MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors - All Stories https://www.macrumors.com Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:46:48 PDT en hourly 1 https://www.macrumors.com AirPods Pro 3 Still Available for Best Price Since Prime Day at $199.99 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/airpods-pro-3-prime-day-199-99/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/airpods-pro-3-still-available-for-best-price-since-prime-day-at-199-99.2486112/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:24:01 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/airpods-pro-3-prime-day-199-99/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured $199.99, down from $249.00. This is the best price we've seen on the AirPods Pro 3 since Prime Day ended last month, coming in around $20 higher when compared to that all-time low price.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and has 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts.

$49 OFF
AirPods Pro 3 for $199.99


Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.



Deals Newsletter


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Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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]]> Gemini for Mac Adds System-Wide Voice Dictation and Screen-Aware Commands https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/gemini-for-mac-dictation/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gemini-for-mac-adds-system-wide-voice-dictation-and-screen-aware-commands.2486111/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:46:53 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/gemini-for-mac-dictation/ Juli Clover Gemini Google updated Gemini for Mac to add a new quick keyboard shortcut that activates voice mode. By long-pressing the Fn key, users can speak naturally to Gemini from any window on their desktop machine.


Gemini supports intelligent dictation, so users can speak to the chatbot using natural language and Gemini will transcribe their words to text. Ums, ahs, and other filler words are removed during the process, and it can catch mid-sentence corrections, dropping formatted text at the cursor.

There's an opt-in screen-aware reasoning mode. If enabled, Gemini can see what's on the Mac's screen to complete tasks. Users can highlight files, images, text, or documents and have Gemini edit, summarize, and compose content in the app they're working in. Gemini is also able to generate and edit images when the screen-aware mode is turned on.

A double press on the Fn key is one of the options for triggering the Mac's built-in dictation feature, so the Gemini replacement will be familiar to those who prefer Gemini.

Gemini's new Mac voice mode is rolling out globally to all Gemini for Mac users in English, with Google planning to add more languages in the future.
Tags: Gemini, Google

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]]> iOS 27 Lets You Hide the Messages Button Everyone Hits by Mistake https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/ios-hide-dictation-messages-button/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ios-27-lets-you-hide-the-messages-button-everyone-hits-by-mistake.2486110/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:10:46 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/ios-hide-dictation-messages-button&post_date=1785352235/ Tim Hardwick iOS 27
messages
The issue is one that popstar Justin Bieber publicly complained about, claiming that the send button shouldn't have multiple functions so close together. The post went viral, and in iOS 27, Apple has done something about it.

Quite simply, the message text field now has a new setting. You can choose whether it displays the audio waveform icon for recording a voice message, the microphone icon for dictation, or nothing at all. Here's how to find it:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

  2. Tap Apps at the bottom of the list.

  3. Tap Messages.

  4. Tap Show in Text Field.

  5. Choose one of the three options: Record Audio, Start Dictation, or None.
    settings
If you keep tapping the text field icon by mistake, you'll want to choose None.

If you occasionally record voice messages, don't worry – you can still use the plus button to the left of the input field to enable Audio. If it's dictation you sometimes use, you'll find the microphone key at the bottom right of the iOS keyboard (if it's not there, go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Keyboard and turn on Enable Dictation.)

iOS 27 is remains in beta, with a public release expected sometime this September.
Related Roundups: iOS 27, iPadOS 27

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]]> Best Buy's Back to School Sale Brings Big Savings on AirPods, MacBooks, Headphones, and More https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/best-buys-school-sale/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/best-buys-back-to-school-sale-brings-big-savings-on-airpods-macbooks-headphones-and-more.2486104/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:24:22 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/best-buys-school-sale/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured Back to School season, as well as its annual Black Friday in July event, with notable markdowns on Apple devices, TVs, headphones, monitors, and much more. These sales are set to last for the rest of this week, and you don't need to be a My Best Buy Plus or Total member to see the deals.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

In terms of Apple devices, you can find solid deals on AirPods Max 2, iPhone Air, Beats accessories, and MacBook Pro. You can get the AirPods Max 2 for $449.00 ($100 off), as well as up to $500 off M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, starting at $2,299.00 for the 1TB 14-inch model.

SITEWIDE SALE
Best Buy Back to School Sale


Some of the biggest discounts you'll find in Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale are on TVs, with major savings from popular brands like Insignia, Samsung, and LG. Best Buy has Samsung's popular line of The Frame TVs on sale, including the 65-inch 2025 model for $999.99 ($600 off), which is a match of the record low price on this device.

Apple



TVs



Monitors



Audio




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.



Deals Newsletter


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Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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]]> Apple Wallet Support Coming to Manchester's Bee Card https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/bee-card-apple-wallet-support-in-works/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-wallet-support-coming-to-manchesters-bee-card.2486107/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:20:18 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/bee-card-apple-wallet-support-in-works/ Joe Rossignol Apple Wallet Apple is preparing to allow the Bee Card to be added to the Wallet app, according to code seen by MacRumors.

When this functionality goes live, you will be able to add the Bee Card to your iPhone or Apple Watch and use it to pay your fare for trams and buses in the Manchester, England area. However, the code does not provide any timeframe for availability, so stay tuned.
Tag: Apple Wallet

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]]> Apple Upgrade: Is Leasing Your Next iPhone Worth It? https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/is-apple-upgrade-program-worth-it/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-upgrade-is-leasing-your-next-iphone-worth-it.2486103/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 07:29:29 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/is-apple-upgrade-program-worth-it/ Joe Rossignol Featured Apple Upgrade Program Apple Upgrade program in the U.S., you can now lease an iPhone, but is it worth it? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no.


We'll use the iPhone 17 Pro with 256GB of storage on a one-year lease as an example. In the U.S., the device costs $1,099 upfront, but through Apple Upgrade you can lease it for $45.99/month for 12 months.

For a 12-month lease, your payments would total $551.88, which is lower than the $1,099 that you would have spent upfront. However, it is not quite that simple, as you have to choose from one of the three following options after your lease ends:

  • Return your iPhone.

  • Return your iPhone and upgrade to a newer iPhone.

  • Buy the iPhone outright by paying an amount equal to the device's retail price minus any lease payments made.

We dive into each of those options below.

Options


Returning the iPhone


If you return the iPhone 17 Pro and simply move on from the Apple Upgrade program, then your total cost to own the device would be $551.88 after 12 months, plus sales tax if applicable. While that is less than paying $1,099 upfront, the catch is that you are no longer in possession of the device after your lease ends and cannot resell it or trade it in.

Resale value is a big factor. If you paid $1,099 upfront for the iPhone 17 Pro but resold it for say $650 through a private sale on eBay or Facebook Marketplace after 12 months, then you only spent $450 to own the device for a year, compared to $551 if you leased it through the Apple Upgrade Program for that long. But if you somehow only managed to get $500 for the device in a private sale, then you spent $600 for the device and could have saved a bit of money by opting for the Apple Upgrade program.

$551.88 is approximately 50% of the iPhone 17 Pro's price, so Apple is essentially betting that the device will retain more than 50% of its value after one year, in order to ensure that the Apple Upgrade program is profitable. Resale prices for used iPhones can vary significantly, but Apple almost certainly expects to come out ahead.

For instance, Apple's trade-in program currently offers $560 for a used iPhone 16 Pro in good condition, and that device was released nearly two years ago. Yet, Apple is effectively "giving you back" only $547.12 on a used iPhone 17 Pro after just one year ($1,099 minus $551.88), so the math unsurprisingly works in Apple's favor.

Keep in mind that the Apple Upgrade program is partly about convenience, as you do not have to deal with reselling your iPhone — not everyone likes to deal with eBay or Facebook Marketplace. That alone might sway some customers towards Apple Upgrade, even if they know there is a chance it is not the most financially optimal decision.

Upgrading to a New iPhone


If you return the iPhone and upgrade to a newer one, the process essentially starts over.

For example, if the iPhone 18 Pro with 256GB of storage were to be offered at the same $45.99/month price, you would pay another $551.88 during the following 12 months. That would bring your total cost to $1,103.76 over two years, and you would still need to return the iPhone 18 Pro or make a final payment to keep it.

If you had purchased both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro upfront for $1,099 each, the total cost would have been $2,198. If you had managed to resell the devices for $650 each, you would have recouped $1300, lowering your final cost to $898, which would have been less than the $1,103.76 cost of leasing the devices after two years.

Of course, the resale values we have provided are purely hypothetical. There is no way of knowing what a used iPhone will be worth with certainty, but Apple has surely put a lot of research into its leasing prices to ensure that it makes a profit.

Buying the iPhone


If you opt to buy the iPhone outright at the end of your 12-month lease, by paying an amount equal to the device's retail price minus the $551.88 in lease payments made, then you simply owe the remaining $547.12 to Apple's financing partner Klarna. This brings your total cost to $1,099, which is the upfront price of the iPhone 17 Pro.

In this case, you ultimately just purchased your iPhone 17 Pro with interest-free financing by spreading out the $1,099 cost over 12 months.

Is It Worth It?


If you simply want to spend the least amount of money on iPhones over time, buying them upfront and reselling them privately is very likely the best option.

However, the Apple Upgrade program can be worth it for customers who value convenience and predictability. If you want a new iPhone every year or two and want to avoid the hassle of selling your existing iPhone through eBay or Facebook Marketplace, then the program is worth considering if the monthly payments fit into your budget.

The option to buy out the iPhone at the end of the lease is more straightforward. Since the final payment is equal to the original retail price minus the payments already made, Apple Upgrade effectively becomes a 12-month, interest-free financing plan. In this case, you would not have spent any more than you would have upfront.
Tag: Apple Upgrade Program

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]]> iPhone Driver's Licenses May Soon Expand to Another US State https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/iphone-drivers-license-another-state-soon/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-drivers-licenses-may-soon-expand-to-another-us-state.2486098/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 06:15:09 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/iphone-drivers-license-another-state-soon/ Tim Hardwick Apple Wallet MacRumors discovered signs of an Oklahoma ID in Apple's backend.


With input from Apple, a House bill was passed in March 2026 that allows Service Oklahoma to issue mobile or digital versions of state identification cards, driver's licenses or permits – suggesting this is Apple taking preparatory steps for future Wallet integration.

The digital equivalents are not intended to replace physical licenses or state IDs, meaning Oklahomans will be required to keep the latter, while using the mobile version as a "companion option."

Other states planning to add support for driver's licenses in Apple Wallet include Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Utah, and Virginia. MacRumors already spotted signs of Utah and Virginia in Apple's backend.

Multiple states have already implemented support, as has Puerto Rico:

  • Arkansas

  • Arizona

  • California

  • Colorado

  • Georgia

  • Hawaii

  • Illinois

  • Iowa

  • Maryland

  • Montana

  • New Mexico

  • North Dakota

  • Ohio

  • West Virginia


Digital IDs and licenses are accepted at select TSA checkpoints across the United States. They can also be used at some business venues and in select apps that require ID verification for services or purchases.

In states that do not support licenses in the Wallet app, iPhone users can add their U.S. passport to the Apple Wallet app with the iOS 26 Digital ID feature.
Tag: Apple Wallet

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]]> WhatsApp Rolls Out Web Calling, Call Transfer Across Devices, and More https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/whatsapp-web-calling-waiting-room-features/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/whatsapp-rolls-out-web-calling-call-transfer-across-devices-and-more.2486085/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 03:05:53 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/29/whatsapp-web-calling-waiting-room-features/ Tim Hardwick WhatsApp announced a handful of enhancements for group calling over the encrypted platform, including seamless call transfers across devices and a new web calling feature.


It's now possible to make and receive audio and video calls, including both one-on-one and group calls, directly from WhatsApp Web. The new browser-based service provides access to common features available on other devices, like screen sharing, reactions, and a dedicated Calls tab with a user's full call history.

WhatsApp says the end-to-end encrypted web service will make it easier to jump on a call without leaving your browser, and it should be especially welcomed by anyone who uses a work laptop that doesn't allow app downloads.

The latest rollout also brings Call Transfer, allowing users to move an active group call from one device to another without hanging up.

Then there's the new Waiting Room, which appears when creating a WhatsApp call link with "Require approval to join" enabled. Participants now enter the waiting room first until the host is ready to let them in.

Two last additions round out this update: QuickHD allows users to enjoy high-definition video immediately in the very first few seconds of the call, while Noise Suppression removes background noise so that voices come through more clearly, even in loud or busy environments.

WhatsApp says the slate of new features are rolling out gradually and will be "available to everyone soon."
Tag: WhatsApp

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]]> OpenAI's First Devices: Speaker, Smartphone, and More https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/openai-first-devices/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/openais-first-devices-speaker-smartphone-and-more.2486072/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:00:10 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/openai-first-devices/ Hartley Charlton Featured OpenAI


AI Smart Speaker


OpenAI's first product is a portable, screenless smart speaker developed with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, designed to act as a personal companion in the home rather than a conventional voice assistant.

Design


The device is said to have a rechargeable battery so it can be carried between rooms, a camera for understanding its surroundings, and mechanical elements that move on their own to give a sense that it is alive. Ive and CEO Sam Altman had previously said they did not want to build a device with a screen, with Altman describing a prototype to employees as "the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen."

Features


Powered by ChatGPT and using GPT-Live for conversation, the speaker will reportedly control smart home accessories, answer questions, play media, and respond to messages, becoming more personalized and proactive over time. It is also said to have a personality of its own. OpenAI reportedly does not regard the HomePod or HomePod mini as comparable products.

Price and Release Date


The speaker is expected in early 2027 at a price between $200 and $300, having slipped beyond an initial release target of this year.

AI Smartphone


Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo first described the device in April as an "AI agent phone" built around a continuous, context-aware interface rather than individual apps, arguing that the smartphone is the only device capturing a user's full real-time state, including location, activity, communication, and context. He believes controlling both the operating system and the hardware is the only way OpenAI can deliver a comprehensive agent service.

Specifications


The phone is said to use a customized version of MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 processor built on TSMC's N2P node, also used on Apple's upcoming "A20" chips, with MediaTek now looking likely to be the sole chip supplier after Kuo initially named Qualcomm as a possible partner. Luxshare Precision Industry is believed to be the exclusive manufacturing partner, and Sunny Optical has secured component orders for two OpenAI devices, likely for camera modules.

Its headline known specification is an image signal processor with an enhanced HDR pipeline intended to improve real-world sensing through the camera, alongside two AI processors for handling vision and language tasks simultaneously.

Timeline


Mass production was originally targeted for 2028, but Kuo revised that to the first half of 2027, reflecting OpenAI's planned IPO and intensifying competition in the category. He projects combined 2027 and 2028 shipments could reach around 30 million units if development stays on track.

Other Devices


Smart glasses, a smart lamp, and potentially earbuds are also reportedly in development, though those sit further out on the roadmap and some could be cancelled. The lineup stems from OpenAI's $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive's startup io Products, alongside an aggressive recruitment campaign that has brought more than 400 former Apple employees to the company, among them designers Evans Hankey, Tang Tan, and Scott Cannon, and Vision Products Group leader Paul Meade. Apple responded with retention bonuses of up to $400,000 in restricted stock units for its iPhone Product Design team.

Apple's Lawsuit


That hiring is now the subject of litigation. Apple sued OpenAI on July 10 over the alleged theft of trade secrets, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman argues the case is already slowing the hardware effort by deterring Apple engineers from interviewing and making suppliers wary. OpenAI says it has "no interest in other companies' trade secrets."

What Does It Mean for Apple?


Apple is separately rumored to be developing smart glasses, AirPods with cameras, an AI pendant, and a smart home hub with enhanced Siri capabilities, putting the two companies on a collision course across several categories.
Tag: OpenAI

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]]> iOS 27: All the New Phone and FaceTime Features https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-27-phone-facetime/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ios-27-all-the-new-phone-and-facetime-features.2486070/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:36:25 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-27-phone-facetime&post_date=1785288972/ Juli Clover Featured iOS 27 FaceTime FaceTime apps didn't get as many new features as some of Apple's other apps, but there are a handful of capabilities that add utility and convenience.


Phone App


The Phone app has one major update, and that's Call Context. When you call a company, the Phone app can surface relevant information from the Mail app.

If you call an airline, it might show your confirmation code for an upcoming flight, or your reservation code if you're calling a hotel. It doesn't listen to what you're saying, but instead looks at the number you're calling and links it to details in the Mail app.

Call Context is an Apple Intelligence feature that runs entirely on-device, and it requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. It also works when you make a phone call from your iPad or Mac.

FaceTime


‌FaceTime‌ has a couple of new features, but the biggest is Dual Capture. On the iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air, you can use the front and back cameras at the same time while on a ‌FaceTime‌ call.

The person you're calling is able to see your face and what's shown through the back camera.

You can turn on Dual Capture on a supported iPhone by tapping on the camera flip button. If you only want to show the back camera feed, you can tap to turn off the front camera view.

While streaming video with Dual Capture is limited to the ‌iPhone 17‌, iPhone 17 Pro, ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, ‌iPhone Air‌, and newer, anyone running iOS 27 can see a dual video stream on a ‌FaceTime‌ call because there are no hardware requirements for the receiving device.

There are a few other features worth knowing about:

  • Connection Quality - When you have a bad connection, ‌FaceTime‌ calls will now have better quality than before.

  • Wi-Fi/Cellular - In ‌iOS 27‌, iPhones are better at transitioning from a Wi-Fi to a cellular connection and vice versa, so you'll lose connection less often when moving between networks.

  • Live Captions - Live Captions are now available in Traditional Chinese.

  • Communication Safety - Communication Safety blocks gore and violence in ‌FaceTime‌ and Messages instead of just nudity.


iOS 27 Launch


‌iOS 27‌ is being beta tested right now, and can be downloaded by developers and public beta testers. It will launch this fall alongside new iPhone models.

Read More


For more on the new features in ‌iOS 27‌, we have a dedicated iOS 27 roundup.
Related Roundups: iOS 27, iPadOS 27
Tag: FaceTime

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]]> Apple Upgrade: 20 Things to Know Before Leasing an iPhone, iPad, or Mac https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/apple-upgrade-program-tidbits/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-upgrade-20-things-to-know-before-leasing-an-iphone-ipad-or-mac.2486065/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:19:48 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/apple-upgrade-program-tidbits/ Juli Clover Featured Apple Upgrade Program a new Apple Upgrade leasing option made available in partnership with Klarna. Apple Upgrade gives customers an option to get iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches at cheaper prices than before, but there are some things worth knowing about it.


We've gathered up some smaller tidbits that you should be aware of before deciding to opt in.

  • U.S. Only - Apple Upgrade is only available in the United States, and there's no word on whether it will expand to other countries.

  • Unlocked iPhones - iPhones leased with Apple Upgrade are unlocked, but you are required to choose a carrier at checkout. Carrier options include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Since the iPhone is unlocked, you can switch carriers after purchase or add a second eSIM.

  • Postpaid Plans Only - You have to have a postpaid plan through a supported carrier to use Apple Upgrade. Prepaid plans aren't an option when leasing.

  • Ownership - You don't own the iPhone you're leasing at the end of the lease term unless you pay off the final amount. Your final payment is the device's cost when it was leased minus what was paid during the lease. If you don't want to purchase the iPhone, or if you want to upgrade, you need to return the leased iPhone.

  • No Lockout - Code in the iOS 27 beta suggested Apple could restrict apps and services if there are missed payments on a leased device, but it's not for Apple Upgrade. Missing a payment won't change how your iPhone works.

  • Missed Payments - If you miss a payment, it's rolled into your next month's payment. There are no late fees.

  • Three Strikes - If you miss three payments in a row, Klarna automatically terminates your lease and the full balance of the iPhone is due immediately. Klarna will subtract the value of the iPhone from the amount owed when you return it, cutting down on the payoff amount. If you don't return the iPhone or don't pay the balance, Klarna will send the account to collections.

  • No Fees - There are no fees for missing a payment, but you are subject to the lease termination rules. Missing a payment can also impact your credit score.

  • AppleCare+ - Unlike the iPhone Upgrade Program, AppleCare+ is not included with the Apple Upgrade leasing fee, and it needs to be purchased separately. ‌AppleCare‌+ for the iPhone is $9.99 to $13.99 per month, or you can get ‌AppleCare‌ One for $19.99 per month. ‌AppleCare‌ One covers three devices.

  • Damage - Klarna will charge for any damage to an iPhone, and you'll need to pay for a repair when returning a device. If you have ‌AppleCare‌+, you'll only pay the ‌AppleCare‌+ service fee.

  • iPhone Upgrade Program - The iPhone Upgrade Program is discontinued. Current members don't have to swap to Apple Upgrade or another purchase option right now, but will need to do so at their next upgrade.

  • Apple Card Monthly Installments - Apple Card holders can still choose to finance an iPhone with zero interest using the ‌Apple Card‌ Monthly Installments option. An iPhone purchased with ‌Apple Card‌ is owned outright.

  • Ineligible Products - Some Apple devices can't be purchased with Apple Upgrade, including the iPhone 16, ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo, Mac mini, A16 iPad, and Studio Display.

  • No EDU - You can't use Apple Upgrade for discounted education prices.

  • No Refurbished Devices - You can't buy a refurbished Apple device with Apple Upgrade.

  • Ending a Lease Early - You can end a lease early, but you need to pay off the remaining amount on the lease and then return the device.

  • Buying Out a Lease - You can pay off a lease early with no penalty.

  • Soft Credit Check - There's no hard credit check when initiating a lease, so getting approval for a lease won't affect your credit.

  • Trade-Ins - When you initiate a lease, you can trade in an old iPhone. Trade-in value is split across your monthly payments instead of applied up front. You can't do a trade-in when sending a device back to upgrade to a new one.

  • Payment Restrictions - Klarna doesn't accept some credit cards, like AMEX, Chase, and Capital One. Other credit cards like the ‌Apple Card‌ can be used for Apple Upgrade payments to Klarna.


More Details


We have more information on Apple Upgrade in our full article, along with details on pricing.
Tag: Apple Upgrade Program

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]]> 'Granola' Launches on Apple Watch https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/granola-launches-on-apple-watch/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/granola-launches-on-apple-watch.2486063/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:07:18 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/granola-launches-on-apple-watch/ Joe Rossignol Apple Rumors Mac iOS iPhone iPad Granola, an app that can transcribe Zoom meetings and then create AI-generated notes with key points, is now available on Apple Watch models running watchOS 11 and later.

The app was already available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and now it has expanded to the Apple Watch for added convenience. You can start transcribing a meeting right from your wrist with one tap.
This article, "'Granola' Launches on Apple Watch" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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]]> AppleCare+ Changes Introduced in Canada https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/applecare-changes-in-canada/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/applecare-changes-introduced-in-canada.2486061/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:33:17 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/applecare-changes-in-canada/ Joe Rossignol AppleCare by MobileSyrup, monthly and annual AppleCare+ subscriptions are now available for a wider range of products in Canada, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod, Studio Display, and Vision Pro.


For example, AppleCare+ coverage for a Mac starts at $5.49 per month or $54.99 per year, with prices varying by model. For lower-priced devices like the Apple TV and HomePod, coverage is available for as little as $0.99 per month or $9.99 per year.

In some cases, you may pay more over the same period than you would with upfront AppleCare+ plans, which remain available.

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss plans are still not available in Canada, and the AppleCare One bundle option has yet to expand to the country either.
Tag: AppleCare

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]]> Apple Shares 'Ted Lasso' Season 4 Trailer https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/ted-lasso-season-four-trailer/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-shares-ted-lasso-season-4-trailer.2486058/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:20:11 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/ted-lasso-season-four-trailer/ Joe Rossignol Apple TV Service Apple TV Shows shared the full-length trailer for season four of its hit series Ted Lasso, ahead of the season premiere on Wednesday, August 5. Following the premiere, one new episode will be released every Wednesday through October 7.


Ted Lasso is one of the most popular shows ever released on the Apple TV streaming service. The eponymous character Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, starts off as a small-time football coach from Kansas who is hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching soccer.

In the fourth season, Apple said Lasso returns to England to take on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women's soccer team.

"Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would," said Apple.


Fan favorites such as Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift are all set to return in the fourth season.

The third season of Ted Lasso was released in 2023, so there has been a long wait for a fourth season. The series has won several major awards since it debuted in 2020, with its overall positive tone making it a popular comfort show.
Tags: Apple TV Service, Apple TV Shows

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]]> Apple Announces 'Silo' Season 4 is Coming Summer 2027 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/apple-tv-silo-season-4-release-date/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-announces-silo-season-4-is-coming-summer-2027.2486059/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:15:18 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/apple-tv-silo-season-4-release-date/ Joe Rossignol Apple TV Service Apple TV Shows Apple recently announced that its hit sci-fi series Silo will be returning for a fourth and final season in "summer 2027."

Silo follows the lives of 10,000 people living in an underground bunker to escape the seemingly toxic wasteland outside.
Tags: Apple TV Service, Apple TV Shows

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]]> All-New Apple Home Hub Reportedly Launching as Soon as October https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/apple-home-hub-as-soon-as-october/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/all-new-apple-home-hub-reportedly-launching-as-soon-as-october.2486055/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:06:24 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/apple-home-hub-as-soon-as-october/ Joe Rossignol Apple Command Center Apple Home Mark Gurman Siri AI Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple Home Hub (Concept)

Siri AI is expected to be a core feature of the hub, which is designed to be placed in rooms throughout your house, such as a kitchen, living room, or bedroom. The report said the device will be available in tabletop and wall-mounted versions, with Apple apparently believing that many customers will buy more than one.

The hub will essentially combine a HomePod-like speaker with a 7-inch display. The report said the device runs an entirely new operating system based on the Apple TV's tvOS platform, with the interface described as tvOS blended with watchOS and iOS. There will be a grid of icons, widgets, and apps, along with customizable clock faces.

With built-in facial recognition, the hub can identify who is looking at the display and show personalized information, the report said. As a user approaches the hub, or moves away from it, the size of the interface elements will change.

Other features mentioned include FaceTime video calls, home security monitoring, HomeKit accessory management, photo galleries, a calendar, music playback, and an intercom system for households with multiple Apple home devices.

Apple also continues to work on an advanced in-home security camera that would compete with Amazon's Ring products, according to the report.
Tags: Apple Command Center, Apple Home, Mark Gurman, Siri AI

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]]> Best Back to School Accessory Deals on Anker, Sony, Samsung and More This Week https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/sonos-sony-anker-more-school-deals/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/best-back-to-school-accessory-deals-on-anker-sony-samsung-and-more-this-week.2486046/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:58:01 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/sonos-sony-anker-more-school-deals/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured big accessory sale happening on Amazon this week, with the year's best prices on Anker chargers, Samsung monitors, Sonos audio products, and much more.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Highlights this time around include a new batch of audio devices on sale, including the Sonos Ace Headphones for $279.00, down from $399.00, and Sony's WH-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones for $248.00, down from $399.00. Another notable audio discount is on the Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds, which are designed to be worn in bed, available for $199.99, down from $229.99.

$30 OFF
Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds for $199.99

$120 OFF
Sonos Ace Headphones for $279.00

$151 OFF
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones for $248.00


In terms of monitor and TV deals, there are quite a few Samsung deals happening this week on Amazon. The 32-inch Smart Monitor M9 has hit its second-best price on Amazon at $1,249.99, down from $1,599.99, beating the Prime Day deal by about $50. You'll also find solid sales on The Frame TVs and Odyssey monitors right now, including a great deal on The Frame TV 55-inch model for $697.99, a new record low price.

$400 OFF
Samsung 55-inch The Frame TV for $697.99

$350 OFF
Samsung 32-inch Smart Monitor M9 for $1,249.99



We're also tracking big discounts from brands like LG, Hisense, iVANKY, Jackery, and more in the lists below. Accessories on sale include USB-C wall chargers, MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers, portable batteries, headphones, docks, and monitors.

Audio




Monitors and TVs




Docks




Wall Chargers




Wireless Chargers




Portable Chargers




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.



Deals Newsletter


Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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]]> 5 Reasons to Buy a MacBook Air Now Instead of Waiting https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/5-reasons-buy-macbook-air-now-no-waiting/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/5-reasons-to-buy-a-macbook-air-now-instead-of-waiting.2486049/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:53:23 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/5-reasons-buy-macbook-air-now-no-waiting/ Tim Hardwick Featured MacBook Air

The Current Air is the Best Value Mid-Tier Mac


The M5 MacBook Air starts at $1,299 following Apple's recent $200 price hike, but Amazon is already knocking $100 off, bringing it down to $1,199. The base model's 16GB of RAM means it's no longer hobbled out of the box, and in terms of capability for what you pay, nothing else in the Mac lineup comes close – not even the $699 MacBook Neo, whose A18 Pro chip, capped 8GB of RAM, and lack of Thunderbolt 4 make it a different class of machine entirely. Don't forget: Apple is also offering M5 MacBook Air models in its refurbished store, with up to 15 percent off regular prices.

Prices Are More Likely to Rise Than Fall


The $200 price hike Apple applied in late June to the MacBook Air was a direct result of the ongoing global memory chip shortage, and there's no sign that the pressure is easing. If component costs stay elevated into next year's M6 refresh, there's a real chance that the next MacBook Air launches at an even higher price than today's model. Grabbing an M5 Air now could therefore be tantamount to getting ahead of the next hike.

No Air Refresh is Imminent


The next 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models aren't expected until early next year at the soonest, and they're likely to be an M6 chip bump rather than a redesign – so that's at least six months of waiting for a fairly modest spec-sheet upgrade. The bigger change is an OLED display, but that's even further out: Apple is reportedly bringing the Mac lineup's long-rumored OLED transition to the MacBook Pro first (complete with a touchscreen), and the latest rumors suggest an OLED MacBook Air won't arrive until 2028 or 2029. If a touchscreen OLED panel is what you're holding out for, you're really angling for a MacBook Pro, not an Air.

The Timing Could Work in Your Favor


Apple's back-to-school discounts, now live in the U.S., mean that education discounts and gift card promotions can cut the device's retail pricing. With those discounts in hand, it could work out to be the lowest price MacBook Air you can get before the next refresh (and who knows what price hikes that could bring).

It's Already More Mac Than Most People Need


Apple Silicon long ago passed the point where the MacBook Air struggles with everyday work. The M5 chip handles photo editing, light-to-medium video work, and heavy browser sessions without breaking a sweat. The chip's architecture is designed with AI computing in mind, and it also runs silent with no fan. Not only that, it will get macOS updates for years. For most buyers, the current Air won't feel slow before they're ready to replace it anyway.

Bottom Line


Wait if you want OLED or an M6-equipped machine. But otherwise, the M5 MacBook Air you can buy today is better than waiting for a marginally faster one arriving sometime in the first half of 2027.
Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Air (Neutral)
Related Forum: MacBook Air

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]]> 'Apple Upgrade' Pricing: You Can Lease an iPhone Starting at $18/Month https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/apple-upgrade-program-pricing/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-upgrade-pricing-you-can-lease-an-iphone-starting-at-18-month.2486047/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:41:02 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/apple-upgrade-program-pricing/ Joe Rossignol Apple Upgrade Program Apple Upgrade program launched today, allowing customers in the U.S. to lease most iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac models. While the program is offered by Apple, the leasing is handled by financing company Klarna.


The program essentially allows you to subscribe to an Apple device with monthly payments. At the end of the lease, you can return your device and either upgrade to a new one or move on. If you prefer to own your device at the end of the lease, you can pay an amount equal to the retail price minus any lease payments made to Klarna.

No matter which option you choose at the end of your lease, you will never pay more than the retail price of the device, according to Apple.

Apple Upgrade allows you to lease an iPhone for as little as $17.99 per month, with the complete breakdown of starting prices listed below.

iPhone



  • iPhone 17e: From $17.99/month for 24 months

  • iPhone 17: From $22.99/month for 24 months

  • iPhone Air: From $28.99/month for 24 months

  • iPhone 17 Pro: From $31.99/month for 24 months

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: From $34.99/month for 24 months



Apple Watch



  • Apple Watch Series 11: From $11.99/month for 24 months

  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: From $24.99/month for 24 months

  • Apple Watch Hermès Series 11: From $40.78/month for 24 months

  • Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 3: From $47.03/month for 24 months



iPad



  • iPad mini: From $11.99/month for 36 months

  • iPad Air: From $15.99/month for 36 months

  • iPad Pro: From $24.99/month for 36 months



Mac



  • MacBook Air: From $24.99/month for 36 months

  • iMac: From $28.99/month for 36 months

  • MacBook Pro: From $38.99/month for 36 months

  • Mac Studio: From $48.99/month for 36 months



If a device is not listed above, it is not eligible for the Apple Upgrade program at this time. Notable exclusions include the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch SE, the entry-level iPad, the MacBook Neo, and the Mac mini.

You can learn more about the Apple Upgrade program on Apple's website and by reading our coverage of Apple's announcement earlier today.

Apple Upgrade is currently available in the U.S. only.
Tag: Apple Upgrade Program

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]]> New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Reportedly 'Nearly Ready to Launch' https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/new-apple-tv-homepod-mini-nearly-ready/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/new-apple-tv-and-homepod-mini-reportedly-nearly-ready-to-launch.2486045/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:14:45 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/new-apple-tv-homepod-mini-nearly-ready/ Joe Rossignol Apple TV Featured HomePod mini Bloomberg Mark Gurman Siri AI according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In other words, the devices would likely launch around September or October.


The report said both devices will be equipped with faster processors that support Siri AI.

Earlier rumors claimed the next Apple TV would be equipped with the A17 Pro chip, which is the oldest chip that supports Apple Intelligence. The device is also expected to feature Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.

The next HomePod mini is expected to use an Apple Watch's S9 chip or newer. Other previously-rumored features for the speaker include the N1 chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option.

The devices will not receive any major design changes, according to Gurman. However, he said the next Apple TV might be accompanied by an updated Siri Remote.

The current Apple TV 4K was unveiled in October 2022, while the HomePod mini was introduced in October 2020, so there has been a long wait for new models. Rumors about new Apple TV and HomePod mini models have been circulating for years and years by this point, but the devices were seemingly postponed until Siri AI launches.

Siri AI is available in the iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 betas. Those updates are expected to be released to the general public in September, at which point Siri AI will finally be available to the masses.

The current Apple TV 4K has an A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 series, while the HomePod mini uses the S5 chip from the Apple Watch Series 5.

Both devices received price increases last month. In the U.S., the Apple TV now starts at $199 (up from $129), while the HomePod mini is now $129 (up from $99).
Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod mini
Tags: Bloomberg, Mark Gurman, Siri AI
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)
Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater, HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology

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