AllYouCanTech

**Support for Older Version of Apple Home Will Conclude February 10**

Apple’s HomeKit and the Home app have been essential to smart home management for more than ten years. In 2022, Apple rolled out a new framework for the Home app designed to improve the efficiency and dependability of controlling home devices. Although the upgrade was originally voluntary, Apple has established a definitive deadline for users who have not yet made the switch to the new system.

Initially planned for Fall 2025, the deadline for transitioning to the new Home app framework has been updated to February 10, 2026. Apple has started reaching out to users through email to remind them of this looming deadline, encouraging those who have not yet made the update to act swiftly.

The update procedure is simple:

1. Open the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Tap or click the More button.
3. Choose Home Settings.
4. Select Software Update.
5. Tap or click Update Now and follow the instructions.

It’s crucial to understand that devices operating on earlier versions of iOS will need to be updated to access the new Home app. Any device connected to an upgraded home that does not utilize iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2 or higher will lose access until it is updated.

Looking forward, speculation indicates that Apple might be preparing a considerable expansion of its smart home product range, with possible new hardware announcements anticipated around March.

For users who have not yet upgraded, now is the moment to ensure compatibility and benefit from the new features provided by the revised Apple Home app.

# 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.

### A Two-Mac User’s Journey: A Personal Contemplation

My journey with Macs is quite extensive, beginning with the original Macintosh that debuted in 1984. I can hardly keep track of how many models I’ve owned since that time.

For most of the duration, I’ve only had one Mac at a time. There was an earlier phase when I possessed two Macs, and returning to that setup last year has proven to be very beneficial.

#### Embracing Dual Macs: The First Phase

I’ve always preferred laptops over desktops. This preference stems partly from my frequent business travels, but I also enjoy the flexibility of using them in coffee shops and moving my setup between my home office and the living room.

Nonetheless, I seek to have the largest screen possible and don’t wish to compromise power for portability. This has led me to the largest MacBook Pro available. During the Intel era, that was the 17-inch MBP.

That was my sole Mac for several years until I embarked on a cycling holiday in the Netherlands. I needed a Mac to connect with my Garmin GPS for daily route planning and to document the journey in a blog. Since my MacBook Pro couldn’t fit into my sleek panniers, I resorted to purchasing an 11-inch MacBook Air as a secondary device.

Living the two-Mac lifestyle had its benefits and drawbacks. The clear advantage was having the option to choose between a robust machine and a lightweight one based on my daily requirements. The main drawback was the necessity of duplicating my setups on both devices. This involved installing nearly all my third-party applications on both, along with various utilities that simplified my life. Syncing two Macs was also far less straightforward than it is in today’s cloud-centric landscape, leading to a significant administrative burden.

#### Returning to a One-Mac Lifestyle

Fast-forward to 2016. I could’ve held on to my aging 17-inch MacBook Pro for another year or two, but the chance to upgrade to a sleeker 15-inch MacBook Pro was simply too enticing to pass up.

In terms of size and weight, this fell in between the 11-inch MBA and the 17-inch MBP, and I decided it was portable enough to no longer warrant owning two machines. By the time it was substituted with the 16-inch model, my opinion remained that its portability was satisfactory.

I really valued having only one Mac to manage, even if syncing devices was much simpler by then. Technically, I still had two Macs since my MacBook Air was stored as an emergency backup, but I never actually used it, so I don’t count that.

I might have remained a one-Mac user indefinitely, but when the old MBA failed to start up while I was planning to lend it to a neighbor, it threw a wrench in that. Since it mostly served as a backup, I couldn’t justify purchasing a new one, so last year, I opted for a five-year-old 13-inch M1 MacBook Air.

#### Embracing Dual Macs: The Second Phase

I didn’t anticipate using the MacBook Air often, but I was taken aback by how much I did. It turned out to be lighter than the iPad Air and Magic Keyboard combination I sometimes used for more portable mobile tasks. Since I much prefer a Mac to an iPad, switching to the MBA for those instances was a clear choice.

I had grown so accustomed to the size and weight of my 16-inch MBP that I expected to seldom use the MBA. However, every time I did, I found it significantly more portable in two key areas.

First, the size was markedly more manageable in places where space is limited, such as seatback tables on airplanes and trains.

Second, the weight of the MBA was nearly unnoticeable when placed in a backpack for transport. When I traveled to Niagara Falls, for instance, I added the MacBook to my backpack and was grateful I did.

> When I spend a full day sightseeing, I typically carry a slim backpack with a few essentials: a compact umbrella in case of rain, a sweater for variable temperatures, a Kindle for metro rides, a water bottle, and a travel mug (I’m British – we can’t go more than an hour without tea).
> What I discovered was that the MacBook Air was so light that I hardly noticed it when I included it as well. This allowed me to assemble the Niagara video during the train ride back to the city. It was a fantastic use of time.