MacRumors

Samsung kicked off a holiday sale last week, and this event has expanded recently with even more great deals on monitors, TVs, Galaxy smartphones, and home appliances. Many of these deals are the exact same all-time low prices we tracked during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Regarding TVs, there are quite a few models of The Frame TV on sale, including a new all-time low price on The Frame Pro models. You can get the 2025 65-inch The Frame TV for $1,199.99 ($600 off), as well as The Frame Pro for $1,999.99 ($1,200 off).

This is also a good time to purchase a Samsung monitor, with hundreds of monitor deals available during the event. One of the best markdowns is on the 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Monitor, available for $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99. If you're looking to add a second monitor to your workstation, you'll also find a few smaller options, like the 32-inch ViewFinity S7 for $299.99, down from $459.99.

For even more potential savings, eligible shoppers have the chance to get additional discounts through Samsung offer programs. These programs provide extra discounts for students, military, and employees of select businesses, and they provide up to 30 percent extra savings on Samsung's website, so be sure to check whether you're eligible for any of these programs.

TVs

• 55-inch QLED QEF1 Smart TV - $379.99, down from $599.99
• 55-inch QLED Q7F Smart TV - $399.99, down from $529.99
• 55-inch QLED Q8F Smart TV - $599.99, down from $749.99
• 75-inch Vision AI Smart TV - $679.99, down from $1,199.99
• 50-inch The Frame - $799.99, down from $1,099.99
• 75-inch Neo QLED QN70F Smart TV - $1,199.99, down from $1,599.99
• 65-inch The Frame - $1,199.99, down from $1,799.99 (extra $100 off available through offer programs)
• 55-inch OLED S95F Smart TV - $1,899.99, down from $2,299.99
  

• 75-inch The Frame Pro - $1,999.99, down from $3,199.99
• 85-inch The Frame Pro - $3,299.99, down from $4,299.99 (extra $660 off available through offer programs)
• 85-inch Neo QLED QN90F Smart TV - $2,299.99, down from $4,499.99

Monitors

• 27-inch Odyssey G3 Monitor - $139.99, down from $229.99
• 32-inch ViewFinity S70A UHD Monitor - $299.99, down from $459.99
• 34-inch ViewFinity S6 Monitor - $399.99, down from $799.99
• 43-inch Odyssey Neo G7 Smart Gaming Monitor - $549.99, down from $999.99
• 27-inch Odyssey OLED G6 Gaming Monitor - $599.99, down from $899.99
• 49-inch Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor - $777.99, down from $1,299.99
• 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 Monitor - $899.99, down from $1,799.99
• 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen - $1,299.99, down from $2,699.99
• 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99

Appliances

• Bespoke Smart Dishwasher - $899.99, down from $1,299.00
• Large Capacity Side-by-Side Fridge - $999.00, down from $1,666.00
• 4-Door French Door Fridge - $1,799.00, down from $2,999.00
• Bespoke All-in-One Combo Washer/Dryer - $2,099.00, down from $3,299.00
• Mega Capacity 3-Door French Door Fridge - $2,499.00, down from $3,499.00
• Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $2,050.00, down from $4,099.00
• Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $3,399.99, down from $4,999.00

Galaxy Products

• Galaxy XR - Save up to $1,140 with the Explorer Pack
• Galaxy S25 Ultra - Save up to $700 in instant trade-in credit
• Galaxy Ring - Get up to $150 trade-in credit
• Galaxy Watch Ultra - Save up to $250
• Galaxy Watch 8 - Save up to $200

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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An internal Apple kernel debug kit suggests Apple has tested a MacBook with the A15 chip, alongside a separate A18 Pro-based MacBook that appears to be closer to a shippable product.

The information comes from internal kernel debug kit files used by Apple engineers. The kit was accidentally released on Apple's website earlier this year, but it was quickly pulled after information started leaking out of it.

Within the Mac-related entries, there is a line that explicitly describes an unreleased MacBook configuration running an A15 chip. The row appears under a project label "mac14p" on a platform labeled H14P. MacRumors believes this A15 MacBook corresponds to the codename J267.

In the same dataset, there is also a separate MacBook entry tied to the A18 Pro. It has the identifier J700 and is described as using an A18 Pro chip with a "Sunrise" wireless subsystem attributed to MediaTek. Compared with the A15 test configuration, the A18 Pro MacBook entry reads more like a defined product configuration, since it is identified with a specific internal codename and accompanying subsystem details.

It is also highly unlikely that Apple would release a Mac powered by the A15 Bionic in 2026, almost five years after the chip was introduced. A MacBook with the A18 Pro chip would be markedly more capable, future-proof, and in-step with the company's current selection of chips.

The A15 MacBook was almost certainly used as an unreleased test platform ahead of widely reported plans to release a low-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip. The original Apple silicon Mac mini Developer Transition Kit featured an A12Z chip, but all Apple silicon Macs available to consumers have featured M-series chips.

Rumors suggest the low-cost MacBook will launch next year, featuring the A18 Pro chip, a 13-inch display, and silver, blue, pink, and yellow color options.

You can get the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) for $749.00 today on Amazon, down from $999.00, with guaranteed Christmas delivery for select colors. This price matches the Amazon all-time low price on the M4 MacBook Air, and there are similar lows on other models with higher storage.

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.

If you're looking for the larger model, you can get the 15-inch 256GB computer for $949.00, down from $1,199.00. You'll also find many of the 512GB models of the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air on sale this week.

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 has made the battery replacement process easier for the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro, allowing users of its self-service repair program to replace just the battery, without removing other internal components.

Before now, manual battery replacement on what is currently Apple's only M5-powered MacBook Pro required swapping out several modules alongside the battery itself. However, the new process Apple has introduced only requires removing the bottom case and the battery management unit flex cable before accessing the battery.

Apple is now selling standalone battery modules through its Self Service Repair Store. Apart from the cost of the necessary repair tools, the replacement battery costs $209.25, and users can get a $22.50 credit by returning their old battery.

Apple has also published a detailed repair manual to guide users and independent repair shops through the procedure. The manual includes step-by-step instructions for safely removing the rear case, discharging the battery, removing the old battery's adhesive strips, and installing the replacement unit.

The change tackles a concern raised by iFixit in its October teardown of the M5 MacBook Pro, which found battery replacement to be one of the device's most challenging repairability aspects. That said, with 14 disassembly steps and 27 reassembly steps, it's probably still a job most users would rather leave to a professional.

Apple launched its self-service repair program in 2022, giving customers access to genuine parts, tools, and repair manuals for select iPhones, iPads, Macs, Studio Displays, and Beats Pill speakers. The company says the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices."

Apple is in talks with suppliers to manage iPhone chip assembly and packaging in India for the first time, reports The Economic Times.

"Exploratory conversations" are said to have taken place with semiconductor company CG Semi, which is constructing one of India's first outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) facilities in Sanand, Gujarat.

From the report, citing people with knowledge of the matter:

"The companies are in the very initial stages of discussion," one of them said. "It is not clear what chips will be packaged out of the Sanand facility at this stage, but it will likely be display chips."

The person added that this may be the "beginning of an uphill climb" for CG Semi since if talks progress, it will have to pass Apple's stringent quality standards to clinch the deal. "Apple is already in talks with several companies for a number of other supply chain functions, and very few will end up on their supplier list," the person said.

As the report mentions, Apple sources its iPhone display panels from the world's three leading OLED manufacturers: Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE. The display driver ICs used with these panels are supplied by companies such as Samsung, Novatek, Himax, and LX Semicon, which in turn rely mainly on chip fabrication and packaging facilities in South Korea, Taiwan, and China.

If the discussions between Apple and CG Semi bear fruit, the move would be another example of Apple pivoting to India as a major supply chain and manufacturing hub. Apple reportedly assembled $22 billion worth of iPhones in India during the 12 months ending in March 2025, a nearly 60% increase over the previous year. Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron now operate facilities in India focused on ‌iPhone‌ manufacturing. Apple is apparently aiming to manufacture the majority of iPhones sold in the United States in India by the end of 2026.

There has been a whirlwind of rumors over the last few days, sourced from leaked internal software designed for the iPhone and the Mac, and news sites like The Information. Below, we have a quick recap of everything we've heard this week, which serves as a guide to Apple's product plans in 2026 and beyond.

We've organized the info by likely release date, though there are some products that we don't have a timeline for. Keep in mind that the list features only rumors that we've heard over the last couple of days, so it's not a complete feature overview for each device.

Early/Spring 2026

• iPhone 17e (V159) - The iPhone 17e will use Apple's C1X modem instead of the C1, and it will include MagSafe support, which was missing from the iPhone 16e. It may not include an N1 wireless chip.
• AirTag 2 (B589) - Likely coming in early 2026. Expected to feature improved pairing, more detailed battery level reporting, and improvements to tracking AirTags that are moving and in crowded places.
• Home hub (J490 and J491) - Apple's home hub is expected to launch in spring 2026, around when iOS 26.4 comes out. Recent rumors suggest it will have a 1080p video camera, Face ID for authentication and to identify different people, profile switching, and support for Apple Intelligence. There are two models, one that's wall mounted and another that has a HomePod-like speaker base.
• HomePod mini 2 (B525) - A new HomePod mini is ready to launch at any time, so it could come in spring or even earlier in the year. It won't have Apple's N1 networking chip.
• Apple TV (J355) - A new Apple TV is reportedly ready to go, and it makes the most sense for it to launch alongside other home products slated for the early 2026 timeframe.
• Unknown home accessory (J229) - We don't know what this is, but it could be a camera, or standalone speaker base that can be added to the wall-mounted home hub after purchase. It could also be something else entirely. There are mentions of sensors in the code for this accessory.
• iPad 12 (J581 and J582) - The latest information suggests the iPad 12 will use Apple's A19 chip, which is the same chip that's in the iPhone 17. It's an unusual choice because iPads usually get older, more affordable chips. It isn't expected to include the N1 networking chip. It's expected early in 2026.
• M4 iPad Air (J707, J708, J737, J738) - 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with M4 chips are rumored to be launching in early 2026. No major changes are expected except for the chip update.
• Low-Cost MacBook (J700) - Apple is working on a MacBook with the A18 Pro chip, and it's expected to launch early in 2026. It will be positioned as Apple's most affordable MacBook, competing with Chromebooks and cheaper Windows laptops.
• M5 MacBook Air (J813 and J815) - The MacBook Air is going to get updated with M5 chips as soon as early 2026. No other major changes are rumored.
• M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro (J714c, J714s, J716c, J716s) - M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are coming soon. They might get a refresh early in 2026, because there are still rumors of another ‌MacBook Pro‌ refresh later in the year.

September 2026

• Foldable iPhone (V68) - The foldable iPhone will open book style, and will be wider than it is tall. It will look like a small iPad. When open, the display will be around 7.7 inches, and when closed, it will be around 5.3 inches. There will be a single front-facing camera in the top left, and no Dynamic Island. Display sizes could ultimately change, and Apple is reportedly seeing a high failure rate in current display production.
• iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (V63 and V64) - The TrueDepth camera system for ‌Face ID‌ will be under the display, eliminating the ‌Dynamic Island‌. There will be a cutout for the front-facing camera at the top left of the display. At least one rear camera will have a variable aperture that lets users control the amount of light that enters the lens. Overall design will be similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models. The A20 TSMC chip will support Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module packaging for speed improvements that could bolster AI features and on-device processing capabilities. The iPhone 18 Pro models could have either a C1X modem or a C2 modem.
• iPad mini 8 (J510 and J511) - The iPad mini 8 could get OLED display technology and the A20 Pro chip, which is the same chip that's slated for the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models. That would suggest a fall launch alongside the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌. There have also been rumors that it will use the A19 Pro that's in the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, and if that's the case, it could come earlier.
• Apple Watch Series 12 (N237 and N238) - The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected in September 2026. No major changes are rumored so far.

Unknown Timing, But Likely 2026

• Apple Studio Display 2 (J427 and J527) - There are two Apple displays in the works, that are expected to be followups to the Studio Display. These are likely to launch alongside new M5 Mac desktop machines. The two models could be different sizes or different display technology, as there are mini-LED rumors for the next-gen model.
• M5/M5 Pro Mac mini (J873g and J873s) - The Mac mini is going to get M5 and M5 Pro chips, but timing is unclear. It could be refreshed early in 2026, or it might come later alongside other desktop Mac updates.
• M5 Max/Ultra Mac Studio (J775c and J775d) - The Mac Studio will use the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, and it will likely be refreshed later in 2026 rather than earlier.
• iMac Pro (J833c) - Apple is working on a high-end iMac with an M5 Max chip, which suggests it will launch alongside other M5 Max models sometime in 2026. Prior rumors have suggested the device could have a display around 30 inches in size.
• M6 MacBook Pro (J804) - The entry-level ‌MacBook Pro‌ could be updated with an M6 chip toward the end of 2026.
• M6 Pro/Max MacBook Pro (K114c, K114s, K116c, K116s) - The M6 Pro and M6 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ models will feature a major redesign with OLED display technology. So far, rumors suggest this could happen as soon as late 2026, though that would mean two ‌MacBook Pro‌ refreshes in 2026. It's not unheard of, but Apple might also opt to hold this update until early 2027.
• Apple Watch Ultra 4 (N240) - Apple is working on a fourth-generation version of the Apple Watch Ultra. It could come in September 2026 alongside the Series 12, but Apple doesn't update the Apple Watch Ultra on an annual basis.

2027

• iPhone 18 - The iPhone 18 will not launch in fall 2026 as expected, and will instead come in spring 2027. It will be an incremental update, and Apple may remove haptic feedback and touch sensing from the Camera Control button (it could also be removed from the 18 Pro models).
• iPhone 18e - Also slated for spring 2027, the iPhone 18e could launch alongside the ‌iPhone 18‌. It is expected to feature few changes.
• iPhone Air 2 (V62) - There is no second-generation iPhone Air planned for fall 2026 because Apple has delayed it. It could instead come in spring 2027. Apple is reportedly looking at adding a second camera to make the device more appealing to consumers. The next ‌iPhone Air‌ might also be more affordable.
• 20th Anniversary iPhone - The 2027 iPhone will have an "enclosure on the front and back that curves around the device edges," which allows for a bigger screen with no bezels. The Information says that it is not sure if the display itself will curve around the edges, but instead of a full metal frame, it has a "narrow metal band running around the midpoint of the device's edge. The selfie camera will move under the display, and it will be the first iPhone with no display cutouts at all. The 20th anniversary iPhone will launch in September 2027.
• Tabletop robot (J595) - Apple's tabletop robot with a thin robotic arm and swivel base is expected to be a more powerful version of the home hub. It's rumored to be launching sometime in 2027.
• AI smart glasses (N50/N401) - Apple paused work on all of its AR/VR headsets to focus instead on AI smart glasses that will compete with the Meta Ray-Bans. The AI smart glasses are expected in 2027, but it's possible Apple will unveil them in late 2026. N50 was the original codename, but Apple is now using N401. N401 covers the AI smart glasses, and a separate set of augmented reality glasses.

Delayed or Canceled

• Foldable iPad - Apple planned a foldable ‌iPad‌ for release in 2026, but delayed the project and redirected resources to the foldable iPhone to ensure that device launches on time.
• Vision Air (N100) - The N100 is a lighter and cheaper version of the Vision Pro. It was originally rumored for 2027, but Apple has paused work on headsets to focus on AI smart glasses.
• AR glasses prototype (N421) - N421 is a prototype set of AR glasses, but Apple apparently canceled work on this product for now. AR glasses are still Apple's ultimate plan.
• Mac-connected AR glasses (N107) - Apple was working on AR glasses that would connect to a Mac to use the Mac's processor, but the project was scrapped.
• Cheaper Vision Pro (N109) - Apple was developing a second-generation Vision Pro that's more affordable, and it was a product distinct from the Vision Air. Work is currently paused.

Unknown Products

There are some codenames that were in Apple's leaked information that aren't associated with a known product as of yet.

• N110 - N110 is close to N109 and other N-series numbers Apple has used for its AR/VR headsets, so this could be a wearable.
• N209 - N2 numbers have previously been associated with the Apple Watch.
• N216 - N2 numbers have previously been associated with the Apple Watch.
• J349 - Possibly a Mac that was scrapped, but could also be an ‌Apple TV‌ or some kind of home device.
• J190 - The Mac Pro is J180, so this could be another Mac Pro, but it's unclear.
• J226 - J226 is close to J229, the codename for an unknown home device, so it could be some kind of home-related accessory.

Codename Key

For Apple's internal codenames that it uses for Macs, the letter at the end of the number has significance.

• G - Base model M-series chip
• S - Pro version of the M-series chip
• C - Max version of the M-series chip
• D - Ultra version of the M-series chip

Caveats

Some of this information was pulled from an internal version of iOS 26 that Apple was working on around the late May 2025 timeline, while other information comes from internal kernel debug kit files that Apple accidentally leaked earlier this year.

Apple's plans can always change. Devices can be scrapped, features can be removed, and launches can be pushed back. That's especially true of rumors about products coming in late 2026 or 2027, because production plans haven't been finalized.

Read More

We keep an upcoming products Apple guide that gets regular updates when new timeline information is made available. It's a good resource to bookmark and reference throughout the year to keep tabs on what Apple has planned. We have even more rumors about Apple's products in our device roundups and guides, which are also updated regularly.

The Trump administration is pressuring the European Union to cut down on regulations that impact tech companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Meta.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative today posted a message to the European Union on social media, threatening retaliation if the EU continues to target U.S. companies. The post says the U.S. will implement fees and restrictions on foreign services, and it specifically names European companies like Accenture, DHL, Mistral, SAP, Spotify, and Siemens.

The European Union and certain EU Member States have persisted in a continuing course of discriminatory and harassing lawsuits, taxes, fines, and directives against U.S. service providers. U.S. services companies provide substantial free services to EU citizens and reliable enterprise services to EU companies, and they support millions of jobs and more than $100 billion in direct investment in Europe. The United States has raised concerns with the EU for years on these matters without meaningful engagement or basic acknowledgement of U.S. concerns.

If the EU and EU Member States insist on continuing to restrict, limit, and deter the competitiveness of U.S. service providers through discriminatory means, the United States will have no choice but to begin using every tool at its disposal to counter these unreasonable measures. Should responsive measures be necessary, U.S. law permits the assessment of fees or restrictions on foreign services, among other actions. The United States will take a similar approach to other countries that pursue an EU-style strategy in this area.

The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) have forced Apple and other tech companies to make major changes to their services in the European Union, and several companies have faced fines. Earlier this year, Apple was fined 500 million euros and Meta was fined 200 million euros. Just this month, social network X was fined 120 million euros for DSA violations, and in September, Google was fined 2.95 billion euros for antitrust violations related to its adtech business.

Separately, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee held a hearing today on the threat that "discriminatory foreign regulations" modeled after the Digital Markets Act pose to American innovation and competition. Witnesses included Competere Ltd. CEO Shanker Singham, Notre Dame Law professor Roger Alford, George Washington Competition and Innovation Lab Founding Director Aurelien Portuese, and Dirk Auer, Director of Competition Policy for the International Center for Law and Economics.

During the hearing, Representative Scott Fitzgerald said the DMA isn't aimed at protecting consumers, but hobbling American companies.

The DMA does not ask whether consumers have been harmed. It does not even ask whether a business has done anything wrong. It asks whether a company is large, successful, and, most importantly, American. If the answer is yes, the rules suddenly change. Common business practices are banned, innovation is treated as a threat, and foreign rivals are handed access to data and technology they could never build or earn on their own. That is not competition policy. That's forced redistribution.

The Computer and Communications Industry Association said the DMA is discriminatory because it only applies to select companies, while NetChoice said the EU has "provided countries around the world with a blueprint" for similar regulatory measures.

Unlike traditional antitrust and competition laws that apply to all companies, however, these DMA prohibitions apply only to designated companies, creating discriminatory treatment between designated and non-designated companies, where undesignated foreign rivals gain an unfair competitive advantage over designated American companies.

President Donald Trump has previously criticized the "very unfair" European Union for fines levied on Apple and Google. In September, he threatened the EU with higher tariffs, which would disrupt trade framework established in July 2025. Trump said Apple should "get their money back" and that the U.S. "cannot let this happen to brilliant and unprecedented American Ingenuity."

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 next-generation HomePod mini won't include Apple's new N1 networking chip, according to code analysis provided by a MacRumors tipster.

A macOS kernel debug kit distributed by Apple earlier this year included information on a number of upcoming devices, including the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2. Code associated with the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 mentions the "Sunrise" wireless system, which is what Apple calls Bluetooth/Wi-Fi chips sourced from MediaTek. The N1 is called "Centauri" in Apple's internal systems.

Based on the Sunrise mention, it appears that the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 won't be upgraded with the N1 networking chip, which contradicts some prior rumors we've heard about it. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that both the Apple TV and ‌HomePod mini‌ will use Apple's N1 chip in the past.

It appears that Apple plans to use the N1 chip for premium devices, while entry-level products will stick with cheaper MediaTek hardware for now. The upcoming ‌HomePod mini‌ 2, the iPhone 17e, the iPad 12, and the A18 Pro MacBook are all expected to use MediaTek chips instead of Apple's chip.

The N1 was introduced in the iPhone 17 models, and it is Apple's first in-house networking chip. It supports Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread. Because it was designed by Apple, it better integrates with other hardware and software in Apple devices, leading to improved efficiency and reliability.

Apple's next-generation iPad mini will be equipped with an A20 Pro chip, according to a MacRumors tipster who analyzed a macOS kernel debug kit containing internal Apple codenames. The kit was accidentally released on Apple's website earlier this year, but it was quickly pulled after information started leaking out of it.

A previous rumor indicated that the next iPad mini would be powered by the A19 Pro chip, which debuted in the iPhone 17 Pro, but our tipster is confident the codenames actually point towards the device using an unreleased A20 Pro chip.

We cannot say for sure whether the next iPad mini will use the A19 Pro or A20 Pro. It is possible that Apple initially tested a model with the A19 Pro, but the company's plans do change from time to time. If the iPad mini will next be updated in September or October of 2026, perhaps Apple ultimately decided to give it the A20 Pro.

In September 2021, Apple introduced the A15 Bionic chip across the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPad mini all at once. But over the years, the iPad mini has not always received Apple's newest A-series chip at the time it was updated, so the A19 Pro cannot be entirely ruled out at this time.

iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to use the A20 Pro chip, which will reportedly be fabricated with TSMC's advanced 2nm process.

Other rumored features for the next iPad mini include an OLED display, a redesigned speaker system with vibration technology, and a water-resistant design.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that the next iPad mini could be unveiled as early as next year. The current ‌iPad mini‌ was unveiled in October 2024, with key features including an A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support.

OpenAI added several new features to its flagship ChatGPT product today, introducing Apple Music support and upgraded image generation capabilities.

ChatGPT has supported app integrations since earlier this year, and it will soon work with Apple Music. With ‌Apple Music‌ integration, ChatGPT will be able to make music recommendations and playlists based on listening history and user suggestions.

Music recommendations made by ChatGPT will be able to be clicked to open the ‌Apple Music‌ app on desktop or on an iOS device. ‌Apple Music‌ is not available as an app integration just yet, but it is coming in the near future.

Along with ‌Apple Music‌ support, ChatGPT now has better image generation capabilities. ChatGPT Images is able to generate images up to 4x faster, and can make precise edits to an image while preserving details. OpenAI says that ChatGPT can tweak only the details you want updated, keeping lighting, composition, and people's appearance consistent across inputs, outputs, and edits.

The new model "excels" at adding, subtracting, combining, blending, and transposing for more realistic image creations using real photographs. It is better at adding text to images and altering layouts, and OpenAI says that it follows instructions more reliably than the prior-generation version.

With the update, the ability to generate some specific art styles like anime has regressed and it is no longer as good at altering images featuring many people, but OpenAI says that using preset filters can help, and the previous version of the image generator remains available to use.

ChatGPT Images, an image editing experience built into ChatGPT, includes dozens of preset styles and prompts that users can try out. It's available in the mobile app and on the web.

The updated Images model is rolling out today for all ChatGPT users, as is the new Images experience built into ChatGPT. ChatGPT's new image functionality will allow it to better compete with Google's Nano Banana image generator.

Update: The ‌Apple Music‌ mention has been removed from the original Substack post that included it, though it is unclear if the mention was incorrect or if OpenAI simply did not yet have authorization from Apple to disclose the upcoming partnership.

Apple is hosting an Apple Watch Activity Challenge on Sunday, December 21 to honor World Meditation Day. The challenge will show up for Apple Watch owners starting on December 19.

Apple first did a World Meditation Day Activity Challenge in May 2024, but later in 2024, the date of World Meditation Day was moved to December 21 by the United Nations General Assembly. December 21 coincides with the timing of the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking a time when days are short and nights are long.

Before 2024, World Meditation Day was informally observed on May 21, but it had not been officially designated as a UN-recognized international day.

Apple Watch owners can earn the Meditation Day badge by recording five or more mindful minutes with the Mindfulness app or any app that adds mindful minutes to the Health app.

Time to celebrate World Meditation Day! On December 21, record five mindful minutes or more with the Mindfulness app or any app that adds mindful minutes to Health to earn this special badge.

Apple Watch owners who earn the Meditation Day award will unlock a dedicated badge in the Fitness app, and a series of animated stickers that can be used in the Messages app.

Back in October, Apple also did a similar Mindful Month Activity Challenge, bringing awareness to mental health, self care, meditation, and mindfulness.

In line with previous rumors, The Information today reported that Apple is planning to release a special 20th-anniversary iPhone less than two years from now.

The report said the device will have a seamless design, with a curved glass enclosure and no cutouts in the display. Apple is expected to move Face ID under the screen starting with the iPhone 18 Pro models next year, and the report said the 20th-anniversary iPhone will also feature an under-screen front camera.

The publication said it could not yet learn if the display itself will curve around the edges, as shown in our conceptual mockup above. Nevertheless, it appears that Apple is working on a very ambitious design for the 20th-anniversary iPhone, much like the iPhone X was a game-changer for the iPhone's 10th-anniversary.

At a minimum, the report said the 20th-anniversary iPhone will lack bezels around the screen for a true edge-to-edge experience. It said the device has only a "narrow metal band running around the midpoint of the device's edge, where the buttons sit."

Many of these details were previously reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple is expected to release the 20th-anniversary iPhone around September 2027, so it is still early, and the device's design could change. If these rumors pan out, though, the 20th-anniversary iPhone could be something out of a dream.

Apple's next Apple Watch Activity Challenge will begin on Thursday, January 1, with Apple Watch users able to earn an award by closing all three rings for seven days in a row in January.

Start the year strong and stay active! Earn this award by closing all three Activity rings for seven days in a row in January.

Apple Watch owners will need to complete their stand, exercise, and move goals for seven days sequentially at any time during the month of January to get the New Year's award. It will show up for Apple Watch owners starting on December 28, and can be completed between January 7 and January 31.

Like all of Apple's Activity Challenges, the New Year challenge will be accompanied by an award that can be viewed in the Fitness app as well as a series of animated stickers that can be used in the Messages app.

The Ring in the New Year Activity Challenge happens every January, and it is one of many Activity Challenges that Apple offers throughout the year to encourage people to meet their Fitness goals and stay active.

All of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models are equipped with a Camera Control button that provides quick access to the Camera app and camera settings, but not everyone is a fan of it. Fortunately, though, Apple apparently plans to improve it.

The Information today reported that Apple plans to remove touch sensitivity and haptic feedback from the Camera Control on the standard iPhone 18 model, which suggests that it will be removing the button's capacitive layer. The report did not say if this change will extend to the iPhone 18 Pro models, but it seems likely for consistency.

A simplified Camera Control button for iPhone 18 models has been rumored previously.

With this change, iPhone 18 users would not be able to swipe on the Camera Control, which is something many users have complained about doing by accident. The redesigned button would only have pressure sensitivity.

The report said simplifying the Camera Control would reduce Apple's costs, but it seems quite likely that the company is also listening to customer feedback.

Apple has already taken steps to give users more control over the Camera Control's behavior, including adding a "Require Screen On" setting in iOS 18.2. And when you set up a new iPhone, the swipe gestures are now turned off by default.

Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro models next September, while the regular iPhone 18 model reportedly will not launch until spring 2027.

Apple today released new firmware for the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds that came out earlier this year. The updated firmware has a version number of 8A359, an update to the prior 8A353 firmware that was released in September.

It's not clear if the updated firmware adds new functionality, but it is likely to be a bug fix and performance improvement update. The prior-generation firmware update added iOS 26 functionality to the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌, introducing compatibility with the Fitness app and support for real-time performance metrics.

The ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 were Apple's first earbuds to offer in-ear heart rate monitoring, but that capability has also now expanded to the AirPods Pro 3.

The updated firmware can be installed on the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 by connecting them to power and ensuring that they are in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi. Firmware can be checked on the iPhone by going to Settings > Bluetooth and tapping the Info button next to the Beats headphones in the list. Android users can download new Beats firmware through the Beats app for Android.

We have been covering iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Fold details from The Information's report about future iPhone models, and next up is the iPhone Air 2.

The report says that Apple aims to make the iPhone Air 2 more attractive in two ways.

First, Apple is apparently considering adding a second rear camera to the device, which would resolve a key limitation. The current iPhone Air has a single 48-megapixel Fusion rear camera, with Telephoto-like, optical-quality 2× zoom, so the additional camera on the second-generation model would likely be an Ultra Wide lens.

Second, the report said Apple is considering lower pricing for the iPhone Air 2. In the U.S., the current iPhone Air starts at $999, despite having only a single rear camera, a single speaker, shorter battery life, and a few other minor limitations.

While it has a bold, ultra-thin design, the iPhone Air has seemingly been unpopular relative to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models, and Apple's suppliers are reportedly significantly scaling back production of the device as a result.

Apple is expected to release the iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027.

Apple's first foldable iPhone will be equipped with a 7.7-inch inner display, and a 5.3-inch outer display, according to The Information.

Earlier this year, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the foldable iPhone would have a 7.8-inch inner display, and a 5.5-inch outer display, so the sizes shared in today's report are slightly smaller. However, specs might not be finalized yet.

The publication said the iPhone 18 Pro will have a camera in the top-left corner of the screen, and it expects the same for the foldable iPhone's inner screen.

The foldable iPhone's displays are made with a "complex" mix of "specialty glass and materials" from companies like Corning and SCHOTT, according to the report.

Apple is expected to release the foldable iPhone in September 2026.

In February, Apple discontinued the iPhone SE and released a new entry-level iPhone 16e. The device features a 6.1-inch OLED display, an A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, an Action button, a USB-C port, and more, but one capability that it lacks is MagSafe wireless charging.

In a wide-ranging report today about future iPhone models, The Information's Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu said that the iPhone 17e will address this limitation.

Specifically, the report said the iPhone 17e will support "magnetic wireless charging," which implies that the device will feature MagSafe for faster, magnetic wireless charging — likely at speeds of up to 20W or 25W. The iPhone 16e is limited to Qi wireless charging at up to 7.5W speeds, and it is not a magnetic system.

The iPhone 17e will be equipped with Apple's second-generation C1X modem for cellular connectivity, according to the report. The iPhone 16e is equipped with Apple's first-generation C1 modem, while the C1X modem debuted in the iPhone Air.

Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17e in spring 2026. Overall, the report said the device will be an incremental upgrade over the iPhone 16e.

In the United States, the iPhone 16e starts at $599. It is unclear if the iPhone 17e will maintain that starting price, and it is also unknown if the device will move to a pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout instead of a notch.