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Apple's Fifth Avenue Store is Closing Overnight Next Week, Here's Why
Apple's iconic Fifth Avenue store in New York City is normally open 24/7, but it will be closed overnight on some days next week. According to Apple's website, the store will be closing at 10 p.m. local time each night on Monday, February 2 through Wednesday, February 4. The store will re-open each morning at 8 a.m. local time during this period. Apple is closing the store to complete maintenance on the signature glass cube entrance, according to a source familiar with the matter. Apple's official explanation is "preservation work." Opened in 2006, Apple Fifth Avenue features a street-level glass cube entrance, leading to an underground store. Apple's CEO Tim Cook and other company executives often attend the store for major new product launches. The store's cube has been outfitted with everything from a giant Apple Vision Pro headset outline to colorful Siri glow in recent years.Tag: Apple Store This article, "Apple's Fifth Avenue Store is Closing Overnight Next Week, Here's Why" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Faces Lawsuit Over Continuity Camera Patent and Antitrust Claims
Apple this week got sued in a New Jersey Federal court by the maker of mobile video app Camo, alleging Apple stole its technology when the company integrated its Continuity Camera feature into iOS 16 in 2022. Released by London-based Reincubate in 2020, the Camo app enables iPhone and Android smartphones to be used as webcams for desktop-based video calls. Apple's Continuity Camera serves a similar function within its own ecosystem, allowing an iPhone to be used as a wireless webcam with a nearby Mac that is signed into the same Apple Account. Reincubate said the tech giant copied patented features from its Camo app and incorporated them into its mobile operating system in order to "redirect user demand to Apple's own platform-tied offering." According to the lawsuit, Apple "actively induced and encouraged" Reincubate to develop and market Camo for iOS, then later copied its functionality and built it into iOS as Continuity Camera. "In most of those cases, Apple has not actively induced the developer to test and build software," the lawsuit said. "Here, Apple actively cultivated a relationship of trust with Reincubate, induced the company to share technical details, beta builds, and market data, and leveraged that privileged access to inform its own development of Continuity Camera."Reincubate called Apple's conduct an example of "Sherlocking," which refers to Apple building an app or system feature that duplicates functionality previously offered by a third-party app. "Rather than competing with us, Apple deployed a series of obstacles to tilt the playing field, infringed our IP, and did so in service of preventing competition from rival platforms," Reincubate CEO Aidan Fitzpatrick said in a statement given to Reuters. "Apple competes fairly while respecting the intellectual property rights of others, and these camera features were developed internally by Apple engineers," Apple responded in a statement. Aside from accusing Apple of infringing its patents, Reincubate's suit was filed as an antitrust claim, alleging that Apple violates U.S. law by locking users into its ecosystem and preventing them from switching to competitors. Reincubate has requested unspecified monetary damages and court orders that would block Apple's alleged misconduct. Tags: Apple Antitrust, Continuity, Apple Lawsuits This article, "Apple Faces Lawsuit Over Continuity Camera Patent and Antitrust Claims" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Pushes Carrier Settings Update to Fix Telstra Issue on iPhones Running iOS 16.7.3
Apple has released a carrier settings update for Telstra customers in Australia that resolves the issue affecting iPhones running iOS 16.7.3, which was released and then made unavailable to download by Apple earlier this week. The fix is delivered via a carrier bundle update, which adjusts network-related settings such as connectivity and calling features, without requiring an iOS update. Affected users who updated to iOS 16.7.3 before Apple stopped signing it can install the bundle on their iPhone by going to Settings ➝ General ➝ About, where a prompt to update carrier settings should appear. Once installed, the Service Provider field in Settings should display "Telstra 54.1," said the telecommunications company in an updated support document. The original issue that caused Apple to unsign iOS 16.7.3 prevented some older iPhone models from connecting to the Telstra network, including via emergency calls to 000. As things stand, iOS 16.7.3 remains unavailable to download. It's still unclear if Apple will re-sign it, with the carrier bundle available separately, or whether it will issue a new point release of iOS with the bundle packaged in. This article, "Apple Pushes Carrier Settings Update to Fix Telstra Issue on iPhones Running iOS 16.7.3" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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iPhone 16 Tops List of World's Best-Selling Smartphones in 2025
Apple's iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone globally in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research's latest report. Apple and Samsung devices dominated the top 10 list for the fourth consecutive year, accounting for 19% of overall smartphone sales. Apple claimed seven of the top 10 spots, while Samsung captured the remaining three. Launched in September, the iPhone 17 series achieved 16% higher sales than its predecessor during its first full quarter, driven by strong demand in the U.S., China, and Western Europe. Counterpoint said the base iPhone 17 model was the standout performer, registering the highest growth among all devices and climbing the rankings compared to where the iPhone 16 debuted in 2024. Counterpoint attributed the growth to the iPhone 17's upgrades, such as a higher refresh rate (120Hz vs 60Hz), and larger base storage (256GB vs. 128GB). The more affordable iPhone 16e, launched in spring 2025, also contributed additional sales with its more accessible $599 entry point into Apple's ecosystem. In fifth position, Samsung's Galaxy A16 5G became the best-selling Android smartphone of 2025, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra secured a flagship spot for the second consecutive year in ninth. The S25 Ultra grew more than 3x year-over-year in Japan, according to the research firm. Looking ahead, Counterpoint expects premium flagship devices to increase their presence in 2026 as rising memory prices disproportionately impact entry-to-mid-segment devices. Apple still sells iPhone 16 models as part of its smartphone lineup. Priced starting at $699, the previous-generation device features an A18 chip that supports Apple Intelligence, a dual-lens camera system, a Camera Control button for quick camera access, and a customizable Action button.Related Roundup: iPhone 16Tag: CounterpointRelated Forum: iPhone This article, "iPhone 16 Tops List of World's Best-Selling Smartphones in 2025" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Google Chrome Gets Gemini Side Panel and Agentic Browsing Features
AI-powered browsing features have become a battleground among browser makers in recent months. OpenAI launched its Atlas browser in October, while Microsoft Edge and Opera have also introduced AI assistants and automated browsing capabilities. And now Google is upping the ante. The company has announced a slew of new AI features fro Chrome, including a persistent sidebar for the Gemini chatbot and "auto browse" capabilities that can perform web tasks on your behalf. The update moves Gemini from its previous floating window into an always-available side panel on the right side of the browser, which inevitably shrinks the browsing window. Google, however, says the redesign allows you to multitask more easily, since you can keep your main tab open while using the AI assistant for separate tasks, such as comparing products across multiple tabs or summarizing reviews from different websites. Chrome is also gaining Nano Banana integration, Google's AI image generator. You can now transform images directly in the browser window using text prompts, without needing to download files or switch tabs. The headline feature though is "auto browse," which is currently rolling out to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. According to Google, the agentic tool can handle multi-step tasks like researching hotel and flight prices, filling out online forms, scheduling appointments, and managing subscriptions. Google says it can even identify items in a photo, search for similar products, add them to a shopping cart, and apply discount codes. The company says it even does all this while staying within a specified budget. Auto browse can use Chrome's built-in password manager (with user permission) for tasks requiring login credentials. The feature is designed to pause and ask you for confirmation for sensitive actions like purchases or social media posts, according to the company. Lastly, Google plans to add "Personal Intelligence" to Chrome in the coming months. The feature lets the browser remember context from past conversations you've had with it and provide more personalized assistance. Google hasn't specified a Chrome version that will include all of these features, but the company said the Gemini sidebar support and Nano Banana integration are rolling out now as a server-side service update. Tag: Google Chrome This article, "Google Chrome Gets Gemini Side Panel and Agentic Browsing Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Signs Deal for Brandon Sanderson's 'Cosmere' Universe Movies and TV Shows
Apple has signed a deal with popular fantasy author Brandon Sanderson for film and TV rights to Sanderson's "Cosmere" universe, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sanderson has a large body of work, but some of his most popular fantasy books could be adapted first. Mistborn could be turned into a movie series, while The Stormlight Archive is being considered for television. Mistborn is a book series that's split into two eras, with the first three books featuring a group of magic-using metal manipulators or "Allomancers" overthrowing a dystopian empire. The second set of books follows the exploits of Wax and Wayne, two lawmen with magical abilities in a more modern setting. There are two additional eras planned for the same Mistborn series, so Apple has access to content that could result in a dozen movies. The Stormlight Archive currently features five epic fantasy books, each of which could easily be used for multiple seasons of a TV show. The Stormlight Archive is a classic good vs. evil tale, featuring the Knights Radiant against Voidbringers who want to conquer the world. Sanderson has 10 total books planned for The Stormlight Archive, but the "Cosmere" universe also includes many other standalone novels, all of which are linked together. Sanderson is one of the most well-known current fantasy authors, and in addition to his own books, he finished Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time after Jordan passed away. A TV show based on the Stormlight Archive is already in the early stages of planning. Blue Marble, a film studio run by Pachinko producer Theresa Kang-Lowe, is set to produce. Kang-Lowe has an exclusive content production deal with Apple. Apple won the deal after Sanderson met with multiple potential partners. Apple agreed to give Sanderson unprecedented control over screen translations, so he will write, produce, and consult on any TV shows or movies that Apple makes about the Cosmere universe. Sanderson is known for having some of the most popular Kickstarter campaigns to date, raising close to $100 million by selling his books.Tag: Apple TV Plus This article, "Apple Signs Deal for Brandon Sanderson's 'Cosmere' Universe Movies and TV Shows" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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'Halide' Co-Founder Sebastiaan de With Joins Apple's Design Team
Sebastiaan de With, co-founder of the popular iPhone camera app Halide, today announced that he has joined the Human Interface Design team at Apple. "So excited to work with the very best team in the world on my favorite products," he said. This marks a return to Apple for de With, who previously worked on things such as iCloud, MobileMe, and the Find My app. He has also completed design work for other companies, such as Sony, Mozilla, Oracle, HP, and EA, in the past. de With is a well-known figure in the online Apple and photography communities. Apple's design team is undergoing many changes. Last year, the company's former software design chief Alan Dye left for Meta, and Apple's hardware engineering chief and leading CEO candidate John Ternus was reportedly tapped to oversee the company's entire hardware and software design teams towards the end of last year. Over the past several years, some Apple designers have left to work with Jony Ive, the legendary former Apple design chief. Ive left Apple in 2019 to start his own design firm LoveFrom, and he has been working with OpenAI on a new AI device. In related news, Halide's parent company Lux today launched a public preview of Halide Mark III, the next-generation version of its flagship camera app. This article, "'Halide' Co-Founder Sebastiaan de With Joins Apple's Design Team" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Warning: These Continuity Features Are Broken on Latest iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Betas
Users of Apple's latest iPhone and iPad Pro models who have been beta testing iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 may want to hold off on updating to the third betas released earlier this week, as several Continuity-related features are currently broken on these devices. Apple has updated its developer release notes for the third betas of iOS and iPadOS 26.3 to outline the devices and features that are affected:The following Continuity features do not work on iPhone 17, Phone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air and iPad Pro (M5) with iOS / iPadOS 26.3 Beta 3: iPhone Mirroring AirPlay mirroring to Apple TV 4K Using Continuity Camera wirelessly with Mac or Apple TV 4K Sidecar from Mac to iPad Pro (M5)Apple has not provided any details on why these features are not working on the latest betas, but the issue will presumably be fixed in the next round of betas. We're expecting a public release of iOS 26.3 and related updates fairly soon, as the x.3 updates typically drop in late January each year. With just a few days left in the month, it appears the release schedule may slip into early February for this cycle, but we should be seeing release candidate versions seeded to developers and beta testers relatively soon ahead of the public releases.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26 This article, "Warning: These Continuity Features Are Broken on Latest iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Betas" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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'Ted Lasso' is Returning to Apple TV, Here's When
Apple today announced that its hit comedy-drama series "Ted Lasso" is returning for a fourth season in "summer 2026," but it did not share a specific date. "Ted Lasso" is one of the most popular shows ever released on the Apple TV streaming service. The eponymous character Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, starts off as a small-time football coach from Kansas who is hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching soccer. In the fourth season, Apple says Lasso returns to England to take on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women's soccer team. "Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would," said Apple. The fourth season is currently in production, according to Apple, and fan favorites such as Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift are all set to return in the upcoming episodes. The third season of "Ted Lasso" was released in 2023, so there has been a long wait for a fourth season. The series has won several major awards since it debuted in 2020, with its overall positive tone making it a popular comfort show.Tag: Apple TV Shows This article, "'Ted Lasso' is Returning to Apple TV, Here's When" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Will Soon Take Up to a 30% Cut From All Patreon Creators on iOS
Apple has set a new deadline of November 1, 2026 for all Patreon creators to switch from Patreon's legacy billing system to the App Store's in-app purchase system in the Patreon app on the iPhone and iPad, as reported by TechCrunch. Note: This image has been edited to include a pile of cash. Patreon is a platform where creators such as YouTubers can receive payments from fans, which can be a valuable revenue stream alongside ads and sponsorships. Apple initially told Patreon that its creators must move to the App Store's in-app purchase system by November 2025, or else Patreon would risk removal from the App Store, but the deadline was pushed back. Apple considers payments from supporters to creators on Patreon to be digital goods that it is entitled to receive a commission on. Apple receives a 30% commission on in-app purchases and subscriptions, but this drops to 15% for a subscription that has been ongoing for more than a year. Patreon said it is disappointed with how Apple has navigated this policy. According to TechCrunch, only 4% of Patreon creators are still using the platform's legacy billing system, with the rest having already switched over. Patreon has shared a FAQ with more details for creators.Tags: App Store, Patreon This article, "Apple Will Soon Take Up to a 30% Cut From All Patreon Creators on iOS" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Pay Promo Offers Discount on Valentine's Day Flowers
Apple's latest Apple Pay promotion is offering Apple users in the U.S. a discount on flowers ahead of Valentine's Day. Customers can get $20 off of a 1-800-Flowers purchase of $49.99 or more when using Apple Pay. The discount is available from now until February 12, and it is available when ordering flowers from the 1-800-Flowers website or app. To get the deal, use Apple Pay when checking out, and enter the promo code APPLEPAY. 1-800-Flowers is able to provide flower deliveries across the United States, with bouquet options varying by location.Tag: Apple Pay Promo This article, "Apple Pay Promo Offers Discount on Valentine's Day Flowers" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Creator Studio Hands-On: What You Get for $12.99 Per Month
Apple today launched its latest subscription service, a software bundle called Creator Studio. Creator Studio provides access to Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage for one $12.99 per month fee, with a $129 per year purchase option also available. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. We checked out the Creator Studio bundle to see if it's worth what Apple is charging. Creator Studio includes Apple's pro image, audio, and video editing apps that were previously only available for one-time purchase. If you don't currently own Apple's apps and you have need for a range of creative tools, the bundle has the potential to be a good deal. Many of Apple's apps are hundreds of dollars if you purchase them on a standalone basis. Here are the individual costs: Final Cut Pro - $299.99 Logic Pro - $199.99 Pixelmator Pro - $49.99 Compressor - $49.99 Motion - $49.99 MainStage - $29.99 Together, the apps cost just about $680, so there is potentially money to be saved by paying $12.99 per month or $129 per year. Creator Studio provides full access to the apps, along with exclusive AI features that are not available in the standalone versions. Apple is even including Creator Studio-exclusive features in its free apps like Freeform, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. You can use Freeform, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers for free and purchase Apple's apps without opting for Creator Studio, but a Creator Studio subscription is the only way to get the new AI features that Apple has developed. Unfortunately, there is no option to purchase access to just one or two apps at a lower subscription price. Creator Studio is all or nothing, so if you just want access to image editing capabilities with Pixelmator Pro and also the AI tools for Apple's iWork app, you have no option to pay less just for those. You have to pay the full $12.99 per month price even if you don't need some of the apps. Apple envisions Creative Studio as a tool for creatives who need to do all their content creation and management on their own, from filming videos to creating audio for those videos to making graphics. It is a highly useful option for people who can take advantage of most of the apps, but it isn't going to make as much sense for those who just need one or two. Creator Studio is best for people who have shied away from Apple's professional video and audio editing apps because of their high cost, or those who need tools for video creation, music making, and image editing. It would be nice if Apple could offer more specialized, affordable bundles in the future, much like Adobe does for its Creative Cloud apps. Apple is offering a one-month free trial for those who want to try out Creator Studio, or a three-month trial with the purchase of an eligible Mac or iPad. Up to six family members can share a single Creative Studio subscription. Do you plan to subscribe to Creative Studio? Let us know in the comments below.Tag: Apple Creator Studio This article, "Apple Creator Studio Hands-On: What You Get for $12.99 Per Month" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Pixelmator Pro Launches on iPad With Apple Pencil Support and More
Apple today released Pixelmator Pro for the iPad, complete with a new touch-optimized workspace, full Apple Pencil support, the ability to work between iPad and Mac, and all of the powerful editing tools from the Mac version. Pixelmator Pro is a popular image editing app that was acquired by Apple last year. There is already a more basic Pixelmator app available for the iPad and iPhone, but Apple says that app is "no longer being updated." To receive new features going forward, iPad users will need to move to the full-fledged Pixelmator Pro app. Apple says Pixelmator Pro for iPad is compatible with iPad models equipped with the A16, A17 Pro, or M1 chip or later on iPadOS 26 or later. Here are some of the Pixelmator Pro for iPad features highlighted by Apple:A full-featured Layers sidebar allows creators to use images, shapes, text, and video Smart selection tools for isolating and editing specific parts of images Advanced bitmap and vector masks Super Resolution for intelligently upscaling photos Deband for removing compression artifacts Auto Crop with automatic composition suggestions Apple Pencil support for pressure-sensitive brushing, plus hover, squeeze, and double tapPixelmator Pro for both iPad and Mac is available through the new Apple Creator Studio subscription bundle, which in the U.S. costs $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A one-time $49.99 purchase option remains available for the Mac app. Some new "intelligent features" and "premium content" in Pixelmator Pro will only be available with an Apple Creator Studio subscription. For example, in both the iPad and Mac apps, Apple Creator Studio subscribers have access to a new Warp tool for twisting and shaping image layers. The one-time-purchase Mac app did not receive this feature.Tags: Apple Creator Studio, Pixelmator This article, "Pixelmator Pro Launches on iPad With Apple Pencil Support and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Updates Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro With These New Features
Apple today updated its Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro apps, and there are many new features in both the one-time purchase and Apple Creator Studio versions. Here is what is new in all versions of Final Cut Pro on the Mac, regardless of whether you have an active Apple Creator Studio subscription:Powerful Intelligence • Use Transcript Search to quickly find spoken words or phrases in your footage by searching for exact matches or using natural language descriptions* • Discover Visual Search, a fast and easy way to locate moments in your footage, including objects and actions, using natural language* • Let Beat Detection analyze any song to reveal its bars and beats, enabling you to easily align your video edits to the music’s rhythm Get Started Fast • Dive into editing with a special demo project featuring the talented singer-songwriter Allie Sherlock, and explore the exciting new features of Final Cut Pro firsthand • Accelerate your next edit with in-app guides on how to create a new library, import media, and add clips to a new timeline * Requires a Mac with Apple siliconHere is what is new in Final Cut Pro on the iPad, which is now only available with an Apple Creator Studio subscription for new customers:Powerful Intelligence • Use Transcript Search to quickly find spoken words or phrases in your footage by searching for exact matches or using natural language descriptions (Requires iPadOS 26) • Discover Visual Search, a fast and easy way to locate moments in your footage, including objects and actions, using natural language (Requires iPadOS 26) • Let Beat Detection analyze any song to reveal its bars and beats, enabling you to easily align your video edits to the music’s rhythm Get Started Fast • Effortlessly create visual highlights videos set to your music with Montage Maker, ready to share or use as a creative starting point for your edits (Requires iPadOS 26) • Dive into editing with a special demo project featuring the talented singer-songwriter Allie Sherlock, and explore the exciting new features of Final Cut Pro firsthand • Elevate your videos with dynamic titles, add a personal flair with customizable graphic elements, and set the perfect pace with countdowns and timers Workflow Enhancements • Streamline your workflow with multiple selection support in the inspector, allowing you to make batch adjustments and changes to several clips at once • Keep your projects moving with background exports and track their progress in Live Activities, perfect for multitasking across apps (Requires iPad models with M3 or later and iPadOS 26) • Extend your workspace by connecting an external monitor to view and play back your edits with easeHere is what is new in all versions of Logic Pro on the Mac, regardless of whether you have an active Apple Creator Studio subscription:AI Session Players • Transform your tracks with the all-new Synth Player, and create keyboard and bass performances with intuitive controls • Generate dynamic synth performances that play notes and manipulate instruments • Use Simple Pad to add lush harmonic layers to your song, or add movement and dynamics with Modulated Pad and Rhythmic Chords • Explore popular synth bass styles including 808 Bass, Pump Bass, and Sequenced Bass to dial in the low end • Use Chord ID to identify chords from any part of your song and Session Players will automatically follow along Sound Library • Explore a free, expanding collection of premium sound packs with the brand new Sound Library • Listen to audio previews of any sound packs and install your favorites • Free up storage space by easily deleting packs you are no longer usingHere is what is new in Logic Pro on the iPad, which is now only available with an Apple Creator Studio subscription for new customers:AI Session Players • Transform your tracks with the all-new Synth Player, and create keyboard and bass performances with intuitive controls • Generate dynamic synth performances that play notes and manipulate instruments • Use Simple Pad to add lush harmonic layers to your song, or add movement and dynamics with Modulated Pad and Rhythmic Chords • Explore popular synth bass styles including 808 Bass, Pump Bass, and Sequenced Bass to dial in the low end • Use Chord ID to identify chords from any part of your song and Session Players will automatically follow along Quick Swipe Comping • Assemble the perfect performance by selecting the best moments from several takes • Organize takes using Take Folders and quickly compare different comps • Use Apple Pencil for even more precision when editing and selecting your best takes Music Understanding • Quickly and intuitively search for loops in the Browser using natural language phrases, like “dreamy electric piano” • Pick a loop, and the Browser uses machine learning to help you quickly discover similar loops from the Sound LibraryIf you were already subscribed to Final Cut Pro and/or Logic Pro on the iPad for $4.99 per month, you can continue to pay that price for access to the Apple Creator Studio versions of the apps on the iPad. If you want all of the other Mac and iPad apps that are included in Apple Creator Studio, you must pay the full $12.99 per month. On the Mac, Final Cut Pro companion apps Motion and Compressor and Logic Pro companion app MainStage were all updated today with the same set of new features across both the one-time purchase and Apple Creator Studio versions of the apps. Two other Apple apps updated today are iMovie on the Mac, and Final Cut Camera on the iPhone. Those apps are not part of Apple Creator Studio. Editor's Note: Confusing, we know.Tags: Apple Creator Studio, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro This article, "Apple Updates Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro With These New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Teardown Reveals AirTag 2 Is Full of Hidden Changes
Apple has made a series of notable internal changes with the second-generation AirTag, according to a teardown video by Joseph Taylor. Externally, the second-generation AirTag itself is effectively indistinguishable from the original and continues to use a standard CR2032 coin cell. The only visual differences are slight changes to the text on the back, which is now all in capital letters and lists IP67 water and dust resistance, as well as NFC and Find My support. The main PCB inside the second-generation AirTag is visibly thinner than that of the original model. The battery connectors are positioned at a different angle and the new board includes additional test pads that are likely related to manufacturing or diagnostics. Taylor also noted new markings inside the battery compartment, including a QR-code-like graphic. The speaker assembly also sees changes. The speaker coil embedded in the plastic shell appears slightly larger than in the first-generation AirTag, while the speaker magnet is more firmly secured. In the original AirTag, the magnet could be removed relatively easily, which enabled relatively easy modifications. In the second-generation model, the magnet is more firmly secure and requires noticeably more effort to remove. Taylor speculated that the increased use of adhesive could be related to anti-tampering efforts. Despite the removal of the speaker coil and magnet, the device was still able to connect to his iPhone, indicating that Apple has not introduced a firmware-level lockout or alert triggered by physical modifications. After pairing the device to an iPhone, the sound the AirTag emits is a "slightly higher pitch" compared to the original. A user on X has noted that the chime has changed from the note "F" to the note "G." Apple has also updated the AirTag's packaging, using a redesigned box with a narrower overall shape and updated front artwork. The printed text on the new box appears slightly raised via UV printing, and it now features paper adhesive pull tabs. Inside the box, the cardboard insert containing the AirTags is now simpler, with a single paper latch holding a lid over the tray of AirTags, which now sit as a row of four. In the original packaging, the AirTags sat in a doubled over folio in rows of two.Tag: AirTag This article, "Teardown Reveals AirTag 2 Is Full of Hidden Changes" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Updates Keynote, Numbers, and Pages Apps With New Free and Paid Features
Apple today updated its Keynote, Numbers, and Pages apps with many new features across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but some of the additions are limited to users that are subscribed to the new Apple Creator Studio bundle that launched today. Apple Creator Studio is a subscription bundle that provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps on Mac and/or iPad, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium content" in apps like Pixelmator Pro, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and later Freeform. On the iPhone and iPad, existing Keynote, Numbers, and Pages users will see updates to the apps in the App Store that contain both the free new features for everyone and paid new features for Apple Creator Studio subscribers. On the Mac, the existing Keynote, Numbers, and Pages apps were updated (to version 14.5), but only to inform users that those existing apps will no longer be receiving new features of any kind. To receive new features, including free ones, you must install the new, separate Apple Creator Studio editions (version 15.1) of the apps. Here is what is new in the Keynote app for all users:• Experience a new, more fluid way to work on your presentations with Liquid Glass • Access the full set of advanced options and controls right from the new menu bar in iPadOS 26 • Make text and other objects pop with extra brightness and vibrant color using HDR on supported displays • Add personality to your work with new editable shapesHere is what is new in the Keynote app for Apple Creator Studio subscribers:• Make your work stand out with an exclusive new collection of professionally-designed themes • Explore high-quality photos, graphics, and illustrations for your presentation in the all-new Content Hub • Find inspiration faster with collections of new Apple-curated content in the Content Hub • Create stunning images and graphics right in your document, apply quick edits, or adjust the style using AI • Increase the clarity and detail of existing images and graphics using Super Resolution • Use Auto Crop to generate suggestions for how to frame your image • Transform a text outline into a first draft of slides for a new or existing presentation (beta) • Automatically generate presenter notes based on context from your presentation (beta) • Quickly clean up your slide’s layout, spacing, alignment, and typography (beta) • Collaborate on larger files shared via iCloud–now up to 4GBHere is what is new in the Numbers app for all users:• Experience a new, more fluid way to work on your spreadsheets with Liquid Glass • Access the full set of advanced options and controls right from the new menu bar in iPadOS 26 • Add personality to your work with new editable shapesHere is what is new in the Numbers app for Apple Creator Studio subscribers:• Make your work stand out with an exclusive new collection of professionally-designed templates • Explore high-quality photos, graphics, and illustrations for your document in the all-new Content Hub • Find inspiration faster with collections of new Apple-curated content in the Content Hub • Create stunning images and graphics right in your document, apply quick edits, or adjust the style using AI • Increase the clarity and detail of existing images and graphics using Super Resolution • Use Auto Crop to generate suggestions for how to frame your image • Use Magic Fill to suggest data or generate formulas based on pattern recognition • Collaborate on larger files shared via iCloud–now up to 4GBHere is what is new in the Pages app for all users:• Experience a new, more fluid way to work on your documents with Liquid Glass • Access the full set of advanced options and controls right from the new menu bar in iPadOS 26 • Add personality to your work with new editable shapesHere is what is new in the Pages app for Apple Creator Studio subscribers:• Make your work stand out with an exclusive new collection of professionally-designed templates • Explore high-quality photos, graphics, and illustrations for your document in the all-new Content Hub • Find inspiration faster with collections of new Apple-curated content in the Content Hub • Create stunning images and graphics right in your document, apply quick edits, or adjust the style using AI • Increase the clarity and detail of existing images and graphics using Super Resolution • Use Auto Crop to generate suggestions for how to frame your image • Collaborate on larger files shared via iCloud–now up to 4GBTags: Apple Creator Studio, iWork, Keynote, Numbers, Pages This article, "Apple Updates Keynote, Numbers, and Pages Apps With New Free and Paid Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Take Up to $130 Off M4 Mac Mini on Amazon, Starting at $499
Amazon is continuing to discount a few models of Apple's M4 Mac mini this week, starting at $499.00 for the model with 16GB RAM/256GB SSD, down from $599.00. Discounts reach up to $130 off in these sales, and there is also a discount on the M4 Pro model. 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. In terms of the 16GB/256GB SSD model, this is a solid second-best price. You can also get the M4 Mac mini with 16GB RAM/512GB SSD for $689.00, down from $799.00, and the model with 24GB RAM/512GB SSD for $889.99, down from $999.00. $100 OFFM4 Mac mini (256GB) for $499.00 $110 OFFM4 Mac mini (16GB/512GB) for $689.00 $109 OFFM4 Mac mini (24GB/512GB) for $889.99 $130 OFFM4 Pro Mac mini (24GB/512GB) for $1,269.00 Apple last updated the Mac mini in late 2024, introducing a redesigned computer that's smaller than the previous generation and featuring the M4 and M4 Pro chips. 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, "Take Up to $130 Off M4 Mac Mini on Amazon, Starting at $499" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Top 10 Threat Intelligence Tools in 2026: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison
Introduction In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, threat intelligence tools have become indispensable for organizations aiming to stay one step ahead of emerging risks. In 2026, cyber threats are more sophisticated, targeted, and persistent than ever—making proactive threat detection, investigation, and response critical. The best threat intelligence software not only delivers real-time data on indicators of compromise (IoCs), threat actors, and campaigns but also enables automated workflows, integrates seamlessly with security stacks, and supports decision-making with contextual insights. When choosing a threat intelligence tool in 2026, key considerations include: Data quality and relevance — How accurate, prioritized, or contextualized is the threat intel? Integration capabilities — Does it work with SIEM, SOAR, EDR platforms? Automation and analytics — Can it enrich, score, and act on threats automatically? Usability and reporting — Is the dashboard intuitive? Can it generate customizable reports? Coverage and community — Does it include global data sources, sharing with peers, or threat intel feeds? This guide walks you through the top 10 threat intelligence tools of 2026, presenting short descriptions, features, pros and cons, a comparison table, a decision-making guide, and FAQs to help you pick the ideal solution for your organization. Top 10 Threat Intelligence Tools in 2026 1. ANY.RUN Short Description : ANY.RUN is an interactive malware analysis and sandbox platform that allows security teams to execute, observe, and investigate suspicious files and URLs in real time. It is widely used by SOC teams, malware researchers, and incident responders for fast and visual threat analysis. Key Features: Interactive sandbox with real-time malware execution Supports files, URLs, and phishing analysis Detailed behavioral analysis (processes, network, registry, memory) MITRE ATT&CK mapping and threat indicators (IOCs) Team collaboration, task sharing, and public/private analysis sessions API access for automation and SOC integration Pros: Real-time, hands-on malware interaction (not just static reports) Very fast analysis with clear visual timelines Excellent for training, threat hunting, and incident response Cons: Advanced features require paid plans 2. Mandiant Advantage (FireEye) Short Description: Mandiant Advantage delivers intelligence derived from its incident response work. Perfect for organizations requiring actionable intelligence backed by forensic and response expertise. Key Features: Incident-driven threat intelligence Campaign and malware analysis reports Integration with FireEye/Victims’ EDR Custom dashboards and alerts Playbooks and response recommendations Pros: Deep expertise from Mandiant’s response team High fidelity and actionable insights Cons: Focused heavily on enterprise/incident response users Less suited for lightweight or budget-focused setups 3. ThreatConnect Short Description: ThreatConnect is a threat intelligence platform that emphasizes collaboration and workflow orchestration. Great for teams looking to operationalize intelligence with playbooks and community sharing. Key Features: Threat feed aggregation and normalization Playbook automation via APIs Collaboration and intelligence sharing Operational dashboards and TTP modeling Integration with threat data sources (OSINT, commercial) Pros: Strong for collaborative teams and automation Flexible API and playbook capabilities Cons: UI can feel complex for new users Feature-rich, but might be overkill for simple needs 4. Anomali ThreatStream Short Description: Anomali ThreatStream offers unified threat intelligence management with automated enrichment and powerful analytics. Suits organizations focused on SOC efficiency and large-scale feed aggregation. Key Features: Aggregation from multiple threat feeds Automated enrichment and context Threat scoring and prioritization Integration with SIEMs and EDRs Threat sharing and collaboration via TAXII Pros: Excellent for feed consolidation Helps reduce data overload with enrichment Cons: Pricing scales steeply with data volume Requires tuning for optimal prioritization 5. Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR Intelligence Short Description: Integrated into Cortex XSOAR, this offers threat intel workflows embedded in SOAR operations. Ideal for organizations already using Palo Alto products seeking unified IR automation. Key Features: Playbook-driven orchestration Threat intel ingestion and enrichment Dashboarding within XSOAR platform Automated incident response workflows Collaboration and case management Pros: Seamless integration with XSOAR Robust automation within a single platform Cons: Best value when used in broader Cortex ecosystem May not fit organizations using different vendors 6. Microsoft Threat Intelligence (MSTI) Short Description: Microsoft’s solution gives organizations access to global threat signals from its cloud, email, and enterprise products. Great for Enterprises invested in Microsoft 365 and Azure. Key Features: Signals from Microsoft cloud, email, endpoints Integrated with Defender suite Secure score improvements and recommendations API access for automating intel workflows Graph-based threat analytics Pros: Native integration with Microsoft stack Rich visibility across clouds and endpoints Cons: Less flexible outside the Microsoft ecosystem Focused on Microsoft-related threat vectors 7. IBM X-Force Exchange Short Description: IBM X-Force Exchange provides a rich platform for threat intel sharing, investigation, and collaboration—leveraging IBM’s X-Force research. Suitable for analysts seeking community-driven threat insights. Key Features: Global threat feed and reporting Infographic summaries and dashboards Crowd-sourced intelligence sharing Integration via APIs and STIX/TAXII Historical trend insights Pros: Community and sharing focus Backed by IBM’s threat research Cons: UI may feel dated to some users Enterprise focus may overwhelm smaller teams 8. CrowdStrike Intelligence Short Description: Part of CrowdStrike Falcon, this tool delivers threat intelligence enriched by endpoint visibility and global telemetry. Ideal for organizations needing endpoint-centric, integrated intel. Key Features: Telemetry-driven threat analytics Real-time enemy actor tracking IOC enrichment and attribution Integration with Falcon EDR workflows Attack campaign trend dashboards Pros: High-quality intel based on real endpoint data Unified threat detection and investigation Cons: Requires Falcon deployment May be cost-prohibitive for small shops 9. VirusTotal Intelligence Logo/Brand: [VirusTotal logo] Short Description: VirusTotal Intelligence offers access to multi-vendor antivirus and sandboxing data. Excellent for malware researchers and lean security teams needing raw and enriched sample intelligence. Key Features: Searchable malware sample database Verdicts from multiple antivirus engines Sandbox behavior reports API for automation Community tagging and analysis Pros: Incredibly useful for malware hunters and small SOCs Freemium tier available Cons: Focused more on malware than broader threat actors Requires analytic skills to interpret raw data 10. Intel 471 Logo/Brand: [Intel 471 logo] Short Description: Intel 471 delivers deep underground-focused cyber-crime and threat actor intelligence. Perfect for organizations with high risk exposure and need for criminal ecosystem tracking. Key Features: Dark-web and underground intel gathering Actor profiles and campaign timelines Phishing kit tracking and infrastructure mapping Enrichment and prioritization Integration with SIEM and SOAR Pros: Unique focus on criminal ecosystems Proactive visibility into actor behavior Cons: Expensive for smaller teams Narrow focus may not suit everyone Comparison Table Tool NameBest ForPlatform(s) SupportedStandout FeaturePricingG2/Capterra Rating*Recorded FutureLarge orgs needing real-time contextWeb, APIsML-powered prioritizationCustom/Enterprise~4.5/5Mandiant AdvantageIncident response teamsWeb, API, SIEMsIncident-backed intelligenceCustom/Enterprise~4.4/5ThreatConnectTeams wanting workflow automationWeb, APIs, SOARPlaybook orchestrationCustom/Enterprise~4.3/5Anomali ThreatStreamSOCs consolidating feedsWeb, API, SIEMFeed aggregation & enrichmentCustom/Volume-based~4.2/5Cortex XSOAR Intelligence (Palo Alto)Palo Alto ecosystem usersXSOAR platformSeamless IR automation within SOARCustom~4.3/5Microsoft Threat IntelligenceMicrosoft-centric enterpriseAzure, Defender ecosystemGlobal intel from cloud+email+endpointIncluded/Defender tiers~4.1/5IBM X-Force ExchangeAnalysts seeking collaborationWeb, STIX/TAXIICrowd-sourced intel and sharingFree tier / Enterprise~4.0/5CrowdStrike IntelligenceEndpoint-centric orgsFalcon platformTelemetry-driven real-time intelAdd-on to Falcon~4.6/5VirusTotal IntelligenceMalware researchers, small SOCsWeb, APIMulti-AV + sandbox insightsFreemium / Paid plans~4.5/5Intel 471High-risk clients needing dark web intelWeb, API, SIEMUnderground & actor ecosystem insightsHigh-cost Enterprise~4.4/5 Which Threat Intelligence Tool Is Right For You? Here’s a quick decision guide to help you choose: Small or emerging SOC/malware researcher → VirusTotal Intelligence (freemium, focused malware insights) Microsoft-centric environments → Microsoft Threat Intelligence (native integration) Already using Palo Alto ecosystem → Cortex XSOAR Intelligence (built-in automation) Endpoint-telemetry users → CrowdStrike Intelligence for real-time detection & attribution Need enriched, aggregated feeds → Anomali ThreatStream or Recorded Future Responders needing forensic insight → Mandiant Advantage Teams wanting automation & sharing workflows → ThreatConnect Analysts needing crowd-sourced intel → IBM X-Force Exchange Monitoring criminal networks/dark web → Intel 471 Additionally, consider company size (enterprise vs small business), budget (freemium → custom pricing), and security stack integration needs when choosing. FAQs 1. What is a threat intelligence tool and why is it important in 2026? Threat intelligence tools collect, analyze, and deliver contextual insights about cyber threats—actors, malware, vulnerabilities—to help organizations detect, prioritize, and respond effectively amid increasingly sophisticated attacks. 2. Are there free or low-cost options for threat intelligence tools? Yes! VirusTotal Intelligence offers freemium tiers suitable for malware analysis. IBM X-Force Exchange also provides free community intelligence. Many enterprise-grade tools offer limited trials or demos. 3. How do I integrate threat intelligence into my existing security stack? Look for tools offering APIs, connectors, or native integrations with SIEMs (e.g., Splunk), SOAR platforms, EDR tools, or visualization dashboards. Automation-ready tools like Cortex XSOAR or ThreatConnect can help orchestrate workflows directly. 4. How much do these tools cost? Pricing varies widely—from free/freemium (VirusTotal, IBM X-Force) to add-on modules (CrowdStrike Intel) and tiered or custom enterprise pricing (Recorded Future, Anomali). Always request quotes or trials to compare. 5. Should I prioritize breadth of feed coverage or depth of analysis? It depends on your needs. Feed consolidators like Anomali or Recorded Future offer broad coverage. If you need deep, contextual insights (e.g. from incident cases or underground monitoring), Mandiant or Intel 471 may be more appropriate. Conclusion In 2026, the threat intelligence landscape continues evolving—driven by AI, automation, and real-time analytics. The top threat intelligence tools deliver not just raw data, but rich, actionable insights and seamless integration into security workflows. Whether you’re a small SOC analyst hunting malware or a global enterprise seeking automated response orchestration, there’s a tool tailored to your needs. View the full article
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WhatsApp Launches Strict Account Settings for High-Risk Users
WhatsApp is rolling out a new optional security feature called Strict account settings, which is designed to protect users who may be targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks. Similar in spirit to Apple's Lockdown Mode for iPhone, the feature is aimed primarily at journalists, activists, and public-facing figures. Once enabled, the setting locks various account options to their most restrictive settings. For example, WhatsApp will automatically block attachments and media from senders who aren't in your contacts, reducing potential vectors for spyware or malicious files. Here's WhatsApp's support explanation about other settings that are impacted: Account security: Two-step verification is turned on. Security notifications are turned on and locked. End-to-end encrypted backups are encouraged for users with backups enabled. Messaging and media: Link previews are turned off. Blocking high volumes of unknown account messages is turned on. Profile and presence: Your Last seen and online, Profile photo, About details, and links on your profile are locked to contacts only or to your pre-established, more-selective list of people. Groups: Only known contacts or a pre-established, more-selective list of people can add you to groups.Strict account settings can be found in Settings ➝ Privacy ➝ Advanced. When it shows up for you could depend on your location, as WhatsApp says the rollout is happening gradually over the coming weeks. Bear in mind that you can't control Strict account settings from WhatsApp Web – it can only be accessed from your primary device. WhatsApp also noted that it has transitioned parts of its codebase to Rust, a programming language known for its memory safety features. The company says this change helps protect photos, videos, and messages from spyware. More technical details are available on Meta's engineering blog.Tag: WhatsApp This article, "WhatsApp Launches Strict Account Settings for High-Risk Users" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple's 'Creator Studio' App Bundle Now Available for $12.99 Per Month
Apple today launched the new Creator Studio that was initially unveiled two weeks ago, providing content creators with access to six Apple apps for $12.99 per month or $129 per year. Creator Studio includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad, along with Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on the Mac. Final Cut Pro is Apple's video editing software, Logic Pro is for audio editing and creation, and Pixelmator Pro is an image editing app that Apple purchased in 2024. Apple is still rolling out the full bundle, but links for the individual Creator Studio versions of the apps are now live and you can subscribe to Creator Studio from within them. Final Cut Pro Logic Pro Pixelmator Pro Motion Compressor MainStage All of the apps with the exception of Pixelmator Pro for iPad were available prior to today, and they continue to be available for individual, standalone purchase. The Creator Studio bundle unlocks AI features that are not otherwise accessible in these apps, plus it adds new features to free apps like Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, with Freeform coming later. Creator Studio versions of those apps include: Keynote Pages Numbers Accessing the full functionality of Apple's video editing, photo editing, audio editing, and iWork apps will require a Creator Studio subscription going forward, though Apple will continue to offer updates for the standalone versions of the apps. Some of the tools exclusive to Creator Studio: Final Cut Pro - Transcript search that uses AI to search for the soundbite you're looking for, visual search for finding specific parts of a video, and beat detection improvements that make it easier to match a video to the rhythm of the music. There are also new dynamic titles, transitions, and graphic elements to improve visuals. Logic Pro - There's an option to add a Session Player to a song that plays synth keyboard and synth bass parts in a variety of styles. AI can be used to analyze any audio or MIDI region to extract harmonic and chord information. Logic Pro's iPad sound packs and producer packs are also now available on Mac. Users have access to royalty-free loops, samples, and instruments. Pixelmator Pro - The Creator Studio version of Pixelmator Pro features a Liquid Glass design, a new warp tool for reshaping layers, and warp-powered mockups for apparel and products. Pixelmator Pro for iPad is also entirely new. iWork - Includes a new content hub with Apple-curated royalty-free photos, premium templates, and themes. There are also options to generate and remix image creations right in documents, with a Super Resolution tool for upscaling images. In Keynote, you can generate slides and presenter notes using AI, while Magic Fill in Numbers runs a pattern analysis model across your data and suggests table contents for missing data. There is no way to subscribe to just a single Creator Studio app at a lower price, as Apple only offers an all-in-one subscription. Creator Studio can be downloaded from the iOS and Mac App Stores starting today. All new subscribers are eligible for a one-month free trial, and customers who purchase a new Mac or qualifying iPad model with an A16, A17 Pro, or M-series chip can get an extended three-month free trial. The Creator Studio membership can be shared with up to five family members on a linked Apple Account. Students and educators are able to subscribe to Creator Studio for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. Creator Studio's full functionality is available with iOS 26 and later, iPadOS 26 and later, and macOS 26 and later. Most of the apps require macOS 15.6 at a minimum and an M1 chip or newer for Mac use, though Pixelmator Pro requires a Mac with macOS 26. As for the iPad, Final Cut Pro requires an A16 chip or later, Logic Pro requires an A12 Bionic Chip or later, and Pixelmator Pro requires an A16 chip or later.Tag: Apple Creator Studio This article, "Apple's 'Creator Studio' App Bundle Now Available for $12.99 Per Month" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Nvidia Overtakes Apple as TSMC's Biggest Customer
Apple has lost its long-held position as TSMC's largest customer in 2026 amid surging demand for AI chips, CNBC reports. Nvidia is expected to overtake Apple as the single largest source of revenue for TSMC. Analyst estimates suggest Nvidia will generate approximately $33 billion in revenue for TSMC during 2026, representing roughly 22% of the foundry's total revenue, compared with an estimated $27 billion, or about 18%, attributable to Apple. Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang reportedly confirmed on a recent podcast that the transition has already occurred, saying that Nvidia is now TSMC's largest customer. Apple has been widely regarded as TSMC's anchor customer for more than a decade. Apple relies on the Taiwanese company to manufacture its custom-designed A-series processors used in the iPhone and iPad, as well as its M-series chips for the Mac and iPad. That relationship has historically given Apple early access to TSMC's most advanced manufacturing technologies and allowed TSMC to justify the enormous capital investments required to develop each new generation of semiconductor process nodes. The change reflects a rapid expansion in Nvidia's demand, driven by the global build-out of artificial intelligence infrastructure, where its graphics processing units are widely used as accelerators in data centers operated by major cloud service providers. One key factor behind Nvidia's rising share of TSMC revenue is the nature of the chips it needs. AI accelerators are significantly larger, more complex, and more expensive to manufacture than Apple's A- or M-series chips. They often require leading-edge process nodes, advanced packaging techniques, and higher wafer costs, all of which translate into higher revenue per chip for TSMC. While Apple ships far higher volumes of processors overall, it requires smaller system-on-a-chip designs optimized for power efficiency and consumer devices, resulting in lower manufacturing costs per unit. TSMC's growing reliance on AI customers could have direct implications for Apple. While it remains one of the foundry's most important customers, it is no longer the primary driver of TSMC's capacity expansion or capital expenditure decisions. Analysts say that Nvidia has effectively taken Apple's place as the scale customer that helps guide development and justify increased investment in each new leading-edge process node.Tags: CNBC, Nvidia, TSMC This article, "Nvidia Overtakes Apple as TSMC's Biggest Customer" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Search Your Apple Account Purchase History on iPhone
In an age of digital ubiquity, knowing how to easily keep track of your online transactions is crucial, especially as an Apple user who frequently downloads apps, music, movies, and more from various Apple services. Your Apple Account purchase history is a comprehensive log of all the content you've bought using your account, not just on your iPhone, but across all your Apple devices. Knowing how to access this information on your device can give you valuable insights into your digital spending habits, help you manage your subscriptions, or even assist in troubleshooting or disputing unauthorized purchases. So whether you're trying to keep a budget, ensure that your family's purchases are appropriate, or simply curious about when you bought that app or movie, here's how to view your Apple Account purchase history on an iPhone or iPad logged into your account. View Purchase History in Settings Open the Settings app and tap your Apple Account banner at the top. Tap Media & Purchases. Tap View Account in the popup and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. Scroll down and tap Purchase History. You are now viewing the purchase history for this Apple Account across all the devices tied to the account. If you are looking for a specific purchase, you can use the search field at the top to enter a name, price, or order ID. If you tap the blue text next to "Showing:" you can also filter the history by date range, price, and purchase type. View Purchase History in App Store In iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 or later, you can access the same purchase history a little bit faster via the App Store app on iPhone and iPad. Simply tap your account profile in the top-right corner, then tap Purchase History and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID when prompted. This article, "Search Your Apple Account Purchase History on iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple Stops Signing Newly Released iOS Updates for Older iPhones
Apple has stopped signing several iOS updates released earlier this week, preventing users from installing them even if they still appear in Software Update. The affected versions include iOS 12, iOS 15, iOS 16, and iOS 18. On Monday, Apple released iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8 for older iPhone models, along with iPadOS 15.8.6, iPadOS 16.7.3, and iPadOS 18.7.4 for iPad models. The updates were intended to keep core system services functioning on devices that no longer receive major iOS releases, as well as fix an issue preventing some devices from being able to make emergency calls. Affected iPhone models include the following: iPhone SE (1st generation) iPhone SE (2nd generation) iPhone 5s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus iPhone X iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max iPhone XR iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max The following iPad models are also affected: iPad mini 2 iPad mini 3 iPad Air iPad Air 2 iPad mini 4 iPad Pro (9.7-inch) iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (1st generation) iPad (5th generation) iPad (7th generation) iPad (8th generation) None of the updates address security vulnerabilities or introduce new features. According to Apple's release notes for the iOS 12 and iOS 15 updates, the main purpose is to replace an expiring security certificate. Without that replacement, services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple Account sign-in would stop working after January 2027, when the original certificate expires. Apple has not explained why it stopped signing the updates. In the past, however, the company has prevented installations of newly released iOS versions after discovering bugs or other issues, and then typically re-enabled updates once revised builds become available. We'll update this article when we learn more. This article, "Apple Stops Signing Newly Released iOS Updates for Older iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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iPhone 18 Pro Could Feature Teleconverter Alongside Variable Aperture
Apple's rumored new variable aperture camera system for this year's iPhone 18 Pro models has reached the sampling stage, according to a new claim from a Chinese leaker. Posting on Weibo today, the account known as "Smart Pikachu" said the feature had entered late-stage engineering samples, while a teleconverter is also "under evaluation" for the device. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch in September 2026. A variable aperture would give users manual control over how much light reaches the sensor, potentially reducing overexposure and offering new depth of field options beyond computational photography. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in December 2024 that the main rear camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. A more recent report from October 2025 said Apple was moving ahead with plans to bring the technology to next-generation iPhones and was discussing components with suppliers. Today's teleconverter claim, meanwhile, is a new one. In typical DSLR cameras, teleconverters are optical elements that increase effective focal length, improving zoom reach at the cost of light intake. In this context, a teleconverter could improve mid-to-long range zoom quality while reducing the camera's reliance on digital cropping – and a variable aperture could help offset the light loss by opening wider when engaged. Apple's overall iPhone 18 Pro design will already be locked in at this stage in the development cycle. What Apple tends to continue doing at this point is evaluate specific features like camera modules. Apple may well be running parallel tests without committing any one feature to mass production, so there's still leeway for things to change. In this case, Apple is likely using the late-stage engineering samples to check the optical performance and reliability, as well as to gauge how easy the camera system is to mass produce, so it could always still drop the feature if it fails to meet Apple's quality standards. Variable aperture was in fact rumored for at least one iPhone 17 model, but it failed to materialize. Smart Pikachu is known for providing accurate details about Android products in advance of launch, but in terms of Apple rumors, they are a relative newcomer on the Chinese supply chain rumor scene, so these claims warrant caution. The leaker recently claimed that the upcoming iPhone 17e will feature a Dynamic Island and a downclocked A19 chip.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Tag: Smart PikachuRelated Forum: iPhone This article, "iPhone 18 Pro Could Feature Teleconverter Alongside Variable Aperture" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Certified DevOps Professional: Boost Your Skills and Career
Introduction In the fast-paced world of software delivery, engineers are constantly under pressure to deliver high-quality products at speed. The integration of development and operations teams is crucial for breaking down silos and speeding up the software lifecycle. Without a unified approach, companies struggle with inefficiency, frequent failures, and delayed releases. This is where DevOps comes into play. The “Certified DevOps Professional” course is designed to equip professionals with the skills to bridge the gap between development and operations. By leveraging industry-leading practices and tools, you’ll be able to automate workflows, integrate continuous testing, and optimize software delivery pipelines. This course is a game-changer for anyone looking to enhance their DevOps expertise and accelerate their career in the field. Why this matters: DevOps brings efficiency, consistency, and reliability to software delivery, which is essential in today’s competitive market. What Is DevOps? DevOps is a set of practices, tools, and cultural philosophies that aims to improve collaboration between software developers and IT operations. It breaks down the traditional silos between development and operations teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. In DevOps, development and operations teams work together throughout the entire software lifecycle—planning, developing, testing, deploying, and monitoring—by using automation and continuous integration tools. By streamlining workflows, DevOps accelerates product delivery and enhances the quality of software. Why this matters: DevOps is at the heart of modern software delivery, ensuring faster releases and a more collaborative environment. Why DevOps Is Important in Modern DevOps & Software Delivery DevOps has become an industry standard for many reasons. The primary value it offers is faster software delivery. It integrates practices like Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), which allows for frequent and reliable updates. DevOps also bridges the gap between development and operations, ensuring that software is built, tested, and deployed seamlessly. The adoption of cloud computing, Agile methodologies, and microservices has made DevOps more relevant than ever. These technologies rely on the speed, flexibility, and reliability that DevOps provides. Without DevOps, companies risk falling behind in an industry that values rapid innovation. Why this matters: DevOps accelerates innovation, reduces time to market, and increases the ability to deliver value continuously. Core Concepts & Key Components CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment) Purpose: Automates the process of building, testing, and deploying code. How It Works: CI ensures that code changes are integrated into a shared repository regularly, with automated tests confirming that changes are correct. CD ensures that the software is deployed automatically after it passes testing. Where It Is Used: In development environments to enable faster and more reliable releases. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Purpose: Automates the provisioning and management of infrastructure using code. How It Works: Developers and operations teams write scripts that automate the configuration of servers, networks, and other infrastructure components. Where It Is Used: Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud use IaC for scalability and reliability. Microservices Architecture Purpose: Breaks down applications into smaller, manageable services that work independently but communicate with each other. How It Works: Each microservice can be deployed, scaled, and managed independently, offering flexibility and reducing downtime. Where It Is Used: In large-scale applications, like e-commerce platforms or cloud-native apps. Collaboration Tools Purpose: Enhances team communication and coordination. How It Works: Tools like Jira, Slack, and GitHub help teams collaborate more effectively, tracking tasks, issues, and workflows in real time. Where It Is Used: In DevOps environments to streamline collaboration and communication. Why this matters: Understanding core concepts like CI/CD, IaC, and microservices is essential for leveraging the full power of DevOps in modern software delivery. How DevOps Works (Step-by-Step Workflow) Planning: The development team and operations team collaborate to determine the requirements for the software release. Development: The development team writes code and integrates it frequently into the shared repository. Testing: Automated tests are run on the integrated code to identify issues early. Deployment: The code is automatically deployed to production using CI/CD pipelines. Monitoring: Post-deployment, the software is monitored for performance and issues, and feedback is used for continuous improvement. This continuous loop helps teams deliver high-quality software at a rapid pace, ensuring business continuity and customer satisfaction. Why this matters: DevOps streamlines the entire software lifecycle, reducing delays and increasing software quality. Real-World Use Cases & Scenarios In the tech industry, leading companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify rely heavily on DevOps to scale their operations and deploy services rapidly. In these environments, DevOps practices allow teams to deliver frequent, bug-free releases and maintain system uptime even under heavy traffic. A typical scenario involves a development team pushing code to a central repository multiple times a day, with automated testing and deployment ensuring that updates reach production without manual intervention. For example, Spotify uses microservices and DevOps principles to ensure that its music streaming service is always up to date, with minimal downtime. Why this matters: Real-world examples show how DevOps is crucial for scaling operations and maintaining high service availability. Benefits of Using DevOps Productivity: Automation speeds up software delivery and frees up time for higher-value tasks. Reliability: Continuous testing and integration help identify bugs early, resulting in fewer production issues. Scalability: DevOps practices enable companies to scale their operations easily, whether through cloud services or containerization. Collaboration: DevOps fosters better communication between development and operations teams, ensuring smoother workflows. Why this matters: These benefits directly contribute to a company’s success by increasing efficiency and minimizing risks. Challenges, Risks & Common Mistakes Resistance to Change: Shifting to DevOps can face resistance from teams accustomed to traditional processes. Tool Overload: The sheer number of DevOps tools available can lead to confusion and improper implementation. Security Risks: Without proper security measures, automation can inadvertently expose systems to vulnerabilities. Lack of Training: Teams need the right skills to implement DevOps successfully, and without proper training, initiatives can fail. Why this matters: Understanding these risks and mistakes helps teams avoid costly errors and ensure successful DevOps adoption. Comparison Table AspectTraditionalDevOpsDeployment FrequencyLowHighAutomationLimitedExtensiveFeedback LoopsSlowReal-timeCollaborationSiloedCross-functionalToolsBasicIntegrated & AutomatedChange ManagementManualAutomatedQuality ControlManual TestingAutomated TestingCode IntegrationPeriodicContinuousSoftware DeliverySlowRapidScalingLimitedElastic Why this matters: The comparison highlights how DevOps improves upon traditional software delivery methods, making it more efficient and scalable. Best Practices & Expert Recommendations Start Small: Implement DevOps incrementally, starting with key processes like CI/CD. Use the Right Tools: Choose tools that integrate well with your existing systems to avoid complexity. Foster a Culture of Collaboration: Break down silos between teams to enhance communication and innovation. Automate Everything: Automate as much of the process as possible to reduce human error and improve speed. Why this matters: These best practices help ensure that DevOps implementations are successful and scalable. Who Should Learn DevOps? DevOps is ideal for developers, system administrators, cloud engineers, and anyone interested in automating and optimizing the software development lifecycle. While beginners can start learning DevOps basics, experienced IT professionals will find the advanced practices particularly useful for enhancing their skill set. Why this matters: DevOps opens up new career opportunities for professionals across the IT landscape. FAQs – People Also Ask What is DevOps? DevOps is a methodology that integrates software development and IT operations to improve collaboration and automation. Why this matters: DevOps helps streamline workflows and accelerate software delivery. Why is DevOps used? It’s used to automate and integrate software development and IT operations, ensuring faster and more reliable software delivery. Why this matters: Faster delivery means businesses can respond to market demands quicker. Is DevOps suitable for beginners? Yes, DevOps has beginner-friendly tools and resources, but hands-on experience is crucial for mastery. Why this matters: Beginners can start small and build their DevOps expertise over time. How does DevOps compare with Agile? DevOps focuses on automating operations, while Agile is focused on iterative development. Why this matters: Combining both leads to faster, more efficient delivery cycles. Is DevOps relevant for DevOps roles? Absolutely. DevOps skills are in high demand, especially in cloud and automation-centric roles. Why this matters: DevOps is a critical skill set for modern IT professionals. How does DevOps improve collaboration? By fostering a culture where developers, QA, and operations teams work together in real-time. Why this matters: Improved collaboration leads to better product quality and faster release cycles. Branding & Authority DevOpsSchool is a trusted global platform offering world-class DevOps training. With over 20 years of expertise in DevOps, SRE, Kubernetes, and more, DevOpsSchool has become a go-to resource for individuals and organizations looking to upskill in modern IT practices. Our training courses are designed by Rajesh Kumar, a renowned industry leader who has transformed hundreds of professionals into experts. Rajesh Kumar, with over 20 years of hands-on experience, has been instrumental in shaping the DevOps landscape. He’s a mentor to thousands of professionals worldwide, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in fast-paced, dynamic environments. With deep expertise in areas like Cloud platforms, CI/CD, and DataOps, Rajesh’s training helps professionals gain a competitive edge in the industry. Why this matters: With DevOpsSchool’s expertise and Rajesh Kumar’s mentorship, you’ll be prepared to excel in the rapidly evolving world of DevOps. Call to Action & Contact Information Ready to take your DevOps skills to the next level? Enroll in the Certified DevOps Professional course today! Email: [email protected] Phone & WhatsApp (India): +91 84094 92687 Phone & WhatsApp (USA): +1 (469) 756-6329 For more details, visit: Certified DevOps Professional Course View the full article