mrlloyd.net's Tech Brief

Apple

iPhone, Mac, software and everything from Cupertino.

This project will help your old Intel Mac stay on Monterey

A project called 'Stay on Monterey' is helping users migrate the Brave browser and Electron runtime to macOS 12 on older Intel Macs, with instructions and software available on the project's website. The process is not fully automated, but the resources provided can help users get started. The project has been tested on a 5,1 Mac Pro and a 2010 MacBook Pro.

Why it matters: This project can help extend the lifespan of older Intel Macs by allowing them to run newer software.

Amazon drops AirPods Pro 3 to $199, slashes $100 off AirPods Max 2

Amazon has discounted the AirPods Pro 3 to $199, a $50 price cut from its MSRP, and the AirPods Max 2 to $449, a $100 markdown. The AirPods Pro 3 offer an improved fit and better Active Noise Cancellation. The discounts are available on Amazon.

Why it matters: These price drops may be a good opportunity for consumers to purchase high-end wireless earbuds and headphones at a lower cost.

Google Maps on CarPlay rolling out Gemini when navigating

Google Maps on Apple CarPlay now offers Gemini voice assistant functionality when navigating, allowing users to ask multi-step questions and issue commands. This feature was previously only available when using Google Maps directly on an iPhone. The rollout is currently underway globally, starting in the US.

Why it matters: This update enhances the driving experience by providing a more conversational and hands-free way to interact with Google Maps on Apple CarPlay.

There will be extremely limited iPhone Duo stock in store on Friday

Apple has confirmed that some iPhone Duo units will be available in stores on October 23, 2026, but in extremely limited quantities. The company expects these stocks to sell out quickly. Apple Stores will open early on October 23 to accommodate online pickup appointments.

Why it matters: This news is relevant to anyone who wants to purchase an iPhone Duo in person on the release date.

iPhone Duo Accessories Roundup: Cases and Screen Protectors From OtterBox, ZAGG, and More

OtterBox, Speck, ZAGG/Mophie, and other brands offer cases and screen protectors for the iPhone Duo. Some retailers offer discounts, including 20% off two items at ZAGG. Amazon has TechWoven dupe cases on sale for $29.69, $50 cheaper than Apple's official cases.

Why it matters: This roundup provides a list of available accessories for the iPhone Duo, helping users prepare for the device's launch.

Apple Stores Will Have 'Limited' Availability of iPhone Duo for Walk-In Customers

Apple Stores will have limited availability of the iPhone Duo for walk-in customers in select countries on launch day. The limited availability is due to 'extraordinary' pre-order demand. Apple is restricting walk-in availability in some countries to manage crowd sizes and prevent scalping.

Why it matters: This means that customers in some countries may need to place a reservation for Apple Store pickup instead of buying the device in-store on launch day.

iPhone Duo will add Reachability feature ‘later this year’

iPhone Duo will not have the Reachability feature at launch, but it will be added later this year. Reachability allows users to access elements near the top of the display by swiping down on the bottom of the screen. The new version of Reachability will allow users to access left or right edges of the screen with a tap.

Why it matters: This feature may be useful for users with small hands who struggle to access interface elements on the wider iPhone Duo.

iPhone Duo Reviews Explain Why Device is Both 'Fun' and 'Frustrating'

The first reviews of the iPhone Duo have been published, describing the device as expensive, compromised, and fun, with impressive performance and some limitations.

Why it matters: The reviews highlight the iPhone Duo's performance and usability, but also note that some third-party apps may not be optimized for the device's unique features.

Apple blocks bafflingly weak security certificates on iPhone

Apple has blocked eight compromised security certificates on iOS and iPadOS after they were found to be extremely weak, while Google and Mozilla had already blocked them on October 17. The certificates, issued by Indian certificate authority eMudhra, were generated in April 2025 and had keys that were guessable by humans. The compromised certificates were used for TLS and code signing, and were trusted by Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla root programs.

Why it matters: This issue highlights the importance of regularly updating software to prevent potential security vulnerabilities.

iPhone Duo adding Apple Pencil support next week with iOS 27.2

Apple Pencil support is coming to iPhone Duo with iOS 27.2, which is launching next week. The support was initially expected to arrive in December. iPhone Duo users will need to purchase the Apple Pencil (USB-C) model, which is currently on sale for $69 on Amazon.

Why it matters: This update allows iPhone Duo users to take advantage of Apple Pencil functionality, potentially enhancing their productivity and creativity.

Touchscreen Mac, or double your RAM or SSD size – what’s the better deal? [Poll]

A new touchscreen MacBook Pro with an OLED screen is expected to be announced soon, with a likely price premium of $500-$700 over the current model. The new MacBook Pro is also expected to be lighter. The article discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of the new features, including the OLED screen and touchscreen functionality.

Why it matters: The decision to upgrade to the new MacBook Pro will depend on individual priorities and budget, as the price premium may be offset by the option to upgrade RAM or SSD size on the current model.

Apple Says 'Reachability' Feature Coming to iPhone Duo Later This Year

Apple plans to add Reachability support to the iPhone Duo in a software update later this year. The feature will allow users to swipe down on the screen to lower the top half of the interface. The update will be available on both displays of the iPhone Duo.

Why it matters: This update will improve accessibility for iPhone Duo users with one-handed use cases.

Don't return an unexpected Apple Cash payment, it's a scam

Scammers are sending unexpected Apple Cash payments to users, then asking for them to be refunded, which is a scam. The scammer's story is a sob story to pressure the user into returning the money. The payment will eventually be reversed by the issuing bank, but the user will have already paid the scammer.

Why it matters: Users should be aware of this scam and not return unexpected Apple Cash payments to strangers.

iPhone Duo review roundup: Mostly positive opinions unfold

The iPhone Duo has received mostly positive reviews from critics, with praise for its large foldable internal display, design, and camera capabilities. Reviewers have noted that the device's screen transitions smoothly and the matte nanotexture finish reduces reflections. The iPhone Duo's design has been described as 'Apple at its best' and 'exquisite'.

Why it matters: The iPhone Duo's success could set a new standard for foldable smartphones and influence future designs.

Apple blocks web certificates that could be used by scammers, but Mac vulnerability remains

Apple has blocked eight web security certificates that could be used by scammers to impersonate legitimate websites. The certificates were compromised due to an error in a script used to generate them. The issue affects macOS's ability to check for revocation of these certificates.

Why it matters: This vulnerability could allow scammers to impersonate legitimate websites, potentially leading to phishing or other malicious activities.

iPhone Duo review: The future is foldable

The iPhone Duo features a foldable design with a compact, notebook-style form factor and a 7.6-inch inner display. It has a variable torque system hinge and weighs 254 grams. The device is available in two colors: Night Sky and Star White.

Why it matters: The iPhone Duo's design and features may set a new standard for future iPhone models.

New PHP vulnerability means the Internet will have a very rough couple of days

A severe vulnerability has been found in PHP, a web programming language, forcing developers to patch websites and potentially causing outages. The vulnerability, rated 9.2 on the CVSSv4.0 scale, allows for unauthenticated remote code execution. Developers are advised to apply patches as soon as they are available.

Why it matters: This vulnerability may cause widespread website outages and disruptions to online services, affecting users worldwide.

Foxconn expands Santa Clara operation for AI hardware

Foxconn has purchased two sites in Santa Clara, totaling 110,100 square feet, for an undisclosed purpose, reportedly to turn them into factories. The sites were previously empty buildings, with one being 45,800 square feet and the other 64,300 square feet. The purchase price was $54.6 million.

Why it matters: This expansion could indicate Foxconn's plans to increase production of AI hardware and server racks in the area.

TikTok accused of profiting from illegal child sexual exploitation videos

Former and current TikTok employees have accused the company of profiting from illegal child sexual exploitation videos on its platform, despite internal reports and concerns about the issue. Employees claim that the company failed to properly respond to reports of minors in sexual content and that users under 18 were able to bypass age restrictions. The company has denied the allegations, stating that the claims are 'clearly cherry-picked' and 'inaccurate'.

Why it matters: This raises concerns about the safety and security of minors on social media platforms and the responsibility of companies to protect their users.

Apple Arcade gets packed with sports game updates in November

Apple Arcade is getting updates to NBA 2K27 Arcade Edition and Football Manager 27 Touch, with new features and improvements. The updates include the addition of the WNBA to NBA 2K27 and a redesigned iPhone user interface for FM27 Touch. The updates are expected to be released in November.

Why it matters: The updates will provide new content and features for Apple Arcade subscribers.

Video shows French Apple store being emptied by looters

Looters broke into Apple stores in Bordeaux and Lille, France, and ransacked them, as well as other luxury retail stores, during nationwide protests. The protests, which began as demonstrations against overcrowded schools, turned violent and destructive. Video footage shows Apple stores being emptied and looters carrying away display products.

Why it matters: The incident highlights the potential risks of looting and theft of high-tech products, which may be designed with anti-theft features.

First iPhone Duo unboxing videos surface ahead of official reviews

Unboxing videos of the iPhone Duo have been posted on YouTube, showing the device in its open configuration and demonstrating its display crease. The videos also show the device's Kid Cue feature and setup screens. The iPhone Duo is available for pre-order, but shipping dates are delayed until January 25, 2027.

Why it matters: The unboxing videos provide a detailed look at the iPhone Duo's design and features before official reviews are published.

Apple Stores in Bordeaux and Lille Looted During French Protests

Apple Stores in Bordeaux and Lille were looted during protests in France, with multiple businesses targeted across the country. The incidents occurred amid demonstrations against the high cost of living. The Bordeaux location was previously looted in 2018 during 'yellow vest' protests.

Why it matters: This incident highlights the ongoing social unrest in France and its impact on businesses.

Loop Capital Cuts Apple Rating Over iPhone Sales Outlook

Loop Capital has downgraded its rating on Apple from 'Buy' to 'Hold' due to a reduced iPhone shipment forecast. The firm now estimates 79 million iPhone shipments in the December quarter, down from 85 million. Loop also lowered its Apple stock price target from $370 to $330.

Why it matters: This downgrade could impact Apple's stock price and investor confidence in the company's financial outlook.

Bluesound Adds Native Apple Music Support

Bluesound has added native Apple Music support to its BluOS platform, allowing Apple Music subscribers to stream directly to compatible speakers and hi-fi equipment. The integration is available through a free software update and extends to compatible products from other brands. The update also brings Apple Music into the BluOS system for managing playback across multiple rooms.

Why it matters: This integration simplifies music streaming for Apple Music subscribers and expands the capabilities of BluOS-equipped home audio systems.

Apple CEO John Ternus Explains What Makes Good Product Design

Apple CEO John Ternus discussed the importance of user experience in product design, citing examples of features that improve usability and enjoyment. Ternus emphasized the collaboration between designers and engineers at Apple. He also highlighted the role of AI in enhancing existing products and developing new ones.

Why it matters: Understanding Apple's design philosophy can provide insight into the company's product development priorities.

UK Proposes New Ways to Help Apple Pay Rivals

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority proposed changes to make it easier and cheaper for companies to offer contactless payment apps on the iPhone. The proposals aim to give developers more access to the iPhone's NFC technology and reduce Apple's access fees. The CMA wants Apple to support host card emulation, an alternative to the Secure Element chip.

Why it matters: The changes could lead to more competition in the UK's contactless payment market.

WhatsApp Developing In-App Browser for All Chat Links on iPhone

WhatsApp is developing an in-app browser for its iPhone app, allowing users to open links shared in chats without leaving the app. The feature will be optional and can be enabled through the Settings and Chats menu. Users will also be able to clear browsing data.

Why it matters: This feature aims to improve user experience by reducing the need to switch between apps.