Apple today released new firmware designed for the AirPods Pro 3 and the prior-generation AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 firmware is 8B25, while the AirPods Pro 2 firmware is 8B21, both up from the prior 8A358 firmware released in October.
There's no word on what's include in the updated firmware, but the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 are both set to get expanded support for Live Translation in the European Union in iOS 26.2, which is being beta tested.
The firmware could be related to that upcoming functionality, or it could add bug fixes and performance improvements.
To install the new firmware, make sure your AirPods are in range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. From there, put your AirPods in the Charging Case and connect the Charging Case to power. Keep the case closed and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware update to install.
Apple plans to incorporate Major League Soccer (MLS) content into its Apple TV streaming service starting in 2026, reports The Hollywood Reporter. MLS will no longer be a separate subscription, and games will instead be available as part of the base Apple TV service.
As of now, MLS games are accessible through the MLS Season Pass, which is priced at $14.99 per month or $99 for the season. The MLS Season Pass will be eliminated for the 2026 season, and soccer fans will have access to games through the standard $12.99 per month Apple TV subscription.
The MLS board of governors will need to approve the new deal between Apple and the MLS, but the aim is to expand the MLS fanbase and make MLS content easier to access. Apple's services chief Eddy Cue said that Apple is "thrilled to bring MLS to more fans around the world" next season.
Apple recently established a deal for Formula 1 rights in the United States, and F1 races will also be available to all Apple TV subscribers as Apple works to increase its live sports content.
Woot this week is back with a big sale on Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands for Apple Watch, with as much as 70 percent off these accessories. Additionally, Woot has sweetened this deal and is offering 35 percent off when you buy two or more, 50 percent off three or more, and 65 percent off four or more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Woot. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
You can get the Solo Loop for just $14.99 ($34 off) and the Braided Solo Loop for $29.99 ($69 off). All bands in this sale are in brand new condition and come with a one-year Apple limited warranty, and they are all compatible with the new Apple Watch Series 11.
Shoppers should note that this sale is focused on colors of the Braided Solo Loop and Solo Loop that Apple has stopped selling, and it doesn't include any of the new band colors. That being said, all of the bands in this sale are in new condition.
The entire sale is focused on Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop Apple Watch bands, so you'll need to know the size that works best for you before you buy. Apple has a measurement tool on its website that you can use to determine your exact size.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2025.
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Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Volkswagen today announced that it is bringing Apple Watch support to the myVW app, allowing Volkswagen owners to access key vehicle functions from their wrists.
The myVW ap is available for most MY20+ ICE and electric vehicles that have an applicable connected vehicle service plan. Volkswagen has several paid plan options, like Remote Access, VW Vehicle Insights, and Safe and Secure.
Some of the features available through the Apple Watch app include Lock/Unlock, Honk and Flash, Vehicle Status, and Lock Status. For EVs, Remote Charging, Charge Status, and Climate Start/Stop are available. ICE models have access to Remote Start/Stop and Fuel Status.
To use the app, vehicle owners will need to download the myWV app, accept the myVW terms of service, add their vehicle to the virtual garage, and subscribe to a paid or included Remote Access or VW Vehicle Insights plan.
Tesla vehicles rely on its own infotainment software system, which integrates vehicle functions, navigation, music, web browsing, and more. The automaker has been an outlier in foregoing support for Apple CarPlay, which has otherwise become an industry standard feature, allowing users to mirror their iPhone apps to their in-car infotainment screen.
Now, Tesla seems to have abruptly reversed course and apparently intends to add support for the highly requested feature. Apple CarPlay for Tesla vehicles is said to now be in testing, according to several individuals familiar with the matter. The company has purportedly discussed a roll out of feature "in the coming months," but release plans are not yet finalized and it could come at a later date.
Tesla's adoption of CarPlay will involve the feature operating "within a window inside its broader interface," rather than being a full-screen experience like it is in most vehicles. Tesla's implementation will also be the standard version of wireless CarPlay, rather than the next-generation CarPlay Ultra that started rolling out earlier this year.
Tesla apparently hopes that adding support for Apple CarPlay will help boost sales, with some prospective buyers citing the lack of CarPlay support as a reason for not choosing the company's cars.
The program is designed for developers who host mini apps and games within a larger, native app.
Today, we're introducing the Mini Apps Partner Program, which expands on the App Store's ongoing support for apps that offer mini apps. Mini apps are self-contained experiences that are built using web technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript. This program is designed to help developers who host mini apps grow their business and further the availability of mini apps on the App Store — all while providing a great customer experience.
Participating developers may benefit from a reduced commission rate of 15% on the sales of qualifying In-App Purchases. To be eligible for this reduced commission rate, participating apps must support certain App Store technologies, including the Declared Age Range API and the Advanced Commerce API in order to help provide a safe and seamless experience for customers of all ages.
The mini apps must be not be controlled by the developer of the host app. Participating apps are also required to support certain App Store technologies, such as the Declared Age Range API and the Advanced Commerce API. To join the Mini Apps Partner Program, developers must submit a request form.
The program seemingly relates to Apple's deal with Tencent, allowing it to obtain commission on mini games and mini apps in China's WeChat.
Apple also updated its App Review Guidelines today, adding and clarifying a range of requirements, including the provision that "creator apps must provide a way for users to identify content that exceeds the app's age rating, use an age restriction mechanism based on verified or declared age to limit access by underage users."
Apple has reached a new agreement with Tencent that will allow the company to process payments and collect a 15% commission on purchases made inside WeChat mini games and mini apps on the iPhone, establishing a major new revenue stream in China after over a year of negotiations, according to Bloomberg.
Under the arrangement, Apple will begin handling in-app payment processing for qualifying mini apps and mini games distributed inside WeChat, China's dominant all-purpose mobile platform. Developers participating in the system will need to adopt specific Apple software requirements, including a feature that allows parents to share a child's age range.
Unlike users in the rest of the world, most Chinese iPhone users do not access services by downloading separate apps from the App Store. Instead, they use WeChat as a single interface for services, utilities, and entertainment. These functions are powered by a vast network of mini apps contained entirely within WeChat.
Purchases made through these mini apps have historically not generated App Store commission because many developers direct users to external payment systems. As a result, Apple's new agreement gives the company a foothold in a major segment of Chinese mobile payments from which it previously received no revenue.
While the new 15% commission is half of Apple's standard 30% rate for many App Store transactions, Bloomberg estimates that the size of the WeChat ecosystem makes the agreement potentially worth billions of dollars to Apple. The agreement is expected to be disclosed publicly by the companies at a later date.
Amazon today has dropped the price of the new M5 MacBook Pro to $1,480.00, down from $1,599.00. This is the 10-Core model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD in Space Black, and it's a new all-time low price on the M5 MacBook Pro.
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 version of the MacBook Pro just launched last month and it comes with the newest M5 chip, which offers up to 15% faster CPU performance and up to 45% faster graphics when compared to the M4 chip. For the 512GB model, Amazon provides a November 18 estimated arrival date for free shipping without Prime.
If you're shopping for any other models of the M5 MacBook Pro, you'll want to take a look at our exclusive offers at Expercom. In regards to both 1TB models, as well as a few custom higher-end models, you'll find the best prices here, and our discount has been applied automatically to every computer. Some examples of deals are listed below.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2025.
Note: We're currently seeing an issue where clicking on the links in this article may not show the discounted pricing. Opening the links in a new tab/window or manually copying and pasting them into your browser should, however, work. The issue seems to only affect Safari, with Chrome, Firefox, and several other browsers working fine in our testing.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
iOS 26 extended pinned conversations in the Messages app to CarPlay, for quick access to your most frequent chats. However, some drivers may prefer the classic view with a list of individual conversations only, and Apple now lets users choose.
Apple released the second beta of iOS 26.2 this week, and it introduces a new CarPlay setting for turning off pinned conversations in the Messages app. After installing the beta on your iPhone, simply open the Settings app on CarPlay, look for the Pinned Conversations toggle in the main menu, and turn it off if you prefer to.
iOS 26.2 will be released to all users in December, according to Apple.
Apple was today denied permission from the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal to appeal a ruling that found its App Store commission practices to be unlawful and could result in damages of over $1 billion.
The hearing follows a decision made in October by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) saying that Apple unlawfully abused its position in the distribution of iOS apps. The case was brought forward in 2023 on behalf of more than 1,500 UK developers who alleged that Apple charged excessive commission rates on paid apps and in-app purchases.
The tribunal agreed, ruling that Apple holds a monopoly over the sale and distribution of iPhone apps and that its commission structure resulted in higher prices being passed on to consumers. According to the CAT's published judgment, it accepted the claimants' argument that Apple's control over app distribution meant developers had "no economically viable alternative" to the App Store.
The tribunal also cited comments made by Steve Jobs in 2008 that Apple did not intend to profit from the store and aimed only to cover operating costs. That early statement was referenced by the claimants as evidence that Apple's current commission structure had diverged significantly from its initial framing.
The latest hearing sought to establish a methodology for calculating compensation for both developers and affected consumers. Apple used the same hearing to request permission to appeal the October ruling, which was denied. Apple is now entitled to apply directly to the Court of Appeal to challenge the refusal and continue pursuing an appeal of the main ruling.
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.
1Password today announced a redesigned unlock system for Mac and Windows that allows the app to open automatically when a user unlocks their device.
The new setting lets 1Password unlock alongside the operating system when a user authenticates with Face ID, Touch ID, a PIN, or a system password. According to 1Password, this removes the repeated reauthentication many users encounter when returning to their computers after brief periods away, while still relying on the device's built-in authentication hardware to validate identity.
1Password said the feature is optional and forms part of a broader update introducing new security presets that define how frequently the app locks. The presets offer three default configurations ranging from automatic unlock with the device to more frequent password prompts. Each preset can be adjusted per device, and settings do not sync across platforms.
The update also introduces a security review prompt that explains how each preset works and, in some cases, recommends creating a recovery code. Recovery codes provide an additional fallback if users forget their password or lose access to a trusted device.
1Password said that mobile versions already support a similar device-based unlock, though the app will only reopen automatically if it was accessed within the previous 10 minutes.
The company said the new features are first rolling out to Individual and Family accounts. Business and Enterprise users will receive a separate update and no settings will change without administrator approval.
Apple's entry-level iPhone 16e model is selling poorly, just like the iPhone Air, according to an Asia-based leaker.
The Weibo user known as "Fixed Focus Digital" said that the iPhone 16e is not selling well and the attempt at delivering a popular, low-cost iPhone has "failed." That being said, both models are expected to see successors. The iPhone 17e is expected to debut in the spring of 2026, while the iPhone Air 2 is likely to arrive at a later date owing to a delay. Meanwhile, demand for the iPhone 17 lineup continues to surge, with production orders increasing.
The iPhone 16e was introduced earlier this year, offering the A18 chip, an OLED display, the C1 modem, a 48-megapixel camera, and more, for $599. There have been few reports about its sales performance until now.
On the other hand, the iPhone Air is widely reported to have seen low demand. All production is expected to stop by the end of this month. There were plans for a second-generation iPhone Air that would be released alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026, but The Information says Apple has decided to delay the fall 2026 launch.
The iPhone 17e is expected to feature the A19 chip and potentially the Dynamic Island. The iPhone Air 2 is rumored to offer an additional rear camera, a larger battery, and a vapor-chamber for cooling. Apple is seemingly hoping that these enhancements will help lift sales.
Apple now provides more information on the Enhanced Safety Alerts added in the first beta.
Enhanced Safety Alerts can provide you safety alerts on your iPhone and Watch to notify you of an emergency event, such as an earthquake or flood. These alerts are sent over available connectivity, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and, when available, mobile data. Apple can deliver Enhanced Safety Alerts to your current region, which is determined using your device location. A region may be a country, or for some countries (such as the US), a region may be a group of states. Your Apple device can be associated with this region. Apple does not store information about your device location in a region.
Enhanced Safety Alerts are turned on by default. You can disable or re-enable Enhanced Safety Alerts by going to Settings > Notifications > Enhanced Alerts > Enhanced Safety Alerts, then tapping to turn one or more types of Enhanced Safety Alerts on or off. Enhanced Safety Alerts are delivered by Apple and will appear and sound different to a Government Alert sent by your local government.
Improve Alert Delivery uses your approximate location to improve the timeliness and reliability of Enhanced Safety Alerts. For example, Earthquake Alerts might be delivered quicker and more reliably when Improve Alert Delivery is turned on. Apple does not store your approximate location. You can enable Improve Alert Delivery in Settings > Notifications > Enhanced Alerts > Enhanced Safety Alerts > Improve Alert Delivery. To receive Enhanced Alerts, you must have enabled Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Alerts & Shortcuts Automation.
Other Features
There are several other new features coming in iOS 26.2, such as a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen and Live Translation support for the AirPods in the European Union. More information can be found in our iOS 26.2 beta 1 guide.
Download iOS 26.2
iOS 26.2 beta 2 is available for developers right now, but a public beta is likely coming later this week. You can sign up for public beta testing by visiting Apple's beta website.
Compatibility
iOS 26.2 is available on all iPhones that support iOS 26.
Release Date
We're expecting Apple to release iOS 26.2 in December, sometime between December 9 and December 16.
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser that was first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed Safari Technology Preview to allow users to test features that are planned for future release versions of the Safari browser.
Safari Technology Preview 232 includes fixes and updates for CSS, JavaScript, Media, Rendering, SVG, Storage, Web API, and Web Inspector.
The current Safari Technology Preview release is compatible with machines running macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe, the newest version of macOS.
The Safari Technology Preview update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple’s website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.
Apple’s aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.
Aqara today launched its latest sensor, debuting the Presence Multi-Sensor FP300. Aqara’s sensor is able to determine when someone is in the room, providing a useful way to control HomeKit-connected lights and devices.
There are dual mmWave and passive infrared sensors inside the FP300, and in our testing prior to launch, the sensors worked well to detect presence and keep lights on even when sitting still.
A wide 120-degree field of view provides coverage of most of a room depending on where the sensor is located, and Aqara added extra sensors for ambient light, humidity, and temperature. It’s handy to have extra sensors for keeping an eye on room conditions or activating scenes based on parameters like light levels.
Unlike prior Aqara sensors that detect presence, the FP300 is battery powered so it can be placed anywhere, and it’s also more affordable. At $50, it’s an easier buy for rooms where you want better control over when the lights are on and off. The sensor is small and unobtrusive with a rotatable base, so it can be placed almost anywhere. It comes with screws, adhesive and a magnet for mounting it on the wall or another surface.
Compared to the more expensive FP2 Presence Sensor from Aqara, the FP300 is not as advanced and does not include multi-person detection, sleep tracking, or fall detection capabilities.
There are plenty of sensors that can detect movement to turn on lights or activate other devices, but those mostly work by detecting movement upfront and then turning the lights off after a set period. Aqara’s Presence Sensor works much better than these static motion sensors. It keeps the lights on inside the closet for the entire duration that I’m in there before turning them off again. It has a range of almost 20 feet, so it works in most rooms.
The FP300 is able to connect to HomeKit using Matter, and it also includes Zigbee and Thread protocol support. When used in Thread mode, it can connect with Apple Home without a hub, but Zigbee mode requires an Aqara Zigbee Hub.
It supports HomeKit automations, so you can create actions for turning on lights or other devices when you enter the room, or use features like the ambient light detection to automate your lights when it starts to get dark.
Combining the included sensors is useful too. You can set up an automation for turning the lights on in the dark only when presence is detected, or activating the thermostat only if it’s over a certain temperature while someone is in the room. Aqara designed the sensor with AI, and it can adjust detection sensitivity to the room where it is placed.
There are two CR2450 batteries inside, which will need to be replaced approximately once every two years when it’s connected via Thread.
The second beta of macOS 26.2 introduces a new Edge Light feature that's designed for video calls on FaceTime and other video calling platforms. It adds a light border around the edges of your Mac's display, providing improved lighting. Apple says that it is meant to help you look your best on video calls.
Edge Light mimics a ring light, eliminating the need for a separate device. It can provide illumination when you're in a dark room, and customize the light to match the brightness of the ambient lighting.
The Mac's Apple Neural Engine is able to detect your face, relative size, and location in the video frame to position the light appropriately, and it will fade out to allow you to access content on your screen when needed by detecting your mouse cursor. You can adjust the color of the light using a slider that transitions between warm and cool options.
Edge Light can be accessed in the settings of video conferencing apps alongside other options like backgrounds, Portrait mode, Studio Light, and Voice Isolation. The feature is available on Macs that support Apple silicon, and it works with both webcams and external cameras that are connected.
On Macs from 2024 and later, Edge Light can turn on automatically when ambient lighting in the room drops.
Developers can try Edge Light today, and macOS Tahoe 26.2 is set to launch to the public in December.
Apple today provided the second beta of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after Apple released the first beta.
Developers can download the macOS Tahoe 26.2 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required.
The Reminders app is getting an option to have an alarm go off when a reminder is due, the News app has some design updates, and Apple is adding new features to the Podcasts app.
We'll likely see Apple release macOS Tahoe 26.2 right around mid-December given past launch timelines.
Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after Apple seeded the first betas.
Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.
iOS 26.2 has a Liquid Glass slider on the Lock Screen to adjust the transparency of the clock, plus it brings AirPods Live Translation to the European Union. The Reminders app now supports alarms for when tasks are due, and there are updates to the Podcasts and Apple News apps.
