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Apple

iPhone, Mac, software and everything from Cupertino.

Sunday Reboot: Sam Altman needs to read the RAM room

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that users having excess RAM in their Macs is wasteful and that the memory should be used in the cloud for AI infrastructure. He believes that users only use their RAM 5% of the time. Altman's comments have been met with criticism and skepticism.

Why it matters: This statement highlights the tension between individual users' needs and the growing demand for AI infrastructure resources.

Three new iPad models are reportedly launching early next year, here’s what’s coming

Apple is reportedly planning to release three new iPad models in the first half of next year, including a new iPad Air, a new base iPad, and a new iPad Pro. The iPad Air will feature an OLED display and a potential upgrade to the M5 chip. The base iPad will get an A19 chip and 8GB of RAM, while the iPad Pro will likely get a new chipset, possibly the M6 or M7.

Why it matters: These updates will bring improved performance and features to Apple's iPad lineup, particularly for the base iPad, which has not had a major refresh since 2020.

WorkOS: Let Agents Sign Up for Your App Without a Browser

WorkOS has introduced a feature called Agent Registration, which allows agents to sign up for an app without a browser-based sign-up form. This feature is designed for services where agents act on behalf of users. The feature can be enabled through the WorkOS Dashboard.

Why it matters: This feature can simplify the process of onboarding agents for businesses that rely on third-party representatives to interact with their platform.

HomeView can behave like a HomeKit security camera

Apple's HomeView can act as a HomeKit Security Camera, allowing users to monitor their home and record activity. The feature uses the display's camera to monitor the immediate area and alert users to activity. The recordings are private to the home and can be viewed through the Home app.

Why it matters: This feature could provide an additional layer of home security for users without the need for a dedicated security camera.

Nearly Every M5 MacBook Air Now $200 Off on Amazon

Amazon is offering discounts on M5 MacBook Air models, with prices starting at $1,099.99 for the 512GB 13-inch model and $1,299.99 for the 512GB 15-inch model. The discounts are $200 off the original prices. The sale includes nearly every storage configuration and color option.

Why it matters: This sale provides a significant price drop for those interested in purchasing a MacBook Air.

Here’s how I’m solving the iPhone Duo kickstand problem, without any bulk

A user discovered that the PopSocket Low-Pro, a low-profile MagSafe PopSocket, can be used as a kickstand for the iPhone Duo, improving the phone's stability on MagSafe stands and adding minimal bulk.

Why it matters: This solution provides a practical alternative to the expensive and bulky official iPhone Duo folio with kickstand.

This 140W power station might be the ultimate charger for Apple users [Video]

CUKTECH's 140W Powerstation is a six-in-one desktop charger with a built-in retractable cable, magnetic wireless charging, and a dedicated diagnostic display. It can charge one device at 140W or up to six devices simultaneously. The charger is available on Amazon for $149.

Why it matters: This charger is a convenient option for users with multiple Apple devices, providing a centralized hub for charging and monitoring device status.

What to expect from Apple's Q4 2026 results on November 2

Apple will release its Q4 2026 financial results on November 2, with CEO John Ternus and CFO Kevan Parekh providing commentary. The results will be compared to Q4 2025, which was a record-breaker for Apple. Analysts expect revenue growth of 9-11% year-over-year.

Why it matters: The Q4 results will provide insight into Apple's performance during a quarter marked by supply chain challenges and the ongoing memory crisis.

Apple's HomeView Ships With Six-Month-Old Software

Apple's HomeView smart home hub will ship with software version 26.5, which is six months old. The device will prompt users to update to version 27.2 upon setup. The HomeView launches on November 13.

Why it matters: This delay in software version may impact the user experience and functionality of the device.

Remaining iPad updates still expected to arrive in early 2027

Apple is expected to release updates for the entry-level iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro in early 2027, with the refreshes to take place in the first half of the year. The updates will include an OLED display for the entry-level iPad and iPad mini, and the addition of vapor chamber cooling for the iPad Pro. The exact timing and details of the updates are not yet confirmed.

Why it matters: The updates will provide new features and improvements for users of these iPad models.

Apple to eliminate non-touch MacBooks Pros other than core 14-inch model

Apple plans to discontinue non-touch MacBook Pro models except for the 14-inch model with M6 processor. The 14-inch model with M6 will continue to lack touch functionality. The move is expected to happen in 2027 with the introduction of second-generation touch models.

Why it matters: This change may affect users who prefer non-touch MacBook Pro models or are on a budget, as the entry model will be the only non-touch option.

Three New iPads Rumored to Launch in First Half of 2027

Apple is rumored to release new iPad Air, iPad Pro, and entry-level iPad models in the first half of 2027, with the iPad Air and Pro featuring OLED displays and improved performance. The iPad Air will reportedly have an M5 chip, while the iPad Pro will have an M6 chip. The entry-level iPad 12 is expected to have an A19 chip, N1 chip, and C1X modem.

Why it matters: These new iPad models may offer improved performance and features for users, particularly with the addition of OLED displays and Wi-Fi 7 support.

Flying today? Get a cheap Apple TV while you're at it

iStore is having a sale on Apple TV hardware at airports, offering the 128GB Apple TV with Ethernet for $129.99 plus tax. The sale is available at various airport locations, but stock may be limited. The sale is not available at the Reagan National airport store.

Why it matters: This sale provides an opportunity for travelers to purchase an Apple TV at a discounted price.

Weekend Apple deals: Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirTag 2, MacBooks, AirPods, more

Apple Watch Ultra 4 is discounted by nearly $100, AirTag 2 is at an all-time low starting at $17.50, and various MacBooks are on sale with discounts up to $200 off. AirPods Pro 3 is also discounted by $50. The sales include deals on Apple's new HomeView, OLED iPad mini, and Apple Pencil USB-C for iPhone Duo users. Best Buy's Week 1 Black Friday Doorbusters are also live, featuring deals on Apple products and other items.

Why it matters: These deals offer significant discounts on popular Apple products, allowing customers to purchase them at lower prices than usual.

Crime blotter: Apple Store looters in France got bricked iPhones

Apple Store looters in France received a message on stolen iPhones telling them to return the devices, which were then disabled and being tracked. An iPhone belonging to Jared Kushner was allegedly hacked by Russians in 2017. A warehouse in India was broken into and 70 iPhones and other electronics were stolen.

Why it matters: These incidents highlight the security measures Apple has in place to track and disable stolen devices.

Apple Offers Steps to Fix Daylight Saving Time Bug on Apple Watch

Apple has published a support document to address an issue where Apple Watch displays incorrect time after daylight saving time changes. The incorrect time appears only on the Always On display when the wrist is down. Restarting the watch or switching to another watch face can resolve the issue.

Why it matters: This fix is relevant to Apple Watch users who experienced time discrepancies after the recent daylight saving time change.

Here’s how the new MacBook Pro and macOS 27 are optimized for touch

Apple has optimized the new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR for touch, making traffic light icons larger and allowing gestures to be performed on the screen. The new MacBook Pro can also access Spotlight from the Dynamic Island and navigate the iOS simulator with touch. Apple has also added pull to refresh in Safari and larger spacing between menu bar items to all Macs with macOS 27.

Why it matters: These changes aim to improve the user experience on the new touchscreen MacBook Pro, making it easier to interact with the device.

Indie App Spotlight: ‘Pumpkin Lights’ adds a fun jack-o-lantern to your Mac’s menu bar

Pumpkin Lights is a free menu bar app for Mac that adds a customizable, ray-traced jack-o-lantern to the menu bar, allowing users to toggle between light and dark mode with a click or a pull. The app also includes options to open apps, keep the Mac awake, mute sounds, and run shortcuts. The app is available for download on the developer's website and requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.

Why it matters: This app provides a fun and interactive way to switch between light and dark mode on a Mac.

PSA: Today’s the last day to purchase discounted cushion kits for Beats 360

Beats is ending its discounted cushion kit sale for the Beats 360 headphones today, with the regular price of $50 returning to $10. The discounted kits were available for Performance Knit and UltraPlush cushions in various colors. The sale ends tonight.

Why it matters: Readers who own Beats 360 headphones can still purchase discounted cushion kits for their headphones before the sale ends.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 Hits All-Time Low Price With Amazon's $99 Discount

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has dropped to $699.99 on Amazon, a $99 discount from its original price of $799.00. This is the all-time low price for the new Ultra 4, which was launched in September. The sale includes three models: Black with Burgundy Alpine Loop (Large), Black with Burgundy Trail Loop (M/L), and Natural with Desert Alpine Loop (Medium).

Why it matters: This price drop makes the Apple Watch Ultra 4 more affordable for those interested in purchasing the device.

Reminder: Apple's Big Discount on Beats 360 Ear Cushions Ends Today

Apple is offering a discount on Beats 360 ear cushions and matching headbands until the end of the day. The ear cushions are available for $9.99 each, with a limit of three kits per order. The discount is available in the US and other countries, with regular pricing resuming on November 1.

Why it matters: This discount allows customers to purchase Beats 360 ear cushions at a lower price before the regular price increase.

Here's a New Tour of Apple's HomeView Software

Apple's HomeView software has been toured by developer Steve Troughton-Smith, showing its home screen, Control Center, clock faces, and apps. The software is based on tvOS and supports up to six users. The device has a built-in camera that recognizes people and displays personalized content in certain apps.

Why it matters: This tour provides a closer look at the features and interfaces of Apple's upcoming HomeView smart home hub.

MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR looks awesome, but I’m not rushing to upgrade

Apple released a new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR display, which is lighter and thinner than the previous model. The new design is largely an incremental update, with no significant changes to the top case. The new MacBook Pro is more expensive than the previous model, with a $400 price increase. The author is not convinced they need to upgrade to the new model, citing the cost and the fact that the M7 Pro and M7 Max chips are coming next year.

Why it matters: The new MacBook Pro's price increase may be a consideration for potential buyers, especially those who are already using a recent model.

Apple Maps begins blurring NASA, Space Force, and Air Force bases

Apple Maps has begun blurring sensitive locations such as NASA and US Space Force bases, including Wallops Flight Facility, Stennis Space Center, and Vandenberg Space Force Base, without announcing the change. The blurring is not universal, with some bases remaining visible. The change is presumed to be a security measure.

Why it matters: This change may affect users who rely on Apple Maps for navigation at these locations, potentially requiring them to use alternative services.

Apple @ Work: Next to a growing token bill, Macs might start looking like a bargain

Apple Silicon Macs may become more cost-effective for companies due to the rising cost of cloud AI services, which are priced by the token and can quickly add up. This is because Apple Silicon Macs can run large AI models locally, reducing the need for cloud services. A 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip can run a model locally for around $6,500, which can pay for itself in 7-14 months.

Why it matters: This development could make Apple Silicon Macs a more attractive option for companies looking to deploy AI models, potentially leading to increased adoption of Apple devices in the enterprise.

Apple's M5 MacBook Pro plunges to $1,349, lowest price on record

Amazon is offering the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro for $1,349.99, a $649.01 discount from its original price. The deal includes 16GB of unified memory and 1TB of storage. The sale is available now, but units may sell out quickly.

Why it matters: This deal provides a significant savings opportunity for those in the market for a MacBook Pro.

Apple Reveals New iPad Mini's Battery Capacity

Apple has published the EU energy label for the new iPad mini, revealing a 4,900 mAh battery capacity, which is slightly lower than the previous model's 5,034 mAh capacity. The new iPad mini has an improved power-efficient A20 Pro chip and an OLED display. The device is available for pre-order and launches on November 6.

Why it matters: The battery capacity decrease may not impact real-world battery life due to the improved power efficiency of the new chip and OLED display.

PSA: Manually update your Synology NAS right now

Synology NAS owners are advised to manually update their devices as soon as possible due to vulnerabilities in PHP, which can be exploited by ransomware attackers. Some users have reported being attacked by ransomware, with one user losing 70TB of data. The issue is not with the availability of patches, but with the implementation of automatic updates on older devices.

Why it matters: This highlights the importance of regularly checking for updates on network storage devices, especially those accessible from the internet, to prevent security breaches.

9to5Mac Overtime 088: Finally, a touchscreen MacBook

Jeff and Fernando discuss Apple's new hardware releases, including the M6 MacBook Pro, iPad mini 8 with OLED, and MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display. They share their opinions on the new touchscreen MacBook. The discussion covers the final new hardware releases for 2026. Jeff and Fernando also mention their favorite products, including screen cleaners and wireless earbuds. The podcast is sponsored by Rokform.

Why it matters: This podcast provides insight into the Apple ecosystem and the opinions of industry experts on the latest hardware releases.

Top Stories: Apple's Big MacBook Pro, iPad mini and iMac Updates

Apple has announced several new Mac products, including a MacBook Pro with a PROLED XDR display, a speed-bumped M6 version of the 14-inch base model, and an updated iPad mini. The new MacBook Pro models are available for pre-order now and will launch on November 6. The new products are part of a busy October for Apple, which has seen multiple product releases and updates.

Why it matters: The new MacBook Pro models and iPad mini offer improved display and performance options for Apple users.