Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**Apple TV’s 2026 Lineup Begins with Tehran Season Three**

The Apple TV streaming platform is unveiling its 2026 programming schedule with the eagerly awaited return of the global thriller series *Tehran*. The much-anticipated third season debuts today, showcasing the first episode, with fresh installments scheduled to come out weekly every Friday until February 27.

In this season, renowned actor Hugh Laurie joins the ensemble as a South African nuclear inspector, introducing a new dimension of suspense to the narrative. *Tehran* has garnered considerable acclaim as one of Apple’s most prominent foreign language offerings, and it has already been confirmed for a fourth season, despite fans having awaited new material for over three years since the conclusion of season two.

Notably, filming for season three wrapped up more than four years ago, with an original release targeted for 2023. Nonetheless, Apple opted to postpone the premiere due to the delicate subject matter of the series amid prevailing real-world situations in Israel and Palestine. With the Gaza conflict remaining pertinent, Apple has ultimately decided to proceed with the season’s release on its platform, although it has previously aired in its entirety on the Israeli channel KAN 11, which is a co-production collaborator with Apple.

Returning to the cast is star Niv Sultan, reprising her role as Tamar, the Mossad hacker agent. After her rebellious actions in the dramatic season two finale, Tamar must navigate the challenges of re-establishing her connections within the Mossad in the new season.

Viewers can catch up on the first two seasons of *Tehran* on Apple TV, with the third season airing weekly. For those without an Apple TV subscription, a complimentary seven-day trial is offered.

### Future Apple TV Releases

The debut of *Tehran* season three signifies the start of Apple’s original content slate for 2026. In the upcoming months, Apple intends to unveil new seasons of several beloved shows.

Next week, Idris Elba will star in the second season of the popular thriller *Hijack*, followed by the second season of *Drops of God* the following week. Furthermore, the highly regarded comedy series *Shrinking* will return for its third season at the end of January.

February will bring back *The Last Thing He Told Me* and the Godzilla universe series *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters*. A new theatrical A24 romantic comedy, *Eternity*, will also debut on February 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

March will see the launch of a new original TV show, *Imperfect Women*, set to premiere on March 18, featuring Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington.

Apple is anticipated to reveal more original premieres in the upcoming weeks, with executives suggesting that new releases will be accessible almost every week throughout 2026. For a detailed overview of everything coming to Apple TV, visit their official website.

In the annual proxy filing released today, Apple revealed detailed information concerning executive compensation for the year 2025, emphasizing the income of CEO Tim Cook and other senior executives, including Kevan Parekh, Kate Adams, Sabih Khan, Luca Maestri, and Deirdre O’Brien.

Tim Cook’s overall compensation for 2025 totaled $74,294,811, showing a minor decline compared to the last year. The specifics of Cook’s earnings are listed below:

– Salary: $3,000,000
– Stock awards: $57,535,293
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $12,000,000, determined by Apple’s performance against specified financial targets.
– All other compensation: $1,759,518, encompassing a range of benefits, such as retirement plans, vacation days, and costs related to private jet travel.

The “all other compensation” section specifically entails:

1. Apple’s contributions to Cook’s 401(k) plan: $21,000
2. Premiums for term life insurance: $2,964
3. Cash-out of vacation days: $57,692
4. Expenditures for security: $887,870, which includes personal security services.
5. Costs for personal air travel: $789,991, pertaining to Cook’s private aircraft use.

For reasons of security and efficiency, the Board requires Cook to use private aircraft for all business and personal travels.

Cook has indicated his plan to allocate his wealth to charitable efforts during his lifetime, adhering to a structured philanthropic strategy.

The compensation figures for the remaining members of Apple’s executive team in 2025 are as follows:

**CFO Kevan Parekh**
– Salary: $891,519
– Stock awards: $18,433,135
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $3,120,317
– All other compensation: $22,338
– **Total: $22,467,309**

**General Counsel Kate Adams**
– Salary: $1,000,000
– Stock awards: $22,009,766
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $4,000,000
– All other compensation: $22,482
– **Total: $27,032,248**

**COO Sabih Khan**
– Salary: $1,000,000
– Stock awards: $22,009,766
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $4,000,000
– All other compensation: $21,905
– **Total: $27,031,671**

**Former CFO Luca Maestri**
– Salary: $819,231
– Stock awards: $13,003,031
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $1,638,462
– All other compensation: $22,204
– **Total: $15,482,928**

**Retail + People SVP Deirdre O’Brien**
– Salary: $1,000,000
– Stock awards: $22,009,766
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $4,000,000
– All other compensation: $37,867
– **Total: $27,047,633**

Apple’s complete “Notice of 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement” can be accessed, and the annual meeting for shareholders is set to occur virtually on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT. Shareholders registered as of January 2, 2026, will be able to attend, vote, and pose questions during the meeting.

Apple Inc. has revealed the schedule for its forthcoming annual shareholders meeting, which is set to take place virtually on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT. Shareholders on record as of January 2, 2026, will have the chance to attend the meeting, cast their votes, and raise questions.

A significant agenda item for the meeting will be the re-election of members of Apple’s board of directors. Traditionally, Apple has a policy indicating that board members are ineligible for re-election upon reaching the age of 75. However, this year, two board members, Ron Sugar (77) and Art Levinson (75), have exceeded this age threshold. In its proxy filing, Apple stated it would make an exception for both members, noting their valuable experience, expertise, and contributions to the board as justifications for their re-election.

The board underscored the significance of stability in leadership, particularly in light of ongoing conjecture surrounding CEO Tim Cook’s possible retirement. It is anticipated that Cook may shift to the chairman position once he retires, making Levinson’s ongoing chairmanship vital during this transition.

Besides the board elections, shareholders will also be invited to vote on various other proposals, including:

– Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as Apple’s independent accounting firm.
– An advisory vote on executive compensation approval.
– Endorsement of a non-employee director stock plan.

Apple is also encouraging shareholders to vote against a proposition for a “China Entanglement Audit.” The company maintains that the requested report is unnecessary, as it already delivers comprehensive information regarding its international operations. Moreover, Apple argues that the proposal is excessively prescriptive and could impede its ability to effectively manage its business operations and strategies.

For additional information, shareholders can consult Apple’s comprehensive “Notice of 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement.”

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# iOS 26.3 Security Update Trials New ‘Background Security Enhancements’ System

If you’re using the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple has recently made available a new security update for installation. However, this update does not provide any fixes; it aims to evaluate a new system.

## Update Overview

As the new year rolls in, Apple is anticipated to release additional betas for iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and beyond. Recently, Apple delivered a distinctive update for beta testers, labeled ‘iOS 26.3 (a)’. This update functions as a trial for the newly restructured ‘Background Security Enhancements’ system.

### Getting the Update

In contrast to standard updates accessible via the Software Update section, this particular one can be found under Privacy & Security ⇾ Background Security Enhancements. This update is part of a significant revision initiated with iOS 26.1, which unveiled the Background Security Enhancements system but has not been deployed by Apple until now.

### Main Features of the Update

The release notes for the iOS 26.3 (a) update specify that this Background Security Enhancement is solely for testing and does not include any security fixes. The installation procedure resembles a regular Software Update, though it is located in a different menu.

After installation, users can choose to remove the update directly from the same Settings screen. If a user decides to uninstall the update, their iPhone will restart, and the security update will be erased.

### Prospective Consequences

This testing phase may suggest that Apple intends to introduce the Background Security Enhancements to all users shortly.

### Update 1/8

Just two days following the initial test security update, Apple issued a subsequent update, ‘iOS 26.3 (b)’, for beta users. Like its predecessor, this update is also strictly for testing and does not include real fixes.

In conclusion, the iOS 26.3 beta is presently in a testing phase for a new security system, with updates available for users to investigate.

# Rumor Replay: Latest Apple Product Speculations

Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly feature at 9to5Mac that provides a brief overview of the most current Apple product speculations, complete with insights and analysis. Today: an initial glimpse at the iPhone Fold’s anticipated crease-less display technology, upcoming iPhone camera enhancements, and more. Here are the Apple rumors for this week.

## Initial Insight into iPhone Fold’s Anticipated Crease-Free Display

CES is taking place this week, and Samsung may have inadvertently unveiled the technology behind the iPhone Fold’s display. It has been speculated for some time that Samsung could supply the iPhone Fold’s ‘crease-less’ display. The Verge reported this week that a model of Samsung’s crease-free OLED technology was briefly showcased at CES alongside a more traditional folding display with visible creases.

### My Observations

The display demonstrated by Samsung is not anticipated to be the exact version that the iPhone Fold’s display will take. We’re now looking forward to a screen that’s wider than it is tall when unfolded. Nevertheless, it does provide a captivating example of the foundational technology said to be employed to realize the iPhone Fold’s crease-free design. From the visuals I’ve observed, it appears to be a significant enhancement over all previous foldables.

## Upcoming iPhone Camera Enhancements

This week, there were two camera-focused iPhone speculations. Morgan Stanley released a research note asserting that Apple will incorporate a 200MP camera in the 2028 iPhone. Current iPhone cameras peak at 48MP. Previously, we learned that such an enhancement was under evaluation, but this is the first time a specific target year has been identified.

Leaker Digital Chat Station expressed less certainty regarding that timeline. He did mention, however, that Apple is exploring multispectral camera technology. My colleague Ben indicates this “could enhance the precision of color identification, particularly in low light settings.”

### My Observations

For many years, it has been evident that Apple won’t chase camera megapixel increases as a mere marketing gimmick. Rivals reached 48MP long before the iPhone, but when Apple eventually made the switch, it came with substantial advantages. I hope for a similar experience if the iPhone adopts a 200MP camera and don’t mind biding my time until the current issues with Samsung’s 200MP models are sorted out.

## iPhone 17e Launch Approaching

Last year, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e in late February. It appears that a comparable timeline may be in store for this year’s iPhone 17e. Weibo leaker Smart Pikachu shared this week that mass production of the iPhone 17e is scheduled to commence soon after CES. This suggests a production start next week or shortly after. Based on standard production timelines, a launch around late February seems plausible.

### My Observations

Apple has an unusually high number of products anticipated for release early this year. The iPhone 17e joins several Macs and iPads that are all rumored for the winter months. Additionally, there are new Home products expected around the time Siri’s iOS 26.4 upgrades are launched. It makes me think whether Apple intends to hold an official March event this year to showcase all its new products, or if we will instead see several smaller launches communicated through press releases.

What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple rumors? Share with us in the comments.

Apple TV has announced the launch date for its forthcoming film, “Eternity,” created by A24, which first hit theaters late last year. The movie is set to premiere on Apple TV on **Friday, February 13, 2026**, aligning with Valentine’s Day.

Featuring a notable cast including Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, “Eternity” is presented as a high-concept romantic comedy that has received favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike. The official synopsis of the film highlights its captivating storyline: in an afterlife where souls have one week to select their eternal path, Joan (portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen) faces a choice between her lifelong partner (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who has been waiting for her since his premature passing.

This movie marks a distinctive entry in Apple TV’s catalog, having had a theatrical release without being promoted as an Apple production at that time, with a focus on A24’s branding instead. Last year, the only significant theatrical release linked to Apple was “F1,” which became the company’s largest box office triumph.

“Eternity” will be accessible to all Apple TV subscribers, with the service available for **$12.99 per month**, or at a reduced rate through the Apple One bundle.

**CES 2026: The Ultimate Highlights of the Largest Tech Exhibition**

CES 2026, the leading technology event, is currently unfolding in Las Vegas, showcasing a range of groundbreaking products and ideas that extend the limits of technology. This year’s exhibition has presented a multitude of thrilling innovations, from holographic desktop devices to intelligent LEGO bricks, and even chargers that can convert smartphones into AI robotic helpers.

### Key Features of CES 2026

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is celebrated for uniting top technology companies and creative startups to display their newest inventions. As is customary, numerous remarkable announcements took place before the official onset of the exhibition, yet fresh products keep emerging as the event progresses.

#### Prominent Product Launches

1. **Holographic Desktop Devices**: These gadgets are set to transform our interaction with digital media, delivering a three-dimensional viewing experience that could revolutionize everything from gaming to professional presentations.

2. **Intelligent LEGO Bricks**: The latest LEGO bricks incorporate technology to enrich play, enabling interactive building experiences that merge the physical and digital realms.

3. **AI-Powered Robot Assistant Chargers**: These state-of-the-art chargers not only charge devices but also employ AI to provide user assistance, offering tailored recommendations and help.

4. **Electric Bikes**: Brands such as Segway have rolled out the most advanced electric bike technologies, unveiling models suitable for both city commuting and off-road exploration.

5. **Solar-Powered Pavilions**: These environmentally-friendly structures are designed for outdoor enjoyment, outfitted with solar panels to generate energy for lighting and other conveniences.

6. **Augmented Reality Goggles**: The newest in AR eyewear, these goggles present enhanced display capabilities, making them perfect for both entertainment and practical uses.

7. **Advancements in Electric Vehicle Tech**: CES remains a center for breakthroughs in electric vehicles, highlighting the latest innovations aimed at boosting efficiency, sustainability, and user satisfaction.

### Final Thoughts

CES 2026 exemplifies the unceasing pace of technological progress, featuring products that not only improve daily life but also spark future advancements. As the exhibition moves forward, additional thrilling announcements are anticipated, reinforcing CES’s standing as the premier gathering for tech aficionados and industry experts alike. For those keen on discovering the latest in technology, CES 2026 is an essential event to follow.

**iOS 26 Adoption Analysis: A Gradual Beginning Compared to Earlier Releases**

iOS 26 has been on the market for almost four months, but data from Statcounter suggests that this iPhone update is considerably trailing behind its earlier versions in terms of adoption, with the majority of users choosing to remain on iOS 18.

### iOS 26 Adoption Apparently Lags Seriously Behind Previous Versions

Statcounter has been monitoring usage statistics for browsers, OS versions, and search engines for many years. Its most recent findings regarding iOS 26 adoption illustrate a very straightforward narrative: the overwhelming number of iPhone users continue to operate on iOS 18.

International iOS version statistics as of January 2026 reveal the following iOS 18 usage among active iPhones:

– **iOS 18.7**: 33.8%
– **iOS 18.6**: 25.2%
– **iOS 18.5**: 5.6%

In comparison, the usage percentages for iOS 26 are as follows:

– **iOS 26.1**: 10.6%
– **iOS 26.2**: 4.6%
– **iOS 26.0**: 1.1%

After four months since its launch, iOS 26 is utilized by only about 16% of iPhone users, while iOS 18 still dominates with over 60%.

Is this typical for new OS releases? Not based on Statcounter’s data. In January 2025, more than 60% of users were using some iteration of the latest iOS 18 software—approximately four times the number currently using iOS 26 in this same period. In 2024, iOS 17 similarly achieved over 50% adoption already.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

Apple seldom discloses OS usage statistics, making third-party sources like Statcounter the most reliable means of gauging a software release’s adoption. Thus far, the outlook for iOS 26 appears less than favorable.

If these statistics are remotely accurate, it raises the question: why are users hesitant to upgrade?

Possible explanations include Apple’s emphasis on potential battery life effects, its postponement of making iOS 26 the ‘recommended’ update in Settings, or apprehensions regarding the Liquid Glass design.

### Summary

The sluggish adoption rate of iOS 26 prompts inquiries about user inclinations and reservations concerning new updates. As the technology community continues to evaluate these patterns, it remains uncertain how Apple will tackle these challenges and persuade users to make the upgrade.

### This Week in Apple News

In the most recent episode of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller talk about major changes in the Apple ecosystem. This week signifies a crucial moment as Apple reveals the transfer of the Apple Card from Goldman Sachs to Chase. This modification is expected to improve user satisfaction and broaden the card’s features.

#### Fitness+ Underwhelms

Despite Apple’s strong marketing initiatives at the start of the year, the Fitness+ service has fallen short of expectations. Users have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the new features and content, raising concerns about the platform’s sustainability in the competitive fitness application landscape.

#### NBA Live-Streaming on Vision Pro

In a move that underscores Apple’s dedication to sports and entertainment, NBA live-streaming has officially debuted on the Vision Pro headset. This integration seeks to deliver an immersive viewing experience, utilizing the advanced capabilities of the Vision Pro to captivate sports enthusiasts in innovative ways.

#### App Store Changes in Japan

In response to regulatory demands in Japan, Apple has implemented various modifications to its App Store policies. These adjustments are intended to align with local legislation and enhance the overall experience for developers and users in the area.

### Predictions for 2026

In the Happy Hour Plus segment, Benjamin and Chance unveil their yearly forecasts for Apple in 2026. Each host shares three daring predictions, reflecting their perspectives on the company’s possible paths and innovations in the years ahead.

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### Conclusion

Keep informed with the latest Apple news and insights by listening to the 9to5Mac Happy Hour. The show’s combination of analysis and predictions offers a thorough overview of what’s occurring in the Apple landscape.