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Thirteen new auto brands to incorporate car keys into wallet app shortly

Apple introduced some impressive new CarPlay functionalities in iOS 26, but the company has additional features coming for your vehicle soon. Here are the 13 new automotive brands that Apple indicates will soon offer car keys in the Apple Wallet app.

## Car key feature in Apple Wallet is expanding

In its effort to replace the physical wallet with the Wallet app, Apple introduced ‘car keys’ in 2020. The feature is precisely what it sounds like: car keys allow access to your vehicle through your iPhone or Apple Watch.

The implementation of car keys differs by manufacturer, with various features available depending on the case:

– **Passive entry**: Approach your vehicle with your device, it unlocks, start your vehicle once inside, and walk away from your vehicle with your device, it locks.
– **Proximity**: Lock, unlock, and start the vehicle by placing your device near the door handle or key reader.
– **Remotely**: You can use your device to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle, along with other functions.

You can find a comprehensive list of currently supported car key vehicles here. However, that list will soon expand. Apple announced earlier this year that 13 new vehicle brands are set to obtain car key support.

Since then, there have been notable indications recently of Apple’s backend systems getting ready for multiple upcoming vehicle launches.

## Car keys to be introduced for 13 new vehicle brands

Here’s the complete list of upcoming Car Key additions:

– Acura
– Cadillac
– Chery
– Chevrolet
– GMC
– Hongqi
– Lucid
– Porsche
– Rivian
– Smart
– Tata
– Voyah
– WEY

Apple did not specify a timeline for these brands to adopt car key support. However, this week, Rivian confirmed that its rollout is occurring this month. Based on recent reports from Apple’s backend system, I would anticipate several other launches around the same time.

After these 13 brands implement car key support, a total of 33 vehicle brands will be supported by Apple Wallet.

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New Report Highlights Transition of Apple Employees to OpenAI

**OpenAI’s Strategic Talent Acquisition from Apple: A Shift in the Tech Landscape**

In recent weeks, the tech sector has been stirred by news of OpenAI’s proactive recruitment of talent from Apple, especially within its hardware engineering division. This trend, highlighted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, signifies a notable shift in the competitive atmosphere between these two tech giants.

### The Departures: A Broader Trend

While prominent exits such as Jeff Williams, Alan Dye, and John Giannandrea have made headlines, they are part of a larger wave of departures from Apple. Reports indicate that numerous engineers and designers with expertise in audio, watch design, and robotics have transitioned from Apple to OpenAI. This trend prompts inquiries about Apple’s capability to retain talent in a swiftly evolving tech landscape, particularly as competition escalates in the artificial intelligence domain.

### OpenAI’s Recruitment Strategy

According to Gurman, OpenAI has been actively attracting talent from Apple’s hardware engineering team, with more than 40 hires in just the last month. This surge of new talent is likely fueled by OpenAI’s recent acquisition of Jony Ive’s AI startup, io, which plans to create a variety of innovative products instead of focusing on a single device. The partnership between Sam Altman and Jony Ive indicates a strategic vision for a varied product lineup, potentially positioning OpenAI as a significant contender in the hardware arena.

### Implications for Apple’s Future

The departure of seasoned engineers and designers could present challenges for Apple, especially in sustaining its supremacy in hardware design and innovation. As OpenAI broadens its skills in fields like robotics and audio technology, Apple may need to reevaluate its strategies for attracting and developing talent. The recent leadership changes within Apple’s AI division may not be adequate to halt the wave of departures, and the company must discover ways to cultivate a more appealing environment for its engineers.

### Conclusion

The continuing talent migration from Apple to OpenAI reflects wider trends in the tech industry, where the competition for skilled professionals is intense. As OpenAI persists in building its team and broadening its product offerings, the repercussions for Apple and the overall tech landscape will be considerable. The forthcoming months will be critical for both companies as they navigate these transitions and strive to uphold their positions at the forefront of innovation.

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Common Mistakes Individuals Make With Streaming Subscriptions

$70 each month for streaming platforms. That’s a bit much for mere pocket change. Yet, unsurprisingly, some individuals are funding services they no longer utilize, while others are consciously paying due to psychological influences. Not all streaming subscriptions provide value for your investment. This isn’t solely because they may not boast as extensive a catalog as the major players, but rather because they deliver minimal relevance to your preferences.

Are you an avid fan of cartoons and animation? If so, perhaps Netflix isn’t the best fit for you, and you might prefer to opt for Disney+ or Crunchyroll instead. These are vital considerations to reflect upon when evaluating the services you subscribe to, and whether it’s genuinely worthwhile to maintain that subscription. With so many streaming options and compatible devices available, it’s easy to make expensive errors. Here are some frequent missteps that many individuals encounter.

Over-subscribing to multiple streaming services simultaneously

5 Essential Free Applications to Keep on Your USB Drive

It’s likely that nearly everyone who reads this has at least one USB flash drive within easy reach, with possibly several more cluttering up a junk drawer. Technology advances rapidly, and the era when having a 512MB flash drive was viewed as a luxury is long behind us. Nowadays, USB flash drives are available in various forms and sizes, with many companies and organizations even distributing them for free. As USB sticks become increasingly common, you may be curious about what you can do with those extra flash drives gathering dust.

One of the most beneficial uses for an extra USB flash drive is to assemble something similar to a USB survival kit. Just load a collection of executable tools, applications, and utilities onto an older USB flash drive, and you’ll be prepared for any computing problem, tech emergency, or simply ready to get work done wherever a PC can be found. The tools and applications mentioned are all entirely free, and having them stored on a spare USB flash drive will help streamline your life a bit. Who knows, they might even elevate you to the status of the family hero with everything you’ll be able to achieve using them.

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“Highly Rated Family-Friendly Smartphone Still $350 Discounted on Amazon After Holiday Sales”

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is an officially recognized large-screen powerhouse.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

There are still a few residual Black Friday phone bargains available, featuring a 29% discount on the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at Amazon. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is our top choice for Android phones among parents, largely owing to its impressive camera array, expansive OLED screen, and significant performance enhancements compared to earlier models. It boasts a main camera, a telephoto, and an ultrawide lens on the back, along with a robust front camera.

The 10 Pro XL generally lists for $1,200, so being vigilant for promotions like this is certainly advisable. Importantly, this also marks the lowest price ever noted for the device on Amazon, making it a solid option if you’re already seeking something in the higher-end price bracket.

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Netflix’s Pact with Warner Bros. Sparks Worries Over Content Quality

From Price Increases, Altered Content, to Decline in Creativity

Netflix’s recent purchase of Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion has ignited considerable apprehension among consumers and industry analysts alike. The agreement, although potentially advantageous for both firms, raises multiple concerns that could influence subscribers and the streaming ecosystem as a whole.

Price Increases: A primary worry is the likelihood of rising subscription fees. Users are anxious that HBO’s offerings might turn into an additional service, resulting in elevated total costs. This anxiety is heightened by the necessity to recover the enormous investment made by Netflix.

Altered Content: Another concern is the effect on content quality. HBO is celebrated for its high-caliber programming, and there is doubt regarding how Netflix’s algorithm-based content recommendations might influence the variety and richness of accessible shows. Detractors contend that Netflix’s framework could cause a weakening of HBO’s esteemed offerings.

Decline in Creativity: The acquisition also prompts inquiries concerning the future of creative content. There is unease that current shows might face cancellation, and the conventional film distribution framework could be shaken. While Netflix has guaranteed Warner Bros. Discovery that theatrical releases will persist, the long-term implications for creativity and innovation remain ambiguous.

Social media is abuzz with memes and conversations regarding the agreement, showcasing both serious worries and lighthearted perspectives on the potential transformations. As regulatory approvals are still awaited, the complete ramifications of this acquisition will reveal themselves in the upcoming months, keeping subscribers and industry observers in suspense.

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Four Apple Devices Anticipated to Debut Next Month

The year is nearing its end, and although Apple still has software launches pending, no new hardware is anticipated until 2026. Nonetheless, there are four new products speculated to be released early in 2026, potentially as soon as January.

### MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch with M5 Pro and Max

This autumn, Apple introduced its new M5 chip across three devices: MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro. However, the new chip has yet to provide Pro or Max versions, and only the 14-inch MacBook Pro has utilized it. Reports suggest that Apple will roll out 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max early in 2026. Back in January 2023, Apple launched M2 Pro and M2 Max versions of the MacBook Pro, indicating a similar timeframe for the M5 introductions.

### New 12.9-inch MacBook

For several years, analysts have urged Apple to introduce a budget-friendly MacBook to better compete with Chromebooks and more economical PCs. In early 2026, this may finally come to pass. Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a 12.9-inch MacBook equipped with an iPhone-class A18 Pro chip and available in a range of vibrant colors. The anticipated price is speculated to be $599 or $699, with deliveries expected by mid-Q1 2026, making a late January reveal very plausible.

### iPad with A18 chip

Earlier this year, Apple’s entry-level iPad underwent a spec improvement with an A16 Bionic chip. Early in 2026, the next iPad is expected to debut featuring an A18 chip that will support Apple Intelligence. Not much else is known about the new iPad, but it is expected to maintain the same design, with changes mainly internal.

### iPhone 17e

Apple has another iPhone 17 variant in development, anticipated to launch very early in 2026. This February, Apple introduced a new addition to the iPhone lineup branded as iPhone 16e. Speculation indicates that Apple aims to refresh the ‘e’ model each year. The iPhone 17e will incorporate the same A19 chip as the iPhone 17 and will include the new Center Stage front camera. It’s also rumored to showcase design updates, featuring the Dynamic Island in place of a notch and slimmer bezels. Similar to the iPhone 16e, Apple’s new budget model will likely retail at $599 and feature only a single rear camera.

### Wildcards: M5 MacBook Air, M4 iPad Air, new Mac displays

The four products mentioned above have all been speculated for release very early in 2026. However, several others could also debut in the same timeframe, including the M5 MacBook Air, M4 iPad Air, and new Mac displays. These items are expected to launch between winter and spring, aligning with the previously mentioned releases. For instance, the iPad Air and base iPad both debuted simultaneously earlier this year, and the new Mac displays might arrive alongside the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro variants.

Which early 2026 Apple products are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.

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Report Suggests Upcoming iPhone Chips Could Be Produced by Intel

**Apple’s Strategic Transition: Intel to Produce M-Series and A-Series Chips**

In a noteworthy turn of events for the technology sector, recent information suggests that Apple is set to work with Intel for the fabrication of its M-series chips, beginning in 2027. This alliance signifies a crucial change in Apple’s chip production strategy, which has largely depended on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for its chip manufacturing requirements.

### Intel’s Contribution to Apple’s Chip Manufacturing

Per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is anticipated to bring Intel on board as a new manufacturing collaborator for its foundational M-series chips, possibly starting with the M7 chip. This strategy could enhance Apple’s supply chain diversity and lessen its reliance on TSMC, which has been the exclusive provider for Apple’s chips in recent times.

Supporting Kuo’s perspective, analyst Jeff Pu has additionally validated the report, proposing that the collaboration might extend further than just the M-series chips. Pu indicates that Intel could also be responsible for manufacturing Apple’s A-series chips for iPhones, specifically aiming at the non-pro smartphone system-on-chip (SoC) market starting in 2028.

### Consequences for Apple’s iPhone Range

As Apple pursues innovation and broadens its product range, the integration of Intel-manufactured chips could transform the iPhone ensemble. At present, the A19 chip is reserved for the iPhone 17, with predictions that it will also be included in the next iPhone 17e. However, the premier models are outfitted with the A19 Pro chip, which is likely to remain produced by TSMC for the near future.

The expected partnership with Intel prompts inquiries regarding the future direction of Apple’s chip design and manufacturing approach. While Apple will continue to oversee the design of its chips, shifting manufacturing to Intel may yield new efficiencies and functionalities in its devices.

### Prospective Developments

The timeline for Intel’s participation in Apple’s chip production is still a few years down the line, but the ramifications are considerable. By 2028, it is anticipated that both the base model iPhone and the ‘e’ variant could incorporate Intel-produced chips, signifying a new era in Apple’s hardware strategy.

This strategic collaboration with Intel underscores Apple’s dedication to innovation and mirrors a wider trend in the tech industry towards diversifying supply chains and manufacturing affiliations. As Apple evolves its product offerings, the partnership with Intel could play an essential role in influencing the future of its devices.

### Conclusion

Apple’s purported alliance with Intel for chip production signifies a substantial shift in the technological landscape. As the company aims to bolster its manufacturing capabilities and decrease dependence on TSMC, this collaboration could pave the way for exciting advancements in Apple’s product range. The technology community will be paying careful attention as these initiatives progress in the upcoming years.

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Chrome Boosts Autofill Efficiency by Leveraging Google Account and Wallet Information

Google Chrome functionality that can be particularly beneficial during this season. We are engaging in more shopping and travel throughout the holidays than at any other period, which results in increased time spent on computers and mobile devices for online purchases and trip arrangements. These tasks come with their own set of frustrations. We need to re-enter the same details repeatedly, whether it’s payment information, shipping locations, or travel pass information. This is the challenge Chrome seeks to address by working with Google Account and Google Wallet data to enhance the autofill experience considerably.

The integration with Google Account enables the Chrome browser to securely retrieve data from your account, including your name and email, when signing up for new services or logging in. This same Google Account information allows Chrome to display your Home and Work addresses that you may wish to utilize while shopping online this festive season. A single click empowers you to autofill the necessary details and finish your shopping experience more swiftly than ever, provided you are using Chrome while logged into your Google Account. This new feature will be accessible on desktop, Android, and iPhone.

What about loyalty card IDs and travel information?

Report Indicates Ex-Employee as Possible Contender for Apple’s Upcoming CEO

could resign as early as next year, or he may not intend to depart from one of the world’s most valuable companies. A report by The Information indicates that in addition to Apple’s head of hardware engineering, John Ternus, Apple could be contemplating an external candidate for its next CEO. One potential contender, according to informed sources, is Apple’s former hardware executive, Tony Fadell, who was instrumental in the creation of the iPod.

The article states that Fadell, now 56, expressed to colleagues his willingness to take over as CEO, and several former Apple executives think he could invigorate the company with his bold leadership style. However, the report also notes that some individuals within Apple might deem Fadell an improbable choice due to his reputation as a “polarizing figure” during his tenure there. He left the company in late 2008.

Tim Cook may exit Apple shortly