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Apple

iPhone, Mac, software and everything from Cupertino.

9to5Mac

New iPad mini has big limitation on all but one model

Apple unveiled the new iPad mini with significant upgrades, but the A20 Pro chip is limited in all but the 512GB model, which has a full-featured chip. The 128GB and 256GB models have a less powerful chip with a 16-core Neural Engine. The limitation applies to the majority of configurations, including the base model.

Why it matters: This limitation may impact buyers who want the full performance of the A20 Pro chip, which is only available in the highest-end model.

MacRumors

OLED iPad Mini Pre-Orders and Release Date Announced

Apple announced the new iPad mini with an OLED display, A20 Pro chip, and IP67 water and dust resistance. Pre-orders start on October 28, with availability on November 6. The device will be available in three storage configurations and two color options.

Why it matters: The new iPad mini offers improved display and performance for users who want a compact tablet with advanced features.

MacRumors

New iPad Mini Uses 'Acoustic Display' for Redesigned Speaker System

Apple's new iPad mini features an 'Acoustic Display' audio system that uses the screen to produce sound, paired with woofers and tweeters for improved audio. The system is designed to deliver punchier bass and higher volume. The new iPad mini also achieves an IP67 rating due to its sealed enclosure.

Why it matters: This redesign could enhance the overall audio experience for users of the new iPad mini.

9to5Mac

Apple unveils all-new iPad mini: OLED, thinner design, more

Apple has unveiled a new iPad mini with an OLED display, thinner design, and improved water and dust resistance. The new iPad mini is powered by the A20 Pro chip and features an 8.5-inch OLED display with a peak brightness of 1200 nits. The device also includes an Acoustic Display for enhanced audio experience and improved cameras.

Why it matters: The new iPad mini offers a significant upgrade for users looking for a compact and portable tablet with improved display and audio capabilities.

Apple Newsroom

Apple gives iPad mini its biggest update ever

Apple has released an updated iPad mini with a new OLED display, improved performance, water and dust resistance, and other features. The new iPad mini is thinner and lighter than its predecessor and features a larger 8.5-inch display. The device is powered by iPadOS 27 and includes a 12MP Center Stage front camera and fast-charge support.

Why it matters: The new iPad mini offers a significant upgrade for users who want a portable and powerful device for work, creativity, and entertainment.

9to5Mac

Some seven years later, the iTunes Store is making an unlikely come-back

The iTunes Store is experiencing a resurgence in popularity among artists such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Charli XCX, who are releasing exclusive content on the platform. This includes live versions of albums and B-side songs. The strategy is aimed at reaching untapped audiences and bolstering chart positions.

Why it matters: This trend may indicate a shift in the music industry's approach to digital music sales and marketing.

9to5Mac

Watch the iPhone Duo run a Shortcuts automation when it is opened or closed [Video]

A video demo shows the iPhone Duo running a Shortcuts automation when opened or closed, allowing users to trigger actions such as opening a productivity app or locking the phone. The feature was discovered by developer pdfu last month. The demo video shows the Open trigger being used to automate an action.

Why it matters: This feature allows iPhone Duo users to customize their device's behavior and automate tasks based on specific events.

MacRumors

Gurman: Apple's Three-Day Announcement Run Could Start Today

Mark Gurman speculates that Apple's upcoming announcements could be rolled out over three days, starting today, based on past patterns. The potential announcements include an OLED iPad mini, M6 iMac and MacBook Pro updates, and a touch-screen MacBook Pro. Gurman's earlier reporting suggested similar updates for the M6 iMac and 14-inch MacBook Pro on Wednesday.

Why it matters: This speculation could provide insight into Apple's upcoming product lineup and potential release schedule.

9to5Mac

Claude Code AI finds a cryptominer on a Mac; says it didn’t put it there

A Redditor used Claude Code AI to build a Mac temperature monitor app and discovered a cryptominer using over 1,000% of the CPU cycles, causing overheating. The AI reported the issue and claimed it did not install the miner. The Redditor shared the report, which included details about the miner's activity.

Why it matters: This incident highlights the potential for AI tools to detect and report unexpected issues on Macs, but also raises questions about the reliability of AI-generated comments.

MacRumors

iPhone Duo: Give Your Camera Subject a Picture Preview

Apple's iPhone Duo features a live preview on the outer display, allowing subjects to see how they look before taking a photo or video. This feature, called Duo Preview, mirrors the main camera's view on the outer display. It works for both photos and videos, and the outer display only shows the preview, without camera controls.

Why it matters: This feature can help photographers get better shots by allowing their subjects to adjust their pose or appearance before taking the photo.

MacRumors

Conversion Kit Aims to Put PC Hardware Inside 2019 Mac Pro

A conversion kit is being crowdfunded to allow owners of the 2019 Mac Pro to repurpose its enclosure for a custom PC. The kit, developed by mechanical engineer Stefan Bond, accommodates a conventional ATX motherboard and power supply. The conversion is reversible and requires builders to provide their own computer components.

Why it matters: This conversion kit offers a potential way for Mac Pro owners to upgrade to newer PC components without discarding the distinctive enclosure.

AppleInsider

iPhone Duo is the most repairable foldable yet, but that's a very low bar

A teardown of the iPhone Duo found that it has some repairable components, including an easily replaceable top screen layer and easily removable batteries, but also has several problem points, such as extensive adhesives and a weak hinge.

Why it matters: The iPhone Duo's repairability is significant for consumers who want to fix their devices themselves, but may also be a concern for repair companies and Apple's self-service repair program.

9to5Mac

iPhone Duo tested to destruction, including removing nanotexture layer

A YouTube reviewer tested the durability of the iPhone Duo by subjecting it to various destructive methods, including removing the nanotexture layer, and found that the display scratches easily but hides imperfections when on. The device's IP68 rating was also tested, showing that it can be compromised by excessive dust accumulation in the hinge mechanism. The reviewer also found that removing the nanotexture layer makes the display more reflective and visually appealing, but also more prone to glare and creases.

Why it matters: The test highlights the iPhone Duo's durability and design trade-offs, particularly the balance between scratch resistance and visual appearance.

AppleInsider

Remap just about any button on your controller or MIDI keyboard with this

InputConfig is an open-source project that allows users to remap buttons on various input devices connected to a Mac without requiring drivers, subscriptions, or accounts. The project is available on the App Store and has been tested with conventional controllers and a Rock Band game keyboard. The app can be found on GitHub.

Why it matters: This tool provides users with more flexibility and customization options for their input devices.

MacRumors

MacBook Pro's Switch to OLED Could Spell Trouble for Mini-LED Industry

Apple is expected to unveil OLED MacBook Pro models with touch input, using OLED panels from Samsung Display, which could lead to a decline in mini-LED laptop display shipments. The OLED MacBook Pro models will be significantly lighter and feature a Dynamic Island, replacing the display notch. The transition is expected to start with the 14-inch and 16-inch models, with the mini-LED versions eventually being discontinued.

Why it matters: The shift to OLED displays may impact the mini-LED industry, with shipments projected to fall by 75% between 2025 and 2027.

9to5Mac

Will Apple’s overhauled MacBook Pro finally offer 5G cellular support?

Apple is expected to unveil overhauled MacBook Pros with OLED, touch support, and a lighter design on October 28. The new MacBooks may include cellular support, which would utilize the C2 modem. The event will also feature a refreshed iMac and 14-inch base model MacBook Pro with the M6 chip.

Why it matters: The addition of cellular support to the MacBook Pro could provide users with greater flexibility and convenience when working on the go.

MacRumors

Apple Display Veterans Step Back as New Leaders Take Over

Apple's display development team has undergone changes with Victor Yin taking over from Wei Chen and John Zhong, who are transitioning to advisory roles after approximately 30 years at the company. The changes are part of a broader succession process and reorganization of Apple's engineering leadership. Apple has also made other promotions and layoffs as part of its efforts to accelerate product development and reduce management layers.

Why it matters: The changes may impact the future direction of Apple's display technology and product development.

MacRumors

OLED MacBook Air and iMac Remain in Testing

Apple is testing OLED displays for future MacBook Air and iMac models, but the upgrades are still in development. The next MacBook Air and iMac refreshes will retain LCD displays. A new iMac is expected to arrive this week and a MacBook Air refresh in early 2027.

Why it matters: This information provides insight into Apple's future product plans and display technology roadmap.

MacRumors

Apple Addresses Web Security Threat, Working on macOS Update With Additional Fix

A security researcher discovered weak private keys associated with eMudhra's intermediate CA certificates, potentially allowing attackers to impersonate websites. Apple has been blocking the compromised certificates in Safari, Mail, and apps using Apple's networking and security frameworks since October 19. A macOS update with a fix is in the works, but no release date has been provided.

Why it matters: This update ensures that Apple device owners are protected from potential security threats associated with the compromised certificates.

MacRumors

iPhone Duo Can Run Automations When You Open or Close It

The iPhone Duo has a new Shortcuts automation trigger that runs actions when the device is opened or closed. The trigger, called 'Opened or Closed', is located under the Display automations category. This feature was first spotted in September by code sleuth pdfu. The trigger can be used for various purposes, such as changing the wallpaper when the device is opened or closed.

Why it matters: This feature allows iPhone Duo users to automate tasks based on device usage patterns.

MacRumors

Adjust iPhone Duo's Outer Display to Accommodate Your Case

Apple's iPhone Duo has a display setting called Shift Left Edge that allows users to adjust the outer display to accommodate cases or frames that partially cover the left edge. The setting is available for both Apple's official cases and third-party cases. The setting insets the display edge so that on-screen content isn't hidden beneath the case.

Why it matters: This feature is useful for users who want to use cases or frames that partially cover the left edge of their iPhone Duo without obscuring on-screen content.

Daring Fireball

Duo Users Are Registering the Base of Their Index Finger as a Touch ID Coping Strategy

A Reddit user discovered that registering the base of their index finger as a Touch ID works as a coping strategy, allowing for easier unlocking of their iPhone. This method resolves issues with Face ID, such as needing to look directly at the phone. The user claims it is faster and more convenient than Face ID.

Why it matters: This workaround may be useful for users who struggle with Face ID's requirements, such as those with glasses or certain hairstyles.

MacRumors

iFixit iPhone Duo Teardown Points to Possible Cause of Screen Cracks

iFixit performed a teardown of the iPhone Duo, finding dust in the USB-C port, speaker mesh, and bezel, but few particles reached the internal components. The hinge was found to be vulnerable to dust, which could lead to screen damage. The teardown also revealed a robust construction and easy battery removal.

Why it matters: The teardown provides insight into the iPhone Duo's design and potential weaknesses, which may be useful for users considering purchasing the device.

9to5Mac

iFixit tears down iPhone Duo, finds possible causes of early screen failures

iFixit's teardown of the iPhone Duo reveals its repairability score of 5 out of 10, with the highest score ever given to a foldable phone. The teardown also found that the hinge's design may be a possible cause of early screen failures. The device's matte nano-texture display helps disguise the crease by scattering reflected light.

Why it matters: The findings from the teardown may help identify potential design flaws and inform future improvements to the iPhone Duo's design.

AppleInsider

Hinge damage suspected to be behind iPhone Duo screen cracks

A YouTuber discovered a possible cause of screen cracks in the iPhone Duo: a faulty hinge element that shears off and hits the display, causing damage. This issue has been observed in a small number of devices, with some owners reporting cracks within hours of purchase. The problem is not widespread, but it may be more common than initially thought.

Why it matters: This discovery could lead to a recall or repair program for affected iPhone Duo devices, potentially saving owners from costly repairs.

AppleInsider

Sunday Reboot: Physical logos and a monumental screw-up

Apple Music has undergone a rebrand, with a new logo and visual identity created through sound waves and physical components. The company used a vat of mineral oil, lights, and an actuating rod to create the logo's appearance. A security issue was also discovered involving a certificate authority that issued easily guessable security certificates.

Why it matters: This highlights the importance of robust security measures in certificate generation and the potential consequences of security vulnerabilities.

Daring Fireball

iPhone Portrait Mode, 10 Years In

Johnnie Manzari discussed the development of iPhone Portrait Mode, highlighting the challenges of creating a natural-looking depth effect. The initial approach involved disparity calculations between two sensors, but it had limitations. A solution was found to balance artifacts and blur.

Why it matters: Understanding the technical challenges behind Portrait Mode can provide insight into the trade-offs made in camera technology.

9to5Mac

OLED iPad mini 8 debuting this week: Here’s what’s coming, and how much it’ll cost

Apple is releasing a new iPad mini with an OLED display and A20 Pro chip, which will be its first chip refresh since 2024. The new iPad mini will have improved display and performance, and may be water-resistant. The starting price is expected to be $799, a $200 increase from the current model.

Why it matters: The new iPad mini's improved performance and display may make it a more appealing option for users who want a portable device for tasks like note-taking and browsing.

AppleInsider

Touch-friendly dynamic interface coming soon to macOS Golden Gate

Apple is updating macOS Golden Gate to include a dynamic interface that adapts to touch or trackpad input, with features such as menus around the user's finger and optimized Dock and Menu Bar. This change is in response to the upcoming touch-enabled MacBook Pro. The update aims to allow users to switch between touch and trackpad inputs seamlessly.

Why it matters: This update will provide a more intuitive user experience for those who use the touch-enabled MacBook Pro.