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  • Apple Unveils New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 – MacRumors

    Apple has released a new beta firmware version 8A5308b for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, moving up from the previous version 8A5293c. Currently, this firmware is available exclusively to developers, requiring a device running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 for installation.

    To date, Apple has provided three beta updates. The latest firmware introduces several features aligned with the upcoming iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe.

    Key enhancements include improved audio quality for phone and video calls, and studio-quality audio recording, which is beneficial for interviews, podcasts, and video creation. Additionally, users can utilize the AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app, allowing them to take pictures or initiate video recordings effortlessly.

    The update now also allows users to install beta firmware updates directly from the AirPods settings when connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. As Apple gears up for the launch of its new iPhone 17 series in two months, there are rumors circulating about design changes for the iPhone 17 Pro models, particularly in the rear casing and camera area.

    However, more substantial updates for the lineup are not anticipated until the introduction of the iPhone 18 models next year. In select U.S. states, residents have the option to add their driver’s licenses or state IDs to the Wallet app on their iPhones and Apple Watches, enabling a more convenient way to provide identification.

    Yet, the rollout of this feature has been slow, with only nine states and Puerto Rico currently participating. Looking forward, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple does not plan to refresh any Macs with updated M5 chips until 2026.

    Meanwhile, rumors suggest that a new Apple TV will be launched later this year, featuring faster Wi-Fi support and other anticipated changes, as Apple continues to innovate its product lineup.

  • Upcoming Apple Products Set to Launch in Early 2026 – MacRumors Insights

    Apple is gearing up to unveil a range of new products in the early months of 2026, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Among the anticipated releases are the iPhone 17e, various Mac models, and updated iPads. Key highlights of Apple’s 2026 lineup include the iPhone 17e, which is expected to feature an upgraded A19 chip and could be released in February. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro will both incorporate the new M5 chips, enhancing performance across the board.

    Additionally, a revised Apple Display is expected as a follow-up to the current Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. Apple is also set to introduce a low-cost iPad with a faster chip, likely in March or April, alongside the iPad Air, which is anticipated to receive the M4 processor. In the latter half of this year, Apple will launch the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch upgrades, and new iPad Pro models. Expectations are high, especially for the iPhone 17 Pro models, which are rumored to be redesigned, particularly in the camera area.

    Significant updates for the iPhone lineup, however, are anticipated only in 2024 with the arrival of the iPhone 18 series. In terms of other product developments, Apple is reportedly delaying the release of updated Macs with the M5 chip until 2026. Initially projected for late 2025, the new MacBook models are now expected within the first half of 2026. The upcoming Apple TV is another focus, with rumors of faster Wi-Fi support and enhanced features being in the pipeline.

    The production of foldable OLED displays for a future foldable iPhone has already begun, signaling another monumental step for Apple in the coming years.

  • M5 Chip Set to Launch in iPad Pro This Fall – Latest from MacRumors

    The upcoming iPad Pro models are set to be the first devices to feature Apple’s faster M5 chip, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. These refreshed models are likely to debut in October, making them an exciting addition to Apple’s high-end tablet lineup. The last update to the iPad Pro series occurred in May 2024 with the introduction of the M4 chip and OLED display technology.

    This means there will be approximately 17 months between the M4 and M5 launches. While the 2025 models are not expected to undergo significant design changes due to a major redesign in 2024, they will maintain the sleek chassis and OLED display, benefiting from the enhanced speed and efficiency of the new M5 chip. Built on TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer process, the M5 will deliver notable performance upgrades.

    Apple is also exploring new display technology that could slim down the bezels of the iPad Pro, though it’s uncertain if this innovation will be ready for the M5 models. In parallel, Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 17 series in a couple of months. The iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to undergo a redesign, particularly in the rear casing and camera area.

    However, major changes to the lineup will likely be reserved for the following year with the iPhone 18 models. Looking ahead, Apple does not intend to refresh its Mac lineup with the M5 chip until 2026. Plans for updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models have shifted, as the introduction of M5 MacBook Pros is now expected in early 2026.

    Meanwhile, anticipation is also building for an updated Apple TV, which is expected to feature key enhancements including a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. Overall, as new devices are set to emerge, Apple continues to innovate within its product lineup.

  • iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air Expected to Launch in 9 Exciting Color Options – MacRumors

    New reports from Asia indicate that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will be released in nine color options. The leaker known as yeux1122 shared that accessory manufacturers are already producing camera protector rings in colors that match the expected finishes of these models.

    The iPhone 17 will likely be available in black, silver, blue, green, and purple. This aligns with earlier rumors suggesting that Apple was experimenting with green and purple hues.

    In comparison, the iPhone 17 Air is set to come in black, silver, gold, and blue, confirming previous leaks from sources like Fixed Focus Digital and Majin Bu. In terms of color evolution, Apple seems to be phasing out some shades from the iPhone 16 series.

    While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus offered colors like pink and teal, the iPhone 17 will likely replace these with green and purple. The essential color palette, including black and white, could transition to black, silver, and blue, maintaining a broad consistency across the base models.

    The iPhone 17 Air, intended to replace the iPhone 16 Plus, will adopt a more muted, premium color palette similar to the Pro line. This shift aligns with Apple’s aim to reposition the Air model as a more upscale product, highlighted by its sleek and thin design.

    Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are anticipated to launch alongside the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max this fall, setting the stage for an exciting release in Apple’s smartphone lineup.

  • Achieving Precise Control of Volume and Brightness on Your Mac – MacRumors

    On a Mac with a top row of function keys, Apple provides volume and brightness controls that allow users to adjust these settings in fixed increments. However, there may be situations where you need finer control than the default increments provide. For those times, there’s a handy trick to consider.

    When you press the volume or brightness keys on your keyboard, an indicator appears on your screen that shows 16 fixed increments, separated by lines. By utilizing a keyboard modifier, you can achieve more precise adjustments, allowing for a total of 64 increments instead. This is particularly useful when you want to fine-tune the sound or screen brightness.

    To start, press and hold the Option and Shift keys together on your keyboard before tapping the volume or brightness controls. Once you do that, you’ll notice the on-screen indicator moving in smaller increments—four increments instead of one for each segment. This means you can make much more nuanced changes to your settings.

    This simple tip can significantly enhance your control when the default adjustments feel too drastic. For instance, if you’re trying to set the perfect volume level for your headphones, this method allows for a much more accurate adjustment, ensuring an optimal audio experience. By using these modifier keys, you can ensure that your adjustments fit your personal preferences perfectly.

  • Apple Expands iPhone Driver’s License Feature to Eight New U.S. States – MacRumors

    In select U.S. states, residents can now add their driver’s licenses or state IDs to the Wallet app on their iPhone and Apple Watch. This feature enables a convenient and contactless method for displaying proof of identity or age, applicable at certain airports and businesses, as well as within select apps.

    However, the rollout has been slow since its announcement in 2021, with only nine U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Japan implementing it so far. During the WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple confirmed plans for future expansion, but did not provide specific timelines.

    Currently, the states that offer driver’s licenses in the Wallet app include Montana, West Virginia, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, and Illinois. Moreover, travelers at select airports can utilize their Apple Wallet IDs at TSA checkpoints.

    Participating airports comprise notable locations like Baltimore/Washington International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, and Los Angeles International among others. Apple advises users to check TSA signage for details on the feature’s availability.

    Apart from driver’s licenses, the upcoming iOS 26 will introduce a Digital ID that can be based on a U.S. passport. This Digital ID allows iPhone users to verify their identity at domestic TSA checkpoints, but it does not substitute for a physical passport and cannot be used for international travel.

    In addition to these updates, Apple is reportedly making design changes to the iPhone 17 Pro models. There are rumors about transitioning from stainless steel to aluminum frames, and anticipated enhancements include a repositioned Apple logo and a wider camera bump.

    Apple is also expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, with both Pro and Pro Max models featuring different display sizes. Meanwhile, updates to the Wallet app for adding an Apple Account Card promise further functionality for users.

  • How Slim Is the iPhone 17 Air? A Look at Its Dimensions – MacRumors

    Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 Air is generating buzz as it could be the company’s slimmest smartphone to date. Multiple sources have indicated a sleek design that promises to enhance the portability of the device. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offers the most consistent estimate, suggesting that the iPhone 17 Air will have a thickness of just 5.5mm at its thinnest points. This measurement appears to be supported by dummy models that have emerged, indicating that Apple’s design team has finalized the device’s main chassis dimensions.

    Other industry experts are aligning with similar predictions; reports from *The Information* and analyst Jeff Pu both indicate a thickness near 6mm, while Mark Gurman from *Bloomberg* estimates it will be around 6.25mm. This places the iPhone 17 Air as Apple’s thinnest smartphone, in sharp contrast to the current thinnest model, the iPhone 6, which measures 6.9mm. In fact, the iPhone 17 Air may be 1.4mm thinner than its predecessor. Modern iPhones have gradually increased in thickness over time, demonstrated by the iPhone 16 Pro which measures 8.25mm.

    Apple has shown proficiency in creating ultra-thin devices, as seen with the 2024 iPad Pro M4, which is only 5.1mm thick. If the iPhone 17 Air lives up to the 5.5mm expectation, it would nearly match the iPad Pro’s slimness. However, the camera bump will reportedly exceed the main body thickness, potentially reaching around 9.5mm to accommodate the expected single 48-megapixel rear camera. Expectations for the iPhone 17 Air also include a 6.6-inch display, a 120Hz ProMotion feature, Apple’s C1 5G modem, an A19 chip, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

    This model is expected to replace the Plus option in Apple’s iPhone lineup and focus more on design than top-tier specs. While it won’t boast the fastest components like the Pro models, its innovative design is likely to attract consumers. The launch is anticipated in September, with a starting price around $899.

  • Huge Prime Day Discounts: Save Big on AirPods Now – MacRumors

    Amazon Prime Day is here, offering significant discounts on various AirPods models. Shoppers can seize this opportunity to find record low prices on popular options such as the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max. Notable deals include the AirPods Pro 2 available for just $149.00, a remarkable reduction from the original price of $249.00.

    Additionally, the AirPods 4 are currently priced at $89.00, down from $129.00. These discounts represent unprecedented savings on these models, and given the limited timeframe of Prime Day, it is advisable to make a purchase soon if you’re interested. For those seeking even more Apple deals, consider checking out the Apple Deals roundup, which summarizes the best bargains available over the past week.

    If you want to stay updated on the latest deals throughout 2025, you can sign up for our Deals Newsletter. This way, you will receive timely notifications about major sales and discounts, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to save. In other news, Apple’s ongoing development of iOS 26 has resulted in minor changes in its latest beta, along with updates to its design features.

    Additionally, rumors suggest that Apple plans to release numerous new products later this year, including the much-anticipated iPhone 17 series. Expected in September, the iPhone 17 Pro models might differ from previous iterations, as they are rumored to feature aluminum frames instead of the traditional stainless steel or titanium. Such changes reflect Apple’s commitment to innovation and adaptation in the evolving tech landscape.

    Overall, as the year progresses, Apple enthusiasts can look forward to exciting developments and product launches.

  • Massive Discounts on All Apple Watch Models Available During Prime Day – MacRumors

    Prime Day offers incredible discounts for all Apple Watch models this week, featuring unprecedented prices on the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. For the Apple Watch Series 10, you can grab the 42mm GPS variant for just $279, a reduction from its original price of $399.

    The 46mm GPS model is also available at a reduced price of $309, down from $429. These deals represent the lowest prices ever offered for these models, with various case colors and band styles available for selection.

    In addition to Series 10 discounts, there are price cuts on the Apple Watch SE. The 40mm GPS model is now available for $169, significantly lower than its previous price of $249.

    This marks the best deal we’ve seen in 2025. The 44mm GPS variant is also on sale for $199, reduced from $279.

    Similar to the Series 10, the SE comes in a range of colors including Starlight, Silver, and Midnight, with multiple band sizes to choose from. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also seeing a notable price drop.

    Currently, the Black model is priced at $649.99, down from $799. This marks the first significant discount we’ve tracked for this model in several weeks.

    If you’re interested in more Apple deals, keep an eye on our regular updates on the best offers available. Lastly, if you would like to stay informed about upcoming deals throughout 2025, consider signing up for our Deals Newsletter.

    We’ll ensure you are updated on the most exciting bargains of the season.

  • Middle Earth, The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings: Discussions on MacRumors Forums

    I just finished watching the Lord of the Rings series for what feels like the hundredth time, and it still resonates deeply with me. One aspect that stands out is the immense sacrifice Arwen made to be with Aragorn.

    This moment is captured beautifully in “The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen,” illustrating her choice to forsake Elvish immortality for love. Aragorn first met Arwen at the age of twenty while living under the protection of Elrond in Rivendell.

    Arwen, at that time already over 2700 years old, had just returned from a stay with her grandmother, Lady Galadriel, in Lórien. Their love blossomed at first sight, and thirty years later, they reunited in Lórien, ultimately pledging themselves to one another on the mound of Cerin Amroth.

    By choosing Aragorn, Arwen decided to remain in Middle-earth and abandon the path to the Undying Lands. Reflecting on the “Return of the King,” I am often moved by the profound story composition.

    While I admit I sometimes skip the Frodo-Gollum arcs, I can never fast forward through key scenes like Samwise rescuing Frodo or Eowyn’s heartfelt journey of unrequited love for Aragorn. The moments of tension and triumph, from the lighting of the beacons to Aragorn’s rallying cry for Gondor, always bring spontaneous tears to my eyes.

    Imagery from the film is etched into my mind—the stunning battle sequences, the thrill of Eowyn taking down the Witch-king, and Legolas single-handedly defeating an Oliphant. These epic scenes, underscored by themes of friendship, love, and sacrifice, solidify the series as a timeless masterpiece.

    It’s an unforgettable journey that continues to inspire.