The package includes left and right controllers with attached straps, a controller charging station, a charging brick, a power cord, and two USB adapters.
visionOS 26 added support for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers to Vision Pro models with the M2 chip and the M5 chip, enabling high-precision motion tracking in supported games, complete with finger touch detection and vibration feedback.
Elu Legend, Pickle Pro, Ping Pong Club, and Spatial Rifts are some of the first Vision Pro games that support the controllers, according to Apple.
In addition to being available for delivery on Apple's online store, the PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers and charging station will be available for in-store pickup at select Apple Store locations in the U.S. starting Monday, November 17.
Apple is not selling this PlayStation VR2 Sense set in any other countries.
Hardware changes Apple has planned for the iPhone 18 Pro Max will make it the heaviest iPhone yet, claims a Chinese leaker.
Apple isn't expected to change the size of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and it will feature the same 6.9-inch display size as the current model. However, according to Weibo-based account Instant Digital, the body of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, tipping its weight over 240 grams.
In a follow-up post on Weibo, Instant Digital says the difference between the two generations will be about 10 grams, so it sounds like we're looking at around 243 grams. That would make next year's iPhone 18 Pro Max approximately 3 grams more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which is currently the heaviest model Apple has produced.
Apple's use of titanium instead of stainless steel made the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models lighter. Apple then switched away from titanium to less-dense aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro models, but internal changes and slightly thicker designs bumped up their weight again. The iPhone 17 Pro Max weighs 233 grams, up from 227 grams.
Pro Max model weights:
iPhone XS Max: 208 grams
iPhone 11 Pro Max: 226 grams
iPhone 12 Pro Max: 228 grams
iPhone 13 Pro Max: 238 grams
iPhone 14 Pro Max: 240 grams
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 221 grams
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 227 grams
iPhone 17 Pro Max: 233 grams
iPhone 18 Pro Max: ~243 grams?
In a swipe at the iPhone Air's reported poor sales, the leaker claims Apple has "figured out" that making iPhones thinner and lighter doesn't necessarily make them more attractive to consumers if that means compromising on features and battery life.
The leaker doesn't give a specific reason for the alleged thicker design of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, but a larger battery is the most likely cause. Apple is also said to be adopting a new type of vapor chamber that uses stainless steel.
In addition, there are camera upgrades rumored – a Main camera with a variable aperture and a new three-layer stacked image sensor developed by Samsung – and potentially changes coming to the Dynamic Island and Face ID. Whether the weight increase is due to the cumulative effect of multiple changes or a single hardware upgrade remains unclear.
Instant Digital has a mixed but occasionally reliable track record. The account previously revealed accurate details such as the Yellow iPhone 14 and 14 Plus finishes and the Titanium Milanese Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, though not all of its past claims have proven correct.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch in the fall of 2026.
Apple's website is causing some confusion among Mac owners, and for good reason – its device compatibility listing for Apple Intelligence appears to have dropped support for M1 Macs.
The U.S. version of its Apple Intelligence webpage has been updated at the bottom to list "M2 or later" Mac models as eligible for the AI features, replacing the long-standing "M1 and later" requirement.
However, regional versions – including the UK and Canada sites – continue to reference M1 Macs as compatible with Apple Intelligence. Meanwhile, Apple's support page, titled "How to get Apple Intelligence" and dated November 10, still lists "Mac with M1 or later" under the device requirements.
Looking at the difference between the live webpage and the last archived snapshot from November 6, Apple appears to have intentionally changed Apple Vision Pro from "M2" to "M2 or later" to reflect the recent launch of the Vision Pro with M5 chip. But whoever did the edit also appears to have erroneously changed the Macs in the list to "M2 or later" as well. Also, Apple never released an M2 iMac!
On the Canada and UK pages, Apple has not yet updated the Vision Pro to "M2 or later", which is another sign that this is exactly what has happened. We expect Apple will correct the U.S. webpage later today once it learns of the mistake.
Apple Intelligence began rolling out in October 2024, bringing generative and contextual AI tools across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It touts a range of capabilities, including composing text and emails, generating images, summarizing documents and texts, and more.
We are still waiting for Apple to release a more advanced version of Siri with contextual awareness that has been promised since last year. Apple is expected to roll out the new version of Siri around March or April 2026.
With the latest version of the Apple Invites app for the iPhone, released today, hosts can now allow guests to specify the number of adults and kids they are bringing to an event. This way, the host will not be surprised if you bring a plus-one.
The update also contains bug fixes and performance improvements.
Released earlier this year, the Apple Invites app makes it easy to invite people to events, such as birthday parties and baby showers. First, you create an event invitation, which can include a description, a custom background, and even a shared photo album. Then, you can generate a link to the event that you can share with invited guests.
The ability to create an event in the app is limited to iCloud+ subscribers, but anyone who receives an event link can RSVP for free. In the U.S., the cheapest iCloud+ plan with 50GB of storage currently costs 99 cents per month.
Amazon today has a steep discount on the 46mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 with the Natural Titanium Case and Natural Milanese Loop. You can get this model for $679.00, down from $799.00, one of the biggest sales we've tracked to date on any Series 11 model.
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.
Deals on Apple Watch Series 11 models have been sparse so far this holiday shopping season, but we're starting to see a few noteworthy sales as we get closer to Black Friday. This Natural Titanium Case model has an estimated delivery date of November 16 for free shipping options.
Apple Watch deals are some of the best early Black Friday deals we've seen so far this month, with all-time low prices available for Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and previous generation models. We've provided a quick list of the best deals 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.
Deals Newsletter
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Apple released the first iOS 26.2 beta last week. The upcoming update includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, including a new Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more.
In a recent press release, Apple confirmed that iOS 26.2 will be released to all users in December, but it did not provide a specific release date.
Below, we have highlighted eight new features coming with iOS 26.2.
iOS 26.2 adds offline lyric support to Apple Music, allowing you to view a song's lyrics even when you are not connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.
Apple says sleep scores are calculated based on how long you slept, the consistency of when you fell asleep, and the frequency and duration of waking up during the night. The feature is available in the Health app on all iPhone models compatible with iOS 26, and in the Sleep app on all Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 26.
When adding a reminder, selecting a time and then toggling on the "Urgent" option will cause an alarm to go off at the designated time.
Apple Podcasts Enhancements
Apple's Podcasts app has three new features on iOS 26.2, including automatic chapters for episodes, timed links on the screen, and the ability to view other podcasts that a podcast mentions right from the audio player and the transcript.
Apple News Revamp
In the Apple News app, there is now a dedicated "Following" tab, and buttons for quick access to topics like sports, puzzles, politics, business, and food.
iPhone Screen Flash for Notifications
Starting with iOS 26.2, your iPhone's screen can flash when you receive a notification. Previously, this setting was limited to the LED camera flash on the back of the iPhone.
In the Settings app, under Accessibility → Audio & Visual → Flash for Alerts, there are now options for LED Flash, Screen, and Both. Or, you can keep the setting turned off.
Live Translation allows you to understand someone who is speaking a different language than you. For example, if you speak English, and someone is speaking to you in French, Siri can tell you what they are saying in English through your AirPods.
The feature works best when both participants in a conversation are using Live Translation on AirPods. If you are talking with someone who is not wearing AirPods, you can display a live transcription in the other person's language on your iPhone.
Live Translation is available on the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and higher-end AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The feature launched in the U.S. and select other countries with iOS 26, but it was not available in the EU until iOS 26.2, as Apple said it needed additional time to ensure compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act.
Nomad today announced the launch of its latest Find My-compatible item tracker, the Tracking Card Pro. Compared to Nomad's existing $29 Tracking Card, the $39 Tracking Card Pro features a design that better blends into the cards in your wallet, and a longer battery life.
Available in black or white, the Tracking Card Pro looks like a credit card, complete with an included chip to disguise it. The white version is the same size and shape as the Apple Card, just thicker. If someone steals your wallet, a tracking card that looks like a credit card might not be thrown out by a savvy thief that does a cursory check for tracking devices.
The Tracking Card Pro is 2.5mm thick, so it is not as slim as the 1.7mm Tracking Card. It fits well enough in a wallet, but if you're someone who prefers a super slim wallet with just a few cards, it might be too large. Nomad opted for a straight-edged design with an exposed aluminum frame, and while it looks nice, it also makes the Tracking Card Pro look thicker than it is. Other companies make tracking cards that are in this thickness range, but they have a slimmer appearance because of beveled edges.
The tracker is a third of the thickness of the AirTag, and Nomad used the extra space for the battery. The Tracking Card Pro can last for up to 16 months without needing to be recharged, rather than five months like the Tracking Card.
When recharging is required, the Tracking Card Pro charges with a Qi, Qi2, or MagSafe charger. It is magnetic so it can attach to an upright charger, and a red LED lets you know that it's aligned properly and charging. IPX7 water resistance and dust resistance means it can withstand water, dirt, and other abuse without failing.
The Tracking Card Pro works just like an AirTag. It can be added to the Items tab in the Find My app, and it will then show up right alongside AirTags and other Find My-enabled tracking products.
You can view a map of where the Tracking Card Pro was last spotted, play a sound to locate it if it's nearby, and get a notification if your wallet is left behind. Like AirTags, the Tracking Card Pro takes advantage of the Find My network. It can leverage nearby Apple devices to relay its location even if you're out of Bluetooth range.
Other features include an option to share your contact info so someone can get in touch if they find your wallet, and item location sharing, so if your item is left behind somewhere like an airport, staff can track it down for you even if you're far away.
The Tracking Card Pro has all of the same capabilities as the AirTag with one exception, Precision Finding. There is no Ultra Wideband chip, so tracking it down in close quarters requires the sound feature.
Nomad's Tracking Card Pro can be purchased from the Nomad website for $39, with a 10 percent discount when purchasing two. It will ship by December 19.
Apple has announced that Emergency SOS via satellite is available in Mexico starting today, on iPhone 14 models and newer and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Until now, only Find My via satellite and Messages via satellite were available in Mexico.
Emergency SOS via satellite lets you send text messages to emergency operators when you are in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage, so long as you have a clear view of the sky. The feature is powered by Globalstar's satellites.
In Mexico, the feature requires an iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 18.4 or later, or an Apple Watch Ultra 3 running watchOS 26.0.1 or later.
To use the feature on an iPhone in Mexico, begin to send a text message to 911 in the Messages app, and tap on Emergency Services. Alternatively, open Control Center and scroll down to the page with a cellular symbol. Then, tap on "Satellite" to open Apple's Connection Assistant, and choose Emergency SOS via satellite.
Apple has yet to charge a fee for any of its satellite features. In September, the company announced it is providing existing iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users with an additional year of free access to the entire suite of satellite features on those devices.
Emergency SOS via satellite is also available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The minimum iOS version required for each feature varies by country.
International travelers who visit a country where the features are available can use the feature while visiting, except if they bought their iPhone in Armenia, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Russia, according to Apple.
Apple is expected to announce a new HomePod mini imminently, headlining with new chips. Here are all of the new features we're expecting.
The second-generation HomePod mini is highly likely to contain a more up-to-date chip for more advanced computational audio and improved responsiveness. The current HomePod mini is equipped with the Apple Watch Series 5's S5 chip from 2019. Apple is likely to opt for the S9 chip, which was a considerable leap forward in terms of performance, or one of its derivatives such as the S10, which is a more compact iteration of the S9.
The S5 chip in the HomePod mini is derived from Apple's A12 Bionic architecture but runs at lower clock speeds and is tuned for always-on, low-power operation, making it well-suited for tasks like Siri processing and real-time audio tuning. In contrast, the S9 and S10 chips are based on the A13 chip, offering higher CPU and GPU performance, a more advanced Neural Engine, and greater efficiency per watt.
The new HomePod mini will be equipped with the N1 Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The chip supports Wi-Fi 6E, which is much faster and has lower latency compared to the current HomePod mini's Wi-Fi 4 connectivity. Wi-Fi 6E extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 to the 6 GHz band, enabling faster wireless speeds and reduced signal interference with a compatible router.
Apple could also bring its second-generation Ultra Wideband chip to the HomePod mini for a more reliable and lower-latency Handoff experience. The chip debuted in 2023's iPhone 15 lineup. If present, the chip should allow far more precise spatial awareness than the current model, allowing it to detect the exact position and orientation of nearby devices within a few centimeters.
New color options are also highly likely, but specific finishes are not yet known other than red, which was reportedly in testing. The current HomePod mini comes in Blue, Yellow, Midnight, Orange, and White.
Gurman says that, just like the next-generation Apple TV, the new HomePod mini "will be built with Apple's new smart home ecosystem in mind." It is unclear if the next HomePod mini will have Siri improvements. Unlike Apple's long-rumored smart home hub product, the new HomePod mini is not expected to get Apple Intelligence support.
Recently, Apple retailer B&H started listing all HomePod mini models as discontinued. Some other retailers are also listing the HomePod mini as out of stock or on backorder, which suggests that a refresh is set to take place soon. Gurman believes that a new HomePod mini "shouldn't be far off" amid tightening inventory and planned Apple Store refreshes.
Anker recently kicked off an early Black Friday sale, which is set to run through November 20. This sale includes notable discounts on portable chargers, USB-C hubs, cables, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Anker. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
There are a few bonus offers during this event as well, including blind boxes with various random Anker accessories. The first box costs $29.99 and includes one random item or bundle worth $49.99-$169.99, while the highest box costs $129.99 and includes one random item or bundle worth $199.98-$4,799.99.
For the regular sale, you'll need to be an Anker member to see some of the deals, which is free and all you'll need to do is enter your email to get the deals. This sale also includes some Amazon discounts, like the popular 60,000 mAh Power Station with Smart Digital Display and Retractable Lighting for just $99.99, down from $139.99.
Finally, it's worth noting that MacRumors readers can get $10 off a minimum purchase of $200 with our code Ankermacrumors200 at checkout. You can stack this code with other discounts, so if you're shopping for a lot this holiday season it's a good opportunity to add more savings to your cart.
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.
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!
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models could drop the current two-tone look of the rear casing found on the iPhone 17 Pro in favor of a more seamless aesthetic, if a Chinese leaker is reporting correct information.
On existing iPhone 17 Pro models, Apple has used a glass cutout at the back for MagSafe charging, and there is a color difference between the aluminum frame of the iPhone 17 Pro and the Ceramic Shield 2 cutout, giving the iPhone 17 Pro models a two-tone look.
That's set to change for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, according to known Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital. For the next-generation models, Apple has apparently updated the back-glass "replacement process" to minimize the color difference between the glass and the aluminum frame, resulting in a more unified appearance.
The claim could well dovetail with a separate rumor, also originating out of China, that said the Ceramic Shield will feature a "slightly transparent design." The latter description came in September courtesy of leaker Digital Chat Station, who also said the iPhone 18 Pro models will feature an otherwise similar design to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Instant Digital, the author of today's rumor, has accurately leaked Apple information before, such as the Yellow finish for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2's Titanium Milanese Loop. However, the account does not have a perfect track record.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are reported to feature A20 Pro chips, fabricated with TSMC's latest 2nm process, and Apple's C2 modem rather than a Qualcomm modem. Both models are expected to launch alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone in September 2026.
Apple's reported delay of the second-generation iPhone Air will be used to work on a redesign of the device that could include a second rear camera, according to a news brief from The Information.
A redesign that includes a second camera is said to be one way that Apple thinks it can address user complaints that the iPhone Air, while an impressive design feat, has led to too many hardware compromises, especially given the high price tag.
Apple priced it starting at $999, and that appears to have put off customers, leading to reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts. The iPhone Air is only $100 cheaper than the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro, which has a triple-lens rear camera and much better battery life. Adding a second camera to the ultra-slim device would also make it look more feature-equivalent to the standard iPhone 18 and therefore more appealing to consumers.
Citing people with knowledge of the matter, the report claims that some Apple engineers want to release the redesigned version with a second camera in spring 2027, which is when Apple is expected to release the regular iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, as part of a new split launch cycle. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and an all-new foldable iPhone are expected to launch in fall 2026, which was when the iPhone Air 2 was originally expected. The Information reported on the delay earlier this week.
The report seemingly corroborates a leak out of China last week that claimed Apple's second iPhone Air model is in development and could feature two rear cameras instead of one, with a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera joining the existing 48MP Fusion Main camera. Multiple technologies are housed in the plateau of the iPhone Air to maximize space for the battery, so Apple would presumably need to redesign the internals considerably to fit in another camera.
Previous reports have said Apple's work on a second-generation version of the iPhone Air is aimed at reducing the weight, adding vapor chamber cooling, and improving the battery capacity.
Apple has teamed up with Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE to launch iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted limited edition accessory designed to carry an iPhone, AirPods, and other everyday items.
The accessory is like a stretchy pocket, not unlike an iPod Sock, but elongated to form a strap made of a ribbed, elastic textile that fully encloses an iPhone yet allows you to glimpse the display through its open structure. ISSEY MIYAKE's design director Yoshiyuki Miyamae said it is inspired by the concept of "a piece of cloth," and described it as exploring "the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way." (For what it's worth, the brand's founder designed Steve Jobs' iconic black mock-turtleneck.)
iPhone Pocket comes in two versions. There's a short strap design available in eight colors for $149.95, and a long strap design in three colors for $229.95. The short strap comes in lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon, and black, while the long strap comes in sapphire, cinnamon, and black. Both lengths fit any iPhone model.
Apple says the color palette was created to mix and match with all iPhone models, and that the iPhone Pocket can be worn in a variety of ways – handheld, tied onto bags, or worn directly on the body.
"Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE share a design approach that celebrates craftsmanship, simplicity, and delight," said Molly Anderson, Apple's vice president of Industrial Design. "This clever extra pocket exemplifies those ideas and is a natural accompaniment to our products. The color palette of iPhone Pocket was intentionally designed to mix and match with all our iPhone models and colors — allowing users to create their own personalized combination. Its recognizable silhouette offers a beautiful new way to carry your iPhone, AirPods, and favorite everyday items."
The limited-edition release will be available from November 14 on Apple's online store in France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, and the U.S. It will also be available to buy at 10 flagship Apple Store locations worldwide, including Apple Regent Street in London, Apple SoHo in New York, and Apple Ginza in Tokyo.
The first-generation iPod came out on November 10, 2001, making today the 24th anniversary of the device's launch. Apple announced it in late October, but November 10 was the first day customers were able to get their hands on it.
Even way back in 2001, there were leaks and fake leaks before the iPod launched. In one rumor article, Apple's upcoming device was dubbed the "iWalk" and described as a PDA with a high-color TFT-screen with handwriting recognition, which did not prove to be true. CNET suggested that it was too sophisticated to be an MP3 player, and was instead a component for a home digital stereo system, while a German website said it was "like a standalone CD-writer" that looks like "a Hifi component." The site did accurately predict that it would make it possible to "have all the music in the house stored on one place," but described it as a sort of AirPlay-enabled speaker.
More reliable rumors accurately pegged it as a digital music device able to sync with a computer, and in the days leading up to the launch, the iPod name leaked. Even with the info that came out, much of the iPod's introduction was a surprise because 2001 leaks were much less detailed than 2025 leaks.
Some MacRumors readers lined up to buy one on launch day, kicking off a tradition of long lines at Apple Stores that continued well into the iPhone launch days. As with any Apple product launch, there were some mixed reactions to the iPod, and of course a slew of early complaints. Here's what the forums had to say:
There were plenty of MacRumors readers thrilled with the iPod, and as we well know, it was a wildly popular device that spurred several subsequent models and eventually led to the launch of the iPhone.
It was impressive to be able to have a 5GB FireWire drive in your pocket at the time, and iPod owners used it as a hard drive for file transfers. MP3 players existed, but nothing with the storage capacity and design of the iPod.
With the iPhone that does everything an iPod does, there's no longer a need for the iPod. The very last iPod was the iPod touch, which Apple updated sporadically and then didn't touch after 2019. It was officially discontinued in 2022, marking the end of the iPod line. Apple almost never announces when a product has been discontinued, but the iPod was an exception given its history.
In a statement, Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak said that the "Spirit of the iPod lives on" across all of the company's products, from the iPhone to Apple Watch to HomePod.
The iPod will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. Apple has revived old products in the past, but people have little use for a music-only device in 2025. Apple is, however, working on a home hub that can play music, run apps, and control smart home products, and it's described as a small, square device with a display. It's possible Apple could reference the iPod when unveiling the device, or even borrow a part of its name like it did when naming the HomePod.
The Juice Pack for iPhone Air was designed to be slim so it doesn't add too much bulk to Apple's thin and light iPhone. It includes a 2,400 mAh battery that Mophie says provides up to 60 percent more power. The iPhone Air case is 15mm thick, but it is the thinnest of the three Juice Pack cases.
The Juice Pack for iPhone 17 Pro has a 3,000 mAh battery, while the Juice Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 3,600 mAh battery. Both cases provide 50 percent more battery for Apple's Pro iPhones and are just over 19mm thick. All three cases weigh 98 grams, according to Mophie.
Along with additional power, the cases provide protection for the iPhone 17 lineup. There are raised edges to keep the screen from getting scratched or cracked, and high-impact protection shields the iPhone from drops and bumps. An included lanyard loop port allows for a lanyard to be attached.
Mophie's Juice Pack cases offer passthrough charging, so plugging them into USB-C will charge the iPhone first and then the case. There's also support for passthrough USB-C audio for those who prefer wired headphones.
All three Juice Pack cases are priced at $99.99 and can be purchased from the Mophie website as of today.
Apple product retailer B&H is listing all HomePod mini models as discontinued, and no longer offering them for sale. Some other retailers are also listing the HomePod mini as out of stock or on backorder, which suggests that an update isn't too far off.
Adorama lists the HomePod mini as backordered, and select colors are out of stock at Target. Walmart doesn't have any stock that's not from resellers, Staples has no HomePod minis available online, and at least one color is sold out from Verizon. The Midnight color option is unavailable for shipping from Best Buy, though other colors are in stock. Apple is still selling all colors of the speaker, with options available for both immediate shipping and pick up.
Apple is rumored to be working on a new version of the HomePod mini, and Bloomberg said it could come as soon as this month. It's possible that the waning stock at third-party retailers is a sign that we'll get a new version of the HomePod mini before the end of 2025.
Apple held an event in September and did a series of product releases in October, casting some doubt that a new model is still on the immediate horizon.
The next HomePod mini is expected to have an upgraded S-series chip inside and Apple's N1 networking chip, but there are no design changes rumored except for refreshed color options.
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Apple silicon chip that replaced Intel chips in Apple's Mac lineup. The first Apple silicon chip, the M1, was unveiled on November 10, 2020. The M1 debuted in the MacBook Air, Mac mini, and 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The M1 chip was impressive when it launched, featuring the "world's fastest CPU core" and industry-leading performance per watt, and it's only improved since then. We've had five total generations of Apple silicon chips, with the M5 unveiled in the 14-inch MacBook Pro just last month.
Here's how the M5 measures up to the M1, per Apple's M5 specs:
6× faster CPU/GPU performance
6× faster AI performance
7.7× faster AI video processing
6.8× faster 3D rendering
2.6× faster gaming performance
2.1× faster code compiling
Geekbench comparison scores:
M1 single-core - 2,320
M5 single-core - 4,263
M1 multi-core - 8,175
M5 multi-core - 17,862
M1 Metal - 33,041
M5 Metal - 75,637
Both CPU and GPU performance have increased significantly over the past five years, and Apple has boosted AI and gaming performance too with add-ons like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and an ever-improving Neural Engine.
Apple sold Apple silicon Macs alongside Intel Macs for three years, but phased out the final Intel Mac in June 2023 when the 2019 Mac Pro was discontinued. Now all of Apple's devices have Apple chips, and we're even hitting the end of the road for Intel Mac software support. Intel Macs won't get software updates after macOS Tahoe.
Over the next five years, Apple silicon chip technology will continue to evolve. Apple supplier TSMC is already working on 2nm chips that could make an appearance as soon as 2026, offering a 10 to 15 percent speed improvement and a 25 to 30 percent power reduction. 1.4nm chips could follow as soon as 2028 for even more power and efficiency.
Samsung today updated its SmartThings app for the iPhone, adding several new features for those who own Samsung products or devices connected to the SmartThings ecosystem. Samsung says that the changes are helpful for households with both Galaxy and Apple devices.
Device groups created in the SmartThings app are available, and those groups can be viewed and controlled with the accompanying SmartThings Apple Watch app. Apple Watch users can view their full SmartThings device list, send commands, and trigger routines from the wrist.
SmartThings is also gaining support for Siri Shortcut controls of SmartThings Routines. With this capability, SmartThings automations can be launched with Siri voice commands. The automations work similarly to HomeKit automations, so users can do things like create a "Good Morning" routine that turns on the lights, opens the blinds, and starts the coffee machine, or a "Leaving Home" routine that locks the doors, turns off the lights, and activates a home alarm.
The app already supported Live Activities, but it is expanding to support up to five recently used devices at a glance, including air conditioners, robot vacuums, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and more.
The SmartThings app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
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