MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors - All Stories https://www.macrumors.com Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors Wed, 27 May 2026 15:44:15 PDT en hourly 1 https://www.macrumors.com Roku Unveils Redesigned Home Screen https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/roku-unveils-redesigned-home-screen/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/roku-unveils-redesigned-home-screen.2482959/ Wed, 27 May 2026 14:40:12 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/roku-unveils-redesigned-home-screen/ Joe Rossignol Home Screen Roku announced that its home screen is receiving its biggest redesign in more than a decade. The new home screen will begin rolling out to Roku TVs and streaming devices across the U.S. starting today, with more countries to follow later. The changes will appear automatically, with no software update required.


At the top of the home screen, a new "Top Picks for You" section provides recommendations based on your watch history and what is trending on Roku.

A new AI-powered "Quick Access" section surfaces the apps you use most, such as the Apple TV app. There is still a separate page containing a complete list of apps that you have installed on your Roku device if you need it.


New curated hubs called "Destinations" offer content organized by genres and moods, such as comedy, reality, movies, sports, documentaries, and more.

The menu on the Roku home screen now has a collapsed design with icons, rather than expanded text labels. Roku says this change provides a cleaner canvas for discovering content, but it also results in a large ad being shown persistently on the right side of the screen. Previously, the ad would only appear in certain views.


A new "Shortcuts" section provides quick access to features like Continue Watching, Sleep Timer, Save List, and more, all in one place.

If you are a fan of the Roku City screen saver, there is now an on-screen tile that you can select to view it at any time. You can explore the screen saver's iconic cityscape, plus access Daily Trivia and other mini-games.
Tags: Home Screen, Roku

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]]> Apple Developing iPhone Anti-Snatching Feature That Locks Stolen Phones Instantly https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/apple-anti-theft-iphone-feature/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-developing-iphone-anti-snatching-feature-that-locks-stolen-phones-instantly.2482958/ Wed, 27 May 2026 14:00:53 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/apple-anti-theft-iphone-feature/ Juli Clover Featured 9to5Mac. The option will use the gyroscope, accelerometer, and other sensors to determine when an iPhone has been grabbed. It'll also rely on a paired Apple Watch to detect when the iPhone has suddenly moved away from the owner's wrist.


Once the iPhone is yanked from your hand, it will lock and activate Stolen Device Protection to prevent thieves from accessing information on it.

Stolen Device Protection adds extra security to your iPhone when you're away from familiar locations like home or work. It requires biometric authentication for actions like accessing stored passwords or credit cards, and there are built-in hour-long delays for actions like changing an Apple Account password.

The feature was originally designed to protect iPhone users from stealthy thieves who observe someone's passcode and then snatch an iPhone. With a passcode, thieves could get into apps and access bank account data and other sensitive information, but Stolen Device Protection prevents that from happening.

Android already has a Theft Detection Lock feature that locks a smartphone in a snatch-and-grab theft situation.

There is no word on when the new feature might be added to the iPhone.
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]]> Meta Wants You to Pay for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Now https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/meta-paid-plans-facebook-instagram/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/meta-wants-you-to-pay-for-instagram-facebook-and-whatsapp-now.2482953/ Wed, 27 May 2026 12:53:13 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/meta-paid-plans-facebook-instagram/ Juli Clover Facebook Instagram Meta WhatsApp

Instagram Plus is priced at $3.99 per month, Facebook Plus is priced at $3.99 per month, and WhatsApp Plus is priced at $2.99 per month. According to TechCrunch, the paid plans provide features like profile customization, super reactions, and story insights.

Instagram Plus lets users see how many people have rewatched a Story, and it adds unlimited audience lists for Stories for creating groups other than Close Friends. Users can spotlight a story once a week for extra views, use Super Heart animated reactions, choose custom app icons, add customized fonts to a profile bio, extend a story beyond 24 hours, and search a story viewer list to see who is watching. Subscribers will also be able to post straight to their profiles without having the post show up in their followers' feeds, and they will be able to stealthily "preview" Instagram stories without showing up as a viewer.

Facebook Plus includes most of the same features as Instagram Plus, while WhatsApp Plus includes app themes, custom ringtones, more pinned chats, list customization, and premium stickers.

Meta head of product Naomi Gleit said the company is also exploring new subscription plans for creators and businesses, along with plans for AI users. The new plans are being offered under "Meta One" branding that combines subscription offerings from multiple Meta platforms.

The $7.99 Meta One Plus plan and the $19.99 Meta One Premium plan are aimed at Meta AI users. Both plans unlock higher compute queries, reasoning, and image/video generation, but Premium offers more capacity, including deeper reasoning for complex tasks.

A Meta One Essential plan priced at $14.99 per month is designed for creators and businesses. It includes a verified badge, impersonation protection, better analytics, and a linksheet that lets users link to their online profiles on the web and on other social media networks. The $49.99 Meta One Advanced plan includes the Essential options plus features in the Facebook feed, optimized scheduling tools, notifications when others reuse a creator's content, higher rankings in Instagram and Facebook search, a bolder Follow button on Reels, and automatic follow invitations for people who engage with a creator or brand's content.

Meta is going to start testing the AI Meta One plans in Singapore, Guatemala, and Bolivia next month. The business plans will be tested in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Thailand, and Bangladesh starting later this week.

Gleit described Meta One as a place that brings Meta subscriptions "together" across all Meta apps. She said Meta's new plans were "just the beginning with a lot more value to come."
Tags: Facebook, Instagram, Meta, WhatsApp

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]]> Samsung's 2026 Monitors Launch With $50 Discounts and Credit Towards Future Purchases https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/samsungs-2026-monitors-discounts/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/samsungs-2026-monitors-launch-with-50-discounts-and-credit-towards-future-purchases.2482946/ Wed, 27 May 2026 10:08:05 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/samsungs-2026-monitors-discounts/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured newest monitors are now available to purchase this week, including the Odyssey G8, ViewFinity S8, and Movingstyle Essential. All of these are available with a $50 launch discount, plus your choice of extras including up to $300 in Samsung credit on a future purchase, a free Music Studio speaker, or free Galaxy Buds4 Pro.

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

Starting with the Samsung Odyssey G8 monitors, you will find $50 discounts across every model of the new 2026 devices. Prices start at $899.99 for the 27-inch Odyssey G8 5K Monitor, and also include Samsung's first 6K monitor with the 32-inch Odyssey G8 5K Monitor for $1,549.99.

$50 OFF PLUS EXTRAS
Samsung 2026 Monitors


Samsung also has a new 40-inch ViewFinity S8 Curved Monitor on sale for $1,349.99 for launch week, as well as the Movingstyle Essential Monitor for $849.99, both $50 discounts. Additionally, the company announced a 27-inch model of the ViewFinity S8, but it's not yet available for purchase.



If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.



Deals Newsletter


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Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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]]> Apple Just Expanded iPhone Driver's License Feature to 14th U.S. State https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/apple-wallet-ids-14th-state/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-just-expanded-iphone-drivers-license-feature-to-14th-u-s-state.2482944/ Wed, 27 May 2026 09:32:40 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/apple-wallet-ids-14th-state/ Joe Rossignol Apple Wallet add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.


Starting today, the feature is available in Arkansas, which is the 14th state to offer it. However, it may take some time to roll out to all users.

To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards, select Arkansas from the list, and follow the on-screen steps to complete the process.

Supported States


The following states offer driver's licenses in the Wallet app:The feature is also available in Puerto Rico.

Future States


Apple or local DMV offices previously announced that the following U.S. states had signed on to adopt the feature, but no timeframes were disclosed:
  • Connecticut

  • Kentucky

  • Mississippi

  • Oklahoma

  • Utah

  • Virginia

Participating Airports


Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports in the U.S., for domestic travel. Given that Apple Wallet IDs are not accepted by law enforcement, and lack many other use cases, carrying a physical ID is still necessary.

Here are just some of the airports that offer the feature — there are hundreds of others:
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

  • Denver International Airport (DEN)

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG)

  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

  • San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)

  • Los Angeles International (LAX)

  • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)

  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

  • Lea County Regional Airport (HOB)

  • Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)

  • Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

  • Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

  • Great Falls International Airport (GTF)

  • Missoula International Airport (MSO)

  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

  • St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

  • Richmond International Airport (RIC)

  • Norfolk International Airport (ORF)

  • Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)

  • Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)
Travelers should refer to TSA signage to confirm availability of the feature.

Digital Passport



If you live in a state that does not yet offer Apple Wallet IDs, you can now create a Digital ID based on your U.S. passport, and present it at the same participating TSA checkpoints, for age and identity verification purposes during domestic travel. It is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel.

This feature requires iOS 26.1 or watchOS 26.1 and later.
Tag: Apple Wallet

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]]> Atlanta's MARTA Breeze Card Now Available in Apple Wallet https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/atlanta-marta-breeze-card-apple-wallet/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/atlantas-marta-breeze-card-now-available-in-apple-wallet.2482942/ Wed, 27 May 2026 08:06:44 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/atlanta-marta-breeze-card-apple-wallet/ Joe Rossignol Apple Wallet Express Transit

To add the Breeze Card to Apple Wallet, open the app and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Transit Card and scroll down and select the Breeze Card. Then, follow the on-screen steps to complete the setup process.

Funds can be added to the Breeze Card directly in Apple Wallet, with both pay-per-ride and discounted passes for multiple rides available.

Express Mode allows commuters to simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment reader to pay for their ride, without needing to unlock or wake the device. This mode even works for up to five hours after an iPhone runs out of battery. Express Transit can be enabled per card in the Settings app under Wallet & Apple Pay.

Breeze Card has been available in the Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet apps since earlier this month, but Apple Wallet support was just added now.
Tags: Apple Wallet, Express Transit

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]]> First Cases for Apple's Foldable iPhone Surface Online https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/ases-for-foldable-iphone-surface-online/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/first-cases-for-apples-foldable-iphone-surface-online.2482940/ Wed, 27 May 2026 07:25:51 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/ases-for-foldable-iphone-surface-online/ Hartley Charlton Featured iPhone Fold Foldable iPhone iFunSmart has begun listing the first protective cases for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, corroborating rumors about the device's design.


Case makers routinely begin mass producing accessories ahead of a new iPhone announcement, working from dummy units or leaked CAD files to size their molds. Their designs are speculative, but they have historically proven accurate to the millimeter, since accessory makers cannot afford to be left without product on launch day. Leaker Sonny Dickson shared images of foldable iPhone dummy units in April, providing the kind of reference template that typically circulates among case manufacturers.

The listings, spotted by French Apple site iPhoneSoft, show an unobtrusive rear camera plateau housing two lenses, a slim profile, and a circular cutout for MagSafe-style magnets. iFunSmart describes the cases as offering military-grade drop protection, integrated N52 magnets, a translucent matte finish, and 1.5mm raised camera lips alongside a 1mm raised screen bezel.

The design broadly corroborates the design outlined in rumors and seen on dummy units, suggesting the foldable's exterior is increasingly clear. Only two camera lens cutouts are present, in line with reports that Apple plans to skip the telephoto camera. A cutout for a Camera Control button is also visible, but there is no Action button. The listing depicts a multi-part case with separate snap-on sections rather than a single-piece shell owing to its folding design.


The presence of magnets in the case does not necessarily mean Apple has built MagSafe into the foldable iPhone itself, and there has previously been speculation that the device could lack the feature. The N52 magnets could simply be embedded into the case to attach to external ‌MagSafe‌ accessories such as wireless chargers and car mounts, without aligning with a corresponding magnet array inside the device.

iFunSmart's listings are likely to be among the first of many. Accessory makers typically flood the market with cases in the months ahead of a new iPhone launch, and further variants from competing brands should appear in the run-up to the device's announcement.

Apple is widely expected to launch the device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max in fall 2026. Leaks point to a 5.5-inch external display, a 7.8-inch inner display, a folded thickness of around 9.5mm and a thickness of about to 4.5mm when open, the A20 Pro chip with 12GB of memory, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras, and Touch ID in the side button rather than Face ID. The device is expected to start at around $2,000.
Related Roundup: iPhone Fold
Tag: Foldable iPhone

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]]> iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is Just $59 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/iphone-air-magsafe-battery-59/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-air-magsafe-battery-is-just-59.2482936/ Wed, 27 May 2026 07:23:15 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/iphone-air-magsafe-battery-59/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured $59.00, down from $99.00. We started tracking this deal earlier in the month, and it beats the previous low price by about $20.

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.

The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is only compatible with the iPhone Air, and it can add up to 65 percent additional charge to the smartphone. The MagSafe Battery supports up to 12W of fast wireless charging, and it sports a thin and light design similar to the iPhone Air.

$40 OFF
iPhone Air MagSafe Battery for $59.00


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


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Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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]]> More All-Black Apple Vision Pro Parts Surface Online https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/more-all-black-apple-vision-pro-parts/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/more-all-black-apple-vision-pro-parts-surface-online.2482923/ Wed, 27 May 2026 06:32:08 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/more-all-black-apple-vision-pro-parts/ Tim Hardwick Vision Pro @LusiRoy8.


The image shows what appear to be power strap and audio pod parts that look identical to Apple's existing Apple Vision Pro hardware, except with a dark finish that is not commercially available. The account that shared the images claims that the parts are for a "upcoming" second-generation Apple Vision Pro in black.

It's not the first time we've seen black versions of hardware related to Apple's headset, with images surfacing of similar parts last year. The leaker of those earlier images claimed that Apple has been testing a thinner and lighter mixed-reality headset referred to internally as "Vision Air," featuring a Midnight-colored exterior and reduced weight achieved by switching several structural components and the battery enclosure to titanium.




Apple was widely expected to launch both a lower-cost headset, tentatively dubbed "Vision Air," and a redesigned second-generation Vision Pro. However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in October that the company had paused development of all Vision headsets to focus on accelerating work on AI-powered smart glasses.

Gurman recently resisted reports that Apple has walked away from the headset entirely. The reporter says Apple hasn't fully abandoned the Vision Pro, but anyone hoping for a successor will be waiting at least two more years.

Indeed, Apple's smart glasses project is now the focus, and former Vision Products Group members have been reassigned to that team, as well as shoring up its Siri chatbot development. Apple is also busy working on other AI wearables such as the AirPods with cameras and a planned AI pendant.

Apple refreshed the Vision Pro in October 2025 with an updated model featuring an M5 chip.
Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

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]]> Apple Updates Trade-In Values for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/apple-updates-trade-in-values-may-2026/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-updates-trade-in-values-for-iphone-ipad-mac-and-apple-watch.2482929/ Wed, 27 May 2026 03:54:43 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/apple-updates-trade-in-values-may-2026/ Hartley Charlton Apple Watch Apple Trade-In trade-in estimates, raising values for most current iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models while reducing several Android offers.


The headline iPhone trade-in figure rises from $685 to $695, with every iPhone 16 model gaining value:


  • iPhone 16 Pro Max: $685 to $695

  • iPhone 16 Pro: $550 to $560

  • iPhone 16 Plus: $455 to $465

  • iPhone 16: $435 to $460



Every current ‌iPad‌ also gains value, with the headline range shifting from $40 to $670 up to $45 to $690:


  • iPad Pro: $670 to $690

  • iPad Air: $445 to $460

  • iPad: $220 to $235

  • iPad mini: $250 to $265



Mac changes are mixed, with most current models gaining value:


  • MacBook Pro: $685 to $690

  • MacBook Air: $485 to $520

  • Mac mini: $340 to $375

  • iMac: Unchanged at $355



Despite those increases, the top of Apple's Mac trade-in range slips from $2,090 to $2,045, suggesting a reduction for a higher-end model not shown in Apple's summary table, such as the Mac Pro or Mac Studio. The Apple Watch lineup also gets a mix of revisions:


  • Apple Watch Ultra 2: $295 to $305

  • Apple Watch Series 9: $120 to $130

  • Apple Watch Series 10: Unchanged at $150

  • Apple Watch Ultra: $215 to $205



Android trade-in offers have largely been cut, with the headline range narrowing from $30 to $370 down to $30 to $360:


  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: $230 to $200

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro: $170 to $165

  • Samsung Galaxy S23: Unchanged at $125

  • OnePlus 12: Unchanged at $200



All Apple-listed values are estimates, with final offers determined after the device is received and inspected. Customers can apply trade-in credit toward a new purchase or receive the value as an Apple Gift Card, and Apple will recycle ineligible devices for free.
Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Tag: Apple Trade-In
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)

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]]> Apple's 'After the Whistle' Podcast to Return for World Cup https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/after-the-whistle-podcast-to-return/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apples-after-the-whistle-podcast-to-return-for-world-cup.2482928/ Wed, 27 May 2026 03:39:47 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/after-the-whistle-podcast-to-return/ Hartley Charlton Apple News Apple Podcasts Apple Sports announced that "After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe" will return on June 7 for a third season built around the 2026 FIFA World Cup.


Hunt is an actor and cocreator of Apple TV's Ted Lasso. Lowe hosts NBC Sports' Premier League coverage and is cohosting FOX Sports' FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast. The two will recap games as the tournament unfolds, with new episodes landing multiple times a week in the hours after notable matches.

The show is produced by Apple News and presented by Verizon, and will be available in audio and video on ‌Apple News‌, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms. The first episode arrives on June 7 with tournament previews.

Alongside the podcast, the ‌Apple News‌ app will feature tournament coverage from outside publishers, the schedule, scores, brackets, and player feeds. The free Apple Sports app, which Apple expanded to 90 more countries earlier this month, will offer live scores, stats, and a bracket view for the tournament.
Tags: Apple News, Apple Podcasts, Apple Sports

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]]> Apple Publishes Document to Help Users Tell Creator Studio Apps Apart https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/apple-document-to-help-tell-studio-apps-apart/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-publishes-document-to-help-users-tell-creator-studio-apps-apart.2482927/ Wed, 27 May 2026 03:22:53 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/apple-document-to-help-tell-studio-apps-apart/ Hartley Charlton Apple Creator Studio support document to help users distinguish Apple Creator Studio versions of its professional creative apps from the standalone editions sold as one-time purchases.


The confusion stems from Apple's decision to ship two parallel variants of Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, MainStage, Motion, Compressor, and Pixelmator Pro, with one available through the Apple Creator Studio subscription and one sold separately. Both editions share the same name and can be installed on the same Mac at the same time, leaving little to tell them apart at a glance.

Apple's solution is to give the Creator Studio versions of the apps redesigned icons with Liquid Glass. The new support document presents side-by-side icon comparisons for each of the six apps so users can identify which edition they are running or troubleshooting from the Dock or the Applications folder.

Apple does not typically publish a dedicated reference document for telling two of its own apps apart, and the move suggests the dual-version setup has produced enough real-world confusion to warrant public guidance.

Apple Creator Studio launched in January for $12.99 per month or $129 per year, bringing the company's pro creative apps under a single subscription. Apple said that some new features in its creative apps would be available only to subscribers going forward. Pixelmator Pro's inclusion was the first significant sign of how Apple is integrating the Pixelmator team, which it acquired in November 2024.
Tag: Apple Creator Studio

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]]> Apple Releases New Firmware for AirTag 2 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/airtag-2-firmware-3049/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-releases-new-firmware-for-airtag-2.2482906/ Tue, 26 May 2026 15:46:25 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/airtag-2-firmware-3049/ Juli Clover AirTag AirTag item trackers. The firmware has a 3.0.49 version number, up from 3.0.45, and it is the second firmware update that Apple has provided for the ‌AirTag‌ 2.


There is no word yet on what's included in the firmware, but ‌AirTag‌ firmware updates most often address bugs and make other under-the-hood improvements. Apple's prior firmware update tweaked the unwanted tracking sound to make it easier to find an unknown ‌AirTag‌ when using Precision Finding.

Apple will provide details on what's in the 3.0.49 firmware when it updates its firmware support page.

For the original ‌AirTag‌, firmware was distributed on a rolling basis over two weeks, but Apple appears to be pushing firmware updates to all ‌AirTag‌ 2 users at the same time.

You can check your AirTag firmware by opening the Find My app, going to the Items tab, selecting an ‌AirTag‌ in the list, and tapping on the ‌AirTag‌'s name to see its firmware version.

There is no way to force an ‌AirTag‌ update, and firmware is installed over the air via a connected iPhone. To get new firmware, make sure your ‌AirTag‌ is within range of your iPhone, and then wait for the firmware to roll out.
Related Roundup: AirTag
Buyer's Guide: AirTag (Buy Now)

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]]> iOS 27 Siri Redesign Will Use Dark Color Scheme, Matching Apple's WWDC Art https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/ios-27-siri-dark-colors/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ios-27-siri-redesign-will-use-dark-color-scheme-matching-apples-wwdc-art.2482904/ Tue, 26 May 2026 14:30:52 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/ios-27-siri-dark-colors/ Juli Clover Featured iOS 27 WWDC Siri Siri for iOS 27 to accommodate new artificial intelligence features and chatbot capabilities. ‌Siri‌ is getting a dedicated app, integration with the iPhone's Dynamic Island, and a new design scheme.


The graphics that Apple is using to promote WWDC hint at its design plans for ‌Siri‌, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In this week's Power On newsletter, Gurman said the logo Apple uses for its WWDC website features the same colors it will use for ‌Siri‌ animations and input fields in ‌iOS 27‌.

Apple's WWDC site features the Swift bird logo in white on a black background, with subtle highlights in pink, dark blue, purple, and orange. The colors are reminiscent of the current ‌Siri‌ animation that surrounds the iPhone's display when ‌Siri‌ is activated, but the shades are softer and not as saturated.

The ‌Siri‌ interface that Apple is testing uses all dark colors with no light mode available for now. Several of the new ‌Siri‌ UI elements will have a dark background with a cursor that blinks in those same colors.

Apple is creating a dedicated app for ‌Siri‌ for ongoing chatbot-style conversations, and it'll look similar to existing chatbot apps but with a Messages-style aesthetic. When ‌Siri‌ is activated, there will be a pill-shaped animation in the ‌Dynamic Island‌ and a glowing "searching" label while ‌Siri‌ is answering a query. Results are displayed in a translucent panel, and pulling down on the panel will initiate a conversation interface.

Swiping down from the top center of the display will activate a system-wide search interface with a Search or Ask bar for typing or speaking questions to ‌Siri‌.

Apple plans to entirely overhaul ‌Siri‌, and the personal assistant will be able to do far more than before. Apple has licensed Google's Gemini models to power ‌Siri‌ after its own AI models proved inadequate. With Gemini as ‌Siri‌'s backbone, Apple should be able to match many of the AI features that Google offers.

‌iOS 27‌ will be introduced at the WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8.
Related Roundups: iOS 27, WWDC 2026
Tag: Siri
Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech Industry

This article, "iOS 27 Siri Redesign Will Use Dark Color Scheme, Matching Apple's WWDC Art" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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]]> Level Lock Pro Review: An Apple Home Key Smart Lock That Doesn't Look Like One https://www.macrumors.com/review/level-lock-pro/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/level-lock-pro-review-an-apple-home-key-smart-lock-that-doesnt-look-like-one.2482901/ Tue, 26 May 2026 14:22:46 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/review/level-lock-pro&post_date=1779841366/ Juli Clover Apple Home Level Lock Pro is Level's latest smart lock, featuring Matter connectivity for Apple Home, multiple unlocking methods, door status, and the unassuming design that Level products are known for.


I've tested and reviewed several great HomeKit-compatible smart locks, but Level Locks are my personal favorite because of the look. From both the inside and the outside, Level Locks look like a standard deadbolt and not like a smart lock. I had feature-rich smart locks from Aqara that I was using for about a year after a review, but I got tired of looking at the bulky boxes on my doors. A couple of months ago, I bought two standard Level Locks, and then later, Level sent me the Level Lock Pro.

I don't think there's any smart lock solution that has a better aesthetic than the Level Lock, so if that's important to you, these are the locks to get. It comes in satin nickel and matte black, so it should match many standard doorknobs. The Level Lock Pro has an IP54 water and dust resistance rating, so it will hold up fine in the rain.


Level Locks are not the cheapest locks on the market, and depending on what you're comparing against, there's a premium for design. The Level Lock Pro is $349, and the Level Lock is $249. Aqara locks range from $150 to $270, and Matter locks from Eufy, Yale, and Kwikset are in that same range.

The Level Lock Pro replaces a standard deadbolt and strike plate on your door, so installation is a matter of pulling out the existing deadbolt and walking through the Level Lock Pro instructions to install the new lock. I am going to blame this on my crummy doors, but I have more trouble installing Level Locks than other smart locks. Level Locks have a wide, circular bolt that's not the shape of most deadbolts, and I haven't had a Level Lock setup where I didn't have to fuss with the fit of the lock in the door or the fit of the plate on the doorframe. I generally get things to work, but there's frustration involved.


There are smart locks that can unlock your door with fingerprint sensors, palm recognition, facial scans, and codes, but the Level Lock Pro is simpler. You can use a key, one of the two included NFC key fobs, tap to unlock with your phone or watch, use the Home app or Level app, or ask Siri to unlock the door.

The Level Lock Pro integrates with HomeKit using Matter, and it also supports Apple Home Key so you can store a key in the Wallet app on iPhone or Apple Watch. With Home Key, I can unlock my door without having to unlock my iPhone and with no need for Face ID. I just tap my phone or my watch on the lock, and it unlocks.


‌Siri‌ and the Home app work for unlocking too, and there's a Level app. I don't use the Level app, but it is available for locking and unlocking, assigning codes, setting up auto lock and auto unlock (which uses Bluetooth and unlocks when you're in range), adjusting sound, giving someone a door code, and enabling door status. Like the Level Lock, the Level app has an uncomplicated design, so it's easy to get to all of the features.

Door status is a Level Lock Pro feature that lets you know if your door is open or closed, and it works when the door is unlocked. I have the Level Lock Pro on my garage door, and it's a door that's often not locked, so it's useful to get an alert when it's opened.

I use the Home app and ‌Siri‌ to unlock my Level Locks, especially if I'm not home and need to let someone in. I also ask ‌Siri‌ to open the door as I approach, so a lot of the time, I'm not even using tap to unlock. The Home app sends a notification to my iPhone and Apple TV when a connected lock is locked or unlocked, and the Home app Activity log keeps track of when each door was locked or unlocked. Everyone that's invited to an Apple Home can access the lock, but you can also share access with the Level app. The Level app supports temporary entry, which is useful for a one-time event or a weekly cleaning.


The Home app is also useful for automations, like locking up automatically when everyone leaves the home or unlocking the door at a certain time. I have an automation that locks all my locks at 10:00 p.m., just in case I forget to lock one of the doors.


For remote access features, you need a Matter-over-Thread controller and a border router, which are requirements fulfilled by a HomePod or ‌Apple TV‌. You need one of those to add any Matter-enabled device to ‌HomeKit‌. The Level Lock Pro connects to Apple Home using Thread instead of Wi-Fi, but if you want Wi-Fi connectivity, there is an optional Level Connect Wi-Fi Bridge. I haven't needed it because ‌HomeKit‌ provides all of the same functionality. You can also add on a keypad if you want that option.


Most smart locks have a battery in the box that goes on the door, but the Level Lock Pro's battery is in the deadbolt. It uses a CR2 Lithium battery, which fits inside the deadbolt once the cap is taken off. Changing the battery is a matter of opening the door, locking it, popping out the old battery, and adding in the new one. The Level app lets you know battery status, so you can keep tabs on when it's time to update the battery. Each battery lasts for about a year, and I haven't had to change mine yet.

According to Level, the Level Lock Pro has an ANSI Grade 1 bump- and pick resistant cylinder, which isn't common for smart locks. That means it's resistant to lockpicking, it's harder to drill out, and lock bumping is harder.

How to Buy


The Level Lock Pro is available from the Level website or from Amazon.com for $349.

Note: Level provided MacRumors with Level Lock Pro for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
Tag: Apple Home

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]]> Apple's Beautiful Barcelona Store Reopens With Pickup Station and More https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/apple-passeig-de-gracia-renovated/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apples-beautiful-barcelona-store-reopens-with-pickup-station-and-more.2482896/ Tue, 26 May 2026 12:10:30 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/apple-passeig-de-gracia-renovated/ Joe Rossignol Apple Store Passeig de Gràcia store in the heart of Barcelona reopened today, after being closed for around three months for renovations.


According to the Spanish blog Applesfera, the store's large video wall has been replaced with a dedicated Apple Pickup station for online orders. The indoor trees and wood cube seats that surrounded the screen have also been removed. With these fixtures removed, the store's iconic glass staircase is more visible again.

In addition, the store's terrazzo floor has received a brighter white finish.

Apple Passeig de Gràcia's main floor after remodeling (via Applesfera)

Apple Passeig de Gràcia first opened in 2012, and it is one of the company's flagship retail locations. The store is on one of the most popular avenues in Barcelona, inside a historic former bank building with a stunning stone facade.
Tag: Apple Store

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]]> Earn a Running Day Apple Watch Activity Award on June 3 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/apple-watch-activity-award-running-day/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/earn-a-running-day-apple-watch-activity-award-on-june-3.2482894/ Tue, 26 May 2026 11:46:36 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/apple-watch-activity-award-running-day/ Juli Clover Apple Watch Activity Challenge

To complete the challenge, Apple Watch owners will be required to record a running workout of at least 5K on Global Running Day.
On June 3, the world runs as one. This Global Running Day, record a running workout of at least 5K (3.1 mi) to earn this award. Use the Workout app or any app that records workouts to Health.

As a reward, Apple Watch owners can unlock a dedicated award in the Fitness app, plus animated stickers that can be used in the Messages app.








Apple has been celebrating Global Running Day since 2024, and it comes after the April 2026 Earth Day and International Dance Day Activity Challenges.
Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Tag: Activity Challenge
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)

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]]> iOS 26.6 Will Alert You When You've Maxed Out Blocked Contacts https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/ios-26-6-contact-blocking-alert/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ios-26-6-will-alert-you-when-youve-maxed-out-blocked-contacts.2482893/ Tue, 26 May 2026 11:26:55 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/ios-26-6-contact-blocking-alert/ Juli Clover iOS 26

Code in the beta suggests users will get a warning if they exceed the maximum number of blocked contacts. "You've reached the maximum number of blocked contacts. To block additional callers, remove a blocked contact in Settings," reads the alert, which is titled "Blocked Contacts Limit Reached."

Based on discussions on social media and Apple's Support Communities, some users have been unable to block additional contacts after hitting a 20,000 limit. Other people have mentioned running into issues after 8,000, and some have experienced issues with even fewer phone numbers blocked. Apple does not offer documentation on blocking limits.

With limits in the thousands at least, it's unlikely most people have had blocking problems, though a person who is blocking spam callers regularly could eventually hit a cap. iOS 26.6 might make it clearer when a limit has been reached, and what to do about it.

Removing older blocked contacts is the solution, which can be done by going to Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts. There is no bulk unblocking tool, and the easiest way to remove a contact is to swipe left on each entry. Alternatively, you can select Edit, tap on the red minus button next to each contact, and choose the unblock option.

iOS 26 added an Ask Reason for Calling option that sends calls from people who aren't in your Contacts directly to voicemail, which is an easier option for spam call management than blocking phone numbers. With the feature turned on, a caller can state their reason for calling and the person receiving the call can decide whether to pick up. Alternatively, all calls from unknown numbers can be silenced and sent to voicemail with no alert using the Silence option.

Missed calls and voicemails from unknown callers can also be filtered into a separate Unknown Callers list in the Phone app. Some carriers also offer a separate spam detection option that can send calls from known spammers to the Spam list.

Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 26.6 to developers today, and the software may soon be made available to public beta testers. A public release is likely several weeks away. So far, there are no other known features in iOS 26.6.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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]]> First macOS Tahoe 26.6 Beta Now Available for Developers https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/apple-releases-macos-tahoe-26-6-beta-1/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/first-macos-tahoe-26-6-beta-now-available-for-developers.2482889/ Tue, 26 May 2026 10:09:10 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/apple-releases-macos-tahoe-26-6-beta-1/ Juli Clover Featured macOS Tahoe 26 macOS Tahoe 26.6 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming two weeks after Apple launched ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.5.


Developers can download the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.6 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required.

With macOS 27 set to be unveiled in less than a month, Apple is likely focusing most of its attention on the new software. We are not expecting any major new features in ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.6.

The beta is limited to developers right now, but a public beta is expected in the next week or two.
Related Roundup: macOS Tahoe
Related Forum: macOS Tahoe

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]]> Apple Seeds First iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 Betas to Developers https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/apple-releases-ios-26-beta-1/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-seeds-first-ios-26-6-and-ipados-26-6-betas-to-developers.2482887/ Tue, 26 May 2026 10:07:59 PDT https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/26/apple-releases-ios-26-beta-1/ Juli Clover Featured iOS 26

Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

With the debut of iOS 27 approaching in early June, Apple is wrapping up work on iOS 26. We are not expecting any major new features in the iOS 26.6 update, and it will likely focus on bug fixes and performance improvements.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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