Apple's cases for the iPhone 17 lineup will be accompanied by a new Crossbody Strap accessory with a unique magnetic design, according to the leaker known as "Majin Bu."
Apple's Crossbody Strap reportedly features an unusual magnetic design; it likely has a "flexible metal core" that makes it magnetic along its entire length. At the ends, "rings polarized oppositely to the strap close the system." The design eliminates the need for conventional hooks or loops.
Samples of the Crossbody Strap are apparently made from a woven nylon material similar to the Apple Watch's Sport Loop bands. Apple may also introduce a silicone variant.
Production is said to have already begun ahead of immediate availability alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. While it is designed primarily for Apple's iPhone 17 cases, the strap may also be compatible with the AirPods Pro 3.
Apple's annual fall event takes place on Tuesday, September 9, when it is expected to unveil the new iPhone 17 lineup, an Apple Watch Series 11, a third-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and potentially AirPods Pro 3. It may also make some additional new products available, but there are a handful of rumored upcoming devices that we don't expect to make an appearance this month.
To help set expectations ahead of Apple's "Awe Dropping" event, we've compiled a list of products that Apple is unlikely to announce in September, but rather later on in the year or in 2026 and beyond.
M5-Powered Macs
Apple is developing new Macs powered by the company's next-generation M5 chip, which is expected to feature an enhanced ARM architecture manufactured using TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer process technology.
The last time Apple refreshed the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac was late October 2024, when the machines received M4 chips. The previous year, Apple dropped the M3 Macbook Pro in October. Does that mean we will see new Macs arriving later in 2025?
It's unlikely. Rumors suggest Apple won't refresh any Macs with updated M5 chips this year. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are now planned for the first half of 2026. Apple is also expected to refresh the iMac and Mac mini with M5 series chips – but again, not until sometime next year.
New iPad Air and iPad 12
Apple in March 2025 updated the iPad Air with two seventh-generation models, adding updated M3 chips to the lineup. It released an 11th-generation mainstream iPad with an A16 chip the same month. Given Apple's recent trend of updating the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models annually, don't expect Apple to drop a surprise refresh in September. Indeed, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says updated iPad Airs and new low-end iPads aren't going to be ready until next year.
New Studio Display
Apple is working on a new version of the Studio Display with the same 27-inch screen size. According to display analyst Ross Young, it could be upgraded to mini-LED technology instead of LCD, which would bring improved contrast and HDR, increased brightness, and better color accuracy.
Apple's next-generation Studio Display will contain an "A19 Pro" chip, based on Apple code reviewed by MacRumors. The A19 Pro is almost certain to debut in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max next month. Apple is said to be planning to unveil the new Studio Display in early 2026 alongside new M5 Macs, according to Gurman.
iPhone 17e
Introduced in February 2025, the iPhone 16e is the next-generation version of the iPhone SE, and it is the most affordable iPhone that Apple sells at the current time, starting at $599.
Apple plans to continue with the "e" iPhone line, and there is an iPhone 17e in development for launch in the first half of 2026, reportsBloomberg's Mark Gurman. The next-generation iPhone 17e could feature a new industrial design, an updated Dynamic Island, and a faster A19 chip. While the current iPhone 16e has a notch at the top of the display, the iPhone 17e could transition to the Dynamic Island.
AirPods Max 2
Apple introduced the AirPods Max in December 2020, so it's been nearly five years since the original launched. Last year, Apple updated the headphones with USB-C charging to comply with EU regulations, as well as some new color options, but no other meaningful improvements were made.
AirPods Max fans hoping for a second-generation version of Apple's over-ear headphones shouldn't hold their breath, though. Gurman recently said they were stuck in a commercial limbo – "too popular for Apple to stop selling them, and not popular enough for the company to invest a ton of time and money into creating a new version." Earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said AirPods Max 2 could enter mass production in 2027.
"HomePad" – HomePod With a Screen
Apple is rumored to be working on a smart home hub that has been nicknamed the "HomePad." The device is expected to have a square iPad-like screen that can be attached to a HomePod-like speaker base, or it can be mounted on a wall.
Siri integration is expected, with Siri able to answer questions similar to how the HomePod works. In fact, after originally aiming for a release earlier this year, Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of the home hub due to the issues that it has had developing the Apple Intelligence version of Siri. Bloomberg now reports that the device will be introduced early next year.
Possibly, Maybe
In addition to the iPhone 17 series, new Apple Watch models and AirPods Pro 3, Apple is expected to prepare other products for release this year. Still, the company is unlikely to draw too much attention away from its flagship smartphones, and may choose to save the following products for a separate event or launch them via press release in October or November:
Colombia's competition authority has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Apple, alleging that the company has abused its dominant position in the distribution of apps and purchases on iOS and iPadOS.
The Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) announced the probe yesterday (via MobileTime), stating that its Delegation for the Protection of Competition had reached a preliminary conclusion that Apple may have engaged in exclusionary practices that restrict free competition in the Colombian market.
The SIC case is focused on two primary concerns. First, the agency alleges that Apple contractually prevents developers from creating or operating alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads, ensuring that all software distribution takes place exclusively through the App Store. This restriction, regulators say, is designed to exclude potential competitors and preserve Apple's market dominance. The SIC noted that such clauses may amount to an abuse of a dominant position under Colombian law.
The second issue involves Apple's handling of in-app purchases. The SIC said developers are compelled to use Apple's proprietary In-App Purchase system, which applies commissions of 15% to 30% on each transaction. Apple also allegedly prohibits developers from informing users of cheaper alternatives outside the app, a practice known as anti-steering. In its announcement, the agency said these restrictions may result in "unjustified excessive costs" for Colombian consumers and create "artificial barriers" that deter new developers from entering the market.
The investigation will now proceed with evidence collection and analysis of Apple's conduct in Colombia. If the SIC determines that Apple has violated antitrust rules, the company could face sanctions of up to 10% of its turnover in the country, in addition to possible orders to amend its practices.
The Colombian probe reflects the growing international scrutiny of Apple's App Store. Earlier this year, the European Commission fined Apple €500 million under the Digital Markets Act for preventing developers from directing consumers to alternative payment methods. In the United States, a federal court recently found Apple in contempt of a previous antitrust ruling and prohibited the company from collecting commission on certain web-based purchases. Regulators in Brazil, Japan, and South Korea have also pressed the company on similar issues.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
The AirPods Pro 3 will feature a slightly smaller charging case and a capacitive pairing button, according to the leaker known as Majin Bu.
Citing discussions with a prominent accessory manufacturer, the leaker says that the charging case of the AirPods Pro 3 could be slightly smaller than that of the current model, but will otherwise will be "almost identical" with no major changes. Other reports similarly indicate that the charging case may be marginally smaller.
The rear pairing button is to be removed and replaced with a capacitive button on the front of the case, just like the AirPods 4. As a result, accessory makers no longer need to make allowances for the physical rear pairing button. Additional functionality for the new capacitive button, such as playback controls, is also possible. The lanyard loop continues to be present.
Majin By says that the launch of the AirPods Pro 3 is imminent, with announcement likely at Apple's September "Awe Dropping" event. Bloomberg's Mark Gurmanrecently reiterated that the AirPods Pro 3 are still expected to launch this year.
Apple's iOS 26 update brings an unexpected camera trick to AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 – the ability to control iPhone photo and video capture using AirPods stem gestures. The new Camera Remote feature essentially turns your wireless earbuds into a handy hands-free photography tool. Keep reading to learn how it works.
New in iOS 26, Apple's Camera Remote feature for AirPods offers a neat solution in scenarios where standard phone photography might fall short. If you've ever used the Camera Remote app for Apple Watch, it offers similar benefits. When taking group photos, you can position your iPhone at the perfect angle, step into the frame, and trigger the shot with a simple press of your AirPods. It can also help capture steadier footage when shooting video, since you're not handling the camera and don't need to work with on-screen controls.
Getting the Beta Software
Before you can access the Camera Remote feature, you'll need to have the appropriate beta software on your devices. First, install iOS 26 beta or iPadOS 26 beta on your iPhone/iPad by following these instructions.
Once you have your device running the iOS 26/iPadOS 26 beta, you need to give Apple permission to install beta firmware on your AirPods.
Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad, then open Settings ➝ [Your Name]'s AirPods.
Scroll to the bottom of the menu and select AirPods Beta Updates.
Toggle the switch next to AirPods Beta Updates to the green ON position.
After you've completed these steps, the firmware update will be installed automatically when your AirPods are in their charging case and near to your iPhone/iPad/Mac. This could take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, so be patient.
Enabling Camera Remote
After updating the firmware of your AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2, you can enable and configure the Camera Remote feature:
Connect your AirPods to your iPhone, then open Settings.
Tap your AirPods name under the Apple Account banner.
Scroll down to "Camera Control", then tap Camera Remote.
Choose your preferred gesture: Press Once or Press and Hold.
The "Press Once" option responds to a single tap on your AirPods stem, while "Press and Hold" requires you to maintain pressure on the stem to activate the camera.
Using Camera Remote
Once enabled, the feature works seamlessly with the built-in Camera app. Wearing at least one paired AirPod, simply open the Camera app and select either Photo or Video mode, then frame your shot as you normally would. When you're ready to capture, use your chosen AirPods gesture to trigger the camera remotely.
When taking photos, your selected gesture triggers a 3-second countdown, after which the camera captures a burst of 10 photos. This gives you multiple shots to choose from, increasing your chances of getting the perfect image. When shooting video, the gesture starts and stops video recording, functioning much like a wireless record button.
The Camera Remote feature works at any distance within your AirPods' Bluetooth range, making it handy for wide-angle shots and creative photography where you need to be some distance away from your device.
And that's it. iOS 26 also brings additional AirPods features and improvements like auto-pause audio when asleep and improved call quality. A general release of iOS 26 is expected around mid-September.
Apple's iPhone shipments are expected to grow nearly 4% in 2025, lifting the entire smartphone industry as rivals face slower demand and regional setbacks, according to new data from IDC.
IDC has raised its 2025 worldwide smartphone forecast, projecting 1% year-over-year growth to 1.24 billion units, compared with its earlier May forecast of just 0.6%. The iPhone is the main driver behind the increase, which is now expected to expand 3.9% this year. IDC noted that without Apple, the global smartphone market would be flat or in decline.
The resilience of the iPhone stands in contrast to weakening Android sales, particularly in China. IDC emphasized that trade-in offers, installment plans, and customer loyalty have enabled Apple to sustain upgrades in an environment where many users now keep smartphones for four years or more. The firm said most iPhone customers remain committed to iOS, a factor that has helped Apple expand its share even as other manufacturers pursue lower-cost volume.
Average selling prices in the smartphone industry are forecast to increase 5% in 2025, with overall value rising 6%. IDC attributed this to a vendor focus on premiumization, supported by promotions and interest-free financing. Apple has leaned heavily on this approach, doubling down on its premium lineup while making devices more attainable through trade-in programs and carrier partnerships. IDC also highlighted the growing importance of on-device generative AI features.
While Apple continues to dominate the premium sector, its performance is closely tied to U.S. carriers. A separate report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) covering June 2024 to June 2025 found that about three-quarters of iPhone sales in the United States occur through AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
CIRP said overall iPhone loyalty is 89%, climbing to 92% among customers who remain with their carrier but dropping to 79% when users switch providers. The report noted that promotions and in-store staff influence remain significant in determining whether buyers choose iPhone or switch to Android alternatives.
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall.
At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, and high-end iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models.
Going on previous years, here's when we expect the new devices to be available for pre-order and when they will be officially released:
Pre-orders: Friday, September 12
Release date: Friday, September 19
iPhone 17: What to Expect
The iPhone 17 series is anticipated to bring a host of new features and enhancements. Here are just a few of the changes that we are expecting:
Display size for the regular iPhone 17 will be 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches.
120 Hz ProMotion displays for all models.
Introduction of a super‑thin "Air" variant, replacing Plus model.
Pro models will adopt a half‑glass, half‑aluminum chassis and a redesigned horizontal camera bump.
Apple will roll out its first in‑house 5G modem chip in the iPhone 17 Air, while all models will include Wi‑Fi 7 support.
Camera improvements: 24MP front selfie camera across the lineup, while the Pro models could get three 48MP rear cameras, 8× optical zoom, and potentially 8K video support.
Higher memory: Pro and Air variants to include 12GB RAM, while the standard model remains at 8GB.
Battery updates supporting up to 35W wired and Qi2 25W wireless charging support.
Thermal system upgrade in Pro models for more sustained performance.
Apart from the iPhone 17 series, Apple's fall event this year is also expected to see the announcement of the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
For in-depth information on everything we know about the iPhone 17 series so far, follow the links to our dedicated iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro roundups.
Apple has ordered almost half of TSMC's initial 2nm production capacity for the iPhone 18 as the pure foundry begins mass production of its next-generation chip process.
According to DigiTimes, TSMC's 2nm process went into production in the fourth quarter of 2025 as planned, with the foundry setting substrate pricing at a premium $30,000 per unit. Despite the steep costs, chip manufacturers are said to be scrambling to secure production slots, with Apple leading the charge alongside Qualcomm for the largest allocations.
The Taiwan-based semiconductor manufacturer expects to produce between 45,000 to 50,000 wafers monthly across its Baoshan and Kaohsiung facilities by the end of 2025, with capacity scaling to over 100,000 wafers per month in 2026.
TSMC's 2nm process promises a major leap forward from current 3nm technology, with up to 15% faster performance and 30% better power efficiency compared to the A19 chips expected in iPhone 17 models. The advanced node allows for higher transistor density, which should translate to improved processing capabilities and battery life for Apple's A20 chips. Industry analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu have said the A20 chip in iPhone 18 models will be manufactured with TSMC's first-generation 2nm (N2) process, so it seems all but confirmed that Apple will adopt the more advanced silicon wafer technology.
Beyond Apple and Qualcomm, TSMC's 2nm customer list will expand in 2027 to include NVIDIA, Amazon's Annapurna, Google, and more than ten other major clients. TSMC is accelerating capacity expansion plans as a result, with full utilization expected in 2026.
In a change to Apple's usual iPhone launch cycle, iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in fall 2026, with the base iPhone 18 and entry-level iPhone 18e scheduled for release the following March.
Apple has warned that UK users could face delayed product features if the country's regulators proceed with "EU-style rules" that seek to make it easier for smaller firms to compete with big tech companies.
Apple told the BBC that proposed regulations from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) "are bad for users and bad for developers," and pointed to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which it says has already caused feature delays for European users, as evidence of regulatory overreach.
Apple Intelligence, which was announced at WWDC 2024, was initially scheduled to launch globally in September 2024, but it was withheld from EU users that year while Apple figured out how to make the new functionality compatible with the DMA's rules. Apple Intelligence eventually launched in the EU in March 2025.
The warning comes as the CMA prepares its final decision on whether to force Apple and Google to open their mobile platforms. The regulator has already established that the companies control "around 90-100% of UK mobile devices," creating an "effective duopoly."
The proposed changes would require Apple to allow app developers to steer users toward alternative payment systems outside the App Store, undercutting Apple's 30% commission model. The CMA also wants improved interoperability for digital wallets and smartwatches.
Apple argues these measures "undermine privacy and security protections" and force it to "give away technology for free to foreign competitors." The company claims it has received over 100 data access requests from rivals under similar EU rules.
The CMA has already rejected Apple's characterization, insisting that UK regulations differ from EU laws and instead focus on specific interoperability aspects rather than broad platform access. The regulator says its approach will help UK developers innovate without compromising security.
The CMA has until October to finalize its strategic market status designations. In the meantime, it has invited stakeholders to submit feedback on the proposed intervention roadmap.
The iPhone 17 Air that's coming in just under two weeks will feature the biggest design update we've seen to the iPhone since the iPhone X back in 2017. It's the most exciting iPhone release in years, and it'll be the highlight of Apple's "Awe Dropping" event.
Here's everything we know about the iPhone 17 Air.
Size and Design
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be 5.5mm thick at its thinnest point, with a thicker pill-shaped horizontal bump for the camera. It will be the thinnest iPhone to date, and over 2mm thinner than the 7.80mm iPhone 16.
The iPhone 17 Air will measure in at 6.6 inches, so it'll have a slightly smaller display than the iPhone 16 Plus that it is replacing. Since it's so thin, the iPhone 17 Air will also be much lighter to hold than standard iPhones.
Apple is supposedly using a hybrid titanium-aluminum frame, and the weight could come in at around 145 grams. At 145 grams, the iPhone 17 Air would be just a little heavier than the iPhone 13 mini.
Like the iPhone 17 Pro models, the iPhone 17 Air will supposedly have a frame that uses less glass than current models, so it could be able to better withstand damage from drops.
There are a few design compromises that Apple made for such a thin iPhone. The USB-C port isn't centered front to back at the bottom, and the speaker grilles have been simplified with fewer cutouts.
As for colors, the iPhone 17 Air will be available in black, white, light gold, and a light blue shade that's similar to the blue that Apple used for the MacBook Air.
Display
The 6.6-inch iPhone 17 Air display will use the same Samsung LTPO OLED panels as the iPhone 16 Pro models, offering 30 percent better brightness compared to the iPhone 16 display.
The updated panel supports 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, so that could be a feature coming to the iPhone 17 Air models. ProMotion refresh rates have always been a Pro iPhone feature in the past, but rumors suggest the entire iPhone 17 lineup will feature the technology. LTPO also enables always-on display because it supports refresh rates as low as 1Hz in the iPhone 16 Pro models, but it's not yet clear if the iPhone 17 Air will offer an always-on display.
One rumor says that the LTPO displays for the iPhone 17 Air will support 120Hz, but not 1Hz, which would not allow for an always-on display.
There have been some mixed rumors about a slimmer Dynamic Island, so it's not known if there will be changes there.
A-Series Chip
The iPhone 17 Air will feature either an A19 chip or an A19 Pro with one fewer GPU core than the A19 Pro chip used in the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple is planning to use vapor chamber heatsinks for the iPhone 17 lineup to improve thermal performance by spreading heat more evenly across a large area.
The iPhone 17 Air will have 12GB RAM like the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Battery
Since the iPhone 17 Air is only expected to be 5.5mm thick, it's going to have less room for a battery. Apple is optimizing battery life with the C1 modem, processor improvements, and high-density battery technology, but the iPhone 17 Air could have notably worse battery life than the other iPhone 17 models.
Rumors suggest it will feature a 2,800mAh battery, which would be around the same size as the battery that Apple used in the iPhone 12. A leaked battery suggests that it's half as thick as the battery in the iPhone 17 Pro.
Wireless Charging
The iPhone 17 Air will support the Qi 2.2 wireless charging standard, so it will be able to charge at up to 25W with compatible Qi 2.2 chargers. 25W matches MagSafe charging speeds.
Camera
There is limited internal space in the iPhone 17 Air, so it will have a single-lens rear camera like the iPhone 16e. Apple plans to use the 48-megapixel Wide camera, and with just a single camera, the iPhone 17 Air may not support spatial videos or spatial photos.
All of the iPhone 17 models will have an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera with better image quality than the 12-megapixel camera in the current iPhone 16 models.
Connectivity
The iPhone 17 Air will use the same C1 modem chip that Apple debuted in the iPhone 16e, which means it won't support faster mmWave 5G speeds. All iPhone 17 models will use a new Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and Apple's own hardware could bring efficiency and connectivity improvements.
The iPhone 17 Air could be priced at $899, which is the same price as the current iPhone 16 Plus. There have been rumors of tariff-related price hikes, so it is possible that the price will be higher.
Apple is no longer allowing torrenting app iTorrent to be distributed via the AltStore Pal alternative app marketplace in the European Union, according to TorrentFreak.
Torrent apps like iTorrent and qBitControl have been available for download from AltStore PAL since July of last year. Torrent apps are not allowed in the official App Store, but Apple has fewer controls over the alternative app marketplaces in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act. In countries where alternative app marketplaces are available, iPhone and iPad users are able to download apps outside of the App Store.
Starting in July 2025, some iTorrent users became unable to download the app, and the app's developer said that Apple had revoked its alternative distribution rights. While there are far fewer restrictions on apps distributed outside of the App Store, Apple has implemented a Notarization process that gives it some control over non-App Store apps.
Notarization includes a baseline review that ensures apps are free from known malware, viruses, or other security threats. Apple says that it also makes sure that apps function as promised and do not expose users to egregious fraud.
Daniil Vinogradov, the developer behind iTorrent, claims that Apple did not provide a reason when iTorrent's distribution rights were revoked. After asking for more information, Apple provided a generic response and later said that the escalation team is investigating the issue. "I still have no idea if it was my fault or Apple's, and their responses make no sense," Vinogradov told TorrentFreak.
Because Apple has provided no details on the iTorrent app situation, it is not clear if there was some known security threat or fraud issue that caused the app's distribution rights to be revoked.
AltStore PAL has also requested more information from Apple, and was told that Apple is "looking into it." AltStore PAL has not received any warnings about torrent apps or other app categories, so there doesn't seem to be a blanket ban on torrenting apps.
Update: Apple said in a statement that the app was removed to comply with government sanctions. "Notarization for this app was removed in order to comply with government sanctions-related rules in various jurisdictions. We have communicated this to the developer."
Amazon today is hosting massive discounts across the entire M4 MacBook Air lineup, with deals that represent all-time lows across every model of the computer. In total, you'll find $200 off the M4 MacBook Air notebook right now, with both 13-inch and 15-inch models on sale.
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.
Prices start at $799.00 for the 13-inch 256GB model, down from $999.00. If you're looking for the larger model, you can get the 15-inch 256GB computer for $999.00, down from $1,199.00.
Of course, you'll also find all of the 512GB models of the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week. If you prefer shopping at Best Buy, the retailer is matching these deals as well, and you won't need any membership to see the final deal prices.
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.
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Apple's logo for its upcoming September 9 event hints at two rumored iPhone 17 Pro features, including new color options and a vapor chamber cooling system.
Of course, this is all just speculation for fun, as we count down the final days until the event.
New Colors
Last month, Macworld's Filipe Espósito reported that orange and dark blue would be two out of the five color options available for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Fittingly, the event's logo contains orange and dark blue hues, which could be a hint.
Here are all five color options rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models:
Black
White
Gray
Dark Blue
Orange
Vapor Chamber Cooling System
Second, it is rumored that all of the iPhone 17 models will feature internal design changes for improved heat dissipation, with the iPhone 17 Pro models in particular rumored to feature a vapor chamber cooling system. The event logo looks like an infrared heat map outputted by a thermal camera, which could be a hint.
A vapor chamber would help to prevent the iPhone 17 Pro models from overheating during intensive, sustained tasks like gaming. It would consist of a thin, sealed metal chamber containing a small amount of liquid. When the iPhone heats up, the liquid would turn to vapor and dissipate across the chamber's surface area. Eventually, the vapor would cool down and condense, allowing for the process to repeat. This system would help to move heat away from the A19 Pro chip that is expected to power the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra and select other Android smartphones have a vapor chamber cooling system, but the iPhone has yet to offer such a feature.
Apple Music's six radio stations will be available outside the Apple Music app for the first time via TuneIn, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Starting today, Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, Apple Music Country, Apple Música Uno, Apple Music Club, and Apple Music Chill will be available to TuneIn's 75 million monthly active users. The stations continue to feature no commercials. A link inside the TuneIn app and on its website directs users to Apple Music.
TuneIn is a cross-platform internet-based radio service that lets users stream live radio stations, music channels, news, sports, and podcasts from around the world through a single app or its website. Apple reportedly approached TuneIn about the partnership toward the end of last year.
Your soundtrack on TuneIn just got bigger. Apple Music Radio is here! Hear Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, Apple Music Country, Apple Música Uno, and more. All stations free & ad-free, no Premium subscription required.
: https://t.co/0ZI4H8uZijpic.twitter.com/DcOeVte8vv
— TuneIn (@tunein) August 27, 2025
In an effort to combat Spotify, Apple apparently aims to convert Apple Music radio listeners into paying subscribers. Unlike Spotify, Apple Music has no ad-supported function, leaving it with few methods to entice users beyond free trials.
Apple Music's share of digital music subscribers in the United States reportedly fell from 30% in 2020 to 25% at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, Spotify's share increased from 31% to 37% over the same period. Apple Music's global marketshare has fallen from 16% to 12%.
Back in 2019, TuneIn announced a collaboration with Apple to bring TuneIn's more than 100,000 global radio stations to Apple Music.
If you've been interrupted by your iPhone's Wallet app with unwanted promotional alerts, here's some good news: In iOS 26, currently in beta, Apple has listened to complaints and added a simple toggle to silence these marketing messages for good.
The new toggle comes after widespread complaints this summer when Apple pushed unwanted notifications about F1 movie ticket offers through the Wallet app. Many iPhone owners felt blindsided by the advertising, especially since Wallet handles important financial information which makes disabling all notifications impractical.
The backlash was swift across social media, with many pointing out that Apple's own App Store guidelines prohibit push notifications for promotional purposes unless users explicitly opt in. The irony wasn't lost on critics that Apple appeared to violate its own rules while promoting its F1 movie through partner Fandango.
How to Turn Off Wallet Offers and Promotions
Fortunately, Apple has now added a dedicated Wallet setting that lets you control promotional content from the company and its partners. Here's how to disable these notifications in iOS 26:
Open the Wallet app.
Tap the More (three dots) button, top-right of the screen.
Tap Notifications in the popover menu.
Toggle off Offers & Promotions.
Once disabled, you'll stop receiving special offers and discount notifications through the Wallet app while keeping important transaction and payment alerts active.
It's also worth taking a moment to review the other new Wallet notification controls in this same menu. You can manage order notifications that track your shipping and delivery updates, control alerts for pre-authorized payments like subscriptions and recurring charges, and decide whether you want to hear about new Wallet features and app improvements as Apple releases them.
Apple may adopt tandem OLED display technology for its iPhone lineup as early as 2028 if panel supplier LG Display has its way, according to a new report from DealSite.co.kr.
LG Display is currently a leader in tandem OLED technology, ranking first in the number of published U.S. patent applications in the tandem OLED field with 348 patents.
The company is said to have been actively promoting the adoption of tandem OLED structures for future iPhones, and is specifically targeting iPhone models planned for release in 2028. However, the final decision remains with Apple.
Tandem OLED technology stacks two organic light-emitting layers, delivering improved brightness, extended lifespan, and better power efficiency compared to single-layer displays currently used in iPhones. Apple already uses this technology in its M4 iPad Pro models, where LG Display captured a 65% share of panel shipments, with Samsung picking up the rest of the orders.
The technology has already proven to be viable in mobile devices, with Chinese smartphone maker Honor equipping its Magic6 PSR Porsche with tandem OLED panels from BOE last year.
Assuming its efforts to sway Apple pay off, LG Display is preparing for potential capacity challenges, as tandem structures require stacking two emission layers which could reduce manufacturing throughput. The company is reportedly planning investments to address these production constraints.
Honor's Magic6 PSR smartphone with tandem OLED display
A report earlier this month claimed that the tandem OLED Apple has been reviewing for iPhones involves stacking two layers for the blue sub-pixel only, while keeping red and green on a single layer. This method is apparently known in the industry as "simplified tandem."
LG Display was said to have proposed simplified tandem OLED to Apple based on confidence in its technology, and actually suggested tandem OLED for iPhones several years ago.
If Apple ultimately chooses to use tandem OLED panels for iPhones, it is likely to rely on multiple suppliers for the technology to ensure production capacity and maintain price competitiveness. That suggests Samsung and BOE may also be called upon. As with all rumors running this far into the future, Apple's plans could of course change.
With iOS 26 (currently in beta), Apple has finally caught up with rival podcast apps like Overcast by adding more fine-grained playback speed controls to the Podcasts app.
While competitors have long offered precise speed adjustments, Apple's rigid presets often left you caught between speeds that felt either too slow or uncomfortably fast.
In previous versions of iOS, Apple's stock Podcasts app provided only four fixed playback speed options: 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75, and 2x. That's changed in iOS 26, and users now have a lot more flexibility.
Not only has Apple increased the range of playback speeds from 0.5x to 3x, the updated setting also allows you to adjust the speed in 0.1x increments, thanks to a new, more granular adjustment interface.
How to Adjust Podcast Playback Speed
Here's how to find your perfect playback speed.
Open the Podcasts app and start playing any show.
Open the fullscreen playback controls.
Tap the playback speed button (1x) in the bottom left.
Tap one of the preset playback speed options. Alternatively, drag your finger over the preset options to invoke a dial allowing for 0.1x incremental adjustments.
The expanded range opens up new possibilities: Super slow speeds may be useful for listening to podcasts where the host speaks too fast, as well as language learning or transcription work, whereas the upper speeds can be used to boost the pace of plodding narrators, or help you when you just want to skim-listen to a show.
Best of all, the new playback speed setting remembers your preference for each individual podcast, so you shouldn't need to adjust it every time you return to the same show.
Apple will roll out iOS 26 to compatible iPhones in September 2025.
Apple today announced its "Awe Dropping" iPhone-centric event, which is set to take place on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. There are a long list of products that are coming, but we thought we'd pull out five feature highlights to look forward to.
That Super Thin iPhone - Apple's September 9 event will see the unveiling of the first redesigned iPhone we've had in years, with Apple set to introduce an ultra thin iPhone 17. We don't know the name of the device just yet, but "iPhone 17 Air" makes sense given Apple's other product names. It should be around 5.5mm thick, which will make it the thinnest iPhone to date. It's not without compromises, though, so it'll only have a single-lens camera and battery life could be shorter than expected.
Satellite for the Wrist - The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to include satellite connectivity, allowing wearers to get help in an emergency using a satellite connection in remote areas where Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity are unavailable. Unfortunately, it sounds like it's going to be an Ultra only feature, so don't expect it for the Apple Watch Series 11.
AirPods Heart Rate - Apple is finally refreshing the AirPods Pro, and along with improved Active Noise Cancellation, better sound, and a refined design, rumors suggest that the AirPods will get in-ear heart rate tracking, much like the Powerbeats Pro 2.
New "Pro" Camera Design - The iPhone 17 Air is going to be the star of the event, but Apple is redesigning the iPhone 17 Pro models too. There's a new pill-shaped camera bump that's much bigger than before, plus we're expecting a more durable build for the back that primarily uses aluminum instead of glass. It's not quite clear why the cameras are changing, but there are rumors of a 48-megapixel Telephoto lens with up to 8x optical zoom.
Colors, Cases, Lanyards and More - Apple usually chooses muted colors for the iPhone 17 Pro models, but this year we're getting some shade of orange. It might be more copper than orange, but still, it's sounding like it might be a little brighter than Apple's typical safe color choices. The iPhone 17 Air will come in a light blue, and there are some interesting case rumors too. Apple is supposedly introducing new "TechWoven" fabric cases to replace the ill-fated FineWoven cases everyone hated, and it looks like Apple's case lineup is going to get little cutouts to support straps and lanyards.
Read More
If you want more information on all of the features expected for the iPhone 17 series, the new Apple Watch models, and the AirPods Pro 3, make sure to check out our roundups and guides. Warning: there are definitely spoilers.
For those unable to watch the livestream, MacRumors will be providing full event coverage on MacRumors.com and the MacRumorsLive Twitter account, plus we'll do a much deeper dive into all the announcements post event.
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