia Hess, a CarPlay software engineer. "In iOS 26, some screen configurations allow drivers to adjust their display scale with Smart Display Zoom configurable within Settings in CarPlay. When Smart Display Zoom is enabled, your CarPlay app will be automatically resized to the new display scale."

To see this new CarPlay setting, you will need to be using an iPhone running iOS 26, which is currently in developer beta. A public beta will be available next month, and the update should be released in September for the iPhone 11 and newer.

CarPlay is gaining many other new features with iOS 26, including a Liquid Glass design, Live Activities on the Dashboard screen, a new widgets screen, Tapbacks and pinned conversations in the Messages app, multi-touch support in mapping apps, the ability to play videos from an iPhone via AirPlay while the vehicle is parked, and more.
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