Author: Richard

# Apple’s Anticipated iPhone Collection for 2026

Apple is preparing for an exhilarating year in 2026, with more than 20 new products projected to debut, including four fresh iPhone models. Among these, the iPhone 17e is expected to be the first to arrive, succeeded by the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable variant rumored to be named the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra.

## iPhone 17e

The iPhone 17e is scheduled for release in the next month or two, acting as the successor to the iPhone 16e and rounding out the iPhone 17 series. This model is speculated to boast multiple upgrades, such as:

– A19 chip, an enhancement over the A18
– Dynamic Island replacing the notch
– Center Stage front camera
– Slimmer bezels for a contemporary look
– MagSafe compatibility

Nonetheless, it will maintain a single rear camera, with the display foregoing ProMotion and always-on functionality, along with Camera Control. Priced at around $599, the iPhone 17e aims to attract budget-aware consumers seeking an upgrade.

## iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

Projected to launch in the autumn, likely in September, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will expand upon the achievements of the iPhone 17 Pro. While major alterations may not be foreseen, the improvements from the earlier model could render these flagship devices highly desirable.

## iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra

Following years of conjecture, Apple is poised to unveil its inaugural foldable iPhone, rumored to be designated either the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. This groundbreaking device is anticipated to debut in the fall with a starting price of roughly $2,000.

The iPhone Fold is expected to showcase a stylish titanium chassis, featuring an inner display of approximately 7.6 inches and an outer display around 5.4 inches. It will adopt a book-style folding design, reportedly free of a screen crease. Furthermore, it may contain the largest iPhone battery to date, although the new form factor raises concerns regarding overall battery endurance.

The device is likely to incorporate the A20 Pro chip from the iPhone 18 Pro, alongside two rear cameras and two front-facing cameras—one for each display. Due to size limitations, Apple may choose to use Touch ID as opposed to Face ID.

## 2026 iPhones Conclusion: No iPhone 18?

Significantly, the base model iPhone 18 is not anticipated to launch this year. Typically, a base model is introduced concurrently with the Pro models in the fall, but reports indicate that the iPhone 18 will be postponed until early 2027. Premium iPhone 18 versions are still expected to debut in fall 2026, with the budget-friendly base iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and possibly the iPhone Air 2 following in spring 2027.

As Apple gears up to introduce its new iPhone collection, consumers are left pondering the features and innovations that will characterize the forthcoming generation of iPhones.

Three U.S. Senators, Ron Wyden, Ed Markey, and Ben Ray Luján, have officially asked Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai to temporarily take down the X and Grok applications from their app stores. This request arises due to troubling reports about the creation of nonconsensual sexualized images of women and children via these platforms.

In a public letter directed to the CEOs, the senators conveyed their worries regarding the “appalling content generation” enabled by the Grok AI feature within the X app. They pointed out that users have misused this technology to produce disturbing and harmful images, including representations of sexual abuse, humiliation, and violence against women and children. The letter stresses that such activities not only breach the app stores’ terms of service but also reflect a serious disregard for the safety and dignity of individuals.

The senators noted that X Corp’s recent actions, especially under CEO Elon Musk’s leadership, appear to have fostered this trend, with Musk’s reactions to the content being characterized as dismissive. The letter highlights the urgency of the matter, demanding prompt action to safeguard vulnerable groups from this kind of exploitation.

Moreover, the senators cited a precedent wherein Apple and Google rapidly removed apps associated with tracking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations when pressured by the Department of Homeland Security. They asserted that, in contrast to the questioned apps, which did not create harmful content, the X and Grok apps are directly involved in producing and spreading illegal and harmful material. The senators implored both companies to exhibit a similar level of responsiveness in addressing the challenges posed by X and Grok.

The complete text of the open letter can be viewed through the provided link, detailing the senators’ concerns and their appeal for action against the harmful content generated by these applications.

### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Savings on Apple Products

In today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we showcase impressive savings on a range of Apple products, including the iPhone 16 Pro models, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch Series 11. These promotions offer a fantastic chance for shoppers wanting to upgrade their gadgets at lower prices.

#### iPhone 16 Pro Models: Up to $320 Off

Amazon is presently providing significant reductions on the iPhone 16 Pro models, particularly the 128GB and 256GB options. These variants are available at discounts of up to $320 off their standard prices, making them more affordable for a wider audience. The 128GB model, formerly priced at $999, is now available for $719, while the 256GB model, typically sold for $1,099, can be acquired for $779.

These iPhones are offered as Amazon Renewed Premium units, assuring top quality and dependability. Each transaction includes a one-year warranty and a return policy, offering reassurance for purchasers. The 256GB version is especially recommended for users who need extra storage without overspending.

#### MacBook Pro: Nearly $200 Off

Alongside the iPhone discounts, Amazon is also providing reductions on the newest M5-powered MacBook Pro models. The 16GB/1TB option is currently priced at $1,599.99, down from its usual price of $1,799, reflecting a savings of nearly $200. This configuration is praised for its performance and storage capacity, making it an excellent choice for professionals and creative individuals alike.

While the base model featuring 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is available for $1,449 (a $150 discount), the 1TB model offers better value for those requiring more storage for their work or personal endeavors.

#### Apple Watch Series 11: $100 Off

The Apple Watch Series 11 is also experiencing price reductions, with both the 42mm and 46mm models on sale for $100 off. The 42mm model is priced at $299, while the 46mm variant is available for $329. These prices reflect substantial savings from their original retail costs of $399 and $429, respectively.

The Series 11, launched in September, has become popular among customers, and this new discount makes it a compelling choice for individuals looking to boost their health and fitness tracking capabilities.

### Conclusion

Today’s offers on Apple products present a remarkable chance for buyers to save on premium devices. Whether you’re searching for a new iPhone, MacBook, or Apple Watch, these discounts are definitely worth exploring. As stock availability changes, it’s wise to act promptly to claim these deals.

# iPhone Users Can Set New Default Applications in the Settings App

By default, your iPhone utilizes preinstalled Apple applications for system actions such as opening hyperlinks, placing phone calls, and more. Nevertheless, iOS enables users to designate new default applications across various categories, with options significantly increasing in iOS 26.

## Categories of Default Apps You Can Modify in iOS 26

### All iPhone Users

– **Browser App**: Select a different application rather than Safari to open links to websites.
– **Calling**: Pick an alternative application instead of the Phone or FaceTime app for making calls.
– **Call Filtering**: Choose an application for displaying caller ID and blocking unwanted callers.
– **Email**: Choose another application instead of the Mail app for sending emails.
– **Keyboards**: Select an application for text-entry functions systemwide.
– **Messaging**: Opt for a different application instead of Messages for instant messaging.
– **Passwords & Codes**: Select another application for Password AutoFill in Safari and other apps.
– **Translation**: Choose a different application rather than the Translate app for translating selected text.

### Most iPhone Users*

– **Contactless Apps**: Pick an alternative application for carrying out contactless transactions using your device’s built-in technology.

*Available in the European Economic Area (European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States (including Puerto Rico), Uruguay, and Vietnam.

### EU and Japan Only

– **App Installation**: Select an alternative app marketplace rather than the App Store as your default.
– **Navigation**: Choose a different application instead of Apple Maps for opening location links.

### EU Only

– **Calling**: Select an app instead of the Phone app for placing new calls and reviewing call history.
– **Messaging**: Choose another app instead of Messages for sending and receiving SMS and RCS messages.

To change the default applications on your iPhone, open the Settings app and go to Apps ⇾ Default Apps. You will find descriptions of each app category and the implications of setting a new default.

What app categories have you designated new defaults for on your iPhone? Share your thoughts in the comments.

**Pluribus: A New Achievement for Apple TV+**

In December, Apple revealed that its original series *Pluribus* had emerged as the most viewed TV show in the history of the Apple TV streaming platform. While specific viewership numbers were not revealed, the show’s acclaim was further supported by its inclusion in Nielsen’s US streaming report for the week starting December 8, where it secured the ninth position among the top 10 streaming originals.

Despite its recent achievements, *Pluribus* did not appear on the Nielsen chart during November, making its debut in the December report. The top 10 originals list for the week of December 8-14 featured popular titles like *Stranger Things* and *Percy Jackson & the Olympians*, with *Pluribus* accruing a total of 360 million minutes viewed.

In contrast, Apple TV+ was absent from the overall streaming chart, which encompasses both acquired and original content. The lowest entry in that chart was *IT: Welcome to Derry*, with 660 million minutes viewed. For reference, *Stranger Things* led the list with more than 3 billion minutes viewed during the same timeframe.

Several elements contribute to *Pluribus*’s ranking. Firstly, the streaming industry is known for being secretive regarding viewership metrics, making it challenging to verify the accuracy of claims made by streaming platforms. Apple has not disclosed the viewer count for *Pluribus* or the total number of paying subscribers for its platform.

Secondly, Nielsen’s chart focuses on US streaming data, whereas Apple likely bases its viewership assertions on global figures, considering that Apple TV+ is accessible in over 100 countries. Moreover, Apple TV+ remains a relatively minor player in the streaming landscape, with its most popular shows frequently eclipsed by Netflix’s offerings.

Interestingly, *Pluribus* is a new series with merely seven episodes available as of the week of December 8, which restricts its potential viewing minutes when compared to established titles like *Severance* or *Ted Lasso*, which boast larger back catalogs. For example, *Severance* had nine episodes available at the time it gained traction, allowing for greater cumulative viewing time.

Despite these obstacles, *Pluribus* has proven to be a success for Apple, with a second season already greenlit and expected to start production next year, aiming for a release in 2027. As Apple continues to grow its streaming service, the success of *Pluribus* may herald a bright future for original content on Apple TV+.

Apple typically incorporates new emojis into the iPhone with iOS updates during the spring season. Recently, the Unicode Consortium released the complete list of draft emojis that may make their debut next year, as highlighted by Emojipedia.

Among the suggested additions are:

– A grinning face with squinting eyes
– A left-facing thumb gesture
– A right-facing thumb gesture
– A monarch butterfly
– A gherkin
– A lighthouse
– A meteor
– An eraser
– A handled net

These emojis are currently in draft stage, and once they receive approval, companies such as Apple and Google will develop their own variations based on the Unicode Consortium’s descriptions and prototypes.

As the emoji catalog grows, the enthusiasm among iPhone users seems to diminish. Apple has unveiled a new Genmoji feature in iOS 18 that enables users to design custom emojis from text descriptions or by merging existing emojis.

Apple has yet to implement the Unicode 17 characters, which were disclosed in July 2025. These emojis are anticipated to be added in a forthcoming update to iOS 26, probably in March or April. Following this schedule, the new Unicode 18 emojis will likely be integrated into iOS 27.4 in March or April of 2027.

The most recent batch of new emojis added to the iPhone came with iOS 18.4 in March 2025, following the Unicode 16 release.

What are your thoughts on the new emojis? Are there any emojis you’re still anticipating the Unicode Consortium to endorse?

In the annual proxy filing released today, Apple revealed detailed information concerning executive compensation for the year 2025, emphasizing the income of CEO Tim Cook and other senior executives, including Kevan Parekh, Kate Adams, Sabih Khan, Luca Maestri, and Deirdre O’Brien.

Tim Cook’s overall compensation for 2025 totaled $74,294,811, showing a minor decline compared to the last year. The specifics of Cook’s earnings are listed below:

– Salary: $3,000,000
– Stock awards: $57,535,293
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $12,000,000, determined by Apple’s performance against specified financial targets.
– All other compensation: $1,759,518, encompassing a range of benefits, such as retirement plans, vacation days, and costs related to private jet travel.

The “all other compensation” section specifically entails:

1. Apple’s contributions to Cook’s 401(k) plan: $21,000
2. Premiums for term life insurance: $2,964
3. Cash-out of vacation days: $57,692
4. Expenditures for security: $887,870, which includes personal security services.
5. Costs for personal air travel: $789,991, pertaining to Cook’s private aircraft use.

For reasons of security and efficiency, the Board requires Cook to use private aircraft for all business and personal travels.

Cook has indicated his plan to allocate his wealth to charitable efforts during his lifetime, adhering to a structured philanthropic strategy.

The compensation figures for the remaining members of Apple’s executive team in 2025 are as follows:

**CFO Kevan Parekh**
– Salary: $891,519
– Stock awards: $18,433,135
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $3,120,317
– All other compensation: $22,338
– **Total: $22,467,309**

**General Counsel Kate Adams**
– Salary: $1,000,000
– Stock awards: $22,009,766
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $4,000,000
– All other compensation: $22,482
– **Total: $27,032,248**

**COO Sabih Khan**
– Salary: $1,000,000
– Stock awards: $22,009,766
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $4,000,000
– All other compensation: $21,905
– **Total: $27,031,671**

**Former CFO Luca Maestri**
– Salary: $819,231
– Stock awards: $13,003,031
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $1,638,462
– All other compensation: $22,204
– **Total: $15,482,928**

**Retail + People SVP Deirdre O’Brien**
– Salary: $1,000,000
– Stock awards: $22,009,766
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $4,000,000
– All other compensation: $37,867
– **Total: $27,047,633**

Apple’s complete “Notice of 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement” can be accessed, and the annual meeting for shareholders is set to occur virtually on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT. Shareholders registered as of January 2, 2026, will be able to attend, vote, and pose questions during the meeting.