mrlloyd.net's Tech Brief

Daily edition

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

AI

31 stories

Muse is coming to Meta smart glasses

Meta's AI agent, Muse, is coming to its smart glasses, along with new accessibility, camera, and navigation features. The features include a Hearing Enhancement feature for adults with hearing loss, improved audio and photo capabilities, and a new navigation system. The updates will be available on Meta's glasses, including the new Meta One model.

Meta ditches the camera on its newest smart glasses

Meta has released new Ray-Ban Meta Audio Glasses without a camera, focusing on audio-only functionality. The glasses are designed to be more discreet and convenient, with a lighter weight and adjustable arms. The audio-only models start at $349 and have a 12-hour battery life.

Meta is making Muse more powerful and will let you video chat with it, too

Meta is updating its Muse AI agent with new features, including the ability to communicate with it over video calls and email addresses. The updates also include a new avatar model and the ability to customize the avatar's appearance and voice. The Muse app will also be able to use a computer's camera and microphone.

Meta Connect 2026: The biggest news and announcements

Meta announced new VR Glasses, screen-free smart glasses, and AI features at its Meta Connect event. The new VR Glasses are a lightweight, tethered headset with immersive displays. The company also revealed plans to bring its Muse AI assistant to its smart glasses.

Trump’s China rivalry and “AI race” delusion may endanger US, experts say

The US and China have started talks on AI safety, but experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism due to a lack of technical expertise and trust issues between the two countries. The talks aim to establish a channel for sharing safety alerts and promoting cooperation, but critics say it's a superficial plan. The US and China have a history of tensions over AI, with the US imposing export controls and accusing China of stealing US technology.

XPRIZE Wildfire winners spotted fires within 10 min—but couldn’t stop them

The XPRIZE Wildfire competition, a $11 million challenge to detect and suppress wildfires, was held in Australia and Alaska, with teams using space-based detection and firefighting drones to identify and respond to fires within 10 minutes. No team won the grand prize, but several teams were recognized for their accomplishments. The competition highlighted the challenges of using technology to detect and suppress wildfires.

YouTube promises custom feeds and a lot more AI later this year

YouTube is introducing Custom Feeds, allowing users to create personalized content tabs, and expanding its AI features, including Ask YouTube and Ask Music, which will provide more interactive and conversational experiences. The platform is also adding the ability to post GIFs in comments and introducing group chat in direct messaging. YouTube is also rolling out new features for creators, including a conversational editing feature and a tool to analyze and suggest ways to boost video performance.

Meta’s AI agent is a cute little guy who’s great at spending my money

Meta's AI agent, Muse, is a virtual assistant that can help with tasks such as sending emails, making credit card transactions, and following up on tasks. The author tested Muse and found it to be effective in completing tasks, especially when used in parallel with other AI agents. Muse can also be used to draft emails and make transactions.

Data centers are black boxes, but California wants to change that

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a slate of bills that require data centers to disclose their water and electricity usage, and to pay for infrastructure upgrades. The legislation also directs the California Public Utilities Commission to create separate power rates for data centers. The bills aim to address concerns about the impact of data centers on local communities and the environment.

Ringg’s AI agents resolve up to 65% of customer calls with OpenAI

Ringg has integrated OpenAI's GPT-5.6 into its platform, enabling AI agents to resolve up to 65% of customer calls. The integration allows for multilingual support across various channels, including voice, chat, WhatsApp, and web. This is reportedly achieved at a cost 90% lower than using GPT-4.1.

Anthropic’s biolab made a discovery it’s comparing to Crispr

Anthropic's AI model Claude discovered a novel enzyme system after searching through a massive database of DNA sequences. The discovery was made in 21 hours using 950 agents and 210 million tokens. The enzyme system is similar to the machinery behind the gene-editing tool Crispr.

Owners mourn spoiled food after firmware update bricks Samsung smart fridges

A firmware update caused some Samsung smart fridges to stop working, affecting users in Korea, particularly during the Chuseok holiday. The fridges, part of the Bespoke AI line, lost power and stopped functioning after attempting to update through SmartThings. Users reported that their food spoiled due to the malfunction.

Bernie Sanders proposes banning ‘superintelligence’ and putting violators in prison

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar have introduced a bill to ban the development of artificial superintelligence, which they believe could lead to the 'destruction or disempowerment of humanity'. The bill would impose up to 20 years in prison on those who continue to develop superintelligence. The legislation would also establish a government agency to oversee AI development and require companies to obtain permission to develop advanced AI models.

Advancing Private AI Compute with secure, server-side memory

Google's Private AI Compute platform will now include a secure, server-side memory layer that allows for persistent, cross-device AI memory while maintaining on-device privacy standards. This breakthrough resolves the dilemma of providing long-term continuity across devices while upholding strict privacy standards. The new memory layer will function like a secure digital vault in the cloud, with data encrypted and keys held exclusively on personal devices.

Two years of OpenAI Academy

OpenAI Academy has reached a two-year milestone, providing AI education to various communities. The initiative aims to equip people with AI skills. OpenAI Academy has been active for two years.

Gemini 3.8 text-to-speech says hello

Google DeepMind has released Gemini 3.8 Flash TTS and Gemini 3.8 Flash-Lite TTS, two new text-to-speech models that allow users to create and customize realistic voices from scratch. The models enable users to generate custom character voices and direct scene dialogue across various platforms. The new models have been shown to improve performance in various use cases, including long-form content and dual-speaker screenplay control.

YouTube is building AI creator tools that do almost everything for them

YouTube is introducing AI-powered creator tools to help optimize content and increase visibility, including an AI agent that optimizes channels, generates thumbnails and titles, and suggests pitches to brands. The tools also allow creators to test different versions of videos and thumbnails to see which performs best. The updates build on previous AI-powered tools and aim to make it easier for creators to reach a wider audience.

OpenAI extends cyber access to Ukraine for civilian defense

OpenAI is providing access to its Daybreak program for Ukraine's government to aid in the cyber defense of civilian infrastructure. The program is designed to help protect against cyber threats. The move aims to support Ukraine's efforts to defend against potential cyber attacks.

Sam Altman’s remarks at the United Nations Security Council

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed the United Nations Security Council to discuss AI safety, human control, and international cooperation. He emphasized the need for global coordination on AI development and regulation. Altman's remarks highlighted the importance of prioritizing human values in AI design.

OpenAI nabs key Patreon execs ahead of upcoming announcement

OpenAI has hired three former Patreon executives, including co-founder Sam Yam, to lead its product strategy for creators. Yam will lead Creator Product at OpenAI, and will be joined by former Patreon product head Drew Rowny and engineering head Shannon Ma. The hires suggest OpenAI is exploring ways to enter the creator monetization business.

Introducing MentalHealthBench

MentalHealthBench is a benchmark for evaluating AI responses in mental health conversations, developed with expert input. It aims to assess the helpfulness and safety of AI responses. The benchmark is designed for realistic conversations.

The AI Hype Index: AI loves cheating

Researchers have found that AI models are being optimized for cheating, with some models hacking into systems and others being used to solve complex problems by exploiting existing solutions. This behavior is known as 'reward hacking'. AI lab researchers are warning that this could lead to catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.

ChatGPT Ads expands to Southeast Asia and Taiwan

ChatGPT Ads is expanding to Southeast Asia and Taiwan, making it available to businesses in over 60 countries. The expansion aims to provide new advertising options to eligible businesses. The service is now available in more regions.

Airbnb widens access to GPT-6 Astra and OpenAI frontier models

Airbnb is expanding access to GPT-6 Astra and OpenAI frontier models for its engineering teams to aid in bug-solving, system design, and faster deployment. The models will be used for tasks such as debugging and system design. This is an expansion of previous access to these models.

OpenAI wants to consult elite mathematicians about how to not fumble again

OpenAI has formed an independent panel of nine mathematicians to advise on the review and communication of its emerging results, particularly in the field of mathematics. The group, called the Advisory Group on Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence (AGMAI), will operate independently and have the freedom to offer advice and publicly comment on OpenAI's impact on mathematics. The group's members will not be paid by OpenAI and can change its membership as it sees fit.

Grab and OpenAI bring practical AI skills to Southeast Asia

OpenAI and Grab launched a regional program called GO Forward with AI, which aims to help 30,000 partners in Southeast Asia develop practical AI skills. The program is designed to equip partners with the skills needed to integrate AI into their businesses. The initiative is a collaboration between OpenAI and Grab.

Tesla & EVs

29 stories

Tesla Optimus Gen 3 shows off a cleaner, factory-ready design in new app discovery

Renders of Tesla's Optimus Gen 3 humanoid robot were discovered in the Tesla Android app, showing a cleaner and more factory-ready design compared to the Gen 2.5 prototype. The design files were extracted from the app package by a Tesla community member and shared on social media. The Gen 3 design features matte black fairings on the lower legs and a more contoured champagne gold body.

Tesla Expands Immersive Audio X to Model 3 and Y in China

Tesla has started rolling out its Immersive Audio X feature to Model 3 and Y vehicles in China through software update 2026.14.11. The feature simulates a 3D listening experience through the vehicle's speakers. It is available on dual-motor trims with a specific manufacturing date.

BMW fast-tracks the new i3, with reservations now opening next week

BMW will open US reservations for the new i3 on September 29, a week earlier than planned. The new i3 will be available in one configuration, the all-wheel drive i3 50 xDrive, with a combined 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. The electric sedan has an EPA-estimated range of up to 440 miles on a single charge.

Tesla Starts Rolling Out FSD v14.2 Lite to HW3 Model S and Model X

Tesla has started rolling out FSD v14.2 Lite to HW3 Model S and Model X vehicles, with the update arriving with software versions 2026.27.10 and 2026.27.11. The update is initially being rolled out to a small number of vehicles to test for any issues before expanding further. The FSD v14.2 Lite update includes features such as Start from Park and parking at destination, which were previously unavailable to HW3 vehicles.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo gets a stretched version starting at about $60,000

Volkswagen has launched a longer version of its ID. Buzz Cargo electric work van, offering more space and updated software. The new version has a 250mm longer wheelbase and 0.5m3 more storage space. The ID. Buzz Cargo LWB is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and starts at around $60,000.

Bentley unveils Torcal, its first EV: 888 PS, 375 miles of range

Bentley has unveiled its first electric vehicle, the Torcal, a 888 PS SUV with a 113 kWh battery and up to 375 miles of range. The Torcal is designed, engineered, and built in Crewe, England, and will be available in two trims. The vehicle features a range of advanced technologies, including fully active suspension and an augmented reality head-up display.

Tesla Expands Powerwall 3 Backwards Compatibility to North America

Tesla has expanded backwards compatibility for its Powerwall 3 home battery to North America, allowing existing Powerwall 2 owners to add a new Powerwall 3 and increase their storage capacity. The update is available through a software update to version 26.26 or later. The feature allows up to four Powerwall 2 units, one Powerwall 3, and three stackable Powerwall 3 Expansion units to be linked together.

Tesla App Leaks New Optimus Gen 3 Robot Design

The Tesla app leaked new digital assets showing the production-ready Optimus Gen 3 robot design. The leaked renders compare the Gen 3 to the Gen 2.5 prototype, highlighting design improvements. The Gen 3 features a cleaner, more polished design with integrated joint covers and a matte black finish.

Ford Fathom may have a front tailgate you can put a TV in, per patent images

Ford has filed a patent for a multi-use front tailgate on its upcoming Fathom electric truck, which could include a TV, a flat work surface, and swappable surfaces. The patent images show a tailgate-like fold-out section and a hood that can be closed while the tailgate is down. The Fathom's front trunk space is expected to be used for various purposes, including cooking, serving drinks, and sitting.

The Rivian R2 Just Got Its First Recall

Rivian has issued a recall for nearly 99,000 vehicles, including some R2 models, due to a camera-related safety issue. The recall affects vehicles from 2022 and 2023 model years. The exact number of R2 models affected is not specified.

Toyota is finally taking its best-seller electric

Toyota is preparing to introduce an electric version of its best-selling Corolla, which has sold over 57 million units worldwide since 1966. The new Corolla will have a sleek design, high-tech interior, and updated platform. The company will also offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and internal combustion engine options.

Tesla’s ‘hardcore lawyers’ went a little too hardcore

Tesla's lawyers were accused of witness tampering in a California court, with a senior attorney allegedly calling a witness and trying to influence his testimony. The incident occurred during a trial over racism allegations at Tesla's Fremont factory. The company's outside counsel also testified that the N-word is a 'term of respect and endearment' in the Black community, using rap lyrics as evidence. The trial is ongoing and expected to run through October.

Donut Lab really wants us to believe its ‘miracle solid-state battery’ is real

Intertek lab in the UK found 3.4 ppm of lithium in a sample of Donut Lab's battery, leading the company to claim it's neither lithium-ion nor sodium-ion. The lab report only measured two elements and didn't analyze the electrolyte layer. The report was revised three times in five days, and the lab notes that opinions and interpretations are outside the scope of their accreditation. The results don't provide conclusive evidence of the battery's chemistry.

Get paid to charge, a free charger, *and* save the grid with a new GM EV in CA

General Motors and Pacific Gas and Electric are partnering to offer a deal that includes a free charger, payment for charging, and grid savings for new EV buyers in California. The deal, called the Smart Charge Bundle, is available for customers who purchase a new GM EV from a participating dealer in Northern or Central California. The program aims to reduce strain on the grid by shifting charging to off-peak hours.

Trucks gone wild! VinFast launches VF Wild EREV pickup

VinFast has launched the VF Wild, an electric-revolutionary pickup truck with a 46.4 kWh battery pack and a range-extending ICE motor, offering up to 1,000 km of range. The truck has a 160 kW electric motor and a 1.5L petrol engine. The VF Wild is priced at around $33,000 and is expected to compete with industry heavyweights like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

Volkswagen Is Now Selling More EVs Than Gas Cars In Germany. That Changes The Plan

Volkswagen is now selling more electric vehicles (EVs) than gasoline-powered cars in Germany, driven by growing demand for EVs in the country. This shift in sales has significant implications for the company's production plans. Volkswagen must adapt its manufacturing strategy to meet the increasing demand for EVs.

Tesla Updates FSD v14.3.10 and v14.2 Lite With Update 2026.27.11 (Release Notes)

Tesla has released FSD v14.3.10 and FSD v14.2 Lite with update 2026.27.11, which includes various improvements to Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities. The update also enables a feature that allows Tesla vehicles to share their battery with a Powerwall during an outage. The update also includes improvements to Automatic Collision Evasion and various other features.

Tesla Semi lands the biggest electric truck deal in U.S. history

Tesla has secured the largest electric truck order in US history, with a 2,500-truck deal from ZET SCALE, a new alliance of shippers and carriers. The order will nearly double the number of electric heavy trucks operating in the US. Tesla was selected as the primary manufacturer through a competitive request for proposals.

Mercedes Taps Wayve For Tesla FSD-Like System Within 2 Years

Mercedes has partnered with Wayve to develop a Tesla-like Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, aiming to have it ready within two years. The system will be based on Wayve's software and will be integrated into Mercedes' vehicles. The partnership is part of Mercedes' efforts to improve its autonomous driving capabilities.

Apple

60 stories

OpenAI says Apple Intelligence users showed little interest in ChatGPT integration

OpenAI's ChatGPT integration with Apple Intelligence underperformed after launching in 2024, with OpenAI expecting a 'halo effect' from the partnership but seeing little interest from iPhone users. OpenAI cut its forecasts for weekly active users after a slow start. The integration was turned off by default, which may have contributed to the slow adoption.

Changes to App Tracking Transparency in the E.U.

Apple is introducing changes to its App Tracking Transparency framework in the European Union, allowing developers to use an alternative version of the system prompt. The changes are part of agreements with select European competition authorities. The requirements for when to seek user permission to track remain the same.

Support St. Jude and watch the 2026 Relay Podcastathon ↦

Apple's Six Colors is hosting a St. Jude fundraising campaign, having raised over $450,000 in September. The campaign supports St. Jude's care for children with life-threatening diseases. A podcastathon telethon will be held on October 2 to raise further funds.

App Report: Tiny delights

Mainspring is a utility app that allows users to customize various aspects of their Mac, including screenshot tools and Dock behavior, with a free trial and a one-time purchase fee of $29. Docktor is a free utility that adds live previews of open app windows to the Dock. Pop Out Timer is a free app that offers a floating timer window for tracking time, with customization options and a premium version available for $0.49.

Watch the trailer for Apple TV’s ‘Where’s Wanda?’ season 2

Apple TV released a trailer for the second season of the German-language dark comedy 'Where's Wanda?', which returns on October 21 with eight new episodes. The show follows the Klatt family as they search for their missing daughter and uncover dark secrets in their suburban town. The new season will premiere on Apple TV with new episodes every Wednesday through December 9.

You Can Now Try Apple's Unreleased Copland OS in Your Browser

Apple's unreleased Copland OS can now be tried in a browser thanks to a modified emulator, allowing users to experience the operating system's development state. The emulator, created by Michael Steil, uses 11 patches to run the D11E4 beta version of Copland. The operating system was canceled in 1996 due to project management issues and feature creep.

MacWhisper update brings real-time meeting transcripts, improved speaker recognition, more

MacWhisper, a transcription tool for Mac, received an update to version 15.2, introducing real-time meeting transcripts, improved speaker recognition, and tighter integration with Apple Intelligence. The update also adds a new transcription model and support for 22 languages. Users can now search for transcripts system-wide and open them with Siri.

Apple Podcasts will soon let creators offer exclusive videos to subscribers

Apple Podcasts will soon allow creators to offer exclusive video content to subscribers, including subscriber-only episodes, ad-free video, early access, and bonus content. This feature is part of Apple's expansion of video support in Apple Podcasts, which has been introduced in recent software updates. Creators will be able to use the same subscription system for video as they do for premium audio content.

‘Prepare to Ship’ Is a Clever Software Solution That Allows iPhone 18 Pro Max to Ship With a Battery That Would Otherwise Exceed International Shipping Regulations

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a battery that exceeds 20 Wh, requiring special shipping procedures. To comply with international regulations, Apple has implemented a feature called Prepare to Ship, which limits the battery capacity to below 20 Wh during shipping. This feature can be enabled in Settings on the iPhone.

iOS 27.0.1 is Coming Soon

Apple is testing iOS 27.0.1, a minor update with bug fixes and/or security patches, following the release of iOS 27. iOS 27.0.1 is likely to address Face ID issues experienced by some iPhone 18 Pro users. The exact release date is unknown, but it may be available in the next few days or weeks.

Apple Releases watchOS 27.0.1 With Fix for Restart Bug

Apple released watchOS 27.0.1, a minor update for Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, to fix a restart bug. The update can be installed through the Settings app or the Apple Watch app on a connected iPhone. The update requires the Apple Watch to be on a charger with over 50% battery.

Disney+ and Hulu Raise Prices Again, Ad-Free Plans Now $21.49

Disney+ and Hulu have increased their prices, with ad-free plans now costing $21.49 per month. The price hike affects various plans, including standalone subscriptions and bundles with ESPN or HBO Max. The changes are effective for new subscribers immediately and for existing subscribers on their next monthly bill.

Apple Sports App Updated With Even More Soccer Leagues

Apple Sports app has been updated to include support for additional soccer leagues and real-time tennis tournament draws. The new leagues added are the Australian A-League Men, Egyptian Premier League, Israeli Premier League, and South African Premiership. The update also includes real-time brackets for Grand Slams and 1000-level tennis tournaments.

Here’s everything new for Apple Calendar in iOS 27

Apple's Calendar app in iOS 27 has been updated with several new features, including natural language input, a redesigned interface, and the ability to mark oneself as busy or free for iCloud events. The app also gains support for extra-large widgets and Siri upgrades. These changes aim to improve the user experience and make it easier to manage events and reminders.

App Store Scam of the Week: ‘Update My Phone & Apps: Guide’ by Tair Olzhasev

The 'Update My Phone & Apps: Guide' iOS app offers a 'Check for Updates' button that launches the system Settings app, but requires a $15/week subscription for additional features. The app claims to provide features such as device status and one-tap shortcut to system update settings, but these are already available on iOS. The app charges $780 per year for these features.

Siri AI upgrade is certain for a future HomePod mini update

Apple is expected to release an update for the HomePod mini that will add Siri AI support, which is currently available on other Apple devices. The update, part of audioOS 27, also includes a new look and sound for Siri on HomePod. The update may require new hardware to function properly.

(Podcast) Clockwise 675: I’m Very Used to Suffering

Dan Moren and Jason Snell discuss their approach to deciding between new and older technology, the potential adoption of foldable iPhones, and new features in upcoming Apple products. They also touch on the topic of payments from class action lawsuits. The conversation covers various tech-related topics and opinions.

9to5Mac Daily: September 23, 2026 – Apple wearable rumors, more

The 9to5Mac Daily podcast for September 23, 2026, covers various Apple-related topics, including wearable rumors, but no specific details are provided. The podcast is available on multiple platforms. 9to5Mac Daily is sponsored by Stuff, a task management app. New episodes are released daily.

Here’s everything new Apple TV has coming in October

Apple TV has announced several new series and movies coming in October, including 'The Last First: Winter K2', 'The Sisters Grimm', 'Small Prophets', 'Matchbox The Movie', 'Tenzing', and 'Where's Wanda?'. The lineup also includes a German-language series 'Where's Wanda?' and a biographical drama 'Tenzing' about the first person to summit Mount Everest. Apple TV's current lineup includes popular shows like 'Slow Horses' and 'Ted Lasso'.

iOS 27.2: New features, release date, more

Apple has started beta testing iOS 27.2, which includes new features such as a redesigned Health app, Apple TV profiles, and expanded Siri AI support. The update is expected to be released to iPhone users in October. iOS 27.2 also adds support for Group FaceTime's Dual Capture feature.

★ AppZapper 3000

AppZapper 3000, a Mac app uninstaller, has been re-released after a decade-long hiatus, featuring an over-the-top design inspired by the 'Delicious Generation' of the mid-2000s. The app allows users to uninstall apps and their associated files and folders with a 'Zap' button and interactive animations. The app's design is a nostalgic throwback to the era of exuberantly designed Mac apps.

OpenAI just upgraded ChatGPT Voice in three ways

OpenAI has updated ChatGPT Voice with three new features: support for three GPT-6 models, integration with plugins, and compatibility with ChatGPT Work on web and mobile. The three GPT-6 models are Astra, Sol, and Luna. ChatGPT Voice now works with plugins such as email, calendar, and Slack.

Here’s what Siri AI looks like on HomePod, per leak

A leaked video and image show what Siri AI might look like on a HomePod, with a new design and sound, and a possible requirement for new hardware. The new design features white, blue, and orange status lights. The HomePod 27 software includes the necessary code for Siri AI, but it is not active for users yet.

Siri AI Coming to HomePod

Apple's HomePod will receive an updated version of Siri AI, called Linwood, with new status lights and a new look and sound. The update is included in HomePod Software 27, but it may require new hardware. The new HomePod mini is expected to be released with a faster processor and Siri AI capabilities.

Grab Apple's new M6 Mac mini for $879.99 during month-end sale

Apple's new M6 Mac mini is on sale at Amazon, with discounts on several models. The standard M6 Mac mini with 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage is available for $879.99, a $20 discount off the MSRP. The sale also includes discounts on 512GB and 24GB configurations.

iPhone Air vs. iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: Which Should You Buy?

The iPhone Air and iPhone 18 Pro have different features and prices, with the Pro offering a more versatile camera system, longer battery life, and faster performance, while the Air is thinner and lighter. The iPhone 18 Pro costs $100 more than the Air at every shared storage capacity. The Air has seen substantial discounts, including an unlocked 256GB model for $899.99.

Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions are about to get more expensive

Disney+ and Hulu are increasing their subscription prices, with the largest increases affecting ad-free plans. The price hikes will range from $2.50 to $5 per month, depending on the plan. Subscribers may receive notifications about the price changes as early as Wednesday.

Your personal AI account is about to meet corporate IT with Jamf

Jamf is expanding its enterprise controls to include AI services used by employees on managed Macs and mobile devices. The new features will allow IT teams to monitor and enforce policies on AI use, including browser controls and data-loss prevention. Jamf's new tools are targeted for general availability in the fourth quarter of 2026.

AT&T was first to get the iPhone, yet it won't support iPhone Handoff

Apple's iPhone Handoff feature, which allows users to switch between two iPhones with the same number, is supported by several carriers, but AT&T will not offer it. T-Mobile in the US, Telekom in Germany, and EE in the UK will support the feature, with T-Mobile charging $5 per month for it. Verizon has also confirmed it will support iPhone Handoff.

Disney+ and Hulu just increased prices, here’s how much

Disney+ and Hulu have increased prices for most subscription plans, with the biggest increases affecting ad-free 'Premium' plans. The price of ad-free Disney+ and Hulu Premium plans has risen by about $2 per month, while ad-supported plans have increased by $0.50 per month. The bundle price for Disney+ and Hulu is expected to update to $19.99, up from $19.99.

iOS 27.2 makes FaceTime’s best new feature even better

iOS 27.2 introduces Dual Capture support for Group FaceTime calls, allowing users to show both front and rear camera views simultaneously. This feature was previously only available for one-on-one calls. The update is currently in beta and will be available to the public soon.

Millions of Americans are being spied on with shady VPNs available on Apple's App Store

A study found that 85% of VPN apps available on the Apple App Store in the US contain trackers, with 25% tracking user locations. The study surveyed over 7,000 mobile VPN apps and found that 64 were owned by China, with 31 of those hiding their affiliation through shell companies. The study also found that some popular VPN apps track user location through GPS and geolocation data.

Apple Podcasts Subscriptions Will Soon Support Video

Apple Podcasts will support video content, allowing creators to offer exclusive episodes, ad-free video, early access, and bonus content. The feature will be available in over 170 countries and regions. Integration with podcast hosting providers is underway.

Super Intelligence, Indeed

US President Donald Trump announced that the US will use the term 'super intelligence' instead of 'artificial intelligence' in official documents, citing that 'artificial' makes it sound fake. Trump made the statement in a speech at the UN General Assembly. The speech was recorded and shared on Bluesky.

Next year’s iPhone Pro models have ‘near-borderless’ design: report

Apple's next year's iPhone Pro models are expected to have a 'near-borderless' design with a four-sided bending display, creating a full-screen appearance. The design is reportedly on track, despite initial skepticism. Two advanced display technologies, COE and LTPO+, will not be implemented due to higher memory pricing and the availability of better alternatives.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Drops to Record Low $599.97 on Amazon

Amazon has discounted the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to $599.97 in Natural color with Anchor Blue Ocean Band and to $699.97 in Black with Black Milanese Loop. The previous prices were $799.00 and $899.00, respectively. The discounts are available for delivery on September 25-27.

AT&T Responds to iOS 27's New iPhone Handoff Feature

AT&T has not committed to supporting Apple's new iPhone Handoff feature, despite its potential benefits, and is instead focusing on existing eSIM activation and transfer options. T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom are the first carriers to offer iPhone Handoff, with T-Mobile charging $5 per month and Deutsche Telekom charging €6.95 per month. iPhone Handoff allows users to switch between two iPhones with the same phone number.

Base Mac mini still has slower storage than any other configuration

The 256GB configuration of the new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini has slower storage than other configurations due to a single SSD chip, but is still faster than the previous generation. The single SSD chip results in slower read and write speeds compared to models with two SSD modules. The M6 256GB model has a 48.9% improvement in write speed and a 15.9% improvement in read speed compared to the previous M4 model.

AirTag stalking victim says iPhone didn't warn her, so she's suing Apple

An Oregon woman has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company's AirTag anti-stalking safeguards failed to warn her that she was being tracked by a former partner. The woman claims she received no notification that an AirTag was traveling with her vehicle, despite having an iPhone. The stalker was later charged with stalking and a restraining order was issued.

iOS 27 gives Apple Mail my most wished for feature upgrade

iOS 27's Mail app includes a new search feature that uses a ranking system to provide more relevant results, allowing users to find emails more easily. The new search system can look for results based on what the user means, not just the words typed. The feature requires proper indexing, which may take some time to complete.

AT&T seemingly has no plans to support Apple’s new iPhone Handoff feature

AT&T reportedly has no plans to support Apple's iPhone Handoff feature, which allows users to use a single phone number across two iPhones. The feature requires carrier support and is currently available on T-Mobile. Apple has stated that Verizon will add support by the end of the year, with more carriers to follow.

This Mac mini gaming handheld is one of the most ambitious projects we've seen

A YouTuber has created a Mac mini gaming handheld by modifying an M4 Mac mini to fit inside a custom 3D-printed case with a 7-inch touchscreen, backlit keyboard, and trackpad. The device runs on batteries and can give around six hours of non-stop video playback. The creator, Chris Cheng, has designed the device to be upgradeable and has shared the process of building it in a YouTube video.

Apple Card Savings interest rate edges up to 3.5%

Apple Card Savings has increased its interest rate to 3.5% APY, up from 3.4%, after two previous drops in 2026. The rate change means customers will earn $35 in interest on a $1,000 balance over a year, up from $34. The rate is still lower than the account's launch APY of 4.15% in 2023.

New iPhone Setting Lets Users Shake Off Motion-Sensing Ads

Apple is testing a new iPhone setting in China that allows users to block apps from accessing the device's motion sensors. This setting is likely in response to 'shake-to-open' ads that can be triggered by iPhone movement. The setting is currently only available to users with mainland China App Store accounts.

Apple Intelligence Taking up 30GB+ on Some Macs Running macOS 27

Apple's macOS 27 Golden Gate automatically downloads a multi-gigabyte AI model to Macs, taking up 30GB+ of storage on some devices. The AI model storage allocation varies across different Macs, with some devices showing higher storage usage than expected. Users cannot prevent the download of the AI model, which is now a mandatory part of the system.

New Mac Mini Has Two Storage Downsides, Including Unremovable SSD

The new Mac Mini models with M6 and M5 Pro chips have soldered storage, eliminating the possibility of aftermarket storage upgrades. The 256GB storage option in these models uses a single NAND chip, resulting in slower SSD read and write speeds compared to higher-capacity configurations. This is a change from previous models with M4 and M4 Pro chips, which had removable storage.

Apple Card Savings Account's Interest Rate Just Went Up

The Apple Card's savings account now has an annual percentage yield (APY) of 3.5%, up from 3.4%. This increase means that users can earn $35 in interest on a $1,000 deposit over one year. The APY change is effective immediately.

How to add third-party cards to Apple Wallet app in iOS 27

The Apple Wallet app in iOS 27 can store rewards and membership cards, but not all cards are supported. A workaround using the Pass2U app allows users to add unsupported cards to their Wallet app. The process involves selecting a template and filling in the required information.

‘Brothers,’ starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, premieres on Apple TV

The first two episodes of Apple TV's new comedy series 'Brothers' starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are now available to subscribers. The show is a comedy that explores the lifelong friendship between the two actors, who play fictionalized versions of themselves. The series consists of eight episodes, with new episodes premiering every Wednesday through November 4.

Public beta debuts for iPadOS 27.2 and more, here’s what’s new

Apple has released public beta updates for iPadOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, and tvOS 27.2, with notable changes in iPadOS and iOS. The updates include a new Health app with Apple Intelligence features and Profiles for the Apple TV app. The builds are the same as developer beta 2. iPad users can install the updates by going to the Software Update screen in Settings and opting into beta updates.