In a post on its developer news website today, Apple announced that it will be introducing "additional controls" for the "Full Disk Access" setting on macOS due to new risks posed by AI agents. This announcement comes amid the rise of always-on AI agents like Meta's Muse and OpenAI's Dots, which have prompted privacy concerns.
"Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history—without users' full knowledge and understanding," said Apple.
"As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially," it added.
Here is the full text of Apple's announcement:
We give developers powerful APIs to build incredible capabilities into their apps for Apple products, backed by a set of controls designed to protect users' private data. Full Disk Access largely sidesteps these controls in order to allow backup apps to function properly on the Mac. Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history—without users' full knowledge and understanding. For communication apps, this can also compromise the privacy of the people users are communicating with.
Going forward, we will introduce additional controls to ensure that users who genuinely wish to grant an app this extraordinary level of access can only do so with very explicit user action. Addressing this is critical. As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially. We are committed to ensuring users clearly understand these risks before granting such access, so they can make informed decisions about their own data and privacy.
Apple did not say when the new "Full Disk Access" controls will be implemented.
AT&T and Apple are taking action today as they try to resolve iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.
Thousands of iPhone 18 Pro Max users have been unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, text messages, and data. The underlying cause has yet to be disclosed, but AT&T and Apple continue to work toward a resolution.
First, Apple today released an AT&T carrier settings update (version 72.1, up from 72.0.2) for iPhones. Given the timing of this update, it presumably includes some optimizations related to iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular connectivity, but it is unclear if AT&T has fully resolved the issues or if further tweaks will be necessary.
When a carrier settings update is available on your iPhone, you will be prompted to install it. If you dismiss the notification or do not see it, open the Settings app, tap General → About, and the update should appear there. You can see your iPhone's current carrier settings version in the same About menu, next to your carrier's name.
Second, Apple today started requiring iPhone 18 Pro Max users to install iOS 27.0.1 in order to set up the device, even though most if not all affected users have said that the update does not resolve the issues. A leaked AT&T email said iOS 27.0.1 is meant to help mitigate future impacts, so it may still help in some way.
In a statement shared with MacRumors today, AT&T said it is "working with Apple" to resolve iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues.
"Apple has released a software update to address an issue that may affect calls, data, texts, and 911 calls on a small number of Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max phones," an AT&T spokesperson said. "AT&T customers with an iPhone 18 Pro Max should update their phones now to the latest available software. Our top priority is ensuring customers can stay connected when they need it most, and we are working with Apple to make it right."
As we reported last week, affected iPhone 18 Pro Max users are unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, text messages, or data either persistently or intermittently, and their devices typically enter SOS mode as a result. The underlying cause has not been confirmed, and Apple has yet to publicly comment on the matter.
Thousands of users have experienced this problem since the iPhone 18 Pro Max launched on September 18, according to discussion threads across the Apple Support Community, Reddit, MacRumors Forums, and other online platforms.
Notably, the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only new iPhone unveiled last month that is equipped with a Qualcomm cellular modem. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo are equipped with Apple's C2 modem worldwide, as is the iPhone 18 Pro Max in all other countries. However, it is unclear if this is a contributing factor.
AT&T said iPhone 18 Pro Max users who have experienced or continue to experience issues can return to an Apple or AT&T store for additional support.
Yesterday, AT&T sent a text message to some customers advising them to update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately, even though that update does not appear to resolve the issues, according to comments shared by affected users.
In an alleged internal email shared on Reddit today, AT&T clarified that its guidance about updating to iOS 27.0.1 is meant to help mitigate future impacts, but it is unclear if or how the update actually helps. Apple's release notes for iOS 27.0.1 only mentioned fixes for other bugs, including a Face ID issue affecting iPhone 18 Pro models.
The alleged email added that customers can visit an Apple or AT&T store for a replacement device, but some customers said their request for a replacement under warranty was declined. With this issue becoming more widespread, hopefully Apple and AT&T are working to inform employees about the issue and implement a formal process.
iPhone 18 Pro Max users should be aware that today is the final day to return the device to Apple under the company's standard 14-day return policy in the U.S., for customers who purchased or received it on September 18 launch day.
Typically, Apple is able to address issues like these with software updates, so hopefully it will be able to fix the issue in iOS 27.0.2 or later. Hardware issues are more rare, but when they do happen, Apple sometimes launches a free repair program. We will continue to provide further updates on this topic as more information becomes available.
The Apple Watch has received some incremental updates in recent years, with significant upgrades becoming fewer and farther between as the device has progressed. Since the Apple Watch's generation-over-generation enhancements are relatively small, it is all the more important to consider when an upgrade is justified and whether an older model could suffice for your needs.
The Apple Watch Series 12 brings a more substantial set of changes than the Series 11, which was one of the smallest refreshes in the device's history. While Apple has discontinued previous Series models, older watches may still be available at lower prices from third-party retailers or secondhand.
Read on to see the breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with each Apple Watch model compared to its direct predecessor. Viewing each generation's changes in this way helps weigh up the accumulative upgrades one receives by skipping multiple generations when buying a new device, as well as get a sense of which generations offered the biggest overall upgrades.
Apple Watch Series 12 (2026)
S11 chip (based on A20 Pro)
4GB of RAM
New Health Sensing System
Second-generation electrical heart sensor
Fourth-generation, always-on optical heart sensor
Background heart rate measurements every five seconds throughout the day
Heart rate variability measured up to 24x more often
Recovery HRV metric
Readiness app
Daytime view in the Vitals app
More accurate step tracking
Steps and real-time heart rate watch face complications
Audio Intelligence with Sound Recognition and automatic Shazam detection
Ceramic Shield 2 front glass, 60% tougher than Series 11's Ion-X glass (aluminum models only)
Aluminum or titanium and zirconia back replaces metal and sapphire crystal back
Up to 10 hours of outdoor workout tracking (25% longer than Series 11)
15 minutes of charging provides up to 12 hours of normal use (up from eight hours)
Five minutes of charging provides up to 10 hours of sleep tracking (up from eight hours)
Aluminum and titanium cases are 1mm wider and around two grams heavier
Slightly larger bezels and display area is approximately 2% smaller despite unchanged screen resolutions
Ceramic case option introduced in Pearl White and Night Blue, with slightly larger dimensions than aluminum and titanium models
Dark Bronze, Light Gold, and Black aluminum finishes replace Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black; Space Gray remains available
Radiant Gold titanium replaces Gold and Slate; Natural titanium remains available
Apple Watch Series 11 (2025)
2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (aluminum models only)
5G connectivity (cellular models only)
7–10% larger battery
Space Gray aluminum option reintroduced
Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)
Refined design with a thinner casing, display with more rounded edges and a wider aspect ratio, and front glass that extends further over the sides for a higher screen-to-body ratio
42mm and 46mm case sizes
Larger displays
LTPO3 display for faster refresh rate in always-on mode, enabling a live ticking seconds hand on select watch faces
Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)
S10 chip (same CPU as S9, but more compact)
Water temperature sensor
Depth app and Depth gauge to 6m
Microphone with voice isolation
Redesigned speaker with media playback
Metal back with larger charging coil and integrated antenna
Faster charging (0–80% in about 30 minutes)
Titanium casing replaces stainless steel option, now in Silver (matches previous stainless steel casing, Apple Watch Hermès only), Gold, Slate, and Natural
Starlight, Midnight, Pink, and (PRODUCT)RED finishes discontinued, replaced with Silver, Rose Gold, and polished Jet Black finishes
Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)
Retina display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness
Display can get dimmer in dark rooms and at night (down to 1 nit of brightness)
Double tap gesture
Wrist flick gesture
Sleep apnea detection
Hypertension detection
S9 chip (based on A15 Bionic)
2GB of RAM
4-core Neural Engine (2x faster than Series 8)
Siri processed on-device for requests that do not need information from the internet
More powerful gyroscope and high dynamic range accelerometer
Crash Detection
Body temperature sensor
Wrist temperature sensing during sleep
mem
Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
Blue and Green aluminum casings discontinued, Silver aluminum reintroduced
Apple Watch Edition discontinued
Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
41mm and 45mm case sizes
1.7mm display borders for almost 20% more screen area than Series 6
QWERTY keyboard
Up to 70% brighter display than Series 6 indoors when wrist is down
S7 chip (Same CPU as S6)
Crack-resistant front crystal (50% thicker)
IP6X dust resistance
Fast charging for up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes (33% faster than Series 6)
Silver and Space Gray aluminum casings discontinued, Midnight, Starlight, and Green introduced
Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
Up to 2.5x brighter always-on display
Access Notification Center, Control Center, and Complications when display is asleep
S6 chip (based on A13 Bionic, 20% faster than S5)
1.5GB of RAM
Always-on altimeter
First-generation Ultra Wideband chip
2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi
Blood oxygen sensor
Faster charging for a full charge in under 1.5 hours
Improved battery life for tracking certain workouts, such as indoor and outdoor runs
Blue and (PRODUCT)RED aluminum casing options introduced
Space Black stainless steel casing available with Apple Watch Hermès only, Graphite option introduced
Ceramic Apple Watch Edition discontinued
Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)
Always-on Retina display
Force Touch removed
S5 chip
Compass
32GB storage
Apple Watch Edition reintroduced with White Ceramic, Natural Titanium, and Space Black Titanium casing options
Apple Watch Series 4 (2018)
40mm and 44mm case sizes
Over 30% larger display with curved corners
3.0mm display borders
S4 chip (2x faster than S3)
Gyroscope and accelerometer
Barometric altimeter
Fall detection
2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Optical heart sensor and electrical heart sensor for ECG
16GB storage
Digital Crown with haptic feedback
50% louder speaker
Relocated microphone for reduced echo and better sound quality
Faster charging for a full charge in 1.5 hours
Gold stainless steel casing introduced
Apple Watch Edition discontinued
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017)
S3 chip (70% faster than S2)
Barometric altimeter
Bluetooth 4.2
Siri able to speak through the onboard speaker
LTE cellular model available with red Digital Crown
Rose Gold aluminum casing discontinued
Gray Ceramic Apple Watch Edition model introduced
Apple Watch Series 2 (2016)
Retina display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness (2x brighter than previous generation)
S2 chip (dual‑core)
1GB of RAM
GPS and GLONASS receiver
Water resistant up to 50 meters
Gold and Rose Gold aluminum casing options added
18K Gold and Rose Gold Apple Watch Edition discontinued, Ceramic model introduced in White
Apple Watch Nike+ variant introduced
The Series 12 has a stronger case than the Series 11 as an upgrade in general, but most Series 11 owners still have little reason to get a new device. Its new heart sensors, more frequent HRV measurements, Readiness app, and longer workout battery life matter most if you rely on your Apple Watch for training and recovery insights. Sound Recognition may also appeal to deaf or hard of hearing users, while the ceramic case offers a finish unavailable with the Series 11.
Upgrading from a Series 10 brings these changes alongside the Series 11's 5G connectivity on cellular models and longer rated everyday battery life. From a Series 9, you would also gain the thinner Series 10 design, larger display, depth gauge, and water temperature sensor.
The cumulative upgrades become more compelling for Series 8 users and older, particularly if battery wear is affecting daily use. Series 7 owners gain Crash Detection and temperature sensing as well as the newer design and Series 12 health features. The biggest differences will be felt by those with a Series 6 or older, though the condition of your current watch and the cost of replacing it still matter.
watchOS 27 supports Series 9 and later, leaving the Series 8 and older without the latest major software release. That does not mean they will immediately stop working or receiving all security updates, but they are now considered old devices. If you are shopping for a replacement, a discounted or secondhand Series 11 may offer better value if you do not need the Series 12's health features, providing you can find it at a sufficiently low price. watchOS 26 is not supported by the Series 5 or older, so anyone with one of these devices should definitely consider upgrading soon.
Looking to the future, it looks like next year's Apple Watch Series 13 could offer some major upgrades including a redesign and new sensors. This could make it a great upgrade for those with a Series 11 or older.
We're just a few days out from Prime Big Deal Days on October 6, and Amazon is already offering some savings on accessories including Anker chargers, Samsung monitors, and 4K TVs. We're also tracking deals on the new Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Apple Watch Ultra 4 this week.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Early Prime Day Deals
What's the deal? Shop early Prime Day deals on Apple-related accessories and more
Amazon's fall Prime Day, called Prime Big Deal Days, is nearly upon us, and early discounts have already started appearing online. We're tracking big markdowns on TVs, monitors, charging accessories, and more in our original article, and be sure to keep an eye on the MacRumors front page for more Prime Big Deal Days news as the event gets closer.
Beats 360
What's the deal? Save on Beats 360 cushion kits and more
The new Beats 360 headphones were announced last week, and they're now available to order on Amazon and other retailers. They're available in Black, Cloud, plus a bundle where you can style the headphones however you'd like thanks to interchangeable ear cushions and headbands.
Alongside the launch, Beats announced that its Cushion Kits compatible with the Beats 360 are available for just $9.99 for the next month, down from $49.99. Stock on these has begun to dwindle since launch, so be sure to get in soon before they disappear.
Mac Mini and Mac Studio
What's the deal? Take up to $50 off Mac mini and Mac Studio
Amazon recently introduced the first cash discounts on Apple's brand new Mac mini and Mac Studio, with discounts reaching up to $50 off original prices. All of these deals represent the first discounts on the new computers, which just launched last month.
The new Apple Watch Ultra 4 just launched last month, and Amazon is offering the first cash discounts on select models for the first time since their launch. You can get the Apple Watch Ultra 4 for $779.99, down from $799.00.
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!
Following more than three months of renovations, the Apple SouthGate store in Bath, England will be reopening on Friday, October 23, just in time for iPhone Duo launch day.
In a text message sent to customers today, AT&T acknowledged that some iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on its network are experiencing cellular issues.
AT&T said that customers should immediately update to iOS 27.0.1, despite the fact that many affected users have said that the update does not resolve the issues. There are now at least thousands of users that have experienced this problem, according to discussion topics across the Apple Support Community, Reddit, and MacRumors Forums.
Here is what the text message says:
Hi, it's AT&T. Action needed: An important Apple software update for your iPhone 18 Pro Max is available. Some phones may be unable to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. Update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately — Settings > General > Software Update. Please contact AT&T or Apple if you have questions.
Apple's release notes for iOS 27.0.1 did not mention a fix for AT&T cellular issues. Rather, the update fixed a Face ID issue on the iPhone 18 Pro models.
As we reported last week, affected iPhone 18 Pro Max users are unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, text messages, or data either persistently or intermittently, and their devices typically enter SOS mode as a result. The underlying cause has not been confirmed, and Apple has yet to publicly comment on the matter.
Notably, the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only new iPhone unveiled last month that is equipped with a Qualcomm cellular modem. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo are equipped with Apple's C2 modem worldwide, as is the iPhone 18 Pro Max in all other countries. However, it is unclear if this is a contributing factor.
If a software issue is identified, then another update such as iOS 27.0.2 may be required. If there is a hardware issue, though, then this would obviously be a much bigger problem. We will provide further updates as new information becomes available.
Twelve South, a well-known accessory maker for Apple products, has released a new AirFly Drive accessory that turns wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay.
AirFly Drive uses Wi-Fi to establish a connection between your iPhone and vehicle, eliminating the need to use a USB-C cable for CarPlay.
Priced at $39.99 in the U.S., the AirFly Drive plugs into a USB data port in your vehicle. The accessory is essentially a compact aluminum cube with a USB-A port on it, with a USB-C adapter included in the box. It is designed to stay plugged in, so that you can get in your vehicle and use wireless CarPlay right away every time.
You only need to pair your iPhone with the AirFly Drive once, and then it will offer fast automatic reconnection every time the vehicle starts, with no app, account, or charging required. A button on the accessory allows for one-press switching between two paired iPhones, which is useful if two people share the same vehicle.
Similar wired-to-wireless CarPlay dongles from other brands are available on Amazon, but Twelve South is a reputable maker of accessories for Apple products. AirFly Drive is available to order now in white or black.
A front 12-megapixel Center Stage camera in the outer display
A front camera under the inner display
iPhone Duo lacks a dedicated Telephoto camera, which is a dealbreaker for some customers. The main camera does have "optical-quality 2× Telephoto" capabilities, but this pales in comparison to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro models, which can achieve up to 8× optical zoom. Still, the photos shared by Apple prove that the iPhone Duo is still very capable for photography, at least in the hands of skilled photographers.
You can pre-order the iPhone Duo starting Friday, October 16 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.
In a recent interview with content creator Angelica Siciliani Fendi, Apple's vice president of hardware engineering Kate Bergeron revealed that the iPhone Duo's nano-texture cover layer above the inner display can be removed and replaced.
"It's actually replaceable, which is a really nice thing for the customer that you can peel off that layer and get a new one," said Bergeron.
In the U.S., customers who purchase AppleCare+ coverage for the iPhone Duo can get the cover layer replaced for $19, according to Apple's website. The cost to replace the cover layer without coverage has yet to be disclosed.
The cover layer helps to hide the crease in the middle of the foldable inner display. Bergeron said Apple did a "significant amount of engineering work" to ensure that this layer remains in good condition for as long as possible, but customers will have the option to replace it if it wears down or the crease becomes more visible over time.
Officially, the ability to replace the iPhone Duo's cover layer will likely be limited to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers. It remains to be seen if customers will be able to easily remove the layer themselves.
iPhone Duo pre-orders begin on Friday, October 16 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, and the device will launch in stores on Friday, October 23.
On his new Power On podcast, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple's smart home camera will have "no video recording."
Instead, he described the rumored product as a sensor that will be capable of "analyzing your environment in your home" using AI. "This is going to be the first mainstream video camera that's a home video security camera that doesn't give you any footage," he said.
Starting today, the Apple TV streaming service is offering a new selection of "bonus" movies in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and some other countries.
While competitors like Netflix offer an extensive catalog of movies from various studios, Apple TV primarily offers its own original films produced by Apple. Over the past few years, however, Apple has offered a "Great Movies Now on Apple TV" section with a limited rotation of iconic movies that subscribers can watch at no additional cost.
The selection changes each month, with the following 13 movies added in the U.S. today:
28 Days Later
American Gangster
Black Hawk Down
Blood Diamond
Fallen
Fury
Going The Distance
Good Will Hunting
Insomnia
Jurassic World
Taxi Driver
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Tropic Thunder
In the U.S., seven more movies remain available as holdovers:
A Beautiful Mind
A League of Their Own
Definitely Maybe
I Robot
Master and Commander
The Rookie
The Sixth Sense
The selection varies in other countries. For example, here are the movies available in Canada:
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models come in four distinct color options, so which should you choose?
The iPhone 18 Pro models come in Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy. The aluminum and glass backs are more closely matched than on the iPhone 17 Pro, although the different materials remain somewhat visible.
You should also consider if you plan to use a case with your device and, if so, which one. The iPhone 18 Pro's large, full-width camera plateau stands out on most cases, exposing more of the device's color. Choosing a complimentary color should be your first priority.
Burgundy
Burgundy is the most distinct and expressive iPhone 18 Pro finish, and it is much darker than the iPhone 17 Pro's equivalent Cosmic Orange. It looks closer to wine or plum than a vivid red.
Burgundy is the standout shade in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, designed to be bold and attention-grabbing. It is the most noticeable iPhone 18 Pro color, and the most likely to indicate that you have the latest generation device—there has never been an iPhone color option like it before.
Apple offers Burgundy Silicone and TechWoven cases if you want the phone and case to look closely coordinated. With a contrasting case, the large, exposed plateau becomes a prominent patch of red-purple. That is worth considering if you like to change between bright case colors: Burgundy will remain part of every combination.
A clear case shows more of the finish, although Apple's white MagSafe ring covers part of the back. Burgundy is the clearest way to distinguish this generation by color, but anyone hoping for a bright red iPhone may be disappointed.
Choose Burgundy if you want a distinctive, dark color that remains noticeable even when the phone is in a case.
Glacier
Glacier is a cool, pale blue that gives the iPhone a much softer look than Burgundy. It is much lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro's Deep Blue, yet it does not disappear into Silver; in-person, it still looks distinctly blue.
Glacier is a useful middle ground if you want gentle color with some saturation, without making it the strongest feature of the phone. The exposed camera plateau gives an opaque case a light blue accent, while a clear case reveals most of the finish. Apple's clear case has a large white MagSafe ring, however, so it does not leave the back completely unobstructed.
Apple sells blue cases in shades such as Crisp Blue and Chambray Blue, but neither is named Glacier. If you want the case and phone to match precisely, it may be best to compare them in person; otherwise, a clear or neutral case lets Glacier stand on its own.
Choose Glacier if you want an iPhone with a fresh, subtle, and light appearance.
Silver
Silver is the most classic, versatile, and timeless option, but also the most practical. The finish gives off a clean and bright look that pairs well with virtually any case or wallpaper, and it reflects light more than the other three colors, making it quite neutral.
Its aluminum has a metallic sheen that leans toward white in some lighting conditions. This year, the two rear materials are the same tone, making the new model look much more cohesive than the two-tone Silver iPhone 17 Pro.
Silver is also the most adaptable color for cases. The exposed silver plateau provides a crisp, light accent against a dark case and sits more quietly beside a pale one. The color is likely to age well since it goes well with any case and embodies Apple's most traditional colors.
It is also the only finish of the three that pairs well with Apple's own clear case. The clear case's white MagSafe ring is less of a visual interruption here than it is against Black or Burgundy. If you frequently change cases, Silver is unlikely to compete with your next choice.
Unlike Burgundy or Black, Silver minimizes the appearance of damage. When the anodized layer chips or scratches, the raw aluminum underneath is very close in tone, so imperfections blend in far better. For users who prioritize long-term durability of appearance, Silver is the most forgiving finish. It may not be as dramatic as Burgundy or as sleek as Black, but it is the safest choice for maintaining a "like-new" look over years of use.
Choose Silver if you want a classic, flexible look that mitigates the signs of damage.
Black
Black returns after the iPhone 17 Pro offered Deep Blue as its darkest option. It offers a dark, neutral look without Deep Blue's blue cast.
A black case makes the exposed camera plateau blend into the rest of the phone. A light or colorful case has the opposite effect, framing a broad dark section across the top. Apple's clear case also makes its white MagSafe ring particularly noticeable against Black, so it is less suited to an uninterrupted all-black look.
If a deep chip or scratch exposes bare aluminum, its lighter color would stand out against this finish, especially on the plateau that Apple's cases leave uncovered. Anyone using the device without a case should be prepared for more noticeable damage. If visible marks would bother you and you plan to go without a case, Silver may be a better fit.
Choose Black if you want a dark, stealthy, and professional look, but be willing to accept signs of wear and tear.
Amazon is hosting another Prime Day event this year, called Prime Big Deal Days and offering shoppers the first chance to save on holiday shopping from a major retailer. Similar to last year's fall Prime Day, it will last for two days (October 6-7) and you can already find a large selection of early deals across Amazon's storefront, covering savings on tech, clothing, video games, groceries, and much, much more.
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.
For our coverage, we're focusing on Apple and Apple-related discounts that can be purchased during the lead-up to this event on Amazon. As of today, this includes deals from popular accessory makers like Anker, Belkin, JBL, Jackery, and more.
As is typical for Prime Day deals, these markdowns are very time sensitive, so sales listed below may disappear fast, and new ones may appear even faster. With this in mind, we'll keep this article updated throughout the event, and keep an eye on the MacRumors front page as we'll be posting particularly great deals in separate articles as the event gets closer.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Amazon Prime Day requires you to have an Amazon Prime membership to take advantage of the discounts. Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139.00 per year, and it comes with a 30-day free trial for new subscribers.
Anker's SOLIX brand is hosting an early Prime Day sale with early bird deals, free gifts, and more. This sale is focused on Anker's high-end SOLIX portable power stations, with options that range from 1-2 days of backup to 3-5 days of backup.
For cheaper options, Amazon has notable markdowns on lower-cost SOLIX batteries, like the popular SOLIX C300 Portable Power Station with Lantern for $199.99 ($50 off). If you're shopping on Anker's website, be sure to make your purchases before October 5, when the sale ends.
Over on Jackery's website, you'll find up to 65% off a wide array of portable power stations, solar generators, add-on batteries, and more. This is another Prime Big Deal Days early access event, and is set to run through October 3.
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
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On his first-ever Power On podcast today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that he believes Apple will introduce its long-rumored 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with touch-enabled OLED displays in October or November this year.
"Apple, I believe, will introduce its first touchscreen MacBook Pro this fall, as early as October," he said. "It could slip to November, but as early as October."
Apple is testing the laptops with macOS 27.2, which is currently in beta, he added. The software update is expected to be released towards the end of October, so the touch-screen MacBook Pro models might be announced later this month.
Other rumored features beyond an OLED touch screen include Apple's existing M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a thinner design, and a Dynamic Island instead of a notch.
A few years ago, Gurman reported that Apple was looking into the idea of cellular Macs that would be able to connect to a 5G or LTE network without relying on an iPhone's hotspot. For this reason, some Apple fans are hopeful that the touch-screen MacBook Pro models will be equipped with the company's custom-designed C1X or C2 modem.
The touch-screen models are expected to be positioned above the regular 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which will reportedly jump to the M7 Pro and M7 Max chips next year. It is unclear if the touch-screen models will still have MacBook Pro branding, or if Apple will opt for something unique like MacBook Ultra.
Apple reportedly plans to unveil its long-rumored smart home hub on Tuesday, October 13, and a proven leaker known as "pdfu" has revealed that the device may be available in up to four finishes: Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Rose Pink.
MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris uncovered the same four colors within the code for the macOS 26.7 Release Candidate back in August.
On the home hub, users will be able to create a Photo Face, and the leaker said Apple's preview art for this will correspond with the color of the device.
Apple's Home device may come in four finishes: Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Rose Pink.
The Photo Face setup screen picks its preview art based on the hardware color the device reports.
The device's housing may also show in setup screens once device assets are available.... https://t.co/8h4iF9OEsGpic.twitter.com/oRRTijUdkO
— pdfu (@itspdfu) October 1, 2026
Earlier this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that the home hub will come in "Apple's standard gray aluminum finish." He did not mention any other color options for the device, so we shall see if the other three colors materialize.
According to Gurman, the home hub will have a roughly 6-inch square display and will be available in tabletop and wall-mounted versions. He said the tabletop model's screen has a polished metal arm that connects to a metal, round base with perforated speaker holes, similar to the iMac G4 that Apple released back in 2002.
Award-winning camera app Halide Mark III has been updated to version 3.2, bringing dedicated support for iPhone 18 Pro by broadening user control over the device's new variable aperture camera system.
Apple's stock Camera app lets iPhone 18 Pro owners choose from a four-stop variable aperture ranging from ƒ/1.48 to ƒ/4.0, delivering around 50 percent better low-light performance and giving users more optical control over depth of field.
Halide 3.2 does away with that four-stop limitation and instead lets you select any ƒ-stop setting within the camera's full range.
There are two styles of aperture control in the app. The first is Aperture Priority mode, where you can set the ƒ-stop and the app handles the shutter speed and ISO to properly expose the shot.
The other style is Manual mode, which gives users full control over all three settings. This includes ISO settings – something that Apple's stock Camera app doesn't offer manual control over. Halide has said it is also considering adding f-stop presets in future updates, based on user feedback.
Elsewhere in this update though, Halide 3.2 adds two new film simulations, or photographic looks: Dawn and Quicksilver. Dawn features "filmic warmth in mid-tones and highlights, paired with rich yet gentle shadows and subtle complementary cool colors."
Quicksilver is described as a "high contrast and muted color" that simulates a "silver-retention alternative process." Halide's developers call it an "excellent midpoint between color and stark black-and-white."
Lastly, version 3.2 introduces a new 16:9 aspect ratio shooting mode for those who want to use a wider framing.
Apple Stores around the world are preparing to install new product presentations starting on Thursday, October 8.
Apple retail stores received confidential boxes earlier this week featuring "Do Not Open Until October 8" stickers on them. They are believed to contain new visual merchandise, which enables workers to update labels, graphics, and product layouts in stores around the release of new products. MacRumors received a tip-off about the boxes earlier this week, which it has now independently verified.
There is a possibility that the materials relate to the iPhone Duo, but it seems more likely given their confidentiality and timing that they relate to the rumored launch of Apple's smart home hub, alongside a new Apple TV 4K, and the HomePod mini 2. Yesterday, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple plans to introduce these three long-awaited new devices on Tuesday, October 13.
If Apple announces the new devices sometime in the week of Monday, October 5, Apple Stores would need to update their displays for launch on October 13. For now, the exact timing of the announcement of the trio is unclear. Gurman's report used indeterminate wording, simply saying that Apple would "push into the smart-home market on October 13." This could be either announcement or launch.
Apple's first foldable iPhone, with a book-style design featuring a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display with a minimal crease down the middle.
Following more than three months of renovations, the 
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