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Woot's Apple Watch Band Sale Has Solo/Braided Loops at Massive Discounts
Woot's Apple Watch Band Sale Has Solo/Braided Loops at Massive Discounts
Woot this week has a massive sale on Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands for Apple Watch, with as much as 70 percent off these accessories. You can get the Solo Loop for just $14.99 ($34 off) and the Braided Solo Loop for $29.99 ($69 off). All bands in this sale are in brand new condition and come with a one-year Apple limited warranty, and they will all be compatible with the new Apple Watch Series 11. UP TO 70% OFFApple Watch Bands at Woot Shoppers should note that this sale is focused on colors of the Braided Solo Loop and Solo Loop that Apple has stopped selling, and it doesn't include any of the new band colors. That being said, all of the bands in this sale are in new condition. The entire sale is focused on Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop Apple Watch bands, so you'll need to know the size that works best for you before you buy. Apple has a measurement tool on its website that you can use to determine your exact size. Solo Loop * Black/White Hues - $14.99, down from $49.00 * Blue Hues - $14.99, down from $49.00 * Green Hues - $14.99, down from $49.00 * Purple Hues - $14.99, down from $49.00 * Red/Orange/Yellow Hues - $14.99, down from $49.00 Braided Solo Loop * Black/White Hues - $29.99, down from $99.00 * Blue Hues - $29.99, down from $99.00 * Green Hues - $29.99, down from $99.00 * Purple Hues - $29.99, down from $99.00 * Red/Orange/Yellow Hues - $29.99, down from $99.00 * Pride - $29.99, down from $99.00 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. --- Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, "Woot's Apple Watch Band Sale Has Solo/Braided Loops at Massive Discounts" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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Suppliers Already Preparing for iPhone 18's Camera
Suppliers Already Preparing for iPhone 18's Camera
The iPhone 18 is already driving major shifts deep in the semiconductor supply chain, as Samsung Electronics expands production of image sensors, prompting one of its key testing partners to invest over $120 million in new equipment, The Elec reports. Doosan Tesna, a South Korean post-process semiconductor testing company, this week announced that it will spend $123 million on test systems from Japan's Advantest, Samsung subsidiary Semes, and Japan Interaction. The investment is equal to 21.77% of the company's total assets, and will be completed in stages between 2026 and March 2027. The purchase is believed to be directly related to Samsung's new image sensor production line in Austin, Texas, which is expected to supply components for the ‌iPhone 18‌ in 2027. Samsung's return to Apple's camera image sensor supply chain marks its first in roughly a decade and could alter the long-standing dominance of Sony, which has provided nearly all iPhone sensors to date. Apple reportedly sought to diversify suppliers after delays in Sony's deliveries between 2023 and 2024. Doosan Tesna specializes in electrical testing of wafers after fabrication, a process that identifies defective chips before packaging and improves manufacturing yield. More than 90% of its revenue comes from Samsung's Foundry and System LSI divisions. Doosan Tesna's decision to diversify away from Teradyne equipment toward Advantest is also notable. Advantest systems are widely used for high-performance chips such as GPUs, memory, and AI processors, suggesting Samsung's new sensors for Apple may demand more advanced verification processes. Samsung's production line in Austin is a key element in Apple's effort to reduce reliance on Japanese suppliers and to expand production within the United States. If Samsung's sensors meet Apple's performance and reliability standards, the move could make it the company's second major image sensor supplier. Doosan Tesna's major financial commitment represents over one-fifth of its total assets, reflecting how preparations for Apple's future iPhones are already reshaping global semiconductor investment over a year before production begins.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Tag: The ElecRelated Forum: iPhone This article, "Suppliers Already Preparing for iPhone 18's Camera" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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Two New Accessories for Vision Pro Now Available, With More Coming
Two New Accessories for Vision Pro Now Available, With More Coming
Apple today started selling new accessories for its Vision Pro headset, including the Logitech Muse and Dual Knit Band, with more on the way. The Logitech Muse is a spatially-tracked stylus developed for use with the ‌Vision Pro‌. It was announced at WWDC earlier this year. The Muse is intended to support the next generation of spatial computing workflows enabled by visionOS 26. The device incorporates six degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking, pressure-sensitive tips, and real-time haptic feedback to allow users to interact with digital environments through precise input and tactile realism. Logitech Muse is a spatial accessory designed to enhance the way you work, create, and collaborate with Apple Vision Pro. Muse combines a familiar form factor with advanced technology, offering a precise, immersive workflow in both productivity and creativity apps. Seamless motion tracking in six degrees of freedom with intuitive controls allows you to draw, annotate, and interact naturally in space. Real-time haptic responses add textural realism to create a truly engaging experience. A pressure-sensitive tip and force-sensing button allow you to vary line thickness whether drawing on a surface or in the air. According to Logitech, Muse is intended for use across a wide range of spatial computing applications, including 3D design, collaborative workspaces, and immersive visualization tools. The device features both physical buttons and gesture controls. The Logitech Muse costs $129.95 and is now available from Apple. Apple's new Dual Knit Band for the Vision Pro is also now available for $99. It comes with the new Vision Pro with the M5 chip, but is available separately and compatible with the M2 Vision Pro. Designed for Apple Vision Pro, the Dual Knit Band provides lasting comfort and stability — with soft, breathable upper and lower straps and a counterbalanced design. Its dual-function Fit Dial makes it easy to adjust each strap independently for a personalized fit. The Dual Knit Band attaches to the Audio Straps with a simple and secure mechanism, and release tabs allow you to quickly detach it when needed. In addition, Apple today confirmed that the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller and Controller Charging Station will be available for $249.95 from the Apple Store online in the U.S. beginning Tuesday, November 11.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTag: LogitechBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro This article, "Two New Accessories for Vision Pro Now Available, With More Coming" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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Apple Lobbying India to Change Tax Law
Apple Lobbying India to Change Tax Law
Apple is lobbying India to amend a decades-old tax law that could expose the company to billions of dollars in taxes on equipment it owns inside local iPhone factories, Reuters reports. Apple is reportedly urging the Indian government to modify provisions in the Income Tax Act of 1961 to ensure it is not taxed simply for owning high-value manufacturing machinery supplied to its contract manufacturers, including Foxconn and Tata Electronics. The issue is a potential obstacle to Apple's expansion in the country. Indian law currently treats such ownership as creating a "business connection", effectively making the company's global ‌iPhone‌ profits taxable in India. In China, Apple operates under a different model. The company buys the specialized machinery required to assemble iPhones and provides it to its manufacturing partners without becoming liable for local corporate tax. In India, the same practice could trigger significant tax exposure under existing law. Legal experts say India's stance may stem from precedents such as the 2017 Supreme Court ruling against Formula One, which held that the UK-based company was liable for local taxes during its Grand Prix event because it exercised control over the circuit despite not owning it. A similar interpretation could apply if Apple were to maintain ownership of machinery used in Indian factories. Discussions with the Indian government on taxation rules impacting Apple are said to be ongoing. The effort comes amid rapid expansion of its Indian operations. Since 2022, the country's share of global ‌iPhone‌ shipments is believed to have increased fourfold to around 25%. While China still produces around 75% of all iPhones, India is increasingly viewed as a critical secondary hub as Apple diversifies its supply chain. Foxconn and Tata have together invested more than $5 billion to open five large manufacturing facilities for Apple in the country.Tags: India, Tax This article, "Apple Lobbying India to Change Tax Law" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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iPhone 18 Pro's Major Camera Upgrade to Be Variable Aperture
iPhone 18 Pro's Major Camera Upgrade to Be Variable Aperture
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models will feature a significantly upgraded rear camera with a variable aperture, ETNews reports. The Korean-language report claims that only the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max will feature the camera, which will replace the main wide-angle camera on the rear, sitting alongside the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras. A variable aperture allows the camera to adjust the amount of light that reaches the sensor. This means that in dark environments, the aperture can be opened to receive more light, while in light environments, it can be closed to prevent over-exposure. It also should provide users with greater control over depth of field, which refers to how sharp a subject appears in the foreground compared to the background. Apple is now moving ahead with plans to bring the technology to next-generation iPhones and is now discussing components with suppliers. The variable camera is reportedly set to be made by LG Innotech and Foxconn, while the actuator is to be manufactured by Chinese companies Luxshare ICT and Sunny Optical. Apple has never used a variable aperture on an iPhone camera before. The main cameras on all of the ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro through iPhone 17 Pro models have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, and the lens is always fully open and shooting with this aperture. Samsung Electronics previously brought a variable aperture camera to its Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S10 models in 2018 and 2019, but due to increased thickness and high price, it dropped the feature in 2020. The report corroborates a rumor from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared in December last year. The ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max are expected to be announced alongside the iPhone Air 2 and Apple's first foldable ‌iPhone‌ in the fall of 2026.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Tag: ETNewsRelated Forum: iPhone This article, "iPhone 18 Pro's Major Camera Upgrade to Be Variable Aperture" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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Apple's 2026 Home Hub Could Cost $350
Apple's 2026 Home Hub Could Cost $350
Apple is aiming to launch a new home hub and indoor security camera in 2026, with a tabletop robot coming in 2027, reports Bloomberg. The home hub has an iPad-like 7-inch display, and it will be able to run apps and control smart home devices. There are apparently two versions in the works, one that is designed to be mounted on the wall, and a second tabletop model. The tabletop home hub has a speaker base that "resembles a screen-equipped version of the HomePod mini." Both versions of the home hub will include a FaceTime camera for video calls, and sensors to recognize the person that's using it. It will be able to differentiate between different members of the household, adjusting available apps and features for each person. Apple could charge around $350 for the home hub, which would make it much more expensive than competing products like the Amazon Echo Show, and it would be $50 more than the full-sized HomePod. Apple's operations teams are said to be looking at ways to cut the cost, so it's possible the device could be more affordable at launch. If not, costs may come down for future versions. Apple's home hub has been finished since last year. Apple wanted to launch it in March 2025, but ended up pushing it back because the more advanced version of Siri wasn't ready to go. An updated ‌Siri‌ built using next-generation architecture will be ready to go in March 2026, and after that, Apple will be free to launch the home hub. An Apple-designed security camera that integrates with the home hub could be released as soon as late 2026, and a full tabletop robot is slated for 2027. The robot is similar in design to the home hub, but it includes a 9-inch display and a motorized arm that can move the screen around on a user's workspace. The robot will cost several hundred dollars because of the included components. Apple is planning to manufacture its upcoming smart home devices in Vietnam in a continuing effort to reduce its reliance on manufacturing in China. According to Bloomberg, Apple normally manufactures devices in a new product category in China to start with, but this time around, it will work with BYD in Vietnam. BYD is a Chinese company that makes electric vehicles, and Apple reportedly worked with BYD on battery technology before the Apple Car was scrapped. BYD will be in charge of final assembly, testing, and packaging for the home hub and the tabletop robot. Apple has been expanding manufacturing in Vietnam for the last several years, and some iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, and Macs are assembled there.Tags: Apple Command Center, Apple Robot This article, "Apple's 2026 Home Hub Could Cost $350" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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Apple's M5 MacBook Pro Imminent: What to Expect
Apple's M5 MacBook Pro Imminent: What to Expect
Apple is going to launch a new version of the MacBook Pro as soon as tomorrow, so we thought we'd go over what to expect from Apple's upcoming Mac. M5 Chip The ‌MacBook Pro‌ will be one of the first new devices to use the next-generation M5 chip, which will replace the M4 chip. The M5 is built on TSMC's more advanced 3-nanometer process, and it will bring speed and efficiency improvements. A leaked iPad Pro with an M5 chip was benchmarked two weeks ago, and it featured 12 percent faster multi-core CPU performance compared to the M4 chip, and a 36 percent faster GPU. The M5 chip in the ‌iPad Pro‌ had a 9-core CPU, but the M5 in the new ‌MacBook Pro‌ could have a 10-core CPU like the 10-core M4 chip in the current version of the ‌MacBook Pro‌. Design There are no rumors of design changes, and we are expecting the upcoming M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ to look just like the M4 version. There is a possibility that Apple will add a new color, because a teaser for the ‌MacBook Pro‌ seems to feature a ‌MacBook Pro‌ with a blue tint. It's possible we'll get a dark blue version of the ‌MacBook Pro‌ that matches the iPhone 17 Pro. Other Possible Updates Aside from an M5 chip, we haven't heard of any new features that will be available in the M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌. While not rumored, Apple could perhaps add the upgraded 18-megapixel Center Stage front-facing camera that's in the iPhone 17, or introduce the N1 networking chip with Bluetooth 6 and Wi-Fi 7 support. The current version of the ‌MacBook Pro‌ is limited to Wi-Fi 6E, even though the iPhone has supported Wi-Fi 7 for the last two years. Apple may not be planning for significant hardware changes other than the chip, because swapping the camera or the networking chip would require more significant internal updates compared to just an M4 to M5 chip swap. Just One Model? It's looking like we're only going to get a single updated MacBook, with Apple adding the M5 to the base 14-inch model. The ‌MacBook Pro‌ line typically features Pro and Max chips in higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch machines as well, but those chips are apparently not ready yet and won't be coming until 2026. The M5 Pro and M5 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ models are expected in early 2026. Why You Shouldn't Buy One If you're not in serious need of a new ‌MacBook Pro‌, 2025 is a bad time to upgrade. The next-generation ‌MacBook Pro‌ after the late 2025/early 2026 models is expected to feature an OLED display, which will mark a major upgrade in display quality. Of course, it's possible that the base 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ isn't going to get an OLED display and will stick with mini-LED, but it's not clear at this point. The transition to OLED will also likely bring a design update along with M6 chip technology, which is another reason to wait. Launch Date Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak teased the M5 MacBook Pro earlier today, so it's likely going to launch imminently, perhaps as soon as tomorrow morning.Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Don't Buy)Related Forum: MacBook Pro This article, "Apple's M5 MacBook Pro Imminent: What to Expect" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Catastrophically Fails Bend Test, Ends Up a Charred Mess
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Catastrophically Fails Bend Test, Ends Up a Charred Mess
With every flagship smartphone launch, the new devices are subject to bend tests, drop tests, and other durability tests. YouTuber JerryRigEverything (Zack Nelson) is known for his scratch and bend tests, and he did his usual routine with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This time, something went wrong. When Nelson bent the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, it broke on the first test, and the second test damaged the battery and engulfed his studio in smoke. Nelson bent the smartphone backward in a way unlikely to occur in normal use, but it's also the first time that he's had a battery rupture. "Surprisingly, in the decade that I've been durability testing phones, I have never had a smartphone explode before," he says. "The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first phone to go up in smoke." He goes on to explain that he's subjected every mainstream smartphone from the last decade to the exact same tests, but this is the first time he's had a failure that set off his fire alarm. At the end of the video, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a smoking, charred mess, and Nelson suggests not putting an open 10 Pro Fold in a pocket. According to Nelson, Google's line of foldable Pixel smartphones have had the same antenna line design issue for the last three years. Every one bends at the antenna line, and this time around, the layers of the battery were pinched together, resulting in a short circuit that caused a thermal reaction. iFixit told The Verge that while the battery fire is dramatic, it's "not necessarily a sign that something is wrong with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold design." The battery does not appear to have been discharged before the bend test, and iFixit said that short circuits can happen if you break the insulating layers of a battery. Google has not yet responded to the incident. The Verge also points out that Google has had other battery issues this year. The company updated the Pixel 6A to address a potential battery overheating risk, and also updated the 4A to improve the stability of the battery's performance.Tags: Google, Google Pixel This article, "Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Catastrophically Fails Bend Test, Ends Up a Charred Mess" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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Apple CEO Tim Cook Gifted Custom Labubu During China Visit
Apple CEO Tim Cook Gifted Custom Labubu During China Visit
Apple CEO Tim Cook is in Shanghai, China to celebrate the upcoming launch of the iPhone Air in the country, and during his visit, he met with Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning and The Monsters creator Kasing Lung. On Chinese social network Weibo, Cook said that Lung demonstrated how he sketches his characters on his iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil. Lung is the designer behind the Labubu character that has become wildly popular worldwide. During the meeting, Lung gifted Cook a one-of-a-kind Labubu modeled after Cook. The Labubu features white fur, glasses, black jeans, a blue shirt, sneakers, and a tiny iPhone 17. Cook, meanwhile, said that Labubu "now has her own new iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange," and Lung drew a picture of Cook meeting Labubu. Lung shared a selfie with Cook on Instagram, and also offered a closer look at Cook's unique "‌Tim Cook‌ Labubu." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kasing Lung (@kasinglung) While in China, Cook also stopped by the Apple Pudong retail location, met with the Lilith Games team behind AFK Journey, and visited Wang Feifei on the set of her new music video, which was filmed in a single shot using an ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌. iPhone Air preorders are set to launch in China on October 17, with a launch to follow on October 22. The ‌iPhone Air‌ was delayed in China because Apple needed regulatory approval for an iPhone without a physical SIM. At 5.6mm, the ‌iPhone Air‌ is too thin for a physical SIM slot, and so it will be the first eSIM ‌iPhone‌ that Apple offers in China.Tag: Tim Cook This article, "Apple CEO Tim Cook Gifted Custom Labubu During China Visit" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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Select GM Vehicles May Soon Offer iPhone Car Key Support
Select GM Vehicles May Soon Offer iPhone Car Key Support
Car key support for select General Motors vehicles could be added to the Apple Wallet app in the near future, according to code discovered by MacRumors. Apple has added settings for GM vehicles to an internal list of vehicles that offer car key integration. Digital car keys let users lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using the NFC capabilities of an iPhone or Apple Watch. Apple began supporting NFC-based digital keys in the Wallet app in 2022, and car manufacturers have since been adopting the feature. At WWDC, Apple said that 13 vehicle brands would "soon" be adding support for digital car keys, including GMC, Chevrolet, and Cadillac. The other brands include Acura, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Lucid Motors, Tata Motors, Hongqi, WEY, Chery, and Voyah. Car keys in the Wallet app will be available for select Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models, but GM has not provided details on specific models that will offer support. So far, only the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV and the 2026 GMC Sierra EV are confirmed to include digital key integration. Apple has now added backend support for GM, Voyah, and Smart vehicles, but the car manufacturers have yet to roll out car key functionality. Select newer vehicles from BMW, Genesis, Kia, Audi, Hyundai, Lotus, Mercedes, Volvo, and more offer car keys support, with a list available on MacRumors.com.Tag: iPhone Car Keys This article, "Select GM Vehicles May Soon Offer iPhone Car Key Support" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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HomePod Mini and Apple TV Stock is Dwindling at Select Apple Stores
HomePod Mini and Apple TV Stock is Dwindling at Select Apple Stores
HomePod mini and Apple TV inventory is starting to dwindle at select Apple Store locations around the world, suggesting that new models may be imminent. For example, the HomePod mini is completely out of stock in all five color options at Apple's flagship Regent Street store in London, as of this writing. Some other HomePod mini and Apple TV configurations are out of stock at some Apple Store locations, but online availability is faring better for now. Both the HomePod mini and Apple TV are expected to be updated this year, and the following new features and changes have been rumored for the devices: * HomePod mini: S9 chip or newer with support for next year's revamped version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support, improved sound quality, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and potentially new color options like Red. * Apple TV: A faster A17 Pro chip that will support next year's revamped version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, and an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support. A built-in FaceTime camera has been rumored for a future Apple TV, but it is unclear if that will arrive with the next model. In his Power On newsletter last weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple planned to announce new products "this week." However, in a follow-up post on X, he merely said the products would be announced "as early as this week." Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod miniBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater, HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, "HomePod Mini and Apple TV Stock is Dwindling at Select Apple Stores" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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AirPods Max 2: Everything We Know So Far
AirPods Max 2: Everything We Know So Far
Apple's AirPods Max have now been available for almost five years, so what do we know about the second-generation version? According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new ‌AirPods Max‌ will be lighter than the current ones, but exactly how much is as yet known. The current ‌AirPods Max‌ weigh 0.85 pounds (386.2 grams), excluding the charging case, making it one of the heavier options in the premium over-ear headphones category. It is unclear what other changes they might have, beyond weighing less. Both Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo believe that new ‌AirPods Max‌ are on the way. Kuo expects the ‌AirPods Max‌ 2 to enter mass production at some point in 2027—seven years after the first-generation model launched. In 2024, Apple updated the ‌AirPods Max‌ with a USB-C charging port and new color options, but they are still considered to be first-generation ‌AirPods Max‌. The headphones did not receive Apple's H2 chip that debuted in the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, so they continue to miss out on Adaptive Audio features, and there were no other changes. The AirPods Pro 3 have a range of features that could feasibly come to the next-generation ‌AirPods Max‌, including: * IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance * H2 chip * 2.4GHz and 5GHz connectivity * Lossless audio support with Apple Vision Pro * "‌Siri‌" voice commands * Adaptive Transparency * Adaptive Audio * Loud Sound Reduction * Hearing Protection * Hearing Test * Hearing Aid * Conversation Boost * Conversation Awareness * Live Translation * U2 chip for Precision Finding By 2027, the AirPods Pro could be even more advanced than the recently unveiled third-generation model, adding the "H3" chip and IR cameras. As a result, these features are also possibilities for the second-generation ‌AirPods Max‌. A refreshed design seems likely, especially given the rumored weight reduction and complaints from some users about the durability of the headband's mesh canopy. The Smart Case, which simply serves to put the headphones into their ultra-low power state, could also be due a redesign. Gurman said that the long wait for a new model is due to the face that the headphones are stuck in a kind of commercial limbo—"too popular for Apple to stop selling them, and not popular enough for the company to invest a ton of time and money into creating a new version." Apple's audio team is apparently more focused on annual updates for earbud AirPods and supporting audio components across other products. This article, "AirPods Max 2: Everything We Know So Far" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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What to Expect From Apple's New Products as Early as This Week
What to Expect From Apple's New Products as Early as This Week
Apple plans to announce new products "this week," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter, Gurman said the products set to be updated this week include the iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and "likely" the base 14-inch MacBook Pro, with all three likely to receive a spec bump with Apple's next-generation M5 chip. Gurman does not expect Apple to hold an event to announce these products. Instead, there will likely be a series of press releases on the Apple Newsroom website, and there might also be shorter promotional videos for each product on YouTube. Below, we have recapped rumors about each product. iPad Pro The next iPad Pro was already leaked in a pair of unboxing videos out of Russia. The videos confirmed that the device will be equipped with the M5 chip, and an increased minimum of 12GB of RAM, but no major design changes were visible. There is one minor design change: "iPad Pro" is no longer inscribed on the back of the device. It was previously rumored that the next iPad Pro models would be equipped with two front cameras, instead of one, making it easy to have video calls in both portrait and landscape orientations. However, there was no evidence of a second front camera in the unboxing videos out of Russia, so it is unclear if this rumor will pan out. Geekbench 6 results shown in one of the unboxing videos revealed the M5 chip will stick with a 9-core CPU, with three performance cores and six efficiency cores. The results showed the M5 chip will offer up to 12% faster multi-core CPU performance, and up to 36% faster GPU performance, compared to the M4 chip in the current iPad Pro. Vision Pro An updated version of the Vision Pro is also expected to be equipped with an M5 chip, although an earlier rumor said the device would receive an M4 chip. There could also be an R2 chip for improved input processing, but the report said that chip would be manufactured with TSMC's latest 2nm process, and Apple's first chips using that process are not expected to debut until the second half of next year. Apple is expected to start including a more comfortable "Dual Knit Band" head strap in the box with the updated Vision Pro, and the headset could get a Space Black color option. The device will continue to support Wi-Fi 6, rather than Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, according to FCC documents that were erroneously made available for public viewing. It is unclear if these changes will be enough for Apple to consider the updated Vision Pro to be a second-generation model. Recent reports have indicated that Apple has suspended development of a truly next-generation Vision Pro, along with a lightweight and lower-cost "Vision Air" model, as it focuses its efforts on smart glasses. 14-inch MacBook Pro A base 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 chip is "ready for launch," according to Gurman. Last week, AppleInsider reported that a base MacBook Pro with an M5 chip would be released before higher-end models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which are expected to follow in early 2026. Beyond the M5 chip, no significant changes are expected. Bigger changes to the MacBook Pro are expected with the two-generations-away models, with rumored upgrades including an OLED display, touchscreen capabilities, a thinner design, built-in cellular connectivity, and M6 chips manufactured with TSMC's latest 2nm process, for even greater year-over-year performance gains. Other Products in Pipeline The following products are expected to be updated before the end of the year, but it is not clear if Apple will announce any of them this week in particular. HomePod mini availability is starting to dwindle at select Apple Store locations around the world. For example, the HomePod mini is completely out of stock in all five color options at Apple's flagship Regent Street store in London. * HomePod mini: S9 chip or newer with support for next year's revamped version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support, improved sound quality, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and potentially new color options like Red. * Apple TV: A faster A17 Pro chip that will support next year's revamped version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, and an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support. A built-in FaceTime camera has been rumored for a future Apple TV, but it is unclear if that will arrive with the next model. * AirTag: Up to 3× longer item tracking range vs. current AirTag, a more tamper-proof speaker, and "very low" battery life alerts. New models of the Pro Display XDR and Studio Display have also been rumored. This article, "What to Expect From Apple's New Products as Early as This Week" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
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