AppleInsider News

How to get your 2025 Apple Music Replay playlist

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 03:12:31 +0000

It's not just Spotify that has a year-end wrap-up feature — Apple Music does too, and it's year round! Here's how to get your Apple Music Replay playlist, today.

Apple Music Replay 2025

Spotify has a unique feature called Spotify Wrapped that shows off your top artists, songs, and genres of the year. It is a trendy function that gets shared all over social media at the end of each year, but Apple Music fans need not miss out. In fact, the 2025 Replay playlist has already been released and updates every week.

In iOS 26, Apple Music Replay is built into the Music app, so no more jumping out to Safari.

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iOS 26.2 beta 1 seemingly pulled for devices using C1 modem

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:38:18 +0000

Users trying to install the iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2 beta say that it fails to install on devices running the C1 modem, which could indicate the update has been pulled for those devices.

iPhone 16e uses the C1 modem

Apple released the OS 26.1 series of updates on Monday, followed by the first betas for the OS 26.2 on Tuesday. Those that waited to install the update are encountering some issues getting the update installed on select devices.

According to a post from MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris on X, Apple has allegedly pulled iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 beta 1 for devices with the C1 modem. Those are the iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and iPad Pro with M5.

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KiiBoom Cybrix 16 review: 16 keys, tons of usefulness

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:00:40 +0000

The KiiBoom Cybrix 16 is a cut-down keyboard with 16 keys, three knobs, and tons of utility — but it's too bad that the software for Mac users is effectively non-existent.

KiiBoom Cybrix 16

The world of third-party keyboards is a consumer's market, and we have never had more options to fit our individual needs, but in the noise of products and features, some manufacturers choose to appeal specifically to gamers and niche needs consumers.

KiiBoom is a global manufacturer with an extensive catalog of mechanical keyboards, keycaps, headphones, audio equipment, desk mats, and everything in between for the modern gamer or mechanical keyboard enthusiast.

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Apple plans to remove Wi-Fi network syncing on Apple Watch in the EU

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 22:46:36 +0000

Users of the Apple Watch in the European Union may soon lose the ability to sync Wi-Fi networks from their iPhones, according to a new report.

Apple Watch users in the EU may lose the ability to sync Wi-Fi networks from a paired iPhone.

With the release of the first iOS 26.2 developer beta, Apple revealed its Live Translation feature would become available to users in the European Union. However, it's not all good news for those in the EU, as another software change has since come to light.

To be more specific, iOS users in the European Union will have to part with an existing Apple Watch feature. While it was previously possible to sync Wi-Fi networks from an iPhone to an Apple Watch, the capability is now set to be disabled in the EU with a future iOS 26 update.

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Expect more Apple Immersive Video thanks to streamlined production process

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:53:34 +0000

As Apple Vision Pro approaches its second birthday, there's still not much Apple Immersive Content available for the platform. That's set to change as the production pipeline has finally solidified for creators.

Apple Immersive Video format to be more available to third-party creators soon

Apple Immersive Video is a new format used for those 8K short films Apple Vision Pro users can watch in the Apple TV app. They're usually between 10 and 20 minutes in length and a quite stunning showcase of the technology in use.

However, until now, there's been little word of how anyone besides Apple can actually produce such media. A Medium post from Anthony Maes shared the details of a 10-hour Create Immersive event held by Apple that was also shared to the Apple Developer YouTube channel (in two parts).

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Early Black Friday deal: M4 MacBook Air drops to $749 (lowest price ever)

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:00:10 +0000

The lowest M4 MacBook Air price on record is in effect now at Amazon, with the standard spec discounted to just $749.99 in the early Black Friday sale. Plus, save $250 on upgraded models.

Amazon's early Black Friday MacBook Air deal slashes prices to just $749 - Image credit: Apple

Early Black Friday deals on MacBooks are in full swing, and Amazon's $250 discount on the current 13-inch MacBook Air is worth a peek.

Save $250 on M4 MacBook Air

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Apple considers paying $1B per year to use Google Gemini in Siri

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 20:30:22 +0000

Apple's long-awaited revamp of Siri could use Google Gemini's smarts, with the move to improve the digital assistant potentially costing Apple $1 billion per year.

The Siri revamp could be crucial to the iPhone's future

Apple customers have been waiting for an upgrade of Siri that was promised as part of Apple Intelligence, but has yet to materialize. If a report on Wednesday is accurate, Apple is getting closer to signing a deal with Google to Gemini to make Siri better.

People familiar with Apple's AI work speaking to Bloomberg claim that the search giant's model will be used to power Siri functions in 2026.

Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible

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Apple Original Films plots turbulent thriller 'The Flick' about survival at 30,000 feet

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 20:28:11 +0000

Apple Original Films has picked up "The Flick", a tense new thriller about an air traffic controller who must guide a passenger to safety after disaster strikes midair.

Apple's next original film is an air traffic thriller

Based on an unpublished short story by writer Matt Hickey, The Flick follows Sonny Braden, an air traffic controller on the edge of burnout. He picks up a distress call from a plane whose pilot has gone unconscious.

A pregnant passenger is now at the controls as storms close in and fuel runs low. Braden has to guide her through an impossible landing while fighting his own exhaustion and guilt.

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Apple releases iOS 18.7.2, iPadOS 18.7.2 updates

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:14:51 +0000

Apple has released an update for iOS 18.7.2 and iPadOS 18.7.2, making security fixes that impact older devices like the iPhone XR and iPhone XS.

An iPhone XR which can get the iOS 18.7.2 update

Apple's main focus is on improving its current-gen operating systems. However, it also periodically releases updates for previous operating system generations.

On Wednesday, that was the case for iPhone and iPad users trapped on iOS 18. The update to iOS 18.7.2 and iPadOS 18.7.2. These bring the affected models up from the previous update, iOS 18.7.1 and iPadOS 18.7.1.

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AI Mode button in iPad & iPhone Chrome speeds searches

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:55:42 +0000

A new button added to Chrome's New Tab page on November 5 opens Google's advanced AI search, and it works as promised, assuming you're interested in what Google is offering.

Chrome on iOS gets updated with AI Mode

Google has introduced a fast way to access its most advanced AI search features in Chrome on iOS and Android. The update, launched on November 5, makes AI Mode visible on the New Tab page for mobile users across the United States.

Opening a new tab in Chrome now shows an "AI Mode" button below the search bar. Tapping it lets users ask multi-part or layered questions and follow up without restarting the search. While Google's AI Mode isn't new to the app, the button is new and will speed up searches.

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Apple's next smart-home gadget is already hiding in iOS 26.2

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:42:34 +0000

Code strings in the latest iOS 26.2 beta suggest Apple is preparing a new first-party smart-home accessory to expand the Apple Home ecosystem beyond the Apple TV and HomePod.

Apple could release a display for the smart home

Lurking in iOS 26.2, there is a system flag labeled "isFirstPartyAccessory." Existing smart-home devices use flags like "isAppleTV" and "isHomePod," but this new entry doesn't match any current product.

That difference suggests Apple is testing support for a new category of hardware designed in-house. Hidden references like these often appear before hardware announcements and usually indicate upcoming Home integration.

Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible

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Wokyis M5 dock review: Mac Plus looks, M4 Mac mini performance

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:47:13 +0000

The Wokyis M5 gives your M4 Mac mini a cute retro Mac form factor, storage, a five-inch screen, and USB-A ports. What's not to like?

Wokyis M5 Mac mini Dock review: Powered on, it's a retro marvel.

AppleInsider has looked at a lot of docks over the years. They get dull after a while, since they're all based on designs from one or two Chinese manufacturers.

We've never tried one as interesting as the Wokyis M5.

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Proton VPN's Black Friday sale slashes plans by up to 75%

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:25:43 +0000

Proton VPN plans start at just $2.49 per month during the company's biggest sale of the year.

Save up to 75% with Proton VPN Black Friday deals - Image credit: Proton

Black Friday VPN deals are ramping up, with several service providers launching official BF sales well ahead of the November 28 shopping event. Proton VPN is no exception, with discounts of up to 75% off in effect now.

Save up to 75% on Proton VPN

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iOS 26.2 beta testers in Japan can install third party app stores

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:49:24 +0000

Japanese iPhone owners are able to start using alternative app storefronts on their devices, as the first iOS 26.2 developer beta grants permission for them to be installed.

An Apple Store in Japan - Image credit: Apple

The Japan Fair Trade Commission will start to enforce the country's new Smartphone Act rules in December, forcing Apple to make changes to its software policies. It now appears that Apple is publicly testing one key change in preparation for rule enforcement.

iOS 26.2 Beta 1

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Xlr8yourmac goes offline, ending an era of DIY tinkering

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:41:05 +0000

If you know the site xlr8yourmac.com then this is a bad day. After close to three decades of Mac hardware reviews and support, the site appears to have shut down for good.

xlr8yourmac has closed down

I've probably only cracked open one Mac in my life, maybe added a video card twice, and haven't touched external SCSI since using a Macintosh IIfx with the funky active terminator. Mike Wuerthele, my co-author on this piece, on the other hand has done things like "shove in more hard drives into a Mac Pro than was thermally and electrically wise" and is our Thunderbolt and external storage guy.

The site that helped us do this, the very hardware-focused xlr8yourmac.com has now gone offline, very recently. We reached out both to ask what has happened, and to express regret that such a long-standing and so very useful site is gone. And yesterday we found out that the email for the site is not taking emails either.

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Apple Vision Pro with M5 review: a chip can't fix developer relations

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:16:23 +0000

The M5 doesn't remake Apple Vision Pro into a hit consumer product, nor does it solve Apple's ongoing issues with a lack of developer interest in the platform, but it is better, and that may be enough.

Apple Vision Pro review: M5 and nothing else

If you've been an Apple fan long enough, you've heard the complaints about overpowered hardware and an underserved software ecosystem. However, that wasn't in regard to the Apple Vision Pro, but the iPad Pro.

The first iteration of Apple Vision Pro with M2 that launched in 2024 was an odd product. The chipset couldn't drive all the pixels on the display, but software wasn't exactly taxing the chipset anywhere except some games.

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Apple demands payment from long-time legal foe Hagens Berman over misconduct

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:04:25 +0000

In the rubble of the failed Apple and Amazon price fixing suit, the pair have demanded $2 million from Hagens Berman, with the firm accused of trying to dishonestly keep a dead class action alive.

Apple and Amazon take on lawyers in court

Apple is very familiar with the courtroom, due to being the target of many lawsuits, as well as going after others infringing on its rights. However, it's rare for it to go after lawyers directly.

In one filing on Monday at the United States District Court in Seattle, Amazon and Apple have demanded a payment for attorneys' fees and costs from Hagens Berman. The justification was to cover the cost of legal efforts prompted by a "lack of candor" by the opposing legal firm.

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'Safe Houses' thriller coming to Apple from 'Homeland' creator

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:10:09 +0000

Apple TV has signed "Homeland" creator Gideon Raff to produce a new espionage series based on a thriller by best-selling author Dan Fesperman.

Apple TV continues to add new thriller series

Apple TV has long had a reputation for science fiction hits, such as "Silo," but the streamer is building one for thrillers. As well as "Slow Horses" and the same team's new "Down Cemetery Road," it has now ordered an eight-part espionage series called "Safe Houses."

Based on the 11th thriller by ex-journalist Dan Fesperman, it concerns the aftermath when a high-ranking CIA officer is murdered in Madrid. The murder is then investigated simultaneously by his widow, and by a fugitive agent accused of the crime.

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iOS 26: How to customize the iPhone's Lock Screen clock

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:55:12 +0000

Apple added a ton of features and tweaks with iOS 26, including to the iPhone's Lock Screen. Here's how to customize your iPhone's clock, including its size.

You can make your iPhone's Lock Screen clock look just the way you like it.

The clock might be one of the most-used things on your iPhone, and you probably don't realize it. Especially if you have a model with an always-on display, like the iPhone 17.

For even if you have an Apple Watch, glancing at your iPhone is often the easiest way to check the time. Yet the clock hasn't changed all that much since the iPhone shipped in 2007.

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Apple Creator Studio referenced in iOS 26.2 beta 1, but meaning is unclear

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:21:39 +0000

Apple could be gearing up to release something called Apple Creator Studio, but whether it's a subscription, an app bundle, or a rename of Pixelmator Pro is unknown.

Apple Creator Studio referenced, but it's anyone's guess as to what it means

Apple released iOS 26.2 beta 1 on Tuesday, and code sleuths have been diving through it to find potential references to future releases. While Apple's developers usually do a good job of hiding everything we're not meant to see before a beta is published, some things still slip through.

Code sleuth Aaron, known as @aaronp613 on X, shared that there's a reference to Apple Creator Studio in the iOS 26.2 beta. There aren't any other details about the reference, nor where it was found in the code, so it is difficult to ascertain what it could mean.

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Beelink Mate mini 80Gbps Dock review: Port expansion without the bandwidth limit

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 01:51:53 +0000

Finally, a relatively inexpensive storage and ports dock for the M4 Mac mini that isn't bandwidth constrained.

Beelink Mate mini Dock

For many years, Thunderbolt and USB docks have been designed to neatly fit underneath your Mac mini. There have been good ones, and bad ones.

In the 15 years I've been doing this gig facing the Internet, I've repeatedly seen the same problem crop up in terms of bandwidth. More recently, I've reviewed a pile of hubs that use 10 gigabit USB-C instead of 40 gigabit plus Thunderbolt, and manufacturers somehow expect external storage, USB ports, and an HDMI connection to all work fine with that 10 gigabits per second of bandwidth.

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Apple inadvertently leaked front-end source code of new App Store on the web

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 01:18:15 +0000

The web-based App Store browser Apple introduced Tuesday had some rookie mistakes in its implementation, which has led to the front-end source code getting published on GitHub.

Apple's App Store viewed on the web

The App Store is only fully functional on an Apple device like your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, but there's always been a way to view apps in a web browser. Apple revamped that experience by introducing a full App Store browser on Tuesday, but it lacks the ability to sign in, make purchases, or view account info.

According to a GitHub repository discovered by 9to5Mac, Apple left the website's sourcemaps enabled in the published version. It's a rookie mistake to leave them enabled, but it's also not harmful to Apple, developers, or users.

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New in iOS 26.2: Liquid Glass, News, Podcasts, and Sleep Score changes

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 20:59:10 +0000

The first developer beta of iOS 26.2 is finally here with Liquid Glass customization options and improvements for built-in apps. Here's what's new.

iOS 26.2 developer beta 1 features new customization options and UI enhancements.

On Tuesday, following the public release of iOS 26.1, Apple rolled out iOS 26.2 developer beta 1. The iOS software update bears the build number 23C5027f, as does its iPadOS counterpart.

As a whole, iOS 26 introduced a variety of enhancements, including Apple's controversial "Liquid Glass" design language. The following update, iOS 26.1, brought additional customization options for Liquid Glass, as well as new toggles.

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AirPods Live Translation is coming to the EU soon after regulatory delays

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:59:21 +0000

Apple plans to bring Live Translation to AirPods users in the European Union by the end of 2025 after earlier delays tied to the Digital Markets Act.

Live Translation supports many European languages — just not for European users yet.
| image credit: Apple

Apple is preparing to roll out Live Translation on AirPods to users in the European Union before the end of 2025, as learned by Germany-based Apple Blog Macerkopf. The release will likely be a part of the iOS 26.2 update, which is expected to release in mid-December.

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M5 Mac Mini, Mac Studio updates expected in early 2026

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:23:18 +0000

Desktop Mac users will have to wait until 2026 for updates, with M5 versions of the Mac mini and Mac Studio still rumored to be months away from release.

Mac Studio

Apple's initial rollout of the M5 Apple Silicon lineup has started, but so far it has only reached one model of Mac. For Apple's desktop Mac selection, there will be a few months to wait before seeing any other model refreshes.

In Tuesday's report about the low-cost MacBook rumor, Mark Gurman for Bloomberg writes that there will be multiple models arriving in early 2026. That roadmap includes a refresh of the Mac mini line to include M5 and M5 Pro variants.

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iPhone 18 Pro may get one of these three colors

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:46:13 +0000

A new leak suggests Apple is testing out three new iPhone 18 Pro colorways, but only one of them will make it to the finish line.

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup could come in one of these three colors

It's November, which means we're starting to get more reports about the next-gen iPhone model. Plenty of the 2026 rumors have centered around the iPhone Fold, but this one focuses on the iPhone 18 Pro line.

According to known leaker Instant Digital, Apple is testing out three new colors for the 2026 Pro iPhone lineup. In a post made to Weibo, they say Apple is testing out a coffee color, a purple, and a burgundy.

Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible

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First developer beta of iOS 26.2 arrives, but macOS Tahoe is missing

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:28:48 +0000

Apple has started a brand new developer beta testing cycle, issuing the first round of builds for iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2, but not macOS Tahoe 26.1.

Apple's hardware that works with the 26-generation operating systems - Image Credit: Apple

This is the start of a brand new set of developer betas, following the release of the 26.1 generation. That included the release candidate betas, which arrived on October 28 after four prior beta builds.

iOS 26.2 beta 1 is build 23C5027f

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Budget-friendly MacBook ship date pushed to 2026

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:16:36 +0000

While previous rumors have claimed a late 2025 release date for a budget MacBook, Apple is rumored to be now testing the model, with a ship date of some time in early 2026.

The current 15-inch MacBook Air

The current entry-level model in Apple's MacBook roster is the MacBook Air. However, if a report is true, there may be an even cheaper option arriving in the future.

According to Mark Gurman in a Tuesday report for Bloomberg, Apple's working on a budget MacBook model to take on the low-cost Chromebooks and Windows notebook market.

Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely

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After a decade, Apple Watch finally gets a WhatsApp client

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:30:40 +0000

The largest messaging app in the world has finally decided that the wearable with the largest use in the world should be directly supported.

WhatsApp on Apple Watch - Image Credit: Facebook/Meta/WhatsApp

In an announcement made on Tuesday, WhatsApp introduced a new Apple Watch app for the messaging platform. Joining the rest of the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch is now capable of handling messaging duties on Meta's service.

The new app can be used to see notifications for inbound calls, without needing to access the iPhone. At the same time, users can also read full WhatsApp messages on the compact wrist-worn screen.

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Grab massive Surfshark VPN discounts with Black Friday deals from $1.99/mo

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:09:13 +0000

Give the gift of privacy and security while surfing the web with Surfshark VPN, which is heavily discounted for Black Friday and includes three additional months for free starting at $1.99 per month.

Get Surfshark VPN for just $1.99 per month through Black Friday - Image credit: Surfshark

There's no reason why your private browsing habits or sensitive work needs to be spied upon by your ISP or coffee shop Wi-Fi hosts. Surfshark offers an industry-leading VPN, a suite of useful tools, and more, all discounted for the holiday season.

AppleInsider has rated Surfshark VPN as one of the best VPN options available for iPhone, Mac, and Apple TV, and it does more than just tunnel your network traffic. Choose between one of three incredible subscriptions for improved privacy and security on and off the web.

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Apple slices its logo for new Apple One branding

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:34:08 +0000

Apple has continued its efforts to rebrand some of its Services, quietly adding a colorful and stylized Apple logo to Apple One.

Apple One, sliced - Image Credit: Apple

Since the introduction of its 26-generation operating systems like iOS 26, Apple has gradually changed the branding of its services. On Monday, happened to Apple One.

A small change was made to Apple One on the Apple TV page, as spotted by MacRumors, showing a tweak to the branding of the service. The old standard Apple logo has gone, and in place is a multi-colored version.

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How to stream 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' for free in 2025

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:57:51 +0000

Celebrate friends and family alike with the holiday classic "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" — here's how you can watch it for free on Apple TV.

Image Credit: Apple

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and friends are back on Apple TV for the holiday season, with a free streaming window for non-subscribers. "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" will be available to watch at no cost from Saturday, November 15, through Sunday, November 16.

Apple TV subscribers can watch at any time.

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Epomaker MS68 review: Squishy and underwhelming

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 01:05:06 +0000

The Epomaker MS68 is a compact 65-percent mechanical keyboard, albeit one that's spongy to type with and lacks proper macOS support.

Epomaker MS68

Creating a compact keyboard that appeals to all users is not usually a difficult thing for a manufacturer to pull off. With the market dominated by Windows users, it makes sense for manufacturers to stick to catering to that audience above all others.

That often means macOS users are left behind for the most part. Sometimes companies add switchable configurations, and others even go as far as to add macOS keycaps with their peripherals.

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Apple discontinuing support for older Home architecture in February 2026

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 23:45:57 +0000

The original Apple Home architecture will officially lose support in February 2026, giving users additional time to prepare for the change and inevitable discontinuation.

Support for the original Apple Home architecture will be discontinued on February 10, 2026.

Back in May 2025, Apple announced it would be discontinuing support for the older Apple Home architecture by Fall 2025. The change wasn't entirely unexpected, as iOS 18.4 developer beta updates contained text strings urging users to upgrade to the latest Apple Home architecture.

However, the iPhone maker has now decided to postpone the discontinuation of its original Apple Home architecture. Instead of support ending in the Fall of 2025, Apple's website now states that "support for the previous version of Apple Home will end on February 10, 2026."

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Apple releases 26.1 updates for tvOS, HomePod

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:25:49 +0000

Apple has just rolled out tvOS 26.1, and as expected, it's another standard minor update primarily focused on quality-of-life upgrades.

Apple releases 26.1 updates for tvOS, HomePod

Most of the updates to tvOS focus on improving stability and addressing any bugs that have popped up.

It seems like tvOS 26.1 was one of those updates. The only outwardly visible change was the rebranding of the Apple TV app, which got an update to reflect the recent Apple TV+ rebrand.

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visionOS 26.1 arrives with minimal bug fixes

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:25:25 +0000

Apple is releasing its first point update for the OS 26 cycle, and while visionOS doesn't get much in the way of new features, it still gets an update with general bug fixes.

visionOS 26 introduces PSVR2 controller support

Each operating system release tends to pick a specific feature set to focus on across the ecosystem, and the point one cycle doesn't have much for the Apple Vision Pro. The iOS 26.1 release provides more languages for Apple Intelligence Live Translation and laid the groundwork for future AI updates.

While these Apple Intelligence updates are ecosystem-wide, Apple's focus is on iOS this time around. The visionOS 26.1 update has a few bug fixes, but not much else.

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watchOS 26.1 brings performance, stability & language upgrades

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:21:22 +0000

About six weeks after its major overhaul, Apple has released watchOS 26.1 as a maintenance update focused on stability and refinement.

Apple has released watchOS 26.1

Apple has addressed early bugs, improved responsiveness, and tightened security. While there are no sweeping new features, the update refines what Apple introduced in watchOS 26.

These features include better handling of gestures, smarter widgets, and improved syncing across devices. Apple emphasized that watchOS 26.1 focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements.

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iPadOS 26.1 expands Apple Intelligence, brings back Slide Over

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:20:46 +0000

Apple has released its iPadOS 26.1 update to the public, bringing changes to Liquid Glass as well as a return of Slide Over following its removal in iPadOS 26.

Slide Over is back again in iPadOS 26.1

After the milestone release of iPadOS 26 on September 15, Apple has issued its first major public patch to the operating system. The update brings the iPad operating system to version 26.1, in line with others in Apple's ecosystem.

While the main version 26 release introduced many new features, the version 26.1 update doesn't have quite as many changes. Instead, such releases make smaller tweaks to what's available, and typically introduce new elements that didn't quite make it to the first one.

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First major update of macOS Tahoe is now available

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:19:48 +0000

Following several rounds of beta testing, macOS Tahoe 26.1 is now out, with a focus on bug fixes and graphical improvements.

The new macOS Tahoe brings Liquid Glass but also new features like the Phone app

The new macOS went through five rounds of developer testing, beginning back on September 22, 2025. Perhaps the most significant or visible difference is that Apple has added a control to allow users to customize Liquid Glass.

The control is a toggle under System Settings, Appearance, which offers either Clear, or Tinted. It's Tinted that offers the new option — turning it on prevents quite so much of the background being visible through Mac windows and menus.

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iOS 26.1 arrives with new toggles and more Apple Intelligence languages

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:17:55 +0000

Apple's iOS 26.1 update is now available to all, featuring improved Apple Intelligence localization, along with new toggles for Liquid Glass, Local Capture, and more. Here's what's new.

iOS 26.1 delivers new toggles and Apple Intelligence enhancements.

Following the public release of iOS 26 on September 15, Apple has unveiled its next major operating system update. iOS 26.1 builds upon many of the visual changes and features previewed at WWDC 2025.

With the initial rollout of iOS 26, Apple Intelligence received several enhancements. Apple delivered new ChatGPT-powered styles for Image Playground, along with improvements to Shortcuts and Visual Intelligence.

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Neato shutdown, iRobot potential bankruptcy & more on HomeKit Insider

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:57:57 +0000

On this week's episode of the HomeKit Insider podcast, it's been a bad week for smart vacuum companies, a review of the Aqara G100, and more!

HomeKit Insider Podcast

Starting out the episode, your host gets into three bits of robotic vacuum news. DJI has launched its new Romo robotic vacuum cleaner with a clear outer shell and highly-touted AI navigation.

Then we have Neato, the robotic vacuum company that went belly up in 2023. After pledging to keep its servers on until 2028, it's instead calling it quits early and decommissioning the cloud services by the end of 2025.

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Apple TV's rebrand introduces a new logo and a signature sound

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:15:06 +0000

As part of its ongoing rebrand, Apple has unveiled a new Apple TV bumper — but blink and you could miss it.

The new Apple TV logo

On Monday, Apple released a very short video showcasing the brand new Apple TV logo. The video will serve as the bumper that precedes every Apple TV production.

The shift is part of the Apple TV rebrand. After removing the "plus" from Apple TV+ in October, Apple now oversees three different Apple TVs — the set-top box, the app, and, confusingly enough, Apple TV, its streaming service.

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Apple finally brings the full App Store experience to the web

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:11:24 +0000

Apple's new browser-based App Store lets anyone browse, search, and share apps across every platform, no Apple device required.

App Store on the web

For years, Apple's web domain at "apps.apple.com" served only as a collection of individual app pages. There was no central hub, no way to browse categories or curated content, and no real search interface.

That changed on November 3 when Apple quietly turned the address into a full-featured version of the App Store built for the browser. It's a small change in appearance but a major shift in accessibility.

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GarageBand gets a minor iOS update, iWork still unupdated

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:52:32 +0000

While the iWork suite still hasn't seen an update for iOS 26, Apple has issued a minor update to GarageBand for iPhone and iPad for the first time in a year.

GarageBand's new icon for iOS 26

Apple doesn't make many updates to GarageBand in general, with relatively few changes over the years. However, the November 3 update is a tiny bit more significant than usual.

The update in the App Store brings GarageBand on iOS to version 2.3.18. The notes that accompany the update simply state that it "includes stability improvements and bug fixes," just as it has done for the four previous updates.

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Save $50 on Apple Watch SE 3 during Amazon's early Black Friday sale

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:53:05 +0000

Amazon launched another early Black Friday Apple Watch deal — this time discounting the new Apple Watch SE 3 by $50 (the largest markdown to date).

Get an Apple Watch SE 3 for just $199.99 with early Black Friday deals.

If a budget-friendly wearable is on your holiday shopping list this year, there are two deals worth considering during Amazon's early Black Friday sale. The latest Apple Watch SE 3 is marked down to $199.99, reflecting a $50 discount off MSRP in the 40mm case size with GPS. You can also pick up the 44mm case size for $229.99, also $50 off.

Buy Apple Watch SE 3 for $199.99

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Inside Camera in iOS 26 -- The essentials of iPhone photography

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:52:43 +0000

The Camera app is probably the most-used app on the iPhone. Here's everything you need to know to get started using the Camera in iOS 26.

iOS 26 Camera

Photography and videography have been a core part of the smartphone experience for quite some time. With the camera capabilities of the iPhone used frequently as a marketing tool, it is also evidently close to the heart of Apple itself.

As one of the most-used apps in Apple's ecosystem, the Camera is the primary way users capture photos or videos of events. It is used to make memories that they can view and share with others, and is arguably as important as basic features like using iMessage.

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London police say Apple doesn't care about iPhones being stolen

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:28:48 +0000

Apple and London's Metropolitan Police are blaming each other for a failure to cut the number of iPhone thefts in the UK capital.

Find My has been used to track stolen iPhones across the world

There have been successes in fighting thefts of iPhones, including the recent use of Find My to smash a major smartphone theft ring. But the Met police have blamed Apple before, and it isn't stopping.

According to The Telegraph, the Met says that Apple has full access to its National Mobile Phone Register (NMPR), a database of stolen devices. It's claimed that Apple uses this access daily, but not for its intended purpose.

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UK iPad users can light up Apple UK headquarters for Christmas

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:53:00 +0000

Apple UK is inviting iPad owners to design a Christmas tree to be projected onto the towers of its Battersea headquarters in London.

UK users can download this Christmas Tree template to get started — image credit: Apple

For Christmas 2023, the Battersea Power Station towers were lit up by artist David Hockney, who used an iPad Pro to create "Bigger Christmas Trees." Then in 2024, Wallace and Gromit took over in an Aardman animation shot on iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Now Apple is inviting UK iPad users to light up the towers with their own designs, alongside ones from artists and celebrities. The campaign is presented by British comedian Munya Chawawa, and 24 winning entries will be projected onto the huge towers.

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Keychron Q16 HE 8K Review: Premium ceramic feel is great, just wired is not

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 22:34:58 +0000

Keychron's Q16 HE 8K boasts a ceramic case and good customization options for Mac owners for a mechanical keyboard, but at a high price that somehow lacks wireless connectivity options.

Keychron Q16 HE 8K

Keychron stands out as one of the best keyboard manufacturers in the market. One with a rock-solid track record and a catalog of versatile keyboards to meet almost every need.

Its latest offering, the Q16 HE 8K, is the world's first fully ceramic keyboard, featuring both a beautiful ceramic case and ceramic keycaps for a smooth typing and gaming experience.

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Save up to 57% with the best early Black Friday deals on Apple

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 21:19:11 +0000

November marks the start of early Black Friday sales, with retailers already slashing prices on MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, and more.

Save up to 57% on Apple electronics during November sales - Image credit: Apple

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