MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors - All Stories https://www.macrumors.com Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:52:01 +0000 en hourly 1 https://www.macrumors.com MacBook Pro PROLED XDR Reviews Are In: Is the Touchscreen Worth It? https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/macbook-pro-proled-xdr-reviews/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macbook-pro-proled-xdr-reviews-are-in-is-the-touchscreen-worth-it.2493728/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:20:40 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/macbook-pro-proled-xdr-reviews/ Joe Rossignol Featured MacBook Pro MacBook Pro models with PROLED XDR displays have been published ahead of the laptops launching on Friday.


One of the key new features is a touchscreen. Is it worth it, though? Here's what reviews say.

The Verge's David Pierce said that, in his testing so far, touch input has not been something that "meaningfully changes the laptop experience." He recommends the new MacBook Pro models regardless for the OLED display and other upgrades.

Pierce did mention some examples where touch proved useful:
That's not to say the touchscreen doesn't come in handy, though. It does more often than I expected. When I'm editing photos, reaching out and spreading my fingers to zoom in on the section I want to see is vastly easier than clicking and dragging with the trackpad. When I'm watching a movie, I can just tap the video rather than wiggling the mouse to find the cursor. My favorite touch use so far has been when I'm showing somebody something on my computer — now we can both swipe between options or tap to make an edit rather than having to crowd around the trackpad.
He also pointed out a few limitations:
There's no onscreen keyboard that appears when you tap a text box; you don't get the copy / paste / select all pop-up when you tap on words. No radius of tools appears when you tap the Apple Pencil on the screen in Procreate, because, oh wait, the Apple Pencil doesn't work at all.
Gizmodo's Kyle Barr said touch input is beneficial for the iPhone Mirroring feature on the Mac:
The touchscreen is occasionally useful. It's not the end-all-be-all. But it sure is handy.

If you're one to use the iPhone mirroring feature on MacBook Pro, the touchscreen makes it more intuitive. Instead of having to click on the bottom bar to minimize an app, you can simply swipe up from the bottom of the mirrored iPhone, like normal. Using the touchscreen on the mirrored iPhone isn't as snappy as the real deal. It's obvious though that Apple has been working towards this touchscreen design for a while, as more and more macOS features start to make better sense with the touchscreen in tow.
WIRED's Luke Larsen often forgot about the touchscreen, but he too pointed out a few examples where it proved to be useful in his testing:
In the time I've had with the touchscreen MacBook Pro so far, I tried to remind myself of its new powers. But when I'm deep in work, I completely forget the touchscreen. It just has no place in my workflows. That doesn't mean it's not ever useful, though. Sometimes, swiping away a notification with a finger feels intuitive. Or if you're lounging on the couch and use your thumb to scroll through your Instagram feed as you would on an iPad, it works. But those times are few and far between. I'm certainly not going to be poking three fingers up at the screen to swipe between Spaces when I could do that on a trackpad without even lifting my hand.
With an OLED display, the new MacBook Pro models deliver more vivid colors and increased contrast ratio compared to the previous models with mini-LED displays. The laptops also achieve up to 2,000 nits of brightness for HDR content. OLED displays do not have a backlight, and individual pixels turn off completely for the color black.

Bloomberg's Chris Welch said the OLED display is "genuinely striking":
The new MacBook Pro's dual-layer tandem OLED panel is genuinely striking and can get noticeably brighter than LCD models. Since each pixel is individually controlled and can fully shut off for dark content, this screen provides meaningfully superior contrast compared with the Mini LED models, which were already impressive in their own right. Any concerns I had about display uniformity, which can be an issue with some OLED devices, quickly vanished once I began using the machine. From corner to corner, the 16.3-inch panel is punchy, vibrant and can display an even wider range of colors than before — a win for photographers.
Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said the OLED display "absolutely slaps":
This laptop absolutely slaps, and the incredible PROLED XDR display is the headline. It's stunning.
His expanded thoughts:
I'm not going to waste time explaining exactly how tandem OLED technology works; instead, you'll have to trust me that it means a brighter display that lasts longer. The blacks on the display are deep, the colors pop, and the shadows and highlights provide incredibly detailed contrast.
Other display-related upgrades include a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, slimmer bezels, and a redesigned hinge with improved stability.

Six Colors' Jason Snell on the Dynamic Island:
Spotlight and Siri AI are now animated as emerging from the black blob that is the Dynamic Island. Now Playing appears up there, too, and you can click or tap on the Dynamic Island to expand it and get playback controls. Shared Live Activities from your paired iPhone should also appear up there, rather than in the menu bar itself, as they do on other Macs.

I'm a big fan of subtle, ambient information presentations that inform you about things happening on your devices. That's why the Dynamic Island was such a fun approach to turning a problem (an unsightly camera cut-out) into a useful feature. The notch never really did anything—it was just a dead zone. The Dynamic Island serves a purpose and the MacBook Pro is better for it.
The new MacBook Pro models also feature improved speakers, a new 16TB storage option, a redesigned cooling system, and a lighter and slightly thinner design. And there is a fun bonus: the glowing Apple logo on the lid has returned.

Apple said the improved speakers deliver 50% deeper bass, but Bloomberg's Chris Welch actually found this upgrade can be "detrimental":
[...] The revamped MacBook Pro has left me with mixed feelings in one area that I wasn't expecting: sound. Since the first 16-inch model debuted in 2019, it's offered fantastic, well-balanced audio with a surprising degree of immersion. These are widely considered the best speakers on any laptop. For the new PROLED series, Apple has introduced a redesigned six-speaker system that it says offers 50% deeper bass. And that's true — to a point where it's sometimes detrimental.

The added low-end impact makes these laptops tremendous entertainment machines for movies and TV shows, but when listening to music or podcasts or even watching YouTube videos, the sound is often too boomy and bass-forward. The balance has been thrown off, and there's also no easy way of dialing back deeper tones.
9to5Mac's Chance Miller appreciates the reduced weight:
You notice the lighter weight of the new MacBook Pro immediately when you pick it up. My review unit is the 16-inch MacBook Pro, and I'm genuinely surprised at how nice it feels. It's not light, but it feels less like a tank.

I've always used the smaller of the two MacBook Pro models for portability, most recently a 14-inch M4 Pro. The weight of the new 16-inch MacBook Pro has me reconsidering that preference, though. It feels remarkably nice for a laptop with such a large display, and I've really enjoyed having the extra screen space without feeling like I'm sacrificing too much portability.
Who doesn't love the glowing Apple logo? As we previously highlighted, the logo's brightness level is tied to the display's brightness level, and Miller revealed that the feature also takes ambient brightness into consideration:
The logo's brightness is still tied to the display brightness, just like it was a decade ago. The higher your display brightness, the brighter the Apple logo on the back. It also factors in your environment's ambient brightness.

When the MacBook Pro is closed, the logo looks like polished metal, just like it has since the 2016 redesign. Open it up, and it glows. It's unnecessary, but I'm so thrilled it's back.
The laptops use the same M5 Pro and M5 Max chips that remain available in the MacBook Pro models with mini-LED displays, so performance is similar.

In the U.S., the 14-inch model starts at $2,899 and the 16-inch model starts at $3,399.

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]]> Early Black Friday Accessory Deals at Amazon Include TVs, Headphones, and Charging Devices https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/early-black-friday-accessory-deals/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/early-black-friday-accessory-deals-at-amazon-include-tvs-headphones-and-charging-devices.2493723/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:14:06 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/early-black-friday-accessory-deals/ Mitchel Broussard Black Friday Deals Featured best early Black Friday Apple deals, and today we're focusing on third-party accessory markdowns available to purchase right now on Amazon. In this article you'll find all the best accessories for charging, smart homes, smartphones, and more.

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

TVs and Monitors


$450 OFF
65-inch Hisense 4K TV for $549.99



Chargers


$10 OFF
Anker Nano Smart Display Charger for $29.99



Audio


$82 OFF
Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones for $378.00



Cases and Screen Protectors


$8 OFF
Anker iPhone 18 Pro Screen Protector for 21.99



Home


$499 OFF
Anker SOLIX C2000 Portable Power Station for $999.99



Mac


$30 OFF
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 for $119.99



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



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]]> Best Early Black Friday Deals on iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/early-black-friday-deals-iphone/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/best-early-black-friday-deals-on-iphone-18-pro-and-iphone-duo.2493732/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 15:56:42 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/early-black-friday-deals-iphone/ Mitchel Broussard Black Friday Deals Featured AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as Best Buy. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season.

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

If you're looking for something other than iPhones, be sure to visit our Black Friday Roundup for all of the best deals and discounts happening this season. For more Apple-specific devices currently on sale, our main post on the best Apple Black Friday deals is the best place to look.

T-Mobile


  • iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: Up to $1,200 off with eligible trade-in

  • iPhone Duo: Up to $1,200 off with eligible trade-in

  • Apple Watch SE 3: No cost (up to $300) when adding a watch line on a qualifying plan, or get $250 off any Apple Watch when picking up another Apple Watch



T-Mobile is offering the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max for up to $1,200 off when you trade in an old device (in any condition) and purchase the new device on an eligible unlimited plan. You can also get this offer if you switch a line to Experience Beyond 2.0, Experience Beyond, or Go5G Next.

UP TO $1,200 OFF
iPhone 18 Pro at T-Mobile

UP TO $1,200 OFF
iPhone Duo at T-Mobile


For anyone shopping for the iPhone Duo, you can get up to $1,200 off the iPhone Duo with any condition trade-in on an Experience Beyond plan. This discount will appear in the form of bill credits over the course of 36 months.

Similarly, if you're on the Experience More or Experience Beyond plan, you can get up to $830 off with a trade-in, and up to $730 off with a new line on most other plans. All of these offers have the same payout schedule over the course of 36 months.

AT&T




Over at AT&T, you can get the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max for up to $1,200 off with an iPhone trade-in in any condition. You'll need to upgrade with AT&T Next Up Anytime or switch to get this offer.

UP TO $1,200 OFF
iPhone 18 Pro at AT&T

UP TO $1,200 OFF
iPhone Duo at AT&T


Additionally, new and existing customers can get up to $1,200 off the iPhone Duo with an eligible trade-in. If you're switching to AT&T, the carrier will give you up to $800 to pay off your current device balance, and you can save $200 per line when ordering the smartphone online.

In regards to the main offer of up to $1,200 off the iPhone Duo, AT&T says this requires an eligible trade-in of $230 or more, alongside activation of a new line or upgrading an existing line. You'll get this credit over the course of 36 months on your AT&T bill.

You can find the breakdown of each plan tier from AT&T below, and remember that they each require a trade-in as well.

  • Up to $1,200 off iPhone Duo: requires AT&T Premium 2.0 plan or higher / trade-in value of $230 or more

  • Up to $930 off iPhone Duo: requires AT&T Extra 2.0 plan or higher / trade-in value of $130 or more

  • Up to $500 off iPhone Duo: requires Value 2.0 plan / trade-in value of $130 or more

  • Up to $350 off iPhone Duo: requires any eligible unlimited plan / trade-in value of $35-$129


If you switch to AT&T from a different carrier, AT&T will pay off your phone balance at up to $800 off per line. With the $1,200 offer, AT&T is offering the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro at no cost.

Best Buy




Carriers aren't the only place you can save on iPhones this year, with Best Buy offering the same discounts as AT&T and T-Mobile with activation through these carriers at the time of purchase. This is a great option for anyone who shops at Best Buy a lot and likes to rack up member reward points.

UP TO $1,200 OFF
iPhone 18 Pro at Best Buy

UP TO $1,200 OFF
iPhone Duo at Best Buy


Similar to the carriers, you can get the iPhone 18 Pro models and iPhone Duo for up to $1,200 off with qualified activation on cellular plans and a trade-in of an older device. Best Buy supports activation through AT&T and Verizon, and there are also unlocked options.

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 during the holidays? You can sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!




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]]> Apple Creator Studio App Updates Rolling Out, Starting With Logic Pro https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/apples-creator-studio-updates-start-rolling-out/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-creator-studio-app-updates-rolling-out-starting-with-logic-pro.2493722/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 15:33:04 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/apples-creator-studio-updates-start-rolling-out/ Joe Rossignol Apple Creator Studio Logic Pro announced last month. For example, both the Creator Studio version and standalone version of the Logic Pro app for the Mac were updated today. It is our understanding that Pixelmator Pro will also be updated today, with more apps in the suite set to be updated throughout November.


MacStories editor John Voorhees tested the updated Creator Studio apps over the past week and has shared his impressions of the new features.

Logic Pro for Mac has received a new Liquid Glass design, an AI-powered Intelligent Assistant feature that can help you build beats using natural language, a redesigned browser that centralizes things from loops and instruments to patches and plug-in presets, an enhanced Stem Splitter that now separates drums, and more.

Sidecar support will turn an iPad into a multi-touch controller for Logic Pro on the Mac.

Here are the release notes for the standalone version of Logic Pro for Mac, which costs $199.99:
Version 13.0 - Unified Browser

• Find the perfect sound faster with a redesigned browser that brings your entire library into one place — loops, one-shots, instrument and effect patches, and plug-in presets

• Add your own custom or third-party sound to the browser and Logic Pro uses music understanding to analyze and classify them, applying tags that make even massive sample libraries easily searchable

• Narrow results with dynamic tag filtering, or describe what you're looking for in plain terms like "atmospheric pad" or "lo-fi kick"

• Find similar sounds or samples across your entire collection with ease

• Browse your licensed Splice sounds alongside the rest of your library

• Add any folder on your Mac as a Browser location for instant access to your personal collection

Enhanced Stem Splitter

• Break the drum stem into individual tracks — kick, snare, hi-hat, toms, cymbals, and other percussion

• Rebalance your entire drum mix without ever needing the original multitracks

All-New Liquid Glass Design

• Bring clarity to your workflow with translucent surfaces and deeper contrast — menus, toolbars, and windows feel lighter and more refined

Sidecar Support

• Transform your iPad into a Multi-Touch controller for Logic Pro on your Mac

• Tap to trigger cells in Live Loops, populate Step Sequencer patterns, adjust plug-ins and instruments, and control multiple mixer channels at once

Play Surface

• Play instruments with a resizable performance window — trigger drum and chord pads with your typing keyboard and mouse, or tap your iPad using Sidecar

• Play a musical keyboard with controls for velocity, modulation, and polyphonic pitch glide

• Make beats by triggering drum pads and use note repeat to add rolls — perfect for trap hats

• Customize Chord pads to follow the Chord track in realtime, so every chord and note you play fits perfectly

Step Sequencer Multi-Select

• Select a range of steps with a drag or Shift-click, then adjust velocity, note repeat, or any parameter for the entire selection at once

• Copy and paste groups of steps to new positions or rows, and use dedicated key commands to select all steps in a row, invert a selection, or nudge selected steps
Stay tuned for the remaining updates.
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]]> Siri AI Waitlist Now Limited to Times of 'High Demand,' Says Apple https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/siri-ai-waitlist-limited-times-high-demand-apple/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/siri-ai-waitlist-now-limited-to-times-of-high-demand-says-apple.2493713/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:54:10 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/siri-ai-waitlist-limited-times-high-demand-apple/ Tim Hardwick Siri Siri AI Apple has largely stopped making users join a waitlist to access its Siri AI assistant. According to an updated Apple support document, Siri AI "will begin to download automatically" once users opt in, but the waitlist is now reserved "during time of high demand," and wait times can vary.

The document previously said that enabling the assistant "will add you to a waitlist," as noted by 9to5Mac. The document was updated on November 2, likely following two months of Apple testing server load. Released in September, Siri AI remains in beta across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro.
Tags: Siri, Siri AI

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]]> See Apple's Touchscreen MacBook Pro in Action https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/see-apples-touchscreen-macbook-pro-in-action/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/see-apples-touchscreen-macbook-pro-in-action.2493712/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:31:30 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/see-apples-touchscreen-macbook-pro-in-action/ Hartley Charlton MacBook Pro MacBook Pro and Logic Pro at Apple Tower Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.


The session, titled "Labrinth Live on Mac," is now available to watch as a replay lasting almost four hours. It started on November 4 at 8 p.m. Pacific, or 11 p.m. Eastern, with Labrinth tasked with creating a song from scratch. He can be seen reaching onto the ‌MacBook Pro‌'s display to manipulate Logic Pro's mixer controls, with a multitrack arrangement visible onscreen. Viewers were invited to submit questions as he worked, and the finished song is due for release on Apple Music next week.

Apple initially teased the collaboration on TikTok with a white box bearing Labrinth's name and instructions to leave it unopened until November 4.

Music production was among the uses Apple demonstrated when it unveiled the new MacBook Pro last week. Logic Pro includes an onscreen keyboard, chord pads, and drum pads that musicians can play by touch, including playing multiple notes at once.

Labrinth is a singer, songwriter, and producer known for solo releases including "Jealous" and "Earthquake," as well as his music for HBO's "Euphoria." He also forms the group LSD with Sia and Diplo.

The ‌MacBook Pro‌ with PROLED XDR Display features a tandem OLED touchscreen and M5 Pro or M5 Max chips in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. The machines launch on Friday, November 6, with U.S. prices starting at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch model.
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]]> MacBook Neo Shipments Expected to Double in 2027 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/macbook-neo-shipments-expected-to-double-in-2027/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macbook-neo-shipments-expected-to-double-in-2027.2493711/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:21:40 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/macbook-neo-shipments-expected-to-double-in-2027/ Tim Hardwick MacBook Neo DigiTimes DigiTimes).


Apple released its first MacBook Neo in March 2026, featuring an A18 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM, and coming in Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo colors. The laptop originally started at $599, but Apple raised the price to $699 in June as part of a broader re-pricing of its Mac and iPad lineup. Apple still offers a $100 discount to college students and educational staff.

In September, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to release a second-generation MacBook Neo in 2027 with an A19 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, and new color options. Today's report doesn't mention a second-generation MacBook Neo, but if Apple decides to refresh the laptop in March – approximately one year since it launched – then the supply chain forecast could still make sense.

During his first earnings call as Apple CEO, John Ternus said the company has sold more Macs in fiscal 2026 than in any previous year. Apple doesn't break out Mac sales by model, but supply chain sources cited in today's report suggest MacBook Neo shipments were the overriding reason for the growth.
Related Roundup: MacBook Neo
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]]> HomeView Code Suggests Future Support for AI Chatbot Apps, Anti-Spoofing Protection https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/homeview-code-suggests-support-ai-chatbot-apps/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/homeview-code-suggests-future-support-for-ai-chatbot-apps-anti-spoofing-protection.2493709/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:43:52 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/homeview-code-suggests-support-ai-chatbot-apps/ Tim Hardwick HomeView pdfu pdfu.


The software HomeView uses to display apps from a connected iPhone or iPad is said to have gained a "Conversational Apps" category in the latest beta. The update also reportedly adds preparations for two-way audio routing, session management, and interruptions, but pdfu notes that it is "still not fully wired up."

Apple hasn't announced chatbot apps for HomeView, and the code doesn't show which apps could use the category or when it could launch, so support for ChatGPT, Claude, or other chatbots is unconfirmed. It's not the first time the possibility has been floated: pdfu suggested on Sunday that chatbot apps might follow based on an unused flag in HomeView's software.

Anti-Spoofing Protection


In a separate finding, pdfu also discovered that HomeView includes anti-spoofing protection. Apparently, after three spoof attempts for a profile, the user must authenticate with an iPhone to see personal data, and the protection is enabled in HomeView software 27.2.

Apple is also said to be working on a lockout cooldown system, similar to what happens when you enter the wrong passcode on an iPhone. A first lockout can be cleared immediately, but a second lockout brings a one-hour wait, a third a four-hour wait, and a fourth (or any further) lockout an eight-hour wait.

pdfu adds that the lockout cooldown periods are still in development, so for now any lockout can be cleared immediately by authenticating with an iPhone. Apple hasn't described either feature in its press materials.

HomeView Launches Next Week


HomeView launches on November 13 for $299, in both desktop and wall-mounted versions. Here's what Apple has announced so far:

  • 7-inch Liquid Retina display, in a tabletop model with a speaker base and a wall-mounted model.

  • Face recognition for up to six users, each with a personal Home Screen with apps and widgets.

  • Siri AI, with conversations that continue in the Siri app on other Apple devices.

  • Personal content from Messages, FaceTime, Calendar, Reminders, and Find My, shown when the enrolled user is recognized and their iPhone or iPad is nearby and recently unlocked.

  • Faces including Photos, Flow, Snoopy, Home Modular, and Home Camera.

  • Apple Music, Podcasts, News, and Apple TV, plus compatible third-party audio and video apps.

  • Handoff from iPhone, and multiroom audio with HomePod, HomePod mini, and AirPlay speakers.

  • FaceTime with Center Stage, Messages by voice or keyboard, and Intercom.

  • Step-by-step recipes from the web with hands-free timers.

  • Smart home controls, including a Home Camera face that shows up to nine live camera feeds.

  • With a supported iCloud+ subscription, recognition of people, pets, packages, and vehicles from compatible cameras.

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sound detection.

  • Support for Apple Home Collection accessories, other "Works with Apple Home" accessories, and Matter.

HomeView won't have an App Store. However, as we reported last month, it shows CarPlay-style third-party audio and video apps from a connected iPhone or iPad. HomeView isn't on sale in the European Union because Siri AI is currently unavailable in iOS there, and Apple says it is still working with the EU to find a path forward to make it available in the bloc.
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]]> Got an iPhone Duo on Launch Day? Tomorrow Could Be Your Last Chance to Return It https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/iphone-duo-launch-day-nov-6-last-chance-return/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/got-an-iphone-duo-on-launch-day-tomorrow-could-be-your-last-chance-to-return-it.2493705/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 10:32:51 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/iphone-duo-launch-day-nov-6-last-chance-return/ Tim Hardwick iPhone Duo

Apple officially launched the iPhone Duo on Friday, October 23, so the standard 14-day return window for customers who purchased and received the device that day expires on Friday, November 6.

Under Apple's U.S. return policy, customers have 14 calendar days from receiving a product to return it, whether they purchased it online or at an Apple retail store. A similar standard return period applies in the UK and across much of the rest of Europe.

If you bought the iPhone Duo in Canada, then you have slightly longer. Under Apple's Canadian return policy, buyers have 15 calendar days from receiving their device to initiate a return, so if you got your device on launch day then you have until Saturday, November 7 to return it.

UK and EU Online Customers Have More Time to Send It Back


There's an important distinction to note if you're in the UK or the European Union and you purchased your iPhone Duo online. Under consumer protection laws, you have 14 days from receiving the device to notify Apple that you intend to return it. Once you've made that notification, you have a further 14 days to send the device back or arrange a collection.

In other words, if you're a UK or EU customer who received the iPhone Duo on October 23 and you request a return tomorrow, then you could have until November 20 to dispatch it. This also applies to devices ordered online and collected at an Apple Store. However, if you actually purchased your device directly at a physical Apple Store – which probably means you waited in a separate line to collections – then you generally need to return it within the initial 14-day window.

Note that the November 6 deadline doesn't apply to everyone who pre-ordered the iPhone Duo. Apple's return period is calculated from when customers received their devices, rather than when they placed their orders, so if your iPhone Duo arrived after launch day, you have more time to return it for a refund – if that's your preference.

What to Know Before Returning Your iPhone Duo


Apple asks customers to return their devices with the original packaging and included accessories. Also, remember to disable Find My for the iPhone Duo before returning the device. Returns can be initiated through Apple's online Order Status page or, in the US, at an Apple retail store.

Keep in mind that these policies apply only to purchases made directly from Apple – if you bought an iPhone Duo through a carrier or third-party retailer, you'll be subject to that seller's return policy.

Lastly, if you signed up for a new cellular plan with the iPhone Duo, returning the device may not automatically cancel that service. Apple advises contacting your carrier about cancellation requirements and any associated fees. Do you plan on returning your iPhone Duo? Let us know in the comments.
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Related Forum: iPhone

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]]> Apple Launching Five New Products Tomorrow https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/apple-launching-five-new-products-tomorrow/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-launching-five-new-products-tomorrow.2493703/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 08:59:09 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/apple-launching-five-new-products-tomorrow/ Tim Hardwick Featured opened last week, including its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models.

The following new products will be available from tomorrow:


The iPad mini starts at $699, the iMac starts at $1,499, and the M6 MacBook Pro at $1,999. Pricing for the MacBook Pro with OLED touchscreen starts at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch model. All five remain available to pre-order, with shipping dates generally looking good for launch-day delivery. The only exception is the base 14-inch touchscreen MacBook Pro – Space Black ships in 3-4 weeks, while Silver ships in 7-10 business days.
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]]> Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 256 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/apple-releases-safari-technology-preview-256/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-releases-safari-technology-preview-256-with-bug-fixes-and-performance-improvements.2493692/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:21:48 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/apple-releases-safari-technology-preview-256/ Juli Clover Blurb Safari Technology Preview released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser that was first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ to allow users to test features that are planned for future release versions of the Safari browser.


‌Safari Technology Preview‌ 256 includes fixes and updates for Accessibility, Animations, CSS, Editing, Forms, HTML, JavaScript, Media, Networking, Rendering, SVG, Security, Web API, Web Extensions, Web Inspector, WebGL, and WebRTC.

The current ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release is compatible with machines running macOS Tahoe and macOS Golden Gate, the newest version of macOS.

The ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple's website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.

Apple's aim with ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.
Tag: Safari Technology Preview

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]]> Apps Can Now Try to Stop You From Canceling Subscriptions https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/app-store-subscription-retention/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apps-can-now-try-to-stop-you-from-canceling-subscriptions.2493691/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:11:27 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/app-store-subscription-retention/ Juli Clover App Store subscription retention feature for developers, allowing them to show retention messages when a subscriber goes to cancel.


Apple says retention messages will appear in the subscription cancellation flow and can include text, images, or a special offer. Retention messages can be added in App Store Connect for auto-renewable subscriptions, with options for subscriber eligibility and wait time between messages.

Through a separate Retention Messaging API, developers can choose which messages to show a subscriber based on their subscription details. API access is by request.

‌App Store‌ users may see offers for discounts or reasons to keep a subscription before canceling.
Tag: App Store

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]]> HomePod Mini 2's Amount of RAM Confirmed https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/homepod-mini-2-ram/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/homepod-mini-2s-amount-of-ram-confirmed.2493685/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:08:52 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/homepod-mini-2-ram/ Joe Rossignol HomePod mini No Linkback MacRumors has confirmed that the HomePod mini 2 is equipped with 2GB of RAM supplied by SK Hynix. This is not very surprising given the S10 chip in the Apple Watch Series 10 also has 2GB of RAM, but Apple does not list this information in its tech specs for the HomePod mini 2, so it is worth documenting.
Related Roundup: HomePod mini 2
Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech

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]]> 'Super Mario Odyssey' Can Now Run on Apple TV Thanks to AI https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/nintendo-games-apple-tv/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/super-mario-odyssey-can-now-run-on-apple-tv-thanks-to-ai.2493690/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 23:20:15 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/nintendo-games-apple-tv/ Juli Clover Apple TV run natively on the Apple TV 4K, continuing a string of ports made possible with the use of AI (via Engadget).


TVPort, Reddit user FloatingFalafel's open-source project, is a fork of the nxnative toolkit used to recompile Switch and Switch 2 games for the Apple TV using a Mac. It was built using Claude Opus 5.5.

"Super Mario Odyssey" runs at 60fps according to FloatingFalafel, and "Animal Crossing" runs at 30fps. Other games haven't been tested, but the creator says people are welcome to use the open-source software to get other games to run. Game files are not included, and users will need to supply files from their own game cartridges, which requires a modified Nintendo Switch.


[Release] TVPort - Port switch games to run natively on AppleTV (4k 3rd gen)
by
u/FloatingFalafel in
decomps

More intensive games like "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" may not be able to run on the third-generation ‌Apple TV‌ 4K because of thermal throttling. The fourth-generation ‌Apple TV‌ 4K that launches November 13 may be able to run titles the third-generation model can't.

Nintendo often takes issue with unofficial ways to play its games, so TVPort may not survive long. In 2024, Nintendo sued the Yuzu emulator team, and the lawsuit led to a $2.4 million settlement and the sunsetting of the emulator.
Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

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]]> How 'Resident Evil' Director Zach Cregger Uses His iPhone to Make Movies https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/zach-cregger-iphone-resident-evil/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/how-resident-evil-director-zach-cregger-uses-his-iphone-to-make-movies.2493688/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 22:11:00 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/zach-cregger-iphone-resident-evil/ Juli Clover Apple TV Apple TV video that offers a look at how "Resident Evil" director Zach Cregger uses an iPhone during filmmaking.


Cregger said he uses his iPhone and the Cadrage app to plan out filming sequences ahead of time. He decides what shots to take, what lenses to use for each shot, and what's in each frame. He then prints out the images so the crew knows exactly what to do.

According to Cregger, he used this process for "Weapons" and "Barbarian," two movies that he wrote and directed. He said every scene in those films was planned with photos in advance.



"Everybody can make a movie with what's in your pocket," he said. "It's all right there."

"Resident Evil" is now available to rent or buy, including in the ‌Apple TV‌ app.
Tag: Apple TV

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]]> Apple is Putting Employees on an AI Budget https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/apple-reducing-employee-ai-spending/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-is-putting-employees-on-an-ai-budget.2493676/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 21:46:18 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/apple-reducing-employee-ai-spending/ Juli Clover Apple Rumors Mac iOS iPhone iPad Bloomberg. In October, Apple limited some engineers to $200 per day for AI spending, down from $300.


More cuts could be coming, with daily allowances for some engineers dropping to $100. Many groups outside engineering already have a $100 daily limit, but some teams could have their spending capped at $25. Apple is asking some teams to use less expensive models or switch to on-device AI. Employees who need a bigger budget will be able to ask executives for an increase.

Engineers at Apple have the largest budgets because using AI for coding can consume a large number of tokens. Apple lets employees use Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and other models. Some Apple employees told Bloomberg that few were using their full $300 daily limit, so the savings may be small.

Apple has also hired outside productivity consultants for some divisions. Combined with the AI cost cuts, the reviews have fueled worries about possible restructuring.

Apple CEO John Ternus took over on September 1, and he reportedly wants to reduce corporate hierarchy and bloat to accomplish more with fewer people.
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]]> Apple TV's '12 Days of Snoopy' Special Arrives November 13 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/apple-12-days-of-snoopy/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-tvs-12-days-of-snoopy-special-arrives-november-13.2493681/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 21:20:28 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/apple-12-days-of-snoopy/ Juli Clover Apple TV a new Snoopy special that's airing on Friday, November 13. "Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy" features Snoopy working to get off Santa's naughty list ahead of Christmas.

In the latest special of the acclaimed "Snoopy Presents" banner, the Peanuts kids are on their best behavior — but Snoopy has landed on Santa's naughty list. With just 12 days until Christmas, he sets out to prove he's not such a bad beagle after all, discovering along the way that the season is about more than gifts.

The special has original music from John Legend, Kamasi Washington featuring Leon Bridges, and Laufey.


Apple TV has exclusive rights to Peanuts content, including the classic library and original shows and specials. Snoopy content available on ‌Apple TV‌ includes "Snoopy in Space," "The Snoopy Show," "It's the Small Things, Charlie Brown," "Lucy's School," and more.

Apple is offering free streaming of "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" on November 14 and 15, and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on December 12 and 13. An ‌Apple TV‌ subscription is not required to watch the classic Charlie Brown specials on those days.

Apple's streaming television service is priced at $14.99 per month and available in more than 100 countries and regions.
Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

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]]> Apple Releases Xcode 27.3 Beta With Three New Features https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/xcode-27-3-beta-new-features/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-releases-xcode-27-3-beta-with-three-new-features.2493672/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 21:11:43 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/xcode-27-3-beta-new-features/ Joe Rossignol No Linkback Xcode Apple on Tuesday released the first Xcode 27.3 beta with three new features: GitHub Copilot support within the built-in coding assistant, the ability for developers to test Siri AI integration in their apps, and additional APIs for developers to optimize their apps for the upcoming MacBook Pro models with touchscreens.
Tag: Xcode

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]]> Apple Will Check Public iCloud Links for Harmful Content Starting in iOS 27.3 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/ios-27-3-icloud-link-check/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-will-check-public-icloud-links-for-harmful-content-starting-in-ios-27-3.2493669/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 20:59:44 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/ios-27-3-icloud-link-check/ Juli Clover iOS 27 iCloud checking public iCloud links for harmful content in iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3.


Images in iCloud Photos and files in iCloud Drive shared using the "Anyone with the link" option will be "made accessible to Apple" for a content check. Apple doesn't define harmful content, but it could mean malware, malicious files, and/or child sexual abuse material (CSAM) given Apple's mention of law enforcement involvement.
If you try to upload harmful content, Apple reserves the right to move, refuse, modify, remove, or delete the content at any time. Apple may also take action against your Apple Account, including blocking or disabling your Apple Account, blocking the ability to create a new Apple Account with the associated email address or phone number, or if necessary, involving law enforcement.

iCloud files can be shared with "Send a Copy," which sends a file directly, or "Share a Link," which lets someone download it. Link sharing options are "People you choose" or "Anyone with the link," and it's only the latter option that will be evaluated by Apple.

Apple does not say whether links created before the 27.3 updates will be checked.

Apple says content made available to anyone is no longer end-to-end encrypted, even when Advanced Data Protection is on.

iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3 are currently available to developers for beta testing, and the software will see a public release in December.
Related Roundups: iOS 27, iPadOS 27
Tag: iCloud
Related Forums: iOS 27, Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+

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]]> macOS 27.3 Brings Live Activities to Macs Without Dynamic Island https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/macos-27-3-live-activities-in-menu-bar/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-27-3-brings-live-activities-to-macs-without-dynamic-island.2493660/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 18:43:01 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/04/macos-27-3-live-activities-in-menu-bar/ Joe Rossignol macOS Golden Gate Dynamic Island Live Activities new MacBook Pro models with touch-enabled OLED displays feature the Dynamic Island instead of a notch, and it includes support for Live Activities. Fortunately, other Apple silicon Macs will not entirely miss out, as the macOS 27.3 update enables Live Activities for apps like Apple Music, Clock, and Voice Memos in the macOS menu bar.


The first macOS 27.3 developer beta released this week enables Live Activities support in the menu bar for several of Apple's built-in apps, along with things like screen recording. The update is expected to be released in December.



Third-party Mac apps can also implement Live Activities support now.

"With Live Activities, users can now get timely updates at a glance, and can accept an AirDrop request or pause a song with a tap of their finger," explained Apple, in its press release for the MacBook Pro models with OLED displays.

macOS 26 and later already supported Live Activities mirrored from an iPhone.
Related Roundup: macOS Golden Gate
Tags: Dynamic Island, Live Activities
Related Forum: macOS Golden Gate

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