Amazon's steep discount on the AirPods Pro 2 is back today, with the earbuds available for $169.00, down from $249.00. Free delivery options provide an estimated delivery date of around June 11, while Prime members should get the headphones sooner in most cases.
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.
Compared to past sales, this is a match of the best price we've tracked so far in 2025 and it's an overall solid second-best price on the AirPods Pro 2. Amazon also has the AirPods 4 available for $99.00 during this sale, an all-time low price.
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 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
According to Nicolás Alvarez, iOS 26 code suggests that users will be able to generate backgrounds for the Messages app using text-based descriptions. The feature appears to use Image Playground, and there will be Image Playground style options that include Animation, Illustration, and Sketch.
The Messages backgrounds will be customizable on a per-conversation basis, so iPhone, iPad, and Mac users will be able to set a different background for each of their message threads. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously said that the backgrounds will sync between all participants in a Messages conversation. So if you set a specific background for an iMessage chat with a friend, the friend will see the same background.
Other messaging apps like WhatsApp support custom background options, so Apple is playing catch-up with the new Messages app background feature.
The Messages app is also set to gain support for polls, automatic translation for incoming messages in other languages, and the option to create Genmoji by combining two existing standard emoji. Apple plans to call the Genmoji mixing feature "Mixmoji." With this feature, you will be able to combine two emoji such as cake and balloons into a new emoji that features a cake and a balloon for a celebration.
Apple has other AI features in the works, such as an Apple Intelligence-powered version of the Shortcuts app. Apple could call the new Shortcuts option "Generative Shortcuts," and it appears it will use natural language to help users create powerful multi-step shortcut actions.
iOS 26 and the new Messages features will be shown off at WWDC 2025, which is set to begin on Monday, June 9 with a 10:00 a.m. keynote event.
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to extend the looming TikTok ban for yet another 75 days, reports The Wall Street Journal. It will mark the third extension since Trump took office in January.
The second extension that Trump gave TikTok is set to expire on June 19, and there appears to be no progress made toward a deal with China, so TikTok needs a third reprieve to continue operating in the United States.
TikTok was banned in the U.S. after the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act went into law on January 19, but Trump has ordered the U.S. Department of Justice not to enforce the law at the current time.
Since January, Trump has been working to wrest TikTok's operations from Chinese control by establishing U.S. ownership. Trump's team has considered offers from Oracle, Perplexity, and Amazon, along with individuals like Jimmy Donaldson (known as MrBeast), Shark Tank host Kevin O'Leary, Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley, and billionaire Frank McCourt.
Trump needs to work with China to get the TikTok deal approved, and China is not cooperating due to ongoing trade tensions created by Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods.
TikTok continues to be available for download as of now. It's not yet clear when the app might see a U.S. takeover, but with continued extensions, it is not in danger of being removed from the App Store.
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.
This week we saw some of the first Father's Day deals emerge online, with retailers like Anker, Sonos, and Samsung introducing notable discounts on numerous products ahead of the June 15 holiday. Below, you'll also find all-time low prices on the M3 iPad Air and Apple Watch Series 10.
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.
Father's Day Deals
What's the deal? Save on popular Apple accessories for Father's Day
Father's Day deals kicked off this week at numerous retailers, and they include great deals on everything from Sonos home audio equipment to Mophie charging accessories and more.
Anker this week introduced a big collection of discounts on numerous charging accessories on Amazon, with devices like MagSafe-compatible chargers and portable power stations that make perfect Father's Day gifts.
It's also worth noting that MacRumors readers can still get 20 percent off a collection of Anker's best charging accessories over on Anker's website. In order to get this deal, head to Anker's website and add an accessory to your cart, then enter the code Ankermacrumors2025 at checkout to see the discount.
Amazon this week introduced discounts across nearly the entire M3 iPad Air lineup, offering $100 off these tablets. Prices start at $499.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M3 iPad Air, down from $599.00. Best Buy is matching all of these deals on the iPad Air.
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 record low prices on the Apple Watch Series 10, and they're available in about 5-6 case colors and band styles.
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 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Apple and Major League Baseball this week announced the July schedule for Friday Night Baseball, a weekly doubleheader of MLB games streamed on Apple TV+.
Friday Night Baseball is included with an Apple TV+ subscription, at no additional cost. In the U.S., Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year, and it is also included in all Apple One subscription bundles with other Apple services.
The full July schedule is as follows:
Friday, 7/4 St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs 2:20 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Angels at Toronto Blue Jays 7:07 p.m. ET
Friday, 7/11 Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers 7:10 p.m. ET
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Angels 9:38 p.m. ET
Friday, 7/18 No games
Friday, 7/25 Philadelphia Phillies at New York Yankees 7:05 p.m. ET
Cleveland Guardians at Kansas City Royals 8:10 p.m. ET
Available in 60 countries, Apple says Friday Night Baseball provides enhanced production quality, expert commentary, and no local broadcast restrictions.
Rock Paper Pencil is a product that's meant to make writing on your iPad with the Apple Pencil feel like writing on a piece of paper rather than on a slippery display. Astropad just overhauled Rock Paper Pencil to make it better than ever, so now is a good time to check it out.
The $45 kit includes a NanoCling screen protector that goes on the iPad's display, and an accompanying Apple Pencil tip that pairs with an Apple Pencil. You can put the NanoCling screen protector on while you're using your Apple Pencil, then take it off and tuck it away for later if you want to use your iPad without it. It takes just seconds to put the screen protector on and remove it again, and it doesn't leave a sticky residue on your iPad.
The upgraded NanoCling screen protector has an improved feel, plus it's thinner. Writing on it is like writing on a stack of papers rather than just a single sheet, and it's a little softer and smoother than before. Using the NanoCling is a pleasant experience that makes note taking and sketching on the iPad feel more natural. Even though it has a unique microscopic texture that mimics the feel of paper, the screen protector doesn't interfere with the vivid colors of the iPad's display.
Astropad also redesigned the Apple Pencil tip that comes in the Rock Paper Pencil kit, and it's now made from solid stainless steel that won't wear down or chip over time. The size of the tip has also been increased, so it's now 1mm instead of 0.75mm. The larger tip balances out the friction and improves durability.
If you dislike the slippery feeling of writing on a hard screen, the Rock Paper Pencil is worth checking out. It does a great job of making you forget that you're writing on a tablet because it both feels and sounds like using a pen on paper.
Rock Paper Pencil is compatible with all of Apple's M2, M3, and M4 iPads, and many older models as well. It works with the 6th and 7th-generation iPad mini and the 7th-generation iPad and later.
We have a Rock Paper Pencil kit, an M3 iPad Air, and an Apple Pencil Pro for one lucky MacRumors reader. 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 (June 6) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on June 13. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after June 13 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.
One planned upgrade that had not been reported until now is the ability to create a Genmoji by combining a pair of existing standard emoji. For example, Gurman said that you will be able to turn separate basketball and trash can emoji into a single Genmoji that shows a basketball going into a trash can.
In addition, he said there will be system-wide Translate app capabilities on iOS 26. 9to5Mac previously reported that the Messages app would be gaining live translation capabilities, but Gurman said it will extend to the Phone app and other areas of the operating system. A live translation feature is also expected for AirPods.
Waiting on Apple's delayed personalized Siri features to launch? Don't get your hopes up next week, as Gurman said that those features remain "far off." He does not expect any significant new Siri features to be announced at WWDC 2025.
What happened to Swift Assist, the coding assistance tool that Apple announced at WWDC 2024? Gurman said it faced issues, so Apple instead plans to let developers use Xcode with third-party large language models (LLMs).
iOS 26 is rumored to feature a glassy design, new Games and Preview apps, and more, but two other enhancements have reportedly been delayed until next year.
In his list of WWDC 2025 expectations today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today said that Apple has postponed the launch of revamped Calendar and Health apps until iOS 27 or later, as it needs more time to develop these planned changes.
Gurman did not reveal any specific changes planned for the Calendar app, but Apple's acquisition of Mayday Labs in April 2024 could hint at the company's plans.
Mayday Labs had developed an AI-powered calendar, task manager, and scheduling assistant for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The all-in-one app used AI to automatically schedule your events and tasks at ideal times, and it could learn your scheduling preferences and daily patterns over time to further optimize your calendar.
Mayday's website said its app worked best when you used it with others. For example, it could automatically schedule a meeting at a time where both you and a co-worker were available. It also offered automatic rescheduling for flexibility.
The app was shut down shortly after the acquisition.
It would be reasonable to assume that some of Mayday's features and technologies could be added to Apple's Calendar app across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, under the Apple Intelligence umbrella. But, it appears that will have to wait for iOS 27.
As for the Health app, Gurman has previously reported that it will get a new AI-powered health coaching feature that offers personalized health recommendations. He initially expected the revamp to be part of iOS 19.4 (now iOS 26.4), but it now appears that it will not be ready until at least iOS 27 as well. That update will arrive next year.
According to Gurman, iOS 26 will feature a "digital glass" design inspired by visionOS, the operating system for Apple's Vision Pro headset. That is a well-known rumor by now, but he goes on to provide some more specific details, as listed below:
There will be more use of light and transparency.
There will be redesigned app icons, but he does not expect them to be round.
Toolbars and tabs will be redesigned, with a focus on pop-out menus.
Home Screen widgets have been redesigned to match the new "digital glass" look.
Safari will feature a more transparent, glassy address bar.
The glass-like design changes should extend to the Camera app, which will be revamped with a focus on simplicity.
The design changes are expected to extend to iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26.
Apple will announce iOS 26 and other software updates in just three days from now, during its WWDC 2025 keynote, which kicks off on Monday, June 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The first iOS 26 beta should be seeded to developers shortly after the keynote, and the update will likely be released to the general public in September.
In a lengthy report outlining his WWDC 2025 expectations today, Gurman revealed that the Games app will have five tabs: Home, Arcade, Play Together, Library, and Search. He said that the app will look like a games-centric version of the App Store, and it will give a bigger spotlight to both App Store games and Apple Arcade games.
There will still be a Games tab in the App Store, according to Gurman, who described the new Games app as "underwhelming."
Gurman previously said that the Games app will replace Apple's longstanding Game Center feature, which lets players track their in-game achievements and compete with others on leaderboards. Game Center used to be a preinstalled app on iPhones, but it was relegated to the Settings app starting with iOS 10 in 2016.
The new Games app will be one of two new preinstalled apps on iOS 26, with the other being Preview for managing PDFs, according to Gurman.
Apple is planning to announce several new features for the Messages and Phone apps on iOS 26, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In a lengthy report outlining his WWDC 2025 expectations today, Gurman said that the two main changes in the Messages app will be the ability to create polls, as well as the option to set a background image within a conversation.
9to5Mac was first to report that the Messages app would be gaining polls, allowing users to vote on questions and topics. It is a feature that has long existed in other popular messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram.
Background images would add a personalized flair to conversations, and Gurman said that the images will automatically sync across Apple devices.
The new Messages features should extend to iPadOS 26 and macOS 26.
For the Phone app, Gurman said that iOS 26 will introduce a new view that combines favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into a single, scrollable window. He said this new design will be optional, with users able to revert to the legacy interface.
iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 will include a preinstalled Preview app from Apple, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In a lengthy report outlining his WWDC 2025 expectations today, Gurman said that the Preview app will provide iPhone and iPad users with an all-in-one, built-in solution for managing, editing, and annotating PDF documents.
The app will look similar to Apple's longstanding Preview app on the Mac, he said:
The software looks similar to the Mac version, and its launch screen is in the same style as apps like Pages and Keynote. It includes a big logo on the top portion of the screen advertising the Preview name and a gallery of document options below it.
Gurman did not say if the Preview app on the iPhone and iPad will also offer basic image editing abilities, like it does on the Mac.
While the so-called "iPhone 17 Air" is not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the ultra-thin device.
Overall, the iPhone 17 Air sounds like a mixed bag. While the device is expected to have an impressively thin and light design, rumors indicate it will have some compromises compared to iPhone 17 Pro models, including worse battery life, only a single rear camera, only a single speaker, and an A19 chip instead of an A19 Pro chip.
Below, we recap 17 key rumors for the iPhone 17 Air as of June 2025:
Apple's upcoming HomePod Software 26 update will support the original first-generation HomePod along with all succeeding HomePod models, according to a private account on X with a proven track record for upcoming software updates.
Apple released the original HomePod eight years ago, so it's good to see that Apple's latest software will support it. As for what the new software will bring to the table in terms of new features, it's not yet clear, but hopefully improvements to the Siri experience are forthcoming.
Rather than naming the next-generation version HomePod Software 19, Apple is likely to call it HomePod Software 26. All of the major software updates coming this year will be numbered "26," reflecting the September 2025 to September 2026 release cycle, so it'd be weird for the HomePod Software not to receive the same treatment.
The HomePod family is expected to grow in size this year or next, with the arrival of Apple's long-rumored smart home hub. We're hoping that Apple provides an early preview of the home hub at WWDC, based on recent trademarking activity.
Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote will begin on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event on its website, on YouTube, and in the TV app. If you're not able to watch live, we'll have a live blog and coverage of the announcements here at MacRumors, plus we'll be live tweeting the event on the MacRumorsLive account.
Apple's upcoming tvOS 26 software update will support all Apple TV models that are compatible with tvOS 18, according to a private account on X with a proven track record for upcoming software updates.
If this rumor is accurate, and we have high confidence that it is, then tvOS 26 will be compatible with the Apple TV HD – released in 2015(!) – and beyond:
Apple TV HD (2015)
Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017)
Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021)
Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022)
Rather than naming the next-generation version tvOS 19, Apple is going to call it tvOS 26, our source confirmed. All of the software updates coming this year will be numbered "26," reflecting the September 2025 to September 2026 release cycle.
The visionOS-inspired design coming to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS will also extend to tvOS. While tvOS typically receives less attention and specific details are scarce, we can infer some changes based on iOS rumors.
iOS 26 is expected to feature a visionOS-like interface with translucent elements, floating menus and windows, and softer, rounded visuals. The design uses light and shadow to create a glass-like effect, as seen in Apple's WWDC promotional imagery, so expect these to appear.
We're also expecting new screensavers, a new cross-platform Games app, Wi-Fi syncing, and potential new AI-powered features. For everything we know, be sure to check out our WWDC roundup for tvOS 26.
Apple's upcoming watchOS 26 software update will support all Apple Watch models that are compatible with watchOS 11, according to a private account on X with a proven track record for upcoming software updates.
If this rumor is accurate, and we believe it is, watchOS 26 will be compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and beyond:
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Rather than naming the next-generation version watchOS 12, Apple is going to call it watchOS 26, our source confirmed. All of the software updates coming this year will be numbered "26," reflecting the September 2025 to September 2026 release cycle.
The overhauled design that Apple is introducing for iOS 26 will also extend to the Apple Watch, though the changes to watchOS may not be as dramatic as the iOS 26 refresh. Apple will likely add new watch faces that are designed with the new style.
The Nintendo Switch 2 includes a new built-in social feature called GameChat that allows up to 12 users to engage in video chats simultaneously, even if they're playing in different games. To facilitate this, Nintendo offers an official Switch 2 Camera that connects via USB-C, but it turns out that an iPhone does the job just as well, if not better.
Niles Mitchell has thoughtfully shared a demo of the Switch-iPhone configuration that explains how to set it up. You'll need a HDMI to USB-C cable and a HDMI converter cable to connect them, which should cost around $30 in total.
tvOS is probably the Apple operating system that gets the fewest updates each year, and that's not going to change in 2025. But thanks to the design overhaul that Apple is introducing across all of its software platforms, tvOS is set to get some interesting new features.
Naming
As we've noted several times this week, Apple is changing the naming for its operating system updates. After tvOS 18, we're getting tvOS 26 instead of tvOS 19. The "26" represents the September 2025 to September 2026 release season for tvOS, with Apple planning to use the same numbering across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS too.
Updated Design
The visionOS-style design update that's coming to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS will also extend to tvOS. tvOS tends to get little attention comparatively so we don't have specific details on what's changing, but we can extrapolate a bit from the iOS rumors.
iOS 26 will adopt an interface that riffs on visionOS, with a focus on translucency, floating menus and windows, and more rounded design elements. It's been described as using light and shadow to give off a glass-like effect, which we can see in the imagery that Apple is using to promote WWDC.
tvOS 26 could adopt some of the same translucency for menus, app icons, buttons, and other parts of the interface, plus it could get the same floating look and more dramatically rounded edges for buttons and windows that are typical of visionOS.
Apple wants the experience of using its various platforms to feel more cohesive, which is why everything is getting some of the same design changes.
Screensavers
It's typical for Apple to introduce new screensavers with tvOS updates, so we can perhaps expect to see new aerial screensaver options, as well as screensavers that match the updated aesthetic. Last year, Apple came out with Snoopy screensavers, so we could get more of those too, or another partnership.
Games App
Apple plans to debut a new cross-platform Games app that will serve as a one-stop spot for discovering and launching games. On the Apple TV, it will feature a range of games that can run on the device, including third-party games and Apple Arcade games.
The Games app will essentially feature the entire games section of the tvOS App Store. It's also expected to have features like achievements, leaderboards, and recommendations from Apple editors. There might also be new tools for communicating with other players.
Wi-Fi Syncing
If you're in the unusual situation of needing to connect your Apple TV to a captive network at a college or similar location, you'll be glad to hear about a new captive Wi-Fi syncing option that's coming to Apple's platforms.
With this feature, you'll only need to log into a captive network on one of your Apple devices, and the login information will sync to everything else signed into your Apple Account.
Recommendations
There's no rumor about tvOS adopting Apple Intelligence, but Apple is expanding AI across its platforms. tvOS could benefit from AI features that better learn from user preferences to make more tailored content recommendations on what to watch next.
If and when Apple introduces major Apple Intelligence updates to Siri, we could see some of those features available on the Apple TV.
WWDC 2025 Keynote
Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote will begin on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event on its website, on YouTube, and in the TV app.
If you're not able to watch live, we'll have a live blog and coverage of the announcements here at MacRumors, plus we'll be live tweeting the event on the MacRumorsLive account.
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.
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.
