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Despite the iPhone Air's struggling sales, a known leaker claims Apple will push ahead with at least two generations of the device, while also suggesting the standard iPhone 18 will see virtually no exterior design changes. In a recent post on Weibo, the leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital" said that the standard ‌iPhone 18‌ will not have substantial changes to its design, reinforcing rumors about an incremental upgrade: The standard model of the iPhone 18 will see virtually no changes to its exterior design—aside from a potential minor tweak to its dimensions. In another post, the leaker claimed that Apple still plans to release a second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ model: The Air 2 will proceed with its standard product iteration cycle; no matter how abysmal the sales turn out to be, Apple will grit its teeth and push through with at least two generations... Sales of the ‌iPhone Air‌ have reportedly struggled badly since its launch in September 2025. A KeyBanc Capital Markets survey for investors found "virtually no demand" for the device. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that suppliers were expected to reduce capacity by more than 80% between launch and the first quarter of 2026. Luxshare stopped making the ‌iPhone Air‌ in October, and Foxconn was expected to end production by the end of December, leaving the device believed to be entirely out of production. The iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone 15 Plus performed similarly poorly and saw only two generations each. According to The Information, Apple is now considering a redesign of the ‌iPhone Air‌ to add a second rear camera to address one of the main criticisms of the current model. One report suggested the second camera could be a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide lens. Previous reports have also said Apple's work on the second-generation model is aimed at reducing the weight, adding vapor chamber cooling, and improving the battery capacity, along with a thinner Face ID module, and adding the A20 and C2 chips. The standard ‌iPhone 18‌ is expected to be an incremental update, adding Apple's A20 and C2 chips, 12GB of memory, a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, and a simplified Camera Control button. Apple is widely believed to be planning a break from its long-established annual September release cycle with the ‌iPhone 18‌ lineup, splitting the lineup across two windows: The iPhone 18 Pro, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and foldable iPhone are expected in fall 2026, while the standard ‌iPhone 18‌, iPhone 18e, and ‌iPhone Air‌ 2 will likely follow in spring 2027. A Nikkei Asia report corroborating the strategy noted it aims to both optimize resources and maximize revenue from premium models.Related Roundups: iPhone 18, iPhone AirTag: Fixed Focus DigitalBuyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now)Related Forum: iPhone This article, "Leaker: Apple Will Release iPhone Air 2 No Matter How Badly May Sell" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Amazon has introduced a few new record low prices on the M5 MacBook Air this week, with up to $150 off these notebooks. We started tracking these deals over the weekend, and the selection of color options at best-ever prices has only expanded since then. 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 the 512GB 13-inch M5 MacBook Air for $949.00, down from $1,099.00, and the 24GB/1TB model for $1,349.00, down from $1,499.00. Both of these represent new record low prices for each configuration. $150 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $949.00 $150 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,149.00 $150 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,349.00 In terms of the 15-inch models, you'll find up to $150 off the M5 MacBook Air, with multiple color options on sale for each configuration. Prices start at $1,149.00 for the 512GB model, down from $1,299.00, and also include both 1TB models on sale. $150 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,149.00 $150 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,349.00 $150 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,549.00 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find 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, "Apple's New M5 MacBook Air Hits $949 Record Low Price on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple has agreed to source foldable OLED panels exclusively from Samsung for the next three years, reports The Elec. Apple will not use foldable panels from other display suppliers as part of the agreement, according to the Korea-based outlet. The company is said to have accepted the terms given the lack of viable alternative suppliers. This year, Apple is expected to release a book-style iPhone that unfolds to reveal an inner display similar in size to an iPad mini. Samsung has been a display pioneer in the foldable market, and it will reportedly supply Apple with foldable OLED panels equipped with CoE (Color filter on Encapsulation) technology, which removes the polarizer and forms a color filter layer on top of the encapsulation layer. Polarizers can cause cracking at bending points, making CoE a requirement for foldable devices. The screen will use the same M14 OLED materials as the iPhone 17 Pro Max instead of switching to something new. The choice is said to be based on reliability and lower costs – Apple is sticking with a design that's already been tested and works well. According to Bloomberg, Apple's foldable iPhone development is progressing smoothly and the device is set to launch during the standard September iPhone timeframe. That contradicts a recent Nikkei report that suggested ‌iPhone Fold‌ engineering delays could push the device's launch into 2027. An industry source cited by The Elec said that regardless of potential delays in final device assembly, Samsung Display's production of foldable OLED panels for Apple will begin in the second quarter of this year as originally planned, with an initial shipment of 3 million units. Away from iPhones, Apple already uses OLED displays in the iPad Pro and Apple Watch. There are apparently no plans to add OLED to the low-cost iPad, but the iPad mini could get one in 2026. Meanwhile, the ‌MacBook Pro‌ is expected to be updated with an OLED display when it is redesigned later this year, and it will also include touchscreen functionality. Apple will also reportedly update the MacBook Air with an OLED display in 2028.Tags: Foldable iPhone, OLED, Samsung, The Elec This article, "Apple's Foldable iPhone Will Have a Samsung-Made OLED Display" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The Bruce Springsteen setlist for the “Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour” has been revealed. Bruce Springsteen is one of the most legendary live performers in rock, known for long concerts, emotional storytelling, and songs that hit just as hard live as they do on record. His shows with the E Street Band usually move between huge sing-along moments, reflective songs, and the kind of energy that slowly builds across the night. That mix is what makes his concerts feel so memorable. The Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour brings that classic live style back across the U.S., with a set expected to pull from both iconic songs and a few meaningful surprises. What is the setlist for Bruce Springsteen’s Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour set? The following is an example of what Bruce Springsteen is expected to play in his setlist for the tour. This is based on the opening Manchester show, other recent E Street Band performances, and the way his headline sets have been changing over the last few tours. Some songs are almost certain to stay because they shape the emotional backbone of the night, while others can shift depending on what kind of story he wants the concert to tell. That gives a strong idea of how this tour’s set is likely to come together. As always, this expected setlist is subject to change. War (The Temptations cover) Born in the U.S.A. (with Tom Morello) Death to My Hometown (with Tom Morello) No Surrender Darkness on the Edge of Town Streets of Minneapolis The Promised Land Out in the Street Hungry Heart Youngstown Murder Incorporated American Skin (41 Shots) (with Tom Morello) Long Walk Home (with Tom Morello) House of a Thousand Guitars My City of Ruins Because the Night (Patti Smith Group cover) Wrecking Ball The Rising The Ghost of Tom Joad (with Tom Morello) Badlands (with Tom Morello) Land of Hope and Dreams (with Tom Morello) Encore: Born to Run Bobby Jean Dancing in the Dark Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out (with Tom Morello) Purple Rain (Prince cover) (with Tom Morello) Chimes of Freedom (Bob Dylan cover) (with Tom Morello) With the main shape of the show in place, Bruce’s concerts can still change in small but meaningful ways from night to night. If the crowd really locks into one of the bigger sing-along moments, he may stay in that same feeling for another song before moving somewhere quieter. At the same time, he is also the kind of artist who follows what feels right in the moment, so a song might come earlier, later, or be swapped depending on how the night is unfolding. Those choices help every stop on the tour feel a little personal instead of exactly the same every time. The Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour really fits the kind of live experience Bruce Springsteen is known for. His concerts often feel like they are telling a story, moving through hope, struggle, memory, and release as the night goes on. Because of that, the set is likely to include the songs fans always wait for while still making room for tracks that fit the message of this particular tour. That mix is what usually gives his shows such a lasting emotional impact. The post Bruce Springsteen Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour Setlist appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

The Guns N’ Roses setlist for the “World Tour 2026” has been revealed. Guns N’ Roses is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, known for huge guitar riffs, stadium-sized choruses, and songs that fans have been singing for decades. Their concerts usually feel massive, with loud crowd reactions, big stage moments, and a mix of songs that range from hard-hitting openers to slower sing-along tracks. That live style is a big reason their tours still feel like major events. The World Tour 2026 brings that same arena-rock energy back, with a set expected to pull from both classic hits and some newer material. What is the setlist for Guns N’ Roses’ World Tour 2026 set? The following is what Guns N’ Roses is expected to play in their setlist for the World Tour 2026. This is based on their recent stadium dates, festival appearances, and the way they have been mixing classic staples with newer songs and deeper cuts in recent runs. Some songs almost always stay because they are such big live moments, while a few others can move around depending on the night. That gives a clear idea of the kind of set fans are likely to get on this tour. As always, this expected setlist is subject to change. Welcome to the Jungle Mr. Brownstone Bad Obsession Live and Let Die (Wings cover) Slither (Velvet Revolver cover) Chinese Democracy Pretty Tied Up It’s So Easy Yesterdays Double Talkin’ Jive Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath cover) Nothin’ (live debut) Dead Horse Perhaps Civil War Atlas (live debut) Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover) Slash Guitar Solo Sweet Child o’ Mine November Rain Patience New Rose (The Damned cover) Down on the Farm (UK Subs cover) Don’t Cry Nightrain Paradise City Even with a planned set, a show this big can still shift in small ways once it starts. If the crowd is especially loud after one of the bigger anthems, the band may keep that same rush going with another high-energy song before slowing things down. The stage side can shape it too, since lighting cues, longer guitar changes, and the timing of big screen moments can make certain songs fit better in different spots. On top of that, the band may also decide in the moment that another song works better there, whether it is a deeper cut or a newer track that matches the mood of the night. These little changes help the concert stay exciting without losing the familiar flow fans expect. The World Tour 2026 feels like a celebration of everything people come to a Guns N’ Roses show for. The set is likely to lean heavily on the major classics that define their live reputation, while still leaving room for songs that longtime fans enjoy hearing when the band changes things up. That balance helps the concert feel both huge and familiar, while still giving each stop a slightly unique identity. The post Guns N’ Roses World Tour 2026 Setlist appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

The Neighbourhood setlist for the “Wourld Tour” has been revealed. The Neighbourhood is an American band known for their dark, moody sound and emotional songs. A lot of their music feels slow and atmospheric, which is why their live shows usually have a very immersive vibe instead of being nonstop loud. The mood of the concert builds gradually as the set moves forward, which fits their style really well. The Wourld Tour carries that same feel, with a mix of older fan favorites and newer songs. What is the setlist for The Neighbourhood’s Wourld Tour set? The following is an example of what The Neighbourhood is expected to play in their setlist for the Wourld Tour. This is based on their recent shows, comeback performances, and the kind of song mix they have used on earlier headline tours. Some songs usually stay because they fit the emotional flow of the night really well, while others can change depending on the venue and the kind of set they want that day. As always, this expected setlist is subject to change. Act I: Hula Girl OMG Cry Baby Reflections (live debut) R.I.P. 2 My Youth A Little Death Afraid You Get Me So High Fallen Star (live debut) Nervous (live debut) Planet (live debut) Devil’s Advocate Act II: Baby Came Home 2 The Beach Pretty Boy Cherry Flavoured Daddy Issues Good Grief (live debut) Private Act III: Lovebomb Sweater Weather Softcore Even if the main set stays mostly the same, some parts can still change depending on the space and what feels right that night. In a smaller venue, the slower songs can feel stronger because the room feels more intimate, while bigger places sometimes make the bigger chorus moments hit better. At the same time, the band may also feel that a different order works more smoothly in that specific setting, so one or two songs can move around without changing the overall mood of the concert. These are usually small changes, but they help the set match the room better and make the whole night feel more natural. The Wourld Tour suits the band’s sound really well because their music already depends so much on mood and pacing. Usually in live performances, that means the songs are placed in a way that lets the feeling slowly build instead of jumping too quickly between moments. The set is expected to include the songs fans know best along with some newer material, so the whole concert still feels balanced and easy to follow from start to finish. The post The Neighbourhood Wourld Tour Setlist appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

The 5 Seconds of Summer setlist for the “Everyone’s a Star! World Tour” has been revealed. 5 Seconds of Summer is an Australian pop-rock band known for mixing emotional pop songs with louder guitar-driven tracks. Over the years, they have built a huge fanbase through songs that feel easy to sing along to, which is a big reason their concerts always feel very alive. Their live shows usually balance big arena energy with more personal moments between the band and the audience. The Everyone’s a Star! World Tour brings that style into a new era, with the set expected to focus on the newer album while still keeping space for the songs fans always wait for. What is the setlist for 5 Seconds of Summer’s Everyone’s a Star! World Tour set? The following is what 5 Seconds of Summer is expected to play in their setlist for the Everyone’s a Star! World Tour. This is based on the first few dates of the tour, recent one-off performances, and the way the band has been blending new album tracks with older fan favorites in similar shows. That overall balance gives a clear idea of how the set is likely to feel across the tour. As always, this expected setlist is subject to change. NOT OK No. 1 Obsession Teeth Easier More istillfeelthesame (live debut) No Shame She’s Kinda Hot Boyband Telephone Busy Evolve (live debut) Bad Omens Ghost of You I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again (live debut) Starting Line (Luke Hemmings song) Don’t Forget You Love Me (Calum Hood song) Have U Found What Ur Looking For? (Ashton Irwin song) enough (Michael Clifford song) Amnesia English Love Affair Voodoo Doll Waste the Night Jet Black Heart She Looks So Perfect Encore: Everyone’s a Star! Youngblood Once the concert really settles in, the set does not always stay locked in the exact same way. If one of the bigger choruses gets the whole crowd singing loudly, the band might ride that same feeling for a bit longer before slowing things down. They also tend to go with whatever feels best in the room, so a song can end up coming a little earlier, later, or sometimes be swapped depending on the mood of that night. On top of that, their crowd interaction naturally changes the pace too, whether it’s through joking around, letting fans sing parts back, or taking a second to react to something happening in the arena. Because of all that, the flow can feel a little different from city to city even when the main set stays mostly the same. The Everyone’s a Star! World Tour is closely tied to their latest album, so a large part of the night is expected to lean into that new material. A lot of these songs are likely getting their first big arena moments on this run, which gives the newer era a bigger emotional impact live. At the same time, major older songs still fit in naturally because the crowd’s response to them is always huge. That mix of fresh album tracks and familiar sing-along favorites is what usually keeps a 5SOS concert feeling full from start to finish. The post 5 Seconds of Summer Everyone’s a Star! World Tour Setlist appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

The Hayley Williams setlist for the “At A Bachelorette Party Tour” has been revealed. Hayley Williams is mostly known as the singer of Paramore, but her solo music feels much more personal and emotional. A lot of it is softer and more honest, with songs that sit in feelings for a while before building into something bigger. Because of that, her solo shows do not feel flat. The mood keeps changing in a way that feels easy and natural, which makes the whole concert feel more personal. The At A Bachelorette Party Tour brings that side of her music on stage, with a set that is likely to move through both quieter and stronger moments. What is the setlist for Hayley Williams’s At A Bachelorette Party Tour set? The following is what Hayley Williams is expected to play in her setlist for the tour. This is based on her recent solo shows, past smaller live performances, and the way songs from her solo albums have been used in earlier sets. Some songs keep showing up because they naturally fit the mood she usually creates during these concerts, while a few others seem to change depending on the night. That gives a simple idea of how the setlist is likely to come together. As always, this expected setlist is subject to change. Mirtazapine Showbiz Disappearing Man Zissou Ice in My OJ Hard Kill me Blood Bros Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party Whim Glum Negative Self Talk True Believer Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone cover) Brotherly Hate Love Me Different Dream Girl in Shibuya Good Ol’ Days Encore: Discovery Channel I Won’t Quit on You Parachute (with Josh Scogin) Once the show starts, the order can still change in small ways without it feeling too planned. If the crowd gets especially loud after one of the bigger songs, she may stay in that energy a little longer before slowing things back down. At the same time, Hayley may also trust the mood in the room and make her own small choice, like shifting a song to a later spot or bringing in a different one if it fits better there. Those little changes help the night feel more in the moment and give each stop on the tour its own slightly different flow. The At A Bachelorette Party Tour suits her solo music really well because these songs are already built around emotion and atmosphere. Hearing them live usually makes the lyrics feel even closer, especially in the quieter parts of the set. But the concert still has enough stronger songs to lift the room again, so it never stays in just one feeling for too long. That balance is what makes the whole night feel smooth instead of overly structured. The post Hayley Williams At A Bachelorette Party Tour Setlist appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp was today updated with expanded support for CarPlay. ‌CarPlay‌ users are able to more easily call and message their friends and family members in WhatsApp directly from the car interface. WhatsApp had ‌CarPlay‌ integration before, but with limited Siri-based functionality. The new app has a full native ‌CarPlay‌ interface with a list of recent chats and call history, along with a tab for favorite contacts. There are quick access buttons for sending a message via dictation or placing a call, which makes it easier to communicate. The updated WhatsApp ‌CarPlay‌ app has been in testing since last week. WhatsApp users can access the new ‌CarPlay‌ app by updating WhatsApp on the iPhone to the latest version and then connecting the device to a CarPlay-compatible vehicle.Related Roundup: CarPlayTag: WhatsAppRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, "WhatsApp Gets New CarPlay App" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The $99 HomePod mini is now over 2,000 days old, which means it has been five and a half years since it received a meaningful update. Apple is working on a new model, but launch rumors have come and gone due to Siri issues. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Apple introduced the ‌HomePod mini‌ in October 2020, and refreshed the color options in 2021, but it is way overdue for a more substantial refresh. Here's what we know about what's coming. Design It doesn't sound like Apple is going to update the ‌HomePod mini‌'s design. There are no rumors of a revamped look or changes to the shape, so the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 will look a lot like the original model. We are expecting new color options for the ‌HomePod mini‌, and Apple has tested a red color, so that could be one of the shades we get. Chip Update The current ‌HomePod mini‌ uses the S5 Apple Watch chip, which is old at this point. The next model is going to use the S9 chip or later, so it will have more power for computational audio and other audio features that require a processor. The S9, S10, and S11 are all basically identical, so performance will be about the same regardless of which one Apple chooses. Apple Watch chips are much lower power than iPhone, iPad, and Mac chips, but the S5 to S9 or later is still a huge jump. New Features Apple hasn't released the new ‌HomePod mini‌ because it's supposedly waiting on the new version of ‌Siri‌. ‌Siri‌ was supposed to get an Apple Intelligence update this spring, but it now looks like we'll be waiting until the September iOS 27 launch. The ‌HomePod mini‌ will run the updated version of ‌Siri‌, so it should be a much more capable device than the current model for doing everything from suggesting music to controlling smart home products. N1 The ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 could get Apple's N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, but Apple hasn't included it in some lower-cost products, so it's not entirely clear if it will be included. Either way, the ‌HomePod mini‌ should get at least Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The N1 has Thread support too, but the ‌HomePod mini‌ already includes Thread. UWB 2 A newer Ultra Wideband chip could be included, improving UWB features like Handoff for transferring music from an iPhone to a HomePod and vice versa. Big HomePod Apple could also be planning an update to the full-sized HomePod, which would presumably get the same feature set as the ‌HomePod mini‌. The ‌HomePod‌ was last updated in January 2023, which is when Apple reintroduced the larger-size option. Launch Date We may not see a new ‌HomePod mini‌ until September 2027 when the updated version of ‌Siri‌ debuts in ‌iOS 27‌. The ‌Apple Intelligence‌ version of ‌Siri‌ is the backbone for several new home-focused Apple devices like a smart home hub and a new Apple TV that's in the works.Related Roundup: HomePod miniTag: HomePod Mini 2Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, "What's Happening With the HomePod Mini 2? All the Current Rumors" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Smart home device manufacturer Aqara today launched the Thermostat Hub W200, a new Matter-enabled thermostat that comes with several features that set it apart from existing smart thermostat options. The W200 is Aqara's first thermostat created for North America, and I've been testing two of them for the last couple of months prior to launch. The W200 is a thermostat, but it's also a presence sensor and it serves as a hub for other Aqara and Matter devices with Thread and Zigbee integration. Along with those features, the W200 supports Adaptive Temperature and Clean Energy Guidance, two HomeKit features that Apple added in iOS 26. Adaptive Temperature intelligently adjusts the thermostat when you leave the house, arrive back home, or sleep to save energy. Clean Energy Guidance adjusts electricity usage when energy sources are less clean, timing heating or cooling to use cleaner energy when possible. The W200 has a squircle design with rounded edges, and it's a clean look that's more square than Ecobee and larger than Nest. The interface features large text for the temperature, and it displays the time when it's not active. The temperature can be controlled directly on the thermostat using the touchscreen, and all of the controls are also available in menus accessed with swipe gestures. The display does pick up fingerprints, and the fingerprints are noticeable on the glossy surface. I replaced two Nest thermostats with the W200 thermostats from Aqara, and because they arrived just before I happened to have a HVAC checkup scheduled, I had them installed by the HVAC company I use. I could have self-installed and saved some money since I was going from one smart thermostat to another and the wiring was the same. Taking a picture of the existing wiring and mirroring that after swapping in the new thermostat would have worked fine. The worst part of swapping from Nest to the Aqara W200 was the different base plate shape. The W200 has a smaller base plate, so there are unpainted edges on the wall that I still haven't fixed. I have two heat pumps, one that's single stage and one that's dual stage. The dual stage heat pump operates as single stage because it's controlled by the onboard computer, so there's nothing too fancy in my setup. The W200 works with heat pumps (electric and geo-thermal), along with furnaces, boilers, and other heat sources. There's a mmWave radar in the W200 that recognizes when a person is in the room and when it is being approached. The display on the thermostat activates when someone comes close, and the sensor is also used for activating heating and cooling schedules through the Aqara app and for Adaptive Temperature based on whether someone is home, or even in the room the thermostat is in. The Aqara app has its own smart schedules that can be enabled that are distinct from Adaptive Temperature, but you have to choose between Apple Home control or the Aqara app. I tried both, but preferred the Adaptive Temperature interface because it was less complicated. Adaptive Temperature is basically a home or away setting, while Aqara has different time of day options. You can choose neither and control the temperature manually, ask Siri to change the temperature, or set up ‌HomeKit‌ automations based on time of day or other ‌HomeKit‌ devices. There are a lot of control options, so the W200 will do what you need, whether that's something simple or a complicated schedule. You will need a full Apple Home setup with an Apple Matter hub (HomePod or Apple TV) to use the W200 with ‌HomeKit‌. I don't know how often most people change their interior temperatures, but mine is typically static. I work from home and live in North Carolina, where it gets humid. In the summer, I have to run the AC to keep it from getting too humid for my wood floors, and in the winter, it at least has to be warm enough for my plants, and those things need to happen whether I'm home or not. Heat pumps are more efficient at a steady temperature, so I'm not doing things like turning down the heat at night. Adaptive Temperature and all the options for changing heating and cooling throughout the day are aimed at people who have furnaces and can make better use of the electricity savings, but I do appreciate the scheduling for occasions where I do need to adjust temperature frequently. If you have a system where time-based changes result in electricity savings, you'll get the most out of the W200. Aqara could benefit from simplifying some of its products, but the company seems to focus on making a huge variety of options available so customers can pick and choose how they want to use a device. Aqara's smart locks support unlocking with fingerprints, NFC, smartphones, codes, and more, and that same versatility is available with the W200. I did run into an issue with the W200 during testing, and it's still not resolved. The thermostat has a "Min Compressor Outdoor Working Temp" that can't be set below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. That suggests to me that it switches to auxiliary heat at that point, and that's not what I want it to be doing. Newer heat pumps for cold climates can operate below 20 degrees, and I want to minimize aux heating because mine is electric and expensive. I asked Aqara about this, and they suggested turning off the "Enable to work with heat pump" feature in the Aux settings, but their setup flow says to enable the aux and heat pump setting if the auxiliary heat is electric. The app says "Please follow the prompts to select, otherwise the machine will be damaged," when directing me to select aux heat settings, and since I am not an HVAC expert, I don't want to choose the wrong option. The auxiliary heating and compressor temperature wording is unclear in the app and on the thermostat, and communicating with Aqara did not help. My HVAC tech said I might not want to use this thermostat because I can't set the compressor to continue to run at a lower temp. On an Ecobee thermostat, there is a setting to minimize auxiliary heat usage, and the compressor lockout can be disabled, but I don't have those settings on the W200. Aqara said the heat pump wording in the app will be updated in the future, but I'm still not sure the thermostat is giving users adequate control over heat pumps, so do some research before you choose it if you have a heat pump. We don't have a lot of days under 20 degrees here, and I wasn't able to test the thermostat at that temperature during the review period. If you have other Aqara devices like a video doorbell or lock, the W200's display can show snaps from the video feed or unlock the door, plus it works with the Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 and Climate Sensor W100 for automating heating and cooling based on temperature readings and occupancy in different rooms of the house. It can also integrate with and control other Matter devices, but I use Apple Home for that so I don't need the Aqara hub to act as a Matter Controller. Bottom Line Compressor lockout and aux heating confusion aside, I had no other complaints about the W200. It worked as expected, was more reliable than my prior Nest thermostat, and added useful automation features. I think it's worth looking at as a HomeKit-compatible alternative to Ecobee if you want the latest Apple Home features like Adaptive Temperature. How to Buy The Thermostat Hub W200 can be purchased from Amazon for $160. A C-wire adapter is sold separately for $30 for setups that do not have a C-wire. Note: Aqara provided MacRumors with two W200 thermostats for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.Tag: Aqara This article, "Aqara W200 Thermostat Launches With Apple Adaptive Temperature and Clean Energy Support" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Google today updated its Chrome browser with support for vertical tabs, which are displayed in a sidebar instead of at the top of the browser. The tab layout can be changed by right clicking on any Chrome window and choosing the "Show Tabs Vertically" option. Sidebar tabs feature full page titles and make it simple to organize tab groups. Google has also added a new full-page interface for reading mode. Right clicking on a webpage and choosing the "Open in reading mode" option will remove distractions and initiate a full-page viewing experience rather than the current side panel default. Google says the two new features are rolling out on the desktop version of Chrome starting today, so they should be available for all users soon.Tags: Google, Google Chrome This article, "Google Brings Vertical Tabs and Improved Reading Mode to Chrome" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Last month, tech columnist David Pogue released a new book titled Apple: The First 50 Years. In the U.S., the hardcover book is regularly priced at $50, but it is currently on sale for around $35 on Amazon as of the time of this writing. Published ahead of Apple's 50th anniversary on April 1, the 600-page book explores the first five decades of the company's history. Pogue interviewed 150 key people who shaped Apple into what it is today, including the company's co-founder Steve Wozniak, former CEO John Sculley, former design chief Jony Ive, and many others. Here is the book's official description:In time for Apple's 50th anniversary, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent David Pogue tells the iconic company's entire life story: how it was born, nearly died, was born again under Steve Jobs, and became, under CEO Tim Cook, the most valuable company in the world. The book features full-color photos, new facts that correct the record and illuminate its subversive culture, and fresh interviews with the legendary figures who shaped Apple into what it is today.Pogue is a CBS Sunday Morning correspondent, and he spent many years writing about Apple and technology for The New York Times and Macworld. Last month, publisher Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of Apple: The First 50 Years, and I consider it to be the ultimate encyclopedia for all things Apple. While the book is very long, it is broken down into digestible sections, interspersed with 350 full-color photos, a map of key Apple-related locations in the Cupertino, California area, employee profiles, smaller stories and anecdotes, and more. You can easily flip back and forth through the book and focus in on topics that interest you the most. While I have been closely following and writing about Apple for nearly 20 years, the book still includes many facts about the company that I did not know before, and Pogue delivers on his promise of surfacing some new details too. If you want a comprehensive history of Apple's history, this book earns my stamp of approval. The hardcover edition makes a great collectible. Apple: The First 50 Years is available on Amazon, Apple Books, and elsewhere. Notes: Simon & Schuster provided MacRumors with a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was provided. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment.Tags: Apple 50th Anniversary, David Pogue This article, "'Apple: The First 50 Years' is the Ultimate Apple Encyclopedia" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The Studio Display XDR's medical image calibration feature received FDA clearance, which means radiologists are now able to use the display for viewing medical images. Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak confirmed today that U.S. radiologists can connect the ‌Studio Display‌ XDR to a Mac running macOS 26.4 to use DICOM medical imaging presets. The ‌Studio Display‌ XDR supports DICOM and has a Medical Imaging Calibrator for diagnostic radiology, so radiologists can view images without the need for a single-purpose medical imaging display. The ‌Studio Display‌ XDR is priced at $2,899 with a VESA mount, and it is more affordable than many specialized medical imaging monitors. Using the ‌Studio Display‌ XDR for radiology requires switching from a standard viewing mode to the radiology viewing mode. Apple will need to get appropriate medical clearance in other countries to expand the radiology feature outside of the United States.Related Roundup: Studio DisplayBuyer's Guide: Displays (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac Accessories This article, "Apple Studio Display XDR Now FDA-Cleared for Diagnostic Radiology Use" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's iPhone Fold development is progressing smoothly and the device is set to launch during the standard September iPhone timeframe, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The ‌iPhone Fold‌ will be available for sale "around the same time" or "soon after" the iPhone 18 Pro models. Gurman's report contradicts information from Japanese site Nikkei that suggested ‌iPhone Fold‌ engineering delays could push the device's launch into 2027, and he says that Nikkei's report is "off base." The site said that Apple is running into engineering problems that are more complex and taking longer to resolve than anticipated. Just two weeks ago, Gurman himself said that the ‌iPhone Fold‌ was likely to ship later than the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and 18 Pro Max, but it appears Apple's plans have changed. The intricate design of the ‌iPhone Fold‌'s display could limit available supply, which is in line with information from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In December, Kuo said that production challenges could limit supply and result in ‌iPhone Fold‌ shortages, but he did not mention a launch delay. Gurman says that while Apple currently intends to start selling the ‌iPhone Fold‌ alongside the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌, the company's plans could change and "timing isn't final." Mass production on the ‌iPhone Fold‌ has not yet begun, and the device is still in the engineering verification phase. Yesterday, leaked info suggested Apple had begun trial production. With multiple reports coming out about early manufacturing tests, it sounds like Apple is moving through its standard launch process. Additional people at the company's partner factories have likely gained access to the device, leading to an uptick in leaks and the mixed information we're hearing about launch timelines. Since the ‌iPhone Fold‌ is an all-new device and the most interesting iPhone that Apple has launched in over a decade, we can expect a constant stream of rumors from now until September. The first alleged ‌iPhone Fold‌ dummy models were spotted today, though the dummy devices look almost identical to 3D printed mockups that a MacRumors forum member drew up based on rumors back in May 2025. We may soon see more detailed dummy models and part leaks. The ‌iPhone Fold‌ will have a ~5.5-inch display when folded, and a ~7.8-inch display when open. It will be around 4.5mm thick, and it will feature a 4:3 aspect ratio, which will make it similar to an iPad in design. It will be wider and shorter than other foldable smartphones on the market. What we know so far about the ‌iPhone Fold‌ is summarized in our dedicated iPhone Fold roundup.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTag: Foldable iPhone This article, "iPhone Fold Expected to Launch on Time in September Despite Delay Rumors" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple is planning to release a new MacBook Neo next year, according to Taiwan-based tech columnist and former Bloomberg reporter Tim Culpan. In the latest edition of his Culpium newsletter today, Culpan said the new MacBook Neo will be equipped with a version of the A19 Pro chip from the iPhone 17 Pro models. This means the next edition of the laptop should have an increased 12GB of RAM, as that is how much unified memory the chip has in the iPhone 17 Pro models. The current MacBook Neo has an A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM. In the iPhone 17 Pro models, the A19 Pro has a 6-core GPU, but Culpan expects Apple to use a "binned" version of the chip with a 5-core GPU in the next MacBook Neo. The current model also has a 5-core GPU, so this would not be a change. It was already widely assumed that the MacBook Neo would eventually get the A19 Pro, but Culpan's information from his supply chain sources in Asia turns it into an official rumor and provides a launch timeframe of next year. Apple unveiled the current MacBook Neo in early March this year, and it appears to be a hit so far. According to a separate DigiTimes report today, the MacBook Neo is assembled in China and Vietnam. Culpan said Apple is in talks with suppliers to potentially boost MacBook Neo production given that sales have apparently surpassed expectations, but he noted that the company is facing a "massive dilemma" as a result.Related Roundup: MacBook NeoTags: Culpium, Tim CulpanBuyer's Guide: MacBook Neo (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Neo This article, "New MacBook Neo With A19 Pro Chip and 12GB RAM Expected Next Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today announced a new lineup of games coming to Apple Arcade in May, headlined by "Nick Jr. Replay!," alongside additional titles and updates to existing games on the service. The new games heading to ‌Apple Arcade‌ next month are as follows: Nick Jr. Replay!: A family-focused experience featuring characters from popular children's shows including Dora the Explorer, Blue's Clues & You!, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Bubble Guppies, Team Umizoomi, Shimmer and Shine, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The game includes more than 50 retro mini-games in an interactive world designed to support skills such as math, reading, art, and problem-solving. Good Pizza, Great Pizza+: A story-rich cooking and business simulation game where players run their own pizzeria, fulfilling customer orders while managing ingredients, upgrades, and daily operations. Perchang World: A physics-based puzzle game that challenges players to guide balls through complex mechanical environments using timing, strategy, and interactive elements. Ultimate 8 Ball Pool+: A pool simulation game featuring head-to-head matches with realistic visuals and gameplay. All of the new games will be available on May 7, 2026. Several ‌Apple Arcade‌ titles are also set to receive updates in the coming weeks: Hello Kitty Island Adventure: A new update arriving April 16 brings the conclusion to the City Town storyline, where Hello Kitty and Usahana team up to rescue a new friend. Disney SpellStruck: A Star Wars update launching April 23 introduces Adventure Mode maps inspired by Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, along with Boba Fett and Wicket as playable characters. My Talking Angela 2+: A new Barbie-themed in-game event, available now, introduces additional fashion-focused content centered on creativity and self-expression. ‌Apple Arcade‌ is a subscription service that provides access to hundreds of games across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. All of the games are free of ads and in-app purchases, and the service now includes more than 200 titles. In the U.S., ‌Apple Arcade‌ costs $6.99 per month, and it is also bundled with other Apple services in all Apple One plans. ‌Apple Arcade‌ can be accessed through the App Store and the Apple Games app.Tag: Apple Arcade This article, "Apple Arcade Adding These Four Games in May" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The all-new MacBook Neo has been such a hit that Apple is facing a "massive dilemma," according to Taiwan-based tech columnist and former Bloomberg reporter Tim Culpan. In the iPhone 16 Pro models, the A18 Pro chip has a 6-core GPU. During the chip manufacturing process, however, sometimes a CPU or GPU core can turn out to be faulty. Rather than discarding the leftover A18 Pro chips with only a 5-core GPU, Apple opted to use them in the MacBook Neo, as a way of optimizing its supply chain and costs. These so-called "binned" chips with a 5-core GPU are effectively "free" to Apple, given that they otherwise would have been discarded. Herein lies the dilemma. In the latest edition of his Culpium newsletter today, Culpan said the MacBook Neo is selling so well that Apple's supply of the binned A18 Pro chips with a 5-core GPU will "run out" before the company is able to fully satisfy demand for the laptop. Apple's initial plan was to have suppliers build around five to six million MacBook Neo units before ceasing production of the model with the A18 Pro chip, he said, but it sounds like demand is so strong that Apple might run out of A18 Pro chips to put in the MacBook Neo before the second-generation MacBook Neo with an A19 Pro chip is ready next year. Apple is unlikely to mark the MacBook Neo as temporarily sold out, so it may be forced to take action, but profit margins might be affected. A18 Pro chips are manufactured with TSMC's second-generation 3nm process, known as N3E, and Culpan said TSMC's N3E production lines are currently operating at maximum capacity. As a result, he said that Apple may have to pay a premium to restart A18 Pro chip production for the MacBook Neo, which would lower its profit margins. Apple would have to disable a GPU core on these chips to ensure that they have only a 5-core GPU, like all other MacBook Neo units sold to date. Alternatively, Culpan said that Apple could reallocate some of its chip production that was originally planned for other devices, but he said the cost would still be higher than what it paid for its initial batch of A18 Pro chips. Culpan speculated that Apple could also opt to discontinue the $599 model with 256GB of storage, leaving the $699 model with 512GB of storage and a Touch ID button as the only configuration available. This is unlikely to happen any time soon, in our view, given how heavily Apple has been promoting the MacBook Neo's affordability. Apple might also be able to move up the release of a MacBook Neo with the iPhone 17 Pro's A19 Pro chip, but that too would be a costlier option, at least until the company achieves a sufficient stockpile of binned A19 Pro chips with a 5-core GPU. In any case, Apple could opt to keep the starting price of current and future MacBook Neo models at $599 and simply accept lower profit margins on the laptop, especially given that it attracts customers to the macOS and broader Apple ecosystem. Two weeks after MacBook Neo pre-orders began last month, Apple's CEO Tim Cook said the Mac had its "best launch week ever for first-time Mac customers," suggesting that the MacBook Neo has been a massive hit. This news should not come as much of a surprise, as the MacBook Neo is the most affordable MacBook ever released. All configurations of the MacBook Neo currently have a 2-3 week delivery estimate on Apple's online store in the U.S. and many other countries.Related Roundup: MacBook NeoTags: Culpium, Tim CulpanBuyer's Guide: MacBook Neo (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Neo This article, "Apple is Reportedly Facing a 'Massive Dilemma' With the MacBook Neo" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Samsung this week announced its newest lineup of The Frame TVs with the 2026 The Frame and The Frame Pro, and you can get a bundle deal of up to $850 in savings when purchasing the new models. Additionally, we're tracking a few other deals on Samsung TVs and monitors below. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. The new models of The Frame and The Frame Pro are upgraded with new glare-free technology to further minimize reflections and make artwork appear even more realistic. For gamers, both models feature Motion Xcelerator 144Hz for ultra-smooth motion, while new DLG 240Hz can reach even higher frame rates when connecting a compatible PC. UP TO $850 SAVINGSThe Frame Pro 'Picture Perfect Bundle' To mark the launch of The Frame Pro, Samsung is offering a "Picture Perfect Bundle" with over $800 in savings. It includes a white bezel, ultra-slim soundbar, professional installation, one year Art Store subscriptions, and two years of Samsung Care+ membership. You can see this bundle on The Frame Pro page on Samsung's website, and it's available in all sizes. The Frame Pro models are available to purchase now, but the base models will launch at a later date. Below we're tracking even more TV and monitor deals on Samsung.com, including big discounts on previous-generation models of The Frame. TVs 55-inch QLED QEF1 Smart TV - $379.99, down from $599.99 55-inch QLED Q7F Smart TV - $379.99, down from $529.99 55-inch QLED Q8F Smart TV - $549.99, down from $749.99 75-inch Vision AI Smart TV - $679.99, down from $1,199.99 50-inch The Frame - $899.99, down from $1,099.99 75-inch Neo QLED QN70F Smart TV - $999.99, down from $1,599.99 65-inch The Frame - $1,499.99, down from $1,799.99 55-inch OLED S95F Smart TV - $1,899.99, down from $2,299.99 75-inch The Frame Pro - $2,499.99, down from $3,199.99 85-inch The Frame Pro - $3,299.99, down from $4,299.99 85-inch Neo QLED QN90F Smart TV - $2,499.99, down from $4,499.99 Monitors Samsung has a few unique monitor deals this week, offering a free copy of Resident Evil Requiem at no cost when purchasing select monitors. This includes select monitors on this landing page, with up to $1,000 in savings on these displays. When you register these monitors after purchasing them, you'll get a download code for Resident Evil Requiem, which is a $70 value. 32-inch Odyssey G70D Monitor - $599.99, down from $799.99 (free game code) 27-inch Odyssey OLED G60SD Monitor - $699.99, down from $899.99 (free game code) 49-inch Odyssey G91F Monitor - $749.99, down from $999.99 (free game code) 49-inch Odyssey OLED G95SD Monitor - $1,299.99, down from $2039.98 (free game code) 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen - $2,299.99, down from $2,699.99 (free game code) If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, "Samsung Debuts 2026 The Frame Pro Models With Up to $850 in Bundle Savings" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's first foldable iPhone may not carry the speculative media-derived "Fold" branding after all, according to Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station. In a new post on Weibo, the oft-accurate leaker claimed that Apple's book-style foldable could launch as the "iPhone Ultra." Meanwhile, domestic Chinese manufacturers are allegedly deciding whether to follow Apple's lead by tentatively branding their own upcoming foldables as "Ultra" models, but likely with a lighter price tag – Apple's version is expected to cost between $2,000 and $2,500. If Apple does adopt the Ultra name, it wouldn't be the first time. The company already uses the moniker to designate Apple Watch Ultra and CarPlay Ultra as premium products, not to mention its top-end M1 Ultra and M3 Ultra chips. Indeed, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in March that Apple is considering "Ultra" branding for an OLED touchscreen MacBook and a future AirPods model with cameras, suggesting the label could spread across several product lines. Based on the latest rumors, Apple's foldable iPhone is widely expected to launch later this year, sometime between September and December. The device is expected to feature an approximately 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen, with a front-facing camera in both closed and open orientations, and a dual-lens rear camera. Digital Chat Station has more than three million followers on Weibo, and has a track record of accurately leaking Apple-related information. Still, as with all such reports, the details remain unconfirmed.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTags: Digital Chat Station, Foldable iPhone, iPhone Ultra This article, "Leaker: Foldable iPhone Won't Be Called iPhone Fold, But 'iPhone Ultra'" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Anker's new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has been marked down to $119.99 on Amazon for Prime members, down from $149.99. This accessory just launched last month, and Amazon's sale today is a solid second-best price. 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. The Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station features Qi2.2 support, which lets a compatible MagSafe ‌iPhone‌ charge at up to 25W. It's the same speed as Apple's ‌MagSafe‌ charger, and it is 10W faster than the standard Qi2 ‌MagSafe‌ chargers. You can also simultaneously charge an Apple Watch and AirPods with the device. $29 OFFAnker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $119.99 There are plenty of other Anker discounts happening on Amazon this week, including Anker's popular 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube for $89.99, down from $129.99. Below you'll find a list of the best Anker discounts on Amazon this week, also including wall chargers, portable chargers, and more. Although it's not on sale, Anker just launched a new desktop charging accessory with the Anker Nano Desk Clamp Power Strip for $69.99. The new device attaches to your desk and has 10 total ports including six AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports. It supports 70W USB-C fast charging and comes in white and black color options. Wall Chargers Nano USB-C Wall Charger - $29.99, down from $39.99 140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $89.99, down from $99.99 Wireless Chargers 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible UFO Charger - $75.99, down from $89.99 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Foldable Charging Station - $89.99, down from $109.99 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $89.99, down from $129.99 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station - $119.99, down from $149.99 Prime MagSafe-Compatible 3-in-1 Charging Station - $159.99, down from $229.99 Portable Chargers SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $179.99, down from $249.00 Prime Power Bank 26,250 mAh - $171.48, down from $229.99 SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $499.99, down from $799.00 SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $799.99, down from $1,499.00 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find 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, "Anker's New Prime 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station Hits $119.99 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple has run into "more issues than expected" during the engineering test phase of its foldable iPhone, potentially delaying the device's launch well into 2027. According to a new report from Nikkei Asia, engineering problems emerging during the foldable iPhone's early test production phase are more complex and taking longer to resolve than Apple anticipated. The device is currently undergoing engineering verification testing, a critical stage in validating an all-new design before it can proceed toward mass production. Component suppliers have reportedly been notified that production schedules may need to be pushed back, indicating that Apple is already adjusting its timeline as it works to resolve the issues. The foldable iPhone was already expected to launch later than the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max in September, potentially following a staggered release pattern similar to the iPhone X, but the newly surfaced engineering setbacks increase the risk of further delays beyond that window. "It's true that more issues than expected have emerged during the early test production phase, and additional time will be needed to resolve them and make necessary adjustments," a source familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia. "The current situation could put the mass production timeline at risk." The source also stressed the urgency of the next few weeks: "April will mark a crucial stage of the engineering verification test, and this month till early May is extremely critical." Nikkei cites sources both inside Apple and among component suppliers warning of delays. Issues surrounding the engineering development of the foldable are more complex than expected, and in a worst-case scenario could delay first shipments by months. "Apple and the supply chain are working under a pressured timeline and the current solutions are not enough to completely solve the engineering challenge," the source said. "More time is needed." Leaker Fixed Focus Digital today claimed that the device is being delayed by ongoing pricing negotiations with manufacturing partners and an unresolved decision over hinge materials. Apple is said to be choosing between liquid metal, which could improve durability and reduce creasing, and a 3D-printed titanium alloy, with a final decision expected during the Production Validation Test phase in July or early August. Meanwhile, unresolved cost discussions with its assembly partner could further impact the production schedule.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTag: Foldable iPhone This article, "Foldable iPhone Engineering Delays Could Push Launch Into 2027" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

A new book by New York Times labor reporter Noam Scheiber argues that Apple's decade-long erosion of its retail workforce directly contributed to the disappointing launch of the Apple Vision Pro in early 2024 (via WIRED). The book, Mutiny: The Rise and Revolt of the College-Educated Working Class, draws on interviews with Apple Store employees to document how staffing cuts, reduced training, and a shift toward aggressive sales metrics left Apple retail staff ill-equipped to demo the Vision Pro. Apple flew hundreds of retail employees to Cupertino in early 2024 for secretive Vision Pro training, requiring NDAs, phone confiscation, and strict silence between colleagues at different stages of the program, to preserve the "novelty" of the experience. Upon their return to their stores, they were tasked with leading four-hour workshops, but many salespeople received only minimal preparation, with some given as little as a 20-minute demo and limited time to rehearse a complex script before presenting to customers. The challenge was compounded by a workforce that included many recently converted employees with little prior experience of scripted product launches, leaving some ill-equipped to deliver the carefully choreographed demonstrations. The demo itself was technically demanding. Employees had to scan customers' faces, select from roughly 25 different light seals, and guide users through eye- and hand-based controls before working through a script that ran to more than a dozen screens. The training was so haphazard that many employees who received early demos were unknowingly seeing blurry content, the result of small fitting errors that nobody had caught. With stores staffed so leanly, managers struggled to pull employees off the floor for the preparation time Apple corporate had intended, and demo quality varied enormously. Some employees noticed a disconnect between Cupertino's expectations and floor-level reality. Scheiber traces the deterioration to the transition from Steve Jobs to Tim Cook. Jobs built Apple retail around a permanently employed, generously compensated workforce, on the theory that any worker who felt second-class would make customers feel the same way. Under Cook, that model was progressively unwound: contractor numbers grew, training shifted from multi-week instructor-led programs to brief self-guided modules, and leadership rotated toward cost control. After an unsuccessful attempt to slash staffing under John Browett, Cook installed Angela Ahrendts, whose sensibility was closer to the Jobs era, but her 2019 departure brought in Deirdre O'Brien, who pushed stores toward conventional retail metrics: device activations, accessory attachment rates, and AppleCare+ sign-ups. The "creative" role tracked a similar trajectory, shrinking from unlimited one-on-one customer tutorials to group sessions to what some employees described as barely disguised product marketing. Apple sold fewer than 500,000 Vision Pro units in 2024, compared to roughly 10 million Apple Watches in their first year on sale and more than 200 million iPhones annually. The book notes that Apple had originally projected first-year Apple Watch sales at around 40 million units before slashing that forecast by more than 70% and that it was store employees who helped rescue the launch, surfacing the health and fitness angle through daily floor-level conversations with managers. This time the dynamic ran in reverse. Whereas retail staff had once helped pull Apple out of a stumbling product launch, the book argues, this time they made one worse. The Vision Pro's own limitations played a significant role in the shortfall, such as a roughly 1.5-pound weight, a limited selection of apps, and a $3,500 base price rising to around $4,000 with common upgrades and accessories. Because few employees could afford the device even with their 25% staff discount, they had little opportunity to build familiarity with it outside of work. About a week after launch, managers in many stores quietly allowed salespeople to read the demo script from an iPad rather than deliver it from memory, which some staff said degraded the experience. A few months later, many stores abandoned the script altogether. Managers began asking staff to recruit customers for demos on the floor, and some informally lowered the minimum age requirement from 13. The Vision Pro's sales performance at store level told its own story. By late May 2024, employees at the Towson store were reporting weeks in which they sold no units at all, and occasionally recorded negative sales figures after processing returns. Mutiny: The Rise and Revolt of the College-Educated Working Class is out now from Farrar, Straus and Giroux. See the full excerpt in WIRED for more information.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTag: WiredBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro This article, "New Book Details Vision Pro's Troubled Launch in Apple Stores" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's first foldable iPhone is being held up by pricing negotiations with manufacturing partners and an unresolved decision about hinge materials, rather than component or display problems, according to Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital. Apple is expected to release its first foldable iPhone later this year, in the form of a book-style device that unfolds to reveal a screen about the size of an iPad mini. Reports suggest it will feature a 7.8-inch main display when unfolded and a 5.5-inch cover display, but claims of when it will launch have yet to arrive at a consensus, with reports suggesting a release could come as early as September or as late as December. In a post today on social network Weibo, Fixed Focus Digital cited their own supply chain sources claiming Apple is still undecided on the hinge material, with the company still apparently weighing liquid metal against 3D-printed titanium alloy, which was most recently used in the iPhone Air. Rumors going back to March 2025 claimed that Apple had settled on the use of liquid metal for the hinge, which could improve durability and reduce screen creasing. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has previously used liquid metal in smaller device components like SIM ejector pins, but the foldable iPhone will be the company's first major use of the material in a critical mechanical part. Fixed Focus Digital expects Apple to settle on its preferred material during the device's Production Validation Test (PVT) phase between July and early August, which would be the latest time for such a decision to be realistically made – assuming the device is scheduled to ship this year. The second, potentially more disruptive issue is allegedly price negotiations with Apple's assembly partner, which the leaker suggested could affect the production schedule. Apple's first foldable iPhone could end up costing nearly twice as much as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with retail pricing likely to be somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500. According to Kuo, the foldable iPhone will include two rear cameras, a single front-facing camera, and Touch ID integrated into the power button. The device could measure just 4.5mm thick when unfolded, and between 9mm and 9.5mm when closed. Fixed Focus Digital previously broke the news ahead of launch about the iPhone 16e name for Apple's upcoming iPhone SE successor.Tags: Fixed Focus Digital, Foldable iPhone This article, "Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Hitting Late-Stage Manufacturing Snags" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Leaker Sonny Dickson today shared images of the first iPhone 18 Pro, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and foldable iPhone dummy models. The images conform with rumors about the designs of the three devices. iPhone dummy units are intended to take the place of real devices for testing purposes, particularly for accessory manufacturers, who seek to mass produce items such as cases prior to the announcement of new devices, which necessitates a relatively high level of accuracy. While the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max look largely the same as their predecessors, other than a smaller Dynamic Island visible on the dummies, the foldable iPhone features a completely new design. With a passport-style form factor, it is unlike any iPhone we've seen before. Previously, the best idea of what the first foldable iPhone could look like came from a 3D model based on a mockup created by MacRumors forums user iZac, who based his design on rumors that were circulating in May. While many aspects of that speculative design appear to be true, such as a horizontal dual-camera array and volume buttons on the top of the device, there are some key differences that we have not seen before. Firstly, the foldable iPhone does not appear to have a unibody design like the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models, with no window for a glass insert to facilitate wireless charging. With no separation between the rear and the camera plateau, this suggests that the device's entire rear may be made of glass like the iPhone Air. Secondly, the camera plateau does not extend the full width of the device like the ‌iPhone Air‌, stopping around three quarters of the way along the back of the device. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display with an iPad-style 4:3 aspect ratio, a 5.5-inch outer display, an ultra-thin 4.5mm titanium frame, a class-leading display with a reduced crease, Touch ID, and a starting price of around $2,000. The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and first foldable iPhone are expected to launch in the fall, but the latest rumors suggest that the foldable could be delayed. Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTags: Foldable iPhone, Sonny Dickson This article, "Foldable iPhone Design Revealed in Images of Dummy Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article