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Apple

iPhone, Mac, software and everything from Cupertino.

Deals: M5 MacBook Air up to $300 off, M4 iPad Air $100+ off, AirPods Pro 3, Studio Display, more

Amazon is offering the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage at $1,449, a $150 discount from the list price. The official Apple refurb store is offering up to $300 off 15-inch M5 MacBook Air models. Amazon is also offering $100+ off M4 iPad Air models, including a 1TB variant at $150 off.

Why it matters: These deals provide significant discounts on high-end Apple products, making them more affordable for consumers.

Here’s how iPhone Duo and iPad mini compare in size

iPhone Duo's folding screen is compared to the iPad mini's size, showing a smaller difference in screen size due to smaller bezels. A video and image comparison are shared on social media. The devices' dimensions are listed by Apple.

Why it matters: This comparison helps readers understand the relative size of the iPhone Duo's folding screen compared to the iPad mini.

9to5Mac Daily: September 22, 2026 – M6 Mac mini tidbits, Apple Fitness+ future

The article discusses the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac, including tidbits about the M6 Mac mini and Apple Fitness+, but does not provide specific details about these topics. The podcast is available on various platforms. New episodes are recorded every weekday. The podcast is sponsored by Stuff, a task management app. Listeners can subscribe to the podcast and support the show through 9to5Mac Daily Plus. The podcast also has a YouTube channel for additional Apple news.

Why it matters: This podcast provides a daily summary of Apple-related news and updates for those interested in staying informed.

Brazil court tells Apple to add age checks for casino app purchases

A Brazilian court ordered Apple to add age checks for in-app purchases on the App Store, specifically for the 'Casino Roulette: Roulettist' app. The court granted an emergency injunction after child and adolescent rights groups alleged minors were accessing casino-style games with real money. Apple has five days to implement the changes and face a daily fine of R$100,000 for noncompliance.

Why it matters: This decision may set a precedent for Apple to implement stricter age controls on other casino-style apps on the App Store.

Apple Watch Series 12: My three favorite new features so far

The Apple Watch Series 12 has been tested for a few days, and three standout features have been noted: a faster S11 chip, improved Siri AI, and new health sensing capabilities. The new chip and AI improvements make everyday tasks feel faster and Siri more responsive. The new health sensing system allows for more detailed tracking and three new complications on the watch face. The battery life is similar to the Series 11, but charging is faster. The Series 12 is available starting at $399.

Why it matters: The Apple Watch Series 12's improved performance and health features make it a worthwhile upgrade for existing Apple Watch users.

Brighter, lower-power iPhone OLED screens now delayed to 2029

Apple's adoption of Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) OLED technology for its iPhone has been delayed to 2029, eight years later than initially expected. The improved technology is expected to provide a brighter and lower-power display. The delay is reportedly due to concerns about the cost of the technology.

Why it matters: This delay may impact the cost and performance of future iPhone models.

Apple Wallet driver’s licenses coming to three new states soon

Apple Wallet driver's licenses are expected to launch in Utah, Kentucky, and North Carolina soon, bringing the total number of US states supporting the feature to around 20. The three states have been added to Apple's backend for driver's license support. North Carolina's digital driver's license system has recently been launched, with Apple Wallet support expected by early 2027.

Why it matters: This expansion of Apple Wallet driver's licenses will provide users with more convenient and secure digital ID options.

Beats 360 vs AirPods Max 2: Premium personal audio compared

The Beats 360 and AirPods Max 2 are two premium headphones with different designs and features, with the Beats 360 being more geared towards workouts and the AirPods Max 2 focusing on audiophiles. The Beats 360 has a more lightweight design and is sweat-resistant, while the AirPods Max 2 has a more premium feel with aluminum earcups. Both headphones have Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, and use custom audio processing chips.

Why it matters: For those in the market for premium headphones, understanding the differences between the Beats 360 and AirPods Max 2 can help inform purchasing decisions.

Beats 360 Deliver Customizability and a Revamped Over-Ear Headphone Design

Beats has released its new Beats 360 over-ear headphones, priced at $349.99, with a focus on sound quality, comfort, and customizability. The headphones feature a new acoustic architecture with improved noise cancellation and a 12dB increase in output. The headphones are available in four color options and come with interchangeable cushions.

Why it matters: The Beats 360 headphones offer improved sound quality and customizability, making them a viable option for those in the market for a new pair of over-ear headphones.

Review: Beats 360 are the closest Apple headphones to AirPods Max, with one caveat

The Beats 360 headphones are now available for purchase at $349.99, offering a customizable design and features such as automatic device switching and Hey Siri support. They have a higher price point than the Beats Studio Pro but offer improved sound quality and noise cancellation. The headphones also support spatial audio and are IPX4 sweat and water resistant.

Why it matters: The Beats 360 headphones may be a viable alternative for Apple fans looking for a more affordable option with a similar experience to AirPods Max.

Beats 360 review: Good all-around sound and customizable too

The Beats 360 are over-ear headphones with a customizable design, sweat-resistant, and good sound quality. They have a round headband with a central cushion and a flat, smooth earcup design. The headphones are lightweight and compact, making them suitable for long listening sessions and workouts.

Why it matters: The Beats 360 may appeal to those who prefer over-ear headphones for workouts or long listening sessions, offering a comfortable and customizable option.

Three weeks into the John Ternus era, Apple crosses its highest valuation ever

Apple's stock briefly reached $345.34 after the market opened, surpassing its previous all-time high of $344.57. The stock has steadily climbed over the past three weeks since John Ternus took over as CEO. Apple's market capitalization is now over $4.68 trillion.

Why it matters: This development may indicate that investors are responding positively to Ternus' leadership and Apple's current roadmap.

Massive Discounts Hit 2026 MacBook Pro, Save Up to $600 on Amazon

Amazon is offering discounts on 2026 MacBook Pro models, with up to $600 off select configurations. The discounts are available on both 14-inch and 16-inch models, with the largest savings on the 14-inch M5 Max model. The discounts are available on various configurations, including the M5 Pro and M5 Max models.

Why it matters: These discounts can help readers save money on high-end MacBook Pro models.

Security Bite: The last 24 hours at Meta were “not-a-musing”

Meta's Muse personal AI agent on Mac has a 0-day vulnerability that allows local attackers to hijack the agent and access sensitive information. The vulnerability was discovered by Patrick Wardle, a macOS security researcher. Meta has reportedly pushed a fix for the issue.

Why it matters: This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure design and testing in AI-powered applications, particularly those that require sensitive access to user data.

Apple Planning to Bring iPhone Duo Display Tech to Pro in 2029

Apple is planning to adopt Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology in its 2029 'Pro' iPhones, which could lead to thinner and more power-efficient OLED screens. This technology removes the polarizer from the OLED panel, allowing more light to pass through and potentially reducing power consumption. The technology is already used in Samsung's Eco² OLED displays.

Why it matters: This technology could enable Apple's high-end iPhones to have improved display brightness and battery life without increasing power consumption.

PITAKA’s iPhone 18 Pro cases bring stunning designs and protection from $59.99 [Save 10%]

PITAKA has released new iPhone 18 Pro cases with updated designs, materials, and protection features. The cases include the Edge Case, Cairn Case, and Summa Case, each with unique features such as woven aramid fiber, reinforced corners, and capacitive camera controls. The cases are available for iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Duo models.

Why it matters: These new cases offer iPhone users a range of stylish and protective options for their devices.

iOS 27 adds convenient new iPhone feature you’ll use all the time

iOS 27 has been released with a new feature that allows users to quickly paste items from their iPhone's clipboard by displaying a shortcut above the keyboard when opening a new text field. This feature is designed to save time by eliminating the need to open the copy/paste menu and select 'paste'. The shortcut also provides a preview of the clipboard content, including text or images.

Why it matters: This feature can save users time and effort when working with text and images in multiple apps.

Apple Announces 'Tap to Pay on iPhone' Availability in 8 More Countries

Apple has expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to eight new countries: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Peru. The feature allows businesses to accept contactless payments on an iPhone without additional hardware. Customers can use their iPhone or Apple Watch to make payments by tapping it on the merchant's iPhone.

Why it matters: This expansion provides more businesses with a contactless payment option for customers.

Supplemental image data used in Face ID authentication on iPhone 18 Pro

Apple has added an additional layer to Face ID on iPhone 18 Pro using image data and a secure exclave, potentially speeding up the process. The new system uses a secure exclave to process image data into a mathematical representation of the user's face, which is then compared to stored data to confirm identity. The secure exclave is a separate chip that can perform tasks even if the main chip is compromised.

Why it matters: This update may improve the speed of Face ID authentication on iPhone 18 Pro, but it does not compromise security protocols.

Ron Johnson's 'Shop Different' review: Tantalizing glimpse at Apple Store origins

Ron Johnson's book 'Shop Different' recounts the story of how he and Steve Jobs created the Apple Store concept, which was initially met with skepticism. The book describes the challenges Apple faced in selling its products through third-party retailers and the decision to invest in physical stores. The stores were designed to be destinations where customers could experience Apple's products firsthand, rather than just buying them.

Why it matters: The book provides insight into the origins of the Apple Store concept and the strategic decisions behind its creation, which has had a lasting impact on the retail industry.

The new Mac mini and Mac Studio are available today

The new Mac mini and Mac Studio are now available for purchase at Apple Store locations, online, and in the Apple Store app. The Mac mini features the M6 and M5 Pro chips, while the Mac Studio features the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. The devices offer improved performance, AI capabilities, and memory bandwidth.

Why it matters: The new Mac mini and Mac Studio offer improved performance and AI capabilities, making them suitable for a wide range of users, from everyday consumers to professionals.

New Mac mini drops support for aftermarket storage upgrades

The new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models have a soldered SSD, unlike the M4 model, which allowed for aftermarket storage upgrades. This means users cannot upgrade the storage themselves. Expand Mac mini, a company that sells storage upgrade modules, says it is unlikely to support the new models.

Why it matters: This change may limit users' ability to upgrade their Mac mini's storage capacity without incurring the cost of a full upgrade from Apple.

Former Apple retail chief’s new ‘Shop Different’ book now available

Ron Johnson, Apple's former retail chief, has published a book called 'Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius', detailing his work with Steve Jobs to create the Apple Store. The book is an insider account of Apple's retail strategy. Johnson's book is now available for purchase on Amazon and other platforms.

Why it matters: The book offers insights into the development of Apple's retail strategy and its success.

Spectacular Apple Music Hall concert venue opens in London

Apple has opened a new 600-seat concert venue, Apple Music Hall, at its UK headquarters in Battersea Power Station in London. The venue features a 48-speaker spatial sound system and two audio recording studios. The space will host live concerts and allow artists to record and stream their performances worldwide on Apple Music.

Why it matters: The new venue provides a unique opportunity for artists to record and stream their live performances, offering a new way for fans to experience music.

New Mac Mini and Mac Studio Now Available for Same-Day Pickup at Apple Stores

Apple's new Mac mini and Mac Studio models are now available for purchase in 30 countries and regions, including the US, with same-day pickup available at many Apple Store locations. Customers can order online and pick up their products at a chosen Apple Store. The products are available in various configurations, with prices starting at $899 for the Mac mini and $2,499 for the Mac Studio.

Why it matters: This update allows customers to quickly obtain their new Mac devices, potentially reducing wait times and making the purchasing process more convenient.

One of the most powerful weather apps for iPhone just came to CarPlay

RadarScope, a powerful weather app for iPhone, has been updated to support Apple's CarPlay platform, allowing users to access high-resolution weather data and track severe weather while driving. The app offers features such as radar visualization, severe weather products, and navigation integration. The update is available for download on the App Store.

Why it matters: This update provides drivers with a more comprehensive and interactive way to stay informed about weather conditions while on the road.

Apple Still Working on Anti-Snatching Feature That Locks Stolen iPhones

Apple is working on a feature called AutoLock that locks an iPhone if it's snatched from the owner's hand, using sensors and a paired Apple Watch to detect the theft. The feature is still in development and has not been released. The feature will also activate Stolen Device Protection to prevent thieves from accessing the device's information.

Why it matters: This feature aims to provide an additional layer of security for iPhone users, especially in situations where their device is quickly taken from them.

Changing SSD storage in Mac Studio is possible while Mac mini loses the option

Apple's new Mac mini does not have upgradable SSD storage, unlike the Mac Studio, which still allows users to replace the SSD module. The Mac mini's SSD is soldered onto the logic board, making it non-replaceable. Apple has published repair documentation for the Mac Studio, but not for the Mac mini, which may indicate that the Mac mini's SSD is not intended to be user-replaceable.

Why it matters: This change may be a concern for users who want to upgrade their Mac mini's storage capacity or replace the SSD if it fails, as they will now have to rely on Apple's repair services or purchase a new device.

Apple Quietly Excludes Older iPhones From New Camera Feature

Apple's new Texture and Grain controls for Photographic Styles are not available on older iPhones, despite initial claims of compatibility. The controls are only available on iPhone 18 Pro models and the upcoming iPhone Duo. Apple has revised its website and user guide to reflect this change.

Why it matters: This change may be frustrating for iPhone owners who were expecting to access the new camera feature on their older devices.

Apple @ Work Podcast: Phishing simulations for the AI era

Samantha Schwartz and Jack Hirsch from Sublime Security discussed tailored phishing simulations on the Apple @ Work podcast. They joined hosts Bradley Chambers and other experts to discuss the topic. The conversation focused on the importance of phishing simulations in the AI era.

Why it matters: Phishing simulations can help organizations protect against AI-powered phishing attacks.