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On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's newly launched AirTag 2 and Apple Creator Studio. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos Earlier this week, Apple announced the second-generation ‌AirTag‌, marking the first major update to its item tracker since the product's introduction in 2021, with improvements focused on tracking range, audio output, and device support rather than changes to its physical design. The new ‌AirTag‌ uses a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that extends Precision Finding range by up to 50%, adds support for Precision Finding on compatible Apple Watch models for the first time, and includes an upgraded Bluetooth specification designed to improve general tracking range. Apple also says the built-in speaker is up to 50% louder, making it easier to locate items in noisy environments. AirTag 1 vs. AirTag 2 Buyer's Guide: All 15+ Differences Compared Externally, the ‌AirTag‌ remains visually similar to the original and continues to use a replaceable CR2032 coin battery with more than a year of battery life, while Apple has made a significant number of internal changes. The second-generation ‌AirTag‌ is priced the same as before at $29 for a single unit or $99 for a four-pack, is compatible with existing ‌AirTag‌ accessories, and requires devices running iOS 26.2.1 or later. Apple also launched Creator Studio, a new all-in-one subscription aimed at content creators. For $12.99 per month, or $129 per year, Creator Studio provides access to Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage, consolidating tools for video editing, music production, image editing, and live performance. The bundle replaces Apple's long-standing one-time purchase model for these apps with a subscription approach, while keeping standalone versions available for users who do not want access to the full package. Beyond bundling existing apps, Creator Studio introduces a set of AI-powered features that are exclusive to subscribers. These include transcript and visual search in Final Cut Pro, enhanced beat detection and new dynamic titles, AI-assisted session players and harmonic analysis in Logic Pro, and new design and warp tools in Pixelmator Pro, which is now available on iPad for the first time. The subscription also unlocks premium AI features in Apple's free productivity apps, including Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, with Freeform support coming later. Creator Studio is available now via the App Store, with a one-month free trial for all users and a three-month trial for customers who purchase a qualifying new Mac or ‌iPad‌. The subscription supports Family Sharing for up to six people, and features discounted pricing for students and educators. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel! You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player. If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's plan to turn Siri into a chatbot with iOS 27, alongside plans for new hardware such as an AI pin. Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie. ‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.Tag: The MacRumors Show This article, "The MacRumors Show: Apple Launches AirTag 2 and Creator Studio" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today shared a short film to usher in the Chinese New Year, aka Lunar New Year, which begins February 17 and will be celebrated through March 3. "A girl, a talking dog, and a meticulously thought out scheme make up this heartwarming tale about finding family," says Apple. "Apple joins forces with director Bai Xue for an imaginative blend of cinematography and stop-motion to usher in Chinese New Year." The video was shot on the iPhone 17 Pro, and there is also behind-the-scenes footage.Related Roundup: iPhone 17 ProTag: Apple AdsBuyer's Guide: iPhone 17 Pro (Neutral)Related Forum: iPhone This article, "Apple Shares 2026 Chinese New Year Short Film Shot on iPhone 17 Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple Creator Studio now has an official Instagram account, as spotted by Scott Buscemi. Apple Creator Studio is a new subscription bundle that provides access to Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on the Mac and/or iPad, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A subscription also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium content" in apps like Numbers, Pages, and Keynote, plus the Freeform app later this year. If you are interested in Apple's creative apps, you may wish to follow the account, which will presumably share tips and tricks and more.Tags: Apple Creator Studio, Instagram This article, "You Can Now Follow Apple Creator Studio on Instagram" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

A second-generation iPhone Air is "not expected this year," according to a Nikkei Asia report today that cites people familiar with Apple's supply chain. The report said Apple plans to release an iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone later this year, followed by the base model iPhone 18 in the first half of next year. The report said Apple does have a revamped iPhone Air in the pipeline, but the publication does not expect it to launch until at least 2027. While one leaker on the Chinese social media platform Weibo has insisted that the iPhone Air will receive a spec bump this year, most reports from sources such as Bloomberg and The Information have pointed to an early 2027 launch. Last year, The Information reported that Apple was aiming to add a second rear camera to the next iPhone Air. That report added that the next iPhone Air could weigh less, have a larger battery capacity, and gain a vapor chamber cooling system like the iPhone 17 Pro models have. And Bloomberg expects the device to have a 2nm chip. While several reports indicated that the iPhone Air has been in low demand, the extreme popularity of the iPhone 17 base model and the iPhone 17 Pro models led iPhone revenue to a new all-time high last quarter, according to Apple.Related Roundup: iPhone AirTag: NikkeiBuyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now) This article, "Will the iPhone Air 2 Launch This Year? The Latest Report Says No" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 returned to their all-time low price of $199.00 this week on Amazon, accompanied by other solid discounts like $60 off AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, $29 off AirTag 4-Pack, and a few deals across Anker and Nomad charging accessories. 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. AirPods What's the deal? Take up to $60 off AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $50 OFFAirPods Pro 3 for $199.00 $60 OFFAirPods 4 (ANC) for $119.00 Amazon brought back a few low prices on multiple AirPods models this week, including the AirPods Pro 3 for $199.00 and the AirPods Pro with Active Noise Cancellation for $119.00. In regards to the AirPods Pro 3, this is a match of the all-time low price on this model. AirTag What's the deal? Take $29 off AirTag 4-Pack Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $29 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $69.99 Apple unveiled the second generation AirTag this week, but if you want the best discount on the product you'll do best looking at the first generation model on Amazon. The retailer has the AirTag 4-Pack for $69.99 right now, down from $99.00. Anker What's the deal? Save on Anker accessories Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $50 OFFAnker Charging Cube for $99.98 $79 OFFAnker Power Station + Lantern for $169.99 Amazon introduced a few notable discounts on multiple Anker accessories this week, with popular products like the MagSafe-compatible Charging Cube ($50 off) and Power Station with Retractable Lantern ($79 off) on sale at low prices. You can find even more accessories on sale in our original post. Nomad What's the deal? Take up to 49% off Nomad accessories Where can I get it? Nomad Where can I find the original deal? Right here UP TO 49% OFFNomad Overstock Sale On the heels of the launch of its newest Stratos Band for Apple Watch with an icy blue glow color, Nomad this week introduced an overstock sale, with major discounts across a few different product categories. This includes iPhone 17 cases, MagSafe-compatible charging stations, iPad folios, and much more. 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, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: AirPods Pro 3 Return to $199 Record Low Price, Plus AirTag 4-Pack at $69.99" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple CEO Tim Cook yesterday reiterated the structure of its partnership with Google to use Gemini AI models for the next generation version of Siri. During the company's Q1 2026 earnings call yesterday, Apple CEO ‌Tim Cook‌ and CFO Kevan Parekh were asked several questions about Apple Intelligence and the company's recently announced deal with Google to power the personalized version of ‌Siri‌ using Gemini. We basically determined that Google's AI technology would provide the most capable foundation for AFM (Apple Foundation Models), and we believe that we can unlock a lot of experiences and innovate in a key way due to the collaboration. We'll continue to run on the device and run in Private Cloud Compute and maintain our industry-leading privacy standards in doing so. In terms of the arrangement with Google, we're not releasing the details of that. That description closely matches language from Apple and Google's earlier joint announcement, which said that ‌Apple Intelligence‌ would continue to operate on Apple hardware and Private Cloud Compute. Cook also addressed Apple's own artificial intelligence development efforts, noting that the company continues to build its own technology alongside the Gemini partnership, but clarified that those efforts do not replace Google's role in the personalized ‌Siri‌ system. You should think of it as a collaboration. And we'll obviously independently continue to do some of our own stuff, but you should think of what is going to power the personalized version of Siri as a collaboration with Google. When asked about monetization and return on investment, Cook framed ‌Apple Intelligence‌ as a feature integrated across Apple's platforms rather than a discrete revenue driver. We're bringing intelligence to more of what people love and we're integrating it across the operating system in a personal and private way, and I think that by doing so, it creates great value, and that opens up a range of opportunities across our products and services. And we're very happy with the collaboration with Google as well, I should add. Neither Cook nor Parekh disclosed how many users currently have access to ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features or whether those capabilities are driving hardware upgrades. Apple previously acknowledged that ‌Apple Intelligence‌ is limited to devices with sufficient memory and processing capacity, which constrains availability somewhat.Tags: Apple Intelligence, Gemini, Siri, Tim Cook This article, "Apple Explains How Gemini-Powered Siri Will Work" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple CEO Tim Cook believes that his company will have opportunities to deliver "innovations that have never been seen before" this year. "As I said at the beginning of my remarks, this was, in so many ways, a remarkable quarter for Apple, and we're excited for all the opportunities we'll have in the year ahead to deliver innovations that have never been seen before and enrich the lives of users every step of the way," said Cook, on an earnings call on Thursday. Cook hypes up Apple's future on every earnings call, but "innovations that have never been seen before" is particularly bold wording compared to his usual comment about how the company's product pipeline is stronger than ever. Only time will tell if Apple actually delivers. Will the foldable iPhone have any breakthrough features, such as a rumored crease-free screen? Will the more personalized version of Siri go above and beyond the likes of ChatGPT in any ways? Will the long-rumored Apple smart glasses do anything unique compared to the Meta Ray-Bans? Will the rumored Apple smart home hub, security camera, and Face ID video doorbell give companies like Google and Ring a run for their money? These are some of 2026's burning questions, and we look forward to seeing what Apple has in store throughout what should be quite a busy year.Tag: Tim Cook This article, "Apple Teases 'Innovations That Have Never Been Seen Before' This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Google Maps now lets you talk to Gemini while following walking or cycling directions. The latest update is an extension to the AI chatbot's existing conversational navigation feature in driving mode that rolled out in November. You can now ask Gemini hands-free questions without leaving the navigation screen. While walking, for example, you can ask things like "Tell me more about this neighborhood" or "Are there cafes with a bathroom along my route?" Cyclists can also check their ETA without taking their hands off the handlebars. The embedded video below gives you an idea of how Gemini already works during driving navigation. Google says the feature addresses the practical problem of typing while moving, which is awkward at best and dangerous at worst. The Gemini integration also supports follow-up questions, so you could, for example, ask for a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options, then follow up with questions about parking. Beyond discovery queries, users can also issue navigation commands like "Add stop," "Show alternative routes," or "Mute guidance." You can also ask practical questions such as "What's my next turn?" or "What's the weather like at my destination?" To activate Gemini during navigation, tap the Gemini icon in the top-right corner or use the "Hey Google" invocation. The feature is available now worldwide on iOS wherever Gemini is supported, with Android availability rolling out gradually.Tag: Google Maps This article, "Google Maps Now Lets You Chat With Gemini AI While Walking or Biking" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple has discontinued the iPhone Upgrade Program in the United Kingdom, moving to a more traditional financing system. The change appears to be related to Apple ending its partnership with Barclays bank, which supported the ‌iPhone‌ Upgrade Program in the UK. The iPhone Upgrade Program webpage in the country now says: The iPhone Upgrade Program is coming to an end, but we think you'll love what's next. You don't need to do anything right now, just keep making your remaining payments. When it's time for your next iPhone, the Flexible Finance Account will offer you a new, more flexible way to upgrade. The ‌iPhone‌ Upgrade Program allows customers to get a new ‌iPhone‌ annually with AppleCare+ included for a monthly fee. It essentially provides a 0% APR, 20 or 24-month loan, usually with an upfront payment. After 11-12 payments, users can upgrade to the latest model, provided they trade in their current device in good condition. To replace the program in the UK, Apple has debuted a new "Flexible Finance Account" in partnership with Creation. The Flexible Finance Account provided by Creation is a line of credit that lets you spread the cost of your next Apple device, and it's available exclusively at the Apple Store. The good news is, it gives you even more options when it's time for the latest iPhone. Whether applying in-store or online, choose a plan that works for you and get ready to upgrade. When a new ‌iPhone‌ is released, users can trade in their old device, and use the credit to pay off their associated plan. Creation and PayPal Credit now fully replace Barclays for general Apple device financing in the UK. The ‌iPhone‌ Upgrade Program continues to be available in other countries. Tags: Barclays Bank, iPhone Upgrade Program, United Kingdom This article, "Apple Ends iPhone Upgrade Program in the UK" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Modern engineering teams ship fast, but they often struggle with broken pipelines, fragile environments, and slow incident recovery. Engineers juggle microservices, multiple clouds, security checks, and compliance while business leaders demand faster releases and higher reliability. In this reality, a Certified DevOps Architect steps in and designs the end-to-end architecture that keeps delivery fast, safe, and predictable. You learn how to connect CI/CD, cloud, containers, security, and monitoring into one cohesive system that works at scale. You also understand how to align tools, culture, and processes so teams move in the same direction instead of fighting fires every day. Why this matters: It helps you move from ad-hoc DevOps practices to a predictable, scalable delivery model that supports real business growth. What Is Certified DevOps Architect? A Certified DevOps Architect is an experienced professional who designs, reviews, and optimizes DevOps architectures for modern software delivery. This role covers everything from CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code to container platforms, cloud-native designs, and observability stacks. You learn how different tools and practices work together across builds, tests, deployments, and operations. In a developer or DevOps context, this means you define the reference architecture, standardize toolchains, and guide teams on how to design scalable and secure delivery workflows. You also act as a bridge between technology and business, so architecture decisions support product roadmaps, compliance, and cost efficiency. Why this matters: It turns DevOps from a set of disconnected tools into an intentional architecture that supports long-term speed, stability, and innovation. Why Certified DevOps Architect Is Important in Modern DevOps & Software Delivery Organizations now run distributed systems, multi-cloud platforms, and complex release pipelines, and this complexity grows every quarter. A Certified DevOps Architect provides the blueprint for how code moves from idea to production through automated, repeatable steps. You connect CI/CD, GitOps, cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes, security controls, and monitoring into a single, well-governed system. You also help teams adopt Agile and DevOps practices in a way that actually fits their domain instead of copying generic templates. As companies adopt microservices, containers, and DevSecOps, this role becomes central to reducing release risk, improving reliability, and keeping compliance under control. Why this matters: It ensures your DevOps strategy does not stay on slides and actually runs in production with measurable impact on delivery speed and stability. Core Concepts & Key Components DevOps Architecture & Operating Model A Certified DevOps Architect starts with the overall DevOps architecture and operating model. You define how teams structure repositories, environments, branches, and release workflows across the organization. You also decide when to use trunk-based development, feature flags, or GitFlow, and how teams move changes through dev, test, staging, and production. This concept appears in any company that wants consistent, auditable, and repeatable delivery across many products and squads. Why this matters: It gives every team a clear map for how to build, test, and ship software without reinventing the basics each time. CI/CD Pipeline Design CI/CD is at the heart of a Certified DevOps Architect’s work. You design pipelines that automate builds, tests, security scans, and deployments using tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps. You decide how to structure stages, how to handle approvals, and how to support blue-green, rolling, or canary releases across environments. You also ensure that pipelines support multiple languages, microservices, and shared libraries without becoming unmanageable. This concept appears in every organization that wants shorter lead time, fewer failures, and faster rollback. Why this matters: It turns deployments from risky, manual events into routine, automated steps integrated into your daily development flow. Infrastructure as Code & Cloud Architecture Certified DevOps Architects rely heavily on Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to design and manage cloud and hybrid environments. You use tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, or ARM/Bicep to define VPCs, subnets, Kubernetes clusters, databases, and security policies as versioned code. You also design reference architectures for AWS, Azure, or GCP that cover networking, identity, storage, and resilience. Teams then reuse these templates to create consistent, secure, and compliant environments. This concept appears wherever companies scale across regions, accounts, or business units. Why this matters: It reduces configuration drift, speeds up environment provisioning, and improves security and compliance through repeatable patterns. Containerization, Orchestration & Microservices A Certified DevOps Architect defines how teams build, package, and run microservices using Docker and Kubernetes or similar platforms. You design base images, cluster topologies, namespaces, and deployment patterns along with service discovery, ingress, and autoscaling. You also help teams adopt patterns such as sidecars, service meshes, and API gateways where they add real value. This concept appears in organizations moving from monoliths to microservices and wanting predictable, observable, and cost-efficient platforms. Why this matters: It enables teams to deploy and scale services independently while keeping operations manageable and secure. Observability, Reliability & DevSecOps Certified DevOps Architects bake observability and security into the architecture instead of adding them later. You define logging, metrics, tracing, alerting, and SLO/SLA models using tools like Prometheus, Grafana, ELK, or cloud-native stacks. You also integrate static analysis, SCA, secrets scanning, and runtime security into the CI/CD pipelines. This concept appears in regulated or uptime-critical environments where outages and security incidents carry high business risk. Why this matters: It helps teams detect issues early, act faster during incidents, and maintain compliance without blocking delivery. Why this matters: These core concepts help you design end-to-end DevOps architectures that scale across teams, technologies, and business lines while keeping risk under control. How Certified DevOps Architect Works (Step-by-Step Workflow) A Certified DevOps Architect typically follows a clear workflow when engaging with a product or platform team. First, you assess the current state: review pipelines, environments, incident history, tool sprawl, and team workflows. Then you discover constraints such as compliance rules, budget, skills, and existing contracts. Next, you design a target architecture that defines CI/CD patterns, IaC standards, cloud reference architectures, security checkpoints, and observability strategy. You validate this design with key stakeholders from development, operations, security, and business. After that, you create implementation roadmaps and prioritize quick wins such as standardizing pipelines for a few critical services, introducing IaC templates, or consolidating monitoring. You also guide teams during rollout, run design reviews, and adapt patterns based on feedback from real incidents and releases. Finally, you document standards, reusable templates, and playbooks so other teams can self-serve. Why this matters: This workflow turns DevOps architecture into an iterative, collaborative practice that delivers value step by step instead of a one-time design exercise. Real-World Use Cases & Scenarios Enterprises adopt Certified DevOps Architect practices in many scenarios. For example, a retail company may consolidate dozens of pipelines and environments into a single Kubernetes-based platform with standardized IaC templates and GitOps workflows. In that scenario, DevOps Engineers, SREs, and Developers work together under the guidance of the architect to reduce deployment times from weeks to hours while improving rollback safety. In another case, a financial services organization may need strong DevSecOps and audit trails. Here, the DevOps Architect works with Security, QA, and Cloud teams to integrate security scans, policy-as-code, and approvals into CI/CD while preserving speed. In a SaaS product company, the architect partners with Product, SRE, and Platform teams to design multi-tenant, multi-region architectures with automated failover and strong observability. Across these examples, business leaders see faster time-to-market, reduced incidents, and more predictable capacity planning. Why this matters: It shows how Certified DevOps Architect skills translate directly into measurable business outcomes across industries and team structures. Benefits of Using Certified DevOps Architect When you invest in a Certified DevOps Architect skill set, you unlock both technical and organizational benefits. You reduce friction between development, operations, and security because everyone works against a shared architecture and standards. You also improve auditability and compliance because environments, pipelines, and policies live as code. Key benefits include: Productivity: Teams spend less time fixing pipelines or environments and more time delivering features. Reliability: Standardized architectures, observability, and SRE practices reduce outages and mean time to recovery. Scalability: IaC, containers, and cloud-native designs make it easier to scale services and onboard new teams or products. Collaboration: Clear reference architectures, guidelines, and playbooks help diverse teams speak a common language around DevOps. Why this matters: It enables organizations to grow their products and platforms without losing control over quality, security, or cost. Challenges, Risks & Common Mistakes Even experienced teams face challenges when they adopt or grow a Certified DevOps Architect function. One common mistake appears when organizations treat DevOps as “just tools” and ignore culture, ownership, and cross-team collaboration. Another risk comes from over-engineering: complex pipelines, too many tools, or premature microservices that add friction instead of speed. Teams also misjudge security and compliance requirements, so they either slow down releases with manual gates or ship quickly without guardrails. In addition, some companies rely on undocumented “heroes” instead of documented architectures and shared standards, which creates bottlenecks and burnout. You can mitigate these risks by running small pilots, gathering feedback from real users, and adjusting patterns as you learn. You also document clear responsibilities between DevOps, SRE, QA, Security, and Platform teams. Why this matters: It keeps your DevOps architecture practical, sustainable, and aligned with real-world constraints instead of idealized diagrams. Comparison Table AreaTraditional ApproachCertified DevOps Architect–Driven ApproachEnvironment provisioningManual tickets and ad-hoc scriptsIaC templates and automated workflowsRelease processBig-bang, infrequent, riskyFrequent, automated, and incrementalToolchain selectionTeam-by-team, uncoordinatedStandardized, governed, and documentedSecurity integrationLate-stage manual checksDevSecOps integrated into CI/CDObservabilityBasic logs and manual checksUnified metrics, logs, traces, and SLOsScalabilityVertical scaling and manual changesElastic, cloud-native and autoscalingIncident responseReactive, ad-hoc war roomsSRE practices, playbooks, and clear on-call modelsCompliance & auditSpreadsheet-driven, manual evidencePolicy-as-code and automated evidence collectionCross-team collaborationSilos between Dev, Ops, and SecurityShared ownership with common standards and practicesInnovation speedSlow due to risk and coordination overheadFaster because of safe, standardized experimentation Why this matters: It shows how a Certified DevOps Architect transforms software delivery from fragile and manual to reliable, automated, and scalable across the entire organization. Best Practices & Expert Recommendations Industry experience shows that Certified DevOps Architects succeed when they balance strong standards with local team autonomy. You define clear guardrails—such as approved deployment patterns, IaC modules, and observability baselines—while allowing teams to choose tools and languages within those boundaries. You also start small: pilot the architecture with a few services, learn from incidents, and refine patterns before scaling. Another best practice encourages you to build platform-thinking: treat CI/CD, infrastructure, and observability as products with users, roadmaps, and feedback loops. You continuously review metrics such as deployment frequency, lead time, change failure rate, and MTTR to measure impact. Finally, you invest in documentation, internal communities of practice, and regular design reviews so knowledge spreads beyond a few experts. Why this matters: These practices keep your DevOps architecture resilient, adaptable, and valuable over time instead of becoming outdated or ignored. Who Should Learn or Use Certified DevOps Architect? Certified DevOps Architect skills help many roles grow their impact. Senior Developers and Tech Leads use this knowledge to design services and pipelines that scale smoothly across environments. DevOps Engineers and SREs apply these practices to build, operate, and evolve shared platforms. Cloud Engineers and Architects design secure, cost-efficient multi-cloud or hybrid environments. QA and Test Automation Engineers integrate quality checks directly into CI/CD so testing keeps up with deployment speed. Even Engineering Managers and Product Leaders benefit because they better understand how architecture decisions shape delivery outcomes and team productivity. Why this matters: It turns DevOps architecture into a shared capability across roles and seniority levels instead of a niche skill. FAQs – People Also Ask What is a Certified DevOps Architect? A Certified DevOps Architect is a professional who designs and governs DevOps architectures, including CI/CD, IaC, cloud, security, and observability, for modern software delivery. You focus on standardization, scalability, and reliability across teams and platforms. Why this matters: It defines a clear role that owns end-to-end DevOps architecture instead of leaving it fragmented. Why do organizations need a Certified DevOps Architect? Organizations need this role because their systems, pipelines, and clouds grow complex and fragmented over time. A Certified DevOps Architect creates a cohesive blueprint that reduces risk, improves speed, and supports compliance. Why this matters: It ensures DevOps investments actually deliver business value and not just tool adoption. Is Certified DevOps Architect suitable for beginners? This path suits professionals with some experience in development, operations, or cloud rather than complete beginners. However, motivated engineers can progress from DevOps foundations to architecture with structured learning and guided practice. Why this matters: It sets realistic expectations while still offering a clear growth path. How does Certified DevOps Architect compare with generic DevOps certifications? Generic DevOps certifications focus on concepts and tools, while Certified DevOps Architect emphasizes designing end-to-end architectures and governance models for enterprises. You learn how to connect practices across teams, technologies, and regulations instead of working at only a pipeline level. Why this matters: It prepares you for higher-impact leadership roles in DevOps and platform engineering. Is Certified DevOps Architect relevant for DevOps Engineers and SREs? Yes, DevOps Engineers and SREs gain a broader view when they learn architecture-level design. They understand how their pipelines, runbooks, and SLOs fit into the bigger delivery system. Why this matters: It helps them make better design decisions and influence platform strategy. Which tools does a Certified DevOps Architect typically work with? You work with CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitLab CI, container platforms like Kubernetes, IaC tools like Terraform, and observability stacks like Prometheus and Grafana. You also integrate security scanners, artifact repositories, and cloud services from AWS, Azure, or GCP. Why this matters: It gives you a practical, tool-aware perspective instead of staying at theory level. Does Certified DevOps Architect help with multi-cloud and hybrid environments? Certified DevOps Architects often design repeatable patterns for multi-cloud and hybrid platforms. You standardize networking, identity, observability, and deployment models across providers. Why this matters: It prevents cloud sprawl and reduces operational complexity when organizations scale beyond a single platform. How does Certified DevOps Architect support DevSecOps and compliance? You embed security and compliance into pipelines, environments, and monitoring instead of relying on late manual checks. You use policy-as-code, automated evidence collection, and security gates aligned with risk levels. Why this matters: It keeps releases fast while still meeting regulatory and governance requirements. What career growth can Certified DevOps Architect enable? Certified DevOps Architect skills open paths into roles such as Principal Engineer, Platform Architect, Head of DevOps, or Cloud Architect. You also become a key partner for CTOs and business leaders during transformation initiatives. Why this matters: It lets you grow from hands-on engineering into strategic, high-impact leadership roles. How can I start my journey toward Certified DevOps Architect? You can start by strengthening your foundations in CI/CD, cloud, containers, and automation, and then join a structured Certified DevOps Architect program that offers hands-on labs and mentoring. Real-world projects and architectural design exercises accelerate your learning. Why this matters: It turns your experience into a coherent architecture skill set recognized by employers. Branding & Authority DevOpsSchool has emerged as a trusted global platform for DevOps, DevSecOps, SRE, and Cloud-native education, especially for professionals who want to grow into a Certified DevOps Architect role. The platform works with learners and enterprises across India, the USA, Europe, and other regions, and it focuses on real-world, project-based learning. Its Certified DevOps Architect programs cover CI/CD, IaC, Kubernetes, container orchestration, DevSecOps, observability, and platform engineering so you build a complete architecture mindset. Organizations rely on DevOpsSchool for corporate training, capability building, and large-scale DevOps transformations across domains such as finance, telecom, retail, and product companies. Why this matters: It gives you confidence that your Certified DevOps Architect learning journey stays aligned with enterprise expectations and current industry practices. Rajesh Kumar serves as a lead mentor and architect behind many Certified DevOps Architect programs, and he brings more than 20 years of hands-on experience. His expertise spans DevOps, DevSecOps, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), DataOps, AIOps, MLOps, Kubernetes, major cloud platforms, CI/CD, and automation at scale. He has guided thousands of professionals and dozens of enterprises through complex transformations, including container adoption, cloud migration, observability modernization, and security integration. His work as a DevOps Architect, trainer, and consultant includes engagements with global brands and high-growth startups that depend on reliable, secure, and scalable software delivery. Why this matters: You learn Certified DevOps Architect skills from someone who not only understands the theory but has implemented these architectures in demanding real-world environments. Call to Action & Contact Information Email: [email protected] Phone & WhatsApp (India): +91 84094 92687 Phone & WhatsApp (USA): +1 (469) 756-6329 View the full article

Apple's rumored plan to split its iPhone launch cycle beginning this year has gained additional credibility, with a new report from Nikkei Asia corroborating earlier claims from The Information, Bloomberg, and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to Nikkei's sources, Apple will prioritize its first foldable iPhone along with iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models for the second half of 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 will ship in the first half of 2027. An updated iPhone 18e is also expected to appear in the first half of 2027. Nikkei's report does not mention this. It does note however that a second-generation iPhone Air is in Apple's pipeline, though it is not expected this year. The staggered approach aims to both optimize resources and maximize Apple's revenue from premium models amid rising memory chip costs and supply chain pressures, according to the report. One supplier executive told Nikkei that a smoothly functioning supply chain is "one of the key challenges" this year, adding that a marketing strategy change also factored into Apple's decision to prioritize its premium devices. The report also notes that Apple is facing additional pressure as some of its suppliers have shifted resources toward AI companies like Nvidia, Google, and Amazon. Notably, Apple explicitly mentioned iPhone supply constraints during its recent earnings call on Thursday. The pressure comes at a key time for Apple's ambitious new device: mass producing a foldable iPhone requires more complicated manufacturing techniques and new materials, so it's crucial for Apple to minimize production issues leading up to and during its expected launch in the fall. For Apple's part, it has not officially confirmed any changes to its traditional annual fall iPhone release schedule.Tag: Nikkei This article, "Apple's New Split iPhone Launch Strategy Corroborated in Latest Report" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Introduction In 2026, marketing automation platforms are more than just a trend—they are essential tools for businesses aiming to scale efficiently, personalize customer journeys, and improve overall marketing performance. These platforms automate repetitive marketing tasks such as email campaigns, social media posting, lead nurturing, and customer segmentation, allowing businesses to focus on higher-level strategies. With the growing complexity of digital marketing and the increasing need for real-time analytics, choosing the right marketing automation tool is crucial. This blog post will help you explore the best marketing automation platforms for 2026, offering an in-depth look at their features, pros and cons, and the scenarios in which they work best. Top 10 Marketing Automation Platforms Tools for 2026 1. HubSpot Marketing Hub Short Description: HubSpot’s Marketing Hub is an all-in-one solution for inbound marketing. It helps businesses attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers with a robust set of tools. Key Features: Comprehensive CRM integration Email marketing automation Social media management Lead tracking and nurturing Customizable workflows A/B testing and analytics Marketing reporting and dashboards Pros: User-friendly interface Excellent customer support Extensive educational resources Cons: Can be expensive for small businesses Limited customization in lower-tier plans 2. Marketo Engage Short Description: Marketo Engage, an Adobe product, provides powerful marketing automation features tailored for B2B businesses. It is well-suited for large enterprises and teams looking for robust analytics and integrations. Key Features: Lead management and nurturing Advanced segmentation and targeting Campaign management Cross-channel marketing automation Predictive analytics Integration with Salesforce Email and content personalization Pros: Scalability for enterprise needs Advanced reporting and analytics Strong customer engagement features Cons: Steeper learning curve Pricing may be prohibitive for small businesses 3. ActiveCampaign Short Description: ActiveCampaign focuses on email marketing automation, CRM, and customer experience automation. It is known for its affordability and suitability for small to mid-sized businesses. Key Features: Email automation and segmentation Sales CRM integration Customer relationship management Dynamic content personalization Lead scoring and tracking Multi-channel marketing (email, SMS, social) Pros: Great for small businesses and startups Affordable pricing Easy-to-use interface Cons: Limited A/B testing features Basic reporting capabilities in lower plans 4. Pardot Short Description: Pardot, Salesforce’s marketing automation platform, is designed for B2B organizations looking to align their marketing and sales teams. It’s ideal for companies already using Salesforce CRM. Key Features: Lead management and scoring Automated email campaigns CRM integration with Salesforce Detailed reporting and analytics ROI tracking Customizable landing pages and forms Pros: Seamless Salesforce integration Robust analytics and reporting High customization options Cons: Can be complex for beginners High cost for smaller businesses 5. Mailchimp Short Description: Known for its email marketing capabilities, Mailchimp also offers a suite of marketing automation tools, making it suitable for small businesses and startups looking for a simple yet effective platform. Key Features: Email marketing automation Audience segmentation Social media ads and analytics A/B testing Landing pages and forms E-commerce integrations Pros: Affordable for startups Easy-to-use interface Free tier available Cons: Limited features in lower-tier plans Lacks more advanced automation compared to competitors 6. Sendinblue Short Description: Sendinblue is a versatile marketing platform that offers email marketing, SMS marketing, and customer relationship management (CRM) in one package. Key Features: Email and SMS marketing automation Transactional email capabilities CRM integration Lead scoring and segmentation A/B testing Advanced reporting Pros: Great for multi-channel campaigns Excellent value for money Advanced segmentation options Cons: Interface can be a bit overwhelming Limited integrations compared to larger platforms 7. GetResponse Short Description: GetResponse is an email marketing automation tool with added features like webinar hosting, landing page creation, and e-commerce integration. It’s perfect for both beginners and advanced marketers. Key Features: Email marketing and automation Webinars and online event hosting Landing page builder E-commerce automation A/B testing CRM and segmentation Pros: Affordable pricing Excellent for webinar marketing Easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor Cons: Limited reporting features Some features are only available in higher-tier plans 8. SharpSpring Short Description: SharpSpring offers robust marketing automation features tailored for agencies and businesses that need custom workflows, detailed tracking, and integrated CRM solutions. Key Features: Behavioral-based email automation Advanced segmentation Dynamic content personalization Social media management CRM integration Landing page and form builder Pros: Great for agencies and SMBs Affordable pricing Flexible and customizable workflows Cons: Steep learning curve Some integrations require extra setup 9. Ontraport Short Description: Ontraport is designed for small businesses, offering a combination of CRM, marketing automation, and e-commerce tools in one platform, focusing on lead management and customer engagement. Key Features: Lead tracking and automation Sales pipeline management E-commerce integrations Marketing automation workflows Analytics and reporting Pros: User-friendly interface Strong customer support Great for small businesses with complex needs Cons: Lacks some advanced features for larger businesses Can be expensive for smaller teams 10. Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) Short Description: Keap offers CRM and marketing automation for small businesses. Its features include email marketing, appointment scheduling, invoicing, and more, tailored to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Key Features: CRM and sales automation Email marketing campaigns Appointment scheduling Lead scoring and segmentation E-commerce integration Pros: Great for small businesses and entrepreneurs Excellent customer support User-friendly setup Cons: Lacks some advanced automation features Can be expensive for small businesses 11. Nas.io Short Description: Nas.io is an AI-powered, all-in-one platform that helps solopreneurs, creators, and small businesses attract customers and sell digital products without a large marketing team. It combines lead generation, landing pages, email marketing, ads, and simple sales tools in a single dashboard. Key Features: AI-driven lead generation and targeting One-click landing page builder Email marketing automation Ads management and optimization Simple sales and payment modules Automated digital product delivery Pros: Easy setup and intuitive interface for non-technical users Can acquire customers even without an existing audience Fully integrated tools in one platform, reducing complexity AI-powered automation saves time and effort Cons: May be less suitable for large enterprises with complex marketing needs Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise-grade platforms Comparison Table Tool NameBest ForPlatform(s) SupportedStandout FeaturePricingG2/Capterra RatingHubSpotSMBs, EnterprisesWeb, iOS, AndroidAll-in-one inbound marketingStarts at $50/month4.5/5MarketoLarge EnterprisesWeb, iOS, AndroidAdvanced segmentationCustom Pricing4.3/5ActiveCampaignSMBsWeb, iOS, AndroidAffordable pricingStarts at $9/month4.7/5PardotB2B OrganizationsWeb, iOS, AndroidSalesforce integrationStarts at $1,250/month4.2/5MailchimpStartups, SMBsWeb, iOS, AndroidFree tier, email automationFree/Starts at $10/month4.5/5SendinblueSMBsWeb, iOS, AndroidMulti-channel campaignsStarts at $25/month4.6/5GetResponseSmall BusinessesWeb, iOS, AndroidWebinar hostingStarts at $15/month4.5/5SharpSpringAgencies, SMBsWeb, iOS, AndroidFlexible workflowsStarts at $550/month4.4/5OntraportSMBsWeb, iOS, AndroidCRM and e-commerce integrationStarts at $79/month4.3/5KeapSmall BusinessesWeb, iOS, AndroidCRM and automation comboStarts at $79/month4.6/5 Which Marketing Automation Platform Tool is Right for You? When choosing a marketing automation platform, consider factors like company size, industry needs, budget, and the specific features that are most important to you. For instance: Small businesses may find tools like ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, or Keap ideal due to their affordability and simplicity. Enterprises with complex needs might opt for Marketo Engage or Pardot due to their robust analytics and integration features. B2B marketers might prefer Marketo or HubSpot for lead nurturing and customer relationship management. Conclusion Marketing automation platforms are an essential part of any modern marketing strategy, providing the tools to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and optimize customer engagement. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, these top tools for 2026 offer diverse features to suit businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, there’s a solution out there to help you enhance your marketing efforts, improve ROI, and deliver personalized experiences at scale. We encourage you to explore these tools with demos or free trials to determine which one fits best with your marketing goals. FAQs 1. What is a marketing automation platform? A marketing automation platform automates repetitive marketing tasks such as email campaigns, social media posting, and lead nurturing, helping businesses improve efficiency and scale their marketing efforts. 2. How do I choose the best marketing automation tool? Consider factors such as business size, budget, necessary features, and integrations with other tools when choosing the right platform. 3. Can I integrate a marketing automation platform with my CRM? Yes, many platforms, including HubSpot, Marketo, and Pardot, offer seamless integration with popular CRMs such as Salesforce. 4. Are there any free marketing automation tools? Yes, tools like Mailchimp offer free tiers with basic email marketing features, suitable for small businesses or startups. 5. What is the most affordable marketing automation platform? ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp are among the most affordable options for small businesses, with pricing starting as low as $9/month. View the full article

AirPods Pro 3 demand was so strong after they launched in September last year that Apple's CEO Tim Cook said the company was caught off guard. "AirPods Pro 3 were supply-constrained during the quarter, and we think we would have grown year over year if we would not have been constrained," Cook told The Wall Street Journal, in a report published alongside Apple's record-breaking earnings results for the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year. AirPods Pro 3 no longer have any extended delivery delays on Apple's online store, so it would appear that Apple has caught up on supply by now. AirPods Pro 3 feature increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, longer battery life per charge, heart rate monitoring during workouts, improved fit for many users, increased water resistance, a new XXS ear tip size, and more.Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: AirPods This article, "Apple Was Caught Off Guard by AirPods Pro 3 Popularity" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

On an earnings call with equity analysts today, Apple CEO Tim Cook responded to fast-rising RAM and SSD storage prices in the supply chain. Cook said that rising memory chip prices had a "minimal impact" on Apple's gross margin in the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year, but he does expect a "bit more of an impact" on the company's gross margin in the current quarter. Cook added that Apple is aware of the rising prices and "will look at a range of options to deal with that" over the long term, if necessary. Apple reported record-breaking revenue of $143.8 billion last quarter, up 16% year-over-year, and it is predicting similar 13% to 16% year-over-year growth and gross margin of 48% to 49% in the current quarter, so the company is still reporting impressive earnings results despite concerns surrounding memory chip prices. This article, "Apple Responds to Fast-Rising RAM and Storage Chip Prices" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

There are now more than 2.5 billion active Apple devices, the company announced today. "We are also excited to announce that our installed base now has more than 2.5 billion active devices, which is a testament to incredible customer satisfaction for the very best products and services in the world," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a press release announcing the company's record-breaking earnings results. Apple said it had more than 2.35 billion active devices in the year-ago quarter, and the number continues to rise. It shows that Apple has a massive opportunity to sell services, ranging from Apple Music subscriptions to iCloud+ storage plans. This article, "Apple Reaches Massive New Number of Active Devices" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today reported earnings results for the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year, including record-breaking $143.8 billion revenue that was up 16% year-over-year. These results were driven in part by exceptionally strong iPhone sales. iPhone revenue in the quarter was $85.2 billion, a new all-time high. That is up from $69.1 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 23% increase. "iPhone had its best-ever quarter driven by unprecedented demand, with all-time records across every geographic segment," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, in Apple's press release announcing its earnings results. Cook told CNBC's Steve Kovach that demand for the iPhone last quarter was "simply staggering" and beat Apple's expectations. The latest iPhone lineup includes the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple does not break down iPhone revenue on a model-by-model basis, and it did not comment on which models were most popular last quarter. The quarter encompassed the 2025 holiday shopping season, so it is safe to say that a lot of people were gifted a shiny new iPhone last month.Related Roundups: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone AirBuyer's Guide: iPhone 17 (Neutral), iPhone 17 Pro (Neutral), iPhone Air (Buy Now)Related Forum: iPhone This article, "Apple CEO Tim Cook Says iPhone Demand Was 'Simply Staggering' Towards End of 2025" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today announced financial results for the first fiscal quarter of 2026, which corresponds to the fourth calendar quarter of 2025. For the quarter, Apple posted revenue of $143.8 billion and net quarterly profit of $42.1 billion, or $2.84 per diluted share, compared to revenue of $124.3 billion and net quarterly profit of $36.3 billion, or $2.40 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Apple set all-time records during the quarter for total revenue, earnings per share, iPhone revenue, and services revenue. Total revenue was up 16 percent year-over-year, while earnings per share rose by 19 percent. Gross margin for the quarter was 48.2 percent, compared to 46.9 percent in the year-ago quarter. Apple also declared a quarterly dividend payment of $0.26 per share, payable on February 12 to shareholders of record as of February 9."Today, Apple is proud to report a remarkable, record-breaking quarter, with revenue of $143.8 billion, up 16 percent from a year ago and well above our expectations," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "iPhone had its best-ever quarter driven by unprecedented demand, with all-time records across every geographic segment, and Services also achieved an all-time revenue record, up 14 percent from a year ago. We are also excited to announce that our installed base now has more than 2.5 billion active devices, which is a testament to incredible customer satisfaction for the very best products and services in the world."As has been the case for over five years now, Apple is once again not issuing guidance for the current quarter ending in March. Apple will provide live streaming of its fiscal Q1 2026 financial results conference call at 2:00 pm Pacific, and MacRumors will update this story with coverage of the conference call highlights. Conference call starts at 2:00 p.m. Pacific - No need to refresh Loading live updates... Tag: Earnings This article, "Apple Reports Record-Setting 1Q 2026 Results: $42.1B Profit on $143.8B Revenue" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The non-profit Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) today launched an "Encrypt It Already" campaign that calls on tech companies such as Apple, Google, Meta, and others to implement or expand end-to-end encryption on their platforms. iCloud already provides end-to-end encryption for more than a dozen data categories by default. For users looking for additional protection, Apple offers an optional feature called Advanced Data Protection, which extends end-to-end encryption to iCloud Backup, Notes, Photos, Voice Memos, and more. But, the EFF wants Apple to go further. For example, the EFF said Apple and Google should deliver on a promise to implement end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging. Last year, Apple said it planned to add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to the Messages app in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS updates, but it did not provide a specific timeframe. Starting with the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for carriers to be able to support end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging. iMessage has already supported end-to-end encryption by default since 2011. The EFF also called on Apple and Google to offer users per-app AI permissions, so Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini can be turned off in certain apps. The non-profit organization said it is also important how tech companies communicate new implementations of end-to-end encryption. It encouraged the companies to write blog posts that summarize key details, publish technical papers and user documentation that go into further detail, and follow best practices for data minimization. The EFF encourages people to use Apple's feedback form to let the company know that additional end-to-end encryption support is important to them.Tag: EFF This article, "Apple Called Out in New 'Encrypt It Already' Campaign" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The launch of Apple Creator Studio on Wednesday would have been a fitting opportunity for Apple to unveil new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, but unfortunately it looks like that was nothing more than wishful thinking. For now, all we have is a broad timeframe from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who expects new MacBook Pro models "in the first half of the year." The next window for Apple to update the MacBook Pro might be tied to the upcoming release of macOS 26.3. In October, AppleInsider's Marko Zivkovic said the MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are "expected to ship with macOS 26.3," at least as of the time that he wrote that. macOS 26.3 remains in beta testing, but it should be coming out soon, with a public release expected in the first half of February. Like the Apple Creator Studio launch, though, the release of macOS 26.3 could come and go without any new MacBook Pro models. But, until a more specific release date is rumored, this is all we have to go on for now. Keep in mind that Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak has often put out a social media teaser for upcoming launches lately, including for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M5 chip most recently. He did not put out a teaser before the new AirTag, but that was merely an accessory. So, perhaps we will have to wait for that. Beyond the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the next MacBook Pro models are not expected to have any major changes. We recommend skipping the next models, unless you really need to upgrade, as the MacBook Pro is expected to receive a major redesign with an OLED touch screen, a thinner case, and more as soon as late 2026. While reports have said there is a chance that the redesigned MacBook Pro does not arrive until 2027, there is precedent for two MacBook Pro refreshes in one year. In 2023, Apple released MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January, followed by models with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips in October. In the meantime, the wait for the models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips continues.Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Caution)Related Forum: MacBook Pro This article, "MacBook Pro: What to Know as Wait Continues for M5 Pro and M5 Max" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today confirmed to Reuters that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that is working on artificial intelligence technology for audio. Apple paid close to $2 billion for Q.ai, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone and audio brand Beats in 2014. Q.ai has developed technology that can "analyze facial expressions" to understand "silent speech," according to the Financial Times. "Patents filed by Q.Ai show its technology being used in headphones or glasses, using 'facial skin micro movements' to communicate without talking," the report said, adding that this could pave the way for "non-verbal discussions" with Siri. Q.ai CEO Aviad Maizels previously founded another Israeli startup, PrimeSense, which was also acquired by Apple in 2013. Apple used PrimeSense's technology to develop Face ID, which debuted on the iPhone X in 2017. Q.ai's founding team will join Apple, including Maizels, Yonatan Wexler, and Avi Barliya. Apple's chipmaking chief Johny Srouji described Q.ai as "a remarkable company that is pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning," in a statement shared with Reuters. "We're thrilled to acquire the company, with Aviad at the helm, and are even more excited for what's to come." This acquisition comes as Apple's former design chief Jony Ive has been working with OpenAI on a new AI device, and as other companies like Meta have released AI-powered devices such as the Meta Ray-Ban glasses with an in-lens display.Tags: Apple Acquisition, Financial Times This article, "Apple Just Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever After Beats" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's new AirTag introduces a series of small improvements, so how does it compare to the original model from 2021? The second-generation ‌AirTag‌ arrives five years after the original, bringing improvements to tracking range, speaker output, and internal design while retaining the same outward design and accessory compatibility. At the same time, first-generation AirTags remain available from some retailers at reduced prices, raising the question of whether the newer model is worth choosing over the original, or whether the earlier ‌AirTag‌ still makes sense as a lower-cost option. The comparison below outlines every difference between the two generations, including Apple-announced feature upgrades and hardware changes identified through teardowns. While both models perform the same core function of tracking items through the Find My network, there are some small differences worth noting: ‌AirTag‌ (first-generation, 2021) ‌AirTag‌ (second-generation, 2026) First-generation Ultra Wideband chip Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Shorter Precision Finding range Up to 50% farther Precision Finding range Precision Finding on iPhone only Precision Finding on ‌iPhone‌ and Apple Watch (Series 9 and later and Ultra 2) Earlier Bluetooth implementation Upgraded Bluetooth with increased range Bluetooth identifiers rotate at standard intervals Bluetooth identifiers rotate more frequently Standard speaker volume Up to 50% louder speaker Chime note in F Chime note in G Works on earlier supported iOS versions Requires iOS 26.2.1 or later Reset without a required wait between battery removals Reset requires battery out for at least five seconds each cycle 11g weight 11.8g weight (around 7% heavier) Back text listing "Assembled in China" and "Designed by Apple" Back text in all-caps listing IP67, NFC, and ‌Find My‌ Thicker main PCB Thinner main PCB with revised battery connectors, and additional test pads and markings Smaller speaker coil Slightly larger speaker coil Speaker magnet more easily removable Speaker magnet more firmly secured and harder to remove Wider box with flat printed text and plastic pull tabs Redesigned narrower box with updated artwork, raised UV printed text, and paper pull tabs Folio-style inner tray holding up to two rows of two AirTags Redesigned inner tray with simpler design holding up to four AirTags For buyers choosing between the two ‌AirTag‌ models, the decision depends less on basic tracking and more on how and where an ‌AirTag‌ is typically used. Both generations rely on the same ‌Find My‌ network for long-distance location updates, offer similar battery life, and work with the same accessories, so neither model is considerably better for general item tracking. The second-generation ‌AirTag‌ is likely to benefit users who frequently rely on Precision Finding rather than approximate location. The extended Ultra Wideband range makes it easier to determine the specific location of items, while the louder speaker improves audibility in noisy spaces or when an ‌AirTag‌ is buried inside a bag or suitcase. Support for Precision Finding on compatible Apple Watch models also makes the newer ‌AirTag‌ more convenient for users who often leave their ‌iPhone‌ behind. The first-generation ‌AirTag‌ remains a practical option for the overwhelming majority of use cases, such as tracking keys, backpacks, or household items that are usually misplaced within short distances. If available at a meaningful discount, it may offer better value for users who do not need Precision Finding at extended range, do not use an Apple Watch for item location, or simply want basic ‌Find My‌ functionality at the lowest cost. For existing ‌AirTag‌ owners, there is certainly no pressing need to upgrade. For new buyers, the second-generation ‌AirTag‌ simply offers the most complete feature set and greater flexibility going forward, acting as a moderate specification bump over the previous model.Tag: AirTag This article, "AirTag 1 vs. AirTag 2 Buyer's Guide: All 15+ Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Following a quiet start to 2026, the final week of January has been a busy one for Apple so far. There are new versions of the AirTag and the Black Unity band for the Apple Watch, and the Apple Creator Studio bundle is now available. Apple also released iOS 26.2.1 and watchOS 26.2.1 updates, and iOS 26.3 beta testing continues. While the launch of Apple Creator Studio would have been a fitting opportunity for Apple to unveil new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, unfortunately it looks like that proved to be nothing more than wishful thinking. We have recapped our coverage of everything new below. New AirTag Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More 10+ Things to Know About the New AirTag 2 New AirTag's Improved Precision Finding Requires These iPhone Models AirTag 2: These Airlines Offer Feature That Helps Find Your Lost Bags Precision Finding on Apple Watch Doesn't Work With the Original AirTag Teardown Reveals AirTag 2 is Full of Hidden Changes New Black Unity Band Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch Band Apple Creator Studio Apple's 'Creator Studio' App Bundle Now Available for $12.99 Per Month Apple Creator Studio Hands-On: What You Get for $12.99 Per Month Apple Updates Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro With These New Features Apple Updates Keynote, Numbers, and Pages Apps With New Free and Paid Features Pixelmator Pro Launches on iPad With Apple Pencil Support and More Apple Stops Selling $200 'Pro Apps' Bundle With Final Cut Pro and More Software Updates Apple Releases iOS 26.2.1 With AirTag 2 Support Apple Releases watchOS 26.2.1, Adding Precision Finding Support for AirTag 2 Apple Seeds Third Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Developers Apple Seeds Third Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Public Beta Testers iOS 26.3 Adds Privacy Setting to Limit Carrier Location Tracking Warning: These Continuity Features Are Broken on Latest iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Betas iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch This article, "Here's Everything Apple Released This Week" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Amazon this week has a few notable sales from popular brands like Anker, Ecovacs, and Jackery. These include discounts on everything from MagSafe-compatible chargers to portable power stations and robot vacuums. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Amazon has discounts on multiple Anker charging accessories, including products like the 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube for $99.98, down from $149.95 and the SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern for $169.99, down from $249.00. You can find these deals and more in the lists below, and this time around none require any coupon codes. $50 OFFAnker Charging Cube for $99.98 $79 OFFAnker Power Station + Lantern for $169.99 Anker 6-in-1 USB-C Power Strip - $79.99, down from $109.99 140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $64.99, down from $99.99 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $99.98, down from $149.95 SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $169.99, down from $249.00 SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $429.00, down from $799.00 SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $799.00, down from $1,499.00 Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station + Solar Panel - $349.00, down from $499.00 Explorer 1000 V2 Portable Power Station - $424.65, down from $799.00 Explorer 1500 Portable Power Station - $898.99, down from $1,399.00 HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station - $1,299.00, down from $2,499.00 HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station + Solar Panels - $1,598.99, down from $2,999.00 HomePower 3600 Plus Portable Power Station - $2,099.00, down from $3,699.00 Ecovacs Deebot N20 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop - $161.49, down from $199.99 Deebot T80 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop - $499.99, down from $999.99 Deebot X9 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop - $699.00, down from $799.00 Deebot X8 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop - $749.00, down from $1,099.99 Deebot X11 OmniCyclone Robot Vacuum and Mop - $1,099.00, down from $1,499.99 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, "Amazon Discounts Anker's Most Popular MagSafe-Compatible Chargers, Power Stations, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio this week, Apple has quietly stopped selling its valuable "Pro Apps Bundle for Education" (archived link). "Pro Apps Bundle for Education" included one-time-purchase versions of Apple's Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps at a steep discount, with U.S. pricing set at $199.99. Purchasing each of the included apps separately costs $629.95, so the bundle provided more than $400 in savings. While the bundle was sold through Apple's online education store since its launch in 2017, there was no student or teacher verification system in the U.S. and certain other countries, so most customers were able to purchase it. Anyone who already purchased the bundle can continue to use the apps. Apple also appears to be cracking down on sharing the apps included in the bundle. According to a MacRumors tipster, sharing the apps with others as a ZIP file no longer works, as the recipient will receive an error when opening the apps. Apple Creator Studio is a new subscription bundle that provides access to Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on the Mac and/or iPad, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. One-time-purchase versions of all six apps remain available on the Mac for now. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium content" in apps like Pixelmator Pro, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and later Freeform.Tags: Apple Creator Studio, Pro Apps for Education This article, "Apple Stops Selling $200 'Pro Apps' Bundle With Final Cut Pro and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Lockdown Mode is an optional security feature designed by Apple to provide maximum protection against highly sophisticated digital threats. When enabled on your Apple device, it greatly reduces exposure to complex attacks by restricting certain features and network connections. Keep reading to learn how to use it across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. For most users of Apple devices, the standard iOS, iPadOS, and macOS security protections should be sufficient, whereas Lockdown Mode is aimed at users who could be targets of cyberattacks, such as journalists, activists, and government employees. That said, any user can enable it on their device for what Apple calls an "extreme" level of security. Lockdown Mode Protections When enabled, Lockdown Mode strictly limits or disables the functionality of features, apps, and websites. Lockdown Mode protections include the following: In the Messages app, most message attachment types other than images are blocked, and some features like link previews are unavailable. Incoming FaceTime calls from people you have not previously called are blocked. Incoming invitations for other Apple services from people you have not previously invited are also blocked. Some complex web technologies and browsing features, including just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless the user excludes a trusted site from Lockdown Mode. This protection applies to Safari and all other web browsers using WebKit across the ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, and Mac. Shared albums will be removed from the Photos app, and new shared album invitations will be blocked. When a device is locked, wired connections with other devices/accessories are blocked. Configuration profiles cannot be installed, and the device cannot enroll into mobile device management (MDM), while Lockdown Mode is turned on. Certain network protocols and services are restricted. How to Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone and iPad Lockdown Mode is turned off by default on ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌, but you can enable it by following these steps. Open the Settings app. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security. Scroll to the bottom and tap Lockdown Mode. Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode. Review the information about what features are restricted, then tap Turn On & Restart. After the restart, Lockdown Mode will be active. You can confirm this by returning to Settings ➝ Privacy & Security ➝ Lockdown Mode, where a toggle will show that it's on. How to Enable Lockdown Mode on Mac Open System Settings. Click Privacy & Security in the sidebar. Under the "Security" section at the bottom, click Lockdown Mode. Click Turn On Lockdown Mode. Review the protections and click Turn On & Restart. Your Mac will restart and Lockdown Mode will be enabled when it boots up. How to Turn Off Lockdown Mode Whether you're on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, these are the steps to follow: In Settings on iPhone/iPad (or System Settings on Mac) go to Privacy & Security ➝ Lockdown Mode. Tap or click the Lockdown Mode toggle to turn it off. Confirm that you want to turn it off. Your device will restart to leave Lockdown Mode. Configuring Allowed Websites and App Exceptions While Lockdown Mode is active, some websites and certain app features may be blocked for security. Apple allows you to add exceptions in some areas. For example, in Safari, if a site is blocked by Lockdown Mode, you may be offered an option to allow website exceptions. This lets specific sites load normally while Lockdown Mode remains enabled. Some third-party apps may also appear in a list in Settings ➝ Privacy & Security ➝ Lockdown Mode ➝ Configure Web Browsing, and you can turn off Lockdown Mode for those apps individually. This lets an app continue to function normally if it was being restricted by Lockdown Mode's web content limitations. This article, "Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone, iPad, and Mac" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article