MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors - All Stories https://www.macrumors.com Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors Sat, 17 Oct 2026 21:37:14 +0000 en hourly 1 https://www.macrumors.com Apple Retail Staff Told to Warn Against iPhone Duo Walk-In Purchases https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/17/staff-warn-against-iphone-duo-walk-ins/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-retail-staff-told-to-warn-against-iphone-duo-walk-in-purchases.2492035/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 21:30:45 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/17/staff-warn-against-iphone-duo-walk-ins/ Hartley Charlton Featured iPhone Duo Retail iPhone Duo without a pre-order on Friday, October 23.


Apple Store employees told MacRumors that have been advised that there will likely be no ‌iPhone Duo‌ stock available for walk-in purchases on launch day. Staff have been instructed to discourage customers without pre-orders from coming in expecting to buy the device, warning that they will be disappointed.

Apple's online store tells customers to check back on Saturday, October 24 for pickup availability. Pickup reservations were briefly available when pre-orders opened before the option was disabled.

The October 24 message does not guarantee stock will be available that day, and it remains unclear how firm the warning shared with employees is and whether it applies worldwide. If the guidance is firm and widely perpetuated, it closes off a potential route for customers hoping to bypass the device's lengthy online wait times, at least at the stores concerned.

Warnings about a constrained launch began well before Apple announced the ‌iPhone Duo‌. In early September, Nikkei Asia reported that production had reached only a few hundred devices per day in late August. Further production problems emerged in late September.

Earlier this month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple had at one point believed production constraints could push the start of sales into November. The company subsequently assembled enough inventory to proceed with the October 23 launch, although supply remained very limited.

The extent of the shortage became apparent when pre-orders opened earlier this week. Delivery estimates moved beyond launch day within minutes, and within 30 minutes, all configurations in Apple's U.S. online store showed January 25 shipping estimates. The device is now effectively sold out for Christmas through Apple's online store.

Apple subsequently described demand as "nothing short of extraordinary" in a statement to the Financial Times, adding that it was working to get devices to customers as quickly as possible. Apple has not publicly specified whether any stores will have stock for launch-day walk-in purchases.

The ‌iPhone Duo‌ starts at $1,999 in the United States, with the first pre-order deliveries scheduled for October 23.
Related Roundup: iPhone Duo
Tag: Retail
Buyer's Guide: iPhone Duo (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPhone

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]]> Apple Hires Former Meta Lawyer to Oversee Global Litigation https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/17/apple-hires-former-meta-lawyer/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-hires-former-meta-lawyer-to-oversee-global-litigation.2492031/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:21:20 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/17/apple-hires-former-meta-lawyer/ Hartley Charlton Bloomberg Apple Lawsuits Mark Gurman Meta Morgan Stanley Meta lawyer Scott Tucker to lead its litigation team, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


Tucker will become Apple's vice president of global litigation and financial services, a new position overseeing commercial lawsuits, patent disputes, and legal matters involving its financial products. He previously led litigation at ‌Meta‌ and held a senior legal role at Morgan Stanley.

The move brings Tucker back together with Jennifer Newstead, Apple's general counsel. Newstead joined Apple's leadership in March after six years as ‌Meta‌'s top lawyer.

Heather Grenier, who currently oversees Apple's commercial and competition litigation, will report to Tucker instead of Newstead. She will remain on Newstead's leadership team. Apple is also expanding legal executive Kyle Andeer's responsibilities to include international legal matters, child safety, cybersecurity, and law enforcement.

The changes are part of a wider overhaul under Newstead, who now oversees both legal and government affairs. Apple announced plans to combine the teams alongside the retirements of Kate Adams and Lisa Jackson.

According to Gurman, some Apple executives believe the company should have performed better in court, particularly in App Store disputes. Its battle with Epic Games has forced changes to the rules for links to outside payment options and the fees Apple can charge.

Apple also faces the U.S. government's antitrust lawsuit and privacy cases. Separately, it agreed to a $250 million settlement over delayed Siri features, with a final approval hearing scheduled for February 2027.
Tags: Bloomberg, Apple Lawsuits, Mark Gurman, Meta, Morgan Stanley

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]]> Top Stories: Apple HomeView, New Apple TV and HomePod mini, and Sold-Out iPhone Duo https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/17/top-stories-apple-homeview-intro/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/top-stories-apple-homeview-new-apple-tv-and-homepod-mini-and-sold-out-iphone-duo.2491997/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 13:00:11 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/17/top-stories-apple-homeview-intro/ MacRumors Staff Featured Top Stories

And as if that wasn't enough, Friday saw the start of iPhone Duo pre-orders with delivery estimates quickly slipping by months amid its popularity and apparent product shortages, while we're looking forward to even more products launches later this month, so read on below for all of the details!

Top Stories


Apple Announces 'HomeView' Smart Home Hub


Apple's long-rumored smart home hub is finally official, with Apple debuting the $299 HomeView as part of its "Welcome home" product launch this week.


Apple HomeView features a 7-inch Liquid Retina display and Siri AI support, and it's available in both tabletop and wall mounted versions. The device is able to recognize multiple users and adjust its presentation of information depending on how far the user is from the screen, and it supports Photos faces, Apple Music playlists, FaceTime calls, and more.

Pre-orders are underway now with a launch coming on November 13.

New Apple TV 4K Announced With A19 Chip, Updated Siri Remote, More


While the Apple HomeView was the headline attraction of this week's introductions, the Apple TV box also got its first update in four years with the unveiling of the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K.


The new box gets a big upgrade to the A19 chip, which provides Siri AI support and improved performance. A new Siri Remote (also available separately for older boxes) includes Find My support with Precision Finding and a speaker to allow it to make itself heard when lost. And for times when you want to use Siri without the remote, the box itself also now includes microphones for hands-free Siri AI.

The new box comes with a significant price hike to $299, and it's available for pre-order now ahead of a November 13 launch.

Apple Announces $149 HomePod Mini 2 With Siri AI, 'Sound Glow', and Four-Speaker Surround Sound


Apple's third home-related product announcement for the week was a new HomePod mini equipped with Siri AI, new colors, and improved audio experiences. The ‌HomePod‌ mini 2 has an S10 chip that supports advanced computational audio, and Apple says it optimizes dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance in real-time.


A Sound Glow feature turns the ‌HomePod‌ mini's top into a "visual canvas" that glows and animates in sync with music, reacting to bass and treble. It uses colors generated from the song's album artwork for a unique experience for each song.

The HomePod mini 2 is priced at $149 and is available for pre-order now ahead of an October 30 launch. Siri AI won't be available at launch, however, as it will come in a future software update.

iPhone Duo is Sold Out for Christmas as Shipping Estimates Slip to 2027


Apple began accepting iPhone Duo pre-orders in a number of countries at 5 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, with delivery estimates starting to slip within minutes if not seconds. Within half an hour, delivery estimates in the U.S. ultimately stabilized at late January 2027, a three-month delay.


In remains to be seen how much, if any, stock Apple will have at its retail stores for walk-in purchases on the October 23 launch date, and scalpers are already selling off early pre-orders for as much as $5,000.

Apple Inviting Media to October 28 'Launch Experience'


After previously reporting that Apple was planning a two-day product showcase in Los Angeles on October 27 and 28 for select content creators and members of the media to experience even more upcoming Apple products, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman now says Apple has begun explicitly inviting members of the media to the event for October 28.


We're expecting to see several more products launch on either October 27 or 28, including new high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook models with touchscreen OLED displays, new iMac and entry-level MacBook Pro models based around the M6 chip, and a new iPad mini with an OLED display.

MacRumors Newsletter


Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
Tag: Top Stories

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]]> Verizon Will Charge $10 a Month for iPhone Handoff https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/verizon-iphone-handoff-cost/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/verizon-will-charge-10-a-month-for-iphone-handoff.2491966/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:37:48 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/verizon-iphone-handoff-cost/ Juli Clover Verizon that Apple added in iOS 27. iPhone Handoff allows one phone number to be shared across two separate iPhones.


Pricing was included in Verizon's iPhone Duo announcement today, with the carrier confirming iPhone Handoff will work with the iPhone Duo and the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Verizon will support iPhone Handoff, giving customers the flexibility to use a single Verizon phone number seamlessly across two compatible iPhone models. Whether using the pocketable iPhone Duo on the go or iPhone 18 Pro for work, customers can switch active status between devices at any time while keeping full access to Verizon's 5G network. iPhone Handoff will be available from Verizon for $10/month on compatible iPhones models running iOS 27.

With iPhone Handoff, users can switch between a main iPhone and a companion iPhone at will, though a phone number can only be active on one iPhone at a time. Verizon says support is "coming soon," and Apple previously said Verizon would adopt the feature before the end of the year.

U.S. carrier T-Mobile already supports iPhone Handoff, but charges just $5 per month for the feature. AT&T, the third major U.S. carrier, recently suggested it has no imminent plans to support iPhone Handoff.

U.K. carrier EE also said this week that it will soon support iPhone Handoff. Customers who have EE's Full Works Plus plan will get iPhone Handoff free, while other EE users can get it for £5 per month.

Deutsche Telekom in Germany is the only other carrier that's added iPhone Handoff support so far. It costs €6.95 per month, but the carrier includes it for free in the MagentaMobil L and XL plans.
Tag: Verizon

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]]> Apple Calls iPhone Duo Demand 'Extraordinary' After Orders Slip to 2027 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-iphone-duo-demand-extraordinary/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-calls-iphone-duo-demand-extraordinary-after-orders-slip-to-2027.2491963/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:53:57 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-iphone-duo-demand-extraordinary/ Juli Clover Featured iPhone Duo iPhone Duo has been "nothing short of extraordinary," Apple said in a statement to the Financial Times. The company also said it is "working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible."


Pre-orders for the ‌iPhone Duo‌ opened this morning at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, and it didn't take long for available stock to dwindle. Within minutes, delivery dates slipped from October 23 to November, and by 5:30 a.m., delivery estimates reached January 25.

It is no longer possible to order an ‌iPhone Duo‌ for delivery in 2026 from Apple, and customers who purchase now will be waiting until early 2027. Prior to pre-orders launching, rumors said supplies could be constrained due to manufacturing difficulties.

With past iPhone launches where supplies were limited, Apple has sometimes been able to ship devices sooner than expected, so it's possible the company will work through its backlog ahead of schedule. There are no guarantees, though, and it's clear many will be waiting for months.

Apple has not yet said whether there will be ‌iPhone Duo‌ stock available for walk-in purchases on October 23, but if there is, we could see long lines outside Apple retail stores for the first time in several years.

Apple's website suggests there could be some stock available for store pickup as soon as next week, as there is a note to check back on October 24 for availability.

Pricing on the ‌iPhone Duo‌ starts at $1,999 and goes up to $3,199 for 2TB of storage. The first orders will be delivered to customers on October 23.
Related Roundup: iPhone Duo
Buyer's Guide: iPhone Duo (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPhone

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]]> New App Store Rules Target AI Deepfakes and Nudify Apps https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/app-store-rules-deepfakes/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/new-app-store-rules-target-ai-deepfakes-and-nudify-apps.2491961/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:21:45 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/app-store-rules-deepfakes/ Juli Clover No Ads App Store today expanded its App Store moderation rules to cover AI-generated nonconsensual intimate imagery. Sexually explicit content was already banned, but now Apple says app developers must proactively prevent and remove AI-generated deepfakes from their platforms. Apple warns that apps with offending content could be removed from the ‌App Store‌ if developers fail to act.


The updated 1.2 rule names AI content creation apps and could be targeting apps like Grok, among others. Users have complained about xAI's Grok chatbot being used for nude and sexualized deepfakes, and earlier this year, Apple told xAI it would remove Grok from the ‌App Store‌ if it continued to permit nude deepfakes. xAI put safeguards in place, and Apple approved an updated version of the app.

Apple also added guideline 2.5.19 to clarify that developers who add features or functionality not present in the version of an app submitted for review risk removal from the ‌App Store‌ and Apple Developer Program. Apple links the rule to "nudification" apps that create sexually explicit images of real individuals without their consent, suggesting some of the apps have concealed their true purpose during review and added the nudify feature after approval.
Apps containing hidden or undocumented features are also prohibited on the App Store, including apps that misrepresent their purpose during review and only reveal harmful capabilities — such as "nudification" — after approval, a tactic commonly known as bait-and-switch.

Along with changes focused on AI-generated content, Apple updated section 5 to extend its ban on apps that facilitate human trafficking or child exploitation to alternative app distribution.

"We do not hesitate to remove apps, and terminate the developers behind them, when they violate these guidelines," reads Apple's developer news post on the rule changes.

Apple's full updated guidelines can be found on its website.
Tag: App Store

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]]> Didn't Pre-Order Apple's HomeView? Here's How Long the Wait is Now https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-homeview-preorder-wait-times/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/didnt-pre-order-apples-homeview-heres-how-long-the-wait-is-now.2491950/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:55:31 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-homeview-preorder-wait-times/ Joe Rossignol HomeView HomeView smart home hub has been available for pre-order since Tuesday, with the earliest orders set to be delivered on Friday, November 13. If you did not place a pre-order yet though, you may face a longer wait now, with Apple's estimated delivery dates pushing into early December for select colors of the tabletop HomeView.


Estimated delivery dates in the U.S. vary by ZIP code right now. For example, the tabletop HomeView in silver has a November 23-December 1 delivery range in New York, but a later November 30-December 7 range in some other locations.

The tabletop HomeView is still available for Friday, November 13 launch day delivery in some colors and locations in the U.S., and the wall-mounted HomeView is not facing any delays at all as of the time this article was published.

Apple TV 4K delivery estimates are nearly identical: November 23-December 1 in some parts of the U.S., and November 30-December 7 in others.

If you have yet to pre-order a HomePod mini 2, do not worry, as the speaker is still widely available for delivery on its Friday, October 30 launch day throughout the U.S. in all five color options. Keep in mind that Siri AI will not be available on the HomePod mini 2 until support arrives in a future software update, according to Apple.
Related Roundup: Apple HomeView
Buyer's Guide: HomeView (Buy Now)
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech

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]]> Apple's $79 iPhone Duo Case Sticks On With Adhesive https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-case-adhesive/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apples-79-iphone-duo-case-sticks-on-with-adhesive.2491947/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:51:58 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-case-adhesive/ Juli Clover iPhone Duo iPhone Duo Case uses adhesive to attach to the device, according to people who have picked one up.


The case comes in two pieces and uses adhesive strips along the inside edges to attach securely to an ‌iPhone Duo‌. An included insert instructs users to peel off the adhesive's protective film, put each half on the Duo, and then press down to make sure it's well-adhered.

The ‌iPhone Duo‌ Case is made from polycarbonate and comes in Sand and Navy Blue. It is designed to protect the back of the iPhone where the camera bump is located and the front around the outer display. It has a cutout for the front display, and no protection for the inside of the device when it's unfolded.



Apple also sells the ‌iPhone Duo‌ Folio with Kickstand, and that case does not use adhesive. It attaches to the ‌iPhone Duo‌ magnetically, but it does not offer protection for the sides of the device and it covers the front display when in use. It uses magnets to make it easy to fold back if the outer display is needed.

‌iPhone Duo‌ pre-orders began today, and the first devices won't arrive to customers until next Friday, but cases are in stores today. Initial ‌iPhone Duo‌ stock sold out, and shipping estimates are now at January 25 for all colors and capacities.

The ‌iPhone Duo‌ Folio is priced at $129, and the ‌iPhone Duo‌ Case is priced at $79.
Related Roundup: iPhone Duo
Buyer's Guide: iPhone Duo (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPhone

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]]> Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini Price Increases 'Much More Striking' Than New Features https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-tv-4k-homepod-mini-price-increases/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-tv-4k-and-homepod-mini-price-increases-much-more-striking-than-new-features.2491939/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:35:41 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-tv-4k-homepod-mini-price-increases/ Joe Rossignol Apple TV HomePod mini Daring Fireball John Gruber Daring Fireball's John Gruber shared his first impressions of the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 this week, and he concluded that the price increases the devices received are "much more striking" than any of the new features introduced.


Prior to receiving price increases in late June, the previous Apple TV 4K started at $129 in the U.S., while the previous HomePod mini was priced at $99. The new Apple TV and the HomePod mini 2 are priced at $299 and $149, respectively, so both devices are now significantly more expensive than they were just four months ago.

Since the new Apple TV is only available in a single configuration with 128GB of storage and an Ethernet port, it is more fair to compare it to the equivalent previous-generation 128GB model, which was initially $149 and went up to $249 in late June. This means the new model is technically only $50 more expensive, but the reality is that the minimum you can spend on a new Apple TV 4K is now $299, up significantly from $129.

The price increases stack up if you want to use a pair of HomePod mini speakers as the default audio output on an Apple TV 4K. As noted by Gruber, it now costs nearly $600 to buy all of those devices, up from nearly $350 before late June.

"At the old pre-June prices, you could buy a 128 GB Apple TV and a pair of HomePod Minis for $350 ($150 + $100 + $100)," said Gruber. "Four short months later, with today's new models, that combination would cost $600 ($300 + $150 + $150). That price difference is much more striking than any of the new and improved features in the products."

To be clear, Gruber said he still thinks the new Apple TV 4K is "worth it" to him at its current price, and he believes the HomePod mini 2's price is "reasonable." However, he acknowledges that the "general consumer market thought the old prices were too high," and now Apple has made even more price increases on top.
Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod mini 2
Tags: Daring Fireball, John Gruber
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now), HomePod Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater, HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech

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]]> Apple Refers to HomeView as 'HomePodDevice' in Legal Document https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-homeview-homepoddevice/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-refers-to-homeview-as-homepoddevice-in-legal-document.2491927/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:39:26 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-homeview-homepoddevice/ Joe Rossignol HomeView No Linkback Apple's HomeView software license agreement refers to the HomeView as a "HomePodDevice" in one section. This is surely a placeholder name from a draft version of the agreement that Apple forgot to replace in the final version, and it reveals that Apple unsurprisingly views the HomeView as a HomePod-like device.

On a related note, Apple's legal website has two other agreements titled "HomePodOS 26" and "HomePodOS 27," even though Apple refers to the platform as simply "HomePod software" in those documents and elsewhere. It may be the closest we get to homeOS.
Related Roundup: Apple HomeView
Buyer's Guide: HomeView (Buy Now)
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech

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]]> The MacRumors Show: Was HomeView Worth the Wait? https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/the-macrumors-show-homeview-worth-the-wait/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-macrumors-show-was-homeview-worth-the-wait.2491931/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:13:06 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/the-macrumors-show-homeview-worth-the-wait/ Hartley Charlton Featured HomeView The MacRumors Show announced the HomePod mini 2, a new Apple TV 4K, and its "HomeView" smart home hub. On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through our reactions to the announcements.

Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos

Apple's HomeView costs $299 and combines a 7-inch square display with Siri AI, FaceTime, music playback, and smart home controls. It has had something of a mixed reception from YouTubers and the wider Apple community, with some of the criticism centering on what it adds for someone who already owns an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or HomePod.

A screen for timers, photos, music, and home controls will be useful for many, but it is harder to explain why someone wearing an Apple Watch would reach across a kitchen counter to set a timer, or why they would type a message on HomeView instead of taking out their iPhone. Apple's promotional video puts some of those less convincing uses front and center.

There are many details to like about the design. The display can show photos and customizable faces, dim to just 0.3 nits in the dark, and adjust its interface as someone approaches. In the kitchen, guided recipes turn webpages into step-by-step instructions, with voice-controlled timers available while cooking.

HomeView makes more sense as a replacement for an Echo Show or Nest Hub, particularly for anyone tired of poor ecosystem integration and ads on their smart display. For people who have never wanted one, it may be less obvious what Apple has added to change their minds.

HomeView recognizes up to six people and switches to their apps and personal information. Its privacy protections mean personal content normally appears only when the user is recognized and their paired device is nearby and recently unlocked. ‌Siri‌ AI can answer general questions without an Apple Intelligence-compatible device, but personal requests still require one.

There is no App Store, either. Compatible third-party audio and video apps appear through a connected iPhone or ‌iPad‌, using a CarPlay-like system. For services such as Spotify and Audible, that means relying on another device rather than installing an app directly on HomeView.

The wall-mounted version costs the same $299 despite losing the tabletop model's speaker base, woofer, and passive radiators. Mounts start at $59.95, and the box includes no power adapter or cable. It could be a welcome replacement for an ‌iPad‌ mounted on a wall, but putting several around a home quickly becomes expensive.

Six years after the original ‌HomePod‌ mini, the HomePod mini 2 adds an S10 chip, Sound Glow lighting, and support for ‌Siri‌ AI while retaining the same basic speaker hardware. Its $149 price is roughly 50% higher than the original's $99 launch price, following a June increase to $129.

The new model can serve as a default Mac speaker on models with Wi-Fi 6E or later. ‌Siri‌ AI is likely to make a bigger difference to everyday use, but it will arrive later, after the speaker launches on October 30.

The new Apple TV 4K also asks buyers to pay more for a familiar product. At $299, it adds the A19 chip, built-in microphones, and an updated ‌Siri‌ Remote. ‌Siri‌ AI is also coming to older models, while the new remote can be bought separately for $59.

The starting price is now more than twice the $129 entry point available before June's increases. The new model includes 128GB of storage, Ethernet, and Thread, and the equivalent outgoing model had already reached $249. Even so, $299 is a substantial outlay for a streaming box when many existing owners have little reason to replace theirs.

Support for four HomePods is one reason to upgrade. The new ‌Apple TV‌ can use matching front and rear pairs of ‌HomePod mini 2‌ or second-generation full-sized HomePods for surround sound. Buying the box, two full-sized HomePods, and two ‌HomePod mini 2‌ speakers at Apple's U.S. prices totals $1,295. These are products people can keep for years, but that also makes keeping an existing setup an attractive option.

The Apple Home Collection, developed with LG and Schneider Electric, adds another set of expensive purchases. One-tap setup and a lock that uses Ultra Wideband to unlock as someone approaches are useful features. Whether they justify paying more than for other HomeKit accessories is another matter, especially when buying equipment for an entire home.

Apple is reportedly still working on a robotic home display and its own camera, separate from the LG and Schneider products. The camera is said to detect activity and presence without recording video.

We also look ahead to the rumored OLED MacBook, where a lighter design and a new display could matter more than the touchscreen. It is expected to be announced later this month. We also briefly return to the iPhone Duo, including whether its folding display and software changes make a more convincing case for trying a new kind of Apple device.

The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.

You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or other podcast apps. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your player.



If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our predictions about the HomeView, ‌HomePod mini 2‌, and new ‌Apple TV‌ 4K prior to their official announcement.

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 familiar guests such as Tyler Stalman, Michael Fisher, 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, 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.
Related Roundup: Apple HomeView
Tag: The MacRumors Show
Buyer's Guide: HomeView (Buy Now)
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech

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]]> Massive Discounts Hit 2026 MacBook Pro With Up to $800 Off https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/discounts-macbook-pro/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/massive-discounts-hit-2026-macbook-pro-with-up-to-800-off.2491910/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:45:56 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/discounts-macbook-pro/ Mitchel Broussard Deals major discounts on Apple's newest MacBook Pro models, including $500 off a 16-inch model and up to $800 off 14-inch models on Amazon.

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.

The 15-Core M5 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro with 24GB RAM and 2TB SSD has hit $2,399.00 on Amazon, down from $2,999.00. This one is only available in Space Black, and it's a new record low price on the 14-inch MacBook Pro, now priced just $100 more than the 1TB model on Amazon.

$600 OFF
14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/2TB) for $2,399.00

$800 OFF
14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/2TB) for $3,299.00

$500 OFF
16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/2TB) for $4,499.00


Additionally, Amazon has now sweetened the deal on the 14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro with 36GB RAM and 2TB SSD, available for $3,299.00, down from $4,099.00. This is now a massive $800 discount on the new price of the MacBook Pro, and it beats the previous discount we saw earlier in the month by $200.

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 Pre-Orders Kick Off With First Discounts on HomeView and Apple TV 4K https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-pre-orders-first-discounts/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-pre-orders-kick-off-with-first-discounts-on-homeview-and-apple-tv-4k.2491917/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:13:43 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-pre-orders-first-discounts/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured
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.

Apple Pre-Orders



  • What's the deal? Get early pre-order discounts on HomeView, Apple TV 4K, and iPhone Duo

  • Where can I get it? Amazon and cellular carriers

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here

$9 OFF
HomeView for $289.99

$9 OFF
Apple TV 4K for $289.99

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


It's pre-order week for Apple's newest devices, with the HomeView, Apple TV 4K, and iPhone Duo all now available to be pre-ordered. On Amazon, you can get a small discount on the HomeView and Apple TV 4K, while cellular carriers like AT&T have up to $1,200 off with trade-in credit on the iPhone Duo.

Mac Mini and Mac Studio



  • What's the deal? Get record low prices on Mac mini and Mac Studio

  • Where can I get it? Amazon

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here

$200 OFF
M5 Max Mac Studio 36GB/512GB for $2,299.00

$119 OFF
M6 Mac mini 16GB/256GB for $779.99

$149 OFF
M6 Mac mini 16GB/512GB for $949.99


Apple's M5 Max Mac Studio with 36GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is still on sale for $2,299.00, down from $2,499.00. Regarding the Mac mini, you can get the 16GB RAM/256GB SSD Mac mini for $779.99, down from $899.00, and the 16GB RAM/512GB SSD model for $949.99, down from $1,099.00.

Apple Watch SE 3



  • What's the deal? Get $49 off Apple Watch SE 3

  • Where can I get it? Amazon

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here

$49 OFF
Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm GPS) for $199.99


Amazon is discounting one model of the Apple Watch SE 3 today, with a price that matches the Prime Day low we saw earlier in the month. You can get the 40mm GPS model for $199.99, a $49 discount.

MacBook Pro



  • What's the deal? Get record low prices on 2026 MacBook Pro

  • Where can I get it? Amazon

  • Where can I find the original deal? Right here

$600 OFF
14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/2TB) for $2,399.00

$800 OFF
14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/2TB) for $3,299.00

$500 OFF
16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/2TB) for $4,499.00


Amazon has introduced a giant $800 discount on the 36GB/2TB 14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro, now priced at $3,299.00. This is the steepest discount on the 14-inch models right now, but you'll also find a few entry-level options on sale below.

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 as we head into 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!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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]]> iPhone Duo Resold for $5,000 on eBay After Selling Out https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-resold-for-5000-dollars-on-ebay/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-duo-resold-for-5-000-on-ebay-after-selling-out.2491914/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:50:12 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-resold-for-5000-dollars-on-ebay/ Joe Rossignol iPhone Duo eBay spotted by Vadim Yuryev of the YouTube channel Max Tech, the iPhone Duo has already been resold on eBay for as much as $5,000 after shipping estimates for the device slipped into 2027 on Apple's online store within minutes of pre-orders beginning today.


The listing that is marked as sold is for an iPhone Duo in the Night Sky color with 2TB of storage. Apple sells this configuration for $3,199 in the U.S., so the device has apparently fetched an $1,800 premium on eBay.

A separate eBay listing for a "confirmed pre-order" of an iPhone Duo in Night Sky with 1TB of storage is also marked as sold for $4,400. Apple sells this configuration for $2,599, so this device has also been resold at a $1,800 premium.

Apple's online store in the U.S. showed an estimated shipping date of January 25 for all iPhone Duo configurations when this article was published.
Related Roundup: iPhone Duo
Tag: eBay
Buyer's Guide: iPhone Duo (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPhone

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]]> Developers Question Scope of Potential Apple Antitrust Settlement https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/developers-question-scope-of-antitrust-settlement/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/developers-question-scope-of-potential-apple-antitrust-settlement.2491915/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:41:29 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/developers-question-scope-of-antitrust-settlement/ Hartley Charlton Apple Antitrust Epic Games Epic Games vs. Apple PayPal Proton The Information United States antitrust case against Apple would meaningfully loosen the company's control over the iPhone, according to The Information.



The report highlights PayPal and Epic Games among the companies that have raised concerns with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Officials have reportedly indicated that they favor a negotiated resolution and have asked developers to suggest improvements to how the iPhone works with other companies' products.

These discussions largely center on interoperability, including access for competing accessories and payment services. The concern among developers and antitrust lawyers cited in the report is how much Apple would actually have to change. Rival smartwatches, for example, lack much of the integration available to the Apple Watch, while competing payment apps reportedly still face disadvantages despite gaining access to near-field communication (NFC) technology for contactless payments.

When the DOJ filed its lawsuit in March 2024, it alleged that restrictions affecting messaging, digital wallets, smartwatches, cloud gaming, and multipurpose apps helped Apple unlawfully protect its smartphone monopoly. Apple rejected these allegations and argued that the government's proposed intervention would threaten its ability to design integrated products.

Some of the capabilities at issue have changed since the lawsuit began. Apple added Rich Communication Services (RCS) support to Messages with iOS 18, improving communication with Android phones. It also expanded access to the iPhone's NFC capabilities for third-party contactless transactions starting with iOS 18.1.

According to The Information, Apple offered interoperability concessions during an earlier attempt to avert the lawsuit. The company could still resist the broader changes developers want, leaving the current negotiations without an agreement. Proton said it doubted Apple would accept terms developers would regard as satisfactory.
Tags: Apple Antitrust, Epic Games, Epic Games vs. Apple, PayPal, Proton, The Information, United States

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]]> iPhone Duo is Sold Out for Christmas as Shipping Estimates Slip to 2027 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-sold-out-for-christmas/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-duo-is-sold-out-for-christmas-as-shipping-estimates-slip-to-2027.2491906/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:11:43 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-sold-out-for-christmas/ Joe Rossignol iPhone Duo No Linkback If you were hoping to surprise someone with an iPhone Duo for Christmas, you might be out of luck, as Apple's online store in the U.S. is already showing an estimated shipping date of January 25 for all configurations following the start of pre-orders today.

It is possible that some Apple Stores will have the iPhone Duo available for walk-in customers on Friday, October 23 launch day, but it seems likely that inventory will be very tight. For customers interested in reserving an Apple Store pickup slot, Apple's online store now says to check back on Saturday, October 24 for this.
Related Roundup: iPhone Duo
Buyer's Guide: iPhone Duo (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPhone

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]]> Didn't Pre-Order an iPhone Duo Yet? Wait Times Are Significant Now https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-preorder-shipping-wait-times/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/didnt-pre-order-an-iphone-duo-yet-wait-times-are-significant-now.2491903/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:27:22 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-preorder-shipping-wait-times/ Joe Rossignol Featured iPhone Duo

The first customers who pre-ordered right when pre-orders began at 5 a.m. Pacific Time today will have their iPhone Duo delivered on Friday, October 23 launch day. By just 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time though, Apple's online store in the U.S. was already showing a shipping date of January 25 for all iPhone Duo configurations.

  • iPhone Duo / Star White / 256GB: January 25

  • iPhone Duo / Star White / 512GB: January 25

  • iPhone Duo / Star White / 1TB: January 25

  • iPhone Duo / Star White / 2TB: January 25

  • iPhone Duo / Night Sky / 256GB: January 25

  • iPhone Duo / Night Sky / 512GB: January 25

  • iPhone Duo / Night Sky / 1TB: January 25

  • iPhone Duo / Night Sky / 2TB: January 25
As always, Apple's shipping estimates are based on a combination of supply and demand, and we do not know how much supply was available on day one of pre-orders. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that iPhone Duo supply would be limited, following earlier reports of potential manufacturing challenges resulting in low production yield.

With shipping times now into 2027, the iPhone Duo is no longer available in time for delivery before Christmas through Apple's online store.

It may still be possible to secure an iPhone Duo far earlier than January by visiting an Apple Store on October 23 launch day. However, based on how quickly shipping times slipped, it seems likely that most locations will have extremely tight inventory for walk-in customers. iPhone Duo is also available at resellers like Best Buy.

Apple Store pickup was briefly an option when placing an iPhone Duo pre-order on Apple's online store, but the pickup system has now been disabled, with Apple now informing customers to check back on Saturday, October 24 for this.
Related Roundup: iPhone Duo
Buyer's Guide: iPhone Duo (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPhone

This article, "Didn't Pre-Order an iPhone Duo Yet? Wait Times Are Significant Now" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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]]> First Apple TV 4K Pre-Order Discount Arrives at Amazon https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-tv-4k-pre-order-discount/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/first-apple-tv-4k-pre-order-discount-arrives-at-amazon.2491901/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:17:34 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/apple-tv-4k-pre-order-discount/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured pre-order discount on the HomeView, Amazon is now offering the first cash discount on the brand new A19 Apple TV 4K. You can get this model for $289.99, down from $299.00.

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

This is a pre-order discount on the new Apple TV 4K, and Amazon provides an estimated delivery on launch day, which is November 13. Although only a $9 discount, this is now the best price we've tracked on the device, and as of writing Amazon is the only place offering any sort of markdown.

$9 OFF
Apple TV 4K for $289.99


For anyone who just wants to upgrade their existing Apple TV 4K with the new Find My-enabled Siri Remote, Amazon has that accessory for pre-order at $59.00. There's no discount on the Siri Remote, but if you purchase this without spending on an entirely new Apple TV 4K, you'll definitely be saving yourself some money.

PRE-ORDER
New Siri Remote for $59.00


If you're looking to save on the HomeView, Amazon has the home hub device for $289.99 as well, down from $299.00. This one is available in Space Gray and Rose Pink colors, and it's also set to launch on November 13.

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 as we head into 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!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

This article, "First Apple TV 4K Pre-Order Discount Arrives at Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

]]> iPhone Duo Pre-Order Deals: The Best Carrier Offers From AT&T and T-Mobile https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-pre-order-deals/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-duo-pre-order-deals-the-best-carrier-offers-from-at-t-and-t-mobile.2491896/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:03:14 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-pre-order-deals/ Mitchel Broussard Deals Featured launched pre-orders for the iPhone Duo. If you're looking to place a pre-order on one of these models at a cellular carrier, we've rounded up all of the best deals and offers you can find from the major carriers in the United States.

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.

AT&T


At AT&T, 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.

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


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


T-Mobile


T-Mobile is offering up to $1,000 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.

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


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.

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 as we head into 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!




Related Roundup: Apple Deals

This article, "iPhone Duo Pre-Order Deals: The Best Carrier Offers From AT&T and T-Mobile" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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]]> iPhone Duo Now Available to Pre-Order From Apple https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-now-available-to-pre-order/ https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-duo-now-available-to-pre-order-from-apple.2491895/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:37 +0000 https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/16/iphone-duo-now-available-to-pre-order/ Juli Clover Featured iPhone Duo Product Release (Buyer's Guide) iPhone Duo through its online storefront and Apple Store app. If you don't see the option to order, refresh both the website and the app until the store loads.


Pre-orders for the ‌iPhone Duo‌ are launching in more than 70 countries and regions. Customers who used the "Get Ready" option to set up a purchase should be able to check out with a couple of taps.

The ‌iPhone Duo‌ is Apple's first foldable smartphone. It features a 5.4-inch display when closed and a 7.6-inch display when open. It has an iPad-like aspect ratio and at 5.2mm when unfolded, it is Apple's thinnest iPhone to date.

Apple designed the ‌iPhone Duo‌ with an aluminum and titanium frame, complete with ceramic fiber antenna inserts and support ribs. It has a hinge with more than 100 components, and can be used in multiple orientations and positions. It lacks Face ID and adopts Touch ID instead, and it has a two-lens camera system without a telephoto lens.

The ‌iPhone Duo‌ is priced starting at $1,999 for 256GB of storage, and it comes in star white and night sky colors. Apple says its specialists are available to help users find ways to save and pay, including with Apple Upgrade, a Klarna-run lease program. With a 24-month lease, ‌iPhone Duo‌ pricing starts at $57.99 per month. Apple says customers can save from $175 to $885 by trading in an eligible iPhone 13 or newer.

If you're ordering an ‌iPhone Duo‌, it's a good idea to opt for AppleCare+. Some ‌iPhone Duo‌ repair fees are as high as $1,499 without a protection plan.

Along with Apple, carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are accepting ‌iPhone Duo‌ pre-orders. Carriers have trade-in deals and discounts available, but make sure to read all of the fine print ahead of time.

Rumors suggest ‌iPhone Duo‌ supplies are limited due to production issues. The new iPhone could sell out quickly, so order right away if you want one on launch day.

Customers who successfully pre-order an ‌iPhone Duo‌ for launch day delivery will get their devices on Friday, October 23.
Related Roundup: iPhone Duo
Buyer's Guide: iPhone Duo (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPhone

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