Category: News

  • iOS 26 Causes Beats and AirPods Headphones to Power Down When You Doze Off

    iOS 26 introduces a beneficial feature for those who enjoy listening to audio through Beats or AirPods while going to bed. The new “Pause Media When Falling Asleep” function is designed to automatically turn off your earbuds when it detects that you are no longer awake to listen. This update aims to enhance the listening experience for users, enabling them to enjoy audiobooks or podcasts without worrying about draining their device’s battery overnight.

    Apple initially mentioned this feature during its Worldwide Developers Conference and positioned it as a function specifically for AirPods. However, recent discoveries indicate that it may also extend to Beats headphones. According to contributor Steve Moser from MacRumors, this option will save your place in your audio content while also preserving battery life by ensuring the earbuds do not remain powered on throughout the night.

    When you install iOS 26, the pausing feature should be enabled by default. To activate it, simply connect your headphones to your iPhone and navigate to the Settings app, where you can find the relevant option. Despite this enhancement, Apple has not yet detailed how the earbuds determine that the user has fallen asleep.

    To access this feature, users will need to be on iOS 26, along with an updated firmware version that Apple is currently beta testing. At present, the iOS 26 update is available only to developers, but a public beta release is anticipated shortly. The official launch is set for September, providing enhanced functionality for audiophiles looking to optimize their sleep listening experience.

  • Daily Photo Showcase

    Welcome to Photo of the Day (POTD)! This thread was initiated by iGary in May 2006 and evolved into a monthly format in November 2007 under Arn’s direction. POTD has gained immense popularity on MacRumors, frequently surpassing 500 posts and attracting over 20,000 views each month. The primary purpose of Photo of the Day is to provide a platform for showcasing your best photographs.

    There are no restrictions on the type of equipment you can use; all that matters is your creativity. Both point-and-shoot and film cameras are welcome, alongside DSLRs. Unlike the Weekly Contest, this thread does not feature specific themes, nor does it declare winners or losers. To ensure everyone has a good experience, here are some key policies for the POTD thread:

    – **One Photo per Day**: Participants are allowed to post only one photo each day, but diptychs and triptychs are acceptable.

    – **Original Work**: All photos must be your own unless special arrangements have been made. – **Multi-Quote**: To comment on multiple photos, utilize the “+ (Multi-Quote)” button. This consolidates your comments into a single post, which is mandatory on all MacRumors forums. – **Safe for Work (SFW)**: Adhere to site-wide rules regarding content.

    If the image is not something you would display in public, it is considered not safe for work. – **Photo Description**: Provide details about your photograph, including the location where it was taken. If possible, include EXIF information like Camera, ISO, Focal Length, Shutter/Aperture, and Lens. Lastly, anyone can initiate the Photo of the Day thread on the first of the month, GMT.

    Please maintain the original formatting, and do not alter or expand upon these policies. For discussions regarding policy improvements, please create a separate thread.

  • Have You Ever Tried Charging Your Phone in the Refrigerator?

    This summer in Europe has been particularly intense, with heat reaching levels that would have seemed unimaginable a decade ago. Temperatures soaring to 34 degrees Celsius in the Netherlands would have prompted disbelief back then. It seems that climate activists like Greta Thunberg might have been onto something after all. With the heat affecting battery performance for many people, it’s worthwhile to discuss strategies for keeping our devices cool.

    It’s surprising that Apple hasn’t released any guidance on managing iPhone heat during the summer months. As we know, excessive heat can significantly shorten battery life and performance. From my own experience, I’ve found that wireless charging can help minimize heat buildup. An effective method that I’ve employed is to turn off the phone while charging.

    It appears that the device rarely overheats when it’s switched off. Alternatively, reducing wireless connectivity and enabling low battery mode while charging are also viable strategies. However, these options may not be practical for everyone, especially if you need to remain connected. What are your heat management strategies?

    Do you have any creative solutions for keeping your devices cool? Interestingly, I recently heard stories from fellow users who have resorted to placing their power banks and iPhones in the fridge to combat overheating. While this may provide a temporary solution, it raises concerns about moisture and potential damage. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend it as a long-term fix.

    Instead, using a fan or other cooling methods may be a safer and more reliable approach to help shield your devices from the summer heat.

  • Share Your Desktop: July 2025 Edition

    It appears that you are using an outdated browser, which might lead to issues when trying to view this or other websites. To enhance your experience, consider upgrading your current browser or switching to a different one. In the realm of desktop operating systems, the main Arch Linux desktop provides a robust and flexible environment.

    Meanwhile, the Power Mac G5 represents a significant step in Apple’s hardware evolution, showcasing a unique design and impressive performance for its time. Speaking of architecture, I can’t help but think of the beauty of arches, reminiscent of those found in Utah. However, I have my reservations about their durability; it seems they might not withstand the test of time as well as hoped.

    On a more personal note, I want to share my affection for my current setup. I still find great joy in using Mac OS 15. Its user-friendly interface and reliable functionality continue to meet my needs, making it a pleasure to work with.

  • Share Your Recent Purchase XXVIII

    I recently made a significant upgrade to my tech setup. Since I’ve ordered the new 5K iMac to serve as my main workhorse, I decided it was time to replace my heavy 17-inch MacBook Pro with something much lighter. I’ve opted for the 13-inch MacBook Air, which comes with 128GB of storage, a 1.7 GHz processor, and 8GB RAM.

    This new laptop is going to enhance my productivity on the go, given its lightweight design. On another note, today I underwent LASIK eye surgery! It’s been a procedure I’ve considered for a long time, yet I was scared to take the plunge.

    Despite my vision not being terrible, the thought of not having to wear glasses all the time is enticing. I can already tell that it’s going to be worth it. Just a day post-surgery, everything is much clearer, and I keep forgetting that I no longer need to rely on glasses or contacts.

    My initial recovery period is about seven days, with full recovery expected in 2-3 months. However, the doctor anticipates I’ll heal even faster since I’m already at 75% healing. The actual procedure was something I was apprehensive about.

    I had heard mixed reviews about it being rough, especially for someone like me who struggles with putting in contacts. Thankfully, the experience was manageable, and I would encourage anyone considering it to go for it! Finally, after two years without a dock for my iPhone or iPad Mini, I decided to invest in a Twelve South HiRise in black.

    This addition is going to help keep my devices charged and organized neatly. Overall, it’s an exciting time with all these upgrades!

  • Seeking Recommendations for Traditional Watches Only – No Smartwatches Allowed

    macOSX-tastic made a lighthearted comment about iGary, playfully asking if he really attached pieces of carpet samples to his wrist as a unique watch alternative. Rolex DaytonaChris3125 then chimed in, sharing a thought on watches. Dubbz mentioned that he had a watch, but his story took a different direction.

    He shared his experience of no longer wearing watches after losing his previous one. It was an inexpensive digital watch that, while functional, served more as a reminder of time rather than a necessity. Dubbz reflected that he had come to rely heavily on his phone for telling time, which rendered wearing a watch unnecessary.

    The convenience of technology had taken over what a watch traditionally offered. In a follow-up, Dubbz expressed his appreciation for watches, particularly mentioning macOSX-tastic and EJBasile. He acknowledged their taste, indicating an interest in quality timepieces despite his own decision to forgo wearing one.

    This conversation highlights the evolving relationship many have with watches in the modern world, as convenience often shifts preferences towards multifunctional devices like smartphones. Nonetheless, the appreciation for well-crafted watches remains a common thread, suggesting that while some may choose practicality over style, the allure of a good watch endures among enthusiasts.

  • Join the MacRumors 2025 Blood Drive!

    The Sixteenth Annual MacRumors Blood Drive will take place throughout May 2025. During this month, we encourage you to donate blood, platelets, or plasma to help those in need. Your contributions can be vital for individuals recovering from surgery, injury, or illness. In addition to blood donations, we also invite you to register for the bone marrow registry and sign up as an organ donor if you haven’t done so already.

    You could potentially save the life of someone suffering from organ failure or provide a cure for life-threatening diseases such as leukemia. Participating in the MacRumors Blood Drive is simple. You can start by donating blood, platelets, or plasma at a nearby donation center. Choose a day when you can spare an hour or two to make an appointment.

    If interested in becoming a stem cell or bone marrow donor, the process usually involves filling out a form and having your cheek swabbed. Registration as an organ donor is similarly straightforward; you can often register online depending on your location. If you are unable to donate blood yourself, you can still contribute by encouraging a friend or relative to do so. Both you and the donor will earn a spot on the Honor Roll as a token of appreciation for your efforts.

    After donating or registering, please let us know in the designated forum thread, sharing details of your contribution or even a photo of your bandage. This is a way for us to publicly recognize your generosity. Additionally, help us to spread the word about the need for donations. Share your story if you or a family member has benefited from a blood transfusion, and encourage those around you to get involved in supporting this important cause.

  • Best Polish for Removing Mild Scratches and Restoring Shine on White Mac Accessories?

    I’m looking for advice on polishing liquids to eliminate fine scratches and revitalize the shine of the white plastic surfaces on my Mac accessories. My main focus is on an Apple iPod Hi-Fi I recently acquired secondhand. It’s in near-perfect condition without any yellowing, which is quite rare, though it does have some fine scratches and a noticeable loss of shine on the plastic casing. In researching potential products, I’ve come across various recommendations in older threads, but most of those products are no longer available.

    Currently, there are only a couple of options still on the market that seem promising: the Novus Plastic Polishing Kit (Steps 1, 2, and 3) and Ice Creme from RadTech. Unfortunately, previous solutions like Applesauce Polish and the NewerTech Clean & Polish Kit are discontinued. Many threads I’ve read lean towards polishing products designed for metal surfaces, such as those used for Apple Watches. My project, however, is specifically aimed at restoring plastic surfaces, which requires different care.

    Could anyone recommend which of the current polishing products may work best for my iPod Hi-Fi? Additionally, any tips on techniques or methods for effectively polishing the plastic would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help!

  • July 2025 Activity Challenge: Join the Fun at MacRumors Forums!

    A new month has begun, and with it comes another 14-day challenge for me. I want to wish everyone good luck as we embark on this journey together. The rising temperatures are adding an interesting twist to this challenge, making it genuinely demanding this time around. It’s not just about completing the tasks; it’s about staying motivated and pushing through the heat.

    As we dive into these two weeks, let’s remember to support one another. Sharing our experiences and tips can help make the process easier and more enjoyable. Whether it’s dealing with the heat or staying on track with our goals, community can be a powerful motivator. So here’s to perseverance and determination.

    Let’s make the most of this challenge and come out stronger on the other side. Good luck to all!

  • Is the Series 10 an Improvement Over the Series 3 for Swimming, Golf, and Walking Tracking?

    Years ago, I owned a cellular version of the Apple Watch, but it ended up in a drawer and eventually fell apart. I became frustrated with the apps that were either difficult to use or didn’t function properly. I also worried about the device’s ability to stay dry while I counted my swimming laps. Tracking my walks was also a hassle; nothing seemed to work as I had hoped.

    I wonder whether Apple has made improvements in these areas. I’ve heard of users struggling to locate the water lock icon or experiencing waterproofing failures on the Ultra model despite its high price tag. These stories make me hesitant to invest in a new model. I attempted to purchase a recent version—perhaps a Series 6 or 7—several years back, but it felt overly complicated to set up.

    This experience reminded me of my old Series 3, leading to my decision to return it. The return process was a nightmare, especially since I bought it from an online retailer, which is a mistake I won’t repeat. Now, I’m looking to track my golf walks, and I hope to find a user-friendly yardage app along with a reliable way to monitor my swimming. I also have questions about its waterproof capabilities.

    Does Apple still include fine print that might leave users in trouble if the seals fail? I genuinely want to be convinced to buy a new Apple Watch. I miss the excitement I once felt for Apple products. It seems like the innovations have faded over time, perhaps a side effect of shifting priorities within the company.

    While I appreciate Tim Cook’s leadership, I can’t help but long for the earlier days when Apple sparkled with creativity.