reporter

Apple has started preparing for its annual Back to School promotion in the U.S. and Canada, according to backend Apple code seen by MacRumors. Apple holds a Back to School sale each June, providing teachers and students with free accessories or gift cards when purchasing a Mac or an iPad. The added bonus is in addition to Apple's educational discount. Back to School sales typically start around the middle of the month, but we don't yet know the start dates for this year's sale. The sale continues through the end of September, so students do not need to rush to prepare to return to school. Apple's Back to School promotions have varied. Last year, Apple offered eligible students, educators, and parents accessories worth up to $199 when purchasing a Mac or an ‌iPad‌. Free options included the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Apple Pencil Pro, and more. Looking back at Apple's past Back to School dates gives us an idea of when this year's sale will take place. 2021 - June 17 to September 27, free AirPods 2022 - June 24 to September 26, gift card up to $150 U.S. 2023 - June 5 (U.S.)/June 26 (Canada) to October 2, gift card up to $150 U.S. 2024 - June 20 to September 30, gift card up to $150 U.S. 2025 - June 17 to September 30, free accessory worth up to $199 The Back to School sale typically takes place around WWDC, and in three of the last five years, it has started 8 to 10 days after the WWDC keynote. With the 2026 keynote set to take place on June 8, we're likely to see the sale start the week of June 15. Students who are planning to purchase a new Mac or ‌iPad‌ may want to hold off until Apple's Back to School sale begins to get an added accessory or gift card. In past years, MacBooks, iPads, and iMacs have been eligible for a free add-on with purchase. Apple holds the promotion through its online education store and Apple retail locations. Students attending or accepted to a higher-education institution, parents purchasing on behalf of an eligible student, and employees at K–12 schools and higher-education institutions are eligible. Earlier this year, Apple began requiring UNiDAYS verification for educational discounts in the United States and Canada. Educational purchases now require academic status verification through an email address from an educational institution, a student or staff photo ID, or another valid educational document. Apple actually holds two Back to School sales per year, with one aimed at students in Australia, New Zealand, and other Southern Hemisphere markets. This year's January Back to School sale saw Apple offering students free AirPods, Apple Pencils, and other accessories. After the U.S. and Canada Back to School sales launch, Apple typically extends them to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia a few weeks later.Tag: Back to School Promotion This article, "Hold Off on Purchases, Students: Apple's Back to School Sale Is Coming Soon" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

On the latest episode of The Verge's Decoder podcast, Rivian's software chief Wassym Bensaid explained why the EV maker still refuses to offer Apple CarPlay. In short, Bensaid said Rivian does not want CarPlay to fully take over the software experience. "The challenge with screen mirroring solutions is that they take over every single pixel in the car," he said. Instead, Rivian prefers to offer its own interface with "end-to-end integration." Bensaid added that "deep AI integration into the car" will eventually make the debate over offering CarPlay in vehicles "completely obsolete." He believes that Rivian owners will be able to access the core functionality of many apps through an AI agent, rather than needing to rely on CarPlay or Android Auto. "I really believe that the way you interact with apps which are mono-threaded, single buttons, single icons, a lot of that will be now completely reshaped into a world where it will become an agentic integration that presents itself into a wholesome user experience to the user," Bensaid explained. However, he admitted that an AI agent becoming an "alternative solution" to CarPlay apps will take time to materialize. Already, Rivian owners are increasingly less interested in CarPlay, according to Bensaid. He said that Rivian's internal statistics showed that more than 70% of customers wanted CarPlay when their vehicles first launched around five years ago, but he said a recent survey showed that figure is apparently less than 25% now. "With the level of features that we have shipped to customers, with the level of end-to-end integration, with the level of convenience that we are bringing, CarPlay is, or Android Auto to that extent, is no longer the topic of discussion," he said.Related Roundup: CarPlayTag: RivianRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, "Rivian Explains Why CarPlay Debate Will Become 'Completely Obsolete'" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Oura today unveiled the Oura Ring 5, a significantly smaller smart ring with new health-monitoring capabilities including blood pressure trend detection, nighttime breathing analysis, and tools for GLP-1 medication tracking. The Oura Ring 5 is 40% smaller than its predecessor, measuring 6.09mm wide and 2.29mm thick compared to 7.99mm and 2.88mm on the previous model. Oura says the reduction was achieved by redesigning the mechanical, electrical, optical, battery, and sensing architectures, and the company claims the new form factor more closely resembles a traditional wedding band. Despite the smaller size, Oura says battery life remains at approximately one week per charge. The ring's sensing system has also been overhauled. A new signal architecture uses precision-engineered sensor domes for better skin contact, more powerful LEDs, and twelve signal pathways that Oura says deliver greater accuracy across more finger types and skin tones. The headline software addition is "Health Radar," a proactive health-monitoring feature that builds on the company's existing Symptom Radar tool, which launched in 2024 to flag early signs of illness. Health Radar includes two initial capabilities: Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing. Blood Pressure Signals continuously monitors for patterns that may indicate cardiovascular strain, surfacing nighttime blood pressure trends. Nighttime Breathing provides a 30-day rolling view of sleep-related breathing disturbances, with guidance on when to seek further evaluation. A new Health Records feature allows U.S. users to import diagnosed conditions, medications, lab results, and allergies directly into the app. Oura has also partnered with Counsel Health, an AI-powered virtual care platform, to let eligible users in 43 U.S. states ask health questions and connect with licensed physicians from within the app for an additional fee. New GLP-1 Insights tools let users track medication dosing, side effects, weight changes, and biometric data in one place. A Lab Uploads feature lets users import blood biomarker results alongside Oura's biometric data. Other new features include live workout tracking with real-time pace, distance, and heart rate via a connected device, a Brain Health Study through Oura Labs pairing cognitive assessments with biometric data, and a time-based Data Deletion tool allowing users to erase data from specific periods without affecting their full history. An optional new Charging Case accessory provides one month of battery and supports wireless charging, priced at $99. Oura is also introducing a Locate feature to track misplaced rings and charging cases. The Oura Ring 5 is priced at $399 in Silver and Black, with Gold, Stealth, Brushed Silver, and Deep Rose finishes priced at $499. The Oura Ring 4 in ceramic remains available at $349. An Oura Membership is required for full functionality at $5.99 per month or $69.99 annually. Global pre-orders open today, with shipping beginning June 4. Tags: Health and Fitness, Health Technologies This article, "Oura Ring 5 Unveiled With Smaller Design and Blood Pressure Tracking" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple reportedly plans to use next month's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to highlight its on-device AI capabilities as a competitive advantage, leaning on 15 years of custom silicon expertise to make the case for running AI models locally rather than in the cloud. People familiar with Apple's plans speaking to The Information say the company is expected to showcase how the chips designed for iPhones, Apple Watches, and Macs give it an edge in processing AI queries directly on devices. While cloud-based processing will remain necessary for complex queries, Apple will position local inference as a privacy-preserving, cost-saving alternative to the massive data center buildouts its rivals have pursued. As part of its agreement with Google, Apple is apparently set to use a large version of Google's Gemini model to train a smaller, distilled version capable of running locally on Apple hardware. Apple is also said to be scouting acquisitions to help advance its model-shrinking work, with one company it has reportedly considered being Liquid AI, a Massachusetts startup focused on running AI locally on devices. Some queries will still require cloud processing. Apple is believed to have approved the use of Nvidia's confidential compute technology within Google Cloud to handle processing of the larger Gemini-based model. The security feature encrypts data and AI models during processing, adding a modest performance cost but offering stronger privacy protections. The arrangement represents a noticeable departure from Apple's original Apple Intelligence announcement, in which the company said all cloud-bound queries would be handled exclusively by its own Private Cloud Compute infrastructure running on Apple silicon. Apple is likely to retain the Private Cloud Compute branding despite the change, people familiar with the partnership told The Information. There are also said to be material limits to how far Apple can push on-device processing. Google's full Gemini model runs into the trillions of parameters, and The Information claims that Apple has struggled to run it on its own Private Cloud Compute infrastructure, which uses the same Apple silicon chips found in Mac computers. ‌Apple Intelligence‌ was first announced at WWDC 2024, but the rollout has been hampered by a tepid response to initial features and a protracted delay to the more personal version of Siri. Apple is now expected to use WWDC 2026, which runs from June 8 to reframe the narrative, reintroduce the delayed features, and debut new ones. Related Roundup: WWDC 2026Tags: Apple Intelligence, The Information, WWDC 2026Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech Industry This article, "Report: Apple Plans to Make On-Device AI a Key WWDC Focus" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Earlier this week, Amazon introduced a new $199 discount on the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air, and this sale has now expanded to include nearly every model of the computer on sale at record low prices. You can get the 512GB 13-inch M5 MacBook Air for $899.99, down from $1,099.00, available in all colors. 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. You'll find $199 off every model of the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air on Amazon, with free delivery around early June for most models. In terms of other 13-inch models, Amazon also has the 16GB/1TB model for $1,099.99, and the 24GB/1TB model for $1,299.99. Both of these represent $199 discounts and are new all-time low prices for each model. $199 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $899.99 $199 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,099.99 $199 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,299.99 Regarding the 15-inch models, you'll also find $199 off the larger M5 MacBook Air, with multiple color options on sale for each configuration. Prices start at $1,099.99 for the 512GB model, down from $1,299.00, and rise to $1,499.99 for the 24GB/1TB model, down from $1,699.00. As of writing, we aren't tracking any discounts on the 16GB/1TB model of the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air. $199 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,099.99 $199 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,499.99 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, "Amazon Takes $199 Off Nearly Every M5 MacBook Air, Starting at $899.99" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple is planning sweeping AI-driven upgrades to its Camera and Photos apps in iOS 27, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. Image via Bloomberg. The report offers a first look at the appearance of several major ‌iOS 27‌ features that Apple plans to announce at its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 8. The images are based on information viewed by Bloomberg and people said to be familiar with Apple's plans. The Camera app is set to gain a dedicated Siri mode, positioned alongside existing options like Photo and Video. Gurman reports the feature would replace the current Visual Intelligence experience, allowing users to photograph objects and have them analyzed by a third-party AI agent or run through a Google reverse image search. By elevating the capability directly into the Camera app rather than restricting it to the Camera Control button, Apple reportedly aims to increase adoption and help acclimate users to visual AI ahead of future products, including smart glasses and camera-equipped AirPods. The Camera app is also said to be getting a new "Add Widgets" panel that makes the interface more customizable. The top row of shortcuts currently displayed across capture modes would become replaceable, letting users prioritize more professional controls such as depth adjustments, or surface tools like timers and Night mode more prominently in the interface. Gurman says the changes are aimed at making Apple's camera software more appealing to advanced photographers. Image via Bloomberg. The ‌Photos‌ app is set to receive new Apple Intelligence tools called "Reframe" and "Extend." Reframe would allow users to change the perspective of a photo, while Extend uses AI to generate additional portions of an image, such as filling in the lower half of a building that was cut off in the original shot. Apple is also said to be testing natural language prompt-based photo editing, which would let users request specific edits by voice or text, such as cropping or adjusting colors. Gurman notes that this specific feature may not arrive in the first version of ‌iOS 27‌. Elsewhere in ‌iOS 27‌, the Shortcuts app is said to be getting a significant overhaul that would allow users to create automations using natural language. Instead of manually building workflows step by step, users can describe what they want to happen; Gurman's example has a user setting up a routine that automatically starts a music playlist and sends a spouse an ETA when they begin driving home from work. Bloomberg previously reporte ond AI-created wallpapers, a systemwide grammar checker for text input, and a revamped Image Playground app offering improved quality for AI-generated pictures and Genmoji custom emoji. See Bloomberg's full report for more information.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Apple Intelligence, Bloomberg, iOS 27, Mark Gurman, Photos This article, "First Look at AI Camera and Photos Features in iOS 27 Revealed" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today shared a series of re-created screenshots that reveal iOS 27's all-new Siri app and "Search or Ask" functionality. With the Siri app, iPhone, iPad, and Mac users will be able to interact with Apple's assistant in both text and voice modes. The app will allow for back-and-forth conversations, complete with messaging history that can be set to expire. Overall, the Siri app would function similarly to chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Siri app: Search or Ask: More details to follow.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Bloomberg, Mark Gurman, Siri This article, "iOS 27's New Siri App and 'Search or Ask' Feature Leaked in Screenshots" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Introduction In the current landscape of software engineering, technical proficiency is the baseline expectation. If you know how to write code, configure servers, or manage cloud infrastructure, you have entered the game. However, many engineers find that their career trajectory plateaus despite having advanced technical knowledge. They master the tools but struggle to lead, innovate, or advance into senior roles. This is where the missing piece—DevOps culture—becomes critical. Many professionals mistakenly view DevOps as a collection of tools like Jenkins, Kubernetes, or Docker. In reality, DevOps is a philosophy. It is a way of working that emphasizes communication, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement. Without understanding this culture, you are just performing tasks; with it, you are building systems and, more importantly, a lasting career. The demand for professionals who understand this shift is rising rapidly. Companies are no longer looking for siloed experts. They need engineers who can bridge the gap between development and operations. By cultivating this mindset, you position yourself as a force multiplier within your organization. For those looking to deepen their understanding of these practices, platforms like DevOpsSchool provide essential resources, training, and a community focus that helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world engineering culture. Developing this mindset is not just about company goals; it is about your own professional longevity. What Is DevOps Culture? At its core, DevOps culture is the human side of software engineering. It is the practice of breaking down the traditional walls between the people who write code and the people who maintain it. Think of it as a shift from “my job ends here” to “we succeed together.” It is a mindset that prioritizes empathy, transparency, and a relentless focus on the end-user. If a developer pushes code that breaks the production environment, a DevOps culture does not look for a scapegoat. Instead, it looks for the gap in the process that allowed the failure, fixes it, and ensures it does not happen again. The Key Ingredients Collaboration: Actively seeking out different perspectives to solve problems. Shared Responsibility: Accepting that the health of the application is a team effort, not an individual burden. Continuous Improvement: Always looking for ways to make the process smoother, faster, and more reliable. Why DevOps Culture Matters in Modern Engineering Modern software engineering is fast-paced. Requirements change, cloud services evolve, and users demand instant reliability. If your team operates in silos—where developers throw code over a wall to an operations team—you will inevitably face bottlenecks. DevOps culture matters because it creates a safety net for innovation. When teams collaborate, they identify security flaws earlier, catch bugs faster, and reduce the time it takes to get features into the hands of users. This is not just about efficiency; it is about building software that actually works and improves the lives of those using it. Example in the Workplace Consider a scenario where an application crashes during a high-traffic sale. In a traditional environment, the developers might blame the server config, while the operations team blames the code. In a DevOps culture, the team acts as one unit. They immediately look at the monitoring dashboards, correlate the crash with recent deployments, and work together to roll back or patch the issue within minutes. This speed is only possible when the culture is built on trust and shared data. Core Principles of DevOps Culture PrincipleCareer BenefitCollaborationBuilds strong cross-functional relationships and networking skills.AutomationFrees up your time to focus on complex, high-value tasks.Continuous FeedbackSharpens your ability to learn from mistakes and improve.Shared OwnershipEstablishes your reputation as a reliable and accountable leader.Learning MindsetKeeps your skills relevant in a rapidly changing market. Collaboration Collaboration is the bedrock of this culture. It is not just about meetings; it is about open communication channels. An engineer who talks to the QA team early in the design phase is far more valuable than one who hides behind a monitor. Automation Automation is the mechanism that allows for scale. If you are doing a task more than once, it should be automated. This requires you to move beyond manual intervention and toward building systems that manage themselves. Continuous Feedback This involves using metrics and monitoring to understand how your software performs in the real world. You are not guessing anymore; you are using data to drive your next move. How DevOps Culture Impacts Your Career If you want to move from an individual contributor to a lead, architect, or manager, you must embrace this culture. The impact on your career is tangible. Faster Career Growth Professionals who understand DevOps culture are viewed as problem solvers rather than ticket-closers. You start being involved in architectural discussions earlier because stakeholders trust your collaborative approach. Cross-Functional Expertise By working across teams—from security and development to operations—you gain a bird’s-eye view of the product lifecycle. This knowledge is invaluable for roles like SRE or Solutions Architect. Leadership Opportunities Leadership is not just about managing people; it is about influencing processes. By championing automation and collaboration, you naturally step into positions of influence, making you the person management turns to when they need to scale a team. Collaboration Skills in DevOps Careers Collaboration is often mistaken for just being “friendly.” In the context of engineering, it is a technical skill. It requires the ability to explain complex problems to non-technical stakeholders and the humility to accept feedback on your code. Engineering Scenario Imagine you are building a new deployment pipeline. Instead of building it in isolation, you reach out to the security team to understand their compliance requirements first. By doing this, you avoid having your pipeline rejected later. That is collaboration as a competitive advantage. It saves time and builds professional political capital. Automation Mindset and Career Growth The automation mindset is about looking at every manual task as a technical debt. If you are manually patching servers or copy-pasting configurations, you are not using your brain to its full potential. Practical Productivity When you automate a process, you are effectively creating a product. You are taking your expertise and embedding it into the system. This creates a legacy of your work that continues to provide value long after you have moved on to new projects. This is what separates an average engineer from a top-tier performer. Ownership and Accountability in DevOps Culture The mantra “you build it, you run it” is the ultimate test of ownership. When you are responsible for the code you deploy, you naturally write better, more maintainable, and more robust code. Workplace Example Think of the engineer who deploys a database migration and goes home immediately. Compare that to the engineer who stays online to ensure the metrics remain stable after the deployment. The latter displays a level of accountability that is immediately noticed by leadership. This accountability is the fastest way to earn trust. Continuous Learning and DevOps Success The landscape of technology changes every six months. If you rely on the knowledge you gained in college or your first job, you will become obsolete. DevOps culture fosters a “beginner’s mind,” where learning is not a chore but a daily habit. Whether it is learning to secure a container, understanding cloud cost optimization, or mastering infrastructure-as-code, your value is tied to your ability to learn. This is why continuous improvement is not just a company goal—it is your personal insurance policy. DevOps Culture vs Traditional IT Culture AreaTraditional ITDevOps CultureCollaborationSiloed, team-specific knowledge.Open, shared knowledge across teams.Delivery SpeedSlow, prone to release friction.Rapid, consistent, and automated.AccountabilityBlame-driven (“not my fault”).Ownership-driven (“how do we fix this?”).LearningStagnant, based on legacy processes.Constant, based on feedback loops.FeedbackReactive (post-mortem only).Proactive (real-time monitoring). Real-World Example: Engineer Without DevOps Culture Consider Alex, a developer who is brilliant at writing code. Alex is fast, writes clean syntax, and never misses a deadline. However, Alex treats the operations team as an annoyance, views documentation as a waste of time, and ignores the security implications of his dependencies. When a bug hits production, Alex is nowhere to be found, claiming, “I wrote the code; the ops team manages the server.” Over time, Alex’s code becomes brittle, team members avoid working with him, and his career stagnates because he has not learned how to scale himself or his work. Real-World Example: Engineer With DevOps Culture Now consider Sam. Sam writes good code but always documents the “why” behind his logic. When he builds a feature, he collaborates with the QA and SRE teams to ensure the release plan is solid. When a production issue happens, Sam is the first to open the logs and help the team diagnose the root cause, not to place blame, but to solve the issue. Sam is known as a reliable partner. Because of this culture, Sam is offered leadership opportunities, asked to mentor juniors, and is often the first person considered for promotions. Sam understands that his success is tied to the success of the whole team. Soft Skills That Matter in DevOps Culture Communication: Can you articulate the value of a technical change to a project manager? Teamwork: Do you elevate the performance of those around you? Problem-solving: Do you seek root causes or just symptom relief? Adaptability: Are you comfortable changing course when data suggests it? Ownership: Do you treat the company’s goals as your own? Common Beginner Misunderstandings “DevOps is only tools.” False. Tools are the vehicle, not the destination. “Culture does not matter if I code well.” False. Technical skills get you hired; soft skills get you promoted. “Automation will replace me.” False. Automation allows you to work on higher-level, more rewarding problems. “Only DevOps Engineers need this.” False. Every developer and system admin needs this mindset to remain competitive. Best Practices to Build a DevOps Mindset Ask Questions: Do not just execute tasks. Ask why the process exists. Practice Automation: Start by automating your smallest, most repetitive daily task. Build Relationships: Shadow someone from a different department (e.g., Security or QA) for a day. Share Knowledge: Write documentation for the things you learn. Stay Curious: Follow trends, read engineering blogs, and keep your toolset updated. Role of Leadership in DevOps Culture Leadership sets the tone. If managers value “firefighting” over “preventative engineering,” the team will never adopt a DevOps culture. Leaders must empower their teams by allowing them to fail fast in safe environments, providing the time for learning, and rewarding collaboration over individual heroics. Role of DevOpsSchool in Building DevOps Skills and Culture Building a career in this field requires more than reading articles; it requires structured guidance and practical application. DevOpsSchool supports this journey by offering environments where you can practice CI/CD, understand cloud infrastructure, and learn the collaborative practices that define this culture. By engaging with these resources, you transition from someone who just knows the theory to someone who has actually applied the engineering mindset in a real-world context. Career Opportunities Influenced by DevOps Culture DevOps Engineer: Bridging development and operations. Cloud Engineer: Managing scalable infrastructure. SRE (Site Reliability Engineer): Focusing on uptime and reliability. Platform Engineer: Building internal tools for other developers. Automation Engineer: Specializing in process optimization. Engineering Leader: Managing teams and culture. Industries Benefiting from DevOps Culture Banking & Finance: Where security and reliability are non-negotiable. Healthcare: Where data integrity and uptime save lives. SaaS Platforms: Where rapid feature delivery is a competitive advantage. E-Commerce: Where performance directly correlates to revenue. Telecom: Where massive scale and automation are essential. Future of DevOps Culture The future is shifting toward “Platform Engineering” and AI-assisted operations. The fundamental principle—collaboration and shared responsibility—remains unchanged. As AI begins to handle more of the manual tasks, the value of the human engineer will shift toward system architecture, strategic thinking, and fostering the cultural environment that allows technology to thrive. FAQs What is DevOps culture exactly?It is a collaborative work style that removes silos between teams, focusing on shared responsibility and continuous improvement. Why does DevOps culture matter for my career?It accelerates your growth, makes you a more effective team player, and prepares you for leadership roles. Can beginners learn DevOps culture?Yes. It is a mindset that can be cultivated by anyone willing to prioritize collaboration and learning. Is DevOps only about automation tools?No, tools enable the culture, but the culture is about how people interact and work together. What skills matter most in this culture?Communication, adaptability, ownership, and a deep understanding of the entire product lifecycle. Does DevOps culture help career growth?Absolutely, as it builds the soft skills and architectural thinking required for senior and leadership positions. Is collaboration important in DevOps?It is the foundation. Without it, you are just working in a different, more technical silo. How can I develop a DevOps mindset?Start by automating small tasks, talking to other teams, and focusing on the “why” behind your work. Do developers need DevOps culture?Yes. It helps developers write code that is easier to deploy, monitor, and maintain. Does DevOps culture increase productivity?Yes, by removing friction, reducing manual errors, and speeding up feedback loops. Is it only for large enterprises?No, teams of any size benefit from shared ownership and automated processes. How do I handle team friction in a DevOps transition?Focus on empathy, clearly communicating the benefits, and leading by example. Is DevOps culture about SRE?SRE is a specific way to implement DevOps principles, but the culture itself is broader. What is the biggest challenge?Changing human behavior and overcoming the “this is how we have always done it” mentality. Where should I start my learning journey?Focus on mastering one domain, like cloud or CI/CD, while actively seeking collaboration opportunities at work. Final Thoughts Technical skills are your currency, but your cultural mindset is your investment strategy. You can spend your career focusing solely on the “next big framework,” or you can develop the habits, collaboration skills, and engineering maturity that define a true DevOps professional. When you start taking ownership, automating the mundane, and looking for ways to support your teammates, you stop being just another engineer. You become the engineer that teams rely on, that leadership values, and that consistently moves forward. Culture is not just a company buzzword; it is the most reliable path to a successful and fulfilling career in modern technology. Start building that mindset today. View the full article

The former merchandise manager and longtime associate of Parkway Drive has avoided jail after pleading guilty to a child sex offence in northern New South Wales. As reported by Blunt Magazine, Jed Daniel Gordon, 45, was sentenced in Byron Bay Local Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to sexual intercourse with a person aged between 14 and 16 between 2002 and 2003. Gordon received a three-year community corrections order, was ordered to complete 300 hours of community service, and was placed on the child protection register. He was also issued a two-year apprehended domestic violence order. The offence involved a 15-year-old girl and occurred when Gordon was in his early 20’s. The sentencing has already sparked significant backlash online, with many fans expressing anger over Gordon avoiding prison time given the nature of the offence. Gordon, who is the brother of Parkway Drive drummer Ben Gordon, had long been publicly associated with the Byron Bay heavy outfit and was previously described by the band as their “sixth member”. Earlier this year, Parkway Drive publicly distanced themselves from Gordon after details of the case became public, stating they immediately severed ties with him once they became aware of the offence. “We condemn abuse and exploitation in all forms,” the band said at the time. Importantly, Parkway Drive themselves have not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing in relation to the matter. Still, the case has cast a long shadow across parts of the Australian heavy music community, particularly given Gordon’s longstanding connection to one of the country’s biggest heavy exports. The situation has also reignited broader conversations within the scene around accountability, backstage culture and how the music industry responds when people connected to major artists face serious criminal allegations or convictions. If you need assistance, 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service — can be reached on 1800 737 732. For help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. Further Reading “We Need To Do Better”: Parkway Drive’s Winston McCall Shares Emotional Statement Following Jed Gordon Case Parkway Drive Issue Statement After Former Associate Pleads Guilty To Underage Sex Offence Hellbound II Lineup: Parkway Drive, Thy Art Is Murder + MORE The post Former Parkway Drive Merch Manager Avoids Jail After Pleading Guilty To Child Sex Offence appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Few punk bands have managed to stay this consistently furious – or this consistently relevant – quite like Rise Against. Now, the Chicago punk veterans are officially heading back Down Under, today announcing a massive Australian and New Zealand headline tour for November and December 2026 alongside Boston Celtic punk icons Dropkick Murphys. Rise Against – ‘Ricochet’ The run will see the two heavyweight acts tear through arenas and outdoor stages across Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, alongside a New Zealand stop in Auckland and Christchurch. But perhaps the most unexpected date on the entire run is happening somewhere a little less… conventional. In one of the more delightfully chaotic festival announcements of the year, Rise Against and Dropkick Murphys will also headline the debut edition of Meltdown Festival in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast alongside Aussie favourites The Living End, Jebediah, RedHook and more. Yep. Rise Against are officially playing Gossy. The tour arrives as Rise Against continue rolling out their upcoming album Ricochet, with the band once again channelling the politically charged urgency and melodic hardcore intensity that’s defined them for more than two decades. “Few bands have ever been as accurately named as the Chicago punk quartet,” the tour announcement reads. “While fleeting styles and fashionable imitations have entered and exited vogue, Rise Against have remained a north star of artful resistance.” Meanwhile, Dropkick Murphys arrive armed with their latest album For The People, continuing their long-running blend of rabble-rousing punk, Celtic folk influence and working-class heart-on-sleeve energy. Together? This tour honestly feels like a masterclass in punk bands who’ve never really stopped meaning something to people. And judging by the lineup alone, Australian crowds are probably about to lose their minds. Suss the details down below. Rise Against Australian Tour 2026 With Dropkick Murphys Thursday November 26 – John Cain Arena — Melbourne, VIC Saturday November 28 – The Entertainment Grounds — Meltdown Festival Sunday November 29 – Riverstage — Brisbane, QLD Tuesday December 1 – Sydney Opera House Forecourt — Sydney, NSW Friday December 4 – Red Hill Auditorium — Perth, WA Further Reading Rise Against Are Headlining A Brand New Heavy Music Festival On The NSW Central Coast Hellbound II Lineup: Parkway Drive, Thy Art Is Murder + MORE Rise Against 2026 North American Tour Setlist The post Rise Against Are Returning To Australia With Dropkick Murphys For Huge 2026 Tour appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Well… this wasn’t on our 2026 bingo card. A brand new heavy festival called Meltdown has officially emerged from the depths, with organisers today unveiling a stacked debut lineup led by Chicago punk heavyweights Rise Against alongside Celtic punk legends Dropkick Murphys, Aussie icons The Living End, Jebediah, RedHook and more. “Australia’s newest high-voltage rock and metal event for true heavy music fans” And maybe the most chaotic part of all? It’s happening in Gosford. Yep. The Central Coast is officially entering its punk rock era. Set to take over The Entertainment Grounds on Saturday November 28, Meltdown is billing itself as “Australia’s newest high-voltage rock and metal event for true heavy music fans” – and honestly, for a first lineup? They’re not mucking around. Rise Against topping a festival in Gossy feels slightly surreal in the best possible way. One minute you’re grabbing Boost Juice at Erina Fair, the next you’re scream-singing Savior in a sea of patched denim vests while someone crowdsurfs past wearing a Central Coast Mariners jersey. The festival also marks part of Rise Against’s newly announced Australian and New Zealand headline tour with Dropkick Murphys, which will see the two punk heavyweights hit Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth later this year. For Rise Against, the run continues the rollout of their upcoming album Ricochet, while Dropkick Murphys arrive armed with their latest record For The People – another rabble-rousing blast of pub-ready punk energy and anti-divisive fury. And honestly, Meltdown already feels like a pretty fitting name for what Gosford is about to experience. For now, the Central Coast is about to get very loud, and tickets are likely to disappear faster thaan Ploddy the dinosaur’s latest paint job. Suss the details down below. Meltdown Festival 2026 Lineup Rise Against Dropkick Murphys The Living End Jebediah RedHook Through Being Cool Saturday, 28th November – The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford, NSW Mastercard Presale: Wed 27 May, 12pm AEST Presale: Thu 28 May, 12pm AEST General On Sale: Fri 29 May, 1pm AEST Sign up now for presale: bit.ly/M26-rgstr Further Reading Hellbound II Lineup: Parkway Drive, Thy Art Is Murder + MORE Rise Against 2026 North American Tour Setlist Love Letter To A Record: Rise Against On Fugazi’s ’13 Songs’ The post Rise Against Are Headlining A Brand New Heavy Music Festival On The NSW Central Coast appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Amazon is acquiring Apple satellite provider Globalstar, and it has worked out a deal to take over Apple's stake in the satellite company. According to an FCC filing noticed by PCMag, Amazon is initiating a merger structure. It will create a new subsidiary called Grapefruit Acquisition Sub II to absorb Globalstar's operations, and then the new subsidiary will acquire Apple's equity. Apple has 20 percent equity and 20 percent voting interests in Globalstar Licensee LLC, a Globalstar subsidiary that operates the satellite system that delivers satellite connectivity to iPhone users in the U.S. Apple invested $450 million in Globalstar back in 2022 to fund Globalstar's satellite buildout for the Emergency SOS via satellite feature. Apple received 20 percent equity and 85 percent of Globalstar's network capacity in return. Apple's Globalstar stake required Apple and Amazon to enter into separate negotiations, but the two companies worked out a deal. Amazon's Leo satellite network will power existing iPhone and Apple Watch satellite features like Emergency SOS, Messages via satellite, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite. Apple stands to make more money than it invested, and has secured a partnership with a better-established satellite operator. Amazon will support iPhone and Apple Watch models that use Globalstar's low Earth orbit constellation, and the two companies will work together on future satellite services running on Amazon's expanded Leo network. Amazon's Globalstar purchase is said to be worth around $11.57 billion, and it is expected to close in 2027 as long as it earns regulatory approval.Tags: Amazon, Globalstar This article, "Amazon to Acquire Apple's Globalstar Stake in Satellite Deal" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

YouTube today said it is introducing automatic AI detection, with automatic AI labeling applied to videos with "significant photorealistic AI use." Creators are still expected to manually disclose when realistic AI is used for videos even with the new automatic labeling system. Creators who think their content was incorrectly identified as AI-generated can update the disclosure status in YouTube Studio, but disclosures are permanent for content created with YouTube's AI tools like Veo and Dream Screen or content with C2PA metadata indicating fully generative AI. YouTube is also improving labeling for AI-generated content, making it clearer when a video has "photorealistic and meaningfully AI altered or generated content." An AI label will be shown just below the video player and above the description for long-form videos with AI content, and for shorts, the label will appear as an overlay on the video. The updated labeling applies to content that is photorealistic and may fool people, rather than unrealistic content. Disclosures for content that is "unrealistic, animated, or slightly altered" will continue to be tucked in the expanded description of the video. Separately, YouTube added a new customizable content feed that users can shape based on interests, moods, or preferred topics. Users can type in a custom prompt covering what they want to see, and a content feed will be generated. Custom content feeds have been in testing since November, but they are now rolling out to signed-in viewers in the U.S. on the YouTube mobile app and desktop. YouTube search and watch history must be turned on for the feature to work.Tag: YouTube This article, "YouTube Will Now Automatically Label AI Videos Even When Creators Don't" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Roku today announced that its home screen is receiving its biggest redesign in more than a decade. The new home screen will begin rolling out to Roku TVs and streaming devices across the U.S. starting today, with more countries to follow later. The changes will appear automatically, with no software update required. At the top of the home screen, a new "Top Picks for You" section provides recommendations based on your watch history and what is trending on Roku. A new AI-powered "Quick Access" section surfaces the apps you use most, such as the Apple TV app. There is still a separate page containing a complete list of apps that you have installed on your Roku device if you need it. New curated hubs called "Destinations" offer content organized by genres and moods, such as comedy, reality, movies, sports, documentaries, and more. The menu on the Roku home screen now has a collapsed design with icons, rather than expanded text labels. Roku says this change provides a cleaner canvas for discovering content, but it also results in a large ad being shown persistently on the right side of the screen. Previously, the ad would only appear in certain views. A new "Shortcuts" section provides quick access to features like Continue Watching, Sleep Timer, Save List, and more, all in one place. If you are a fan of the Roku City screen saver, there is now an on-screen tile that you can select to view it at any time. You can explore the screen saver's iconic cityscape, plus access Daily Trivia and other mini-games.Tags: Home Screen, Roku This article, "Roku Unveils Redesigned Home Screen" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple is developing a new feature that will lock your iPhone if it's snatched from your hand by a thief, according to Apple code seen by 9to5Mac. The option will use the gyroscope, accelerometer, and other sensors to determine when an iPhone has been grabbed. It'll also rely on a paired Apple Watch to detect when the iPhone has suddenly moved away from the owner's wrist. Once the iPhone is yanked from your hand, it will lock and activate Stolen Device Protection to prevent thieves from accessing information on it. Stolen Device Protection adds extra security to your iPhone when you're away from familiar locations like home or work. It requires biometric authentication for actions like accessing stored passwords or credit cards, and there are built-in hour-long delays for actions like changing an Apple Account password. The feature was originally designed to protect iPhone users from stealthy thieves who observe someone's passcode and then snatch an iPhone. With a passcode, thieves could get into apps and access bank account data and other sensitive information, but Stolen Device Protection prevents that from happening. Android already has a Theft Detection Lock feature that locks a smartphone in a snatch-and-grab theft situation. There is no word on when the new feature might be added to the iPhone. This article, "Apple Developing iPhone Anti-Snatching Feature That Locks Stolen Phones Instantly" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Meta is rolling out paid Instagram Plus, Facebook Plus, and WhatsApp Plus plans worldwide as of today. Instagram Plus is priced at $3.99 per month, Facebook Plus is priced at $3.99 per month, and WhatsApp Plus is priced at $2.99 per month. According to TechCrunch, the paid plans provide features like profile customization, super reactions, and story insights. Instagram Plus lets users see how many people have rewatched a Story, and it adds unlimited audience lists for Stories for creating groups other than Close Friends. Users can spotlight a story once a week for extra views, use Super Heart animated reactions, choose custom app icons, add customized fonts to a profile bio, extend a story beyond 24 hours, and search a story viewer list to see who is watching. Subscribers will also be able to post straight to their profiles without having the post show up in their followers' feeds, and they will be able to stealthily "preview" Instagram stories without showing up as a viewer. Facebook Plus includes most of the same features as Instagram Plus, while WhatsApp Plus includes app themes, custom ringtones, more pinned chats, list customization, and premium stickers. Meta head of product Naomi Gleit said the company is also exploring new subscription plans for creators and businesses, along with plans for AI users. The new plans are being offered under "Meta One" branding that combines subscription offerings from multiple Meta platforms. The $7.99 Meta One Plus plan and the $19.99 Meta One Premium plan are aimed at Meta AI users. Both plans unlock higher compute queries, reasoning, and image/video generation, but Premium offers more capacity, including deeper reasoning for complex tasks. A Meta One Essential plan priced at $14.99 per month is designed for creators and businesses. It includes a verified badge, impersonation protection, better analytics, and a linksheet that lets users link to their online profiles on the web and on other social media networks. The $49.99 Meta One Advanced plan includes the Essential options plus features in the Facebook feed, optimized scheduling tools, notifications when others reuse a creator's content, higher rankings in Instagram and Facebook search, a bolder Follow button on Reels, and automatic follow invitations for people who engage with a creator or brand's content. Meta is going to start testing the AI Meta One plans in Singapore, Guatemala, and Bolivia next month. The business plans will be tested in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Thailand, and Bangladesh starting later this week. Gleit described Meta One as a place that brings Meta subscriptions "together" across all Meta apps. She said Meta's new plans were "just the beginning with a lot more value to come."Tags: Facebook, Instagram, Meta, WhatsApp This article, "Meta Wants You to Pay for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Now" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Samsung's newest monitors are now available to purchase this week, including the Odyssey G8, ViewFinity S8, and Movingstyle Essential. All of these are available with a $50 launch discount, plus your choice of extras including up to $300 in Samsung credit on a future purchase, a free Music Studio speaker, or free Galaxy Buds4 Pro. 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. Starting with the Samsung Odyssey G8 monitors, you will find $50 discounts across every model of the new 2026 devices. Prices start at $899.99 for the 27-inch Odyssey G8 5K Monitor, and also include Samsung's first 6K monitor with the 32-inch Odyssey G8 5K Monitor for $1,549.99. $50 OFF PLUS EXTRASSamsung 2026 Monitors Samsung also has a new 40-inch ViewFinity S8 Curved Monitor on sale for $1,349.99 for launch week, as well as the Movingstyle Essential Monitor for $849.99, both $50 discounts. Additionally, the company announced a 27-inch model of the ViewFinity S8, but it's not yet available for purchase. 43-inch Movingstyle Essential - $849.99 ($50 off), plus $200 Samsung credit 27-inch Odyssey G8 5K Monitor - $899.99 ($50 off), plus $200 Samsung credit 32-inch Odyssey G7 4K Monitor - $1,049.99 ($50 off), plus $200 Samsung credit 27-inch Odyssey OLED G8 4K Monitor - $1,049.99 ($50 off), plus $200 Samsung credit 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 4K Monitor - $1,249.99 ($50 off), plus $300 Samsung credit 40-inch ViewFinity S8 Curved Monitor - $1,349.99 ($50 off), plus $300 Samsung credit 32-inch Odyssey G8 6K Monitor - $1,549.99 ($50 off), plus $300 Samsung credit If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, "Samsung's 2026 Monitors Launch With $50 Discounts and Credit Towards Future Purchases" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Starting today, the feature is available in Arkansas, which is the 14th state to offer it. However, it may take some time to roll out to all users. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards, select Arkansas from the list, and follow the on-screen steps to complete the process. Supported States The following states offer driver's licenses in the Wallet app:Arizona (since March 2022) Maryland (since May 2022) Colorado (since November 2022) Georgia (since May 2023) Ohio (since July 2024) Hawaii (since August 2024) California (since September 2024) Iowa (since October 2024) New Mexico (since December 2024)Montana (since August 2025) North Dakota (since September 2025) West Virginia (since October 2025) Illinois (since November 2025) Arkansas (since May 2026)The feature is also available in Puerto Rico. Future States Apple or local DMV offices previously announced that the following U.S. states had signed on to adopt the feature, but no timeframes were disclosed:Connecticut Kentucky Mississippi Oklahoma Utah VirginiaParticipating Airports Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports in the U.S., for domestic travel. Given that Apple Wallet IDs are not accepted by law enforcement, and lack many other use cases, carrying a physical ID is still necessary. Here are just some of the airports that offer the feature — there are hundreds of others:Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Denver International Airport (DEN) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) Los Angeles International (LAX) Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) Des Moines International Airport (DSM) Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) Lea County Regional Airport (HOB) Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) Great Falls International Airport (GTF) Missoula International Airport (MSO) Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) Richmond International Airport (RIC) Norfolk International Airport (ORF) Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)Travelers should refer to TSA signage to confirm availability of the feature. Digital Passport If you live in a state that does not yet offer Apple Wallet IDs, you can now create a Digital ID based on your U.S. passport, and present it at the same participating TSA checkpoints, for age and identity verification purposes during domestic travel. It is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel. This feature requires iOS 26.1 or watchOS 26.1 and later.Tag: Apple Wallet This article, "Apple Just Expanded iPhone Driver's License Feature to 14th U.S. State" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Starting today, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)'s Breeze Card can be added to the Apple Wallet app, allowing commuters in the Atlanta, Georgia area to tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to pay their fare at train stations and on buses. To add the Breeze Card to Apple Wallet, open the app and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Transit Card and scroll down and select the Breeze Card. Then, follow the on-screen steps to complete the setup process. Funds can be added to the Breeze Card directly in Apple Wallet, with both pay-per-ride and discounted passes for multiple rides available. Express Mode allows commuters to simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment reader to pay for their ride, without needing to unlock or wake the device. This mode even works for up to five hours after an iPhone runs out of battery. Express Transit can be enabled per card in the Settings app under Wallet & Apple Pay. Breeze Card has been available in the Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet apps since earlier this month, but Apple Wallet support was just added now.Tags: Apple Wallet, Express Transit This article, "Atlanta's MARTA Breeze Card Now Available in Apple Wallet" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Accessory maker iFunSmart has begun listing the first protective cases for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, corroborating rumors about the device's design. Case makers routinely begin mass producing accessories ahead of a new iPhone announcement, working from dummy units or leaked CAD files to size their molds. Their designs are speculative, but they have historically proven accurate to the millimeter, since accessory makers cannot afford to be left without product on launch day. Leaker Sonny Dickson shared images of foldable iPhone dummy units in April, providing the kind of reference template that typically circulates among case manufacturers. The listings, spotted by French Apple site iPhoneSoft, show an unobtrusive rear camera plateau housing two lenses, a slim profile, and a circular cutout for MagSafe-style magnets. iFunSmart describes the cases as offering military-grade drop protection, integrated N52 magnets, a translucent matte finish, and 1.5mm raised camera lips alongside a 1mm raised screen bezel. The design broadly corroborates the design outlined in rumors and seen on dummy units, suggesting the foldable's exterior is increasingly clear. Only two camera lens cutouts are present, in line with reports that Apple plans to skip the telephoto camera. A cutout for a Camera Control button is also visible, but there is no Action button. The listing depicts a multi-part case with separate snap-on sections rather than a single-piece shell owing to its folding design. The presence of magnets in the case does not necessarily mean Apple has built MagSafe into the foldable iPhone itself, and there has previously been speculation that the device could lack the feature. The N52 magnets could simply be embedded into the case to attach to external ‌MagSafe‌ accessories such as wireless chargers and car mounts, without aligning with a corresponding magnet array inside the device. iFunSmart's listings are likely to be among the first of many. Accessory makers typically flood the market with cases in the months ahead of a new iPhone launch, and further variants from competing brands should appear in the run-up to the device's announcement. Apple is widely expected to launch the device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max in fall 2026. Leaks point to a 5.5-inch external display, a 7.8-inch inner display, a folded thickness of around 9.5mm and a thickness of about to 4.5mm when open, the A20 Pro chip with 12GB of memory, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras, and Touch ID in the side button rather than Face ID. The device is expected to start at around $2,000.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTag: Foldable iPhone This article, "First Cases for Apple's Foldable iPhone Surface Online" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Amazon is still offering the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery for $59.00, down from $99.00. We started tracking this deal earlier in the month, and it beats the previous low price by about $20. 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. The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is only compatible with the iPhone Air, and it can add up to 65 percent additional charge to the smartphone. The MagSafe Battery supports up to 12W of fast wireless charging, and it sports a thin and light design similar to the iPhone Air. $40 OFFiPhone Air MagSafe Battery for $59.00 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, "iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is Just $59" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

CVE-2026-31431 is a Linux kernel vulnerability that was recently disclosed. This CVE does not compromise Docker infrastructure. That said, Docker Engine’s default profiles prior to v29.4.3 allowed containers to create AF_ALG sockets, which is the syscall surface the exploit uses. You are not exposed if you are running Docker Engine v29.4.3 or later, OR a patched host kernel. If either of those is missing, you have exposure on that host, and you should read the rest of this post. As of writing, the kernel patch is available on Debian (CVE-2026-31431) and RHEL 9 (RHSB-2026-002) but not yet on Ubuntu. For users on distros that haven’t shipped a kernel fix, upgrading Docker Engine is the mitigation you can apply today. Why you should read about Copy-Fail This CVE drew a lot of attention because the exploit became public before many Linux distributions had kernel patches available. As a result, most distros were still vulnerable and had no ready fix at the time of disclosure. It was especially notable because the bug affected Linux kernels going back to around 2017, making the potential impact unusually broad. On the Docker Engine team, I started investigating what we could do from our end to protect users on vulnerable hosts. It turned out the mitigation was more involved than it first looked, and the first attempt broke 32-bit binaries. This post is what we shipped, what broke, what we learned, and where things stand now. What Copy Fail is On April 29, researchers disclosed CVE-2026-31431, dubbed “Copy Fail,” a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel’s AF_ALG crypto subsystem. The flaw is in the algif_aead module. It allows any unprivileged user with access to an AF_ALG socket to perform controlled writes to the page cache. Since the page cache backs file reads across the entire system, an attacker can temporarily modify the contents of any readable file as seen by every process on the host. Corrupting a setuid binary is the most direct path to local root, but the primitive itself is more general. The exploit is trivial and works on every unpatched Linux kernel shipped since 2017. The correct fix is a kernel update. The mitigations described below reduce exposure for containers running on unpatched kernels, but they do not fix the underlying vulnerability. If your kernel vendor has released a patch, apply it. What does this mean for containers? Inside a container running with default security profiles, an attacker with code execution can use Copy Fail to corrupt pages in the page cache. One possible outcome is escalating to root inside the container by corrupting setuid binaries. But the page cache is shared across the host, so the impact is not confined to the attacker’s container. Modified pages are visible to the host and to every other container that maps the same file, including shared image layers. Other workloads on the same node can be affected. The attack does not require any special capabilities or privileges beyond what a default container provides. The only requirement is the ability to create an AF_ALG socket, which was previously allowed by Docker’s default security profiles. First attempt: seccomp (v29.4.2) We updated Docker Engine’s default seccomp profile to block AF_ALG sockets. The seccomp filter inspects the first argument to socket(2) and denies address families AF_ALG and AF_VSOCK (which was already blocked). Blocking socket(2) is not enough on its own. There is another way to create sockets on x86_64 Linux: socketcall(2), an older multiplexed syscall that wraps socket, bind, connect, and other socket operations behind a single syscall number. There is another way to create sockets on Linux: socketcall(2), an older multiplexed syscall that wraps socket, bind, connect, and other socket operations behind a single syscall number. The problem for seccomp is that socketcall packs the real arguments (including the address family) into a userspace array and passes a pointer, which BPF cannot dereference and inspect. There is no way to selectively block AF_ALG through socketcall with seccomp. Linux 4.3 already added direct socket syscalls for i386 and s390, so we assumed most modern binaries would already use the new socket syscall and that socketcall would only matter for old binaries. So we blocked it entirely and shipped Docker Engine v29.4.2 (release notes). What broke The socketcall deny turned out to be too broad. Older versions of glibc on i386 route all socket operations through socketcall, the Go runtime uses it unconditionally for GOARCH=386 (independent of glibc), and many legacy and gaming workloads (SteamCMD, Wine) depend on it. Blocking socketcall broke networking for a lot of 32-bit binaries running inside a container (moby/moby#52506). And this is not just an i386 problem. On amd64, any process can switch into ia32 compatibility mode with int $0x80 and invoke socketcall directly, bypassing the socket(2) arg filter entirely. You do not need a 32-bit container or a 32-bit binary to reach that path. Affected containers could work around this by using a custom seccomp profile that re-enables socketcall while keeping AF_ALG blocked for the direct socket(2) path. But that just pokes a hole in the hardening for those containers, since an attacker inside them could still reach AF_ALG through socketcall. Second attempt: LSM-based enforcement (v29.4.3) The fundamental problem is that seccomp operates at the syscall boundary, and socketcall multiplexes many operations behind a single syscall number with pointer arguments. You cannot selectively block AF_ALG through socketcall with seccomp alone. AppArmor and SELinux operate on a different level. Linux Security Modules hook directly into the kernel’s security_socket_create() callback, which fires when the kernel actually creates the socket object, regardless of which syscall entry point was used. An LSM can deny AF_ALG specifically while leaving all other socketcall usage intact. In v29.4.3 (release notes), we: Reverted the socketcall seccomp deny to restore 32-bit compatibility. Added deny network alg, to the default AppArmor profile (moby/profiles#22). On systems with AppArmor enabled (e.g. Ubuntu, Debian), this blocks AF_ALG through both socket(2) and socketcall(2). Integrated a SELinux CIL policy module for systems running SELinux (Fedora, RHEL, CentOS). The module denies alg_socket creation for all container_domain types and can be loaded via semodule. SELinux enforcement requires the daemon to be running with --selinux-enabled. Kept the seccomp socket(AF_ALG) arg filter as defense-in-depth for the direct socket(2) syscall path. What you should do Patch your kernel. This is the real fix. Check with your distribution for a kernel update that addresses CVE-2026-31431. Upgrade Docker Engine to v29.4.3 or later. You get the updated seccomp + AppArmor + SELinux defaults. A systemctl restart docker (or equivalent) is enough; no host reboot required. If you cannot upgrade the kernel or the engine immediately: Blacklist the kernel modules: add blacklist af_alg and blacklist algif_aead to /etc/modprobe.d/. This only works if the modules are built as loadable modules (CONFIG_CRYPTO_USER_API=m), not compiled into the kernel. Apply a custom seccomp profile that denies AF_ALG using --security-opt seccomp=/path/to/profile.json or the seccomp-profile option in daemon.json. Closing thoughts Security comes in layers, and sometimes no single layer is enough. Seccomp blocks socket(AF_ALG) on every system but is blind to socketcall. AppArmor and SELinux block both paths, but they depend on host configuration. Together, they cover what neither can alone. On systems without an LSM, the socketcall path remains unblocked from Docker’s side. Ultimately, the kernel bug is what needs to be fixed. Kernel vulnerabilities will keep coming. When they do, the container runtime is often the fastest place to deploy a mitigation, because updating the engine is one change that protects every container on the host. The Copy Fail timeline made that especially clear: the embargo broke before distros had fixes ready, and for several days the engine was the only place users could mitigate anything without waiting for a kernel rebuild. Keeping Docker Engine up to date is not just about new features. It is one of the most effective ways to shrink the window between a kernel CVE going public and your workloads being protected against it. View the full article

Apple today updated its U.S. trade-in estimates, raising values for most current iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models while reducing several Android offers. The headline iPhone trade-in figure rises from $685 to $695, with every iPhone 16 model gaining value: iPhone 16 Pro Max: $685 to $695 iPhone 16 Pro: $550 to $560 iPhone 16 Plus: $455 to $465 iPhone 16: $435 to $460 Every current ‌iPad‌ also gains value, with the headline range shifting from $40 to $670 up to $45 to $690: iPad Pro: $670 to $690 iPad Air: $445 to $460 iPad: $220 to $235 iPad mini: $250 to $265 Mac changes are mixed, with most current models gaining value: MacBook Pro: $685 to $690 MacBook Air: $485 to $520 Mac mini: $340 to $375 iMac: Unchanged at $355 Despite those increases, the top of Apple's Mac trade-in range slips from $2,090 to $2,045, suggesting a reduction for a higher-end model not shown in Apple's summary table, such as the Mac Pro or Mac Studio. The Apple Watch lineup also gets a mix of revisions: Apple Watch Ultra 2: $295 to $305 Apple Watch Series 9: $120 to $130 Apple Watch Series 10: Unchanged at $150 Apple Watch Ultra: $215 to $205 Android trade-in offers have largely been cut, with the headline range narrowing from $30 to $370 down to $30 to $360: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: $230 to $200 Google Pixel 8 Pro: $170 to $165 Samsung Galaxy S23: Unchanged at $125 OnePlus 12: Unchanged at $200 All Apple-listed values are estimates, with final offers determined after the device is received and inspected. Customers can apply trade-in credit toward a new purchase or receive the value as an Apple Gift Card, and Apple will recycle ineligible devices for free.Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11Tag: Apple Trade-InBuyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution) This article, "Apple Updates Trade-In Values for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today announced that "After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe" will return on June 7 for a third season built around the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hunt is an actor and cocreator of Apple TV's Ted Lasso. Lowe hosts NBC Sports' Premier League coverage and is cohosting FOX Sports' FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast. The two will recap games as the tournament unfolds, with new episodes landing multiple times a week in the hours after notable matches. The show is produced by Apple News and presented by Verizon, and will be available in audio and video on ‌Apple News‌, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms. The first episode arrives on June 7 with tournament previews. Alongside the podcast, the ‌Apple News‌ app will feature tournament coverage from outside publishers, the schedule, scores, brackets, and player feeds. The free Apple Sports app, which Apple expanded to 90 more countries earlier this month, will offer live scores, stats, and a bracket view for the tournament.Tags: Apple News, Apple Podcasts, Apple Sports This article, "Apple's 'After the Whistle' Podcast to Return for World Cup" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple yesterday published a support document to help users distinguish Apple Creator Studio versions of its professional creative apps from the standalone editions sold as one-time purchases. The confusion stems from Apple's decision to ship two parallel variants of Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, MainStage, Motion, Compressor, and Pixelmator Pro, with one available through the Apple Creator Studio subscription and one sold separately. Both editions share the same name and can be installed on the same Mac at the same time, leaving little to tell them apart at a glance. Apple's solution is to give the Creator Studio versions of the apps redesigned icons with Liquid Glass. The new support document presents side-by-side icon comparisons for each of the six apps so users can identify which edition they are running or troubleshooting from the Dock or the Applications folder. Apple does not typically publish a dedicated reference document for telling two of its own apps apart, and the move suggests the dual-version setup has produced enough real-world confusion to warrant public guidance. Apple Creator Studio launched in January for $12.99 per month or $129 per year, bringing the company's pro creative apps under a single subscription. Apple said that some new features in its creative apps would be available only to subscribers going forward. Pixelmator Pro's inclusion was the first significant sign of how Apple is integrating the Pixelmator team, which it acquired in November 2024.Tag: Apple Creator Studio This article, "Apple Publishes Document to Help Users Tell Creator Studio Apps Apart" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article