Apple’s Site Erroneously Displays AirTag 4-Pack for $29; Pricing Mistake Has Been Fixed

### Apple AirTag Pricing Mistake: A Concise Summary

Recently, a notable pricing mistake on Apple’s website drew the interest of buyers and technology fans alike. The error listed a 4-pack of AirTags for an incredible low price of $29, reduced from the usual retail cost of $99. This surprising offer was initially reported by 9to5Toys, generating enthusiasm among potential customers.

#### The Pricing Blunder

The pricing miscalculation was mainly noted in the United States. While Apple generally refrains from discounting its hardware items, especially with a new version imminent, this blunder enabled shoppers to acquire a 4-pack of AirTags for a small fraction of the normal price. Notably, even when trying to personalize the AirTags with engravings, the price changed back to the standard $99, indicating that the blunder pertained solely to the base price of the 4-pack.

#### Order Confirmation and Expected Cancellations

In spite of the pricing mistake, numerous customers, including the writer of the initial report, managed to successfully place orders. However, it was broadly expected that Apple would annul these orders once the error was acknowledged. As per the latest reports, the pricing mistake has been rectified, and AirTags have returned to their original prices.

#### Context of the Mistake

Apple seldom provides discounts on its merchandise, particularly when a new version is anticipated to be released. The forthcoming AirTag 2 is rumored to incorporate multiple improvements, such as enhanced tracking features and a more secure design. In this context, the pricing error was likely just an unintentional oversight rather than a calculated promotion.

#### Conclusion

While the buzz around the pricing error has dwindled following Apple’s correction, it acts as a reminder of the sporadic irregularities that can occur in retail pricing. For those interested in Apple products, maintaining awareness of pricing and promotions through trustworthy sources like 9to5Toys can be advantageous.

iPhone 18: Expected Display Improvements, Design Alterations, and New Features

### Apple iPhone 18 Pro: Progress in Display Technology

A recent insight from Weibo user Digital Chat Station has highlighted Apple’s persistent endeavors to improve the display technology for the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro. This speculation indicates that Apple is working on a novel method to reduce the size of the display cutout necessary for the front-facing camera.

#### Hole-in-Active-Area Technology

The crux of the rumor centers on Apple’s possible implementation of HIAA (hole-in-active-area) technology. This cutting-edge display fabrication technique involves laser-drilling a minuscule hole directly within the active pixel area of the OLED panel, allowing the front-facing camera to be situated behind the display. This strategy seeks to replace larger, more conspicuous cutouts like the Dynamic Island or classic notch.

For the iPhone 18 Pro, the report suggests that Apple is evaluating a smaller hole-punch design for the display, which could result in a more cohesive visual experience.

#### Face ID and Display Changes

While the rumor emphasizes modifications to the screen form factor, it remains unclear whether the iPhone 18 Pro will come equipped with under-display Face ID technology. Prior reports indicated that the device would feature just a small hole cutout in the upper-left corner for the front-facing camera, with Face ID components possibly shifted below the display. However, the current rumor lacks clarity regarding Face ID integration.

#### Camera Enhancements

In addition to display improvements, the rumor corroborates previous assertions about the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera capabilities. Specifically, it is anticipated to introduce a variable aperture main camera for the first time. The camera plateau design is expected to remain consistent with the iPhone 17 Pro, while the glass MagSafe cutout may adopt a new “transparent design,” likely intended to enhance aesthetic cohesion with the device.

#### Battery Innovations

The report further notes that the iPhone 18 Pro will employ a “steel-cased battery” for the first occasion. However, this claim’s details remain ambiguous, particularly since the iPhone 17 Pro already utilizes a stainless steel vapor chamber.

#### Front-Facing Camera Specifications

In a separate report, JP Morgan analysts have suggested that the entire iPhone 18 lineup, including the anticipated iPhone Fold, will feature a 24MP front-facing camera, with the Fold model expected to incorporate an under-display camera.

#### Anticipated Launch

Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold in September 2026. As the launch date draws near, additional rumors and information are likely to surface, offering further insights into the new devices.

In conclusion, while the iPhone 18 Pro promises considerable advancements in display and camera technology, crucial details remain to be verified as Apple continues with its development efforts.

iOS 26.1 Brings New Functionality to Close Activity Rings Without Initiating a Workout

### Fitness App Introduces Manual Workout Entry in iOS 26.1

This week, iOS 26.1 was released, bringing a new feature to the Fitness app that enables users to log workouts manually. This enhancement tackles a prevalent challenge for Apple Watch users: the tendency to forget to start a workout session. With this added capability, users can now complete their Activity rings and gain credit for their efforts, even if they didn’t activate the workout on their Apple Watch.

#### The Challenge of Neglecting to Start a Workout

Numerous Apple Watch users have felt the annoyance of finishing a workout, only to discover later that they didn’t begin the tracking function. While certain activities, such as outdoor walks, prompt users to start tracking after a while, other workouts lack this automatic detection. For example, during a recent gym workout centered on strength training, one user carried out a 45-minute session without activating the tracking on their watch, resulting in no updates to their Activity rings despite the physical exertion.

#### The Fix in iOS 26.1

With the launch of iOS 26.1, Apple has offered a remedy to this issue. The Fitness app now permits users to manually log their workouts. To access this feature, users simply need to go to the Workout tab in the Fitness app and click on the icon in the upper-right corner to enter a new workout.

#### How to Log a Workout Manually

When logging a workout, users can choose from a range of workout types and manually enter several details, including:

– **Duration**: The complete time dedicated to the workout.
– **Start Time**: When the workout commenced.
– **Active Calories**: The calories burned throughout the workout.
– **Effort**: A personal assessment of how strenuous the workout felt.

After selecting a workout type and duration, the app automatically estimates the ‘Active Calories’ based on the user’s individual health information. Users can modify this estimate to represent the actual calories burned if they wish.

Once the workout entry is recorded, users will see their Move and Exercise rings refresh accordingly, allowing them to uphold their activity streaks and gain acknowledgment for their efforts.

#### Conclusion

Although not every user may frequently require this feature, it serves as a beneficial addition for those moments of oversight. The capability to log workouts without needing an Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3 allows iPhone users to better track their fitness activities. As the Fitness app continues to progress, this new manual logging feature improves the overall user experience, making sure that every effort is recognized.

Possible Siri Enhancement Could Target Essential Requirements for Apple and Its Users

Siri’s anticipated AI enhancements are still projected to arrive next spring in iOS 26.4, and a fresh report this week regarding Google’s technology driving these features might be precisely what Apple and its users require.

## Siri’s AI enhancements are on the way with Google’s assistance

Apple’s failure to release the Siri upgrades it pledged in iOS 18 has been a source of embarrassment for the company. However, all indications suggest those improvements are forthcoming, accompanied by enhancements that exceed earlier commitments.

This week, Bloomberg disclosed that Apple is wrapping up an agreement with Google to utilize a tailored Google LLM to power the upcoming Siri features.

Mark Gurman writes:

> Apple Inc. plans to implement a 1.2 trillion parameter artificial intelligence model created by Alphabet Inc.’s Google to assist in the much-anticipated revamping of the Siri voice assistant, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The iPhone manufacturer is relying on Google’s support to reconstruct Siri’s foundational technology, paving the way for a new array of features next year. The Google model’s 1.2 trillion parameters—a representation of the AI software’s intricacy—would significantly surpass the capacity of Apple’s existing models.

Reactions to this announcement have varied widely. Some are enthusiastic, others are apprehensive about privacy concerns, and some view this agreement as another indication of Apple’s weaknesses in AI.

Personally, I lean toward positivity.

While it would be ideal for Apple to deliver the most advanced AI-driven Siri independently, that’s evidently not the current reality.

Yet by finalizing this agreement, Apple could provide itself and its users with precisely what is required.

## The new Siri will benefit both Apple and its users

Whether you concur with the viewpoint or not, there is a prevalent belief that Apple lags in AI.

Tim Cook defended his company’s AI stance last year with a typical Apple saying: “Not first, but best.”

It’s not uncommon for Apple to invest additional time refining and perfecting its creations while competitors release mediocre products.

Clearly, however, Apple Intelligence hasn’t achieved that “best” benchmark thus far.

By securing this deal with Google, Apple has afforded itself more time.

The company has faced considerable pressure to launch its long-promised AI version of Siri. With Google’s assistance, it will accomplish this in just a few months.

The new Siri launch will be advantageous for Apple, enabling it to continue developing its own in-house models with reduced stakes. It will also benefit users, who simply desire the finest Siri experience.

Most users probably won’t realize that Google’s technology is powering the new Siri features—and they likely wouldn’t mind if they did.

Apple’s agreement with Google reportedly guarantees the company adheres to its stringent privacy standards. Thus, from a user perspective, what will truly matter is Siri becoming stronger and more dependable than ever.

Apple can deliver its significant AI overhaul for Siri, fulfilling a long-held desire among users, while simultaneously continuing to enhance its internal LLMs. Everyone benefits.

iOS 26.1 Improves Music App with Enhanced AirPlay Functionality

### AutoMix Now Integrates with AirPlay in iOS 26.1, Offering Smooth Song Transitions Anywhere

With the launch of iOS 26.1, Apple Music has unveiled an exciting upgrade to its AutoMix functionality, enabling users to experience seamless song transitions via AirPlay. This update follows the initial introduction of iOS 26, which already provided a range of new features for Apple Music, including the DJ-style AutoMix effect that revolutionizes how users engage with music playback.

#### What is AutoMix?

AutoMix is intended to create an uninterrupted listening experience by smoothly transitioning from one song to the next, emulating the techniques employed by DJs. The feature utilizes time stretching and beatmatching to guarantee that tracks blend seamlessly, enhancing the overall enjoyment of music. While some users may notice that AutoMix sometimes concludes a track earlier than expected, many value its ability to sustain a vibrant and captivating listening environment.

#### AirPlay Compatibility

Before the iOS 26.1 update, AutoMix was mainly accessible through personal devices like AirPods or integrated speakers. Users with home speaker systems, like HomePods, were left desiring this feature. However, with the new update, AutoMix is now available for streaming music via AirPlay to compatible speakers, including HomePods and other AirPlay devices. This expansion allows users to relish the AutoMix experience throughout their homes, making it a flexible addition to any music arrangement.

#### Enhancements and User Experience

The integration of AutoMix with AirPlay is a notable enhancement for those who love listening to music in larger areas. Users can now benefit from the feature while hosting events or simply unwinding at home, without being restricted to personal audio devices. The recent HomePod software update also introduced Crossfade, further improving the listening pleasure for users of Apple’s intelligent speakers.

For those unfamiliar with AutoMix, Apple characterizes it as a feature that transitions songs like a DJ, delivering a continuous playback experience that amplifies the enjoyment of music.

#### Additional Features in iOS 26.1

Alongside the AutoMix enhancement, iOS 26.1 brings a new swipe gesture for Apple Music, enabling users to swiftly change tracks effortlessly. These updates showcase Apple’s dedication to enhancing user experience and broadening the functionalities of its music service.

#### Conclusion

The addition of AutoMix support for AirPlay in iOS 26.1 signifies a considerable advancement for Apple Music, allowing users to experience seamless song transitions across various listening settings. Whether through AirPods, integrated device speakers, or home audio systems, AutoMix enriches the music experience, making it more pleasurable and engaging. As Apple continues to innovate and enhance its music offerings, users can anticipate even more thrilling features in the future.