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Apple's online store is currently down ahead of iPhone Duo pre-orders, which start at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time on October 16. The store will be available in over 70 countries and regions. The iPhone Duo is available in four storage capacities and two colors.
Why it matters: This is relevant for readers who plan to pre-order the iPhone Duo and want to know when the online store will be available.
The online Apple Store has gone offline in preparation for the opening of pre-orders for the iPhone Duo, Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone. The site is expected to return once pre-orders begin. The iPhone Duo was announced at the September 9 'Surprise and Shine' event.
Why it matters: The pre-orders for the iPhone Duo are expected to be popular, and users who didn't participate in the 'Get Ready' pre-pre-order process may find the device sold out quickly.
Apple has taken down the Apple Store ahead of the iPhone Duo preorder, which is set to go live at 5 AM ET on October 23. The iPhone Duo is a foldable device with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display. The device starts at $1999 for the 256 GB model and will run on iOS 27.1.
Why it matters: The preorder event is expected to be popular due to constrained supply and high demand for the iPhone Duo.
The article provides tips on managing iPhone notifications on iOS 27, including using Scheduled Summary to group notifications and revoking app permissions to reduce junk notifications. It also discusses the importance of keeping certain government alerts enabled. The article also touches on unrelated topics such as a trade secret lawsuit and an upcoming iPad mini refresh. AppleInsider staff writer Amber shares her expertise on managing iPhone notifications. The article concludes with a discussion of various iPhone-related news and products.
Why it matters: Learning how to manage iPhone notifications can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
A trade secret lawsuit against Apple over the iPhone's anodization process has been appealed after Apple initially won the case via summary judgment. The lawsuit alleges Apple stole a secret anodization process from Envirodigm, a consulting company, after a meeting in 2013. Apple claims it was not required to disclose the process as it was not a trade secret.
Why it matters: The outcome of this appeal could have implications for companies and individuals involved in trade secret disputes.
A French regulatory website revealed an iPad mini model identifier that doesn't match any existing model, confirming rumors of a new iPad mini with an OLED display. The new model is expected to be released at Apple's October 28 event. The model number A3632 was not included in a previous leak of several model numbers in August.
Why it matters: This leak confirms the existence of a new iPad mini model, which is expected to have improved water resistance and an OLED display.
Apple has released a new Apple TV 4K with improved performance, a new AV1 decoder, and a new Siri Remote with Find My support. The new Apple TV 4K also supports a four-speaker surround sound experience with HomePod mini 2. The new HomePod mini 2 is also available, with a new design and improved audio capabilities.
Why it matters: The new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 offer improved audio and video capabilities, making them a good option for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup.
Apple TV's 'Tenzing' is now available to subscribers, a film based on the true story of Tenzing Norgay's first ascent of Mount Everest. The movie stars Genden Phuntsok, Tom Hiddleston, and Willem Dafoe. It follows the story of Tenzing's journey to the summit with Edmund Hillary.
Why it matters: The film provides a unique perspective on the first ascent of Mount Everest, highlighting the cultural and personal challenges faced by Tenzing Norgay.
Apple's French regulatory website lists an unreleased iPad mini accessory with a new model number, suggesting changes to the design. The accessory contains more recycled materials and rare earth elements than its predecessor. The listing is dated September 8, 2026, but it's unclear when it was added to the website.
Why it matters: This listing may indicate that the upcoming iPad mini will have physical design changes that affect case compatibility.
Apple's French regulatory website lists an unreleased iPad mini Smart Folio with a new model number, suggesting a new iPad mini is coming. The case is listed alongside iPhone 18 Pro accessories added in September. The listing does not include iPad mini specs but implies design changes.
Why it matters: This hints at potential design changes to the next iPad mini, which may require new cases.
Apple Sports version 4.5 has been released, adding key stats during breaks in live sports and more soccer league coverage. The update is available on the App Store. Withings has introduced a paywall for Apple Health Sync, requiring users to pay $99.99 annually to view their weight in the Health app. Apple has also launched HomeView, a smart display that integrates with various Apple services.
Why it matters: These updates and new features may be of interest to users who follow sports or use Apple's health and home services.
Apple is not planning to release M6 Pro, M6 Max, or M6 Ultra chips, instead moving directly to the M7 lineup. The OLED MacBook Pro models will use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips until 2027. High-end models will get M7 Pro and M7 Max chips in late 2027.
Why it matters: This means that users who purchase high-end MacBook Pro models in the near future will not see a significant performance upgrade until late 2027.
Strava has introduced coach-designed strength workouts with live set and rep tracking, building on its existing strength training features. The workouts are guided by animations, form tips, and information on targeted muscle groups. The feature is rolling out to subscribers over the next few weeks, with a sample workout available to free users.
Why it matters: This update provides users with a more structured and guided approach to strength training, potentially leading to more effective workouts.
Withings has introduced a paywall for new users to sync their scale data with Apple Health, requiring a $99.99 annual subscription. The feature was previously free. The paywall applies to new users created after October 13, 2026, while existing users can continue to use the feature for free.
Why it matters: This change may impact users who rely on their smart scales to track their health and fitness data, as they may need to consider alternative options or pay the annual fee.
OpenAI and Apple are reportedly in a dispute over AI technology, details of the iPhone Duo are emerging, and more.
Why it matters: These developments may impact the future of AI and mobile devices.
Apple and Nvidia each pledged $25 million to Trump's White House ballroom project, making them two of the largest donors. The project's estimated construction cost has climbed to $600 million. The Washington Post obtained internal fundraising records revealing previously undisclosed details about donors and their contributions.
Why it matters: This information highlights the significant financial backing behind the controversial White House project.
Apple and Nvidia pledged $25 million each to the White House ballroom, with private donations totaling $333 million. The donations are being collected through a nonprofit and will be moved into a White House account controlled by Trump. The ballroom's final cost is estimated to be around $600 million, with over half coming from taxpayer funds.
Why it matters: This raises concerns about the transparency and accountability of the Trump administration's fundraising practices.
Apple updated the Apple Sports app to version 4.5, adding support for five soccer leagues from around the world and improving Live Activities to display key game statistics during breaks in the action.
Why it matters: This update enhances the user experience for sports fans who use the Apple Sports app to follow soccer games and stay up-to-date with key statistics.
IDC reported a 22% decline in global smartphone shipments in Q3 2026, with Apple's share increasing 23.1% year-over-year. Apple shipped 57.3 million units, trailing Samsung by 500,000 units. Samsung shipped 57.8 million units, a 5.8% decline from the previous year.
Why it matters: The decline in smartphone shipments may lead to increased pressure on device manufacturers, particularly those in lower-end markets, due to rising component costs.
Several case manufacturers have released protective cases for the iPhone Duo, with options ranging from slim MagSafe shells to rugged designs with reinforced protection. The cases aim to balance protection with the need for the phone's hinge to move freely. Various cases offer different features, such as dedicated hinge protection, integrated stands, and reinforced corners.
Why it matters: These cases can help protect the iPhone Duo from damage and provide additional features such as stands and magnetic compatibility.
Apple responded to OpenAI's allegations of trade secret theft, stating it has policies to prevent confidential information use and found no evidence to support the claims. Apple investigated the issue after OpenAI brought it to their attention on October 9. Apple says the employee at the center of the allegations left Apple for OpenAI and then returned to Apple.
Why it matters: This response highlights Apple's stance on the allegations and its procedures for handling confidential information.
Apple unveiled the HomeView smart display, Apple TV 4K (fourth-generation), and a HomePod mini refresh. The new Apple TV 4K features improved performance and a new design. The event marked the latest additions to the Apple Home Collection.
Why it matters: The new products may help Apple expand its presence in the smart home market.
Sega and Creative Assembly have removed the Windows and Mac re-release of 'Shogun 2 - Complete Edition' from sale due to a poor response and numerous bugs. The game was available on Steam. The companies are working to resolve the issues.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the importance of thorough testing and quality control in game releases.
iOS 27 updates iCloud Shared Albums with support for full-resolution photos and videos, allows users to react with any emoji, enables Android and Windows users to contribute via the web, and adds features for saving and managing shared photos.
Why it matters: These updates improve the functionality and accessibility of iCloud Shared Albums, making it easier for users to share and interact with photos and videos.
Apple may launch OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro models on November 6, following a debut in late October. The new models will reportedly be part of the MacBook Pro line, not the MacBook Ultra. Apple retail stores are scheduled for a 'big floor reset' on November 5-6, possibly in preparation for the new Macs.
Why it matters: This could be the first major update to the MacBook Pro line in several years, offering users a new display option.
Withings announced that users who create an account on or after October 13, 2026, must pay $99.50/year for Apple Health syncing, while existing users remain unaffected. The change only applies to new account creations, not device purchases. Users who create an account before October 12, 2026, will still have free syncing to third-party apps. Existing customers who buy a new device are also unaffected.
Why it matters: This change affects users who create new accounts after October 13, 2026, and may impact their ability to sync data with Apple's Health app without an additional subscription.
Sonos has released an app update, Sonos 27.2, which adds support for the upcoming iPhone Duo in both folded and unfolded configurations. The update is available now through the App Store. The update brings version 90.1 of the Sonos app to iOS.
Why it matters: This update ensures that Sonos users will be able to control their speakers with the new iPhone Duo when it launches later this month.
Apple executives Rich Dinh and JP Guillou discussed the company's relationship with Samsung in producing the iPhone Duo's display, stating that Samsung does not provide a pre-made display, but rather works with Apple to manufacture a custom display based on Apple's specifications.
Why it matters: This clarification addresses concerns that Apple is simply using a Samsung display, and highlights the level of customization and control Apple has over the manufacturing process.
Apple's HomeView is a $300 device that can play music, display text messages and calendars, and make FaceTime calls, but its cost is higher when considering the required iPhone or iPad and additional accessories.
Why it matters: The high cost of the HomeView and its reliance on an iPhone or iPad may make it inaccessible to some users.
Meta and Apple collaborated to bring the Muse Spark Open AI model to M5 Ultra Mac Studios, allowing developers to run advanced AI locally. The model, designed for coding and software engineering, requires at least two M5 Ultra Mac Studios with 512GB of unified memory or four machines with 256GB each. The collaboration takes advantage of Apple's unified memory architecture and the MLX framework to distribute the workload across multiple Macs.
Why it matters: This collaboration enables developers to run advanced AI models locally on Mac hardware, potentially reducing reliance on cloud servers and cloud usage fees.
