MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors - All Stories https://www.macrumors.com Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:46:46 PDT en hourly 1 https://www.macrumors.com The MacRumors Show: Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/the-macrumors-show-tim-cook-to-step-down/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-macrumors-show-tim-cook-to-step-down-as-apple-ceo.2481471/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:06:47 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/the-macrumors-show-tim-cook-to-step-down/ Hartley Charlton Featured Featured (sticky) The MacRumors Show Tim Cook The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's bombshell announcement that Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, 2026, with hardware engineering chief John Ternus set to succeed him.

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Cook will transition to executive chairman, where he will "assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world." The transition was approved by the board and is the result of a "thoughtful, long-term succession planning process." Current board chair Arthur Levinson will become the lead independent director. Cook has served as Apple's CEO since 2011.

Ternus, who has spent nearly his entire career at Apple, will join the board ahead of assuming the CEO role. He is a product person in the mold of Steve Jobs rather than a supply chain operator like Cook, and according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, he is expected to take a more centralized approach to decision-making. "If you go to Tim with 'A' or 'B,' he won't pick," one person who has worked closely with both executives told Gurman. "Ternus will make decisions." Ternus will take over in time to oversee the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro models and Apple's first foldable iPhone, both expected in September.

Alongside the leadership transition, Apple said that Johny Srouji, currently SVP of Hardware Technologies, will take on an expanded role as Chief Hardware Officer, leading Hardware Engineering and reporting to Ternus. Srouji's remit will cover everything from product design to system engineering to reliability and durability testing. Cook described Srouji as having "played a singular role in driving Apple's silicon strategy" and said his influence has been felt "not just inside the company, but across the industry."

In a statement, Cook said leading Apple has been the "greatest privilege" of his life and described Ternus as "a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count." Ternus said he is "filled with optimism" about what Apple can achieve in the years to come, adding that he promises to "lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century."

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If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's upcoming overhaul of the iPad mini and iPad Air, looking at the future of the product lineup as a whole.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also email us at podcast@macrumors.com or head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
Tags: The MacRumors Show, Tim Cook

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]]> Get the 2026 MacBook Pro for New Record Low $1,999 Price https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/2026-macbook-pro-1999-price/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/get-the-2026-macbook-pro-for-new-record-low-1-999-price.2481465/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:19:46 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/2026-macbook-pro-1999-price/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured $1,999.00 on Amazon, down from $2,199.00.

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.

This beats the previous deal we tracked on this model by about $50, and as of writing it's only available in Space Black. Amazon provides a free delivery estimate by around April 29, with earlier delivery for Prime members.

$200 OFF
14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB) for $1,999.00


You can also get $200 off every 16-inch MacBook Pro model right now on Amazon, with the 24GB RAM/1TB M5 Pro model hitting a new all-time low price of $2,499.00, down from $2,699.00.

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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]]> OpenAI Debuts GPT-5.5 Claiming Agentic Coding and Research Gains https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/openai-gpt-5-5-research-gains/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/openai-debuts-gpt-5-5-claiming-agentic-coding-and-research-gains.2481460/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:32:38 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/openai-gpt-5-5-research-gains/ Tim Hardwick ChatGPT OpenAI announced the release of GPT-5.5, the latest upgrade to the company's family of models powering its ChatGPT and Codex apps.


OpenAI describes GPT-5.5 as better at multi-step work, claiming it can plan, use tools, and verify its own output with less hand-holding. The model is said to offer gains in agentic coding, computer use, and early-stage scientific research.

GPT-5.5 Thinking offers "faster help for harder problems," according to OpenAI, while GPT-5.5 Pro is being pitched as a research partner for tougher questions where accuracy matters more than speed.

OpenAI argues that its latest model is more token-efficient, so Codex tasks should – in theory – finish with less overhead despite the bump.

ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers get GPT-5.5 Thinking, while the more powerful GPT-5.5 Pro model is limited to ChatGPT Pro, Business, and Enterprise. In Codex, GPT-5.5 spans Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Go plans. API access is said to be coming "very soon."
Tags: ChatGPT, OpenAI

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]]> 20th Anniversary iPhone to Feature Custom 'Micro-Curved' OLED Panel https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/20th-anniversary-iphone-micro-curved-oled-panel/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/20th-anniversary-iphone-to-feature-custom-micro-curved-oled-panel.2481454/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:32:33 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/20th-anniversary-iphone-micro-curved-oled-panel/ Tim Hardwick 20th-Anniversary iPhone Digital Chat Station OLED

Apple is reportedly considering a radical redesign for the 20th-anniversary iPhone that could feature a completely bezel-less display that curves around all four edges of the device.

To that end, Apple is said to be seeking from Samsung an equal-depth quad-curved panel design that uses "micro-curves" to keep the curve very shallow, as opposed to the aggressively curved "waterfall" edges of some existing Samsung panels.

Apple's preference for slightly rounded edges may ensure that the device feels softer in the hand and that swipes from the edge of the display feel more natural. It could also prevent distortion of on-screen content around the edges.

The latest supply chain information comes from Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station, who also says that Apple wants a "pol-less" display from Samsung – in other words, a panel design that removes the polarizer layer that sits on top of most current OLED screens.

That claim lines up with a September 2025 report out of Korea that said Apple will adopt a Samsung-made OLED technology called COE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) to make the 20th-anniversary iPhone's display brighter and thinner than previous panels.

COE displays remove the polarizing film from an OLED panel, applying the color filter directly onto the encapsulation layer of the display.

The technique reduces the thickness of the overall display stack, and it lets more light through to improve brightness while reducing power draw. Reflections are harder to deal with when there's no polarizing film, but in its latest iPhones, Apple added a new anti-reflective coating that is expected to be improved for future versions of the iPhone.

Apple is also said to be employing a crater-shaped light diffusion layer in the display to even out the brightness so that the screen looks uniformly lit across all areas.

2027 will mark the 20th-anniversary of the iPhone, and Apple reportedly wants to create a high-end all-glass model that doesn't have cutouts in the display.

Display analyst Ross Young said that Apple won't have under-display ‌Face ID‌ ready to go for a 2027 iPhone, but other leakers think it's possible. If Apple can't get everything under the display, we may see under-display ‌Face ID‌ and then a small hole-punch cutout on the front for the front-facing camera.

The latest rumors suggest that Apple is still testing an under-display iPhone camera for 2027, so it remains a possibility.
Tags: 20th-Anniversary iPhone, Digital Chat Station, OLED

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]]> Apple Invites App for iPhone Updated – Here's What's New https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/apple-invites-app-for-iphone-updated/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-invites-app-for-iphone-updated-–-heres-whats-new.2481451/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:51:43 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/24/apple-invites-app-for-iphone-updated/ Tim Hardwick Apple Invites Apple's Invites app, hosts can now manually edit the guest list to update guest responses and adjust the number of additional guests.


This v1.8.0 update appears to have focused on delivering a more streamlined experience for managing and sharing events. Within Messages, a new Invites iMessage app allows users to quickly share an existing invite without needing to leave the conversation.

Elsewhere, the dashboard has been expanded with an All Events view, bringing both upcoming and past events into a single, unified interface. Sharing options have also been improved for hosts, who can now generate and download an image of their invite card.

Additionally, music integration has been enhanced through the Apple Music Shared Playlist feature, which now provides personalised playlist suggestions based on listening habits.

Finally, hosts can now specify a time zone for their event, and the update also contains bug fixes and performance improvements.

Apple Invites is available on the iPhone, and on the web at iCloud.com/invites. Guests can RSVP in the iPhone app, or on the web from any device.
Tag: Apple Invites

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]]> Here's What's Coming in the 2026 Apple TV https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-tv-4k-2026-rumors/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/heres-whats-coming-in-the-2026-apple-tv.2481430/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:08:00 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-tv-4k-2026-rumors/ Juli Clover Apple TV Featured Apple TV because the set-top box hasn't been updated since 2022. There is an update coming this year, but people will need to wait a bit longer because Apple is holding the next ‌Apple TV‌ until the new version of Siri comes out this fall.


Design


‌Apple TV‌ design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing in 2026. The next ‌Apple TV‌ is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black plastic material.

We're expecting the 2026 ‌Apple TV‌ to be indistinguishable from the existing ‌Apple TV‌ on the exterior, with no changes to size or design.

New Chip


The ‌Apple TV‌ 4K is going to get a new A-series chip, and that'll be the biggest upgrade. Rumors suggest Apple is planning to use the A17 Pro that was first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Compared to the A15 Bionic in the current ‌Apple TV‌, the A17 Pro is a solid update, and it's a good reason to hold off on buying the current model. The A17 Pro is built on a 3-nanometer process for faster speeds and better efficiency, and it has hardware-accelerated ray tracing for higher-quality graphics in games.

The A17 Pro is the oldest chip Apple makes that supports Apple Intelligence, and it's also used in the iPad mini 7.

Given that Apple has held the ‌Apple TV‌ update for so long, it's possible it'll get an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM update is possible too, especially if the ‌Apple TV‌ has any kind of ‌Apple Intelligence‌ support.

Apple Intelligence and Siri


The next ‌Apple TV‌ is ready to launch, but new ‌Siri‌ features are the holdup. Apple wants to release the ‌Apple TV‌ with the smarter version of ‌Siri‌ that's in the works, and it's not ready to go.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the Apple TV is linked to "new artificial intelligence features" that Apple has postponed until iOS 27, which is coming in September 2026. Apple intended to launch the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ ‌Siri‌ features in spring 2026, but the company was still experiencing issues with ‌Siri‌. At this point, we're not going to see new ‌Siri‌ capabilities until iOS 27, which also means a delay for all the devices that Apple is holding.

Along with the ‌Apple TV‌, the rumored home hub and a new version of the HomePod are waiting on ‌Siri‌.

Updated ‌Siri‌ features may require more RAM and a faster chip, so if you want the smarter ‌Siri‌ on the ‌Apple TV‌, that's another reason to wait before making a purchase.

Wi-Fi


The ‌Apple TV‌ could get Apple's N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Wi-Fi 7 works with the 6GHz band offered by newer routers.

6GHz connectivity is faster and less congested, which you want for a device designed for streaming content.

Bluetooth and Thread


The ‌Apple TV‌ 4K could get Bluetooth 6 for connecting devices like controllers and earbuds.

Apple's N1 chip also supports Thread, so the ‌Apple TV‌ will be able to continue to serve as a Thread border router and a Matter hub for smart home devices.

Pricing


There have been rumors of a price drop, so it's possible Apple has plans for a cheaper ‌Apple TV‌.

Apple could release two models, one that's higher-end and one that has lower specs and a lower price tag, or it could keep the existing ‌Apple TV‌ around as a low-cost option.

Launch Date


Since the new version of ‌Siri‌ has been pushed to ‌iOS 27‌ and the ‌Apple TV‌ is tied to that update, we're likely not going to see the ‌Apple TV‌ refreshed until September 2026 at the earliest.
Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

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]]> New Apple Ad Sells the iPhone and Apple Watch Health Pairing https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-iphone-apple-watch-health-ad/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/new-apple-ad-sells-the-iphone-and-apple-watch-health-pairing.2481426/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:18:55 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-iphone-apple-watch-health-ad/ Tim Hardwick Apple Watch Apple Ads new ad to appeal to customers in the market for an iPhone and Apple Watch pairing, highlighting the insights it can offer for your health.


Titled simply "Health with iPhone + Apple Watch," the half-minute ad focuses on a woman waiting in line at a cafe who begins receiving unsolicited health and fitness advice from other people in the queue, as well as local residents, drivers, and passersby – and even accompanying pets.

An Apple Watch notification about her new cardio fitness trend cuts through the cacophony, and she subsequently looks into the Health app on iPhone to learn that her cardio fitness is above average. "Listen to your body. Not everybody," says the onscreen slogan, as she grabs her coffee and goes about her day. The YouTube blurb reads:
With iPhone and Apple Watch, you get science-based insights about your health. You see data on things like your heart rate, cycle tracking, cardio fitness, and sleep quality. So you can be more aware of what your body is telling you.
Apple Watch Cardio Fitness determines cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by VO2 max. VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen that the body is able to use during exercise, and it can be improved through physical activity. Apple introduced the feature in 2020.

Cardio Fitness is a category in the Health app on iPhone, and fitness level is classified as high, above average, below average, or low relative to people in your same age group and of the same sex. Users can also track how their cardio fitness levels have changed over the past week, month, six months, or year, and if fitness levels fall into the low range, they can get a notification on Apple Watch that includes guidance on improving it.
Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Tag: Apple Ads
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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]]> A Full Apple Ecosystem Now Costs Less Than a MacBook Pro https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-ecosystem-now-costs-less-than-macbook-pro/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/a-full-apple-ecosystem-now-costs-less-than-a-macbook-pro.2481423/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:00 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-ecosystem-now-costs-less-than-macbook-pro/ Hartley Charlton MacBook Pro MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip.


The ten products that now define Apple's lowest-cost tier are as follows:


  • iPhone 17e: $599

  • MacBook Neo: $599

  • iPad (11th generation): $349

  • Magic Keyboard Folio: $249

  • Apple Pencil (USB-C): $79

  • Apple Watch SE 3: $249

  • AirPods 4: $129

  • Apple TV 4K: $129

  • HomePod mini: $99

  • AirTag: $29



The total comes to $2,510, which is $189 less than the $2,699 starting price of the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ with the M5 Pro chip. AppleCare One, which can cover any three Apple devices of the buyer's choosing, costs an additional $19.99 per month.

The MacBook Neo, announced on March 4, is the linchpin of the shift. At $599, it is Apple's most affordable laptop ever and the first Mac to contain an A-series chip, using the A18 Pro that debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro. After its March 11 launch, Apple CEO Tim Cook said Apple saw its "best launch week ever for first-time Mac customers."

The iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo, both at $599, anchor the lineup at an identical price point that would have seemed implausible just two years ago, when the cheapest Mac laptop cost $999.

What is striking about today's lineup is how capable most of Apple's entry-level products have become relative to their more expensive siblings. The iPhone 17e uses the same A19 chip and 48-megapixel main camera as the $799 iPhone 17, differing meaningfully only in its slightly smaller 60Hz display, single rear camera, and notch design. The ‌MacBook Neo‌'s A18 Pro chip posts a single-core score of 3,461, within 6% of the M5 MacBook Air, and is highly capable for everyday tasks. The Apple Watch SE 3 shares the same S10 chip as the $399 Series 11 and, with its last refresh, gained an always-on display, sleep apnea detection, body temperature sensing, and fast charging. The notable exception in the lineup is the entry-level iPad, which is the only current Apple device that does not support Apple Intelligence.

It is also notable that three of the eleven products on the list are also due for imminent replacements. The 12th generation ‌iPad‌ with an A18 chip and Apple Intelligence support is said to be "ready to go" and "still coming this year." The next Apple TV and HomePod mini are expected to gain faster chips, along with Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Thread support. All three devices have reportedly been ready for release since last year, primarily held up by the delayed arrival of a more capable version of Siri.

Overall, Apple's entry-level lineup arguably never seems to have been stronger or more affordable.
Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

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]]> Apple Lowers Savings Account Rate for Apple Card Users https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-lowers-savings-account-rate-apple-card/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-lowers-savings-account-rate-for-apple-card-users.2481417/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:07:45 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-lowers-savings-account-rate-apple-card/ Tim Hardwick Apple Card

Push notifications regarding the cut were sent to ‌Apple Card‌ users on Thursday. Savings account interest rates often fluctuate with changes made by the Federal Reserve, and when rates are lowered, banks cut their annual percentage yield (APY). That said, today's cut doesn't appear tied to a specific Federal Reserve move.

Apple introduced its savings account in April 2023, partnering with Goldman Sachs. Designed for ‌Apple Card‌ holders, the account is exclusively available to U.S. residents aged 18 and above. It can be managed through the iPhone's Wallet app, offering a user-friendly experience with no fees, minimum deposits, or balance requirements.

The account allows users to earn interest on their Daily Cash cashback balance, as well as on funds transferred from linked bank accounts or Apple Cash balances. Initially capped at $250,000, the maximum balance has since been increased to $1,000,000.

In January 2026, JPMorgan Chase reached a deal to take over operation of the Apple Card, with the transition expected to take approximately two years.

Alongside its new Apple Card partnership, JPMorgan Chase will reportedly launch a new Apple savings account, but existing users with Apple savings accounts at Goldman Sachs will not be automatically transitioned and will need to decide whether they want to stay at Goldman Sachs or open new accounts with Chase. Apple has a FAQ about the transition.
Tag: Apple Card

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]]> Tim Cook Calls Apple Maps Launch His 'First Really Big Mistake' as CEO https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/tim-cook-apple-maps-launch-his-really-big-mistake/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/tim-cook-calls-apple-maps-launch-his-first-really-big-mistake-as-ceo.2481412/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:27:06 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/tim-cook-apple-maps-launch-his-really-big-mistake/ Tim Hardwick Apple Maps Tim Cook Bloomberg report covering the town hall meeting that was held Tuesday with his recently announced successor, John Ternus.


The Maps app launched with mislabeled landmarks, faulty directions, and a user experience that fell well short of Google Maps at the time. "The product wasn't ready, and we thought it was because we were testing more of local kind of stuff," Cook told staff.

Reflecting on the debacle, Cook said it was "valuable," noting that he expressed regret to users at the time and suggested they use competing navigation apps instead.

From the report:
"We apologized for it, and we said, 'Go use these other apps. They're better than ours.' And that was some humble pie," Cook said. "But it was the right thing for our users. And so it's an example of keeping the user at the center of the decisions that we made."

Cook added: "Now we've got the best map app on the planet. We learned about persistence, and we did exactly the right thing having made the mistake."
The fallout led to the first major management shake-up of Cook's tenure, with software chief Scott Forstall – a close Steve Jobs collaborator – pushed out in the aftermath. (Fun fact: Forstall was recently invited back to Apple Park to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary.)

On the bright side, Cook singled out the Apple Watch and its expanding health features as the work he's most proud of. He recalled receiving his first note from a user whose life had been saved by the device. "It caused me to just stop in my steps," he said.

Cook conceded that his list of mistakes would be "extraordinary in length" (the never-released AirPower charging mat and Apple's abandoned car project would surely be high up there) but the CEO has successfully avoided the kind of product recalls and cancellations that have plagued other consumer device companies over the last 15 years.

Cook became CEO in August 2011 and hands over the reins to Ternus, currently chief of hardware engineering, on September 1, 2026.
Tags: Apple Maps, Tim Cook

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]]> Latest iPhone 18 Pro Max Dummies Suggest Thicker Camera Plateau, More Protruding Lenses https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/iphone-18-pro-max-dummies-thicker-camera-plateau/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/latest-iphone-18-pro-max-dummies-suggest-thicker-camera-plateau-more-protruding-lenses.2481411/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:04:05 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/iphone-18-pro-max-dummies-thicker-camera-plateau/ Tim Hardwick iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro dummy (left) vs. iPhone 18 Pro (image: Vadim Yuryev)

YouTube channel Max Tech's Vadim Yuryev recently shared images of dummy units for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max – as well as Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone. Dummy units are typically created by third-party case makers based on information that leaks out of Apple's partner factories.

Yuryev says the dummy units have "much thicker cameras... The black glass on the cameras protrudes a bit more too." He also says the camera plateau itself is "a bit thicker" than on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and he provided the above image for comparison. The silver unit is the iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy, while the blue is an iPhone 17 Pro Max dummy. Other than the rear triple lens camera system, the two device's dimensions are said to be extremely similar – same thickness, but a slight height (.36mm) and width (.39mm) increase on the 18 Pro Max unit.

Yuryev says he stands by the accuracy of the iPhone 18 Pro dummies, claiming they should be "spot on" like the iPhone 17 Pro dummy units he received last year, presumably from the same source – which we believe to be Sonny Dickson.

The Main camera in the iPhone 18 Pro could have a variable aperture, which would provide users with more control over how their photos look. iPhone users would be able to manually adjust how much light gets to the sensor, cutting down on overexposure and providing new customization options for lighting and depth of field.

The Telephoto lens in the iPhone 18 Pro models could also feature a larger aperture, allowing for more light in poor lighting conditions.

At least one of the iPhone 18 Pro models could also feature a new three-layer stacked image sensor developed by Samsung. The advanced image sensor would make the camera more responsive, plus it could cut down on noise, increase dynamic range, and more.

Will any of these upgrades necessitate a larger camera module? Theoretically, but no leak has explicitly said the lenses on either 18 Pro model will stick out more or that the camera plateau will get thicker. It's especially surprising given that the industry is actively targeting flat or near-flush camera systems in future devices, but Apple could well be taking a different tack.

We'll know for sure when the devices arrive around mid-September alongside the company's first foldable iPhone.

Update: Since this story was published, Yuryev has shared some more comparative dimensions: The total thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro Max including camera plateau is said to be 11.54mm (vs. 11.23mm on the iPhone 17 Pro Max), while total thickness including camera lens bumps is 13.77mm (vs. 12.92mm on the iPhone 17 Pro Max).
Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro

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]]> Apple Maps Gains Immersive 3D Experience of Miami F1 Grand Prix https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-maps-gains-miami-f1-grand-prix/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-maps-gains-immersive-3d-experience-of-miami-f1-grand-prix.2481409/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:20:28 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/apple-maps-gains-miami-f1-grand-prix/ Tim Hardwick Apple Maps

The guide offers an immersive way to explore F1 circuits. It began with Albert Park in Australia, with more 3D circuit experiences to be added as the season progresses.

The Miami experience adds detailed features at key locations in Miami International Autodrome circuit. As spotted by 9to5Mac, there are 3D landmarks for things like grandstands, The Marina, the Pit Building, the Finish Line, and more. The area also includes technical information about the circuit, along with local gates, race entrances, bridges, restrooms, and water stations.

There are also some guides for fans attending the race, such as "A Local's Guide to Miami F1 Race Week" for dining and shopping recommendations, and "Hyperlocal F1 Miami Race Week Spots," for identifying prime viewing locations close to the track.

The 2026 F1 season kicked off in Australia on March 8. Last October, Apple and Formula 1 announced a five-year partnership including exclusive streaming rights in the U.S. The partnership allows ‌Apple TV‌ to provide comprehensive coverage of Formula 1, including all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix.
Tag: Apple Maps

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]]> Here's How the iPhone Ultra Compares to Other Apple Devices https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/iphone-ultra-dummy-apple-device-comparison/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/heres-how-the-iphone-ultra-compares-to-other-apple-devices.2481403/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:39:11 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/23/iphone-ultra-dummy-apple-device-comparison/ Tim Hardwick Featured iPhone Ultra now circulating, YouTube channel Max Tech's Vadim Yuryev has shared images and video of the book-style form factor compared to existing Apple devices, giving us a better idea of what to expect when it launches later this year.


The foldable iPhone's inner display is said to have a 4:3 aspect ratio like an iPad, and it will have an iPad mini-sized OLED display when it's opened up. Most rumors say it will be 5.5 inches when closed, and 7.8 inches when open, making it a bit smaller than the 8.3-inch iPad mini (shown behind the dummy in the image above).


Compared to an iPhone 17 Pro Max in landscape orientation, Yurydev says the width of the foldable is basically the same, but it has a 56.9 percent taller display (71 mm vs. 111.5 mm). Yurydev suggests this will provide a more immersive video experience at 16:9 and will be "awesome" for gaming using onscreen controls.


Yurydev also shared a video showing what it might be like to interact with the outer display, which is probably smaller than many people will be expecting. According to The Information, it will measure just 5.3 inches – smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the iPhone 13 mini – but that claim is an outlier, whereas most rumors put it at 5.5 inches. Either way, bigger hands may find it takes some getting used to.


Further images give us an idea of the side of the device when folded. A Touch ID-integrated power button and a Camera Control button can be seen set apart on the right side, with volume buttons along the top like the iPad mini. Face ID is not expected to feature because of space constraints, while Apple apparently sees Camera Control as a key feature for the device, enabling users to maintain a steady grip while making any required adjustments, or do so one-handed if they wish.

Note the raised camera bump or "plateau" that does not span across the entire back of the device. It houses a two-lens camera system, rather than three, which is expected.


Yurydev says his dummy unit is exactly 11mm thick when it's closed. That contrasts with rumors suggesting the foldable could be around 9mm to 9.5mm when closed. Yurydev stands by the accuracy of his dummy, saying it should be "spot on" like last year's iPhone 17 Pro units. Yurydev did not disclose the thickness of the unit when open, but if it is 4.5mm as some rumors claim, the foldable iPhone will be Apple's thinnest device by far.



Apple is expected to unveil the foldable iPhone in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models (shown above), whose dimensions are expected to remain identical to the iPhone 17 Pro series, albeit with a smaller Dynamic Island and – based on these dummies – a potentially thicker camera plateau with lenses that protrude more. Apple may call its first foldable "iPhone Ultra," according to an oft-reliable Chinese leaker.
Tag: iPhone Ultra

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]]> Base Mac Mini Sold Out From Apple Online Store https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/base-mac-mini-sold-out-from-apple-online-store/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/base-mac-mini-sold-out-from-apple-online-store.2481380/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:59:44 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/base-mac-mini-sold-out-from-apple-online-store/ Juli Clover Featured Mac mini Mac mini, and the machine is listed as “Currently Unavailable” from the Apple Online Store.


The base ‌Mac mini‌ is the model with an M4 chip, 256GB of storage, and 16GB RAM. M4 Mac mini models with upgraded storage are still in stock, as are ‌Mac mini‌ models that are equipped with the M4 Pro chip. Configurations with 24GB RAM are also still available, but some models that use 32GB RAM or higher are out of stock.

When an Apple device goes out of stock, it can be an indication of an imminent refresh, but it’s not clear if that’s the case with the ‌Mac mini‌. The ‌Mac mini‌ has been in high demand because people are purchasing it to use as a machine to run AI models locally, so it’s possible the shortage is related to demand rather than a sign that an update is coming soon.

Apple is also dealing with RAM shortages caused by a surge in global memory demand that has led to increased RAM pricing. The memory shortages previously caused some higher tier ‌Mac mini‌ and Mac Studio models to go out of stock. Apple removed the 512GB ‌Mac Studio‌ from its online store entirely earlier this year.

Apple is working on M5 and M5 Pro versions of the ‌Mac mini‌ for 2026, but the update may not come until later in the year due to the RAM supply issues.

(Thanks, Max!)
Related Roundup: Mac mini
Buyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: Mac mini

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]]> What to Expect From the Next AirPods Pro, Launching as Soon as This Year https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/airpods-pro-cameras-2026/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/what-to-expect-from-the-next-airpods-pro-launching-as-soon-as-this-year.2481379/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:34:00 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/airpods-pro-cameras-2026/ Juli Clover AirPods Pro Featured

Cameras


Multiple sources have said Apple is developing AirPods Pro that have tiny infrared cameras. The cameras won't be used to take photos or videos like an iPhone camera, but will instead provide the AirPods with information about what's around the wearer.

Cameras could potentially provide data to a connected iPhone, improving Visual Intelligence and Siri features that are set to come out in iOS 27.

Gestures


The infrared cameras could recognize hand gestures, allowing music and other features to be controlled with hand movements.

The AirPods Pro already support head gestures for doing things like declining or accepting phone calls, and the addition of hand gestures could expand this functionality.

Apple could even remove pressure sensitivity from the stem of the AirPods Pro, making gestures the main control method.

Vision Pro Integration


Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the cameras integrated into the AirPods Pro will upgrade the spatial audio experience when used with the Apple Vision Pro headset.

Naming


There is some disagreement about where the AirPods Pro with cameras will fit in the AirPods lineup, and what they will be called.

The AirPods Pro 3 came out in September 2025, and the new model with cameras isn't expected to be labeled AirPods Pro 4. Apple could just upgrade the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ with cameras and keep the name, or call them something like ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ with Cameras.

Apple released two versions of the AirPods 4, one that has ANC and one that doesn't. The ANC model is named ‌AirPods 4‌ with Active Noise Cancellation, so there is precedent for a straightforward AirPods Pro name.

Apple could also call the AirPods Pro with cameras the "AirPods Ultra," and that's what some rumors suggest will happen.

H3 Chip


It's possible that Apple will include a new H3 chip with camera-equipped AirPods Pro. Apple is working on a new chip, but the current ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ launched with the same H2 chip that was in the AirPods Pro 2.

The H3 chip is expected to bring lower latency and improved audio quality.

Pricing


Some rumors suggest the AirPods Pro with cameras will be more expensive than the existing model, while others say they will be the same price. If Apple is planning to sell them for $249, the AirPods Pro with cameras would replace the current model. If they're more expensive at ~$299, they could be sold alongside the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌.

Launch Date


A new version of the AirPods Pro with cameras could come out as soon as 2026, and if that launch timing is accurate, we'll likely see them introduced alongside new iPhone models in September.
Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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]]> Apple Releases iOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.4.2 With Bug Fixes https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/apple-releases-ios-26-4-2/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-releases-ios-26-4-2-and-ipados-26-4-2-with-bug-fixes.2481367/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:28:35 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/apple-releases-ios-26-4-2/ Juli Clover Featured iOS 26 iPad, respectively. The updates are available two weeks after Apple released iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1.


The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings → General → Software Update.

According to Apple's release notes, the software updates contain unspecified bug fixes and security updates.

Apple also released iOS 18.7.8 for older iPhones that are not updated to iOS 26.

Apple is already beta testing iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, the next versions of ‌iOS 26‌ that will likely launch later in May.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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]]> iOS 26.4.2 Patches Flaw That Let FBI Extract Deleted Signal Messages https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/ios-26-4-2-notification-database-security-fix/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ios-26-4-2-patches-flaw-that-let-fbi-extract-deleted-signal-messages.2481374/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:01:36 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/ios-26-4-2-notification-database-security-fix/ Juli Clover iOS 26 FBI Signal FBI recently used to extract Signal message previews from an iPhone even after the app was deleted.


A flaw with notification services allowed notifications that were supposed to be deleted to be retained on an iPhone or iPad. Apple says it fixed the logging issue with improved data redaction.

Apple became aware of the vulnerability after recent court testimony revealed that the FBI was able to access the internal notification database on an iPhone involved in a case, providing law enforcement with access to message previews. The iPhone in question was set to display the content of Signal messages on the Lock Screen, and with that feature enabled, the iPhone stores message content.

The defendant in the case had deleted the Signal app and had Signal messages set to disappear, but the iPhone kept the messages in its database long enough for the FBI to access them.

Apple users running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, iOS 18, or iPadOS 18 should update to the latest versions to avoid being impacted by the security flaw.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Tags: FBI, Signal
Related Forum: iOS 26

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]]> Google Confirms Gemini-Powered Siri Coming Later This Year https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/google-gemini-powered-siri-2026/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/google-confirms-gemini-powered-siri-coming-later-this-year.2481371/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:08:04 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/google-gemini-powered-siri-2026/ Juli Clover Featured Gemini Google Siri Siri Chatbot Siri that's set to be released later in 2026.


Google Cloud chief Thomas Kurian mentioned the Apple partnership during Google Cloud Next 2026, a conference that's taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada today.
Earlier this year, we announced a monumental partnership with one of the most iconic brands that will bring the power of our technology to users everywhere around the world. We're collaborating with Apple as their preferred cloud provider to develop the next generation of Apple Foundation Models based on Gemini technology.

These models will now power future Apple Intelligence features including a more personalized Siri coming later this year.

Kurian's comment doesn't provide us with any new information because Apple has already committed to a 2026 launch for the new ‌Siri‌ features. When Apple first delayed the smarter ‌Siri‌ in March 2025, the company said it would launch "in the coming year."

Later in 2025, Apple said that ‌Siri‌ would get an update at some point in 2026, though it did not provide a specific launch timeline. In February 2026, Apple confirmed to CNBC that the new version of ‌Siri‌ is still set to come out this year.

According to rumors, Apple was planning to release the Apple Intelligence version of ‌Siri‌ in spring 2026, but ran into issues with accuracy. Since Apple never gave a launch date beyond 2026, the ‌Siri‌ update isn't exactly delayed, but Apple has needed to adjust its internal schedule. Apple has until December 31, 2026 to update ‌Siri‌, but we could get a first look at the new personal assistant in iOS 27.

Kurian did say that Google Cloud is Apple's "preferred cloud provider," which is the same language that Google used earlier this year. It continues to be unclear if the new ‌Siri‌ and Gemini-powered ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features will use Private Cloud Compute or will run on Google's servers.

Apple has asked Google to investigate setting up servers in Google data centers to run ‌Siri‌ because Apple is anticipating much more cloud usage when the smarter ‌Siri‌ launches.

Apple plans to introduce ‌iOS 27‌ at the Worldwide Developers Conference, which is set to begin on June 8, 2026. We'll hear more about ‌Siri‌ at WWDC.
Tags: Gemini, Google, Siri, Siri Chatbot

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]]> OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Images 2.0 With Thinking Capabilities and Better Text Rendering https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/openai-chatgpt-images-2-0/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/openai-launches-chatgpt-images-2-0-with-thinking-capabilities-and-better-text-rendering.2481359/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:19:54 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/openai-chatgpt-images-2-0/ Juli Clover ChatGPT OpenAI this week introduced ChatGPT Images 2.0, which the company says brings a new era of image generation. Images 2.0 is an updated model that can better handle complex visual tasks.


It is able to follow detailed instructions, placing and relating objects accurately, preserving fine detail, and rendering dense layouts. Images 2.0 is OpenAI’s first image model with thinking capabilities, and it has an improved sense of composition and visual taste, which OpenAI says will result in images that feel less AI-generated.

Images 2.0 is able to search the web to get real-time information, create up to eight images from a single prompt, and double-check its output. Graphics can be created across several aspect ratios and at up to 2K resolution. The new model also has improved multilingual understanding and can better render non-Latin text like Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, and Bengali.

Images 2.0 is available now for all ChatGPT, Codex, and API users.
Tags: ChatGPT, OpenAI

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]]> Leaker: Apple to Downgrade iPhone 18 in Two Ways https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/leaker-apple-downgrade-iphone-18-two-ways/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/leaker-apple-to-downgrade-iphone-18-in-two-ways.2481356/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:01:52 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/22/leaker-apple-downgrade-iphone-18-two-ways/ Hartley Charlton Featured iPhone 18 Fixed Focus Digital rumor that Apple is planning to downgrade the iPhone 18 to cut costs, further detail has emerged suggesting that display and chip specifications will see downgrades.


Earlier this week, the leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital" said that the ‌iPhone 18‌ features "certain manufacturing downgrades" that bring it more into line with the low-cost iPhone 18e model. The decision is said to be "a cost-cutting measure."

Now, the leaker has provided further detail. For example, the ‌iPhone 18‌'s display specifications will be downgraded, resulting in inferior screen quality. The manufacturing process itself is said to be "taking a step backward."

The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch display with ProMotion and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. Since ProMotion was among the biggest upgrades for the device last year, it seems likely that brightness could be among the display specifications to be reduced.

In a follow-up post, the leaker provided some insight into Apple's decision. Rather than increase the price of the ‌iPhone 18‌, the company plans to downgrade certain components, including the chip, to maintain the same price point.

Although both the ‌iPhone 17‌ and iPhone 17e feature the A19 chip, the ‌iPhone 17‌'s variant has a five-core GPU, instead of the ‌iPhone 17e‌'s four-core version. The iPhone 17 Pro's A19 Pro chip is essentially the same but has a six-core GPU.

As a result, a reduction from five to four GPU cores in the ‌iPhone 18‌ could be among the planned downgrades. Fixed Focus Digital added that it is "highly probable" that Apple will tweak the name of the device's A-series chip in an effort to disguise the extent of downgrade.

The Weibo leaker ultimately doubled-down on the move, saying that "the downgrade in the standard ‌iPhone 18‌ model's specifications has now been confirmed." Engineering Validation Testing (EVT) of the ‌iPhone 18‌ and iPhone 18e are apparently set to take place simultaneously in June.

The leaker's previous report outlined Apple's decision to implement new cost-control strategies for the device, including specific downgrades to manufacturing processes, chips, memory, and more. The move will "effectively bring it in line with the '18e' model."

With the ‌iPhone 17e‌ and ‌iPhone 17‌, the biggest differences are the Dynamic Island, display size, ProMotion, brightness, the front facing camera, the Ultra Wide camera, and battery life. It is not clear which key differentiators will remain between the two devices in their next iterations.



The leaker apparently verified the information using multiple sources. They noted that the information originates from the same source who correctly confirmed that the ‌iPhone 17e‌ would continue to feature a "notch," contrary to false reports that the device would have a ‌Dynamic Island‌.

The standard ‌iPhone 18‌ is expected to launch months after the iPhone 18 Pro models as part of an all-new split launch strategy. Apple's usual fall iPhone announcement is expected to include the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and the so-called foldable "iPhone Ultra." The iPhone 18e, ‌iPhone 18‌, and iPhone Air 2 will likely follow in the spring of 2027.
Related Roundup: iPhone 18
Tag: Fixed Focus Digital
Related Forum: iPhone

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