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As part of its WWDC 2026 announcement, Apple said that it plans to announce this year's Swift Student Challenge Winners on Thursday, March 26. Apple's Swift Student Challenge tasks students with creating an original coding project using Swift Playgrounds or Xcode. This year's event began on February 6, and Apple accepted submissions through Saturday, February 28 before judging began. Apple plans to choose winners based on submissions that demonstrate "excellence in innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity." All Swift Student Challenge Winners in 2026 will be eligible to enter the lottery process to attend Apple's June 8 WWDC Special Event at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. Apple will also recognize Distinguished Winners whose submissions are "truly exceptional." Distinguished Winners will be invited to Cupertino for a three-day experience that will include the Special Event keynote viewing along with other activities, and these winners will not need to enter the lottery to visit ‌Apple Park‌. Students who entered the challenge can expect to receive an email notifying them about their status later this week.Related Roundup: WWDC 2026Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech Industry This article, "Apple to Announce 2026 Swift Student Challenge Winners on March 26" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

WWDC 2026 is set to begin on Monday, June 8, and the event will highlight Apple's "AI advancements." Apple included the tidbit in its WWDC 2026 announcement. WWDC26 will spotlight incredible updates for Apple platforms, including AI advancements and exciting new software and developer tools. Since iOS 18, we've been waiting for Apple to introduce a more intelligent version of Siri, and that might finally happen with iOS 27. We are expecting the Apple Intelligence version of ‌Siri‌ that includes personal context with support for new, deeper search capabilities, onscreen awareness so ‌Siri‌ can answer questions about what you're looking at, and the ability to do more in and between apps. Apple is also working on a chatbot version of ‌Siri‌ that will rival ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, and we could potentially get a chatbot ‌Siri‌ preview at WWDC. Apple's AI advancements wording hints at the inclusion of new ‌Siri‌ features, plus it suggests we could get other new AI capabilities as well. We have a full iOS 27 roundup on all of the ‌iOS 27‌ rumors we've heard so far, which is worth checking out if you want a refresh on what could be coming.Related Roundup: WWDC 2026Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech Industry This article, "WWDC 2026 to Showcase Apple's 'AI Advancements'" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today said that its 37th annual Worldwide Developers Conference is set to begin on Monday, June 8 and end on Friday, June 12. Like WWDC 2025, WWDC 2026 will be a primarily online event open to all developers, with no associated cost. WWDC always begins with a keynote that happens on the first day of the event, and this year's keynote will take place on June 8 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will unveil iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, tvOS 27, watchOS 27 and visionOS 27. Apple does plan to hold an in-person component for select developers and students, with the event set to take place on June 8 at the Apple Park Campus in Cupertino, California. Attendees will be invited to watch the keynote and State of the Union at ‌Apple Park‌, as well as meet with Apple employees and tour the campus. Current Apple Developer Program members, Apple Entrepreneur Camp alumni, prior Swift Student Challenge winners, and current Apple Developer Enterprise Program members can enter to attend the June 8 Apple Park event, and Apple will choose participants through a random lottery. Submissions will be accepted will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday, March 30. Apple accepted submissions for its Swift Student Challenge in February, and winners will be announced soon. Those who are named Distinguished Winners will be invited to Cupertino for a multi-day experience. ‌WWDC 2026‌ will include online sessions and labs so that developers can learn about all of the new software features and how to incorporate new capabilities into their apps. The keynote and online sessions will be available on the Apple Developer app, Apple website, and YouTube. Apple will provide more information about ‌WWDC 2026‌ through the Apple Developer app and the Apple Developer website as June approaches.Related Roundup: WWDC 2026Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech Industry This article, "Apple Announces WWDC 2026 Will Take Place June 8 to 12" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

In his Power On newsletter over the weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman opined that most of Apple's product announcements this month "were as incremental as ever." For example, he said the latest AirPods Max being named "AirPods Max 2" is a "massive stretch" given the headphones received the H2 chip and little else. AirPods Max 2 did gain many new features overall, including increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation, but many of these capabilities were enabled as a result of the headphones finally getting the H2 chip from 2022. "The real issue is putting a '2' in the name," he argued. "It means that Apple is treating a maintenance update as if it were a new generation. Historically, this branding would signal meaningful hardware changes." With the AirPods Max 2 name, however, he said it "implies a leap forward that isn't present." "Like the earlier USB-C refresh, this update feels designed to sustain sales rather than push the product forward," he added. While the MacBook Neo is impressive in the sense that it is easily Apple's most affordable new MacBook ever, and the Studio Display XDR checks a lot of boxes, many other products unveiled this month received faster chips and little else, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, and the regular Studio Display. Nevertheless, Gurman acknowledged that customers continue to purchase Apple products, with the company reporting an all-time revenue record last quarter. "Imagine if the recent product updates themselves were as impressive as the advertising," he concluded.Tag: Mark Gurman This article, "Gurman: Many of Apple's Latest Products Are 'as Incremental as Ever'" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Here's an interesting tidbit from Mark Gurman's profile of John Ternus for Bloomberg: Apple is apparently working on a smart home sensor. The article said Ternus is leading development of a trio of new home products, including a tabletop robot with a swiveling screen, a smart home hub with Apple Intelligence and facial recognition, and "a small sensor for managing home security." The sensor has an internal codename of J450, according to Gurman. In his previous reporting, he has referred to this J450 product as a security camera, but in his Ternus profile he opted to describe the accessory as a "small sensor." Ultimately, it sounds like it will be both a HomeKit camera and a sensor. Last August, Gurman reported that the camera was "designed for home security" and "has facial recognition and infrared sensors to determine who is in a room." It will be powered by a battery, he added, so it will probably be wireless. In addition to security, Gurman said the accessory will be designed for "automating tasks." "Apple believes users will place cameras throughout their home to help with automation," wrote Gurman. "That could mean turning lights off when someone leaves a room or automatically playing music liked by a particular family member." Indeed, many third-party HomeKit sensors offer all-in-one functionality for motion and people detection, indoor temperature and humidity measurement, the level of light in a room, and more. These sensors are typically part of a home's broader HomeKit ecosystem, working in unison with smart lightbulbs, door locks, thermostats, and more. Apple is planning to develop an entire lineup of smart home cameras and security products, according to that August report, and that might even include a video doorbell with Face ID. These accessories will likely be sold as optional add-ons to the company's long-rumored smart home hub, which is currently expected to launch in September.Tags: Apple Smart Home Camera, Bloomberg, Mark Gurman This article, "Apple Reportedly Working on 'Small Sensor for Managing Home Security'" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

While it certainly has its critics, the iPhone Air appears to have validated Apple's decision to retire the iPhone Plus, if new results from an independent analysis are anything to go by. Crowdsourced Speedtest data published by Ookla suggests the iPhone Air captured 6.8 percent of iPhone 17 generation samples in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of 2025, up from the 2.9 percent share the iPhone 16 Plus managed in the same launch window a year earlier. However, the gains seem to have come at the iPhone 17 Pro's expense. The latter model's share fell from 34.9 percent to 30.6 percent year over year, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max remained essentially flat at 55.5 percent. The figures suggest that roughly 4 percent of buyers were willing to trade the better camera and processing power of the smaller iPhone 17 Pro model for the Air's thinner chassis. Apple has had several attempts at making a differentiated fourth iPhone model work. The iPhone mini under-performed over two iterations, while the iPhone 14/15/16 Plus – with its larger screen but without the Pro Max's premium features – fared worse, and neither carved out anything more than a niche fan base. In contrast, the iPhone Air has done what those models couldn't, at least in its opening months of availability. Based on Ookla's data, adoption of Apple's ultra-thin device was even stronger abroad, with the Air taking 11.2 percent share in South Korea, 8.9 percent in Japan, and 8.4 percent in Singapore. Separately, Ookla's testing found that Apple's in-house C1X modem in the iPhone Air has reached effective download parity with the Qualcomm X80 in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and beat it on latency in 19 of 22 analyzed markets. Upload speeds are still Qualcomm's advantage, however, with the X80 holding up to a 32 percent lead in some regions – a gap Ookla attributes to more mature Uplink Carrier Aggregation (UL-CA). For all the details, check out Ookla's full report.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone AirTag: OoklaBuyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now)Related Forum: iPhone This article, "iPhone Air Said to Be Roughly Twice as Popular as iPhone 16 Plus" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's free Sports app received another update today with three improvements: probable starting pitchers for MLB games, car numbers in NASCAR leaderboards, and the ability to turn off sports betting odds directly within the app. These enhancements were added in version 3.9 of the app, available now in the App Store. Turning off betting odds previously required using the Settings app. Launched in 2024, the Apple Sports app is available on the iPhone in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and many countries in Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The app shows scores, stats, standings, and more for a variety of leagues and events, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, F1, Premier League, PGA TOUR, and more.Tag: Apple Sports This article, "Apple Sports App on iPhone Receives Three Improvements" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's first-generation AirTag 4-Pack has dropped to $59.99 this week on Amazon, down from the original price of $99.00. Free shipping options have a delivery estimate around March 28, while Prime members should be able to get it delivered a few days sooner. 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. Overall, this is a new all-time low price on the AirTag 4-pack. Amazon's stock on the first generation AirTag 1-Pack has begun dwindling now that the new second generation models are here, so anyone interested in this low price on the first gen 4-Pack should pick it up while it's still around. $39 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $59.99 Apple recently debuted the all-new AirTag, featuring longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. We haven't tracked any notable discounts on the new second generation models as of yet, so anyone who wants to save money should keep looking into the original models. 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, "AirTag 1 Gets Major Amazon Discount With 4-Pack at $59.99" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

A newly surfaced internal 1999 Apple campus video of Steve Jobs provides a rare, unfiltered look at the company's post-turnaround strategy. The video is a recording of a July 27, 1999 employee gathering at Apple's Cupertino campus, uploaded by former Apple software engineer Akira Nonaka, who worked at Apple from 1991 to 2000. The 15-minute talk appears to have been recorded informally, likely by an employee present at the event, and has apparently not previously been shared online. The remarks come just two years after Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, when the company was struggling financially and had a fragmented product lineup. The speech directly followed Apple's Macworld New York 1999 appearance, where it unveiled the iBook G3, its first consumer laptop in years. Jobs said the event drew nearly 50,000 attendees and received extensive media coverage, and he credited teams across the company for delivering the product. We introduced our iBook and everybody loved it and the show was amazing. It was the biggest New York Macworld ever... you should be really proud of this. Everybody's just going nuts over it, including our competitors. The talk outlines Apple's product strategy at the time, centered on its four-quadrant lineup of consumer and professional desktops and portables. With the iBook, Jobs said the matrix was complete alongside the iMac, Power Mac G3, and PowerBook G3, and noted that several of these products were already on their second or third iterations. A significant part of the talk focuses on AirPort, Apple's then-new wireless networking system developed with Lucent. Jobs described it as a long-awaited breakthrough, especially for education, and emphasized Apple's role in making it affordable and easy to use through integration with its other products. This is something that people have been dreaming about for over a decade... we were able to work with Lucent... to make it a very low-cost product... and do all of the software work to make it all transparent... it just works. Jobs said Apple could bring technologies like wireless networking and FireWire to market more effectively because it controlled the whole product, unlike competitors such as Dell and Compaq that had to coordinate across multiple companies. And the reason now, the strategic reason that we have that shot is because we're the last company in this business to make the whole widget... let's go for it and align behind that and bring innovation to the marketplace in a way that when you have to convince five companies, it's very hard. [...] We can break through those things and bring innovation to customers because we control enough. [...] ... we're the last people in this business who give a shit about making great computers. The talk also includes commentary on Apple's financial performance and internal transformation, but he rejected the idea that the company's primary goal had been financial recovery. The reason I came back here had nothing to do with turning Apple around... what we love even more is putting these great products out into the world and seeing people use them... the reason I came back... is to make Apple great again, right? This reflects a broader shift at Apple during the period, as the company moved beyond crisis management and began focusing on long-term product development and growth. Jobs said the previous two years had been spent rebuilding key capabilities across the business, from operations to engineering and design, adding that Apple had achieved "the best operational excellence in the business now, even better than Dell." Jobs' successor, Tim Cook, joined Apple just a year earlier as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations. The video also shows Jobs deliberately avoiding direct competition in enterprise markets, which were dominated by Windows systems and large corporate IT deployments, with Jobs instead reaffirming the company's focus on creative professionals, education, and consumers. We're not going to go make a frontal assault on the enterprise... we're going to go and sell to creative professionals... regain our leadership position in education... and come back in the consumer market with a vengeance. He also expressed confidence in Apple's future product pipeline, stating that the company had multiple upcoming releases that he described as "the best stuff I've ever seen in my life." This likely alluded to the introduction of Mac OS X and the iPod just two years later.Tag: Steve Jobs This article, "Steve Jobs Talks iBook, AirPort, and More in Newly Surfaced 1999 Video" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple is working on "the biggest set of iPhone revamps in the product's history," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Specifically, he is referring to the long-rumored foldable iPhone, as well as an ambitious 20th-anniversary iPhone with a truly "edge-to-edge" design. In an in-depth profile of Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus, who is widely considered to be the leading candidate to become Apple's next CEO whenever Tim Cook steps down, Gurman said Ternus is "overseeing the biggest set of iPhone revamps in the product's history, including a foldable model this year and a version with an edge-to-edge screen that could arrive as early as 2027, for the device's 20th anniversary." Apple is expected to unveil the foldable iPhone in September this year, while the 20th-anniversary iPhone would debut next year, if such a device materializes. Apple unveiled the original iPhone in January 2007, so the iconic device turns 20 next year. Given the article was focused on Ternus, it did not provide any further details about these iPhone models, but there are already plenty of rumors. Like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, the foldable iPhone will open up like a book, providing users with a large screen for watching videos, playing games, and multitasking. iOS 27 is expected to be optimized for the foldable iPhone, allowing for side-by-side apps. A few months ago, a report said the foldable iPhone will be equipped with a 7.7-inch inner display, and a 5.3-inch outer display. It was initially rumored that the device would have a virtually "crease-free" inner display, but it was later reported that Apple is using technology that "reduces the crease without eliminating it entirely." Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the foldable iPhone to have two rear cameras, one front camera, and a Touch ID power button instead of Face ID. As for the 20th-anniversary iPhone, previous reports have indicated that the device will have a seamless design, with a curved glass enclosure and no cutouts in the display. To achieve this, the front camera would be located under the screen. It is unclear if Apple will be able to pull off such a device by next year, but if it does, then it truly would be a big two years ahead for the iPhone.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTags: 20th-Anniversary iPhone, Bloomberg, Foldable iPhone, Mark Gurman This article, "Apple Reportedly Preparing 'Biggest Set of iPhone Revamps' Ever" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple considered launching a HomePod with a camera and additional sensors years before the upcoming "HomePad" device, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. In a detailed profile of Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus, Gurman revealed that Apple considered adding a camera and a more advanced array of sensors to the original ‌HomePod‌, which was announced in 2017. Ternus apparently believed that the additional capabilities would push up development costs and decided to cancel the features as a result. Ternus was said to be reluctant to invest deeply in smart home devices when the first leading products from Amazon and Google arrived on the market around a decade ago. He subsequently took "some responsibility" for Apple falling behind in the smart home category. Now, Ternus is leading Apple's efforts to re-establish itself in the smart home market with three new products, including an AI-powered smart home hub with facial recognition (J490), a small sensor for managing home security (J450), and a robotic device (J595). The smart home hub, dubbed "HomePad" in some reports, is expected to launch in the fall of 2026. Related Roundup: HomePodTags: Bloomberg, John Ternus, Mark GurmanBuyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral) This article, "Apple Considered Adding a Camera to the HomePod Years Ago" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple last week hiked the prices of external hard drives sold through its online store and retail locations, as noted by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that Apple updated the pricing on several external drive offerings recently, and the increases are steep. For example, a SanDisk 4TB solid-state external drive that previously sold for around $500 now costs $1,200, while a 1TB model has jumped from $120 to $360. The price hikes are said to be indirectly caused by the AI-fueled demand for memory and storage chips, which is continuing to squeeze the consumer market. Gurman noted that it is vendors who set the pricing on third-party accessories, rather than Apple. However, the impact on buyers is the same regardless. It's not just a pricing issue either. External drives on Apple's online store are largely sold out, with most models showing no availability for delivery or in-store pickup. Shoppers at physical Apple Store locations may still find stock, but at the same inflated prices. Similar shortages and hikes can be found at Best Buy, Amazon, and other retailers. The shortage stems from the same supply crunch that forced Apple to raise MacBook Air and MacBook Pro prices by $100 earlier this month. Its removal of the Mac Studio's top 512GB RAM memory upgrade was also likely related. As things stand, AI data center build-outs are consuming enormous quantities of NAND flash and memory chips, and manufacturers are prioritizing those lucrative enterprise contracts over consumer products. As Gurman notes, the situation is likely to get worse throughout 2026 – and possible beyond.Tags: Apple Store, Mark Gurman This article, "Apple Store External Storage Prices Spike Amid AI-Driven Shortage" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone will use a dual-layer ultra-thin glass structure to reduce display crease visibility, a new supply chain rumor suggests. According to Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple's first book-style foldable will feature two layers of ultra-thin glass (UTG) or ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG), with the display sandwiched between them, isolating it from direct contact with the hinge. The arrangement is designed to spread mechanical stress across multiple layers rather than concentrating it on a single sheet, which could improve durability and reduce visible creasing over time. The approach would be a departure from most current foldables, which typically use a single UTG layer that must simultaneously handle bending forces and protect the display underneath. Decoupling the display from the hinge mechanism could also help Apple meet its reported goal of making the crease almost imperceptible – though more recent reports have pushed back on past "crease-free" claims. As we reported in December, Apple has been testing next-generation UFG with variable thickness, with a thinner layer at the fold for flexibility, and a thicker layer elsewhere for rigidity. The latest rumor suggests Apple has developed a composite glass stack rather than relying on a single panel alone. The foldable iPhone is expected to launch later in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, although recently one analyst claimed the device could be released closer to December. The device is expected to feature an approximately 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen. It will reportedly use liquid metal hinges to achieve a virtually crease-free display and is expected to be priced between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever.Tags: Digital Chat Station, Foldable iPhone This article, "Foldable iPhone Uses Layered Glass to Reduce Display Crease" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

AirDrop support is coming to Samsung's Quick Share feature on Galaxy S26 devices this week, allowing owners to directly share files and media with iPhones and Macs. In a Sunday newsroom announcement, Samsung said the rollout is starting today in Korea, with devices in the U.S. to follow later this week. The feature will expand to more regions and on more Galaxy devices at a later date, including Canada, Latin America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan. Owners of Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra devices will need to enable the feature in their phone's Quick Share settings menu, using a new Share with Apple devices toggle. Last November, Google announced Quick Share compatibility with AirDrop on Pixel phones. The feature was initially limited to the newest Pixel 10 devices, but has since been expanded to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.Tags: AirDrop, Samsung This article, "AirDrop Support Rolling Out to Samsung Galaxy S26 Devices This Week" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Introduction The rise of complex, distributed systems has made manual intervention nearly impossible for modern operations teams. As organizations scale, the need for intelligent automation becomes a necessity rather than a luxury. This guide explores the Certified AIOps Engineer program, a comprehensive curriculum designed to bridge the gap between traditional operations and artificial intelligence. Whether you are in DevOps, SRE, or platform engineering, understanding how to apply machine learning to operational data is the next logical step in your professional evolution. This roadmap is provided by AIOps School to help engineers and managers navigate the complexities of algorithmic IT operations. By the end of this guide, you will understand the specific value of this certification, the difficulty level of the exams, and how it maps to high-growth roles in the global tech landscape. Our goal is to provide an unbiased perspective that helps you decide if this learning path aligns with your long-term career objectives in the cloud-native ecosystem. What is the Certified AIOps Engineer? The Certified AIOps Engineer designation represents a specialized standard for professionals who manage IT infrastructure using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Unlike theoretical data science courses, this program is rooted in production environments, focusing on how algorithms can solve real-world uptime and performance issues. It exists to validate an engineer’s ability to move beyond reactive troubleshooting into the realm of predictive and proactive system management. This certification focuses heavily on the practical application of big data, streaming analytics, and automated response patterns within modern engineering workflows. It aligns with enterprise practices by emphasizing the reduction of “noise” in monitoring systems and the acceleration of Mean Time to Repair (MTTR). By completing this program, engineers demonstrate they can handle the scale of modern microservices architecture where traditional monitoring tools often fall short. Who Should Pursue Certified AIOps Engineer? This certification is built for professionals who sit at the intersection of development and operations, specifically DevOps engineers, Site Reliability Engineers (SREs), and Cloud Architects. Security professionals and data engineers also find significant value here, as the principles of anomaly detection and automated remediation apply directly to threat hunting and data pipeline stability. It is an ideal path for those who want to move away from repetitive manual tasks and toward high-level system orchestration. In terms of experience levels, the program offers entry points for motivated beginners who have a baseline understanding of Linux and networking, as well as advanced tracks for senior leaders. In regions like India and across global tech hubs, there is a massive demand for engineers who can manage the operational costs of the cloud. Engineering managers and technical leaders should also consider this track to better understand how to structure their teams for an AI-driven future. Why Certified AIOps Engineer is Valuable in the Current Market and Beyond As enterprise adoption of cloud-native technologies continues to accelerate, the volume of telemetry data being generated has surpassed human capacity for analysis. AIOps ensures that engineers remain relevant by teaching them to build systems that think, rather than just systems that alert. The longevity of this certification lies in its focus on logic and architectural patterns rather than specific, fleeting tools, making it a stable career investment for the next decade. The return on time invested in this certification is reflected in the increased efficiency of the teams that employ these certified professionals. Organizations are actively seeking ways to reduce operational overhead while maintaining high availability, and AIOps is the primary methodology for achieving this. By mastering these skills, you position yourself as a key contributor to business continuity and financial optimization within the enterprise. Certified AIOps Engineer Certification Overview The certification program is delivered via the official Certified AIOps Engineer curriculum and hosted on the AIOps School platform. The approach is deeply rooted in practical assessment, requiring candidates to demonstrate competency through labs and scenario-based testing rather than simple multiple-choice questions. This ensures that the credential carries weight in the industry as a true measure of technical capability. The structure of the program is divided into logical modules that cover data ingestion, event correlation, and automated incident response. It is designed to be flexible, allowing professionals to balance their learning with full-time work commitments while still moving through a rigorous technical syllabus. Ownership of the certification resides with a community of practitioners who ensure the content is updated frequently to reflect current industry challenges. Certified AIOps Engineer Certification Tracks & Levels The program is structured into Foundation, Professional, and Advanced levels to cater to different stages of an engineer’s career. The Foundation level introduces the core concepts of data science for operations, while the Professional level dives into complex event processing and model deployment. The Advanced level is reserved for architects designing global-scale automated remediation frameworks that operate across multi-cloud environments. These levels align directly with career progression, taking a practitioner from an individual contributor role to a strategic lead position. Specialization tracks are also available, allowing you to pivot toward SRE-focused AIOps, FinOps-driven cost automation, or DevSecOps security intelligence. This modularity allows you to build a personalized learning journey that supports your specific professional goals. Complete Certified AIOps Engineer Certification Table TrackLevelWho it’s forPrerequisitesSkills CoveredRecommended OrderOperations FoundationAssociateJunior Admins/GradsBasic Linux/CloudData ingestion, Monitoring1stAIOps ImplementationProfessionalDevOps/SREs2+ Years IT ExpPattern Discovery, ML Ops2ndIntelligent AutomationSpecialistAutomation EngineersScripting/PythonWorkflow Orchestration3rdAIOps ArchitectureExpertLead Engineers/ArchsProfessional CertStrategy, Governance4th Detailed Guide for Each Certified AIOps Engineer Certification Certified AIOps Engineer – Foundation Level What it is This certification validates a foundational understanding of how AI integrates with traditional IT operations. It ensures the candidate understands the core terminology and the data lifecycle involved in intelligent monitoring. Who should take it It is designed for junior engineers, recent graduates, or experienced managers who need a conceptual understanding of AIOps without getting bogged down in deep coding. Skills you’ll gain Understanding the difference between traditional monitoring and AIOps. Basics of telemetry data collection (Logs, Metrics, Traces). Identification of common AI use cases in production environments. Familiarity with the AIOps maturity model. Real-world projects you should be able to do Setting up a basic centralized logging and metrics pipeline. Configuring simple threshold-based alerting with noise reduction. Preparation plan 7–14 days: Review official course materials and terminology. 30 days: Complete all fundamental labs and practice quizzes. 60 days: Not typically required for this level if the candidate has a background in IT. Common mistakes Overcomplicating basic machine learning concepts. Ignoring the importance of data quality at the ingestion phase. Best next certification after this Same-track option: Professional AIOps Engineer. Cross-track option: Certified SRE Professional. Leadership option: IT Operations Management (ITOM) Lead. Certified AIOps Engineer – Professional Level What it is The Professional level validates the ability to implement and manage machine learning models specifically for operational tasks. It focuses on event correlation and anomaly detection in real-time. Who should take it DevOps engineers and SREs with at least two years of experience who are responsible for maintaining high-availability systems. Skills you’ll gain Building and deploying anomaly detection algorithms. Implementing automated root cause analysis (RCA). Managing high-volume event streams using Kafka or similar tools. Integrating AI models with existing ITSM platforms. Real-world projects you should be able to do Building a predictive alerting system that identifies failures before they occur. Developing an automated incident response workflow for common service disruptions. Preparation plan 7–14 days: Intensive lab work focusing on data modeling. 30 days: Deep dive into Python for operations and ML frameworks. 60 days: End-to-end project implementation and exam review. Common mistakes Failing to account for model drift in dynamic infrastructure. Creating too many automated actions without proper guardrails. Best next certification after this Same-track option: Expert AIOps Architect. Cross-track option: Certified MLOps Specialist. Leadership option: Principal Platform Engineer. Choose Your Learning Path DevOps Path The DevOps path focuses on integrating AIOps into the CI/CD pipeline and deployment strategies. Engineers learn how to use AI to predict deployment failures and automate rollbacks based on performance metrics. This path is ideal for those who want to enhance the “Operations” side of DevOps with intelligent feedback loops. It emphasizes the speed of delivery without sacrificing system stability. DevSecOps Path In this track, the focus shifts to security intelligence and automated threat response. Candidates learn how to apply anomaly detection to identify unauthorized access patterns or unusual data egress. The goal is to move security from a periodic audit to a real-time, AI-driven defense mechanism. This path is critical for engineers working in highly regulated industries or finance. SRE Path The SRE path is deeply rooted in reliability and the management of Error Budgets. AIOps tools are used here to manage toil and provide deep insights into service-level indicators (SLIs). Professionals learn to build self-healing systems that can resolve incidents without human intervention. This is the most technically demanding path, requiring a strong grasp of both systems engineering and data science. AIOps Path This dedicated path focuses on the overarching strategy of transforming a traditional NOC into an AI-driven command center. It covers the full spectrum of the AIOps lifecycle, from data strategy to organizational change management. It is designed for those who want to become specialists in the AIOps field specifically. You will master the art of noise reduction and intelligent event orchestration. MLOps Path The MLOps path bridges the gap between data science and production engineering. It focuses on the lifecycle of machine learning models—training, testing, deployment, and monitoring. This ensures that the AI models used in operations are themselves reliable and scalable. It is a perfect fit for data-heavy organizations that rely on sophisticated algorithms for their core business. DataOps Path DataOps focuses on the reliability and quality of the data pipelines that feed into AIOps engines. This path teaches engineers how to automate data testing, orchestration, and deployment. Without high-quality data, AIOps cannot function, making this a foundational career path. It is ideal for data engineers who want to apply DevOps principles to data management. FinOps Path The FinOps track uses AI to manage and optimize cloud spending in real-time. Engineers learn to build models that predict cost spikes and automatically identify underutilized resources. This path is increasingly valuable as cloud bills become a significant portion of corporate overhead. It combines financial accountability with technical automation to drive business value. Role → Recommended Certified AIOps Engineer Certifications RoleRecommended CertificationsDevOps EngineerCertified AIOps Professional, MLOps SpecialistSRECertified AIOps Expert, SRE ProfessionalPlatform EngineerAIOps Architect, Cloud Infrastructure SpecialistCloud EngineerCertified AIOps Foundation, FinOps PractitionerSecurity EngineerAI-Driven DevSecOps, Anomaly Detection SpecialistData EngineerDataOps Professional, Certified AIOps FoundationFinOps PractitionerCloud Cost Optimizer, AIOps SpecialistEngineering ManagerAIOps for Leaders, ITOM Strategy Next Certifications to Take After Certified AIOps Engineer Same Track Progression Deepening your specialization within AIOps involves moving toward the Architect or Expert levels. These certifications focus on the strategic design of autonomous systems and the governance of AI in the enterprise. You will learn how to lead large-scale digital transformation projects and manage the cultural shifts required for AI adoption. This is the natural path for those aiming for Principal or Distinguished Engineer roles. Cross-Track Expansion Broadening your skills often means looking toward MLOps or DevSecOps to complement your AIOps knowledge. Understanding how to secure the AI pipeline or how to manage the models themselves makes you a much more versatile professional. This cross-pollination of skills is highly valued in the industry, as it allows you to sit at the center of multiple critical departments. It ensures you can speak the language of developers, security teams, and data scientists. Leadership & Management Track If you are looking to move into management, certifications in ITIL, COBIT, or specialized Engineering Leadership programs are recommended. These help you translate technical AI successes into business outcomes and ROI. Leading an AIOps team requires a different set of skills than building the models, including budget management and talent development. This track prepares you for roles like VP of Infrastructure or CTO. Training & Certification Support Providers for Certified AIOps Engineer DevOpsSchool DevOpsSchool has established itself as a premier destination for technical upskilling in India and beyond. They offer a robust curriculum that focuses on the entire DevOps ecosystem, including specialized training for AIOps. Their approach combines theoretical knowledge with deep practical labs, ensuring that students can apply what they learn immediately in a professional setting. With a focus on industry-standard tools and methodologies, they provide a strong foundation for any engineer looking to modernize their skill set. Their instructors are typically working professionals who bring real-world scenarios into the virtual classroom. Cotocus Cotocus is known for its high-touch, hands-on training programs that cater specifically to the needs of enterprise teams. They specialize in cloud-native technologies and provide comprehensive support for certifications in the AIOps and SRE domains. Their training modules are designed to be modular and flexible, allowing companies to tailor the learning experience to their specific stack. Cotocus places a heavy emphasis on lab environments that mirror production systems, which is essential for mastering the complexities of algorithmic operations. Their mentorship programs help bridge the gap between passing an exam and performing on the job. Scmgalaxy Scmgalaxy is a community-driven platform that has been a staple in the software configuration management and DevOps world for years. They provide an extensive repository of resources, tutorials, and certification guides that are invaluable for self-paced learners. Their focus on the community means that their content is often updated based on the latest industry trends and candidate feedback. For those looking for a mix of formal training and community support, Scmgalaxy offers a unique ecosystem. They are particularly strong in providing deep dives into specific tools and automation frameworks that support AIOps implementations. BestDevOps BestDevOps focuses on delivering high-quality, curated training experiences for individual professionals seeking to advance their careers. They offer a range of certification prep courses that are specifically designed to be concise and impactful. Their curriculum for AIOps focuses on the most critical skills needed to succeed in the modern market, avoiding unnecessary filler. By prioritizing mentor-led sessions, they ensure that students get their questions answered by experts. This provider is an excellent choice for those who value time efficiency and a direct path to certification and career growth. devsecopsschool.com DevSecOpsSchool is the leading authority for engineers who want to integrate security into every phase of the development lifecycle. Their training programs are essential for AIOps professionals who need to understand how AI can be used to detect threats and automate security compliance. They offer specialized tracks that combine machine learning with security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR). Their curriculum is designed to help professionals stay ahead of evolving cyber threats by using intelligent systems. If your career goal is to work in high-security environments, this is a critical support provider for your journey. sreschool.com SRESchool focuses exclusively on the principles of Site Reliability Engineering, which is the natural home for AIOps. Their training covers essential topics like Error Budgets, SLIs/SLOs, and incident management, all through the lens of automated operations. They provide the technical depth required to build and maintain high-scale, reliable systems using algorithmic approaches. By focusing on the “SRE way” of doing things, they help students develop the mindset needed to manage complex production environments. Their courses are a perfect complement to the Certified AIOps Engineer program, providing the operational context needed for AI. aiopsschool.com AIOpsSchool is the primary authority and hosting site for the Certified AIOps Engineer program itself. They provide the most direct and comprehensive training for this specific certification, including the official syllabus and practice exams. Their focus is entirely on the intersection of AI and operations, making them the most specialized provider in this list. By training through the official source, candidates ensure they are learning exactly what is required for the certification. They offer a range of levels from foundation to expert, providing a complete career path for aspiring AIOps engineers. dataopsschool.com DataOpsSchool addresses the critical need for data reliability in the AIOps lifecycle. They teach the principles of managing data as a product, ensuring that the information feeding your AI models is accurate, timely, and secure. Their curriculum covers data pipeline automation, quality control, and orchestration, which are all vital skills for an AIOps professional. As data becomes more complex, the role of DataOps becomes more central to the success of any AI initiative. This provider helps engineers master the underlying data architecture that makes intelligent operations possible. finopsschool.com FinOpsSchool is dedicated to the growing field of cloud financial management and cost optimization. They provide training on how to use AI and machine learning to predict cloud spend and automate cost-saving measures. This is a vital skill set for AIOps engineers who are tasked with maintaining not just system reliability, but also financial efficiency. Their courses help bridge the gap between engineering, finance, and business leadership. By mastering FinOps through this school, professionals can demonstrate their value in terms of direct bottom-line impact for their organizations. Frequently Asked Questions (General) How difficult is it to get certified? The difficulty depends on the level, but professional certifications are designed to be challenging and require significant hands-on experience with operations and data analysis. Is there a prerequisite for the foundation level? No formal prerequisites are required, but a basic understanding of IT infrastructure and monitoring concepts is highly recommended for success. How long does the certification remain valid? Most certifications in this field are valid for two to three years, after which you may need to recertify or move to a higher level. Do I need to be a programmer to succeed in AIOps? While you don’t need to be a software developer, a working knowledge of scripting languages like Python is essential for the professional and expert levels. Is the exam proctored or open-book? Most professional-grade exams are proctored and conducted in a controlled environment to maintain the integrity of the credential. What is the typical timeframe for preparation? A dedicated professional can usually prepare for the professional-level exam in 30 to 60 days of consistent study and lab work. Does this certification help with salary increases? Certified professionals in niche fields like AIOps often command higher salaries due to the scarcity of these specialized skills in the market. Can I take the exam online? Yes, most providers offer remote proctoring options that allow you to take the exam from your home or office. Are there lab-based questions in the exam? Yes, the higher-level certifications often include lab environments where you must solve real-world operational problems. Is there a community for certified individuals? Yes, most schools maintain a community or alumni network where professionals can share insights and job opportunities. Do companies recognize this certification? Major enterprises and cloud service providers increasingly recognize these credentials as they seek to build more automated operations teams. How much do the exams cost? Costs vary by provider and level, but they typically range from $200 to $500 per attempt. FAQs on Certified AIOps Engineer What exactly does a Certified AIOps Engineer do daily? They build and maintain the systems that monitor IT health, using AI to filter out false alerts and automatically resolve common infrastructure issues. How does this certification differ from a standard Data Science degree? This program focuses specifically on the “Operations” use cases, such as log analysis and incident response, rather than general-purpose machine learning. Which tools will I learn during the certification? You will be exposed to a variety of tools for data streaming, log management, and ML modeling, but the focus is on the underlying architectural principles. Is AIOps only for large enterprises? While large companies benefit most from the scale, any organization with complex cloud infrastructure can use AIOps to reduce the burden on their engineers. Can an SRE benefit from becoming a Certified AIOps Engineer? Absolutely. It is the natural evolution of SRE work, allowing for the management of thousands of services without a linear increase in headcount. What is the focus of the AIOps School curriculum? The curriculum is designed to be vendor-neutral, focusing on the core logic of data ingestion, correlation, and automated remediation. Is there a focus on India’s tech market in this training? The program is global, but the providers mentioned have a strong presence in India, catering to the massive demand for DevOps and SRE talent there. How do I start my journey if I’m currently a System Administrator? Start with the Foundation level to understand the landscape, then gradually build your Python and cloud skills to move toward the Professional track. Final Thoughts: Is Certified AIOps Engineer Worth It? The decision to pursue a certification should always be based on your long-term career goals and the needs of the industry. From my perspective, the shift toward algorithmic operations is not a trend; it is a fundamental change in how technology is managed. As systems grow more complex, the humans responsible for them must leverage better tools and smarter logic. The Certified AIOps Engineer program provides a structured, high-quality path to mastering these necessary skills. If you are looking for a way to differentiate yourself in a crowded market of DevOps and Cloud engineers, this is a strategic move. It shows that you are prepared for the next wave of IT management and that you have the practical skills to implement it. While it requires a significant investment of time and effort, the potential for career growth and the ability to work on cutting-edge systems makes it a highly worthwhile endeavor for any serious IT professional. View the full article

In an in-depth article for Bloomberg Businessweek today, Mark Gurman profiled Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus, who is widely viewed as the leading candidate to become Apple's next CEO whenever Tim Cook decides to step down. The article is very long, so we recommend reading it in full, but a few of the key takeaways are that Ternus is apparently "well-liked among Apple's leadership" and helped with "reversing a trend of declining product quality" at the company. "Since getting the top hardware engineering role in 2021, he's overseen an expansion in Apple's product lineup, improving quality and focusing on functional improvements around battery life, performance and connectivity," wrote Gurman. Cook reportedly gave oversight of Apple's design teams to Ternus at the end of last year, and Ternus has been making a lot more public appearances in interviews and in product introduction videos over the past few years. The profile provides a closer look at how Ternus has risen to become the frontrunner to succeed Cook eventually. Cook has not shared his retirement plans with even some of his closest lieutenants, according to the report, so it is unclear when he plans to step down. Cook has served as Apple's CEO since 2011, and he reached the common retirement age of 65 last year. In a recent interview, he vaguely said he "I can't imagine life without Apple." The full Bloomberg Businessweek article is titled "Apple's 'Nice Guy' Heir Apparent."Tags: Bloomberg, John Ternus, Mark Gurman, Tim Cook This article, "Apple CEO Candidate John Ternus is 'Well-Liked' and Helped Reverse 'Declining Product Quality'" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple has been celebrating its upcoming 50th anniversary by hosting events around the world, and a grand finale will likely take place in California. In an in-depth profile of Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus, who is widely viewed as the leading candidate to become Apple's next CEO, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the company is planning "an elaborate 50th birthday party" at its Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California, and he expects Ternus to be "center stage." The report did not offer any further details about the celebration, but our best guess is that it will take place under the rainbow arches in the middle of Apple Park. Apple turns 50 on April 1, so the party will likely take place soon. It is unclear if the celebration will be limited to Apple's employees, or if there will be a public component involving the Apple Park Visitor Center. In any case, selected members of the press may be invited. Apple kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations with a surprise Alicia Keys performance at its Grand Central store in New York earlier this month, and it has since hosted similar events in China and South Korea. Apple is planning to host additional celebrations in Australia, Canada, France, Thailand, and the UK over the coming days. MacRumors has been invited to attend one of Apple's 50th-anniversary celebrations in London this week, but we are keeping specific details under wraps in order to avoid spoiling Apple's surprise. Stay tuned for our coverage of the event.Tags: Apple 50th Anniversary, Bloomberg, Mark Gurman This article, "Apple to Celebrate 50th Anniversary With 'Elaborate' Party at Apple Park" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Last week, tech columnist David Pogue launched a new book called "Apple: The First 50 Years." On Amazon, you can get the new book for $34.78 in hardcover, down from $50.00, the best price we've seen so far on the book. 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 book explores the first five decades of Apple's history, including interviews with 150 key people who shaped Apple into what it is today, like Steve Wozniak, John Sculley, Jony Ive, and more. The book is launching to coincide with Apple's upcoming 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026. 30% OFFApple: The First 50 Years for $34.78 Amazon's sale is on the hardcover version of the book, and provides an estimated March 27 delivery date for free delivery. 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, "Get the New Book 'Apple: The First 50 Years' for 30% Off on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Now through May 20, you can get 5% Daily Cash when you use the Apple Card via Apple Pay for purchases at Walgreens and Duane Reade, both in stores and online. 5% Daily Cash is limited to $500 in combined Walgreens and Duane Reade purchases, meaning that the maximum cash back that you can receive from this offer is $25. Ordinarily, the Apple Card offers 3% Daily Cash for Walgreens and Duane Reade purchases. Apple's credit card is available in the U.S. only.Tags: Apple Card, Walgreens This article, "Apple Card Offering New Walgreens Bonus" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

It has been a busy March for Apple, which has unveiled more than 10 products and accessories this month. However, aside from the all-new MacBook Neo and Studio Display XDR, the devices received faster chips or new colors and little else. The new products include an iPhone 17e, iPad Air models with the M4 chip, MacBook Air models with the M5 chip, MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the all-new MacBook Neo, an updated Studio Display, a higher-end Studio Display XDR, AirPods Max 2, and the Nike Powerbeats Pro 2. The new accessories include iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and the iPhone's Crossbody Strap in a range of fresh color options like Bright Guava, Vanilla, Soft Pink, Clementine, and/or Electric Lavender. iPhone 17e features the same overall design as the iPhone 16e, but it gains Apple's A19 chip, MagSafe for magnetic wireless charging and magnetic accessories, Apple's second-generation C1X modem for faster 5G, and a doubled 256GB of base storage. In the U.S., the iPhone 17e starts at $599, just like the iPhone 16e did. The new iPad Air's key upgrades include Apple's M4 chip, an increased 12GB of RAM, Apple's N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and the C1X modem in cellular models. The MacBook Air received a faster M5 chip, and a doubled 512GB of base storage, but the starting price increased from $999 to $1,099 as a result of a 256GB configuration being dropped. With the N1 chip, the MacBook Air now has Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and it now comes with Apple's 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max. The higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models finally received M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, plus up to twice as fast SSD speeds and a doubled 1TB of base storage. Battery life has increased slightly across all of the models, and the N1 chip extends to the MacBook Pro line now for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. The regular Studio Display gained Thunderbolt 5 support and improved speakers, and the camera now supports Desk View. There is also an all-new, higher-end Studio Display XDR that gained all of those benefits, plus bigger improvements such as a 120Hz refresh rate, mini-LED backlighting, increased brightness, and more. The colorful new MacBook Neo starts at just $599 in the United States, and at an even lower $499 for college students. Available in Blush, Citrus, Indigo, and Silver, the MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone, and it is equipped with a 13-inch display, up to 512GB of storage, and a non-configurable 8GB of RAM. AirPods Max 2 have a handful of upgrades over the previous AirPods Max, including Apple's H2 chip, increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. Plus, the Digital Crown has a new Camera Remote function. The special-edition Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 are the same as the regular Powerbeats Pro 2, except they have a two-tone design consisting of black and Nike's signature Volt neon green-yellow color. The earbuds have both Nike and Beats logos. To learn more, read our coverage:Apple Announces iPhone 17e With A19 Chip, MagSafe, and More Apple Unveils iPad Air With M4 Chip, Increased RAM, Wi-Fi 7, and More Apple Announces MacBook Air With M5 Chip and 512GB Base Storage Apple Unveils MacBook Pro Featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips Apple Updates Studio Display With Thunderbolt 5 and More Apple Introduces All-New Studio Display XDR: 120Hz, Mini-LED, and More Apple Announces $599 'MacBook Neo' With A18 Pro Chip Apple Announces AirPods Max 2 With H2 Chip and More Apple's Special-Edition Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 Now Available Apple Releases iPhone Cases, Apple Watch Bands, and Crossbody Strap in New ColorsAll of the products and accessories listed above have been released, except for the AirPods Max 2, which are available to pre-order starting Wednesday, March 25. This article, "Apple Has Released More Than 10 Products and Accessories This Month" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple has updated a wide range of products and accessories this month, but there is still no entry-level iPad 12 with Apple Intelligence support. Fortunately, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today said an iPad with an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence is "ready to go" and "still coming this year." An earlier report from Macworld claimed that the iPad 12 will actually have an A19 chip. No other major changes have been rumored so far for the iPad 12, so we expect the device to have the same overall design as the current model. Apple Intelligence is already available on all other current-generation iPad models, including the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Apple released the iPad 11 with an A16 chip in March 2025, with U.S. pricing starting at $349. Related Roundup: iPadTags: Apple Intelligence, Bloomberg, Mark GurmanBuyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy)Related Forum: iPad This article, "iPad 12 With A18 Chip for Apple Intelligence is 'Still Coming This Year'" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple has unveiled nine new products this month, but the wait continues for the next-generation Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models. In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said new versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini have been "ready" since last year, but he reiterated that Apple has held off on releasing them until the more personalized version of Siri and other Apple Intelligence upgrades are released later this year. Inventory of the Apple TV, HomePod mini, and full-sized HomePod is once again "running low" at Apple's retail stores around the world, according to Gurman, but it is unclear if this means anything since the revamped Siri has yet to debut. Gurman previously reported that Apple was aiming to release the personalized Siri features in either iOS 26.5 or iOS 27. The first developer beta of iOS 26.5 could be available in late March or early April, so at least some of the Siri upgrades might be just a week or two away, unless they are entirely held back until iOS 27 debuts in June. Accordingly, if the new Apple TV and HomePod mini models remain tied to the Siri upgrades arriving in iOS 26.5 or iOS 27, then Apple should announce the devices at any point between late March and the end of September this year. Earlier rumors claimed the next Apple TV would be equipped with the A17 Pro chip, which is the oldest chip that supports Apple Intelligence. The device is also expected to feature Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. As for the HomePod mini, it is expected to use an Apple Watch's S9 chip or newer, but it is not entirely clear how that chip would be capable enough to support the revamped Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Other rumored features include the N1 chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option. The current Apple TV 4K debuted in October 2022, and the HomePod mini was introduced in October 2020, so both devices are due for upgrades. Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod miniTags: Bloomberg, Mark GurmanBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater, HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, "New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Remain 'Ready' to Launch" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's plans to enhance the iPhone 18 Pro's Camera app led it to consider acquiring Halide, but the talks ultimately collapsed and were followed by a fierce legal dispute between the startup's co-founders, according to The Information reports. In the summer of 2025, Apple reportedly held discussions to acquire Lux Optics, the developer behind the popular iPhone camera apps Halide, Kino, and Spectre. The company concluded that it could get a better offer from Apple in the future following updates to the app. Two months after the talks concluded without a deal, Apple set about recruiting Lux's co-founder and designer Sebastian de With. Lux CEO and co-founder Ben Sandofsky is said to have fired de With in December over financial misconduct. de With announced that he had joined Apple's design team in January. Sandofsky has now filed a lawsuit in the California Superior Court of Santa Cruz against de With, accusing him of improperly using more than $150,000 in Lux company funds to pay for personal expenses since 2022, as well as providing confidential material and source code from Lux to Apple. During the discussions to acquire Lux, Apple employees purportedly told the startup that its intellectual property was a major consideration in evaluating the company. Apple apparently wanted to acquire Lux to bolster the built-in Camera app, which is said to be "top priority for the company right now." The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ will "match professional-grade cameras in terms of certain advanced features," necessitating an upgrade of the built-in Camera app. Apple is not named as a defendant in the case and it is not accused of any wrongdoing. de With's legal representatives say that the lawsuit is meritless and deny that he "used, transferred, or disclosed any Lux intellectual property" as part of his new job at Apple. They added that the lawsuit was only filed after de With raised concerns with Sandofsky about financial irregularities at Lux and had requested access to its financial records and payments, suggesting that it was a "retaliatory response to those efforts and an attempt to avoid scrutiny of that conduct."Related Roundups: iPhone 18, iPhone 18 ProTags: Halide, Apple LawsuitsRelated Forum: iPhone This article, "Apple Wanted to Buy Halide to Boost iPhone 18 Pro's Camera App—Now There's a Lawsuit" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The Apple TV is now almost two decades old amid rumors of the announcement of a new model. Today marks 19 years Apple launched the original ‌Apple TV‌. Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the ‌Apple TV‌ at Macworld Expo in January 2007 alongside the original iPhone, but it didn't launch until March. The ‌‌Apple TV‌ was initially previewed as the "iTV." The device allowed users to wirelessly stream movies, TV shows, music, and photos from their Mac or PC directly to their TV. Unlike today, there was no App Store or third-party app support, and the experience was centered almost entirely around iTunes-purchased or synced media. The ‌Apple TV‌ was controlled with a simple Apple Remote and ran a Front Row-style interface designed for navigating iTunes libraries on a TV. It featured a 40GB hard drive for local content storage and supported 720p HD resolution, offering both HDMI and component video output, and was priced at $299. Apple famously described the ‌Apple TV‌ as a "hobby," reflecting its niche and experimental status within the company at the time. Over subsequent years, Apple slowly repositioned the device over time from a Mac accessory to a standalone streaming device. In 2010, it dropped the internal hard drive and shifted to a smaller, streaming-focused design. The introduction of tvOS and the ‌App Store‌ in 2015 marked a major turning point, enabling third-party apps and games. Apple later added 4K support in 2017 and continued to iterate with faster chips, culminating in the current model powered by the A15 Bionic chip. Unlike the original ‌Apple TV‌, which was primarily designed to stream iTunes content from a Mac or PC, the device now serves as a hub for Apple's services, with integrations for ‌Apple TV‌+, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, AirPlay, and HomeKit. While competitors such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV devices still dominate the lower end of the market, Apple has continued to position the ‌Apple TV‌ as a premium option with tighter ecosystem integration and more powerful hardware. Today's ‌Apple TV‌ is the third-generation 4K model from November 2022. A new Apple TV is expected to be announced soon, featuring a faster chip and Apple's custom N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Related Roundup: Apple TVBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater This article, "Apple TV Is Now Almost 20 Years Old" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple saw a 23% year-over-year increase in iPhone sales in China during the first nine weeks of 2026, significantly outperforming a broader market decline driven by weak demand and rising component costs, according to Counterpoint Research. China smartphone sales apparently fell by 4% year-over-year in the first nine weeks of 2026. Within this environment, Apple emerged as the fastest-growing major vendor, with iPhone sales rising 23% compared to the same period in 2025. Counterpoint attributed Apple's impressive performance partly to a combination of e-commerce discounts and the inclusion of the standard iPhone 17 in government subsidy programs aimed at stimulating consumer electronics purchases. Counterpoint noted that the rising cost of memory components has been passed on to vendors, forcing several Android brands to adjust pricing strategies. Chinese smartphone makers OPPO and vivo have announced notable price increases for some existing models, with those changes set to take effect this month. In contrast, Apple has not announced any comparable price increases and is unlikely to follow competitors in raising prices, instead absorbing some of the margin pressure from higher component costs to maintain pricing stability. The firm added that Apple's control over its supply chain leaves it better positioned than rivals to withstand rising memory costs. Rising memory prices are expected to persist throughout 2026. The research firm expects China's smartphone market to remain under pressure in the coming months, with potential improvement in June driven by the country's mid-year "618" shopping festival. Counterpoint's findings are based on its China Weekly Smartphone Sell-Out Tracker, which monitors retail sales across the market. Tags: China, Counterpoint This article, "Apple Bucks China's Smartphone Slump With 23% Sales Jump" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article