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**Apple’s Thrilling New Products for 2026**

As 2026 draws near, speculation indicates that Apple is preparing for a remarkable year, with more than 20 new products anticipated for launch. While numerous offerings will be enhancements to current hardware, multiple all-new items are creating significant excitement. Here are five of the most eagerly awaited new Apple products rumored for 2026.

### iPhone Fold

Following years of conjecture, the eagerly awaited foldable iPhone, known as the ‘iPhone Fold,’ is projected to debut this year. This groundbreaking gadget will showcase a book-style folding mechanism, expanding to a width that exceeds its height. The outer screen is expected to be roughly 5.3 inches, whereas the inner display will be around 7.7 inches. A key highlight will be its crease-free display technology, marking a major progression in foldable devices.

The iPhone Fold will be built with a titanium chassis, appearing like two stacked iPhone Airs but more slender, measuring about 4.5mm when open and 9mm when closed. It will use Touch ID rather than Face ID and will come with four cameras: one Center Stage front camera on each screen and two rear cameras. The expected price point is around $2,000.

### Apple Home Camera and Video Doorbell

Apple has typically allowed third-party companies to lead the smart home sector, but this is poised to change in 2026 with the launch of two new accessories: a Home Security Camera and a Video Doorbell. The security camera is rumored to incorporate facial recognition and infrared sensors, facilitating home automation, such as turning off lights when a room is empty or playing music favored by specific family members. The release timeline for the doorbell is less certain, but it may also debut this year. These products align with Apple’s wider strategy to bolster its HomeKit ecosystem.

### Apple Glasses

While Apple’s Vision Pro has not yet reached mainstream popularity, the company is reportedly planning to reveal a new wearable, possibly called ‘Apple Glasses’ or ‘Apple Vision.’ This device is set to launch late in 2026, with shipping anticipated in 2027. Unlike the AR glasses that Apple CEO Tim Cook is enthusiastic about, these glasses will prioritize AI and Siri integration, featuring cameras for taking photos and videos, built-in speakers, and a chip comparable to the Apple Watch. They will offer comprehensive integration with the iPhone, establishing them as a rival to current offerings like Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses.

### HomePod Touch / HomePad

Another thrilling product expected for release in 2026 is the HomePod Touch, also known as HomePad. Originally slated for a March launch, the release has been postponed to align with forthcoming AI enhancements for Siri. The HomePod Touch is rumored to have a 7-inch square display, new homeOS software with native applications, widgets akin to the iPhone StandBy mode, a camera for FaceTime, and modular attachments for diverse mounting options. The anticipated price is around $350.

### New MacBook

Apple is also expected to introduce a new entry-level MacBook in the near future. This version is anticipated to have a 12.9-inch display, slightly smaller than the current MacBook Air, and will be powered by an iPhone-class chip, likely the A18 Pro. The new MacBook may be available in several colors, including blue, pink, yellow, and silver, with a competitive price range estimated between $599 and $699.

### Conclusion

With these thrilling new products on the horizon, 2026 is set to be a landmark year for Apple. From the innovative iPhone Fold to the new HomePod Touch and the expected Apple Glasses, consumers have much to anticipate. Which of these new products excites you the most?

Spotify has launched a new feature known as ‘Listening Activity’ in its iOS application, enabling users to see what their friends are currently listening to in real-time. This functionality boosts social interaction on the platform, allowing users to share their listening habits while also discovering music through their friends.

### How Spotify’s ‘Listening Activity’ Feature Operates on iPhone

The ‘Listening Activity’ feature expands upon Spotify’s current Messages section, which debuted last year. Here’s how it works:

1. **Opt-In Privacy Settings**: Users need to activate the feature via the Privacy and social settings located in the side drawer beside the “View profile” button. This ensures that only users who want to share their listening data can do so.

2. **Real-Time Updates**: After activation, users can observe their friends’ listening activities in the chat row of the side drawer and at the top of Messages chats. This offers a dynamic way to stay connected with friends’ music tastes.

3. **Interactive Features**: By selecting a friend or family member’s listening activity, users can add tracks to their library, initiate playback, open the track’s context menu, or respond using one of six standard emojis. This interactivity enhances the social aspect of music listening.

Alongside the ‘Listening Activity’ feature, Spotify has also introduced a ‘Request to Jam’ feature, enabling users to invite friends for a shared listening experience, akin to Apple’s SharePlay. This feature aims to promote communal music enjoyment among users.

Both functionalities are being rolled out starting today in markets where Messages is offered, with broader availability anticipated by early February.

Spotify’s recent updates showcase its dedication to boosting user engagement and social connectivity through music, facilitating easier sharing and enjoyment of music among friends.

WhatsApp has recently unveiled its inaugural new features of the year, presenting three major upgrades for group chats. These improvements are aimed at enhancing user experience and enabling better communication among groups. The new features consist of Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders.

### WhatsApp Introduces Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders

As the competition in the messaging app arena heats up, WhatsApp is enhancing its offerings with these new capabilities. The updates are intended to improve the structure and interaction of group chats, allowing users to communicate in a more meaningful way.

#### 1. Member Tags
Member Tags enable users to designate specific roles or identifiers within a group chat. This feature proves particularly advantageous in groups with various participants, as it offers context regarding each member’s role. For example, a user might choose to identify as “Anna’s Dad” in one group and “Goalkeeper” in another, helping to clarify their identity and role in different discussions.

#### 2. Text Stickers
With the launch of Text Stickers, users can now generate stickers from any text they input. This feature fosters greater creativity and personalization in messages, allowing users to create distinctive communications. Furthermore, users can incorporate their newly crafted stickers straight into their sticker packs, simplifying the sharing of customized content.

#### 3. Event Reminders
Event Reminders boost group organization by permitting users to establish personalized reminders for events shared within the group. When organizing an event, users can set reminders for invitees, guaranteeing that everyone is alerted ahead of time. This feature is especially useful for planning gatherings, meetings, or calls, aiding participants in remembering important dates and times.

Although the specific version of the WhatsApp iOS app needed for these features is not disclosed, it is typical for WhatsApp to implement and announce new functionalities at various intervals. The rollout of these features underscores WhatsApp’s dedication to enhancing user experience and responding to the continually changing demands of its user community.

In summary, WhatsApp’s latest group chat features—Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders—are poised to improve communication and organization within group chats. Users can anticipate a more engaging and organized messaging experience as these features roll out.