MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors - All Stories https://www.macrumors.com Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:55:50 PDT en hourly 1 https://www.macrumors.com Google and Epic Abandon Settlement, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/google-third-party-app-stores/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/google-and-epic-abandon-settlement-clearing-the-way-for-rival-android-app-stores.2485460/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:02:48 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/google-third-party-app-stores/ Juli Clover Android Epic Games Google Epic Games this week withdrew their joint settlement agreement after it became clear the court was unlikely to allow it.


With the settlement out, Google is bound by a permanent injunction issued in October 2024 requiring it to allow alternative app stores on Android devices. In a court filing [PDF], Google said that it plans to begin supporting alternative app stores on July 22. In a statement to The Verge, Google said it decided to withdraw the motion to avoid a prolonged legal fight.
We've agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the US Court's injunction rather than prolonging this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This allows us to focus on executing our recently announced global business model evolution to deliver greater app store choice, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users. We remain committed to maintaining Android's industry-leading security and fostering a competitive ecosystem where every app store and developer has the freedom to compete. In parallel, we continue to comply with the US Court's injunction.

‌Epic Games‌ sued Google at the same time that it sued Apple, but the cases had different judges and different outcomes. The lawsuit largely went in Apple's favor, but ‌Epic Games‌ came out ahead in the Google case after a jury found Google abused its power by operating an app store monopoly and charging developers fees that were too high.

Google went through an appeals process before reaching an agreement with ‌Epic Games‌ in an attempt to avoid the permanent injunction, but now it will need to comply. Back in March, Google said it would launch a worldwide Registered App Store program for sideloading later in the year, but in the U.S., alternative app stores will be an option on Android starting next week.

Third-party U.S. app stores will be able to distribute the Google Play catalog of apps, and Google has published a guide on the process. The app stores will be available through the Google Play Store, and Google will charge alternative marketplaces a $5,000 annual access fee. Apps downloaded through alternative stores will still use the Google Play system, and Google will collect its service fee on those transactions.

Google's agreement to lower fees for apps and accept alternative payment options is separate from the injunction requiring it to support third-party marketplaces in the Play Store. Google is still cutting its fees and supporting alternative payment methods.

The injunction forcing Google to support third-party app stores doesn't have a direct impact on Apple, but it is a legal outcome Apple has been fighting worldwide. The European Union's Digital Markets Act requires Apple to support alternative app marketplaces and app sideloading in the EU, and Apple has repeatedly said the requirement weakens user privacy and protections. Google adding support for third-party app stores through the Android Play Store could eventually impact Apple's own Epic fight or future regulatory changes.

Though Apple largely won its legal fight against ‌Epic Games‌, the case is ongoing. Apple was ordered to allow link-outs and alternative payment options in the U.S. in 2021, and compliance problems later led to a contempt ruling. Apple has now appealed to the Supreme Court, and the court will hear Apple's argument in late 2026 or early 2027.
Tags: Android, Epic Games, Google

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]]> CrashStealer Malware Impersonates Apple Tool to Steal Mac Passwords and Crypto https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/crashstealer-mac-malware/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/crashstealer-malware-impersonates-apple-tool-to-steal-mac-passwords-and-crypto.2485458/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:14:33 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/crashstealer-mac-malware/ Juli Clover Malware according to Jamf Threat Labs. The malware impersonates Apple's crash reporting framework, and it's meant to steal all kinds of sensitive information.


CrashStealer collects browser data, password manager data, cryptocurrency wallet extensions, and keychain data, and Jamf first noticed it circulating in a fake Apple-notarized app called Werkbit. With notarization, the malware is not stopped by Gatekeeper, which is part of the macOS security system.

It targets more than 80 cryptocurrency wallet extensions, and 14 password managers like 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane. It searches through the Document and Downloads folders to look for information worth collecting.

The app looks legitimate and uses a typical macOS install procedure for software downloaded through the web, with the process detailed on Jamf's website. A fake CrashReporter.app is downloaded through Werkbit, and it's meant to impersonate Apple's own crash reporter. A user clicking on the app would likely see it as a legitimate Apple utility.

It requests full disk access "for system administration," and uses a native password prompt that looks like a genuine macOS authorization request. The password entered is used to access the login keychain. Data collected is encrypted with AES–256-GCM through Apple's CommonCrypto and sent to the attacker's IP address.

Jamf says the way CrashStealer was implemented "shows real care," with the concealment steps setting it apart from standard infostealers. The malware was reported to Apple after first being spotted in May and found actively in use in July.

Apple revoked the Werkbit app's signing credentials, so the specific attack vector outlined by Jamf has been disabled, but the malware could surface again. The original version was gated behind a PIN required for installation, suggesting it was aimed at specific people.

Apple's notarization system is meant to protect Mac users from malware, and Apple says that notarized apps are checked for malicious components. CrashStealer makes it clear there are methods for hiding malware from Apple's security process.

When downloading software, users can protect themselves from CrashStealer by being aware that Apple's crash reporter is built-in. Any download that uses CrashReporter is a red flag, as is an app that asks for a system password right when it's launched.
Tag: Malware

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]]> Apple Closes Unlocked iPhone Loophole for T-Mobile and Verizon Financing https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-carrier-iphone-financing/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-closes-unlocked-iphone-loophole-for-t-mobile-and-verizon-financing.2485453/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:20:40 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-carrier-iphone-financing/ Juli Clover T-Mobile Verizon

Until the rule change, buying an iPhone from Apple and opting for financing through Verizon or T-Mobile meant you would get an iPhone not locked to either carrier's network. That's no longer the case, and now iPhones financed through Verizon or T-Mobile will not be able to be used with a different network. AT&T-financed smartphones were always locked to the AT&T network.

Apple's new policy was highlighted on Reddit after a user saw a new "Will my iPhone be unlocked?" FAQ item.
In most cases, yes. An iPhone purchased from Apple is unlocked. Once your new iPhone is activated, it remains unlocked, which means you can use it with any carrier that provides service for iPhone. However, if you choose to finance an iPhone through the AT&T Installment Plan, T-Mobile Equipment Installment Plan, or Verizon Device Payment Program, your iPhone will be locked to the carrier until paid in full.

An unlocked smartphone means it can be used with any carrier, while a locked smartphone is limited to the carrier it was purchased through. Locked smartphones can be problematic when traveling internationally, because activating a second eSIM for another network is blocked.

Apple hasn't said why it's making the change, but buyers were able to use carrier trade-ins and promotional discounts to get an unlocked iPhone. Some buyers may have purchased iPhones and sold them off without making the carrier payments, and carrier locking is a standard practice to prevent unpaid devices from being resold.

Apple's checkout process still says iPhones financed through T-Mobile and Verizon are unlocked, so the new policy may not have gone into effect yet.

iPhones purchased outright or with Apple Card Monthly Installments remain unlocked from the time of purchase. When iPhones purchased through carrier plans are paid off, they are unlocked.
Tags: T-Mobile, Verizon

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]]> AppleCare+ for Macs and iPads Just Got More Expensive https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/applecare-plus-price-increase/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/applecare-for-macs-and-ipads-just-got-more-expensive.2485449/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:32:09 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/applecare-plus-price-increase/ Juli Clover AppleCare AppleCare+ subscription plans, reports Bloomberg. Monthly ‌AppleCare‌+ subscription plans for Macs and iPads are now $0.50 more expensive in the U.S., while annual plans are $5 more.


The price increases apply to new subscriptions, so customers who already have an ‌AppleCare‌+ subscription for a device will keep their current prices.

The ‌AppleCare‌+ pricing change follows price hikes on all iPads and Macs due to global memory shortages and increasing component costs. Price increases range from $100 to $1,300.

Apple has not raised the price of its ‌AppleCare‌ One subscription plan that rolled out last year. ‌AppleCare‌ One covers up to three Apple devices with a $19.99 per month fee. Additional products can be added to ‌AppleCare‌ One for $5.99 per month.

Apple previously increased iPhone ‌AppleCare‌+ plans by 50 cents in early 2025, and prices could go up again when the new iPhones launch this September.
Tag: AppleCare

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]]> Apple Won't Allow These Ad Categories in the Maps App https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-maps-ad-prohibitied-categories/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-wont-allow-these-ad-categories-in-the-maps-app.2485447/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:01:12 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-maps-ad-prohibitied-categories/ Juli Clover Apple Maps shared a new Advertising Services policy outlining the kinds of ads that won't be allowed in the Maps app.


As noted by TechCrunch, Apple has a list of ad categories that are not permitted in Apple Maps.

  • Home services - Ads that directly or indirectly promote home services are not allowed. That includes but is not limited to plumbing, electrical, locksmith, HVAC, pest control, roofing, and general contracting services.

  • Bail bonds - Ad content that directly or indirectly promotes bail bond services or surety bond services related to criminal pretrial release is not allowed.

  • Cryptocurrency ATMs - Ad content that directly or indirectly promotes ATMs for cryptocurrencies is prohibited.


Apple says ads that promote or reference medical services may be allowed, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Google allows home services ads, and it's one of the largest local ad categories, so Apple's restrictions will set it apart. Apple seems to be limiting ads to businesses with a physical location that customers can visit.

In addition to these rules, Maps ads have to adhere to Apple's other advertising rules. Apple does not allow ads for controlled or intoxicating substances like marijuana or tobacco, and it has a long list of rules for alcohol-related ads, dietary supplement ads, financial product ads, religious ads, gambling ads, prescription drug ads, and contest ads. Ad content for weapons or ammunition isn't allowed, and ad content that contains or promotes violence, harm, or antisocial behavior is prohibited.

Ads that promote false, fraudulent, or deceptive claims are not allowed, nor are ads that include defamatory or profane content, discriminatory content, illegal or criminal content, or intellectual property violations.

Anti-Apple ads are prohibited, as are ads that promote or facilitate the sale of products or services that compete with Apple hardware products. Apple also does not allow political ads, ads with unproven health-related products and services, or ads with offensive, controversial, or inappropriate content.

Apple plans to start showing ads in the Maps app in the United States and Canada this summer. Ads will show up in search results and in the Suggested Places section of the app.

Ads will have a clear "Ad" label, and a user's location and the ads they see and interact with in ‌Apple Maps‌ are not associated with their Apple account. Apple also does not collect ad data or share it with third parties.
Tag: Apple Maps

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]]> Apple Lists Products Eligible for Tax-Free Holidays in 10 U.S. States https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-2026-sales-tax-holidays/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-lists-products-eligible-for-tax-free-holidays-in-10-u-s-states.2485443/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:33:19 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-2026-sales-tax-holidays/ Joe Rossignol Apple Store list of products eligible for upcoming 2026 sales tax holidays in select U.S. states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.


The tax-free holidays run between July 17 and August 20 depending on the state, with the exact dates in each state outlined on Apple's website.

Sales tax holidays provide a limited-time opportunity to purchase select Apple products online or in stores without paying sales tax. Apple says tax savings may not appear during checkout, but will be reflected on the final receipt.

Apple products that are eligible for the tax-free holidays vary by state, and there are also price limits in some states. The most common eligible products include select Macs, iPads, and related accessories, but the iPhone and Apple Vision Pro are also eligible in a few states. All of this information is outlined on the page.

Sales tax holidays are especially beneficial to students, as the tax savings can be combined with Apple's Back to School promotion, which offers students a free or discounted accessory or gift card with the purchase of an eligible Mac or iPad. The promotion just started rolling out in select Asian countries today and will likely begin in the U.S. soon.
Tag: Apple Store

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]]> Apple's 2026 Back to School Offer Just Went Live in Select Countries https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-2026-back-to-school-offer-rolling-out/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apples-2026-back-to-school-offer-just-went-live-in-select-countries.2485441/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:48:45 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-2026-back-to-school-offer-rolling-out/ Joe Rossignol Featured Back to School Promotion China, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.


The offer provides college students and educational staff with a free item with the purchase of an eligible Mac or iPad model. The exact offer varies by country, with options including a pack of four AirTags, AirPods 4, an Apple Pencil Pro, or an Apple gift card. You can also opt to receive a discount on some higher-value accessories.

In China, Singapore, and Vietnam, eligible students and educators can receive a pack of four AirTags with the purchase of any new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, or iPad Pro through Apple's education store.

In India, you can receive a pack of four AirTags or AirPods 4 with a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, or an Apple Pencil Pro with an iPad Air or iPad Pro.

Apple is offering a gift card in Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Notably, the MacBook Neo is not an eligible product in any of the countries, and the iPad mini, entry-level iPad, and desktop Macs are excluded too.

In these countries, the offer is available through August 27.

Apple has yet to begin its Back to School offer in the U.S., Canada, or Europe, but it will presumably be rolling out in more regions very soon.
Tag: Back to School Promotion

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]]> Nomad Kicks Off Anniversary Sale With Up to 30% Off Sitewide https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/nomad-anniversary-sale/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/nomad-kicks-off-anniversary-sale-with-up-to-30-off-sitewide.2485438/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:11:15 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/nomad-anniversary-sale/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured up to 30 percent off sitewide this week, giving shoppers a chance to save on the brand's best wireless chargers, iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and more. This sale does not require a coupon code as all the discounts have been automatically applied, and it will last for this week only.

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

One highlight of the event is Nomad's Stand One Qi2 2-in-1 charging station, available for $90, down from $129. This accessory simultaneously charges your iPhone and AirPods, supporting both horizontal and vertical orientations for the iPhone.

UP TO 30% OFF
Nomad Anniversary Sale


You'll find a collection of iPhone 17 cases in this sale, including Nomad's Sport Case for $39 ($10 off), Modern Leather Case for $55 ($14 off), and Rugged Leather Case for $60 ($25 off).

iPhone 17 Cases



Charging



iPad Cases



Apple Watch Bands




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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]]> Apple's 2026 Smart Home Lineup: New Apple TV, HomePod, and Home Hub https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-smart-home-lineup-rumors/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apples-2026-smart-home-lineup-new-apple-tv-homepod-and-home-hub.2485436/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:03:47 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-smart-home-lineup-rumors/ Juli Clover Apple TV Featured HomePod Apple Command Center Siri AI is ready to launch in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple can finally introduce new smart home products built to work with the smarter version of ‌Siri‌.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.

Apple has multiple new home devices in development, several of which are rumored to launch before the end of the year. We're waiting on a new version of the Apple TV 4K, a smart home hub, a new HomePod, and a new HomePod mini.

Home Hub


Similar to an iPad in design, but with a 7-inch square display. There will be a wall mount option or a speaker base option. The speaker base has a hemispherical dome, similar to the base of the iMac G4. The device will have a built-in camera for video calls, facial recognition, and presence detection. It'll run apps like Safari, Calendar, Photos, and Home, and it will integrate with ‌Siri‌ AI. Rumors suggest it could be priced around $350.

Apple TV 4K


The next ‌Apple TV‌ 4K will have the same form factor as the current model, but it's expected to have an A17 Pro chip or better that supports Apple Intelligence and ‌Siri‌ AI. There are no ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features on the ‌Apple TV‌ right now, so a more powerful chip will bring quite a few changes. It could also get more RAM and Apple's N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.

HomePods


Apple is expected to refresh both the ‌HomePod‌ and the ‌HomePod mini‌, but we're not expecting new form factors.

The speakers will get new chips that are faster and could support ‌Siri‌ AI via the iPhone like the Apple Watch. A faster processor could bring improvements in sound quality, and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip could bring connectivity improvements and new features.

The ‌HomePod mini‌ is expected to get new colors.

Cameras


Apple is designing its own security camera, and it could launch as soon as this year. HomeKit Secure Video cameras are getting several upgrades in ‌iOS 27‌, including 4K video recording, AI summaries, and the option to stitch video from different cameras together for tracking a single event across rooms.

All of these features would be ideal for an Apple-created camera, so it's not hard to imagine the update is meant for Apple hardware. A 2026 launch isn't a sure thing for the camera, and it could come at a later time.

The ‌Apple Intelligence‌ Home app features require an ‌Apple TV‌ or ‌HomePod‌ to serve as a hub, and Apple's upcoming home hub will likely also serve as a hub for accessories like cameras.

Launch Timing


With so many home devices planned for the end of the year, we could get them alongside the new iPhone models at Apple's September event, or Apple could do a second home-centric event around the October timeframe. Apple often holds two fall events. The second event is typically for iPads or Macs, but there's no reason it couldn't be home products this year.

So far, we haven't heard concrete rumors on when Apple will debut its smart home devices, but as we get closer to fall, we should hear more.
Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod
Tag: Apple Command Center
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy), HomePod (Caution)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

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]]> Report: OnePlus to Pull Out of US and Europe https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/report-oneplus-to-pull-out-of-us-and-europe/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/report-oneplus-to-pull-out-of-us-and-europe.2485430/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:02:44 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/report-oneplus-to-pull-out-of-us-and-europe/ Hartley Charlton Bloomberg Mark Gurman OnePlus Bloomberg reports.


OnePlus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oppo. The change could happen as early as this week, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to Bloomberg. Realme, another Oppo-owned mobile brand, will exit the China market as part of the same restructuring. Outside China, OnePlus' withdrawal is expected to expand to the rest of the world, including India, at some point in 2027.

OnePlus built a loyal following among some Android enthusiasts in its early years for pairing solid performance and lightweight software with aggressive pricing that consistently undercut Apple and Samsung by hundreds of dollars, but its influence has waned considerably in recent years.

Apple and Samsung continue to dominate the U.S. smartphone market, with Apple capturing a record 20% of the global smartphone market in the second quarter of 2026 as Samsung held the top spot at 22%, according to Omdia. OnePlus, meanwhile, trails far behind smaller contenders like Motorola and Google in the U.S.

In China, Oppo trails market leaders Huawei and Apple, and the broader market is under strain from surging memory costs. IDC said this week that total smartphone shipments in China fell 4.3% year-over-year in the second quarter to roughly 66 million units, the fifth consecutive quarterly decline, with Apple and Huawei the only major vendors to grow. The slowdown is tied to the same memory chip shortage that has forced Apple to raise prices across much of its product lineup, with CEO Tim Cook calling the increases "unavoidable."

Counterpoint Research said Chinese brands like Oppo face greater pressure than Apple and Samsung from the memory crunch, since thinner margins leave less room to absorb rising component costs, particularly in the entry-level segment where costs have jumped 20% to 30% since early 2025.

OnePlus' most recent flagship, the OnePlus 15, launched globally on November 13, 2025, but OnePlus postponed the U.S. sale specifically because the FCC certification process was backed up due to the federal government shutdown, which had just ended the day before the launch.
Tags: Bloomberg, Mark Gurman, OnePlus

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]]> Apple TV Announces Return of MLS Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-tv-announces-return-of-mls/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-tv-announces-return-of-mls-following-the-2026-fifa-world-cup.2485429/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:33:01 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-tv-announces-return-of-mls/ Joe Rossignol Apple Rumors Mac iOS iPhone iPad Apple today announced that Major League Soccer is returning to the Apple TV streaming service tomorrow, July 16, with the regular season resuming as the 2026 FIFA World Cup wraps up.

Apple TV subscribers in more than 100 countries can watch every MLS match. A separate subscription is no longer required.
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]]> Apple Reportedly Looking to Acquire AI Chip Companies https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-looking-to-acquire-ai-chip-companies/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-reportedly-looking-to-acquire-ai-chip-companies.2485428/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:21:49 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-looking-to-acquire-ai-chip-companies/ Hartley Charlton Apple Intelligence Nvidia The Information The Information.


Apple currently handles some AI processing in its own data centers using its own chips, but relies on Nvidia hardware housed within Google Cloud for more demanding tasks, an arrangement that includes the Gemini model powering the overhauled version of Siri. Apple's own AI server chip, internally code-named Baltra, had been expected to ship this year but has been delayed, according to people said to be familiar with the project.

Apple has historically limited its acquisitions to deals in the hundreds of millions of dollars and avoided large purchases, but that approach appears to be shifting. In January, Apple completed its acquisition of Q.ai, an Israeli company specializing in interpreting speech through facial micromovements, paying close to $2 billion, second only to the $3 billion Apple paid for Beats Electronics in 2014.

Apple also signaled a change in financial strategy during its most recent quarterly earnings call, when CFO Kevan Parekh told analysts the company would no longer target "net cash neutral" status, a policy under which it had kept its cash reserves roughly in line with its total debt. Apple did not explain the reasoning behind the change, though the added flexibility could free up capital for larger acquisitions.

Apple is already reportedly pursuing acquisitions of AI companies that could help shrink AI models for more efficient use on iPhone.

It is also worth noting that Apple's own in-house chip design capabilities originated with an acquisition. In 2008, the company acquired PA Semi for $278 million, a deal that laid the foundation for the custom processors now used across many of its product lines.

Impending leadership transitions could also bring a more aggressive approach to dealmaking, with hardware chief John Ternus set to succeed Tim Cook as CEO in September, and chip executive Johny Srouji being given expanded responsibility over all of Apple's hardware engineering, in addition to semiconductors.

Apple's chip design team has traditionally focused on battery-powered mobile devices rather than the high-performance server chips required to compete with Nvidia, the dominant supplier of AI server hardware. That limitation became apparent during development of the revamped Siri, when engineers reportedly attempted to run Google's Gemini models on Apple's own server infrastructure but found that the chips, designed with Mac workloads in mind, could not handle a model of that scale. As a result, Apple was required to process portions of the new ‌Siri‌'s workload using Nvidia chips within Google's cloud infrastructure.

Acquiring outside chip expertise would complement work already underway internally. Apple is currently developing a server chip based on the M5 Ultra chip, according to Bloomberg, while a future M7 Ultra chip is reportedly intended to substantially improve AI performance to a level that could begin to rival Nvidia's Blackwell chip. The M7 Ultra is expected to support up to 1.5TB of memory, roughly double the capacity of M5 Ultra, though Bloomberg added that a server chip based on M7 Ultra is unlikely to be ready before 2029.

Acquisitions represent only one avenue Apple is pursuing to reduce its reliance on Nvidia. The Information first reported Apple's collaboration with Broadcom on an AI server chip in 2024, and Broadcom confirmed in a securities filing last week that the companies had extended that partnership through 2031.
Tags: Apple Intelligence, Nvidia, The Information

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]]> Apple Adds 36-Month Carrier Financing for Cellular iPads https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-adds-36-month-carrier-financing-for-ipads/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-adds-36-month-carrier-financing-for-cellular-ipads.2485427/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:41:13 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-adds-36-month-carrier-financing-for-ipads/ Hartley Charlton iPad (low cost) iPad Air iPad Pro iPad mini iPad purchases through AT&T and Verizon, adding to the 12-month option previously available via Apple Card.


The new financing, first reported by 9to5Mac, replaces Apple Card Monthly Installments as the sole route to spreading out a cellular ‌iPad‌ purchase. That plan paid off the balance interest-free over 12 months; the new carrier options extend across Apple's full cellular ‌iPad‌ lineup, including the ‌iPad‌, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.

Both carriers restrict eligibility to subscribers activating a new line of service, rather than those adding a cellular ‌iPad‌ to an existing plan. The principal distinction between the two options is term length. Extending repayment from 12 months to 36 months substantially reduces the monthly cost, although the total amount financed remains unchanged.

The addition follows Apple's ‌iPad‌ price increases from late June, which affected the entire lineup. The extended financing term offers a way to offset the impact of those higher prices at checkout.

The 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌'s cellular configuration now starts at $1,399, up from $1,199 prior to the price increase, which amounts to $116.58 per month under the 12-month ‌Apple Card‌ plan. Financed through AT&T or Verizon instead, the same purchase costs approximately $38 per month over 36 months.
Related Roundups: iPad, iPad Air , iPad Pro, iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy), iPad Air (Buy Now), iPad Pro (Neutral), iPad Mini (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

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]]> EU Drops Battery Removal Requirement for Apple Watch and AirPods https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/eu-drops-battery-removal-requirement/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/eu-drops-battery-removal-requirement-for-apple-watch-and-airpods.2485421/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:02:38 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/eu-drops-battery-removal-requirement/ Hartley Charlton AirPods Apple Watch European Commission European Union new exemptions to its Batteries Regulation that free the Apple Watch and AirPods from having to offer user-removable and replaceable batteries.


The EU's Batteries Regulation generally requires consumer products sold in the region to let users swap out their own batteries, a push meant to keep devices in use longer and make it easier to recover materials for recycling. The Commission has now expanded its list of exempt product types to six additional categories, folding in wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers.

The reasoning largely mirrors why devices like electric toothbrushes were already exempt: Opening a compact, sealed enclosure and failing to reseal it properly could let water in and create a safety risk. Products can also qualify for exemption if their construction makes battery removal inherently dangerous, or if there is no realistic way to build in user access given current manufacturing methods.

The new categories effectively cover the Apple Watch and AirPods, both of which rely on the kind of small, sealed designs the Commission is now carving out, along with Meta's smart glasses. The change follows months of pressure from U.S. officials over rules that had reportedly complicated ‌Meta‌'s plans to bring its newest display-equipped smart glasses to Europe.

The iPhone was already exempt from the removability rule under the original regulation, thanks to its battery cycle life and water resistance rating. Apple offers battery service through Apple Stores, authorized providers, and its Self Service Repair program, which lets owners handle certain repairs, including batteries, at home. Not every device gets the same pass: Nintendo has now said it will sell a version of the Switch 2 in the EU with a user-replaceable battery to meet the incoming rules.

The delegated act still has to clear scrutiny from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. It takes effect 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU if neither body objects, ahead of the regulation's wider rollout in 2027.
Related Roundups: AirPods 4, Apple Watch 11
Tags: European Commission, European Union
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Caution), Apple Watch (Caution)
Related Forum: AirPods

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]]> Amazon Offers $150 Discount on M5 MacBook Air Models https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/amazon-150-on-m5-macbook-air/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/amazon-offers-150-discount-on-m5-macbook-air-models.2485418/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 05:24:55 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/amazon-150-on-m5-macbook-air/ Mitchel Broussard Deals $150 off multiple models of the M5 MacBook Air, focused mainly on 13-inch models this time around. These are some of the lowest prices we've seen on the notebooks in the wake of Apple's price hikes last month.

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.

In terms of 13-inch models, Amazon has the 16GB/1TB 13-inch MacBook Air for $1,449.00, down from $1,599.00. This one is available in one color on Amazon, and it's accompanied by a similar discount on the 24GB/1TB model.

$150 OFF
13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,449.00

$150 OFF
13-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,649.00


We aren't currently tracking any discounts on the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air models this week. 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 Intelligence Finally Cleared to Launch in China https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-intelligence-cleared-to-launch-in-china/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-intelligence-finally-cleared-to-launch-in-china.2485413/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:25:57 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/15/apple-intelligence-cleared-to-launch-in-china/ Hartley Charlton Apple Intelligence China Apple Intelligence has been approved by Chinese regulators, opening the door for the AI system to reach iPhones in the country for the first time.


Reuters reports that China's Cyberspace Administration registered Apple's on-device generative AI service this week, putting it on a list of newly cleared providers that also includes homegrown systems from Chinese phone makers.

An unnamed source told the outlet that Apple's AI features in the country will draw on models from both Baidu and Alibaba. In February 2025, Alibaba was reported to be building the primary system and Baidu contributing on a smaller scale.

Alibaba confirmed its part of the arrangement directly, telling Reuters that its Qwen model will power ‌Apple Intelligence‌ functions across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS for Chinese users, including both text and image generation. No launch date has been given, though approval typically precedes a rollout by only a few months, putting a China debut roughly in line with Apple's usual fall software release cycle.

Apple actually briefly switched the features on early for some Chinese users back in March, months ahead of getting the green light, and a feedback form aimed at Chinese users appeared on Apple's site late last year as the company inched closer to approval.

iPhone shipments in China climbed 24.4 percent year-over-year in the second quarter, making Apple the fastest-growing smartphone brand in a market that otherwise kept shrinking. A working version of ‌Apple Intelligence‌ could help sustain that momentum, though Apple is still catching up to domestic rivals that built AI features into their phones well before it did.
Tags: Apple Intelligence, China

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]]> LEGO Considering Bondi Blue iMac G3 Set https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/14/lego-imac-g3-set/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/lego-considering-bondi-blue-imac-g3-set.2485398/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:12:27 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/14/lego-imac-g3-set/ Juli Clover iMac LEGO today said the iMac G3 project submitted for consideration on its "Ideas" site has been moved to Parking Lot status, which means it hasn't been ruled out and could still possibly be turned into an official LEGO set.


On its "Ideas" website, LEGO lets fans submit mockups and suggestions for future LEGO sets. Any project that gets at least 10,000 votes goes to the LEGO Review Board and has a chance to become a LEGO set. Back in August 2025, LEGO fan terauma submitted a recreation of Apple's 1998 ‌iMac‌ G3 in Bondi Blue.


The LEGO creation captures the distinctive look of the ‌iMac‌ G3, featuring an all-in-one computer design, "hockey puck" mouse, matching keyboard, and accompanying cables. The design uses translucent blue LEGO pieces in a shade close to Bondi Blue, and the interior has details like a cathode ray tube and a circuit board.

The design successfully reached 10,000 supporters to make it to the LEGO Ideas team, and LEGO has been considering turning it into a set. Parking Lot status means LEGO needs more time to review the project, and in this case, LEGO could be communicating with Apple for permission.


Many Ideas set proposals get early rejections, so it's somewhat promising that LEGO is taking the time to further consider making an ‌iMac‌ G3 LEGO set. The Downton Abbey and The Old Man and the Sea LEGO sets were in the Parking Lot before making it to production.

The third 2025 Ideas review round that the ‌iMac‌ G3 set was in had 75 total qualifying ideas. Three were chosen to become sets, four (including the ‌iMac‌ G3) were given Parking Lot status for further consideration, and the rest were rejected. Projects can remain in the Parking Lot for up to three review periods before a final decision is made.

LEGO will share updates in the future on whether the ‌iMac‌ G3 project will move forward or will be rejected. A LEGO Apple Store proposal went through the same process, but it was rejected outright.
Related Roundup: iMac
Tag: LEGO
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iMac

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]]> OpenAI's First AI Device Will Be a Portable Smart Speaker https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/14/openai-ai-hardware-device-speaker/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/openais-first-ai-device-will-be-a-portable-smart-speaker.2485394/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:38:08 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/14/openai-ai-hardware-device-speaker/ Juli Clover OpenAI Bloomberg. The device is at the heart of a new legal dispute with Apple, with Apple accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets that have contributed to the development of the product.


OpenAI's speaker-like product is designed to "serve as a humanlike AI companion that lives in the home," according to Bloomberg. It will be able to control smart home accessories, answer questions, play media, respond to messages, and more, with the device powered by ChatGPT. It is meant to learn more about the user over time, becoming more personalized and proactive, using GPT-Live to communicate with users.

The device will have a personality, and will be able to "connect on a humanlike level with users." It has mechanical elements that can move on their own, to create a sense that the device is alive. There's also a camera so it can understand a user's surroundings. The AI product includes a rechargeable battery and it can be carried from room to room.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple designer Jony Ive have teased the device several times, suggesting it will have "incredible contextual awareness" about a user's life, and describing it as a new type of computer built for AI. The two have suggested prototypes are "jaw-droppingly good" and "exciting."

In a lawsuit filed against OpenAI for theft of trade secrets, Apple claims OpenAI used its confidential information developing the AI device, including gaining access to a proprietary metal finishing technique. "OpenAI's nascent hardware business now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets," reads Apple's filing.

People familiar with the project told Bloomberg that the device is different from anything Apple has on the market today, and it is "unlikely" it violates Apple trade secrets. Though Apple has the HomePod and HomePod mini speakers, OpenAI does not see Apple's speakers as comparable to its hardware product.

Apple is also working on a home hub device that sounds similar to what OpenAI is developing. Apple's smart home hub is rumored to have a 7-inch square display, a speaker, a camera for video chats and facial recognition, and Siri AI integration.

Initial rumors suggested OpenAI's hardware device could come out as soon as 2026, but it's now not expected to launch until 2027. OpenAI could unveil the AI product this year ahead of its 2027 release, but the Apple lawsuit could change the timing. Apple has asked the court for an injunction, and if granted, OpenAI could be prohibited from releasing hardware.
Tag: OpenAI

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]]> OpenAI: No Evidence Apple's Trade Secret Complaint Has Merit https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/14/openai-apple-lawsuit-response/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/openai-no-evidence-apples-trade-secret-complaint-has-merit.2485392/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:45:17 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/14/openai-apple-lawsuit-response/ Juli Clover Featured Apple Lawsuits OpenAI Apple's allegations of trade secret theft have merit in a statement provided to Bloomberg.

While we take these allegations seriously, we're not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit. We believe in fair competition and allowing people the freedom to work wherever they choose, and we're focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere.

Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI on Friday, accusing the company of intellectual property theft. Apple said OpenAI employees Tang Tan and Chang Liu schemed to steal confidential Apple information to further hardware development at OpenAI. Tan is OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer and a 24-year Apple veteran who led product design, while Liu is on the hardware team at OpenAI after working as a senior system electrical engineer at Apple.

Tan and Liu allegedly asked Apple employees interviewing at OpenAI to come prepared with details on unreleased devices, components, manufacturing processes, and vendor relationships. Liu is also accused of keeping an Apple-issued laptop and exploiting an authentication bug to view confidential documents while working at OpenAI. From the lawsuit:
This is the tip of the iceberg. Apple lacks visibility into what's been happening behind closed doors at OpenAI, where such misconduct is normalized and exemplified by leadership. This much is clear, however: at every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple's trade secrets and confidential information. As a natural result, OpenAI's nascent hardware business now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets.

When Apple first filed the suit, OpenAI gave a dismissive response. "We have no interest in other companies' trade secrets," said OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri. "We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."

OpenAI's new statement about employee mobility hints at how it will frame the case publicly. In the lawsuit, Apple said more than 400 Apple employees have migrated to OpenAI, so OpenAI can point to its hiring of former Apple employees as motivation for Apple's lawsuit.

Apple is aiming for a jury trial, and is hoping to uncover more evidence through discovery. Apple has requested an injunction requiring OpenAI to cease using any Apple information during the development of OpenAI's AI hardware device. Apple is also seeking damages and suing Tan and Liu for breach of contract for violating their employment agreements.
Tags: Apple Lawsuits, OpenAI

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]]> Amazon Hosts Rare Nintendo Switch 2 Deal, Get $49 Off Game Bundle [Sold Out] https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/14/amazon-switch-2-deal/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/amazon-hosts-rare-nintendo-switch-2-deal-get-49-off-game-bundle-sold-out.2485385/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:32:08 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/14/amazon-switch-2-deal/ Mitchel Broussard Deals $449.99 when you add the product to your cart, down from $499.00. As the name implies, this bundle allows you to choose from three games, all of which retail between $69.99 and $79.99, making this deal even better.

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.

Games available to choose from in this bundle include Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and Pokémon Pokopia. You'll pick one of these games as a digital game download on your new Switch 2 system.

Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.

$49 OFF
Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle for $449.99


Considering the impending price hike coming to the Switch 2 in the fall, Amazon's deal today could be the last big markdown on the console before that price increase happens. Nintendo has announced that the Switch 2 console with no game will increase from $450 to $500, so we can expect the console game bundles to increase at that point as well.

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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