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Apple Unveils First Beta Release of iOS 26.5

Apple has unveiled the initial iOS 26.5 beta for developers, following the formal release of iOS 26.4 for iPhone. This new beta iteration, which is roughly 8GB in size for the iPhone 17 Pro, is anticipated to bring various enhancements and features.

In the prior update, iOS 26.4, Apple underscored 13 enhancements, encompassing improvements to Apple Music, the launch of new emoji, and upgrades to the keyboard experience. These modifications were designed to improve user engagement and overall functionality on iPhones.

With the arrival of iOS 26.5, there is hope for the introduction of much-anticipated Siri and Apple Intelligence features. Apple had earlier announced capabilities such as Personal Intelligence in 2024 but postponed their launch until 2025. Recently, in early 2026, Apple verified a collaboration with Google to implement Gemini AI models to fuel these forthcoming features, which has sparked enthusiasm among users and developers alike.

As developers evaluate the beta version, users are encouraged to stay informed about any new advancements or features that may surface. Looking forward, Apple plans to introduce iOS 27 during its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) on June 8, 2026, at Apple Park in California. This event is projected to showcase the subsequent generation of iOS and offer insights into future updates.

Currently, there have been no notable indications of new features in the iOS 26.5 beta, but users are advised to remain vigilant for upcoming announcements or updates.

Apple Anticipated to Surpass Overall Notebook Market Results Despite Falling Shipment Forecasts

TrendForce has adjusted its 2026 notebook shipment prediction downward, with Apple being the notable exception. Here are the specifics.

### Declining demand, increasing costs, and supply chain restructuring to significantly impact 2026

TrendForce has modified its forecast for the global notebook market in 2026, decreasing its shipment prediction from its earlier assessment:

> According to TrendForce’s most recent research on the notebook sector, global notebook shipments are displaying distinct signs of further decline. As a result, TrendForce has adjusted its 2026 full-year shipment forecast downward from -9.2% to -14.8% YoY, amid expectations of weakening end-market demand and rising supply chain expenses, indicating a more profound industry correction.

Two primary elements prompted the downward adjustment. Firstly, TrendForce points to “macroeconomic challenges” for a less robust recovery in the consumer market than anticipated. Secondly, it mentions that increasing component costs, partly stemming from “the swift growth of computing demand for AI,” will exert additional pressure on pricing throughout the industry.

> As critical component expenses continue to rise, notebook manufacturers are slowly transferring these increases to end-market prices to maintain margins.

TrendForce forecasts that prices will persist in their upward trend in the upcoming quarters, which will, in turn, make consumers more cautious and hesitant to acquire new products.

Regarding Apple, TrendForce reiterated that the company is in a better position to navigate these challenges due to its diminished dependency on external suppliers, combined with long-term partnerships and supply agreements:

> Apple has recently launched a more affordable model, the MacBook Neo. The main factors behind this decision include its proprietary Apple Silicon chips, which lessen reliance on outside CPU suppliers and offer greater flexibility in capacity management and cost discussions. Moreover, Apple’s highly standardized product specifications, streamlined model range, and focused memory capacities and configurations allow it to scale procurement volumes and enhance long-term contract negotiations.

Consequently, TrendForce anticipates that Apple will surpass the overall market performance, with shipments increasing by 7.7% year over year in 2026.

To access TrendForce’s complete report, follow this link.

Understanding Indirect Blockchain Exposure in Compliance: The Multi-Hop Challenge

Public blockchains operate as permissionless networks where anyone can send digital assets to any address at any time. This open architecture creates a fundamental technical challenge for compliance teams tracking the flow of funds. Digital assets rarely travel in straight lines. They often move through multiple intermediate wallets before reaching a final destination. This multi-hop […]

This story continues at The Next Web

Grab a Four-Pack of Govee Color-Changing Smart Bulbs for Just $27

Spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing things out. It’s also a chance to refresh your living space, and a simple place to start is smart lighting — specifically, Govee’s Smart A19 LED Light Bulbs. The color-changing bulbs can instantly change the vibe of your home, and now through the end of today, March 31st, you […]

The Elimination of Live Wallpapers on iPhone: Factors Influencing Apple’s Choice

When Apple initially launched live wallpapers years ago, the feature gained immense popularity among users. Its absence was felt on iPhones for a long time, and its implementation seemed like a necessary improvement. Live wallpapers animated static images through a long press. However, if you’ve attempted to set live wallpapers on more recent iPhones or iOS versions, you may have realized that the feature is absent. This is due to Apple’s elimination of live wallpapers from iPhones.

Though many users found the removal perplexing, it seems it was executed to enhance lock screen customization options. Given that the Apple Watch already employed the same long-press gesture for customizations that the iPhone used for live wallpapers, Apple decided to phase out the latter for a more seamless experience. So, while it might seem that Apple quietly took away a valuable feature, there is significantly more to the narrative, which is crucial to the overall user experience.

Apple emphasized lock screen customizations

Apple Launches macOS 26.5 Beta 1 for Evaluation

Apple is beginning to distribute the initial macOS 26.5 beta to developers, in conjunction with iOS 26.5 beta 1, iPadOS 26.5 beta 1, and updates for its various other operating systems. Here are the specifics.

### This is likely the final significant system update prior to WWDC26.

Less than a week after the launch of macOS 26.4, Apple is now distributing the first developer beta of macOS 26.5.

macOS 26.4 introduced numerous features that Apple had not previously disclosed, primarily the new Charge Limit feature. It also included eight new emoji, the initial consumer-facing warning about the discontinuation of Rosetta 2, and the reintroduction of the compact tab view in Safari.

This will probably be the last major macOS 26 update before WWDC26, where it is anticipated that Apple will unveil macOS 27. Last year, macOS 15.5 was released in May, while macOS 15.6 debuted in July, following WWDC25.

As is often true with first betas, it is currently unclear which, if any, changes or bug fixes Apple has planned. We are investigating the system and will update you with significant discoveries.

The release build for macOS 26.5 beta 1 is 25F5042g.

### How to install the new beta

Here’s how to install the macOS Tahoe 26.5 developer beta 1:

1. Backup your Mac
2. Open System Settings
3. Go to General ⇾ Software Update
4. Click the ‘i’ icon next to Beta Updates
5. From the dropdown menu in the upper-right, select the macOS Developer Tahoe Beta
6. Hit ‘Done’

Did you notice any changes in today’s betas? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple Intelligence Currently in Deployment in China, Based on User Reports [Update: Service Withdrawn]

**Apple Intelligence Introduces Itself in China: A Long-Expected Unveiling**

Apple Intelligence, the tech behemoth’s suite of AI functionalities, made its entrance in the United States in October 2024. Following a prolonged wait of nearly 18 months, it seems that these sophisticated AI features are finally making their way to China. This event marks a noteworthy achievement, as China was the final significant market without access to Apple Intelligence.

### Regulatory Challenges and Local Collaborations

The postponement of Apple Intelligence’s launch in China can be linked to rigid stipulations set by the Chinese government. Apple was required to partner with local AI firms to enhance the essential features, which complicated the launch process. Despite the functionalities being prepared for months, Apple has been maneuvering through the intricate regulatory environment to gain permission for the launch.

### User Feedback Confirms Accessibility

Recent feedback from various users suggests that Apple Intelligence has become available to iPhone users in China. This information has been spreading across different social media platforms, indicating that the rollout may be extensive. Users have observed that the AI features could necessitate iOS 26.4 for activation, although Apple has not yet officially verified this information.

### A Potentially Unofficial Launch?

While the announcement of Apple Intelligence’s availability in China has sparked enthusiasm, there remains some ambiguity regarding the rollout. Notably, Mark Gurman, a prominent tech journalist, suggested that the launch might have happened by error and that the features were removed pending regulatory approval. This prompts questions about whether the rollout was intentional or simply meant as a testing phase.

### Upcoming Updates and Features

Currently, Apple has not issued any official statements concerning the advancement of Apple Intelligence into China. Users are advised to remain alert for updates from the company, which may offer more insights into the features available in the region. The excitement surrounding this launch underscores the increasing significance of AI technology in everyday devices and the rising consumer demand for such innovations.

### Conclusion

The introduction of Apple Intelligence in China signifies a major advancement in Apple’s global AI strategy. As users start to utilize these features, the tech community will be closely observing for any official updates from Apple regarding the launch and its potential repercussions for the Chinese market. For individuals in China, the emergence of Apple Intelligence could elevate their iPhone experience, delivering cutting-edge AI capabilities to their devices.

Stellan Skarsgård Joins Untitled Apple TV Thriller Series After Oscar Nomination

Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård is poised to appear with Dakota Fanning in an upcoming unnamed international thriller series for Apple TV. This series, produced by Sony Pictures Television, has sparked considerable interest due to its star-studded cast and captivating concept.

Dakota Fanning, recognized for her diverse acting talents, will not only lead the series but also take on the role of executive producer alongside her sister, Elle Fanning. The series will be helmed by Kari Skogland, who has previously been involved in renowned projects like “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”

The plot centers on Fanning’s character, an undercover Treasury agent integrated within a multibillion-dollar international conglomerate. This conglomerate is portrayed as having widespread political and criminal ties. The narrative intensifies as she navigates her mission while developing emotions for her main target, who is the heir to the corrupt power structure she is probing.

Currently, there is no established release date for the series, and its title remains undisclosed. Nonetheless, given the high caliber of talent involved and the compelling storyline, it is eagerly awaited by audiences.

Apple TV continues to grow its content library, providing a subscription service that showcases a range of popular shows and films. The introduction of this thriller series is anticipated to further enhance its offerings, drawing in a larger viewership.