Category: Apple

I am experiencing a perplexing issue with my iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021), which I purchased in November 2021. I am attempting to add it as the third device to my AppleCare One subscription, but I keep receiving a “Repair Required” message. This is especially confusing since the iPad is in perfect condition and has never had a Genius Bar appointment or any ongoing service requests.

I reached out to AppleCare support for assistance. The representative informed me that they could not see any indication of a “Repair Required” status or any other reasons on their end for this message. They also mentioned that even if I visited an Apple Store for physical diagnostics and my iPad passed, there would still be no means for AppleCare HQ to manually add my iPad Pro to the AppleCare One plan.

It appears that the system itself decides these matters, which I found unsatisfactory. I am curious if anyone else is experiencing a similar issue with their devices. It feels frustrating to be stuck with a message that doesn’t reflect the actual condition of the device.

If you have encountered this situation or have any insights into resolving it, I would greatly appreciate any advice. I’ve attached screenshots for reference, hoping they might help clarify the problem. Overall, I just want to resolve this issue and add my device to the AppleCare One subscription without any complications.

Apple has launched the public beta testing program for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, allowing participants to download and install these updates starting today. Anyone interested in joining the public beta can sign up through Apple’s beta website.

The initial public beta matches the content of the fourth developer beta, which was released earlier this week, and there is also a new fourth beta available exclusively for developers. Registered beta testers can easily access the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates.

To do so, they need to open the Settings app, navigate to the General section, select Software Update, and choose the Public Beta options for either operating system. iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 showcase Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, characterized by a transparent visual aesthetic.

This design approach entails icons, menu buttons, and navigation bars that reflect and refract light through subtle animations. Features like pop-out menus and reduced tab bars contribute to a more rounded appearance across the user interface.

Significant new features have been introduced in this update, including Apple Intelligence enhancements such as Visual Intelligence for screenshots, updated order tracking within the Wallet app, and enhancements to Reminders. Live Translation is now available for Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps.

Users will also find Image Playground, which incorporates ChatGPT-style options, and Genmoji, which allows for the mixing of multiple emoji characters. Other notable updates include a Spatial Scene feature that provides a 3D effect for 2D photos, revamped navigation in Safari, and time-saving functionalities like Call Screening and Hold Assist in the Phone app.

The Messages app includes customizable backgrounds and polling features, while Apple Music introduces a DJ-like AutoMix. Additionally, CarPlay has received a new interface, a dedicated Apple Games app has been launched, and for the first time, Preview is now available for the iPhone.

Apple has rolled out updated beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, giving public beta testers an opportunity to explore new features within iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. Currently, this firmware is exclusively available for developers and public beta testers who have a device running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26. This new firmware introduces several innovative features that enhance the functionality of the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4.

Users can expect improvements in audio quality for phone and video calls, as well as studio-quality recording capabilities suitable for interviews, podcasts, and videos. Furthermore, a noteworthy addition allows users to use their AirPods as a camera remote via the Camera app, enabling them to capture photos or initiate video recordings effortlessly. A significant update with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe is the introduction of a firmware update installation feature directly from the AirPods settings interface, accessible when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

This marks a notable departure as it is the first time Apple offers a beta firmware option to public testers, expanding opportunities for user feedback and testing. Overall, this updated firmware is designed to enhance the overall user experience of AirPods, making them more versatile and user-friendly for a variety of tasks, from communication to creative recording. With these improvements, Apple continues to innovate and refine its audio products, solidifying its position in the marketplace.

Apple News+ Audio is now available in the UK, Canada, and Australia. This expansion, which began today, marks a significant step for Apple since the feature was initially introduced to U.S. subscribers in 2020.

Apple News+ Audio offers professionally narrated versions of top stories, enhancing the reading experience for subscribers. The audio stories can be accessed through the Apple News+ app or the Podcasts app.

Users can enjoy an assortment of popular narratives from well-known publications such as *The New Yorker*, *Bloomberg*, *The Atlantic*, and *Rolling Stone*, among others. For those who do not subscribe to Apple News+, previews are available, along with a free “News Today” audio option accessible to all Apple News users.

The platform’s audio offerings are robust and diverse, with categories spanning News and Politics, Business, Sports, Arts and Entertainment, and True Crime. In the newly added regions, listeners will also have access to audio stories from local publications as well as those from the U.S., providing a wider range of content tailored to different audiences.

Apple News+ is available for a monthly subscription fee of $12.99 USD, granting users access to various subscription publications, including *The Wall Street Journal*, *The Washington Post*, *Los Angeles Times*, and *The Atlantic*, in addition to numerous magazines and regional newspapers. For those interested in a comprehensive package, Apple News+ is also included in the Apple One Premier plan, priced at $37.95 USD per month.

Apple has announced the opening of its new retail store, Apple Umeda, in the heart of Osaka, Japan, on Saturday, July 26. This store marks the second Apple location in Osaka and the eleventh in Japan, situated at 4-20 Ofukacho in the Kita ward, adjacent to Osaka Station. To celebrate the store opening, Apple is offering a special wallpaper for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, which can be downloaded for free from their Japan website. The store will enhance customer experience with features such as an Apple Pickup station for online orders and a Genius Bar designed with varying counter heights to improve accessibility.

Opening at 10:00 a.m. local time, the store will host a full program of Today At Apple sessions. These sessions include engaging topics like “Say Hello to Apple Intelligence” and an in-depth exploration of photography techniques utilizing the iPhone 16. In addition to the new store opening, Apple is gearing up for the anticipated release of the iPhone 17 series in September 2025. This trend aligns with Apple’s tradition of launching new iPhone models annually in the fall.

An announcement event is expected during the week of September 8, 2025, with September 9 or 10 being the likely dates. Rumors about the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max suggest significant changes, including an aluminum frame, in contrast to the titanium frame seen in previous models. Meanwhile, Apple is also preparing for the imminent release of iOS 18.6, which has been labeled as the Release Candidate version, indicating a public launch is expected soon. Furthermore, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to feature satellite connectivity and a wide-angle OLED display, heightening expectations for the device.

Apple continues to innovate and expand its offerings across multiple platforms, ensuring a vibrant future for its customers.

Earlier this month, *MacRumors* reported that Apple is set to permanently close its Partridge Creek store, located just outside of Detroit, Michigan. The company has since announced a closure date for the store. Apple Partridge Creek will conduct its final day of business on Saturday, August 16, closing at 8 p.m. local time. All staff members will be given the opportunity to continue their roles within the company at other locations.

In a recent notice added to the store’s page, Apple expressed gratitude towards the community: “Thank you, Partridge Creek. Apple Partridge Creek is closing on August 16 at 8 p.m. We’re still here for you. Please visit apple.com/retail to find your nearest store.” The store, situated in Clinton Township, has been serving customers since it opened in 2007.

The decision to close the Partridge Creek store aligns with Apple’s plans to open a new store in Downtown Detroit. This new location will be situated on Woodward Avenue, near Grand River Avenue, and is expected to open later this year, as per a statement shared with *MacRumors* earlier. With the Partridge Creek store’s closure, Apple Somerset will become the nearest Apple retail location for customers residing north of Detroit. The transition reflects Apple’s ongoing strategy to enhance its retail presence in the region, focusing on urban centers while making adjustments to existing storefronts.

The changes are part of a broader effort to meet customer needs while remaining adaptable in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Woot has launched an impressive sale this week, featuring substantial discounts on Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands for the Apple Watch. Some of these deals are better than previous promotions, making them a great opportunity for customers looking to upgrade. Currently, the Solo Loop is available for just $14.99, with a generous discount of $34 off the regular price.

Meanwhile, the Braided Solo Loop has a reduced price of $29.99, saving buyers $69. Notably, the Solo Loop price represents a better deal by $5 than earlier offers. All items in this sale are brand new and come with a one-year limited warranty from Apple.

It is important to note that this sale features color options for the Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop that Apple has discontinued. Therefore, it does not include newer colors recently released. However, all bands are still in pristine condition.

Before purchasing, shoppers should be aware of their size preferences, as the sale specifically targets these two types of bands. Apple provides a measurement tool to help you determine the correct size for your needs. For those interested in exploring further deals, there’s a roundup of various discounts related to Apple products that can help maximize savings.

Additionally, a newsletter is available for sign-up, which provides updates on the best deals available throughout 2025, ensuring that you won’t miss out on major savings. In related news, the anticipation grows for the upcoming iPhone 17 series release, along with other exciting updates in the Apple ecosystem, including upgrades to existing products.

Apple has begun offering its public beta testing program members the chance to download and install iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 starting today. Individuals interested in accessing these public betas can register via Apple’s beta website. The initial public beta mirrors the content found in the fourth developer beta released earlier this week, although a new fourth beta is also available for developers.

Beta testers who have signed up can easily download the updates by navigating to the Settings app on their devices, selecting the General section, tapping on Software Update, and then choosing the iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 Public Beta options. The iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates introduce Apple’s Liquid Glass design, which emphasizes a modern aesthetic characterized by transparency. This design approach features icons, menu buttons, navigation bars, and other UI elements that reflect and refract light through subtle animations.

There are enhancements such as pop-out menus, minimized tab bars, and a more rounded overall appearance. These updates also incorporate new Apple Intelligence functionalities, including Visual Intelligence for screenshots, improved order tracking capabilities in the Wallet app, enhancements in Reminders, and Live Translation for Messages, Phone, and FaceTime. Users can enjoy the Image Playground with ChatGPT-style options and utilize Genmoji for creating unique emoji combinations.

Other notable features include a Spatial Scene that adds depth to 2D photos and updated navigation in Safari. The Phone app benefits from new Call Screening and Hold Assist functionalities. The Messages app now includes customizable backgrounds and polling options.

Additionally, Apple Music introduces a DJ-like AutoMix feature, CarPlay receives a redesigned interface, and for the first time, the Preview app is available on iPhones.

Hello, I noticed that there are only a limited number of brands producing Thunderbolt 5 cables. I’m curious to know which ones offer comparable functionality and durability to Apple’s products but at a more affordable price. Additionally, I’ve heard claims that cable length can impact the performance of Thunderbolt 5.

Is it accurate that even short distances, such as 3 to 5 meters, can affect performance? Thank you for your insights!

Recently, I encountered a strange situation with my Apple TV that has left me puzzled. After finishing a show on Infuse, I exited the app and went outside to do some yard work.

Upon returning inside, I discovered that something was playing on my Apple TV with the audio muted. To my surprise, it turned out to be the series Foundation.

Since the sound was off, I had little context for what was happening, but I instinctively reached for the remote to exit the interface. At that moment, it appeared that what I think were the opening credits began to play.

When I returned to the Home Screen, there was no obvious explanation for why Foundation was playing. I had watched the first two seasons when they were first released, but I’ve since lost interest in the show.

Notably, the Apple TV streaming app wasn’t open, and it wasn’t visible in the App Switcher. Additionally, I no longer subscribe to that service, and I rarely use the app—it’s located at the bottom of my screen, untouched.

I’m trying to understand what happened. There’s no possibility that I accidentally initiated the show because I live alone, and there’s no one else on my Wi-Fi or in my home who could have interacted with it.

My cynical theory is that it could have been an advertisement from Infuse, but there’s no precedent for that. Could it have been Apple showcasing clips as a screensaver?

Given their recent behavior, I wouldn’t put it past them. However, it didn’t seem like an advertisement based on what I observed.

I wish I’d unmuted it for more context before I backed out. Perhaps it was just an odd glitch, especially since Infuse has recently updated their app.

Regardless, my TV is unlikely to have acted on its own, as it is blocked from internet access.