Apple today announced that Beats and Japanese graphic artist Verdy have teamed up to bring back a collectible Beats Pill holder.
This time, the cream-coloured "Vear" bear holds the Beats Pill in his mouth, whereas the original version from last year holds the speaker between its paws.
Beats and Verdy have been promoting the collectible figure on Instagram and YouTube.
As part of a so-called "hyper-limited drop," the new Vear will be available starting this Thursday, August 21, exclusively at the Dover Street Market in London, England. A bundle with the figure and a Beats Pill will set you back £380, which is equivalent to a little more than $500 in the United States. The speaker costs $149.99 on its own.
The bundle will roll out across the U.S., China, and Japan later this year, according to Apple. Exact pricing in those countries has not yet been disclosed.
There is nothing unique about the Beats Pill included in the bundle.
Apple re-released the Beats Pill last year. Read our previous coverage to learn more about the portable Bluetooth speaker's features and specs.
Apple is expected to delay the launch of its base iPhone 18 model until spring 2027, marking a major shift in the company's long-established release cycle, according to South Korea's ETNews.
The report claims that Apple has informed some of its suppliers that the iPhone 18 will not be part of the September 2026 iPhone lineup. Instead, the company will unveil only higher-end models in the fall of that year, with the base iPhone and its entry-level counterpart, the "iPhone 18e," scheduled for release the following March. ETNews attributes this information to industry officials who said Apple has already begun communicating the revised plan to its component and materials partners.
The practical effect of the new schedule is that consumers looking for a new iPhone in fall 2026 will only be able to choose from high-end options. The entry-level iPhone and standard base model will not be available until about six months later.
The decision would represent the first time since the iPhone's 2007 debut that Apple has excluded a "standard" model from its annual fall launch. The shift appears tied to the introduction of Apple's first foldable iPhone, which is expected to join the fall 2026 slate as a flagship device positioned alongside the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Apple's new release strategy involves dividing the iPhone release cycle into two distinct phases: premium devices in the second half of the year and lower-priced models in the first half. This restructuring has already begun; earlier this year Apple launched the iPhone 16e, which replaced the SE line as the company's dedicated entry-level iPhone. Unlike the SE, which carried a separate designation, the e-series ties directly to Apple's main lineup by carrying the previous year's number.
Both The Information and Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in May that Apple was considering moving to a biannual schedule to help sustain sales throughout the calendar year. By staging new device launches in both March and September, Apple could avoid the concentrated sales pattern that typically peaks in the fourth quarter following its September events and tap into periods that historically see weaker consumer demand.
This year's iPhone 17 series will be the last to follow Apple's traditional release structure. The lineup is expected to consist of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with the iPhone 17e following in March 2026. For September 2026, Apple will introduce four premium models: the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone. The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will then arrive in March 2027.
By 2027, Apple's lineup will likely expand to six new iPhones per year, with the possibility of as many as 10 models available if Apple continues its practice of keeping earlier generations on sale at reduced prices.
A hit-or-miss leaker known as "Majin Bu" has doubled down on the possibility of Apple releasing so-called "Liquid Silicone" cases for the iPhone 17 series.
The leaker today shared a brief video on X that shows a silicone case for what appears to be a standard iPhone 17 dummy model, based on the two rear cameras. Notably, the case has a pair of tiny holes in the bottom-left and bottom-right corners for attaching a lanyard, which would likely be sold separately by third-party brands. With a lanyard, you could keep your iPhone secured to your wrist while taking photos and more.
There is precedent for such a thing, as AirPods Pro 2 charging cases have a cutout for attaching a lanyard. Apple does not offer its own AirPods Pro 2 lanyard, but it has offered various third-party options through its online store.
In addition, the fifth-generation iPod touch had a built-in mechanism for attaching a lanyard, without even needing a case.
If this case is actually designed by Apple, it also might rule out the rumor about iPhone 17 models gaining a second Camera Control.
If real, the name "Liquid Silicone" is seemingly based on iOS 26's new "Liquid Glass" design.
Just by watching the video alone, we have no way of knowing if the case is something coming from Apple, Beats, or another brand. It also remains to be seen if the "Liquid Silicone" name is legitimate. Fortunately, we will soon find out, as Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series in less than a month from now.
Amazon today has a few models of Apple's M4 Mac mini on sale at low prices, starting at $499.00 for the model with 16GB RAM/256GB SSD, down from $599.00. Discounts reach up to $144 off in these sales, and this time around there is also a discount on the M4 Pro model.
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.
In terms of the 16GB/256GB SSD model, this is a solid second-best price. You can also get the M4 Mac mini with 16GB RAM/512GB SSD for $689.00, down from $799.00, and the model with 24GB RAM/512GB SSD for $902.22, down from $999.00.
Apple updated the Mac mini back in October 2024, introducing a redesigned computer that's smaller than the previous generation and featuring the M4 and M4 Pro chips. 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 iPhone 17e will gain upgrades including the Dynamic Island and a new design, according to a known Weibo leaker.
The leaker known as "Digital Chat Station" today claimed to reveal a selection of details about the upcoming iPhone 17e, allegedly originating in Apple's supply chain.
The device is apparently set to feature a new industrial design, the Dynamic Island, and the A19 chip. The iPhone 16e features a "notch" at the top of the display, similar to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. It also contains Apple's A18 chip.
The iPhone 17e is expected to retain a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, a front-facing 12-megapixel camera, Face ID, and a rear 48-megapixel camera. The leaker says the biggest selling point of the device will continue to be its low price point.
The iPhone 16e is based on the design of 2022's iPhone 14, so it's possible that the iPhone 17e could be based on 2023's iPhone 15, which gained the Dynamic Island and a noticeably more rounded frame.
Reliable sources such as Ming-Chi Kuo, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and Korea's The Elec agree that the iPhone 17e is on schedule to launch early next year.
Digital Chat Station has a relatively good track record for Apple rumors. They accurately revealed that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would feature a slightly smaller 48-megapixel sensor than the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as the display panel design of the iPhone 12 back in 2020.
Last week, Apple released and then pulled a software tool that accidentally contained identifiers for many unreleased devices and chips, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. His findings included new models of the Studio Display, Apple TV, Apple Watches, Apple Vision Pro, iPad mini, HomePod mini, and more.
Here is what was uncovered in the file, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris:
"The findings corroborate a lot of what I've reported, including that fresh Apple TV and HomePod mini models will arrive this fall, that new iPads are in the works for next year, and that updated monitors are coming," he wrote.
Gurman added that he continues to hear that Apple is testing versions of the Vision Pro with the M4 chip, despite the code pointing to a new model with an M5 chip. It is plausible that Apple has considered both options, though, he said.
So, expect the Vision Pro to get an M4 chip or newer. It will be a minor upgrade either way.
Apple this week briefly made a file available that contained identifiers for many unreleased devices and chips, including new models of the Studio Display, Apple TV, Apple Watches, Apple Vision Pro, iPad mini, HomePod mini, and more.
In other news this week, it was reported that Apple is planning a wide range of new smart home devices and accessories, and there were more rumors about a lower-cost MacBook powered by an A18 Pro chip. Other top stories this week included another iOS 26 beta release, more discussion surrounding iPhone 17 pricing, and the Blood Oxygen feature finally being re-enabled on newer Apple Watch models sold in the United States.
Editor's Note: Top Stories was published later than usual today due to summer holidays.
Top Stories
Every Apple Device That Leaked This Week
MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered references to many unreleased Apple devices that the company left in a file that was publicly accessible.
The new MacBook would be a successor to the M1 MacBook Air from 2020, which continues to be an ultra low-cost option available only through Walmart for $599.
iOS 26 should be released to the general public in September.
Will the iPhone 17 Cost More?
As seems to be the case every year, rumors have been circulating about potential price increases coming with the launch of new flagship iPhones in September. The rumors have been split about whether we might see an across-the-board increase on the order of $50 or whether increases might be targeted at certain models.
On the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S., the feature now works by sending the sensor data to a paired iPhone for calculation, with the results viewable in the Respiratory section of the Health app.
The feature had been unavailable on Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra models sold in the U.S. since mid-January 2024, as a result of a U.S. International Trade Commission order connected to a patent infringement lawsuit filed by health company Masimo.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Apple did not provide a specific reason for the closure, but local news outlet WDIV last year reported that The Mall at Partridge Creek had been sold in receivership and was struggling to retain tenants at the time.
Fortunately, Apple said all affected employees at the Partridge Creek store will have the opportunity to continue working for the company.
Apple previously confirmed that its all-new store in Downtown Detroit will open later this year, so the company's total number of stores in Michigan will not change over the long term. Apple Somerset will continue to serve customers in Detroit's northern suburbs.
Apple's full statement, shared with MacRumors:
At Apple, we're committed to delivering an exceptional experience for all customers, and we're excited to open our new retail location in Downtown Detroit later this year. As we prepare to open, we will not continue our lease at Apple Partridge Creek, and all of our valued team members will have the opportunity to continue their roles with Apple. We've loved serving the Partridge Creek community for nearly 20 years, and look forward to welcoming our customers at our other stores in the Detroit metro area, including nearby Apple Somerset, as well as Apple.com and the Apple Store app.
Amazon is offering numerous low prices on Apple Watch Series 10 devices today, including both GPS and cellular models at $100 off original prices.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Amazon has the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 for $299.00, down from $399.00, as well as the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. Both of these are solid second-best prices on the Apple Watch Series 10, and they're available in numerous case colors and band styles, some of which you can find in the lists below.
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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In a report this week, Gurman said both Apple's rumored smart home hub in 2026 and tabletop robot in 2027 will run the new operating system. He said the software platform will blend elements of tvOS and watchOS. For example, he expects there to be a hexagonal grid of apps, just like on the Apple Watch.
The platform largely revolves around clock faces and widgets, and it will have multi-user support, Gurman said. Users will primarily interact with it using Siri voice commands, but touch will also be an option, he said. Some of the preinstalled apps from Apple will apparently include Calendar, Camera, Music, Reminders, and Notes.
Here is what he said about multi-user support:
The devices are meant to be easily shared: They include a front-facing camera that can scan users' faces as they walk toward it and then automatically change the layout, features and content to the preferences of that person.
We should learn more about the new operating system over the coming months.
Apple made a major slip last Wednesday when it accidentally included hardware identifiers in software code linking to numerous unannounced products.
The leaked information provided MacRumors with concrete evidence of Apple's hardware development across multiple product categories. Here's everything that was confirmed through the code discoveries:
Meanwhile, Bloomberg separately reported Wednesday on Apple's smart home ambitions. The company is developing a Ring-like security camera, while its iPad-style smart home hub isn't coming until mid-2026. A tabletop robot companion with a movable display is also planned for 2027, featuring an enhanced Siri powered by large language models. Lastly, on Saturday, Bloombergreported Apple is working on an all-new operating system that is likely the company's long-rumored "homeOS" platform.
The Photos app was redesigned in iOS 18, and in iOS 26, Apple has adjusted some of those original design changes and update the navigation. iOS 26 also includes new 3D image features and a few other useful updates.
Navigation
In iOS 18, Apple introduced a unified Photos app view that did away with tabs. The Tab bar is back in iOS 26, with buttons to swap between the newly separated Library and Collections sections in the Photos app.
Apple also added a separate Search button that's at the bottom of the Photos app, relocating it from the top.
The Library view offers an overview of all the images and screenshots that you've taken, much like the iOS 17 Photos app. There is a larger Select button at the top of the Photos interface, along with a clearly visible button for accessing filters and view options for zooming in, zooming out, and excluding things like screenshots and Shared With You images.
Filters were available in iOS 18, but the button was hidden unless you started scrolling through the Photos Library, which could be confusing. The new layout makes it easier to find all of the different options in the Photos app.
Scrolling in the Library View continues to bring up the options to swap to Years and Months, with buttons for returning to the tab bar or launching a search.
In the Collections tab, you'll see all of the different viewing options that used to be included in the unified view. Recent Days is at the top of the app, along with dedicated views like People and Pets, Pinned, Memories, Trips, Albums, and Featured Photos.
The dedicated view means you can see more of your Collections on one screen. The Media Types and Utilities sections under Collections have larger, more distinct buttons that make it clearer you can swipe or tap to get to more options.
Liquid Glass Design
As with all iOS 26 apps, Photos has a Liquid Glass redesign. It's one of the apps where the Liquid Glass look is the most noticeable.
The two-button tab bar uses translucency to show the photos that are behind it, and when it expands into the larger navigation bar that has options for months and years, it remains clear. With the more transparent look, focus is on the photos while buttons fade into the background.
The tab bar, the search button, the select button, and other buttons in the Photos app have the same translucency, and use the more rounded look that Apple adopted this year.
Spatial Scenes
iOS 26 includes a Spatial Scenes feature that adds extra depth and realism to any image. It separates the subject from the background, introducing slight motion when you move your phone back and forth.
Spatial Scenes works with all photos, even those that have been in your Photo Library for years.
To use Spatial Scenes in the Photos app, tap into an image and tap on the small hexagon icon on the upper right side of the display. Once enabled, if you move your phone, you will see the depth effect.
Spatial Scenes uses generative AI to add depth to flat images, but it does not require Apple Intelligence. The feature is available on the iPhone 12 and newer.
Collections Customization
There's a more noticeable Reorder button in the Collections section, making easier to see that you can rearrange what you see. You can still grab and drag to reorder, but there is no longer an option to exclude certain types of collections.
Collections can be collapsed down until you tap into them, which is a new interface option. When collapsed, you'll only see the name of the collection rather than a thumbnail preview of what it includes.
There's a quick access interface option at the top where you can collapse all collections, show all collections, reorder, or choose a different view.
You can see collections in a view that makes the top collection thumbnails larger than the others, a view with all larger thumbnails, or a view with all smaller thumbnails.
Read More
We have a dedicated iOS 26 roundup that goes into detail on all of the new features that are available in the update.
Along with the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple plans to introduce a new version of the Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch SE hasn't been updated since 2022, so it is overdue for an update.
Size and Design
The Apple Watch SE could get new display sizes, according to display analyst Ross Young. The device will supposedly come in 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch display sizes.
Those sizes aren't too far off of the current Apple Watch SE 2 display sizes, but it's time for a display upgrade. The Apple Watch SE 2 is modeled after the Apple Watch Series 6, and it comes in the older 40mm and 44mm size options.
With the Series 7, Apple updated the Apple Watch sizing to 41mm and 45mm, and with the Series 10, display sizes changed to 42mm and 46mm. It's possible that the Apple Watch SE 3 will get the Apple Watch Series 7 design, which features a thinner design and slimmed down bezels.
Right now, the Apple Watch SE does not have always-on display technology, and it's another feature that Apple could bring to the low-cost watch now that it's been around for some time. There are no rumors about always-on display technology for the SE 3, though.
Updated S11 Chip
The next-generation Apple Watch SE will get the same S11 chip as the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra, according to information that Apple accidentally leaked.
The S11 is essentially the same as the S9 and the S10, but it will be a major improvement over the S8 chip that's in the current Apple Watch SE. Performance should be much quicker and the SE 3 should be much more responsive.
With the S11, the Apple Watch SE 3 could get features like on-device Siri processing, support for double tap gestures, and more storage.
Possible Health Features
The Apple Watch SE has historically had fewer health features than Apple's flagship Apple Watch models. It doesn't have the ECG app, and there's no blood oxygen monitoring. If there are new health features in the Series 11 and the Ultra 3, it's unlikely the functionality will make it to the Apple Watch SE 3.
The Apple Watch SE does support core features like heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, and respiratory rate tracking, so Apple could add sleep apnea detection to the SE 3 because it would have all of the hardware to support the feature. Sleep apnea detection is currently limited to the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2.
Apple could upgrade the optical heart sensor to the third-generation version that was initially introduced in the Apple Watch Series 7, because the current Apple Watch SE is still using the second-generation sensor.
Other possibilities include improved battery life, faster charging, and better water resistance.
Plastic Casing Rumors
Back in mid-2024, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple was working on a new Apple Watch SE with a colorful plastic casing. The device would have been reminiscent of the iPhone 5c, an iPhone that used a rigid plastic material instead of aluminum.
As of this year, Gurman says that Apple might have scrapped the plan for a new casing design. The design team supposedly did not like the look of the device, and the materials team was struggling to make it cheaper than the current aluminum casing.
For that reason, the Apple Watch SE 3 may continue to use an aluminum case instead of the more colorful plastic that's been mentioned in rumors.
Price
There haven't been rumors of a price increase for the Apple Watch SE, and Apple will likely want to keep the device affordable. The current 40mm version is priced starting at $249, and the 44mm model is priced starting at $279.
Apple has been marketing the Apple Watch SE to parents who get the device for their children, and raising the price could impact Apple's efforts to market the device to kids.
Launch Timing
We're expecting Apple to announce the Apple Watch SE 3 at its September 9 iPhone event. Pre-orders for the watch could follow on September 12, and a launch could come on September 19.
At least one new Apple Watch model launching next year will feature a "significant redesign," according to Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes.
In a paywalled report this week, citing supply chain insiders, DigiTimes claimed that a high-end 2026 Apple Watch model will feature "exterior design" changes, including but not limited to "eight sensors arranged in a ring pattern visible through a glass cover on the watch's underside."
Earlier this year, images of an alleged Apple Watch Series 10 prototype surfaced, and the device had a never-before-seen ring with eight white lines in it. It is unclear if that is the same ring that DigiTimes is referring to, but it seems similar, so perhaps it is still coming on the Apple Watch Series 12 and/or Apple Watch Ultra 4 next year.
An alleged Apple Watch Series 10 prototype (Image Credit: @StellaFudge)
More sensors would make sense, as the Apple Watch continues to get more health features. For example, Apple has reportedly been testing a feature that could alert you to signs of high blood pressure. This feature was first rumored well before the Apple Watch Series 10 launched, but Apple continues to face development challenges. It is unclear if the feature will be ready in time for the Apple Watch Series 11 next month.
Beyond sensors, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman once reported on the possibility of a redesigned Apple Watch with a thinner case and a magnetic band system. While the Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch ever, the magnetic band system has still never materialized.
The report also says the Apple Watch Series 11 will support Apple Intelligence, enabling smarter health management capabilities, but we are skeptical about this claim due to Apple Watch performance and RAM limitations. However, watchOS 26 adds some new features "powered by" Apple Intelligence, with reliance on a paired iPhone.
DigiTimes has a notoriously hit-or-miss track record, so this report warrants a healthy dose of skepticism. Moreover, the publication has become more of an aggregator of Apple rumors in recent years, but it still publishes some original reports from time to time. Earlier this week, it published an "exclusive" report corroborating rumors that Apple is planning a new lower-cost MacBook with around a 13-inch display and an A18 Pro chip.
Given that the 2026 Apple Watch lineup is still over a year away, there is plenty of time for more rumors, so we should find out if this report is accurate in due time.
The Rock Daily Planner was built for the iPad with full Apple Pencil integration, and it's clear that a lot of thought went into how people use planning apps on their tablets. The app has a clean design that minimizes distractions and puts maximum focus on events and tasks.
There's a side bar with a full calendar, but the most useful view is the daily interface. Each day gets a dedicated page, with an organized hourly timeline and a separate to-do list. A Daily Plan summarizes everything that you have going on.
The default view shows an hourly timeline and to-do list, but there are customization options for adding note-taking pages. You can create a page with dots, lines, a grid, or a to-do list, or opt for a blank page. You can import your calendar, so you can see your hour-by-hour schedule, important notes, and to-do list all in a single view.
The Rock Daily Planner is meant to be used with an Apple Pencil, so you can handwrite your calendar events, to-dos, and take notes. Notes can be customized with emoji labels, and can be pinned to the side bar so you can keep what's most needed front and center.
Rock Daily Planner was designed for Astropad's $45 Rock Paper Pencil, and it's free to download and use. Rock Paper Pencil is a screen protector and Apple Pencil tip kit that's designed to provide iPad users with a paper-like writing experience.
There's a microtexture screen protector that goes on the iPad, and it has a thin, papery feel. Since it's removable, you can put it on when you need it and then take it off later if you want to play a game. The screen protector is combined with a 1mm stainless steel Apple Pencil tip that feels like writing with a pencil when combined with the screen protector. If you dislike the feel of writing on smooth glass, the Rock Paper Pencil is a useful solution. There are options for most iPad models.
Astropad is providing one lucky MacRumors reader with an 11-inch M3 iPad Air, an Apple Pencil Pro, and a Rock Paper Pencil kit to use with the Rock Daily Planner. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
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The contest will run from today (August 15) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on August 22. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after August 22 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
Alleged images of the iPhone 17 Pro Max's internal design have surfaced, offering a potential look inside the device before it is announced by Apple next month.
The images were shared by the account "yeux1122" this week, in a blog post on the Korean platform Naver. The account aggregates Apple rumors and leaks, so it is likely not the original source of the images, and it is unclear if they are legitimate.
In any case, it is unlikely that these images are showing official CAD files from Apple, but they still might provide an accurate look at what is rumored.
The images show that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will apparently feature a metal-covered battery, as previously rumored. There will apparently be two versions of the battery, with the L-shaped one in the image below to be used in iPhone 17 Pro models that still have a physical SIM card tray. The battery is expected to be more rectangular in iPhone 17 Pro models that lack a physical SIM card tray, such as those sold in the United States.
Alleged image of iPhone 17 Pro Max internals via yeux1122
The metal cover would help to dissipate heat generated by the battery. Apple already uses a metal-covered battery in the iPhone 16 Pro, but the standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16 Pro Max batteries still have black foil covers.
This week saw discounts remain consistent for multiple Apple products, including record low prices on the M4 MacBook Air, M4 MacBook Pro, and M3 iPad Air. We're also tracking solid deals on AirPods and the iPad mini 7 right now.
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.
This week we continued tracking new record low prices across the entire M3 iPad Air lineup, with discounts available at both Amazon and Best Buy. These massive $150 discounts beat the previous all-time lows tracked during Prime Day by about $30.
Amazon this week introduced a new record low price across the entire M4 MacBook Air lineup, and you can still get the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for just $799.00, plus many other deals.
M4 MacBook Pro
What's the deal? Get up to $436 off M4 MacBook Pro
Continuing this week's theme of steep MacBook-related discounts, Amazon also has great deals on the M4 MacBook Pro right now. You'll find up to $436 off these computers, starting at $1,299.00 for the entry-level 14-inch model.
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 this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through Apple's plan to focus on the smart home with a host of new devices and improvements to Siri.
An upgrade to ChatGPT-5 integration is planned for Siri with iOS 26, aiming to improve reasoning capabilities. The next-generation version of Siri is now being tested with third-party apps including Uber, AllTrails, Threads, Temu, Amazon, YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp. A more advanced large language model-based Siri, which will be more powerful than the "personalized" Siri, could launch as early as next spring. A visually redesigned Siri interface for iPhones and iPads is also under consideration for release in 2026.
The company is said to be recruiting engineers for its "Answers, Knowledge, and Information" team tasked with enhancing Siri, Spotlight, Safari, and other services. This team is in the early stages of creating a "new ChatGPT-like search experience" and is even exploring the possibility of a standalone "answer engine" app.
The next-generation HomePod mini is expected to launch this year and will shift further toward the smart home. It will incorporate Apple's "S11" chip, a new Apple-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E support, and potentially a second-generation ultra-wideband chip for enhanced spatial awareness. The refresh may also bring improved sound quality alongside new color options. Likewise, a new Apple TV is expected to launch this year with the A17 Pro chip and the new Apple-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip.
Meanwhile, Apple's first smart home hub is now expected in 2026 and will feature a 7-inch display paired with an integrated speaker, taking visual cues from Google's Nest Hub with a square display, thin black or white bezels, rounded corners, and a half-dome-shaped base. Designed for shared household use, its interface will emphasize clock faces and widgets for core Apple apps, including Calendar, Camera, Music, Reminders, and Notes. Siri could feature a new visual interface, personified and inspired by the Mac Finder icon. The device will include a front-facing camera to deliver personalized content and features for each user, but it will not run third-party apps or have an app store. It is rumored to heavily rely on the next-generation version of Siri.
Apple is also believed to be working on a Ring-style home security camera with facial recognition and motion detection to trigger home automations. Battery life is apparently being designed to last several months to a year. A facial recognition doorbell is also in development. The camera could debut alongside the 2026 smart home hub.
Lastly, a so-called Apple "robot companion" is in the prototyping stage, targeted for a 2027 launch. It will feature a 7-inch iPad-like display mounted on a movable arm that can rotate and extend about six inches in any direction—nicknamed internally as the "Pixar lamp." Apple envisions it as an AI-driven household companion, powered by an advanced Siri capable of remembering information, engaging in more natural conversations, and presenting a "visual personality." The device could proactively interrupt with suggestions and be similar to OpenAI's voice mode. It will include Center Stage as well as joystick-controlled camera movement to show different parts of a room during calls.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about some of the most important latest rumors about the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
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Apple Partridge Creek
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An alleged Apple Watch Series 10 prototype (Image Credit: @StellaFudge)
Alleged image of iPhone 17 Pro Max internals 
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