Apple's annual "Back to School" or "Back to Uni" promotion has returned this week in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea.


From January 6 through March 11, qualifying higher-education students and staff in these countries can receive a free or discounted accessory with the purchase of select Mac and iPad models, similar to previous promotions that launched in the United States and a number of other countries last June and July.

For each device type, there is at least one accessory option available at no additional charge, with more expensive accessories available at reduced upgrade prices.

For example, in Australia, qualified customers who purchase an iPad Air or iPad Pro can receive a free Apple Pencil Pro (A$199 value) or standard AirPods 4 (A$219 value). Customers can upgrade to ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation after paying an additional A$80 fee or a Magic Keyboard for an additional A$210–A$350 fee depending on model.

iMac buyers can receive either ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation (A$299 value) at no additional charge or AirPods Pro 3 for an additional A$130 upgrade fee. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro buyers can receive free ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation, a Magic Mouse, a Magic Trackpad, or a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad, or they can upgrade to ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ for an additional A$130.

In each country, the offer is available on Apple's online store, in the Apple Store app, and in person at Apple's retail stores where available. The offer can be combined with Apple's educational discounts on products, and AppleCare+ plans are up to 10% off for students.
This article, "Apple's Back to School Offer With Free Accessories Returns in Four Countries" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Though it's been just a few months since iOS 26 launched, we're already hearing rumors about the next-generation version of iOS, iOS 27. iOS 27 will be introduced at Apple's June WWDC 2026 event before it launches in September 2026.


We don't know all of the details about iOS 27 yet, but we do have some information about what to expect.

"Snow Leopard" Update

iOS 27 will apparently focus on bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements to boost performance rather than new features. It's been referred to as a "Snow Leopard" update, because that was a version of macOS that Apple famously claimed had "zero new features" because it was all about fixing the existing software.

Apple engineers are reportedly going through iOS 26 to look for bloat, bugs, and any other issues impacting performance that can be fixed in iOS 27.

iPhone Fold

In 2026, Apple plans to launch the first foldable iPhone, a device rumors have taken to calling the ‌iPhone‌ Fold. The ‌iPhone‌ Fold is expected to have a ~5.4-inch display when folded, and a ~7.7-inch display when it's opened up like a book. It will be shorter and wider than other foldables on the market, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. At around 5.4 inches when closed, the ‌iPhone‌ Fold's outer display will be the smallest we've had since the ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini.

With Apple going back to a smaller display and simultaneously introducing a 7.7-inch display that's larger than any ‌iPhone‌ display to date, we're going to need some updates to iOS. iOS 27 will focus on introducing new interfaces and experiences for a larger display and a display that shifts between multiple sizes.

We haven't heard specifics on how Apple will tweak iOS to accommodate the ‌iPhone‌ Fold, but we could see some iPad-like options such as side bars and perhaps even multitasking views with support for multiple windows.

Liquid Glass

iOS 27 will likely include refinements for the Liquid Glass design that Apple introduced with ‌iOS 26‌. There have already been some changes in the iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2 updates, but iOS 27 will provide Apple with the opportunity to make larger adjustments to respond to customer feedback.

Apple Intelligence

We're supposed to get the much smarter version of Siri in an iOS 26.4 update planned for spring 2026, but it's likely even more Apple Intelligence capabilities will follow in iOS 27.

We don't know specifics yet, but several existing ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features could expand to additional apps.

Apple is also working on a "World Knowledge" Siri search feature that would provide information on general search queries, which will likely be included in ‌Siri‌'s iOS 26.4 update. If it's not in iOS 26.4, the add-on ‌Siri‌ feature could instead come in iOS 27.

Siri

With iOS 27, Apple could update Siri's design. ‌Siri‌ will get its major overhaul in iOS 26.4, but a new visual look is supposedly planned for iOS 27. There are no specifics about what the redesign might entail, but rumors linked to Apple's upcoming tabletop robot suggest that the company might introduce a version of ‌Siri‌ that's more animated, similar to the Mac Finder logo. That more animated version of ‌Siri‌ could also come to the ‌iPhone‌ and iPad, and we could see it first in iOS 27.

Health+

Apple is developing a paid Health+ service with nutrition planning and medical suggestions, and we could see that introduced as part of iOS 27.

The medical tool would explain different health metrics and trends from the Health app, offering up personalized guidance for health improvement.

New Satellite Features

Apple is working on several new satellite features for the ‌iPhone‌, and it's possible some features could be introduced as soon as iOS 27. Timing on Apple's satellite improvements is unclear, though, and behind-the-scenes updates from Apple's satellite partner Globalstar are required.
Rumored features:

• Apple Maps via satellite


• Photos in Messages via satellite


• Satellite API framework for third-party apps


• Satellite over 5G


• Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky

Some of these features might require new hardware, but options like ‌Apple Maps‌ via satellite would not require components beyond what's available now.

Launch Date

New versions of iOS, macOS, and Apple's other software platforms will be previewed in June at WWDC before launching in September just ahead of when new ‌iPhone‌ models come out.
This article, "Five New iPhone Features Rumored for iOS 27" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

The Xthings Ultraloq Bolt Sense is a smart lock that incorporates biometric authentication and Matter support. The Bolt Sense is able to identify a person through 3D facial recognition and palm vein authentication.


Xthings says the dual biometric approach is meant to be more secure than traditional biometric unlocking methods, but it may also exist because few companies have managed to master facial recognition as accurate as Face ID. The extra palm scan, which identifies an individual's sub-surface vein pattern, ensures that facial recognition won't fail. With biometric unlocking, users can open the door hands-free, and the palm scan works even when the hands are wet.

The Bolt Sense combines biometric unlocking with active approach sensing, advanced infrared, and adaptive low-light performance, so it works in the daytime and at night.

Xthings isn't launching the Ultraloq Bolt Sense until the second quarter of 2026, but the Ultraloq Bolt Mission, a Matter-enabled smart lock with Ultra Wideband, is available for purchase as of today. The $300 Bolt Mission uses UWB for automatic hands-free unlocking as the homeowner approaches.

It also supports unlocking via the Apple Home app, NFC, the Ultraloq app, a PIN, a physical key, or the Apple Watch. It does not support Apple Home Key, and the UWB only works with the Ultraloq app. The Bolt Mission uses 8 AA batteries that need to be replaced every six months, or users can purchase a rechargeable lithium battery pack that lasts for up to 1.5 years before it needs to be charged.

Along with the two Bolt locks, Xthings also debuted the Latch 7 Pro, a latch-style smart lock that will support Matter over Thread and Aliro, a universal smart lock standard that Apple is involved in. It's set to launch later this year.
This article, "CES 2026: The Ultraloq Bolt Sense Smart Lock Uses Palm Vein and Facial Recognition to Unlock Your Door" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

JPMorgan Chase has reached a deal to take over operation of the Apple Card, reports The Wall Street Journal. Barring any "last minute hiccups," the deal should be announced shortly after over a year of negotiations.


Reports began circulating over two years ago that current Apple Card issuer Goldman Sachs was looking to end its partnership with Apple as part of an effort to scale back on consumer banking products amid steep losses.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Goldman Sachs is unloading its roughly $20 billion of outstanding Apple Card balances at a discount of more than $1 billion, a rare move for co-branded account deals like this. But higher-than-average delinquency rates and high exposure to subprime borrowers made it more difficult for Goldman Sachs to find a buyer.

JPMorgan Chase's interest in taking over as Apple Card issuer was reported over a year ago, and by this past summer Chase appeared to be the front-runner.

Alongside its new Apple Card partnership, JPMorgan Chase will reportedly launch a new Apple savings account, but existing users with Apple savings accounts at Goldman Sachs will not be automatically transitioned and will need to decide whether they want to stay at Goldman Sachs or open new accounts with Chase.

Update 2:27 pm: Apple has officially announced the change to Chase, with the transition expected to occur in approximately 24 months. Apple Card will remain on the Mastercard network following the shift.

"We're incredibly proud of how Apple Card has transformed the credit card experience for customers by delivering innovative tools that empower users to make healthier financial decisions," said Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. "Chase shares our commitment to innovation and delivering products and services that enhance consumers' lives. We look forward to working together to continue to provide a best-in-class experience and exceptional customer service with Apple Card."

Apple has also posted an FAQ about the transition.
This article, "Apple Card Will Move From Goldman Sachs to JPMorgan Chase" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

ESR is updating its line of CryoBoost chargers, adding new Qi2.2 options that can charge an iPhone 17 at up to 25W. CryoBoost is ESR's feature that uses active cooling to improve wireless charging speeds.


The $90 CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station has a compact design that's ideal for travel. It folds down to 15.8mm, but can charge an iPhone at up to 25W, an Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time.

The $100 CryoBoost 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station offers the same feature set as the foldable model, but in a design optimized for the desktop. It has a detachable Apple Watch charger, and the ‌iPhone‌ charging stand supports portrait and landscape modes. Sleep Mode turns off the light and the fan for quiet, LED-free charging.

ESR says that its upcoming 10,000 mAh MagSlim Power Bank is the thinnest Qi2.2 25W power bank on the market, measuring in at 13.8mm thick. It too is able to charge the ‌iPhone 17‌ models at up to 25W, just like MagSafe.

More information on ESR's releases can be found on the ESR website.
This article, "CES 2026: ESR Announces Qi2.2 Wireless Chargers With 25W iPhone 17 Charging" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

OpenAI today announced the launch of ChatGPT Health, a dedicated section of ChatGPT where users can ask health-related questions completely separated from their main ChatGPT experience.


For more personalized responses, users can connect various health data services such as Apple Health, Function, MyFitnessPal, Weight Watchers, AllTrails, Instacart, and Peloton. Last month, MacRumors discovered icons related to Apple Health within the ChatGPT app, and today's announcement makes the integration official. Once connected, ChatGPT will be able to access your health and fitness data from Apple Health, including movement, sleep, and activity patterns.

ChatGPT Health can also integrate with your medical records, allowing ChatGPT Health to analyze your lab results and other aspects of your medical history to inform its answers to your health-related questions. OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT Health is not intended to provide diagnoses or treatment and is not a substitute for consulting with medical professionals, but it can be used to help understand results or prepare for upcoming appointments.

Privacy and security are always major concerns when it comes to health records, and OpenAI says ChatGPT Health has been developed with multiple layers of encryption and operates as a separate space with enhanced privacy. Data from ChatGPT Health is not used to train ChatGPT's foundation models by default, and users who start health-related conversations in the general ChatGPT interface will receive suggestions to move the discussions to the Health section.

ChatGPT Health is launching with a waitlist to join a group of beta users, with users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans outside of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom eligible to start. Medical record integrations and some apps are only available in the United States at the current time. Access to ChatGPT Health will expand to all users on web and iOS in the coming weeks.
This article, "OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health With Apple Health Integration" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Best Buy today has a match of the record low price on the AirPods Pro 3, available for $199.99, down from $249.00. This is the first time in 2026 that we've tracked the AirPods Pro 3 at this low price, which matches the best deal we saw over the holiday season. Right now, only Best Buy has this best-ever price on the AirPods Pro 3.

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.

This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and has 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts.



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

---

This article, "AirPods Pro 3 Drop Under $200 for the First Time in 2026" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

LIFX, known for its smart lighting options, debuted a new SuperColor Mirror at CES 2026. The SuperColor Mirror features both front and back lighting options, and it connects to an Apple Home setup using Matter.


There are lighting modes like Make Up Check and Anti-Fog that users can select, plus brightness and color can be adjusted. LIFX says that other Matter-enabled devices can be controlled using three physical buttons that are on the mirror.

The mirror features polychrome blended color technology with multiple lighting zones. Like other SuperColor LIFX products, the mirror's lights can shift and morph smoothly between different colors, and there are color effects like flame and paint.

The SuperColor Mirror and other LIFX devices will get a Thread upgrade later in 2026, so they can connect to Matter over Thread in addition to Wi-Fi.

LIFX is launching new Smart Dimmer switches that include four customizable buttons and a built-in 8-zone light bar. The Dimmer Switch has Matter support and it is designed to work with both smart and traditional lights. There are single tap, double tap, and long press gestures, so it can perform multiple tasks when assigned to activate scenes.

The Smart Dimmer includes dimming support for LED, Halogen, or incandescent bulbs, along with full scene and effect control for LIFX lights. With the Matter integration, it should also be able to control other Matter-connected lights.

There are also new affordable Matter-connected smart lighting options that are available from LIFX. The Everyday A19 LED Light Bulb features 800 lumens and support for multiple colors, while the 20-foot Everyday Lightstrip features 24 addressable zones for flowing effects and a 4-button physical controller for activating scenes. The Everyday Bulb is priced at $23 for two and it is available now from Amazon, while the Everyday Lightstrip will launch later in January.

The Smart Dimmer is set to launch in the second quarter of 2026 for $30. The SuperColor Mirror will also come out in the second quarter, but pricing has yet to be announced.
This article, "CES 2026: LIFX Introduces Matter-Compatible Smart Mirror and Dimmer Switch" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

WhatsApp announced three new group chat features today, expanding how users can interact and add context to their role within conversations involving many participants.


The Meta-owned messaging app is rolling out Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders, all of which are designed to give group chats more flexibility and organization.

Member Tags let you assign yourself different roles in different group chats for more context – so you can be "Coach" in one thread and "Dad" in another, for example. Meanwhile, Text Stickers instantly turn typed words into sticker graphics that users can then save to custom packs.

Lastly, with Event Reminders, now when you create and send an event in your group chat you can set custom early reminders for your invitees. Meta says that "this helps everyone remember to commute to the party you're hosting or hop on the call at the right time."

The new group chat features are available to WhatsApp users worldwide, and follow other recent upgrades to the chat platform, including third-party chat support in the EU and WhatsApp for Apple Watch.
This article, "WhatsApp Enhances Group Chats With Three New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Spotify is bringing its long-running Listening Activity feature to its mobile apps, so now you can see what your friends are listening to on the streaming service when you're away from your desk.


For years, Spotify's desktop app has allowed users to check on their friends' listening habits via a Friend Activity sidebar, but the ability has not been available on iOS and Android apps until now.

If you're familiar with Listening Activity, its appearance on mobile shouldn't throw up any real surprises. You can view what people are listening to in the app's sidebar, next to any messages, and you can tap the track to listen to it yourself, add it to your library, or react to it with emoji.

The feature remains opt-in, and can be enabled in the app's settings, under "Privacy and social." There's also an option here to start a private session, which temporarily hides your listening activity from your followers (private sessions automatically end after six hours), plus you can choose to make any recently played artists show on your profile.

As noted by The Verge, another addition in this update is a Request to Jam feature. If you're a premium user, you can now tap a Jam button in a chat to send a request. If the person accepts, their listening is remotely synced with your own, and the two of you can add songs to the queue while chatting about what's playing.

Spotify will also suggest songs based on your shared tastes. As for users on Spotify's free plan, they can be invited to a jam, but they can't start their own jam to invite others.

Listening Activity and Request a Jam are rolling out to Spotify users on iOS and Android now in markets where messages are available.
This article, "Spotify's Friend Listening Activity Feature Finally Comes to Mobile" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Amazon this week is offering discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, including both 11-inch and 13-inch models. The highlight this time around is the 2TB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro, which is on sale for $1,480.80 with an on-page coupon, a massive discount of $518 on the original price of $1,999.00.

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

Otherwise, prices start at $899.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro at Amazon, down from $999.00. Many of the deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during Black Friday.



For the larger models, you can save up to $180 on the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro on Amazon this week. If you're shopping for the 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi model, Amazon has this tablet for $2,219.00, down from $2,399.00, as well as a few other 13-inch models between $100 and $170 off.

11-Inch M5 iPad Pro

• 256GB Wi-Fi - $899.99 ($99 off)


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,099.00 ($100 off)


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,499.99 ($99 off)


• 1TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,576.00 ($123 off)


• 2TB Wi-Fi - $1,480.80 ($518 off)


• 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $1,999.00 ($100 off)

13-Inch M5 iPad Pro

• 256GB Wi-Fi - $1,199.99 ($99 off)


• 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,399.99 ($99 off)


• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,785.00 ($114 off)


• 2TB Wi-Fi - $2,092.09 ($206 off)


• 2TB Nano-Texture Glass Wi-Fi - $2,219.00 ($180 off)

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

Update: The on-page coupon deal on the 2TB Wi-Fi 11-inch iPad Pro has expired.

---

This article, "Amazon Introduces Massive Discounts on M5 iPad Pro, Get Up to $518 Off Select Models [Updated]" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Dell announced the UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor at CES 2026, billing it as the "world's first 52-inch 6K display."


At 52 inches, the ultra-wide curved monitor features a 21:9 aspect ratio with 6,144 x 2,560 resolution at 129 pixels per inch and supports refresh rates up to 120Hz.

The display uses IPS Black panel technology for deeper blacks and improved contrast compared to standard IPS panels, with brightness listed as 400 cd/m. Dell says it emits up to 60% less blue light than competing monitors while maintaining professional-grade color accuracy, and it includes an ambient light sensor for eye comfort during extended use.

The display's connectivity support is pretty eye-watering, since it basically doubles as a Thunderbolt dock around the back. It includes one Thunderbolt 4 port delivering up to 140W power delivery, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, three USB-C upstream ports, and several downstream USB-C and USB-A ports. If that wasn't enough, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port rounds out the package.

The monitor supports connecting up to four PCs simultaneously through its Picture-by-Picture mode with screen partitioning, while built-in KVM functionality allows users to control multiple connected machines with a single keyboard and mouse.


Dell is touting the display as a multi-monitor replacement for financial traders, data scientists, engineers, and executives who need maximum screen real estate, so naturally it doesn't come cheap: The UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is available now from the Dell website for $2,899 with a stand or $2,799 without.
This article, "CES 2026: Dell Unveils World's First 52-Inch 6K Thunderbolt Display" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Logitech users on macOS found themselves locked out of their mouse customizations yesterday after the company let a security certificate expire, breaking both its Logi Options+ and G HUB configuration apps.


Logitech devices like its MX Master series mice and MX Keys keyboards stopped working properly as a result of the oversight, with users unable to access their custom scrolling setup, button mappings, and gestures. It wasn't long before the Logitech subreddit was awash with frustrated reports as people discovered their configured peripherals had suddenly reverted to default settings.

The Developer ID certificate is the digital signature macOS uses to verify legitimate software. When Logitech allowed its certificate to lapse, the company's apps lost verified authenticity. As such, macOS refused to run them, in some cases leading to an endless boot loop.

Logitech has since released a patch for macOS 26 Tahoe, macOS 15 Sequoia, macOS 14 Sonoma, and macOS 13 Ventura that resolves the issue. However, users need to download and install it themselves, since the certificate expiry also prevented the apps' built-in updaters from working. Older macOS versions will get a fix "at a later time," said Logitech in a support page acknowledging the issue.

On a positive note, it seems user settings survived the blunder, with Logitech promising that profiles and customizations remain intact after manual patching is completed.

"We dropped the ball here. This is an inexcusable mistake," Logitech spokesperson ATXsantucci admitted on Reddit. "We're extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused."

(Thanks, Brad!)
This article, "Logitech Blames 'Inexcusable Mistake' After Certificate Expiry Breaks macOS Apps" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple is exploring multispectral imaging technology for future iPhone cameras that could improve Visual Intelligence, enhance material detection, and boost image processing, according to a new supply chain rumor out of China.


In a post on Weibo, leaker Digital Chat Station said Apple is currently evaluating components related to multispectral imaging within the supply chain, but cautioned that formal testing has not yet begun, suggesting the technology remains at an exploratory stage.

Multispectral imaging differs from traditional smartphone photography, which relies solely on standard red, green, and blue light. Instead, the technology captures image data across multiple, distinct wavelength bands, which can add sensitivity to near-infrared or other narrow spectral ranges. This could potentially allow cameras to detect information that is largely invisible to conventional sensors.

If adopted in future iPhones, one potential advantage could be improved material and surface differentiation. By analysing how different materials reflect light across wavelengths, the iPhone's camera could more accurately distinguish skin, fabric, vegetation, or reflective surfaces, enabling cleaner subject recognition and more reliable portrait effects.

In addition, multispectral data could also improve image processing overall, especially when shooting in mixed lighting environments. It could also theoretically improve Visual Intelligence and Apple's on-device machine learning, leading to better object recognition, scene understanding, and depth estimation.

However, adding extra spectral sensitivity would likely require more complex sensor designs, which would surely increase costs and potentially have an impact on internal space constraints. This might be why Apple is reportedly still evaluating the technology, rather than actively testing it in prototypes. Either way, it's not something we should expect in an iPhone soon.

In the same Weibo post, Digital Chat Station reiterated that the Main lens on iPhone 18 Pro models will feature a variable aperture, while the telephoto camera will have a larger aperture, but Apple has yet to begin prototyping 200-megapixel cameras for future iPhones.
This article, "Apple Reportedly Exploring Multispectral Imaging for Future iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple's adoption of a 200-megapixel camera for a future iPhone is still some ways off, according to a prominent supply chain leaker who says such a sensor is not currently part of Apple's active prototype testing.


In a post on Weibo, Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station said that 200-megapixel camera sensors are being discussed in the supply chain, but they have not appeared in iPhone engineering prototypes undergoing real-world imaging tests. Instead, Apple's current camera development work is said to remain focused on refining 48-megapixel systems, as per previous reports.

The leaker's comments follow a research note from Morgan Stanley this week that suggested Apple is working to bring a 200-megapixel camera to the iPhone as soon as 2028. Digital Chat Station's remarks don't rule out such a move – indeed, the leaker said last May that Apple was looking at future adoption – but they do indicate that engineering-stage development on the sensor has yet to begin.

Samsung introduced a 200-megapixel rear camera on its Galaxy S23 Ultra in 2023, and the follow-up models also have one. With a 200-megapixel camera, an iPhone would be able to shoot photos with greater detail. The increased megapixel count would also result in higher-resolution photos, which can be cropped further and printed at larger sizes without a loss of image quality.

However, Digital Chat Station says current Pro-series prototypes continue to test a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture, alongside a 48-megapixel telephoto camera featuring a longer focal length and a larger aperture. The leaker says these changes will be introduced later this year in iPhone 18 Pro models, indicating Apple is continuing its emphasis on optical flexibility and low-light performance, rather than a jump in raw resolution.

The leaker adds that 200-megapixel sensors – reportedly supplied by Samsung – are currently only at a material or component evaluation stage. This typically refers to early feasibility checks within the supply chain, rather than integration into complete iPhone prototypes.

Digital Chat Station also notes that Apple has shown interest in "multispectral imaging technology", though testing has reportedly not yet begun. Multispectral imaging could theoretically enable improved material/object detection and image processing, but there is no suggestion that such features are anywhere close to shipping.
This article, "200MP iPhone Camera Not Yet in Active Prototype Testing, Says Leaker" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Lighting company Signify today announced a new SpatialAware scene feature that's coming to Philips Hue lights. SpatialAware scenes take into account the position of all of the Hue lights in a room, using an algorithm to distribute light in a more natural way.


The SpatialAware feature analyzes the layout of each room in the home with Hue lights, and then lighting scenes are tailored to your personal space. Lighting is meant to feel more immersive and dynamic than before.


Right now, when a Scene Gallery scene is activated, the different colors are randomly sent to different lights without the system knowing where those lights are positioned. SpatialAware allows color to be distributed more intentionally for a more natural look. A scene that's designed to mimic a sunset, for example, will set lamps on one side of the room to warm yellow tones to mimic the setting sun, while lamps on the other side are set to darker shades.

SpatialAware requires the Hue Bridge Pro that came out last year, and it uses an iPhone or iPad camera to scan the room to figure out where each light is located. Scans can be updated with each new light that's added. SpatialAware will be accessible through the Scene Gallery, and it is an optional setting.

At launch, SpatialAware will be compatible with around half of the light scenes available in the Scene Gallery, and it has been designed primarily for nature-based scenes like lake mist, mountain breeze, and savanna sunset.

Along with SpatialAware, Signify is adding support for migrating multiple Hue bridges to a single Bridge Pro during the Bridge Pro setup process, and it is bringing Apple Home support to the Hue Secure camera line.

The Hue Secure Camera, Hue Secure video doorbell, and Hue contact sensors will work with Apple Home in the future, and users will be able to stream live video in picture-in-picture mode on the Apple TV and get real-time alerts using the Apple Home app.

The Hue AI assistant has been updated with the ability to create automations based on natural language user requests, such as "wake me up at 6:45 a.m. every day except on Saturdays," and AI support is expanding to additional languages like Dutch, German, and Spanish.

Automations for lights and accessories are also now listed in the Rooms and Zones they control for easier adjustment, with options to rearrange content to put the most used automations front and center.

The new Hue SpatialAware feature is launching in spring 2026, while Apple Home support is coming in the first quarter of 2026. Multi-bridge migration and AI assistant automations are available now.
This article, "CES 2026: Philips Hue Line Get New SpatialAware Scenes, Hue Cameras Gain HomeKit Support" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

At CES 2026, Google announced some new Gemini features that it's bringing to Google TVs. Google TV is built into some TV sets and set-top boxes, and while it may not be immediately relevant to many Apple users, it does give us a look at what AI can do on a TV set.


Gemini on Google TV will be able to answer queries with a "visually rich framework" that offers up imagery, videos, and real-time sports updates. A "Deep Dives" feature will give users narrated, interactive overviews of a topic that are simplified for the whole family.

Users can search through their Google Photos Library using Gemini to find specific people or moments. It enables image editing on the TV, with options to apply artistic styles or generate cinematic slideshows. Nano Banana, Google's image generator, can reimagine personal photos or create original media right on the TV. Veo, Google's video generation tool, is also coming to Google TV.

Google is also adding an option to use natural language to optimize TV settings, which is perhaps the most useful new feature that Gemini integration brings. Users can tell Gemini things like "the screen is too dim" or "I can't hear the dialogue" to make quick adjustments to picture and sound.

According to Google, the Gemini features will be coming to TCL devices first, and other Google TV devices over the coming months.

Apple is planning to use a version of Google Gemini for some of its upcoming AI features, including the smarter version of Siri. The next-generation version of the Apple TV is expected to get an A17 Pro chip, which is compatible with Apple Intelligence.

With Apple adopting Gemini and Apple TVs soon becoming capable of new AI features, it's possible that some of the features that Google has announced for Google TV could be replicated on the ‌Apple TV‌. Apple could use ‌Apple Intelligence‌ and the new version of ‌Siri‌ to simplify controls, make better content suggestions, and more. The updated ‌Apple TV‌ and the new version of ‌Siri‌ could both come in spring 2026.
This article, "CES 2026: Google Brings Gemini AI Features to Google TV, Previewing What Apple TV Could Get" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Aukey introduced a new desktop charging option this week, debuting the $150 MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro. The DeskHive is a 5-in-1 charging solution that combines wired and wireless charging in a compact desktop box.


Measuring in at 3.76 x 3.76 x 3.07 inches, the DeskHive includes two retractable USB-C cables, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, and a Qi2.2 25W charger for wirelessly charging the iPhone. The magnetic charger has an adjustable hinge so it can be positioned at different angles for video calls or watching content.

With GaN technology, the DeskHive provides up to 200W for charging, offering support for charging at 140W through the USB-C port. A digital display offers real-time output for each wired port.

Aukey was also showing off the MagFusion Ark charger that it first debuted last year. The MagFusion Ark has a 6-in-1 design that includes a base station able to charge up to three devices, and three detachable 6,700 mAh power bank spheres for multi-device charging.


The MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro and the MagFusion Ark are expected to launch in the second quarter of 2026.
This article, "CES 2026: Aukey Launches MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

GE Lighting this week unveiled Matter-compatible GE Smart Shades that are able to integrate with the Apple Home app. Priced starting at $300, the Smart Shades offer simple, screw-free installation, with white and gray fabric options. The shades can be purchased in a translucent fabric to let light through, or a blackout version. All options have aluminum trim and no visible hardware.


The motorized shades are designed to raise or lower via an included remote control, the Apple Home app, Siri voice commands, or time-based automations. There are options to integrate shade controls with other smart home products, or based on whether or not someone is home.

GE's Smart Shades support Matter over Thread, and can connect to HomeKit with a compatible Matter hub. In Apple's ecosystem, that includes the Apple TV, the HomePod, or the HomePod mini.

GE is offering multiple width options up to 38 inches, in lengths up to 76 inches. GE says that the motor that powers the shades is "whisper quiet." An included magnetic rechargeable battery will last for up to six months before it needs to be recharged.

The GE Smart Shades can be purchased from Amazon or the GE website as of today. Pricing starts at $299 and goes up to $370 for blackout versions and larger sizes.
This article, "CES 2026: GE's $300 Matter Smart Shades Work With Apple Home" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

SwitchBot, known for its Matter-enabled smart vacuums and other smart home products, today introduced the Onero H1, a robot that is meant to automate household chores.


The AI robot has a rolling base, a tube-shaped body, and flexible arms. SwitchBot says that it is designed to learn, adapt, and work in coordination with existing SwitchBot robots like vacuums. It does not have a single function, and is instead meant to adapt to multiple cleaning scenarios.

The Onero H1 combines visual perception, depth awareness, and tactile feedback to understand an object's position, shape, and interaction states, which SwitchBot claims is important for contact-intensive household tasks. It can grasp, push, open, and organize, though SwitchBot has not detailed specific tasks that it can complete. SwitchBot is showing off the robot at CES, and says it will be available for pre-order soon.

Along with the H1, SwitchBot is debuting the AI MindClip, a voice-based knowledge engine that records meetings, conversations, and everyday moments. Integrated AI provides structured summaries, to-do lists, and a searchable personal knowledge base. SwitchBot says the MindClip is meant to serve as a "second brain," and with a subscription-based AI cloud service, it allows users to pull up past discussions and reminders on-demand.


SwitchBot is also debuting the Lock Vista Series, a Matter-compatible smart lock that integrates with Apple Home and offers facial recognition capabilities for unlocking a door hands-free. It has DualPower and DualBackup systems with a high-capacity rechargeable battery and a long-life backup battery. A separate Lock Vista Pro also includes palm vein recognition capabilities as an alternative biometric option.


Other SwitchBot products being shown off at CES include the SwitchBot Weather Station with a 7.5-inch e-ink display and built-in sensors, and the Obboto, an expressive globe light that uses AI to offer music visualization and mood animations through 2,900 integrated LEDs. It is able to display time and weather through light patterns, and it provides interactive pixel art and ambiance modes for sleep, focus, and relaxation.

More information about SwitchBot's upcoming devices can be found on the SwitchBot website.
This article, "CES 2026: SwitchBot Announces Household Robot, Matter Smart Lock and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Senso is a gamified plant sensor that's designed to use AI to improve plant care. It is supposed to track soil moisture, temperature, and light exposure data in real time, and there is a little pixel creature that delivers AI insights.


The pixel creature awakens once the sensor is placed in soil, and users can complete daily and weekly plant care missions to collect rewards and unlock new characters. The sensor has a modular design with different depth options, and multiple sensors for multiple plants can be combined. The AI and an accompanying app are meant to adapt to provide accurate readings across different plant species and pot types.

The device supports voice-based AI interactions, so you can ask it questions to get responses from a "friendly plant expert."


Senso is being shown off at CES 2026, but it is not an actual product yet. It is set to launch on Kickstarter in the near future. Pricing has not been announced.
This article, "CES 2026: Senso Is a Smart Plant Sensor With an AI Tamagotchi" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Intel introduced its latest processors at CES 2026, debuting the "Panther Lake" Intel Core Ultra Series 3. The chips are the most advanced manufactured in the U.S., according to Intel, and they are built on Intel's 18A process.


18A, or 18-angstrom, is the most advanced node Intel has designed to date, but Intel continues to trail TSMC. TSMC is developing Apple's next-generation 2nm chips, and they are expected to have higher transistor density and efficiency than Intel's 18A chips.

Intel is developing several chips in the Ultra Series 3 line for both high-end and low-end laptops, with the top SKUs offering up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe cores (Intel's graphics architecture), and 50 NPU TOPS. Compared to prior-generation chips, Intel claims the Ultra Series 3 processors will bring up to 77 percent faster gaming performance, 60 percent better multithreaded performance, and up to 27 hours of battery life.

Apple doesn't use Intel chips anymore, so the new Core Ultra Series 3 processors will be exclusive to PCs, but there are rumors that Intel could manufacture some Apple chips in the future. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Intel will make lower-end M-series chips for Apple's Macs built on the 18A process, using Apple chip designs. Intel could begin shipping chips to Apple as soon as mid-2027.

The first laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips debuted at ‌CES 2026‌, with more coming throughout the first half of the year.
This article, "CES 2026: Intel Unveils 18A-Based Core Ultra Series 3 Chips Amid Rumors of Future Apple Partnership" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

It's day two of CES, and MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has another video highlighting new and upcoming tech products that were showcased at media events. Today's video features new displays from LG, the latest Qi2.2 chargers, robots, and more.


LG announced multiple new TVs and displays at its CES 2026 event, and showed off some older tech. Last year's 32-inch UltraFine Evo 6K monitor was on display, and of all LG's displays, this one looks like it was made for macOS. Text is crisp, the scale is perfect, Thunderbolt 5 is supported, and the NanoIPS panel provides deeper blacks and better contrast than a standard IPS panel.

There were a couple new gaming displays, including a 27-inch tandem OLED monitor with a 720Hz refresh rate, and a 52-inch 5K 240Hz display that LG says is the world's largest gaming monitor. LG also showed off new OLED TVs, microRGB TVs for improved color accuracy, and a frame TV option to match the Sony Frame TV. And of course all of the TVs have new AI features.

At Pepcom, MCON had a $145 ultra portable gaming controller designed for the iPhone. It uses MagSafe to snap to the back of an ‌iPhone‌, and it includes full-size joysticks, tactile buttons, triggers, and fold-out grips. MCON actually showed off the controller last year, but now it's ready to ship out in late January.

Aukey was showing off the MagFusion Ark, a modular wireless charger that supports 25W Qi2.2 charging. The Ark has a 6-in-1 design with a base that can charge up to three devices, plus three detachable power bank spheres for charging on the go.

The $150 MagFusion DeskHive is an all-new charger from Aukey, featuring a 25W wireless charging puck for an ‌iPhone‌ plus two built-in retractable USB-C cables. It includes a digital display that shows real-time power output for each port, and a USB-C port that offers up to 140W charging. Both Aukey chargers are coming in the second quarter of 2026.

AGIBOT debuted a humanoid robot that was walking around the show floor and interacting with attendees. InnAIO, a company that sells an AI voice cloning device, had a portrait featuring an AI version of Vincent van Gogh that talked to attendees. It was just one of many borderline creepy AI products that made an appearance.

Ambient highlighted the $250 Dreamie, a bedside sleep companion that provides an alarm, a soft light for a sunrise wakeup, and audio soundscapes to listen to so you can ditch your phone at night. Tonies was showing off its next-generation box with improved sound quality, longer battery life, better connectivity, and a refreshed design. It's also more responsive and interactive.

Satechi showed off the $400 Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock, which looks a lot like the Mac mini. It has multiple Thunderbolt 5 ports and everything else you could need, including an SSD enclosure that supports up to 8TB. Twelve South was at Pepcom to promote the $180 Valet, a Qi2 charger that also serves as a catchall tray.

Aeroband was demonstrating its $429 wireless electric guitar, which has nine built-in tones, a built-in speaker, and multiple drum loops. Skylight introduced its Smart Calendar 2 with brightness improvements and new AI features. It can scan photos and import the info into the calendar, and you can also take pictures of what's in your fridge to add items to the meal section of the calendar.

We'll be covering more CES highlights throughout the week, so make sure to stay tuned, and check out our CES 2026 hub for all of our coverage.
This article, "CES 2026: LG 6K Monitor, New Qi2.2 Chargers and AI Products Everywhere" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple is testing a Background Security Improvement feature that first rolled out in iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1. Developers and public beta testers who are running iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, or ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 can install a new Background Security Improvement update for testing purposes.


According to Apple, Background Security Improvements provide additional security protections between software updates for Safari, WebKit, and other system libraries.

Background Security Improvements can be installed by going to the Privacy and Security section of the Settings app, scrolling down, and selecting the "Install" option. If Automatically Install is toggled on, Background Security Improvements will be automatically installed when they come out.

Apple says that users who opt not to install the Background Security Improvements will receive the updates in a standard software update.

Apple previously had a Rapid Security Response update feature for delivering security improvements, but it wasn't used often after it was introduced in iOS 16, and was ultimately phased out in favor of Background Security Improvements. At one point in 2023, there was a Rapid Security Response bug that prevented some websites from displaying properly.

Apple warns that Background Security Updates can result in "rare instances of compatibility issues." Should that occur, the updates may be temporarily removed and enhanced in a subsequent software update.
This article, "Apple Tests Background Security Updates in iOS 26.3 and macOS Tahoe 26.3" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums