Back in 2012, an Apple retail employee named Sam Sung went viral because his name is similar to Samsung, one of Apple's main competitors. In a recent interview with Business Insider, he detailed that period in his life, how Apple responded, and he explained why he ultimately changed his name.
Someone posted an image of Sung's Apple business card on Reddit in 2012, and it spread rapidly. Apple called him and asked him if he was aware of the post, and he became paranoid that he would lose his job.
"I was so scared, and I just wanted to keep my head down and stay employed," he said.
After a reporter approached him while he was at work, Apple pulled Sung from the store floor, and employees were told not to identify him when customers came in and asked. Apple also took away his business cards. Sung pretended to be someone else when a customer asked, and eventually, the joke died off.
Sung ended up leaving Apple in 2013 because he wanted to move on from retail, and in 2014, he ended up auctioning off his old business cards and pieces of his former uniform for charity.
Sung didn't change his name until after he left Apple, but his decision to do so was a direct result of going viral. He said he "didn't want to be known for being an internet joke."
He ultimately decided to change his last name to Struan, which he says is the name of one of his favorite places in Scotland. Though he doesn't regret his name change, he says that he wishes he could tell his younger self to "see it as a funny thing" and not stress out about his job.
The NFC Forum announced NFC Certification Release 15 (CR15), introducing a change that boosts the potential read range of NFC devices. CR15 defines the certification program for compliance with the NFC Release 15 specification that was announced earlier this year.
CR15 allows devices to certify for a read range of up to 20mm, which is a meaningful improvement over the prior 5mm limit. The NFC Forum says that the range increase will improve the user experience by requiring less precise alignment for a connection.
Future Apple Watch and iPhone models could adopt the increased 20mm range, but existing devices won't benefit because the change requires updated NFC hardware.
For iPhone and Apple Watch users, the update could allow future Apple devices to activate hotel room doors, house doors, car doors, and other NFC-enabled devices from further away. NFC is used for short-range interactions, like unlocking a HomeKit-compatible door as the homeowner approaches or opening a hotel room door without a physical key. Apple technologies like HomeKit and hotel key wallet integration could be faster and more reliable with the change.
The 15mm increase means users won't have to align devices as precisely, but NFC will still be more secure than longer-range technologies like Bluetooth or Ultra Wideband. Devices that support the 20mm certification could be available in the coming months now that the testing and certification process is available.
Apple, Google, and other major tech companies are members of the NFC Forum, so Apple was likely involved in the specification upgrade.
Apple this week removed dating review apps Tea Dating Advice and TeaOnHer from the App Store for violating its content moderation policies.
The apps were pulled in all markets on October 21, and Apple told TechCrunch that the app developers did not meet requirements for moderation and user privacy, violating App Store guidelines 1.2, 5.1.2, and 5.6. Apple also saw an "excessive number of user complaints and negative reviews," including complaints that people were sharing the personal information of minors.
Rule 1.2 says that apps need to have reporting and blocking features, and should remove objectionable content. Rule 5.1.2 prohibits apps from sharing users' personal information without permission, and rule 5.6 says that excessive negative reviews violate Apple's Developer Code of Conduct.
Apple contacted the developers of each app before removing the apps, but they did not address the problems.
For background, Tea is an app designed to let women share details about the men they were dating, offering "red flag" and "green flag" ratings. The app launched in 2023, but it went viral earlier this year, and its popularity led to a data breach.
TeaOnHer is a separate app from a different developer that launched after Tea became popular, and it too had major security issues. Neither developer has commented on the situation.
Both apps are still available on Google Play, and on the App Store, TechCrunch has found multiple copycat apps.
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.
Bird Buddy is a company known for its camera-equipped bird feeder, a product that started out on Kickstarter. Since debuting the original bird feeder in 2021, Bird Buddy has expanded its product lineup, giving people more ways to bring nature indoors.
I first reviewed the Bird Buddy last year, but I am revisiting my review because there's an upgraded camera that's now available, along with a hummingbird feeder and a stand.
Bird Buddy Pro Camera
The Bird Buddy Pro is Bird Buddy's newest standard setup, and it comes with an improved camera that supports 2K video, HDR, and slow-motion video playback. It has a wider field of view, and better sensor, and the HDR is new. If you already have the Bird Buddy like I did, you can buy the camera on a standalone basis, because it is the same size as the original camera and the enclosure is the same.
The Bird Buddy enclosure is made from a thick plastic material, and it has an optional solar roof add-on that keeps the camera charged up using the sun. I've had the Bird Buddy up and running for a year now, and it's held up well despite exposure to sun, rain, frost, and heat. The clear back panel that pulls out to clean the Bird Buddy has yellowed a bit, and my solar panel can pop loose a little bit at the top, but I otherwise haven't run into any issues with the integrity of the bird feeder. I'm able to pop the solar panel roof back down, and I haven't had problems with water intrusion or problems with charging.
When placed in an area that gets a small amount of sun a day, the Bird Buddy stays charged up, but in a shadier area, I've had to add supplemental charging. Right now, I've got the Bird Buddy in a forested spot next to my house, and it gets little to no direct sunlight. Unsurprisingly, that hasn't been enough to keep the battery charged. Without the solar roof powering the Bird Buddy, it needs to be charged about every week, so I do think the solar panel is worth the extra $50.
The camera pops right into the Bird Buddy enclosure, which is why it was easy for me to swap out the standard camera for the 2K model. The camera connects to the solar panel over USB-C, with the cable tucked away from the elements. Seed goes into the hopper behind the camera, and feeds into the tray where birds sit to eat.
With a better sensor and HDR support, there is a noticeable difference between the newer camera that Bird Buddy offers and the original model. Videos are a lot crisper, and I can see quite a bit more detail in each bird that visits.
The Pro camera also has the benefit of having an option for a close-up view or a view with a wider angle, and that solves a problem that I've sometimes had with the Bird Buddy. At times, birds will come to the edge of the Bird Buddy to eat rather than the front and so they can stay out of view. That doesn't happen with the wider-angle lens, though I still tend to prefer the shots that I get with the closer view.
I don't want to give the impression that the camera is perfect, because it still needs good lighting to get crisp shots. In the dark and in situations with odd backlighting or sunlight shining right on the camera, pictures don't come out the best. This isn't a DSLR by any means, but all pictures and videos are an improvement over the standard Nature Cam thanks to the hardware differences, even though the Nature Cam also has 2K video recording as an option and 5-megapixel photos. If you already have a Bird Buddy, enjoy it, and are considering the upgrade, I think it's worthwhile for the better quality pictures.
I bought the extended perch for my Bird Buddy, and I've been happy with it. The birds use it often, and it gives them more space. I also bought the suet ball and water dish add-on, but I've long since removed those. The suet ball was messy and it took up too much space, as did the water dish. I have a different water source for the birds, and I serve suet in a dedicated suet container just so I have less of a mess to clean up.
The Bird Buddy is by no means squirrel proof, and if you have local squirrels, they can and will get to it if it's in reach. I've had luck putting it further than a squirrel can jump. Hot seed also seems to be a good deterrent because birds don't mind the pepper taste, but squirrels can't stand it.
I've had all kinds of birds come to visit the Bird Buddy, and I sometimes get different visitors depending on what I put out. It can accommodate bigger birds like mourning doves, as well as tiny birds like finches and sparrows.
As long as squirrels aren't stealing food from the Bird Buddy, I can go around five days without needing to refill it. There are people that sell larger hoppers that attach to it, or plenty of 3D files for that purpose if you have a 3D printer. I do wish Bird Buddy sold add-on options like that. Seed is added through a little pulldown at the back of the hopper, and Bird Buddy does include a seed scooper that works well.
I clean the Bird Buddy every couple of weeks, and the app will send reminders to do so. I remove all remaining seed debris, take out the camera, and give everything a good rinse. I then sanitize with alcohol and give it another rinse before letting it dry and filling it back up. It's easy to take apart and clean, and it's a process that takes me only a few minutes. I clean all of my bird feeders regularly just to ensure that I'm not perpetuating any diseases to the local birds, like bird flu. I haven't seen an ill bird at my feeder, but checking on bird health and knowing if a cleaning is needed is one benefit of having a camera.
By default, the Bird Buddy comes with a hanger. I've used it on a hanger for the last year, but there is an option to purchase a pole mount. I think birds might prefer the stability of a pole mount, but they've still been regularly using it with the hanger even though it wobbles.
With the Pro camera and any Bird Buddy camera, you can pop it out from one enclosure and put it into another. So if you have a Bird Buddy and want to move the camera over to a Hummingbird Feeder, that's possible. The cameras are meant to work with Bird Buddy products, so if you just take it out of the enclosure or try to transfer it to a homemade enclosure, it doesn't work. You can, however, add a magnet to get the camera to function outside of a standard Bird Buddy feeder.
Even after a year, the Bird Buddy works as it did when I first received it. I've continued to use it, and I'm still a fan of it. The Bird Buddy feeders that I've gifted to others are also still in use.
Hummingbird Feeder Pro
Bird Buddy makes a Hummingbird Feeder now, which I've been testing for a few months. Hummingbird feeders are tricker, because hummingbirds are seasonal birds. You're not going to start seeing them until right around April or May, because they migrate. They'll stick around until August or September, and then they head off again.
Before considering a hummingbird feeder of any kind, you need to make sure that you live in an area where hummingbird visits, and there's a whole website for that. As long as hummingbirds are near you, you can likely attract them to your yard. They're good at spotting anything red, which is why hummingbird feeders are red. The Bird Buddy Hummingbird Feeder looks a lot like traditional hummingbird feeders, and it has the same red flower-shaped nectar cups.
Like the standard Bird Buddy, the Hummingbird Feeder has a solar roof option. The solar roof is convenient, but because hummingbirds are seasonal and because the hummingbird food needs to be swapped out often, it's not quite as worth the extra cost as the solar panel for the Bird Buddy. It's still a good option if you want to be able to swap food and put the feeder right back out, and it prevents you from needing to pull out the camera to hook it up to a cable.
The Hummingbird Feeder unscrews from the bottom so you can pour sugar water inside, and then it screws back on. The feeder holds 1.5 cups of liquid, which seems about right for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are probably the cheapest birds to feed, which is a benefit. You just need a big bag of sugar, and then you can make your own nectar. Bird Buddy recommends six tablespoons of water dissolved in 1.5 cups of water. I just make it with hot water from the sink and stir until the sugar is well-dissolved, but you can boil water and it may last a little longer. I don't boil because it changes the concentration of the sugar water mixture.
Sugar water doesn't last a particularly long time, so while it's a cheaper feeder to operate, it requires more maintenance. Bird Buddy recommends cleaning and refilling the feeder about every three days, because hummingbirds won't drink sugar water that's started to ferment. If your feeder is in the shade, you might be able to go a little longer, and if it's in hot sun, it might need to be swapped out more often.
I think the design of the Hummingbird Feeder works, though it does get ants because there isn't an ant moat. Hummingbirds have been using it, but I'm not getting a huge variety because it's mostly ruby-throated hummingbirds in my area, and they're territorial. Hummingbird feeders need to be in an area where the hummingbird has shelter, and it's not recommended to keep them near bird feeders for larger birds. I had mixed luck with hummingbirds in the early months of the year, but as summer turned to fall, visits picked up.
My one complaint about the Hummingbird Feeder is the hook for it. It slots into two divots on the side of the feeder, but it doesn't stay in place, and I always have to fix it. I've also noticed that the flowers are straight down and can't be angled at all, which is different from other hummingbird feeders I've had.
I do wish that Bird Buddy sold the Hummingbird Feeder with another enclosure, because it's not useful for most people several months out of the year. I packed mine up in late September.
Bird Buddy App
The Bird Buddy app is the key part of the Bird Buddy system. The cameras in the bird feeders snap photos that are sent to you as "postcards" in the Bird Buddy app. Not every visit is recorded, with Bird Buddy choosing the best images and visits to preserve battery life.
Receiving postcards from visiting birds is free, as is the identification that the app offers. You can use the Bird Buddy without paying any kind of additional fees for the app.
The app has changed a lot over the last couple of years, and sometimes, I think the addition of new AI features made detection worse. It's accurate about what bird has visited about 80 percent of the time, but the other 20 percent, it can be way off or unable to detect a bird at all. I don't mind too much because I can see what the bird is and I typically know the ones around me, but it can be problematic for people who are trying to use the app to learn more about birds. I do sometimes find myself having to look up a particular bird to figure out what it actually is, but there are in-app features for reporting misidentified birds, so I hope the detection is going to improve over time.
There is a subscription that adds premium features, but it's not mandatory, does not include any of the core features, and it is opt-in.
The subscription lets you share live stream access with more people, it unlocks 2K Ultra resolution, adds more cloud storage, and it lets you watch more remote feeders from around the world. There are also options to name frequent visitors, get tips if you come across a sick bird, chat with AI for bird info, and identify birds by sound with your iPhone.
Nature Station
Bird Buddy has a Nature Station, which is basically a pole system for the different Bird Buddy bird feeders and products. It's $349, so it's expensive for a pole, but it is the most premium pole that I've seen.
I've had the Nature Station outside in the full sun and rain for about six months now, and it still looks new. The light blue powder coating hasn't chipped or degraded at all, and it's stable in the soil. There are three larch wood arms with prongs, and each arm can hold multiple feeders. There are also add-on arms for bird houses and the Bird Buddy bath. At the bottom, there's an optional pollinator planter where you can put flowers to attract additional birds and butterflies. I don't have this, but it's essentially just a pot with drainage holes and a slot for the pole to go into.
The baffle design does work, and I haven't had a squirrel that's able to climb it. Squirrels are crafty creatures, so you do need to make sure that it's out of range of anywhere a squirrel can jump from. Raccoons also aren't able to skirt the baffle. The ground stakes are secure, and I've been happy with its performance even in an area that can get fairly wet.
The Nature Station is around 90 inches tall, but if you want it to be shorter you can leave out a pole segment. I don't have anything negative to say about the Nature Station other than pointing out that it's probably more than most people are going to want to pay for a pole system. I have seen some reviews about the plastic arms snapping off, but my review unit did not have those arms so I am unable to comment on them. I just have the three branches, which have worked fine for holding feeders.
I have a fairly expensive pole setup from Wild Birds Unlimited as well, and Bird Buddy's version is sturdier and better looking. My Wild Birds Unlimited pole has many of the same components, but the base isn't as stable and I have a harder time keeping it upright.
Upcoming Products
Bird Buddy recently announced the Bird Buddy 2. It has an upgraded dual solar panel that provides more power, it's faster at detection, it can identify birds with sound, and it holds more seed, so it's definitely worth considering if you're thinking about getting a Bird Buddy. I haven't had a chance to try the Bird Buddy 2 yet, but I'll share a review in the future if I'm able to test it.
Bird Buddy also has a Bird Bath option that doesn't seem to be widely available yet, and I'm not sure how to get one.
Finally, there's a Kickstarter project for a "Wonder" camera that can be put anywhere and can identify bugs, birds, and other critters. It's coming in June 2026. I backed this one, so I should be able to share a review when it comes out.
Bottom Line
Two years in, I still like getting notifications from the Bird Buddy and seeing what birds are coming to the feeder, even if they're the same birds I'm seeing all the time. What visits does change with the seasons, and sometimes I get special visitors that are out of the ordinary.
I have not had issues with the Bird Buddy feeders, and they are still functioning with no issue. The app can be a little hit or miss, but it's still fun to receive bird postcards and browse through my visitors each day. I've bought the Bird Buddy as gifts, and it's still my favorite thing to give people that are hard to shop for. If you don't mind getting into the habit of refilling and maintaining bird feeders, the Bird Buddy is a fun and family friendly way to bring some nature indoors.
Note: Bird Buddy provided MacRumors with a Hummingbird Feeder Pro and Nature Station for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
Apple's updated 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro launched today, and we picked one up to compare it to the prior-generation M4 model to see how performance has changed year over year.
The M4 MacBook Pro and the M5 MacBook Pro models are identical, and there are no changes to the design. Everything new is inside, and even that's limited.
There's an M5 chip with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU inside, and it's built on a newer 3-nanometer technology than the equivalent M4 chip in the prior-generation machine.
On Geekbench 6 tests, the M5 MacBook Pro earned a single-core score of 4220 and a multi-core score of 16781, while the M4 MacBook Pro earned a single-core score of 3834 and a multi-core score of 15453. Apple says that M5 CPU speeds are up to 15 percent faster than M4 speeds.
As for the GPU, the M5 earned an OpenCL score of 48101 and a Metal score of 75536, while the M4 earned a score of 38023 and a Metal Score of 57822. Apple says that GPU speeds are up to 30 percent faster.
SSD speeds have also improved, and Apple says it's up to 2x faster. That proved to be correct in our Blackmagic disk speed tests.
In day to day use, you're not going to see much of a difference between the M4 and the M5 unless you're doing something that maxes out the chip like video editing or 3D rendering. Even then, it's a modest improvement.
There's no reason to upgrade to the M5 from the M4, but if you have an older M-series MacBook Pro or even an Intel machine, the performance improvement with the M5 will be night and day.
General Motors began phasing out support for CarPlay in its electric vehicles back in 2023, leading to complaints from iPhone users, but the company has no plans to back down.
In fact, GM is going further and plans to remove CarPlay from all future gas vehicles, too. In an interview with The Verge, GM CEO Mary Barra said that the company opted to prioritize its platform for EVs, but the change will eventually expand across the entire GM portfolio.
A lot of it depends on when you do an update to that vehicle. When you look at the fact that we have over 40 models across our portfolio, you don't just do this and they all update. As we move forward with each new vehicle and major new vehicle launch, I think you're going to see us consistent on that. We made a decision to prioritize our EV vehicles during this timeframe, and as we go forward, we'll continue across the portfolio.
When asked if users should expect that new gas cars will not support "smartphone projection" for CarPlay or Android Auto, Barra said "I think that's the right expectation. Yes."
GM Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson suggested that GM's decision to embrace its own system is a "very Jobsian approach to things" that he likened to phasing out the disk drive.
But frankly, it's a very Jobsian approach to things. The removal of the disk drive, nobody liked that, everybody on the forums and Facebook was complaining about it, but to that he said, "Look, guys, flash storage really is the future. Get on board, you'll see that." That's kind of what we're saying here, in fact that's exactly what we're saying.
Anderson said that GM's in-house infotainment option offers a "much more immersive environment" and can "do so many more things" than CarPlay.
In EVs, General Motors transitioned to an infotainment system that it previously called "Ultifi." GM said that eliminating Apple CarPlay gave it access to direct integrations and information that it needed for its electric vehicle line, plus the company claimed that an in-house unified solution was the better option for consumers.
Starting with the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ, GM is rolling out a centralized vehicle computing system that it says will overhaul how GM vehicles are built and how they can be updated over time. GM will share software across its portfolio, including all electric and gas-powered vehicles produced by its GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac brands.
iPhone Air demand failed to meet Apple's expectations and the company's supply chain is scaling back shipments and production, reports Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Suppliers are expected to reduce capacity by more than 80 percent between now and the first quarter of 2026, and some components with longer lead times will be discontinued by the end of 2025.
According to Kuo, the iPhone Air's poor performance suggests that the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models already "cover the majority of high-end user demand," so there is little room for new market segments.
There have been multiple reports suggesting the iPhone Air has failed to catch on with consumers. Last week, Japan's Mizuho Securities said that Apple would reduce iPhone Air production by a million units because of underwhelming sales performance, and earlier today, Nikkei said that there is "virtually no demand" for the iPhone Air, and that Apple would "drastically" cut production.
Apple competitor Samsung is apparently seeing the same response to its super thin smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Edge. Reports suggest that Samsung canceled development of a next-generation model after disappointing sales.
Apple's standard iPhone and Pro iPhone models have consistently performed well, but it has struggled with its fourth wildcard spot in the iPhone lineup. Apple experimented with a smaller 5.4-inch iPhone mini that did not sell well, and then moved to a larger iPhone Plus that served as a more affordable version of the large-sized Pro Max. That too failed, leading Apple to try a 5.6mm build that compromised on features for a lightweight and thin design.
We could get yet another new form factor as soon as 2026, with rumors suggesting that Apple will debut a foldable iPhone as part of the iPhone 18 lineup.
Apple today confirmed it will not be allowing customers to trade in the original Vision Pro toward the purchase of the new model or any other device.
"Apple Vision Pro is not eligible for trade-in," says Apple, in the fine print of a press release.
Some customers who spent at least $3,499 on the original Vision Pro may be disappointed to learn that Apple is not willing to offer any credit for the device.
The new Vision Pro's key changes include an M5 chip, 120Hz support, and the inclusion of a more comfortable Dual Knit Band in the box. However, the Dual Knit Band is also compatible with the original Vision Pro, and it can be purchased separately for $99.
The original model has an M2 chip, up to a 100Hz refresh rate, and a Solo Knit Band.
With no trade-in credit available to offset spending another $3,499 on the updated Vision Pro, some customers may pass on upgrading to the new model. Alternatively, customers can sell the device privately on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
Apple's "A20" chip designed for next year's iPhone models could be considerably more expensive, the China Times reports.
The A20 chip is likely to be the first widely available 2-nanometer chip, debuting in the iPhone 18 lineup next year and forming the foundation of subsequent M6-series chips. The previous three generation A-series chips have all been based on TMSC's 3-nanometer node, with the upgrade to 2-nanometer promising further performance and efficiency improvements.
TSMC has reportedly told customers, presumably including Apple, to expect pricing that is at least 50% higher than 3-nanometer processors. This is attributed to unusually high capital expenditure for the new node and to the lack of discounting strategies while yields are still in their early acceptable phase.
The report further states that suppliers expect flagship mobile chips built on the 2-nanometer process to carry unit prices around $280 once volume production begins. This would make it the most expensive component in the iPhone and dramatically affect Apple's profit margins, if the increase is not passed on to customers.
A report from DigiTimes last year placed the cost of the A18 chip at around $45, with a total hardware bill of $416 for a model that retailed at $799, implying that the chip represents roughly 10% of bill of materials (BOM) cost and about 5–6% of retail price before logistics and development expenses. The most expensive component in that teardown was the rear camera assembly rather than the chip.
If the component cost rumors are true, Apple could limit 2-nanometer chips to only some 2026 iPhone models, such as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. In September last year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuowarned that "due to cost concerns, not all new iPhone 18 models may be equipped with a 2-nanometer processor."
The updated 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro models with the M5 chip are available to purchase at Apple Store locations and select resellers starting today.
The key change across all three devices is the M5 chip, for faster performance.
The updated 14-inch MacBook Pro base model also offers up to 2× faster SSD read and write speeds compared to the equivalent previous-generation model.
The twice-as-fast SSD speeds extend to the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models, which also received Apple's custom N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, Apple's custom C1X modem for cellular configurations, the ability to drive external displays at up to a 120Hz refresh rate, and faster charging capabilities (up to 50% in 30 to 35 minutes).
The updated Vision Pro gained 120Hz support, up from the previous 100Hz limit, and it ships with a more comfortable Dual Knit Band with tungsten counterweights.
At all Apple Store locations where the Vision Pro is available, customers can now demo the updated model with the M5 chip, and try the Dual Knit Band.
Apple has been designated with strategic market status (SMS) in the United Kingdom for iOS and iPadOS, a move that empowers regulators to impose binding requirements that could compel changes such as permitting rival app stores and direct software downloads.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed the designation today in a press release, announcing that Apple and Google both met the legal tests for substantial and entrenched market power across operating systems, app distribution, browsers, and browser engines on smartphones and tablets. The CMA said the designation follows investigations opened in January under new powers granted by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, which came into force in January.
According to the regulator, the designation does not in itself impose remedies but enables the CMA to initiate targeted interventions designed to open the platforms to greater competition. The CMA said its analysis and consultation with more than 150 stakeholders concluded that iOS and Android collectively account for 90–100% of UK mobile devices and that users rarely switch platforms once embedded. The CMA believes that developers seeking to reach UK users must pass through the companies' platform rules and distribution channels, giving the two firms a position of strategic significance.
The CMA said Apple and Google may be limiting innovation and competition through platform rules governing things like app reviews, in-app payments, storefront search ranking, browser distribution, and cross-platform switching. It also said emerging AI features are unlikely to erode the firms' market power within the five-year duration of the designation.
Apple told the BBC that users in the UK could lose access to new features, as has happened in the European Union, which the company attributes to heavy regulation. For example, some Apple Intelligence features which have rolled out in other parts of the world are not available in the EU.
Apple faces fierce competition in every market where we operate, and we work tirelessly to create the best products, services and user experience. The UK's adoption of EU-style rules would undermine that, leaving users with weaker privacy and security, delayed access to new features, and a fragmented, less seamless experience.
The CMA added that the designation is not a finding of wrongdoing. The measure simply enables regulatory action that could include requirements for fairer and transparent ranking in app stores, allowing developers to steer users to outside payments, and changes to user-experience barriers when using non-default app stores or directly downloaded software.
The CMA noted in its press release that jurisdictions including the United States, EU, and Japan are adopting similar measures aimed at mobile platform gatekeepers.
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.
The second-generation Developer Strap offers data transfer speeds of up to 20 Gbps when connected to a Mac, whereas the original version was limited to USB 2.0 speeds of up to 480 Mbps. It is unclear if there are any other changes.
The overall design of the Developer Strap has barely changed, and it continues to provide the same audio experience as the standard Right Audio Strap.
The new Developer Strap is available to order now for delivery later this week, but it can only be purchased by Apple Developer Program members in countries where the Vision Pro is sold. In the U.S., the accessory remains priced at $299.
The new strap is compatible with both the original Vision Pro with the M2 chip, and the updated model with the M5 chip. However, it is unclear if data transfer speeds will be faster when using the new strap with the original Vision Pro.
Apple first released the Developer Strap in February 2024, when the original Vision Pro with the M2 chip launched. The accessory provides a USB-C connection between the Vision Pro and a Mac, for app development and diagnostic purposes.
Amazon this week has a few notable sales from popular brands like Satechi, Jackery, Anker, and Ecovacs. These include discounts on everything from MagSafe-compatible car chargers to portable power stations, Find My compatible wallets, and robot vacuums.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Highlights of the sales include Anker's 10,000 mAh Magnetic Power Bank for $34.99 ($15 off), Jackery's Explorer 1000 V2 Portable Power Station for $429.00 ($70 off), and Ecovacs' Deebot T30S Pro Robot Vacuum for $545.99 ($554 off). Most of these deals have been applied automatically and do not require a coupon code, but there are some exceptions where you'll need to either clip a code or enter one at checkout.
Another discount worth noting is a massive sale on the popular Anker 60,000mAh Power Station with Smart Digital Display and Retractable Light, available for just $79.98, down from $149.99. This accessory is typically around the $100 price point when it's on sale, so today's deal is among the lowest we've ever tracked.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
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Apple is facing a small but growing cluster of reports that the new Cosmic Orange finish on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max is shifting toward a rose-gold or pink hue for a subset of users, in some cases prompting device replacements.
Multiple posts on Reddit and TikTok over the past week describe the color of the anodized aluminum frame of the iPhone 17 Pro changing over time. The earliest widely circulated case came from Reddit user DakAttack316, who said their Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max developed a pink tint without any unusual treatment.
Subsequent threads showed same color shift on other units, with the glass rear panel retaining its original saturation while the exposed aluminum perimeter and camera plateau moved toward a rose-gold-like tone. A separate report showed the camera plateau of a four-day-old Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro that appeared deeper in tone than the surrounding frame when viewed in daylight, despite the phone having been kept in Apple's clear case.
Some reports have concluded that the cause of the discoloration is due to contact with peroxide-based solvents or prolonged ultraviolet exposure. On its support website, Apple instructs consumers:
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents. After disinfecting, wipe with a soft, slightly damp (with water), lint-free cloth.
Apple does not explain why peroxide is banned, but color loss confined to the metal frame matches what is known to happen when anodized coatings are exposed to strong oxidizers. The iPhone 17 Pro uses anodized aluminum, which is porous during manufacturing and takes on dye before it is sealed. This allows Apple to deliver the strong Cosmic Orange color, but also means the color can shift if the oxide layer is damaged or if UV breaks down the sealed pores.
The other, less saturated iPhone 17 Pro colors do not seem to be experiencing the same problem. Similarly, the titanium and glass finishes of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro are not dyed, making them less vulnerable to this type of change as a result.
Apple has not provided any information about the discoloration cases, but some users say that Apple Support replaced affected devices when inspected.
Apple today shared the first full trailer for Pluribus, an upcoming sci-fi drama series hailing from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan.
Pluribus stars Emmy-nominated actress Rhea Seehorn, who also starred in the Breaking Bad spinoff series Better Call Saul. In the "genre-bending" series, Apple says "the most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness."
Seehorn plays a woman named Carol, who is "different" from others.
In case you missed it, Apple TV+ is being rebranded as Apple TV. The first two episodes of the first season will be released on the streaming service on Friday, November 7, and a new episode will follow every Friday through December 26.
Apple has already picked up the series for a second season.
Pluribus is produced by Sony Pictures Television, and Gilligan serves as one of the executive producers and as a writer for some episodes.
Over the past few months, Apple has shared several mysterious clips from the show.
If you dial 202-808-3981, an automated message related to the show will play, and there is an option to sign up for promotional Apple TV+ text messages.
Apple plans to launch a new type of iPhone every year for the foreseeable future, according to an Asia-based source.
The detailed information was shared by the account "yeux1122" in a blog post on the Korean platform Naver, citing domestic trend and component research companies.
Corroborating other reports, Apple will apparently launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, featuring a book-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold. It will use a flexible LTPO+ OLED display that unfolds to the approximate size of the iPad mini.
Apple is said to be using a structural glass mid-frame to minimize the visible display crease in the fold, while applying a color filter-on-encapsulation layer together with a circular polarizer module to improve color purity and light transmission. The device may also see the debut of some under-display Face ID and under-display camera technology. Apple is aiming to emphasize general technological innovation with the device, merging an iPad-like experience with the iPhone for the first time.
In 2027, Apple will reportedly debut a special 20th anniversary iPhone model with "zero" bezel around the display. It will allegedly feature a "flat, candybar"-like shape with the OLED display bending around all four edges of the device, wrapping the entire front frame.
Apple will purportedly employ a crater-shaped light diffusion layer in the display to even out the brightness so that the screen looks uniformly lit across all areas. With this device, the company will fully adopt Under-Display Integrated Recognition, meaning that the Face ID system, front camera, and other sensors will be placed beneath the display surface so that they are virtually invisible. Apple apparently wants the model to be seen as an iconic visual milestone for the iPhone, with a focus on design.
In 2028, the company is planning to debut a clamshell-style vertical foldable with a compact and lightweight design. The foldable is designed with curves on all four edges around the hinge area so the crease blends more naturally into the body, making the fold less noticeable to the eye and hand.
An external display will be able to display notifications, AI-powered Shortcuts, and capture simple information. Apple is apparently planning to implement a display with a Clear Organic Cathode layer paired with a Color Filter-On-Encapsulation stack, allowing the panel to produce cleaner colors and maintain higher transparency so light passes through more efficiently. Apple is said to see the device as a light luxury, fashion-oriented model that may be popular with women.
With the introduction of the iPhone Air this year, it seems that Apple wants to invigorate the iPhone lineup with at least four years of successive new form factors. A rumor from the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital" shared in May similarly claimed that Apple is reportedly preparing to implement significant new iPhone hardware designs each year for the next three generations.
The upcoming iOS 26.1 update includes a handful of new features and changes for iPhones, including a toggle for changing the appearance of the Liquid Glass design, "slide to stop" for alarms in the Clock app, and more.
iOS 26.1 is currently in beta testing. The update will likely be released in the first half of November, and it is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer, but some features are limited to newer iPhone models.
Below, we have outlined eight new things coming in iOS 26.1.
Liquid Glass Toggle
iOS 26.1 lets you choose your preferred look for Liquid Glass.
In the Settings app, under Display and Brightness → Liquid Glass, there is a more transparent "Clear" option and a more opaque "Tinted" option.
Lock Screen Camera Toggle
In the Settings app, a new "Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera" toggle lets you turn off the ability to swipe left on the Lock Screen to quickly open the Camera app.
Slide to Stop Alarms
When an alarm goes off in the Clock app, iOS 26.1 shows a new "slide to stop" control on the screen for turning off the alarm. On previous iOS 26 versions, there is simply a large "stop" button, which could be accidentally tapped.
This change — which also applies to timers — comes after Apple significantly increased the size of the "stop" button in the Clock app on iOS 26.
Song Swiping
You can now swipe on the music player in Apple Music to switch between songs.
Apple TV+ Rebrand to Apple TV
Earlier this month, Apple announced that its Apple TV+ streaming service is being renamed to Apple TV, with a "vibrant new identity." iOS 26.1 lays the groundwork for this change by introducing a more colorful Apple TV app icon.
More Apple Intelligence Languages
Apple Intelligence is now available in Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese.
More AirPods Live Translation Languages
AirPods Live Translation works with additional languages in iOS 26.1, including Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese (Traditional and Simplified).
The feature is available on AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3.
Background Security Improvements
In the Settings app, under Privacy & Security → Security Improvements, there is a new option to automatically download and install "Background Security Improvements." These are stopgap security patches issued between full iOS updates.
This is a revamp of the prior Rapid Security Responses feature.
The business publication claims to have learned of a major cut to iPhone Air production motivated by weaker-than-expected consumer interest, nearly to "end of production levels." Despite early reports of the iPhone Air selling out within hours of launch in China, the overall reception has apparently been lukewarm in the region.
Combined with weak demand in other markets, sales projections have dropped significantly. Although Nikkei declined to disclose the full extent of the production cut or which suppliers will be affected, it says that the changes may be seen in Apple's supply chain in the coming months.
A new KeyBanc Capital Markets survey for investors reveals "virtually no demand for iPhone Air, and limited willingness to pay for a foldable." Demand for other iPhone 17 models is said to be healthy but measured, with the mix "continuing to shift toward Pro and Pro Max models." Moreover, AI features have yet to meaningfully influence buying decisions.
Last week, Japan's Mizuho Securities said that Apple will reduce iPhone Air production by one million units this year. Meanwhile, Apple apparently plans to increase production of iPhone 17 models by two million units. A separate report claimed that Samsung has canceled plans to release a successor to its own iPhone Air rival, the Galaxy S25 Edge, due to low sales.
Image via Reddit user 
