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Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to what Apple currently or previously charged for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro: $999 iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199Apple has since lowered its starting prices for new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models, which remain available as previous-generation options: iPhone 16: $699 iPhone 16 Plus: $799Finally, here are Apple's starting prices for the refurbished models: iPhone 16: $619 iPhone 16 Plus: $699 iPhone 16 Pro: $759 iPhone 16 Pro Max: $929The refurbished iPhone 16 lineup is also rolling out on Apple's online store in Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and select other countries, but not every model is available in every country yet. Apple's refurbished iPhones are unlocked, and they come with a new battery, a new outer shell, and a plain box with a USB-C cable. The devices are also covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty, and they are eligible for extended AppleCare+ or AppleCare One coverage. Apple says its refurbished products are thoroughly cleaned and tested, and generally they are virtually indistinguishable from brand new devices. iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models feature 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, up from the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max. Other new features included a Camera Control button, an A18 Pro chip optimized for Apple Intelligence, a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, support for 4K at 120 FPS video recording, longer battery life, faster charging over MagSafe, and improved microphones. The lower-end iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus also have a Camera Control and Apple Intelligence.Related Roundup: iPhone 16Tag: Apple Refurbished ProductsRelated Forum: iPhone This article, "Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Samsung recently kicked off a sale across its most popular monitors and TVs, with notable markdowns on products like The Frame and the Smart Monitor series. These deals have all been applied automatically on Samsung's website, and many match all-time low prices on these products. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. In regards to TVs, there are quite a few models of The Frame TV on sale, including all-time low prices on The Frame models from 2025. You can get the 2025 65-inch The Frame TV for $1,199.99 ($600 off), as well as the 75-inch Frame Pro for $1,999.99 ($1,200 off), a match of the all-time low price. $600 OFF65-inch The Frame for $1,199.99 $1,200 OFF75-inch The Frame Pro for $1,999.99 TVs 55-inch QLED QEF1 Smart TV - $349.99, down from $599.99 55-inch QLED Q7F Smart TV - $399.99, down from $529.99 55-inch QLED Q8F Smart TV - $599.99, down from $749.99 75-inch Vision AI Smart TV - $599.99, down from $1,199.99 50-inch The Frame - $799.99, down from $1,099.99 75-inch Neo QLED QN70F Smart TV - $999.99, down from $1,599.99 65-inch The Frame - $1,199.99, down from $1,799.99 55-inch OLED S95F Smart TV - $1,899.99, down from $2,299.99 75-inch The Frame Pro - $1,999.99, down from $3,199.99 85-inch The Frame Pro - $3,299.99, down from $4,299.99 85-inch Neo QLED QN90F Smart TV - $2,299.99, down from $4,499.99 Monitors 32-inch ViewFinity S70A UHD Monitor - $299.99, down from $459.99 43-inch Smart Monitor M7 - $359.99, down from $499.99 34-inch ViewFinity S6 Monitor - $429.99, down from $699.99 40-inch Odyssey G7 Gaming Monitor - $749.99, down from $1,199.99 49-inch Odyssey OLED G91SD Gaming Monitor - $799.99, down from $1,299.99 49-inch Odyssey G95C Gaming Monitor - $849.99, down from $1,299.99 Galaxy Products Galaxy XR - Save up to $1,140 with the Explorer Pack Galaxy Z Fold7 - Save up to $1,000 in instant trade-in credit Galaxy S25 Ultra - Save up to $700 in instant trade-in credit Galaxy Ring - Get up to $150 trade-in credit Galaxy Watch Ultra - Save up to $250 Galaxy Watch 8 - Save up to $200 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 in 2026? 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, "Samsung's Super Bowl Sale Has Up to $1,200 Off The Frame TV and Much More" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

We’re excited to announce that the remote Atlassian Rovo MCP server is now available in Docker’s MCP Catalog and Toolkit, making it easier than ever to connect AI assistants to Jira and Confluence. With just a few clicks, technical teams can use their favorite AI agents to create and update Jira issues, epics, and Confluence pages without complex setup or manual integrations. In this post, we’ll show you how to get started with the Atlassian remote MCP server in minutes and how to use it to automate everyday workflows for product and engineering teams. Figure 1: Discover over 300+ MCP servers including the remote Atlassian MCP server in Docker MCP Catalog. What is the Atlassian Rovo MCP Server? Like many teams, we rely heavily on Atlassian tools, especially Jira to plan, track, and ship product and engineering work. The Atlassian Rovo MCP server enables AI assistants and agents to interact directly with Jira and Confluence, closing the gap between where work happens and how teams want to use AI. With the Atlassian Rovo MCP server, you can: Create and update Jira issues and epics Generate and edit Confluence pages Use your preferred AI assistant or agent to automate everyday workflows Traditionally, setting up and configuring MCP servers can be time-consuming and complex. Docker removes that friction, making it easy to get up and running securely in minutes. Enable the Atlassian Rovo MCP Server with One Click Docker’s MCP Catalog is a curated collection of 300+ MCP servers, including both local and remote options. It provides a reliable starting point for developers building with MCP so you don’t have to wire everything together yourself. Prerequisites Before you begin, make sure you have: A machine with 8GB RAM minimum, ideally 16GB Install Docker Desktop To get started with the Atlassian remote MCP server: Open Docker Desktop and click on the MCP Toolkit tab. Navigate to Docker MCP Catalog Search for the Atlassian Rovo MCP server. Select the remote version with cloud icon Enable it with a single click That’s it. No manual installs. No dependency wrangling. Why use the Atlassian Rovo MCP server with Docker Demo by Cecilia Liu: Set up the Atlassian Rovo MCP server with Docker with just a few clicks and use it to generate Jira epics with Claude Desktop Seamless Authentication with Built-in OAuth The Atlassian Rovo MCP server uses Docker’s built-in OAuth, so authorization is seamless. Docker securely manages your credentials and allows you to reuse them across multiple MCP clients. You authenticate once, and you’re good to go. Behind the scenes, this frictionless experience is powered by the MCP Toolkit, which handles environment setup and dependency management for you. Works with Your Favorite AI Agent Once the Atlassian Rovo MCP server is enabled, you can connect it to any MCP-compatible client. For popular clients like Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Codex, or Gemini CLI, connecting is just one click. Just click Connect, restart Claude Desktop, and now we’re ready to go. From there, we can ask Claude to: Write a short PRD about MCP Turn that PRD into Jira epics and stories Review the generated epics and confirm they’re correct And just like that, Jira is updated. One Setup, Any MCP Client Sometimes AI assistants have hiccups. Maybe you hit a daily usage limit in one tool. That’s not a blocker here. Because the Atlassian Rovo MCP server is connected through the Docker MCP Toolkit, the setup is completely client-agnostic. Switching to another assistant like Gemini CLI or Cursor is as simple as clicking Connect. No need for reconfiguration or additional setup! Now we can ask any connected AI assistant such as Gemini CLI to, for example, check all new unassigned Jira tickets. It just works. Coming Soon: Share Atlassian-Based Workflows Across Teams We’re working on new enhancements that will make Atlassian-powered workflows even more powerful and easy to share. Soon, you’ll be able to package complete workflows that combine MCP servers, clients, and configurations. Imagine a workflow that turns customer feedback into Jira tickets using Atlassian and Confluence, then shares that entire setup instantly with your team or across projects. That’s where we’re headed. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is the Atlassian Rovo MCP server? The Atlassian MCP Rovo server enables AI assistants and agents to securely interact with Jira and Confluence. It allows AI tools to create and update Jira issues and epics, generate and edit Confluence pages, and automate everyday workflows for product and engineering teams. How do I use the Atlassian Rovo MCP server with Docker? You can enable the Atlassian Rovo MCP server directly from Docker Desktop or CLI. Simply open the MCP Toolkit tab, search for the Atlassian MCP server, select the remote version, and enable it with one click. Connect to any MCP-compatible client. For popular tools like Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini, setup is even easier with one-click integration. Why use Docker to run the Atlassian Rovo MCP server? Using Docker to run the Atlassian Rovo MCP server removes the complexity of setup, authentication, and client integration. Docker provides one-click enablement through the MCP Catalog, built-in OAuth for secure credential management, and a client-agnostic MCP Toolkit that lets teams connect any AI assistant or agent without reconfiguration so you can focus on automating Jira and Confluence workflows instead of managing infrastructure. Less Setup. Less Context Switching. More Work Shipped. That’s how easy it is to set up and use the Atlassian Rovo MCP server with Docker. By combining the MCP Catalog and Toolkit, Docker removes the friction from connecting AI agents to the tools teams already rely on. Learn more Get started with MCP Catalog and Toolkit Explore the Docker MCP Catalog: Discover containerized, security-hardened MCP servers Read more about the Docker MCP Toolkit: Official Documentation View the full article

The Apple Sports app now supports men's and women's golf, along with improvements to soccer and tennis coverage. Version 3.7 of the app introduces support for every PGA and LPGA tournament, with live leaderboards, round-by-round scorecards for every golfer, and real-time updates in the app, widgets, and Live Activities. The app already supported the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, NASCAR, F1, Premier League, and more. Apple has also expanded the soccer lineup with support for Copa del Rey, Coppa Italia, Coupe de France, and DFB-Pokal. In addition, tennis coverage now supports real-time stats, making it easier to keep up with the action. The Apple Sports app launched in 2024. It is available on the iPhone in the U.S., the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and select other European countries.Tag: Apple Sports This article, "Apple Sports Now Supports Golf and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today announced a new Education Hub in Bengaluru as part of an expanded effort to provide technical training and skills development for employees across its supply chain in India. Apple said the new Apple Education Hub in Bengaluru will serve as a centralized training and coordination facility for supplier employees in India, marking the company's first education hub of its kind in the country. The hub will begin offering courses in March and operates in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education, which will provide faculty and curriculum support focused initially on digital literacy and Swift programming. In parallel with the Bengaluru hub, Apple is broadening its suite of development courses at more than 25 supplier facilities across the country. The updated curriculum will be introduced starting with Tata Electronics and is designed to cover digital literacy, Swift coding, robotics, automation technology, and smart manufacturing practices. Apple said these offerings are funded through its global $50 million Supplier Employee Development Fund, which supports education and skills training initiatives across the company's supply chain. The same spirit of innovation that drives our products also guides our commitment to supporting people across our global supply chain. We are thrilled to expand our technical training courses in India, giving thousands of employees the opportunity to learn valuable new skills and explore new paths for career growth. The company said the new courses build on an existing portfolio of more than 75 programs currently available to supplier employees in India. The offerings span technical skills, professional development, health education, and rights awareness training, which Apple says are designed to ensure workers are informed about workplace standards and protections. Apple works with international organizations and local partners to deliver these programs. Apple's expanded training effort also includes plans to scale its robotics education program, which launched in India in December 2024. The initiative focuses on training factory educators in dedicated robotics labs, after which those educators adapt the material and conduct hands-on sessions within their own facilities. Apple said it plans to extend the robotics program to additional supplier sites in India later this year. Apple also announced plans to grow its Vocational Education for Persons with Disabilities program in India. The program recently launched with Salcomp and seeks to provide employment and professional development opportunities for people with disabilities within Apple's supply chain, as well as improve safety, accessibility, and inclusivity practices at manufacturing facilities. To date, the program has supported more than 18,000 supplier employees around the world and builds on Apple's partnership with Enable India.Tag: India This article, "Apple Teaching Swift and Robotics Across Its India Supply Chain" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple could benefit from a new wave of NFC technology upgrades after the NFC Forum this week published a roadmap outlining faster data transfers, new security standards, and expanded capabilities. The NFC Forum is the global standards body for Near Field Communication technology. Apple is a board member of the organization. The latest multi-year Technology Roadmap identifies six development priorities that will shape future NFC standards. One of the most significant changes outlined is work toward substantially faster NFC data rates, up to eight times higher than current levels. The roadmap also places emphasis on improving NFC reader mode interoperability through end-to-end application testing. The roadmap continues to highlight multipurpose tap functionality, which would allow a single NFC tap to support multiple actions depending on context. The NFC Forum says this would enable readers to request specific credentials needed for a given action. The NFC Forum said it is beginning work on next-generation NFC wireless charging specifications, with goals that include higher power levels and support for devices with multiple charging receivers. While NFC charging is currently limited to low-power accessory use, expanded standards could influence future devices. Security enhancements are another major focus, with plans to publish the first NFC Controllers Security Profile, establishing baseline security requirements for NFC hardware. The roadmap includes work toward future-proofing NFC protocols against post-quantum computing threats and strengthening protection against relay-based attacks. Digital keys remain an active area of development as well, with plans to explore new digital key experiences to support a wider range of industry requirements. The NFC Forum last published a technology roadmap in 2023, with several goals delivered as part of NFC Release 15 in June 2025. Last year, Apple expanded its use of NFC notably by rolling out Tap to Pay on iPhone in many new countries, allowing merchants to accept contactless payments directly on an ‌iPhone‌ without additional hardware using the device's NFC capabilities. At the same time, under the European Union's regulatory regime, Apple continued to open broader third-party access to the ‌iPhone‌'s NFC chip so that third-party developers can use NFC for contactless transactions, enabling Apple Pay competitors such as Curve and PayPal to offer NFC-based payment options on iOS in Europe.Tag: NFC This article, "New Roadmap Outlines What's Next for NFC on iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The Certified DevOps Architect (CDA) certification is a prestigious qualification for professionals who aim to design, implement, and manage sophisticated DevOps solutions within organizations. This certification provides deep insights into creating scalable DevOps pipelines, automation frameworks, cloud infrastructure management, and more. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Certified DevOps Architect certification, the necessary skills, preparation plans, common mistakes, and how this can elevate your career. What is a Certified DevOps Architect? The Certified DevOps Architect (CDA) certification is designed for professionals who want to master the art of designing DevOps solutions that drive automation, scalability, and efficiency across development and operations. The certification focuses on leveraging cloud platforms, infrastructure as code (IaC), CI/CD pipelines, and security integration (DevSecOps) to build comprehensive DevOps architectures. About the Certification The Certified DevOps Architect is a high-level program that proves you have the skills to lead a company’s technical strategy. It is not just about learning one tool like Jenkins or Docker; it is about knowing how to connect 40 or 50 different tools into one smooth, safe system. Deep Dive into the Certified DevOps Architect Certification If you want to move into a leadership role or earn a higher salary in India or abroad, this is the track for you. Here is everything you need to know about this specific certification. What it is The Certified DevOps Architect (CDA) is an advanced credential. It focuses on large-scale systems, multi-cloud designs, and “Infrastructure as Code.” It proves you can design a system that never fails, even when thousands of people are using it at once. Who Should Take the Certified DevOps Architect Certification? This certification is ideal for professionals who already have experience in DevOps practices and are looking to specialize in designing DevOps solutions for large-scale systems. Ideal candidates include: DevOps Engineers looking to specialize in architectural design and complex system management. Cloud Engineers who want to integrate DevOps practices with cloud infrastructure. Platform Engineers interested in automation, CI/CD, and container orchestration. Engineering Managers aiming to lead DevOps transformations and guide teams in scaling DevOps practices. Skills you’ll gain The Certified DevOps Architect certification equips you with the following skills: Designing scalable, automated CI/CD pipelines for continuous integration and delivery. Implementing infrastructure as code (IaC) with tools like Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible. Building and managing cloud-native infrastructures using platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Optimizing performance and securing infrastructure with DevSecOps practices. Automating deployment and monitoring with tools like Kubernetes, Jenkins, Docker, and Prometheus. Understanding cloud security integration to make DevOps practices secure and compliant. Real-World Projects You Should Be Able to Do After It After earning the Certified DevOps Architect certification, you will be able to work on several real-world projects, such as: Designing and deploying CI/CD pipelines for large applications. Automating cloud infrastructure provisioning with tools like Terraform and Ansible. Building containerized applications using Docker and managing orchestration with Kubernetes. Creating and implementing security policies throughout the DevOps pipeline using DevSecOps strategies. Designing fault-tolerant, scalable, and secure cloud-native applications. Optimizing infrastructure cost management using cloud cost management strategies (FinOps). Preparation Plan 7–14 Days: Best for veterans. Review the core concepts of IaC, Kubernetes, and Cloud security. Focus on the exam format. 30 Days: The standard path. Spend 1-2 hours a day going through the 46 tools covered in the program. Complete the hands-on labs. 60 Days: Best for those moving from a different field. Start with Linux and Cloud basics before moving into architectural patterns. Common Mistakes Only learning the tools: Many people learn how to run a command but don’t understand the “why” behind it. Ignoring the “Culture”: DevOps is about people working together. An architect who ignores the team’s needs will fail. Over-complicating: Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Don’t use 10 tools when 2 will do. Best Next Certifications After This Once you complete your Certified DevOps Architect certification, consider pursuing the following certifications: 1. Same Track: Certified DevOps Professional (CDP) – This is the next level of certification focusing on advanced DevOps skills and expertise. 2. Cross-Track: Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) – Specialize further in Kubernetes, the container orchestration tool used extensively in DevOps. 3. Leadership: Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Focus on cloud security, which is critical for DevOps professionals working with cloud platforms. Master Certification Comparison Table To help you see where the Architect role fits, here is a comparison of the key certifications in the “Ops” world. TrackLevelWho it’s forPrerequisitesSkills CoveredRecommended OrderDevOpsAdvancedSenior Engineers5+ years ExpIaC, CI/CD, Design1st (Core)DevSecOpsSpecialistSecurity LeadsBasic DevOpsVault, Falco, Scanning2nd (Special)SRESpecialistReliability LeadsCoding + LinuxSLOs, Error Budgets2nd (Scale)MLOpsSpecialistML EngineersPython + DevOpsML Pipelines, Data3rd (AI)DataOpsSpecialistData EngineersSQL + CloudData Pipelines, Git3rd (Data)FinOpsManagementManagers/ArchitectsCloud BasicsCost Governance3rd (Business) Choose Your Path: 6 Specialized Learning Paths As a mentor, I tell my students that you cannot learn everything at once. You must pick a path that matches your career goal. DevOps Path: This is the foundation. It focuses on the flow from code to production. You learn how to make things move fast and without errors. DevSecOps Path: This is for those who love security. You learn how to put security checks into the automated pipeline so that hackers can’t find holes in your code. SRE Path: This is about reliability. If you want to work for companies like Google or Netflix, you need to know how to keep systems running 99.99% of the time. AIOps/MLOps Path: This is the newest path. It uses AI to manage IT systems and automates the life of machine learning models. It is the future of the industry. DataOps Path: This path applies DevOps ideas to data. It ensures that the data used by big companies is clean, safe, and delivered fast to the people who need it. FinOps Path: This path is about the money. You learn how to read cloud bills and design systems that use the least amount of money while giving the most value. Role → Recommended Certifications Mapping Depending on what your job title is today, here is what you should aim for: DevOps Engineer: Aim for Certified DevOps Architect to move into senior leadership. SRE: Go for Certified Site Reliability Architect to master large-scale reliability. Platform Engineer: Focus on CKA (Kubernetes) followed by Certified DevOps Architect. Cloud Engineer: Start with cloud-specific certs (AWS/Azure) and then take Certified DevOps Architect. Security Engineer: Your best path is Certified DevSecOps Professional. Data Engineer: Look into DataOps Certified Engineer (CDOE). FinOps Practitioner: Take the Certified FinOps Professional to master cloud costs. Engineering Manager: Take Certified DevOps Architect to speak the same language as your technical leads. Top Institutions for Training & Certification Finding the right place to learn is just as important as the certificate itself. Here are the top institutions that provide help for the Certified DevOps Architect (CDE): DevOpsSchool: This is a global leader in the DevOps space. They are famous for their hands-on training and their focus on real-world projects. They provide a massive library of videos and live sessions led by experts like Rajesh Kumar. Cotocus: This institution focuses heavily on corporate and specialized training. If you are looking for niche skills in specific cloud platforms or advanced containerization, Cotocus is a strong choice with a professional focus. Scmgalaxy: A very technical platform that excels in “Source Code Management” and Build/Release engineering. They are great for those who want to understand the deep mechanics of how code turns into a finished product. BestDevOps: They specialize in making complex topics simple. Their courses are designed around practical scenarios that you will actually face in a real job, making them a favorite for career changers. devsecopsschool: As the name suggests, this is the place for security-first DevOps. They offer specialized programs that teach you how to integrate security into every single step of the software lifecycle. sreschool: This portal is dedicated entirely to Site Reliability Engineering. They focus on the high-end scalability and uptime skills required by the world’s biggest tech companies. aiopsschool: If you want to enter the world of AI-driven operations, this is your home. They provide the most up-to-date training on using machine learning to improve IT performance. dataopsschool: They bridge the gap between data science and operations. This institution is perfect for data engineers who want to adopt the speed and reliability of DevOps. finopsschool: This school is all about the business side of the cloud. They teach engineers and managers how to control costs and ensure that cloud spending is helping the business grow. Next Certifications to Take Once you have completed your Architect certification, you should not stop. Based on data from experts at Gurukul Galaxy, here are your three best options for your next move: Same Track (The Expert Move): Master in DevOps Engineering (MDE). This is the highest level of training available. It covers everything from the basics to the most advanced architecture patterns. Cross-Track (The Multi-Skilled Move): Certified DevSecOps Professional. In today’s world, an architect who doesn’t understand security is at a disadvantage. Adding this will make you a “Security-Aware Architect.” Leadership (The Management Move): Certified DevOps Manager (CDM). If you want to stop being “hands-on” and start leading entire departments, this certification focuses on the people, budget, and strategy side of DevOps. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) General Career FAQs Q1: How difficult are these certifications? Most are intermediate to advanced. They are not meant for beginners who have never seen a line of code. They require study and, most importantly, hands-on practice. Q2: How much time should I spend on preparation? If you are working full-time, I recommend 30 to 60 days. This allows you to spend an hour each day without burning out. Q3: What are the prerequisites? For the Architect level, we recommend at least 3 years of experience in IT. You should understand the basics of Linux and how the web works. Q4: In what sequence should I take them? Start with a “Professional” or “Engineer” level certification. Once you feel comfortable, move to the “Architect” level. After that, pick a specialty like Security or SRE. Q5: What is the real value of these certificates? They act as a “filter” for HR and hiring managers. When a company sees “Certified DevOps Architect,” they know you have been vetted by experts and have completed real projects. Q6: Will this help me get a job in India? Yes. India has a massive demand for senior DevOps talent. Companies in Bangalore, Pune, and Gurgaon are constantly looking for architects to lead their cloud transformations. Q7: Can I take these exams online? Yes, most of these programs, especially those from DevOpsSchool, are fully online. You can take the training and the exam from your home. Q8: What kind of career outcomes can I expect? Most students move into roles like Lead DevOps Engineer, Platform Architect, or Technical Manager. Salaries for these roles are among the highest in the IT industry. Q9: Do I need to be a pro at coding? You don’t need to be a developer, but you must be comfortable with scripting (like Python or Bash) and reading code. DevOps is about “software defining” the infrastructure. Q10: Is there a lot of math involved? No. This is about logic, system design, and understanding how data flows. You don’t need advanced math. Q11: Are these certifications recognized globally? Yes. DevOpsSchool and its partners are recognized by MNCs around the world. The skills you learn are universal. Q12: What if the tools change next year? Tools like Jenkins or Docker might change, but the “Architectural Patterns” you learn—like CI/CD, IaC, and Observability—will stay the same for a long time. FAQs on Certified DevOps Architect Q1: What exactly does the CDA exam test? It tests your ability to design a full ecosystem. You will be asked how to solve problems like slow deployments, security risks, and high cloud costs. Q2: How long is the CDA exam? The exam is usually 3 hours long. It is an online proctored test, meaning someone will watch you through your webcam to ensure fairness. Q3: Are there any labs in the exam? The exam focuses on multiple-choice questions that test your “situational judgment.” However, the training program includes many labs that prepare you for these questions. Q4: What is the passing score? Typically, you need to score 70% or higher to pass. Q5: Can I retake the exam if I fail? Yes. Most providers offer at least one retake, but you should check the specific policy on the DevOpsSchool website. Q6: Does the certification expire? Most professional certifications are valid for 2 to 3 years. This is because technology moves fast, and you need to show that your skills are still fresh. Q7: How does this help with “Multi-Cloud”? A major part of the CDA is learning how to design systems that work on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud at the same time so you are not locked into one provider. Q8: Is the CDA better than cloud-specific certs? Cloud certs (like AWS Architect) are great for that one platform. The CDA is better for understanding the entire process of software delivery across any platform. View the full article

Every time execution models change, security frameworks need to change with them. Agents force the next shift. The Unattended Laptop Problem No developer would leave their laptop unattended and unlocked. The risk is obvious. A developer laptop has root-level access to production systems, repositories, databases, credentials, and APIs. If someone sat down and started using it, they could review pull requests, modify files, commit code, and access anything the developer can access. Yet this is how many teams are deploying agents today. Autonomous systems are given credentials, tools, and live access to sensitive environments with minimal structure. Work executes in parallel and continuously, at a pace no human could follow. Code is generated faster than developers can realistically review, and they cannot monitor everything operating on their behalf. Once execution is parallel and continuous, the potential for mistakes or cascading failures scales quickly. Teams will continue to adopt agents because the gains are real. What remains unresolved is how to make this model safe enough to operate without requiring manual approval for every action. Manual approval slows execution back down to human speed and eliminates the value of agents entirely. And consent fatigue is real. Why AI Agents Break Existing Governance Traditional security controls were designed around a human operator. A person sits at the keyboard, initiates actions deliberately, and operates within organizational and social constraints. Reviews worked because there was time between intent and execution. Perimeter security protected the network boundary, while automated systems operated within narrow execution limits. But traditional security assumes something deeper: that a human is operating the machine. Firewalls trust the laptop because an employee is using it. VPNs trust the connection because an engineer authenticated. Secrets managers grant access because a person requested it. The model depends on someone who can be held accountable and who operates at human speed. Agents break this assumption. They act directly, reading repositories, calling APIs, modifying files, using credentials. They have root-level privileges and execute actions at machine speed. Legacy controls were never intended for this. The default response has been more visibility and approvals, adding alerts, prompts, and confirmations for every action. This does not scale and generates “consent fatigue”, annoying developers and undermining the very security it seeks to enforce. When agents execute hundreds of actions in parallel, humans cannot review them meaningfully. Warnings become noise. AI Governance and the Execution Layer: The Three Cs Framework Each major shift in computing has moved security closer to execution. Agents follow the same trajectory. If agents execute, security must operate at the agentic execution layer. That shift maps governance to three structural requirements: the 3Cs. Contain: Bound the Blast Radius Every execution model relies on isolation. Processes required memory protection. Virtual machines required hypervisors. Containers required namespaces. Agents require an equivalent boundary. Containment limits failure so mistakes made by an agent don’t have permanent consequences for your data, workflows, and business. Unlocking full agent autonomy requires the confidence that experimentation won’t be reckless. . Without it, autonomous execution fails. Curate: Define the Agent’s Environment What an agent can do is determined by what exists in its environment. The tools it can invoke, the code it can see, the credentials it can use, the context it operates within. All of this shapes execution before the agent acts. Curation isn’t approval. It is construction. You are not reviewing what the agent wants to do. You are defining the world it operates in. Agents do not reason about your entire system. They act within the environment they are given. If that environment is deliberate, execution becomes predictable. If it is not, you have autonomy without structure, which is just risk. Control: Enforce Boundaries in Real Time Governance that exists only on paper has no effect on autonomous systems. Rules must apply as actions occur. File access, network calls, tool invocation, and credential use require runtime enforcement. This is where alert-based security breaks down. Logging and warnings explain what happened or ask permission after execution is already underway. Control determines what can happen, when, where, and who has the privilege to make it happen. Properly executed control does not remove autonomy. It defines its limits and removes the need for humans to approve every action under pressure. If this sounds like a policy engine, you aren’t wrong. But this must be dynamic and adaptable, able to keep pace with an agentic workforce. Putting the 3Cs Into Practice The three Cs reinforce one another. Containment limits the cost of failure. Curation narrows what agents can attempt and makes them more useful to developers by applying semantic knowledge to craft tools and context to suit the specific environment and task. Control at the runtime layer replaces reactive approval with structural enforcement. In practice, this work falls to platform teams. It means standardized execution environments with isolation by default, curated tool and credential surfaces aligned to specific use cases, and policy enforcement that operates before actions complete rather than notifying humans afterward. Teams that build with these principles can use agents effectively without burning out developers or drowning them in alerts. Teams that do not will discover that human attention is not a scalable control plane. View the full article

New M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are slated to launch in the near future, according to information shared with MacRumors by an Apple Premium Reseller. The third-party Apple retailer said that ‌MacBook Pro‌ stock is very low currently because there is an imminent new product introduction. Apple typically coordinates supply with retail stores ahead of a new model launch to avoid leaving resellers with too many outdated machines. Over the weekend, Bloomberg said that the new MacBook Pros are going to launch alongside macOS Tahoe 26.3 during the February/March timeframe, and we are getting closer to the software's release date. Today's Xcode 26.3 release candidate launch also suggests that a debut isn't far off. It's atypical for Apple to introduce an Xcode release candidate without also providing iOS and macOS release candidates, and we haven't seen the iOS 26.3 or macOS 26.3 RCs yet. Holding back a macOS release candidate is sometimes an indication that the RC contains information that Apple doesn't want to leak. If the M5 Pro and M5 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ models are going to come out alongside macOS Tahoe 26.3, it's possible that the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 RC includes new model identifiers that would give away the upcoming launch. Apple has most commonly held macOS release candidates for a few days to a week. Prior to when new M3 Macs came out in October 2023, for example, Apple provided the iOS 17.1 and accompanying Xcode release candidate on October 17, but held the macOS 14.1 release candidate. New Macs were introduced on October 23, and then the macOS 14.1 RC came out on October 24. Apple followed the same pattern ahead of the first M1 Macs in November 2020, and the M2 Mac mini in October 2022. In each case, Apple held the macOS RC while launching the iOS and Xcode RCs. What's different in this situation is that we haven't seen the iOS 26.3 RC either, so the hold time is less clear. Apple could debut new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models as soon as tomorrow, then release both RCs. There's also a possibility we have to wait a week or two before new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models come out, especially if the RCs aren't quite ready to go and another beta update is planned. It's not entirely clear why Apple released the Xcode 26.3 RC now instead of holding it, but it does include agentic coding tools that Apple worked with Anthropic and OpenAI to implement, so Apple may have committed to a specific schedule for the functionality. All signs suggest that we're going to get the M5 Pro and M5 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ models soon. Apple already released the standard 14-inch M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌, but higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models have yet to be refreshed. The reseller that spoke to MacRumors also said that HomePod mini supplies are drying up with many models sold out, but there is no official word on whether that's because of supply chain issues or because of an imminent update. ‌HomePod mini‌ stock has been dwindling since October 2025, so stock continuing to be low doesn't give us new information on the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2, unfortunately.Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Caution)Related Forum: MacBook Pro This article, "M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro Launch Imminent as Reseller Stock Dwindles" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple is continuing to improve the AI Support Assistant that it is testing in the Apple Support app, introducing new functionality in the latest update. In addition to answering questions about Apple devices and services and providing device-specific help, Apple says the Support Assistant is able to help run diagnostics to show details about a device's health and performance. The Apple Support app now has a more informative interface for the Support Assistant, and the tab for accessing the feature has an updated "Ask" label with a new icon instead of a "Chat" label. Apple is no longer calling the Support Assistant an "Early Preview," suggesting it is now available in a more official capacity. Despite the update, the Support Assistant remains limited, and it is not yet available to all users. It's possible that Apple has expanded the feature to a larger number of testers, but not everyone will see it yet. Apple began testing the Support Assistant last August. The tool uses AI to answer questions related to Apple support, and it is able to walk users through step-by-step solutions for common problems. If the Support Assistant is unable to solve a problem, users are able to escalate a request to Apple's support staff for further help.Tag: Apple Support This article, "Apple Continues Improving Apple Support App's AI Assistant" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

With Xcode 26.3, Apple is adding support for agentic coding, allowing developers to use tools like Anthropic's Claude Agent and OpenAI's Codex right in Xcode for app creation. Agentic coding will allow Xcode to complete more complex app development tasks autonomously. Claude, ChatGPT, and other AI models have been available for use in Xcode since Apple added intelligence features in Xcode 26, but until now, AI was limited and was not able to take action on its own. That will change with the option to use an AI coding assistant. AI models can access more of Xcode's features to work toward a project goal, and Apple worked directly with Anthropic and OpenAI to configure their agents for use in Xcode. Agents can create new files, examine the structure of a project in Xcode, build a project directly and run tests, take image snapshots to double-check work, and access full Apple developer documentation that has been designed for AI agents. Adding an agent to Xcode can be done with a single click in the Xcode settings, with agents able to be updated automatically as AI companies release updates. Developers will need to set up an Anthropic or OpenAI account to use those coding tools in Xcode, paying fees based on API usage. Apple says that it aimed to ensure that Claude Agent and Codex run efficiently, with reduced token usage. It is simple to swap between agents in the same project, giving developers the flexibility to choose the agent best suited for a particular task. While Apple worked with OpenAI and Anthropic for Xcode integration, the Xcode 26.3 features can be used with any agent or tool that uses the open standard Model Context Protocol. Apple is releasing documentation so that developers can configure and connect MCP agents to Xcode. Using natural language commands, developers are able to instruct AI agents to complete a project, such as adding a new feature to an app. Xcode then works with the agent to break down the instructions into small tasks, and the agent is able to work on its own from there. Here's how the process works: A developer asks an integrated agent to add a new feature to an app. The agent looks at the current project to see how it's organized. The agent checks all relevant documentation, looking at code snippets, code samples, and the latest APIs. The agent begins working on the project, adding code as it goes. The agent builds the project, then uses Xcode to verify its work. If there are errors or warnings, the agent continues to work until all issues are addressed. It is able to access build logs and revise until a project is perfect. The agent wraps up by providing a summary of everything that happened so developers have a clear view of the implementation. In the sidebar of a project, developers can follow along with what the agent is doing using the transcript, and can click to see where code is added to keep track of what the agent is doing. At any point, developers can go back to before an agent or model made a modification, so there are options to undo unwanted results or try out multiple options for introducing a new feature. Apple says that agentic coding will allow developers to simplify workflows, make changes quicker, and bring new ideas to life. Apple also sees it as a learning tool that provides developers with the opportunity to learn new ways to build something or to implement an API in an app. "At Apple, our goal is to make tools that put industry-leading technologies directly in developers' hands so they can build the very best apps," said Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "Agentic coding supercharges productivity and creativity, streamlining the development workflow so developers can focus on innovation." The release candidate of Xcode 26.3 is available for developers as of today, and a launch will likely follow in the next week or so.Tag: Xcode This article, "Xcode 26.3 Lets AI Agents From Anthropic and OpenAI Build Apps Autonomously" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart home in the app entirely. In addition, users who do not upgrade will miss out on newer features like robot vacuum cleaner support, and they will not receive important security fixes and performance improvements. Apple explains how to upgrade the Home app on the iPhone, iPad, or Mac: Open the Home app Tap or click on the three dots in the upper-right and navigate to Home Settings Tap or click on Software Update Tap or click Update Now, then follow the prompts. All of the homes that you own are updated at the same time. If you see "This home and all accessories are up to date," then you are on the current version of the app and no further action is required. Notably, the new version of Apple Home requires a minimum of iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2.Tags: Apple Home, HomeKit This article, "Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple Music subscribers can now access their Replay 2026 playlist, which is rolling out to users who meet Apple's minimum listening requirements for the year. As in previous years, Replay 2026 ranks your most-played songs on ‌Apple Music‌ from 1 to 100, updating weekly as your listening habits evolve throughout 2026. Apple typically activates Replay in early February, once January listening data has finished processing, allowing subscribers to track their music activity well ahead of the traditional year-end recap. Unlike a static summary released in December, Replay primarilony functions as an evolving playlist. From its first appearance in February, rankings refresh every weekend, gradually building a complete picture of your top songs across the year. By the time December arrives, Replay 2026 becomes a finalized list of your 100 most-streamed tracks. Replay 2026 can be accessed directly in the ‌Apple Music‌ app by opening the Home tab, scrolling to the "Replay: Your Top Music" section. It is also available through Apple Music for the web, where users can sign in with their Apple ID. Once the Replay 2026 playlist is added to your library, it updates automatically every week. New generated playlists can sometimes take several hours to appear. If Replay 2026 does not appear after a short while, the most common causes are disabled listening history or insufficient listening activity. Apple requires listening history to be enabled and enough streamed music to generate rankings. Listening history can be checked in Settings under Music, where "Use Listening History" must be turned on. Light or infrequent listening may delay Replay activation, but the playlist should appear automatically once these conditions are met. ‌Apple Music‌ Replay has been available annually since 2019, originally launching as a web-only experience with an accompanying playlist. Apple gradually expanded Replay's scope in the following years. From 2022 onward, the feature placed greater emphasis on detailed statistics and visual summaries, including structured breakdowns of listening activity across the year. With more recent updates to ‌Apple Music‌, Replay's detailed views are now available directly inside the ‌Apple Music‌ app, including monthly breakdowns and expanded listening insights alongside the Replay playlist itself.Tag: Apple Music This article, "Apple Music Replay 2026 Now Available" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The iPhone 18 lineup will not feature signifiant design changes, according to the leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital." The Weibo user claims that since the iPhone 17 lineup proved to be successful with high sales, the ‌iPhone 18‌ models likely won't have major changes to their appearance. Rather than promoting design changes, Apple is apparently likely to heavily emphasize advancements made with the A20 and A20 Pro chip, which will likely be the first 2nm Apple silicon chips. This upgrade is anticipated to be a key point of discussion around the new devices later this year. The iPhone 17 Pro models saw a major redesign, following two years of the same design across the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro. The ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro, 13 Pro, and 14 Pro also largely shared the same design, as did the ‌iPhone‌ X, ‌iPhone‌ XS, and ‌iPhone‌ 11 Pro. Successive generation-over-generation flagship ‌iPhone‌ redesigns would be unprecedented, making it highly likely that the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro will look very similar to the device currently on sale. The ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max are expected to launch later this year, featuring a smaller Dynamic Island, the C2 modem, a simplified Camera Control, a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, and an upgraded main camera with a variable aperture. The ‌iPhone 18‌ is expected to follow in early 2027, touting many of the same upgrades. Related Roundup: iPhone 18Tag: Fixed Focus DigitalRelated Forum: iPhone This article, "No Major Design Changes Coming to iPhone 18 Models, Leaker Claims" first appeared on MacRumors.com View the full article

We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier for iPhone users to switch to an Android device. A new tool allows you to place your iPhone next to an Android device to wirelessly transfer photos, messages, notes, apps, and more. You can also transfer your phone number. In the iOS 26.3 beta, the new tool can be found in the Settings app, under General → Transfer or Reset ‌iPhone‌ → Transfer to Android. It is available worldwide. Notification Forwarding in EU In the EU, iOS 26.3 introduces both a Notification Forwarding feature and AirPods-like proximity pairing for third-party accessories like earbuds and smartwatches. Apple was required to make these changes to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act. End-to-End Encrypted RCS Preparations As of the second iOS 26.3 beta, Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for carriers to be able to support end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. More Starting with iOS 26.3, there is a dedicated section for Weather wallpapers, with three preset options available to choose from. To access them, tap and hold on the Lock Screen and tap on the plus sign in the bottom-right corner of the screen. iOS 26.3 introduces a new "Limit Precise Location" setting that reduces the location data available to mobile networks to increase user privacy. iOS 26.1 introduced a Background Security Improvement feature that is designed to provide security updates for Safari, WebKit, and some other system items between iOS software updates. Apple has been testing the feature with updates such as "iOS 26.3 (a)" and "iOS 26.3 (b)," but they do not actually contain any security fixes. iOS 26.4 Personalized Siri Last month, Apple and Google announced that Google Gemini will help power a more personalized version of Siri coming this year. The more personalized version of Siri is expected to be introduced with iOS 26.4, following a lengthy delay. The new capabilities will include better understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls, but some of this functionality might not be available until iOS 27 later this year. For example, all the way back at WWDC 2024, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info retrieved from the Mail and Messages apps. Looking ahead, Apple is reportedly planning to launch a full-out Siri chatbot on iOS 27, allowing users to have ChatGPT-like conversations with Siri. New Emoji Last year, the Unicode Consortium previewed some of the new emoji that are expected to be added to the iPhone with iOS 26.4. Here are nine of the new emoji:Trombone Treasure Chest Distorted Face Hairy Creature (aka Bigfoot or Sasquatch) Fight Cloud Apple Core Orca Ballet Dancers LandslideApple most recently added new emoji to the iPhone with iOS 18.4, an update that came out in March last year. iOS 17.4, iOS 16.4, and iOS 15.4 also introduced new emoji over the years, so the timing has become predictable by this point. More Macworld's Filipe Espósito leaked some other potential iOS 26.4 features:If you have credit card information stored in Apple's Passwords app, you will be able to AutoFill those details in third-party apps. You will be able to create folders in the Freeform app. Apple is apparently working on a new sports tier for the Apple TV app, but the report did not offer any further details about this. There are signs of "a new validation system that will check the integrity of the device before logging into Apple ID and iCloud." A new "Precise Outdoor Location" feature for AirPods in the Find My app.iOS 26.4 should have many other new features, so stay tuned.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26 This article, "iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com View the full article

We're just over one week away from Valentine's Day, which falls on Saturday, February 14 this year. Similar to years past, many third-party Apple resellers and accessory companies have opened up notable discounts on Apple products and accessories to coincide with the holiday. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Additionally, there are a few solid discounts on Apple products like AirPods, Apple Watch, and iPad. In this article you'll find deals from third-party retailers collected first, including special Valentine's Day themed sales from AT&T, ZAGG, Casely, and more. Valentine's Accessory Sales Best Buy - Save up to 50% on select TVs Nomad - Save 49% in Nomad's overstock sale OtterBox - Save 30% on cases, 50% on charging accessories, and more Anker - Save up to 40% on essential accessories Sonos - Save up to 20% off soundbars, speakers, and subwoofers AT&T - iPhone 17 Pro at no cost with eligible trade-in Samsung - Save on Samsung monitors and TVs ZAGG - Save up to 75% during clearance event Casely - Save 10% sitewide with code LOVE10 Casetify - Buy 2 get 20% off with code LOVE2026 AirPods Amazon this week has major discounts on a few AirPods models, including some of the best prices of the year so far on AirPods 4. You can get the base AirPods 4 for $99.99 on Amazon, down from $129.00. $29 OFFAirPods 4 for $99.99 Amazon also has the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for $119.99, down from $179.00. We did track both of these these at a lower prices during the 2025 holiday season, but these deals never returned and today's is the best we've seen so far in 2026. $59 OFFAirPods 4 (ANC) for $119.99 AirTag Amazon has the first generation AirTag 4-Pack for $69.98 this week, down from $99.00. This is a second-best price on the accessory, and just a few dollars away from the record low price. $29 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $69.98 Apple Watch Amazon this week has the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 on sale for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. This is only the second time so far in 2026 that we've tracked $100 markdowns on the Series 11, and nearly every aluminum model is on sale right now. $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm GPS) for $299.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm GPS) for $329.00 If you're shopping for cellular models, you can find record low prices on multiple models this week on Amazon. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $399.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $429.00, down from $529.00. $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm Cell) for $399.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm Cell) for $429.00 iPad There are numerous iPads on sale in early February, and we're starting with a $49 discount on the 11-inch iPad at Amazon. You can get the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad for $299.99, down from $349.00, which is the best price we've tracked in 2026 so far and an overall second-best price. $49 OFF128GB Wi-Fi iPad for $299.99 $49 OFF256GB Wi-Fi iPad for $399.99 $49 OFF512GB Wi-Fi iPad for $599.99 Amazon this week is also providing record low prices on multiple models of the iPad mini 7, starting at $399.99 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. Best Buy is also matching many of these iPad deals, and in some cases it has better delivery estimates. $99 OFF128GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $399.99 $99 OFF256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $499.99 $99 OFF512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $699.99 Amazon recently introduced discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, including both 11-inch and 13-inch models. Prices start at $899.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch iPad Pro, down from $999.00. $99 OFF11-inch M5 iPad Pro (256GB Wi-Fi) for $899.99 $149 OFF13-inch M5 iPad Pro (512GB Wi-Fi) for $1,349.99 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 in 2026? 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, "Valentine's Day Deals: Get Low Prices on AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com View the full article

A new ad is out today for the Apple TV streaming service, and it focuses on the humans involved in making the shows and films, ranging from actors to production crews to makeup artists. The video shows a gallery of photos from the sets of various Apple TV shows, including The Studio, Severance, Ted Lasso, and others. "The humans of Apple TV," says Apple, succinctly. In a world where AI is increasingly prevalent, it would appear that Apple wants to remind everyone that its original content is still deeply human.Tags: Apple Ads, Apple TV Shows This article, "'Humans of Apple TV'" first appeared on MacRumors.com View the full article

Apple is expected to use TSMC's base 2-nanometer N2 process rather than the newer N2P variant for its upcoming A20 and M6 chips, according to the China Times. Apple is rumored to launch the A20 chip with new iPhone models in the fall, and the M6 family of Apple silicon chips in redesigned MacBook Pro models featuring OLED displays later this year. The latest report claims that the company will not move to TSMC's most advanced 2-nanometer manufacturing variant for these chip generations. TSMC's 2-nanometer family marks the company's transition from FinFET transistors to gate-all-around technology, which is intended to improve power efficiency and performance scaling as chip densities increase. TSMC previously said that its base N2 process will enter mass production in 2026, followed by enhanced variants including N2P and A16 in the second half of the year. This may not be enough time for Apple to introduce chips made with the newer technology to its devices. N2P is positioned as a higher-performance version of N2, while A16 is designed for high-power and high-complexity chips, particularly for AI applications and data centers. The performance difference between N2 and N2P is expected to be modest. N2P offers roughly a 5% performance gain at the same power level, but comes at a higher manufacturing cost, which helps explain why Apple is expected to remain on N2 for its A- and M-series chips this year. Competitors including Qualcomm and MediaTek are expected to adopt N2P for their flagship mobile chips in order to reach higher peak clock speeds. TSMC apparently expects the 2-nanometer generation to have a long lifecycle and potentially scale beyond its 3-nanometer family. Companies including AMD, Google, and Amazon are expected to adopt 2-nanometer processes for future CPUs, GPUs, and AI chips. Supply availability is also thought to be a factor. Demand for 2-nanometer manufacturing has apparently exceeded expectations, with much of the initial N2 capacity already reserved by leading customers such as Apple. This early capacity allocation reduces the need for Apple to move to N2P simply to secure production volume for future A-series and M-series chips.Tags: 2nm, Apple Silicon, TSMC This article, "Apple Seemingly Avoiding Latest Chip Tech for New iPhones and Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.com View the full article

Apple plans to release a new version of the Studio Display "in the first half of 2026," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter on Sunday, Gurman noted that inventory of the current Studio Display is running low on Apple's online store and at its retail stores, although this has generally been the case for a while now. Extended shipping estimates on Apple's online store can sometimes hint at an upcoming product refresh. Last month, an unreleased Apple monitor with the model number A3350 surfaced in a Chinese regulatory database, and it is likely the Studio Display 2. Unfortunately, the database entry did not reveal any new details about the Studio Display 2, beyond indicating that it will still have an LCD display instead of an OLED display. However, mini-LED backlighting remains a possibility. There have been many reports about a new Studio Display being in the works, with rumored features including mini-LED backlighting, ProMotion support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and either an A19 or A19 Pro chip. The current Studio Display was filed in the same Chinese database around three months before it launched, so perhaps the next Studio Display will be released around March or April, but Apple has until the end of June if we go by Gurman's timeframe. It would make sense for Apple to unveil a new Studio Display alongside the next Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, or perhaps a new Mac mini, but it is not strictly necessary. If the next Studio Display receives mini-LED backlighting and HDR support, its maximum brightness and contrast ratio would be higher than the current model. And a newer A19 or A19 Pro chip — up from the A13 Bionic currently — should contribute to performance improvements, camera-related enhancements, and more. The current Studio Display features a 27-inch 5K screen, a 60Hz refresh rate, up to 600 nits brightness, a built-in camera and speakers, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB-C ports. In the U.S., pricing starts at $1,599.Related Roundups: Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio DisplayTag: Mark GurmanRelated Forum: Mac Accessories This article, "Apple's Studio Display 2 Reportedly on Track to Launch This Year With These New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's first MacBook Pro models with OLED displays will launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, according to Korea's The Elec. Samsung Display will reportedly begin mass production of eighth-generation OLED displays for the device in May. Samsung is planing to ship two million of these displays to Apple by the end of the year. The panel will be sent to Foxconn from the third quarter of 2026 for assembly into the final machines. Some components for the device are said to still in development, since Apple has been changing the design of some parts to reduce manufacturing costs. China's BOE is also hoping to supply Apple with OLED displays for the ‌MacBook Pro‌, but only unit with Samsung displays will be available this year. The fourth quarter of 2026 runs from October to December. The OLED ‌MacBook Pro‌ is expected to feature 14- and 16-inch display size options, M6-series chips, and the first complete redesign of the device since 2021. Related Roundup: MacBook ProTags: BOE, OLED, Samsung, The ElecBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Caution)Related Forum: MacBook Pro This article, "Report: OLED MacBook Pro to Launch This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Introduction DevOps is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a culture and set of practices that is crucial for modern software development and IT operations. As organizations seek faster deployment cycles, more reliable releases, and better collaboration between development and operations teams, the need for skilled professionals who can implement DevOps practices becomes more evident. A Certified DevOps Engineer (CDE) is a credential that demonstrates your proficiency in implementing and managing DevOps practices across an organization. Earning the CDE certification can significantly elevate your career, offering you opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies, lead DevOps transformations, and become a key player in any technology-driven organization. Whether you are an engineer, manager, or IT professional, this certification helps validate your skills and opens doors to high-impact roles. What is the Certified DevOps Engineer (CDE) Certification? The Certified DevOps Engineer certification is an industry-recognized credential designed to validate the skills and knowledge required to manage and implement DevOps practices. This certification focuses on critical aspects of DevOps, including automation, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), infrastructure management, cloud platforms, and collaboration across development, operations, and security teams. The certification covers a broad range of topics, from scripting and automation to cloud services and containerization, helping professionals gain a comprehensive understanding of the tools and practices essential for successfully implementing DevOps. It is ideal for engineers, IT professionals, and managers who want to specialize in DevOps practices, helping them to streamline workflows, improve quality, and accelerate product delivery. Who Should Take the Certified DevOps Engineer Certification? The CDE certification is ideal for professionals who: Are involved in software development and operations. Want to enhance their skills in automation, CI/CD, infrastructure as code (IaC), and cloud technologies. Seek career advancement in DevOps or related roles. Are aiming to lead DevOps transformation initiatives in their organizations. It’s also perfect for engineers, managers, and architects who are looking to bridge the gap between development and operations. Skills You’ll Gain with CDE Certification By completing the Certified DevOps Engineer certification, you will develop the following skills: Automation of Deployment Processes Implementing automated pipelines and release management. Infrastructure Management Managing and provisioning infrastructure using IaC tools like Terraform, Ansible, etc. Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) Building and managing pipelines for seamless code integration and delivery. Cloud Technologies Working with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud for scalable and reliable infrastructure. Collaboration and Communication Fostering effective collaboration between development, operations, and QA teams. Real-World Projects You Can Tackle After This Certification As a Certified DevOps Engineer, you should be able to work on the following real-world projects: Building CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and deployment Automating code validation and deployment pipelines using Jenkins, GitLab CI, and others. Implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform or CloudFormation Automating infrastructure provisioning to create reproducible and scalable environments. Cloud Migration and Optimization Moving applications to the cloud and optimizing infrastructure for cost-effectiveness and scalability. Monitoring and Metrics Implementation Implementing monitoring tools such as Prometheus and Grafana to ensure system reliability and performance. Preparation Plan: How to Get Certified? 7–14 Days Preparation Plan: Day 1–3: Understand the fundamentals of DevOps principles, CI/CD, and cloud technologies. Day 4–7: Dive deep into tools like Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS. Day 8–10: Study automation, configuration management, and monitoring tools. Day 11–14: Practice with real-world projects, set up CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure automation. 30 Days Preparation Plan: Week 1–2: Cover DevOps foundations, CI/CD, and version control systems. Week 3: Focus on infrastructure management, including cloud platforms and IaC tools. Week 4: Implement real-world DevOps pipelines and gain hands-on practice. 60 Days Preparation Plan: Week 1–2: Master DevOps lifecycle, CI/CD, version control, and monitoring tools. Week 3–4: Study automation, IaC, and cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP. Week 5–6: Build end-to-end pipelines, understand security practices, and review common challenges. Common Mistakes to Avoid Achieving DevOps certification requires a focused and disciplined approach. Here are some common mistakes to avoid during your preparation: Neglecting Hands-On Practice: DevOps is all about practical skills. While theoretical knowledge is essential, you must dedicate time to working with the actual tools and technologies (e.g., Jenkins, Docker, Terraform) to gain hands-on experience. Skipping the Fundamentals: DevOps is built on foundational concepts like version control, CI/CD, and automation. Don’t skip over these core topics, as they form the basis for more advanced practices. Rushing Through Preparation: DevOps requires a deep understanding of various tools and practices. Take your time to master each topic rather than rushing through them. Continuous learning and hands-on practice will yield the best results. Ignoring Cloud Platforms: Cloud technologies, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, play a significant role in DevOps. Make sure you familiarize yourself with at least one cloud platform to ensure a comprehensive understanding of DevOps practices. Overlooking Security Practices (DevSecOps): In DevOps, security isn’t an afterthought. Understand and implement DevSecOps practices to ensure the security of the entire pipeline. Best Next Certification After CDE After obtaining your Certified DevOps Engineer (CDE) certification, it’s important to continue growing your skills and expand into new areas of expertise. Here are some top options for your next certification: Same Track: Certified DevSecOps Professional After becoming a CDE, a natural progression would be to dive into DevSecOps. This certification focuses on integrating security practices into the DevOps pipeline, ensuring that security is an integral part of the software development lifecycle. Cross-Track: Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Kubernetes is a key tool in modern DevOps environments for orchestrating containerized applications. The CKA will enhance your skills in managing and deploying applications using Kubernetes. Leadership: Certified DevOps Leader (DOL) For those looking to take on leadership roles, the Certified DevOps Leader certification focuses on the strategic aspects of DevOps, helping you lead teams and manage large-scale DevOps transformations. Choose Your Path: 8 Learning Paths After achieving the Certified DevOps Engineer certification, you can explore specialized learning paths depending on your career aspirations. Here are 8 potential learning tracks you can pursue: DevOps: Deepen your expertise in automation, cloud platforms, CI/CD, and version control systems. DevSecOps: Specialize in securing DevOps pipelines by integrating security practices and tools (e.g., static code analysis, security testing). SRE (Site Reliability Engineering): Focus on system reliability, scalability, and automation of operational tasks for highly available systems. AIOps/MLOps: Learn how to incorporate AI and machine learning into the DevOps workflow, automating decision-making and monitoring tasks. DataOps: Specialize in managing and automating data workflows within a DevOps environment, enabling faster and more reliable data-driven decision-making. FinOps: Gain expertise in cloud financial management, helping organizations optimize their cloud spending while maintaining operational efficiency. Cloud Engineering: Develop a strong focus on cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), infrastructure management, and cloud-native application development. Platform Engineering: Learn to build and maintain the underlying platforms and services that enable DevOps practices at scale across various environments. Role → Recommended Certifications RoleRecommended CertificationsDevOps EngineerCertified DevOps EngineerSRECertified Site Reliability EngineerPlatform EngineerCertified DevOps EngineerCloud EngineerAWS Certified Solutions ArchitectSecurity EngineerCertified DevSecOps ProfessionalData EngineerData Engineering with Google CloudFinOps PractitionerFinOps Certified PractitionerEngineering ManagerCertified DevOps Engineer, Certified ScrumMaster Top Institutions Offering Training and Certification for CDE Several institutions offer training and certification for Certified DevOps Engineer (CDE), providing valuable learning resources and practical experience. Some of the top providers include: DevOpsSchool: DevOpsSchool is a leading provider of DevOps training with comprehensive courses and hands-on labs, backed by real-world projects and instructor-led sessions. Cotocus: Known for providing expert-led, real-time project-based training, Cotocus offers specialized courses in DevOps, focusing on automation and continuous delivery. Scmgalaxy: A trusted name in the DevOps training space, Scmgalaxy offers courses that cover all DevOps principles, tools, and practices, ensuring you are industry-ready. BestDevOps: Offers a wide range of DevOps training programs with hands-on learning experiences in CI/CD, cloud platforms, and automation. DevSecOpsSchool: A specialized provider offering DevSecOps training for professionals who want to integrate security into the DevOps lifecycle. SRESchool: Offers comprehensive SRE-focused DevOps training with a focus on system reliability, automation, and scaling. AIOpsSchool: Offers specialized training in AI and machine learning operations for professionals looking to integrate AI into their DevOps practices. DataOpsSchool: Focuses on the intersection of DevOps and data, helping engineers manage and automate data pipelines. FinOpsSchool: Provides training on managing cloud financials and optimizing cloud spending in DevOps environments. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 1. How difficult is the Certified DevOps Engineer certification? The exam is challenging, requiring in-depth knowledge and practical experience in DevOps tools and methodologies. 2. How much time should I spend preparing for the certification? Typically, it takes about 30 to 60 days of consistent preparation to pass the exam. 3. Are there any prerequisites for taking the CDE exam? There are no formal prerequisites, but a basic understanding of software development and IT operations will help. 4. Should I take the CDE certification exam before or after completing other certifications? It’s best to take the CDE certification after gaining foundational knowledge in areas like CI/CD, cloud platforms, and version control. 5. What’s the career value of obtaining the Certified DevOps Engineer certification? It significantly enhances your career by validating your expertise in DevOps, making you eligible for senior roles in the field. 6. What tools should I focus on during preparation? Focus on tools like Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, AWS, Git, and Ansible. 7. How do I structure my learning path for DevOps? Start with DevOps basics, then dive into CI/CD, automation, and cloud tools before focusing on security and monitoring. 8. Can the CDE certification help in leadership roles? Yes, it helps if you are aiming for leadership positions, as it demonstrates your expertise in managing complex DevOps projects. Why This Matters Becoming a Certified DevOps Engineer is a game-changer in today’s tech-driven world. With organizations increasingly relying on agile methodologies, automation, and continuous delivery to stay competitive, the demand for skilled DevOps professionals is higher than ever. Earning the CDE certification not only enhances your technical skills but also positions you as a leader in the field of software development and operations. As a certified DevOps engineer, you will have the knowledge and skills to implement best practices, manage complex systems, and drive automation across your organization. Whether you’re aiming to deepen your technical expertise or expand into specialized tracks like DevSecOps, SRE, or AIOps, the CDE certification is the first step in an exciting and rewarding career journey. View the full article

Apple today stopped signing iOS 26.2, which means that iPhone users who have updated to iOS 26.2.1 are no longer able to downgrade to the earlier version of iOS. Apple released iOS 26.2.1 last week with support for the AirTags 2. Software "signing" means that it has passed the server-side verification check that Apple performs when a user downloads a new version of iOS on an ‌iPhone‌. An update can't be installed unless it passes the verification check. Apple does not show users earlier versions of iOS once an upgrade has come out, but when software is still signed, it is possible to downgrade using the macOS Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on a Windows PC. Until today, users would have been able to downgrade from iOS 26.2.1 to iOS 26.2 if desired for some reason. Unsigning software prevents Apple customers from installing outdated, less secure versions of iOS, and Apple typically stops signing an update a week or so after new software comes out. Apple has also stopped signing several older versions of iOS provided for devices unable to update to iOS 26, including iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.8.5, iOS 16.7.12, and iOS 18.7.3. iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 18.7.4 were released last week, while an updated version of iOS 16 came out today. This article, "Apple Stops Signing iOS 26.2, Blocking Downgrades From iOS 26.2.1" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser that was first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ to allow users to test features that are planned for future release versions of the Safari browser. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ 236 includes fixes and updates for CSS, Forms, HTML, Images, Media, Rendering, SVG, Web API, and WebRTC. The current ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release is compatible with machines running macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe, the newest version of macOS. The ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple’s website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website. Apple’s aim with ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.Tag: Safari Technology Preview This article, "Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 236 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The Firefox browser is gaining options to turn off AI enhancements, Mozilla said today. Firefox users who prefer to browse without artificial intelligence will be able to turn off several AI features that Mozilla has added over the last several months. Here's what can be disabled: Translations, which help you browse the web in your preferred language. Alt text in PDFs, which add accessibility descriptions to images in PDF pages. AI-enhanced tab grouping, which suggests related tabs and group names. Link previews, which show key points before you open a link. AI chatbot in the sidebar, which lets you use your chosen chatbot as you browse, including options like Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and Le Chat Mistral. The AI features can be disabled entirely or individually, so users can pick and choose what they want to use. Users will be able to continue to opt out of AI features as they are added in the browser, and the main Block AI Enhancements toggle will disable all current and future AI features, including pop-ups or reminders to use existing or upcoming AI features. Mozilla says that it wants to be able to continue to build AI options for those who want them, while also giving those who don't a way to disable them. AI controls will be added in Firefox 148, which is set to start rolling out to users on February 24.Tag: Firefox This article, "Firefox Getting New Controls to Turn Off AI Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple just released the second-generation AirTag, five years after the original model debuted. There's been a lot of time for Apple to come up with improvements, so we thought we'd test out the new model to see what's changed, and whether it's worth upgrading from the first-generation ‌AirTag‌. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Unfortunately, Apple didn't update the design of the ‌AirTag‌ 2, so it looks almost identical to the original model. The only thing that's changed is the text on the back, which is now in caps and includes wording about the IP67 waterproofing, and that doesn't count as any kind of design change. It would have been nice to have different design options or a rechargeable battery, but the ‌AirTag‌ is the same coin shape and it still uses CR2032 batteries. Apple didn't mention anything about battery life improvements, so the ‌AirTag‌ 2 still lasts about a year before you need to swap it out. While there aren't external updates, Apple did boost connectivity. The ‌AirTag‌ 2 uses an upgraded version of Bluetooth and it has a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, so it can be tracked from further away over Bluetooth, and the close-range Precision Finding feature works over longer distances. According to Apple, Precision Finding works from up to 50 percent further away, so when you lose your ‌AirTag‌ indoors or are close to it, a UWB-enabled iPhone (the ‌iPhone‌ 11 and later) can lead you right to it. Apple also enabled Precision Finding on the Apple Watch Series 9 and later and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, which is super useful. You can't use an Apple Watch to locate an original ‌AirTag‌ nearby, and it's probably the best addition to the second-generation version. You can even add a quick access toggle for Precision Finding to the Apple Watch for instant access to tracking down an ‌AirTag‌ without digging through menus. It's a much more natural way to find your items. In our testing, Precision Finding on the Apple Watch worked reliably, tracking down an ‌AirTag‌ indoors even with walls and furniture in the way. The interface is the same as the Precision Finding interface on ‌iPhone‌, just scaled down to an Apple Watch size. You'll get a directional arrow and distance to help you accurately track down the ‌AirTag‌. When pitting the original ‌AirTag‌ against the ‌AirTag‌ 2 with ‌iPhone‌ Precision Finding, the ‌AirTag‌ 2 was clearly superior. Both AirTags were tucked inside a backpack, and placed out of line of sight. The original ‌AirTag‌ had a hard time with walls and objects, and required us to be closer to the backpack to get a connection. The ‌AirTag‌ 2 picked up signal from much further away, and kept the signal as we walked toward the backpack. It even worked with the ‌AirTag‌ 2 on a different floor, and kept its connection in a large office building. Apple also updated the internals of the ‌AirTag‌ 2 to upgrade the sound, and it is noticeably louder. It is a pretty big improvement in audibility, and you will notice the difference between the two. The sound is sharper and easier to pinpoint, and it is much less likely to blend into background noise. It makes it easier to find items, but it also improves the ‌AirTag‌ 2's anti-stalking capabilities. It's harder to tuck an ‌AirTag‌ away and mute its sound, and Apple also made the speaker module more difficult to remove with additional adhesive. The ‌AirTag‌ 2 is still priced at $29, with Apple offering a pack of four for $99, so it's a solid deal, especially with the tracking improvements. For most people, it's probably not worth upgrading to an ‌AirTag‌ 2 if you already have an original ‌AirTag‌, but if you're someone that heavily relies on AirTags on a regular basis, it could be a good idea to pick up a couple of the second-generation versions.Related Roundup: AirTag This article, "AirTag 2 Hands-On: What's New and Should You Upgrade?" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article