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iOS 26.3 Public Beta 2 Launched: Overview of New Features and Enhancements

Apple has unveiled the second beta iteration of iOS 26.3 for public beta testers, representing a major update following the initial beta release nearly a month ago. This latest version arrives after a holiday hiatus during which Apple suspended public beta updates.

Among the most significant enhancements in iOS 26.3 beta 2 is the foundation for end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging within the Messages app. A user on social media brought attention to this development by discovering code references that indicate certain carriers will endorse this encryption feature. The presence of the code string ‘SupportsE2EE’ implies that Apple is gearing up to incorporate complete RCS end-to-end encryption, possibly aligning with the public rollout of iOS 26.3.

Apple has earlier pledged to back end-to-end encryption for RCS in future releases, and while it is still unclear if iOS 26.3 will be the version to provide this feature, the new code is a promising sign of its pending introduction.

In addition to RCS upgrades, iOS 26.3 beta 2 preserves several functionalities first introduced in the initial beta, such as a new option for transferring data from iPhone to Android, enhancements to the wallpaper gallery, a notification forwarding capability for users within the European Union, and various other improvements.

As beta testers delve into the new functionalities, feedback and discoveries from the community are welcomed, encouraging a cooperative atmosphere for improving the iOS experience.

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iOS 26.3 Public Beta 2 Launched: Overview of New Features and Enhancements
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Public Beta 2 Launched for macOS Tahoe 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Apple has restarted its beta update process following a holiday hiatus, launching public beta 2 for macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and more. This recent batch of public betas comes on the heels of the recently released developer beta 2.

The 26.3 software series seems to be fairly minimal in terms of new features. The key enhancements are located in iOS 26.3, which brings a tool for migrating data from iPhone to Android, improvements to the wallpaper gallery, and new settings designed for EU users. Other updates within the 26.3 series haven’t disclosed any substantial changes aside from bug fixes and performance enhancements.

As the beta cycle progresses, there could be unexpected developments, but it is anticipated that the updates will arrive shortly, setting the stage for a more feature-rich 26.4 cycle. Users are invited to share any discoveries from beta 2 for iPadOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, or any other updates in the comments.

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Public Beta 2 Launched for macOS Tahoe 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3
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Verizon Prolongs Phone Locking Duration, Creating Challenges for Customers Switching Carriers

**Verizon’s FCC Petition: Modifications to Phone Unlocking Policy**

Verizon has recently achieved success in its request to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to alter the regulations regarding the unlocking of phones, leading to a less customer-friendly policy for its users. This adjustment is noteworthy, as it reshapes the environment for consumers intending to change carriers.

### FCC’s Ruling on Device Unlocking

The FCC has provided Verizon with a waiver permitting the company to lock phones to its network for longer durations. Formerly, Verizon was obligated to unlock devices 60 days post-activation. This latest decision indicates that Verizon will now only need to comply with the voluntary unlocking guidelines established by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). According to this policy, prepaid devices may be unlocked one year after activation, while postpaid devices are only eligible for unlocking after meeting contractual commitments, device financing arrangements, or early termination fees.

### Consequences for Consumers

This ruling complicates the process for consumers wishing to transition from Verizon to alternative carriers. The previous stipulation permitted automatic unlocking after 60 days, affording a clear pathway for customers wanting to migrate. Now, patrons must wait a complete year and initiate a request for unlocking, which adds complexity to the entire procedure.

### Context of Verizon’s Unlocking Regulations

Traditionally, Verizon has functioned under different unlocking regulations when compared to its rivals. While the majority of carriers adhere to the one-year unlocking stipulation, Verizon’s earlier guidelines were partly influenced by strategic decisions made during significant commercial undertakings. For example, when Verizon secured licenses for 700 MHz spectrum in 2008 and during its 2021 merger with TracFone, it committed to specific unlocking stipulations.

### Justification for the FCC’s Decision

The FCC defended its ruling by claiming that the earlier unlocking policy encouraged unlawful activities, such as phone theft, which could be leveraged for fraudulent purposes. Verizon supported this viewpoint, asserting that the former regulations unintentionally aided international criminal organizations at the detriment of legitimate customers.

### Summary

For Verizon users, this policy adjustment signifies a significant shift in the management of phone unlocking. The new requirement not only prolongs the waiting period for unlocking devices but also adds layers of difficulty to the process of changing carriers. As the telecom sector continues to transform, consumers will have to navigate these developments thoughtfully.

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Verizon Prolongs Phone Locking Duration, Creating Challenges for Customers Switching Carriers
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BTS Unveils 2026 Global Tour with Launch Date Confirmed

BTS ARMY may inform you, especially in the middle of January 2026, as the cherished K-pop group revealed the BTS World Tour. This marks their inaugural tour after the seven members (RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook) completed their military duties.

The group disclosed the timeline for the BTS World Tour precisely at midnight on Wednesday (Korea time), right on cue. The group confirmed on January 4 following an online teaser campaign that they will unveil BTS’ fifth album on March 20, and reveal the BTS World Tour dates on January 14. That teaser hinted that the tour would not commence before March 20, as they aim to promote the new album during the tour.

Fast-forward to January 14 (Korea time), or January 13 for much of the globe, and the dates for the BTS World Tour are here. The tour will run for nearly a year, beginning on April 9, 2026, in Goyang, Korea, and concluding on March 14, 2027, in Manila, Philippines. The group will journey worldwide across Asia, North America, Europe, South America, and Australia during this period. Below you will find the complete dates for the BTS World Tour concerts announced on Tuesday/Wednesday. BTS has only shared precise details for the inaugural concert in Goyang Stadium.

BTS World Tour complete dates

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BTS Unveils 2026 Global Tour with Launch Date Confirmed
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Boeing’s Starliner Test Flight Defeat Remains a Challenge for NASA

stranded on the ISS for nine months, a significant deviation from the initial two weeks they were intended to remain onboard.

The source of the problem was those very helium leaks that NASA had nearly dismissed during previous evaluations. Although leaks in space are concerning, it is the nature of these leaks that rendered them catastrophic. While NASA minimized the issues in general, the Starliner debacle was, in reality, much more severe than presented, leaving both astronauts uncertain about the Boeing Starliner spacecraft’s capacity to return to Earth safely, due to the loss of four out of its 28 essential reaction control thrusters.

Four missing thrusters might not seem like a significant number, but with even one additional thruster failure, the astronauts would have lost all ability to manage the spacecraft’s movement. This is an especially perilous scenario when nearing a dynamic space station in orbit around the Earth — particularly one inhabited by a crew. To exacerbate the situation, NASA did not inform the astronauts about the full extent of the circumstances promptly, raising further concerns among participants of a recent safety panel investigating the matter.

Ongoing challenges and mismanagement

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Boeing's Starliner Test Flight Defeat Remains a Challenge for NASA
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Claim Your Complimentary $200 Verizon Gift Card Before the Deal Expires Tomorrow

If you’ve been thinking about switching to Verizon, now is an ideal moment to take the leap. Verizon is currently running a limited-time offer where new customers can get a complimentary $200 gift card when they buy a new phone and add a line at Verizon.com. However, this promotion is set to end tomorrow, January 14th, so swift action is required.

This deal is especially attractive because it can be stacked, meaning you can combine it with other Verizon promotions to enhance your savings. For example, you can acquire a free Google Pixel 10 Pro with qualifying trade-ins or benefit from an offer that provides four Galaxy S25 phones with four lines for only $25 per month.

Verizon’s myPlan options, including the Unlimited Welcome plan and the Unlimited Ultimate tier, qualify for this promotion. These plans deliver unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon’s expansive 5G network, as well as extra perks like premium mobile hotspot data, international coverage, and entertainment benefits.

The $200 gift card can be utilized on Verizon’s website for a range of products, such as devices, cases, and accessories, or even to reduce your phone bill. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone already contemplating a switch to Verizon, as the gift card amounts to essentially free money.

While many of Verizon’s specials may persist beyond the January 14th date, the opportunity to combine these offers with a free $200 gift card is a time-sensitive chance. If you’re intending to change wireless providers, move quickly to take advantage of this promotion.

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Claim Your Complimentary $200 Verizon Gift Card Before the Deal Expires Tomorrow
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Ongoing Promotions: $400 Discount on M4 iPad Pro, $150 Price Reduction on M4 Pro Mac Mini, AirTags Priced from $16 Each, Powerbeats Fit, and Additional Offers

### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Significant Price Cuts on Apple Goods

In this edition of the 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we showcase considerable markdowns on a range of Apple goods, such as the M4 Pro Mac mini and the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro, along with promotions on accessories like AirTags and Powerbeats Fit ANC earbuds.

#### Apple’s M4 Pro Mac mini: $150 Off

B&H is presently providing a **$150 reduction** on the **M4 Pro Mac mini** featuring 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, lowering the cost to **$1,249**. This offer is especially appealing as it beats Amazon’s ongoing price of **$1,269**. The typical price for this variant is **$1,399**, making this a compelling deal from a reliable Apple retailer. This price reduction follows a series of promotions during Black Friday and the holiday season, during which the price briefly fell to **$1,199**.

#### Apple’s 13-inch M4 iPad Pro: $400 Off

Amazon has reduced the cost of the **13-inch M4 iPad Pro** by **$400**, now priced at **$2,199**. This model comes with 2TB of storage and a Wi-Fi + Cellular configuration. While it remains a luxurious price for a tablet, it signifies a notable decrease from its original price of **$2,599**. With the recent release of the M5 model, these discounts on the M4 are anticipated to attract buyers seeking high-performance tablets.

#### Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $65

Amazon is providing the **Apple AirTag 4-pack** for **$64.98**, which amounts to **$16.25 per tag**. This offer reflects a **34% discount** from its retail price of **$99**. The prices of AirTags have varied, but this current offer is among the best observed in recent months, particularly with the buzz surrounding a second-generation model.

#### Powerbeats Fit ANC Buds: Price Reduction

The **Powerbeats Fit ANC buds** in Spark Orange are currently available for **$177**, reduced from the standard price of **$200**. This marks one of the lowest prices recorded for this model, which features Active Noise Cancellation and a versatile design suitable for workouts. The earbuds provide six hours of battery life with ANC activated, extending to 30 hours when used with the charging case.

#### Additional Accessories and Charging Offers

Alongside the featured products, there are numerous accessories and charging promotions on offer. Noteworthy is Apple’s official **6-foot 240W USB-C Woven Charge Cable**, now available at a low price of **$18** on Amazon.

### Conclusion

Today’s promotions provide fantastic opportunities for anyone aiming to enhance their Apple devices or accessories. With considerable markdowns on premium items like the M4 Pro Mac mini and the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro, as well as budget-friendly options like the AirTag 4-pack and Powerbeats Fit ANC buds, there’s something for everyone in this assortment of deals.

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Ongoing Promotions: $400 Discount on M4 iPad Pro, $150 Price Reduction on M4 Pro Mac Mini, AirTags Priced from $16 Each, Powerbeats Fit, and Additional Offers
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“Apple Glasses Anticipated to Drive Substantial Product Expansion via Three Main Benefits”

### Fresh Report Anticipates Substantial Expansion in AI Smart Glasses

A newly released report by Smart Analytics Global (SAG) predicts remarkable growth in the AI smart glasses sector, estimating that sales will leap from 6 million units in 2025 to 20 million in 2026. This increase is expected to be further accelerated by the projected introduction of Apple Glasses to the market around 2027.

#### Primary Growth Catalysts

As per SAG, Apple Glasses are projected to be a significant driver of this expansion owing to three core advantages:

1. **Industrial Aesthetics**: Apple is well-known for its outstanding industrial aesthetics, which are likely to be reflected in its smart glasses. Even with recent shifts in its design team, the company maintains its high design standards.

2. **Style Appeal**: The visual appeal of Apple products has consistently been a major attraction. The stylish design of Apple Glasses is expected to draw in a diverse consumer base, boosting their market appeal.

3. **Ecosystem Synergy**: Apple’s capability to integrate its devices smoothly within its ecosystem is an essential aspect. This synergy is anticipated to encourage user adoption and improve the functionality of the glasses in conjunction with other Apple devices.

These advantages mirror those that facilitated the success of the Apple Watch, suggesting that Apple will likely apply its wearables expertise to create a significant impact in the smart glasses arena.

#### Long-Term Industry Perspective

SAG’s report also indicates that smart glasses will complement smartphones rather than replace them. By 2030, it is expected that annual sales of smart glasses will hit 75 million units, with heads-up display (HUD) versions emerging as the favored option from 2028 onwards.

The anticipated growth in the AI smart glasses sector signifies a tremendous opportunity for both established technology firms and new players. As consumer interest in augmented reality and wearable tech continues to grow, the market is set for significant evolution.

For further insights into the latest news regarding Apple Glasses, readers can check out rumored features and updates from various technology news outlets.

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"Apple Glasses Anticipated to Drive Substantial Product Expansion via Three Main Benefits"
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Reasons to Steer Clear of Linking Your Smart TV to Wi-Fi

if the Wi-Fi seems inconsistent frequently, you ought to begin connecting your TV with an Ethernet cable. This cable provides a wired link between your internet modem or router to your smart TV, computer, and other gadgets, making it perfect for those desiring a dependable internet connection to prevent potential speed variations from your ISP due to various factors, such as network congestion or your router’s performance.

Users may experience the same speed with Ethernet as they would with Wi-Fi, and an Ethernet cable that supports up to 100Mbps is sufficient for streaming your favorite Netflix series in 4K. According to Netflix, 15Mbps is adequate for 4K streaming, while 25Mbps offers enhanced buffering, allowing your content to load more quickly. Thus, to enjoy a dependable and high-definition TV experience, a fraction of what an Ethernet cable typically delivers is typically sufficient.

This is the recommendation from TV manufacturers like Samsung. Samsung indicates that although a wireless connection provides users with more flexibility in positioning their TVs as they wish, an Ethernet connection is more robust and stable, which means that if your internet connection is sufficiently fast, you’ll be able to stream content in 4K, switch between streams, and easily watch your preferred live content in real time without long buffering periods or loss of picture quality.

Which Ethernet cable should you choose for a smart TV?

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Reasons to Steer Clear of Linking Your Smart TV to Wi-Fi
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