MacRumors

While the focus is now on iOS 26, there is still an iOS 18.6 update incoming.

As noted by Aaron Zollo, Apple on Wednesday re-labeled iOS 18.6 Beta 4 as simply iOS 18.6, meaning that it is the Release Candidate version. This change effectively confirms that the update will be released to the public next week.

Alongside the new label, Apple shared release notes for iOS 18.6, which is a minor update focused on bug fixes and security patches. One of the fixes is for an issue that prevented sharing memory movies in the Photos app, according to Apple.

"This update provides important bug fixes and security updates, and fixes an issue in Photos that could prevent memory movies from being shared," the release notes say.

iOS 18.6 should be released to the public early next week, and iOS 18.7 will likely follow in September with additional security patches.

As for iOS 26, the fourth developer beta was released this week, and the first public beta will likely be available today or tomorrow.

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that lets users set reminders for particular messages that they want to refer back to, based on new findings in the latest beta version.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature allows users to long press on any message and select a new "Remind me" option in the popup menu. Users can then choose between 2 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, or a custom duration after which they will be alerted about it.

A bell symbol appears in the corner of the message to indicate a reminder has been set. When the reminder alert comes through, users see the message content, the conversation in which it's located, and a preview of any accompanying media.

The ability to schedule a reminder about a message should be a lot more convenient and foolproof than, say, starring a message or taking a screenshot of it and hoping you'll remember to come back to it.

WABetaInfo says that WhatsApp is also testing a way to occasionally send users notifications highlighting unread messages from contacts they interact with most frequently. The idea is to alert users who manage multiple conversations and may have overlooked the message.

The features remain in the beta version for Android for now, and there's no telling if or when they'll be implemented in a general WhatsApp update for iOS, but we'll be sure to let you know.

Apple has announced that it will be opening a new retail store in the in the heart of Osaka, Japan, on Saturday, July 26.

Apple Umeda is the second Apple store to open in Osaka and the 11th to open in Japan. It is located at 4-20 Ofukacho in the Kita ward of Osaka, next to the Osaka Station.

To celebrate the occasion, Apple has released a special wallpaper for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac that can be downloaded for free by visiting Apple's Japan website.

Many of Apple's newer stores feature an Apple Pickup station for collecting online orders, along with a Genius Bar designed with counters at different heights to enhance accessibility.

The store opens at 10:00 a.m. local time, according to Apple's website. There will be a full program of Today At Apple sessions, including "Say Hello to Apple Intelligence" and a deep dive into photography techniques using iPhone 16.

Qi2 25W wireless charging has been officially announced by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), confirming its coming support for compatible iPhones. Qi2 was previously known only by its version number, Qi2.2, but the WPC's announcement indicates it will take the brand name Qi2 25W.

Currently, iPhones featuring MagSafe use Qi 2, the widely supported second-generation charging standard. With third-party chargers, Qi 2 maxes out at 15W – although iPhone 16 models support upgraded 25W MagSafe charging using an official 30W Apple charger.

The WPC doesn't specify which iPhone models will support Qi2 25W, but Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 models are almost certain to include out-of-the-box compatibility, based on regulatory filings for new MagSafe charger models. There's also a chance that iPhone 16 models could receive an update to support Qi2 25W, given the magnetic Qi2 standard is partly based on Apple's MagSafe design.

Expect iPhone-compatible third-party Qi2 25W chargers to become increasingly prevalent as we edge closer to the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup in September. Ugreen has already announced its MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank, which it claimed was first in the world to receive Qi2 25W certification from the WPC. Other accessory makers including Baseus and Anker have also announced early certification.

"The momentum building behind the next stage in the evolution of the Qi standard is incredible," said Fady Mishriki, chair of the WPC's Board of Directors. "Consumers will be delighted when they experience Qi2 25W as it delivers nearly 70% more power than the original Qi2. The number of devices in the Qi2 25W certification queue for launch is unprecedented, as is the quality and breadth of our members product designs."

Android phones are also expected to pick up support, including Samsung's flagship devices. In addition to faster charging, Qi2 25W offers improved magnetic alignment and charging efficiency compared to its predecessor.

Epic Games today criticized the focus of measures that the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering implementing against Apple and Google, claiming that it might not be able to bring Fortnite back to the iOS App Store in the UK.

The CMA said that it will designate Apple and Google with "strategic market status" under new digital competition laws, giving the CMA the ability to direct how the ‌App Store‌ and Play Store are run. The CMA is focusing on Apple's anti-steering rules and app review processes rather than forcing Apple to support sideloading through alternative app stores, which is what ‌Epic Games‌ takes issue with.

‌Epic Games‌ says that it won't be able to bring the ‌Epic Games‌ Store to iOS in the UK this year, and Fortnite's return to iOS in the UK is "now uncertain" because the CMA is not prioritizing opening the mobile ecosystem to alternative app stores.

A free market requires multiple stores competing to offer consumers the best prices and services. If you don't have competing stores, the one store that is a state-sanctioned monopoly will use its control to extract all the value from the market at the expense of all creators who cannot compete, and consumers who can't choose the best deal among competing stores.

‌Epic Games‌ also claims that any anti-steering rules will see "years of malicious compliance" from Apple, suggesting that Apple used "restrictions, obstructions, and junk fees" in Europe to "make a mockery of the Digital Markets Act." Apple and Google must be "completely blocked from imposing fees and discriminating against apps using out-of-app payment," reads Epic's blog post.

The CMA does not plan to consider store competition until sometime in 2026, which ‌Epic Games‌ says is "bleak news."

Sonos today named interim CEO Tom Conrad as its permanent CEO, officially replacing Patrick Spence after he stepped down back in January.

Spence was CEO of Sonos for eight years, and he oversaw the disastrous app redesign that disappointed Sonos customers due to missing features and poor performance. Sonos had to delay product launches in order to focus on fixing the app, and ultimately laid off 100 employees.

Tom Conrad co-founded music service Pandora, and he was vice president of product at Snap and Chief Product Officer at Quibi. He also served on the Sonos board before being appointed interim CEO. Sonos was searching for a replacement CEO, but Conrad has been successful turning things around at Sonos over the past six months.

Conrad has been named Sonos' CEO, and he will also remain on the Board of Directors.

"Following a comprehensive and competitive search, the Board is confident that Tom is the best person to lead Sonos into its next chapter of delighting customers, spearheading innovation, and driving growth," said Julius Genachowski, Chair of the Board. "Over the past six months, Tom has earned the confidence of our employees, customers, partners and shareholders by restoring urgency and a deep commitment to delivering ever-improving experiences. He has a compelling vision for Sonos' future, with strong plans to harness technology to benefit our customers, as AI and other advances reframe the landscape and unlock new opportunities. We're energized by what Sonos' next chapter holds for all our stakeholders."

Sonos was able to improve its app and launch the Sonos Ace headphones and the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar under Conrad's leadership. Conrad said that he is excited to "move from rebuilding to imagining the next generation of experiences."

The "T-Satellite" Starlink satellite service that T-Mobile has been testing for the last several months is now out of beta, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert announced today.

Satellite-based connectivity is available for T-Mobile subscribers, but it is also an option for Verizon and AT&T users. T-Mobile's offering uses over 650 Starlink satellites to allow users to send text messages when they are out of range of a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.

T-Mobile says that its satellite services work with more than 600 smartphones, including iPhones. If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can use T-Satellite, though these devices already have Apple's built-in satellite functionality that works with Globalstar satellites. You will need iOS 18.3 or later to sign up.

The T-Mobile satellite service is limited to texting with iMessage and SMS, and data is not supported. Apple's built-in satellite service supports sending and receiving messages, sharing location via Find My, connecting with emergency services, getting satellite-based weather updates, and arranging roadside assistance via satellite. Apple does not yet charge for any of its Satellite functionality.

T-Satellite is free for Beyond 5G and Go5G customers, while T-Mobile users with other plans can get the service added to their plans for $10 per month using the Manage Add-Ons option in their accounts. AT&T and Verizon customers can get T-Satellite for $10 per month by contacting T-Mobile customer support. The $10/month pricing is a limited-time promotion, and T-Mobile intends to raise the price to $15 per month in the future.

‌iPhone‌ users who sign up for T-Mobile's satellite service and connect to a Starlink satellite will see a small "SAT" icon in the status bar

Amazon has some decent deals on the latest M3 iPad Air models this week, with $50 to $70 off most models.

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

The 11-inch 128GB Wi-Fi iPad Air in Blue is priced at $539, down from $599. Other colors are around $10 more expensive. The 11-inch 128GB Space Gray iPad Air with cellular connectivity is priced at $678, down from $749.

If you want more storage, you can get a better deal. The 11-inch Space Gray iPad Air with 256GB of storage is priced at $629, down from $699. The 256GB cellular model in purple is priced at $774, down from $849. The 11-inch Wi-Fi iPad Air with 512GB of storage in Space Gray is priced at $799, down from $899, and the cellular version in blue is priced at $959, down from $1,049. The 11-inch cellular 1TB iPad Air in Starlight is available for $1021, down from $1,249.

For the larger 13-inch iPad Air, the base Wi-Fi model with 128GB of storage in purple is priced at $699, down from $799, and the 512GB Wi-Fi model in Space Gray is priced at $999, down from $1,099.

For more iPad deals, we have a dedicated Deals Roundup that has all of the current best prices available across different models.

Google today announced that it is bringing new AI video editing tools to both Google Photos and YouTube Shorts.

Google ‌Photos‌ is gaining a photo-to-video feature that's powered by Veo 2. The photo app will be able to generate short videos from the photos that are saved in the Google ‌Photos‌ gallery, adding subtle animations, facial expressions, and more.

Google ‌Photos‌ users can select a picture from their photo gallery and choose the "Subtle movements" or "I'm feeling lucky" options to bring images to life with movement. The feature is rolling out today in the Google ‌Photos‌ apps for iOS and Android.

In the next few weeks, Google ‌Photos‌ will get a "Remix" feature that will allow users to change the style of a photo using AI. Available options will include anime, comic, sketch, and 3D animation. The Photo to video and Remix tools can both be found in the new Create tab in Google ‌Photos‌, and all AI-generated content will be watermarked with a SynthID digital watermark.

As for YouTube Shorts, Google is allowing creators to use the Photo to video feature to turn pictures from the camera roll into videos that work on the Shorts platform. As with the option in Google ‌Photos‌, Photo to video can add movement to landscape photos, animate everyday images, and add life to group photos.

Creators are also able to use new effects that can transform doodles into images and turn selfies into unique videos.

Photo to video for YouTube Shorts is rolling out today and over the next week, and it's a free feature that will be available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The new effects are rolling out in the coming weeks and can be found by tapping the Effects icon in the Shorts camera.

Amazon is offering discounts on the M4 Mac mini this week, and you can get Apple's smallest desktop machine for up to $150 off.

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.

The M4 Mac mini with 24GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is available for $889, which is $110 off the standard price from Apple. The M4 Pro variant with 24GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is a little over $150 off, and there's a smaller discount on the standard M4 models with 16GB RAM.

These aren't the best discounts we've ever seen for the Mac mini, but they're the best prices available this week if you're looking to pick up a new desktop machine.

If you're looking for a different Mac, we keep track of the best prices available in our Apple Deals roundup.

Apple News+ Audio is expanding to the UK, Canada, and Australia as of today. Apple debuted ‌Apple News‌+ Audio way back in 2020, and it has been limited to U.S. ‌Apple News‌ subscribers until now.

‌Apple News‌+ Audio is primarily designed for ‌Apple News‌+ subscribers, and it provides professionally narrated versions of the best stories from ‌Apple News‌. Audio stories can be listened to in the ‌Apple News‌+ app or in the Podcasts app, with Apple highlighting popular stories from subscription publications like The New Yorker, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, and more.

Those who do not subscribe to ‌Apple News‌+ can hear previews of stories, and there's also a free News Today audio option that's available to all ‌Apple News‌ users.

‌Apple News‌+ has a robust selection of audio stories, with users able to see top options across categories like News and Politics, Business, Sports, Arts and Entertainment, and True Crime.

In Australia, Canada, and the UK, ‌Apple News‌+ Audio includes audio stories from local publications as well as stories from the U.S.

‌Apple News‌+ is priced at $12.99 USD per month, and it provides access to subscription publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and The Atlantic, along with dozens of magazines and regional newspapers. ‌Apple News‌+ is also included in the Apple One Premier plan priced at $37.95 USD per month.

(Thanks, Ben!)

Apple's most affordable AirPods are even more affordable this week, with Amazon offering the AirPods 4 for just $99, down from $129.

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.

Apple introduced the AirPods 4 back in September, and the earbuds feature an updated design that's more comfortable in the ears, along with a vent system for pressure equalization. Sound quality is much improved thanks to a new acoustic architecture, so if you have older AirPods and have been wanting to upgrade, now might be a good time.

Amazon is discounting the standard AirPods 4, and unfortunately, the AirPods 4 with ANC aren't on sale this week.

If you're looking for more deals on Apple products, make sure to check out our Apple Deals roundup where we track sales.

Apple has modified the screenshot experience in iOS 26 to accommodate Visual Intelligence and its new Liquid Glass aesthetic. Taking a screenshot is still done by pressing the Side button and Volume Up button on your iPhone, but the interface has been redesigned, while there's another change that might slow down your workflow if you're used to the streamlined approach taken in iOS 18 and earlier.

Why You Might Want to Switch Back

If you regularly use Apple's screen capture tools in iOS 18, you'll know that screenshots appear as small thumbnails in the bottom-left corner that you can quickly tap to edit and save or ignore. This lets you continue using your iPhone without interruption, while still giving you the option to markup and/or share a screenshot when required.

In contrast, the new full-screen preview mode in iOS 26 displays your screenshot across the entire display by default, complete with editing tools and Visual Intelligence options at the bottom. While this gives you immediate access to cropping, markup, and AI-powered features, it may feel intrusive compared to iOS 18's approach.

Disabling Full-Screen Previews

When you take your first screenshot after updating to iOS 26, you should see an on-screen prompt asking if you'd like to "Switch to Thumbnail View." If you missed this opportunity or accidentally tapped "Not Now," you can still revert to the old thumbnail approach, thanks to a new settings menu:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Screen Capture.
4. Toggle off Full-Screen Previews.

Once disabled, screenshots will revert to the familiar iOS 18 behavior, appearing as temporary thumbnails in the bottom-left corner. You can still access all editing features by tapping the thumbnail when you need them, or you can review the images later in the Photos app.

Additional Screenshot Options

While you're in Screen Capture settings, you'll also find new options for enabling HDR screenshots (saved in HEIF image format), a CarPlay Screenshots toggle for when your iPhone is connected to CarPlay, and Visual Lookup (iPhone 15 Pro and newer models only).

There is another change coming to AppleCare+ beyond the all-new AppleCare One bundle plan.

As noted by 9to5Mac's Zac Hall, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss plans will be available for the iPad and Apple Watch starting this Thursday, July 24. These plans are available individually, with no AppleCare One coverage required.

As the name of the plan implies, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss includes coverage for up to two incidents of theft or loss in a one-year period, in addition to unlimited repairs for accidental damage. In the U.S., the plan starts at $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year for the iPad, and at $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year for the Apple Watch.

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss was previously limited to the iPhone, with only regular AppleCare+ for repairs offered for the iPad and Apple Watch until now.

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is still not available for other devices, such as the Mac, Apple TV, HomePod, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro.

If you do prefer AppleCare One, theft and loss coverage does apply to any devices that you add to that plan, including the iPad and Apple Watch.

More details are available on the AppleCare website.

An independent engineer known for modifying Apple products today revealed a new accessory that adds a fully functional USB-C port to older iPhones with Lightning ports via a custom-designed case.

Ken Pillonel, the Swiss robotics engineer who gained attention in 2021 after adding a USB-C port to an iPhone X through hardware modification, has launched a commercial product that enables USB-C charging and data transfer on Lightning-based iPhones without requiring any internal modifications.

The accessory, sold under the brand "Obsoless," is a two-part snap-on case that integrates a custom circuit board and USB-C connector. The product is designed to provide full compatibility with 9V fast charging, data transfer, and Apple CarPlay.

The project is built on the foundations of his earlier work with AirPods USB-C cases. In a new video, Pillonel explains how he overcame many of the technical challenges involved in developing the case, such as ensuring compatibility with fast charging.

The case itself consists of two parts that clamp around the phone, connecting to the Lightning port through a precisely aligned connector embedded within the enclosure. Pillonel developed a custom latching mechanism inspired by pen clickers and belt buckles, which uses a rotating joint and tactile latch to keep the enclosure closed without requiring tools.

The accessory is also MagSafe compatible. 20 different iPhone models with Lightning ports are supported in total. More color variants of the case will be available starting in September, and users can sign up for email notifications via the Obsoless website for updates on availability.

Halfbrick has teamed up with Apple's App Store team to offer Fruit Ninja fans a free month of Apple Arcade. The deal is available for both new and returning Apple Arcade subscribers.

New subscribers can get up to two free months, pairing the free Halfbrick month with a one-month free trial. Existing subscribers are eligible for a one month subscription to play Fruit Ninja and other ‌Apple Arcade‌ games.

To get the free month of ‌Apple Arcade‌, you can sign up on Halfbrick's website. Promo codes are available in the United States, Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, Japan, Philippines, Brazil, and Mexico. If you're not in the U.S., make sure to select your country from the dropdown menu. ‌Apple Arcade‌ promo codes are limited, so make sure to sign up soon.

Halfbrick is offering the promotion to celebrate a fun Bluey-themed event taking place this summer. Popular ‌Apple Arcade‌ game Fruit Ninja Classic+ has been updated with Bluey-themed wands, powers, dojos, and other easter eggs. It's worth checking out with the free month of ‌Apple Arcade‌ if you're a fan of Fruit Ninja or Bluey. There are a series of four in-game Bluey events that are available through August 13, with special in-game prizes available to unlock.

‌Apple Arcade‌ is normally priced at $6.99 per month. There are more than 200 games available, with no in-app purchases or ads.

Apple today announced AppleCare One, a new subscription plan for customers to cover multiple devices with a single plan.

AppleCare One starts at $19.99 per month for up to three products, with the ability to add more for $5.99 per month for each additional device. The plan incudes all of the benefits that come with AppleCare+, such as unlimited repairs for accidents, priority support, battery coverage, and more.

Subscribers can freely move their devices in and out of the plan at any time. AppleCare One also enables users to add products they already own that are up to four years old, providing they are in good condition, extending beyond the current 60-day window to purchase AppleCare+. When a customer trades in a covered product with Apple, it is automatically removed from their AppleCare One plan and replaced with the new device.

AppleCare One also expands theft and loss protection to the iPad and Apple Watch. Previously, it was only available for the iPhone.

AppleCare One's pricing is the same regardless of the products that are covered. Apple says that a customer who enrolls their iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch could save up to $11 per month versus enrolling in separate AppleCare+ plans for each device.

Customers in the United States can sign up for AppleCare One starting tomorrow on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by visiting an Apple Store.