AllYouCanTech

9to5Mac Daily: December 18, 2025 – Introduction of iOS 26.3 Beta Trials

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple News

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of current events is vital, particularly for Apple fans. **9to5Mac Daily** is a podcast created to offer succinct and insightful summaries of the key stories concerning Apple and its ecosystem. New episodes are made available every weekday, enabling listeners to stay informed about the latest happenings and analysis.

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Apple TV’s New Psychological Thriller Announces Premiere Date

**Imperfect Women Debuts on March 18, 2026**

The official Apple TV account on X has announced the launch date for its eagerly awaited psychological thriller, *Imperfect Women*, set to premiere on March 18, 2026. The series boasts an impressive cast, featuring Leslie Odom Jr., Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, Kate Mara, Joel Kinnaman, and Corey Stoll.

This limited series centers on three lifelong friends whose close relationship is dramatically challenged following a shocking crime that alters their lives. The storyline is expected to explore the intricacies of friendship and the effects of trauma as the investigation into the murder uncovers uncomfortable revelations.

Lesli Linka Glatter, famed for her contributions to *The West Wing*, and Jet Wilkinson, known for *The Chi*, have been confirmed as directors for the project. *Imperfect Women* is based on the novel of the same title by Arminta Hall.

After its premiere, new episodes will be made available weekly, wrapping up on April 29, 2026. Apple has also released the first promotional image showcasing the lead actresses, Moss, Washington, and Mara.

Apple TV+ offers subscriptions for $12.99 a month and features a range of award-winning shows and films, such as *F1 The Movie*, *Severance*, and *The Morning Show*.

Upcoming iPhone Capabilities, Launch of iOS 26.2, and Apple Music Integration with ChatGPT

**iOS 26.2 Release and Upcoming Developments: Takeaways from 9to5Mac Happy Hour**

As the technology sector prepares for the late-year public debut of iOS 26.2, Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller from 9to5Mac explore the new updates and upcoming opportunities in their latest podcast episode. The conversation not only emphasizes the near release of iOS 26.2 but also signals the start of the beta phase for iOS 26.3, promising thrilling new features and enhancements.

### Main Takeaways from the Podcast

1. **iOS 26.2 Release**: The highly awaited public launch of iOS 26.2 is poised to introduce a variety of upgrades to Apple devices, with an emphasis on user experience and performance enhancements.

2. **iOS 26.3 Beta Phase**: Following the release of iOS 26.2, the beta phase for iOS 26.3 has commenced, enabling developers and eager users to explore upcoming features and share their feedback.

3. **iPhone Development Insights**: Recent insights from The Information provide details on Apple’s future iPhone strategies, suggesting groundbreaking designs and functionalities that may transform user engagement with their devices.

4. **Integration of ChatGPT with Apple Music**: A significant advancement is the smart integration of ChatGPT with Apple Music, which could boost user interaction and offer tailored music recommendations.

5. **Experimentation with PSVR2 and Vision Pro**: Chance discusses his experience utilizing the PSVR2 spatial controllers with Apple’s Vision Pro, examining the prospects for immersive interactions across platforms.

### Additional Content

For those interested in deeper discussions, the podcast provides a subscription option called **9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus**. Subscribers receive ad-free episodes, exclusive pre- and post-show material, and bonus episodes for a small fee. This service not only supports the hosts directly but also enhances the listener experience.

### Feedback and Community Involvement

Listeners are invited to connect with the hosts by sending in questions or feedback through social media channels like Twitter, Mastodon, and Threads, or by reaching out via email at [email protected]. This engagement nurtures a community of Apple lovers eager to exchange insights and inquiries.

### Conclusion

The 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast remains an essential resource for Apple enthusiasts, offering timely updates and expert commentary on the latest happenings in the Apple ecosystem. As the launch of iOS 26.2 draws near, the anticipation surrounding Apple’s innovations is tangible, with many excited to see how these advancements will influence the future of their devices.

Current Offers: AirPods Pro 3 at $199, $250 Discount on 24GB M5 MacBook Pro, $200 Discount on M3 iPad Air, Black Trail Loop, and Additional Items

### Apple Deals: Highlights from the Super Saturday Sale

As the festive season draws near, Amazon has kicked off a Super Saturday sale event, showcasing substantial discounts on a range of Apple items. This article underscores some of the top deals available, including AirPods Pro 3, various MacBook models, iPad Air, and more.

#### AirPods Pro 3 for $199

Amazon has reintroduced the AirPods Pro 3 at a record-low price of **$199**, making it an enticing choice for those aiming to buy these high-end earbuds prior to Christmas. Initially priced at **$249**, this offer provides a **$50 discount**. The AirPods Pro 3 have had few discounts since their launch, making this one of the finest deals accessible. Most customers can anticipate delivery before Christmas, turning it into a timely gifting option.

#### Discounts on MacBook Pro Models

Beyond the AirPods, Amazon is providing impressive reductions on MacBook Pro models. The following offers are currently available:

– **M5 MacBook Pro**: $250 discount
– **M4 MacBook Pro (24GB RAM)**: $350 discount
– **M4 Max**: Discounts of up to $400

These reductions offer a fantastic chance for those searching for a new laptop, particularly as the holiday season is in full swing.

#### M3 iPad Air Deals at Target

Target is presently featuring the **M3 iPad Air** at an outstanding discount of **$200 off**. The most economical configurations, including both 11-inch and 13-inch options, are now available at heavily reduced rates. For example, the 128GB 11-inch model is priced at **$399.99**, reduced from $599, resulting in a **$199 saving**. This deal ranks among the best seen this season, representing a prime opportunity for shoppers.

#### Charging and Accessory Offers

The sale also encompasses a variety of accessories and charging products:

– **Retinal 2K Ring Wired Doorbell Plus**: $144
– **Anker 25,000mAh Power Bank**: $88
– **Baseus 3-in-1 USB-C Cable**: $10

These products enhance the main Apple product deals, providing extra options for holiday gifting.

#### iPad Pro Discounts at Costco

Costco is providing notable discounts on the **M4 iPad Pro** models, with price cuts reaching up to **$699**. The 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular variant is available for **$899.99**, while the 512GB model is priced at **$999.99**. These offers are among the best currently accessible and are likely to draw interest from buyers looking for high-performance tablets.

### Conclusion

The Super Saturday sale at Amazon, alongside additional promotions from Target and Costco, presents a superb opportunity for consumers to acquire Apple products at reduced prices. With the holiday season on the horizon, these deals come at a perfect time for anyone seeking to gift premium tech products.

Rivian Launches Software Update 2025.46 Introducing Universal Hands-Free Driving and Digital Key Compatibility for Apple and Android Users

**Rivian’s 2025.46 Software Update: Major Features and Improvements**

Rivian has recently introduced its most recent over-the-air software update, version 2025.46, presenting several thrilling features for its R1 vehicle lineup. This update comes in the wake of the company’s AI and Autonomy event, where Rivian highlighted its progress in autonomous driving technology and vehicle functionalities.

### Major Features of the 2025.46 Update

1. **Universal Hands-Free Driving**:
A prominent feature of the 2025.46 update is the launch of Universal Hands-Free driving for Gen 2 R1 owners. This functionality permits drivers to engage in hands-free driving on nearly any road with well-defined lane markings. However, it is crucial to understand that this is not a completely autonomous feature, as it does not handle stops at traffic signals or stop signs.

2. **Enhanced Drive Styles**:
Rivian is also introducing three new Drive Styles for its assisted driving features, allowing users to choose their desired level of driving assistance:
– **Mild**: Provides a relaxed driving experience with gradual lane adjustments.
– **Medium**: Balances sensitivity with traffic patterns.
– **Spicy**: Delivers a dynamic driving experience with shorter gap distances and swifter steering.

3. **Digital Key Feature**:
The update brings forth a Digital Key functionality for Gen 2 R1 owners, allowing them to integrate their vehicle key into digital wallets on devices like iPhones, Apple Watches, Google Pixels, and Samsung gadgets. This feature improves convenience and facilitates easy vehicle access sharing with family and friends.

4. **Driver Display Customization**:
Gen 2 drivers can now toggle between various views on the Driver Display, including an Autonomy view that displays nearby lanes and vehicles, as well as a Maps and Navigation view. Gen 1 drivers have comparable options, providing a more personalized driving experience.

5. **RAD Tuner for R1 Quad Owners**:
The update features a new tuner screen for R1 Quad owners, created by the Rivian Adventure Department (RAD). This functionality allows drivers to fine-tune their vehicle’s performance beyond factory settings, adjusting aspects such as acceleration, torque distribution, and stability.

6. **Kick Turns**:
Another groundbreaking feature introduced in the update is the capability to execute Kick Turns. This function enables the vehicle to make tighter turns in off-road scenarios at low speeds by managing power and tire traction, improving maneuverability.

### Future Developments

Rivian intends to extend its Enhanced Highway Assist ADAS to accommodate Universal Hands-Free driving across over 3.5 million miles of roads in the US and Canada, with availability anticipated to commence in early 2026. The deployment of the 2025.46 update represents a significant stride toward this ambition.

### Conclusion

The 2025.46 software update from Rivian signifies a notable enhancement in the capabilities of its electric vehicles, improving user experience with new functionalities and better driving assistance. As Rivian continues to push boundaries, the automotive sector is set for thrilling advancements in electric and autonomous driving technologies.

Snapchat Quick Cut: Instantly Create Music-Linked Videos in Moments

### Snapchat Unveils Quick Cut Feature for Seamless Video Production

Snapchat has launched a groundbreaking feature named Quick Cut, aimed at simplifying the experience of crafting music-synchronized videos in mere seconds. Currently limited to iPhone users, this functionality is set to revolutionize how users document and share their experiences, with an Android version anticipated in the future.

#### Key Aspects of Quick Cut

The Quick Cut feature enables users to effortlessly select a music track from Snapchat’s vast Sounds library, which is automatically synchronized with the video clips selected by the user. This automatic selection streamlines the video production process, making it accessible for anyone, whether they are documenting daily activities or creating content for Snapchat’s Spotlight.

Users are granted the option to personalize their videos by replacing the suggested music track if they desire a different sound. This customization ensures that each video embodies the creator’s distinct style and tastes.

#### How to Utilize Quick Cut

Quick Cut can be easily accessed from the Memories section or the Camera Roll within the Snapchat application. This integration facilitates a smooth transition from capturing moments to swiftly editing and sharing them.

#### The Concept Behind Quick Cut

Snap indicates that the aim of Quick Cut is to expedite video creation, making it enjoyable and accessible. The company highlights that this Lens-powered tool is intended to assist users in converting their cherished Memories into captivating, beat-synced videos with ease. By simplifying the video creation journey, Snapchat is focused on motivating more users to showcase their creativity and share their adventures with friends and followers.

#### Conclusion

With the introduction of Quick Cut, Snapchat continues to push boundaries and improve user experience, rendering video production more intuitive and enjoyable. As the feature becomes available to a wider audience, it is expected to emerge as a favored tool for those eager to tell their stories in a lively and captivating manner.

Concerns Brought Up Regarding Apple Gift Card Safety After Disturbing Account Lockout Event

### The Dangers of Acquiring Apple Gift Cards from Third-Party Vendors

The security of buying Apple gift cards from entities other than the official company has been questioned after a disconcerting event involving a prominent developer and author, Paris Buttfield-Addison. His experience brings to light serious issues regarding account safety and the possible weaknesses within the Apple environment.

#### Paris Buttfield-Addison’s Incident

Buttfield-Addison, a dedicated Apple consumer for close to 30 years, recounted his unsettling experience on his blog. Following the purchase of an Apple gift card from a trusted physical retailer, he tried to redeem it, only to find his Apple ID locked—an online identity he has sustained for about 25 years. This account holds significant value for him, stuffed with terabytes of family images, work documents, and crucial data for synchronization across various devices.

The problem began when Buttfield-Addison learned that the gift card he bought had already been compromised and utilized by another party. His effort to redeem it was flagged as fraudulent, resulting in the deactivation of his account.

#### The Fallout and Resolution

At first, Buttfield-Addison reached out to Apple Support, only to be told that there was no solution for his predicament. However, after his case gained media attention, it was escalated to Apple Executive Relations, which eventually resolved the issue. A representative provided him with support, keeping him informed until the problem was addressed.

#### Exposing Flaws in the Apple Ecosystem

Though Buttfield-Addison’s situation was ultimately resolved, it highlights a significant flaw within the Apple ecosystem. The ease with which accounts can be frozen and the absence of a clear resolution process raise alarms about Apple’s control over user information. Essentially, Apple can act independently, suspending accounts based on perceived infractions without offering users a straightforward means of resolution.

This incident raises doubts about the security of acquiring Apple gift cards from any source other than Apple’s own retail outlets. While many consumers may trust well-known retailers, this experience demonstrates that dangers remain, particularly with gift cards that may be tampered with prior to reaching the consumer.

#### Safeguarding Your Data

In response to this event, Buttfield-Addison and his colleagues participated in discussions regarding data protection tactics. Some of the approaches they utilize include:

– **Cloud Backups**: Automatically uploading images to services like Google Photos for an added layer of backup.
– **Manual Exports**: Employing software to manually transfer photos and documents to local storage and other cloud platforms.
– **Apple’s Privacy Export Tool**: Frequently downloading data from Apple’s ecosystem to keep on external drives.

These conversations underline the necessity of having procedures in place to safeguard data housed within Apple’s systems, comprising notes, documents, calendar events, and contacts.

#### Conclusion

The account of Paris Buttfield-Addison serves as a warning for Apple users about the purchase of gift cards and the overall security of their accounts. It stresses the importance of vigilance in protecting private data and contemplating the possible risks tied to third-party purchases. Users are urged to adopt backup measures and stay cognizant of the vulnerabilities that can emerge within digital environments.

Report Suggests Progress on OLED iMac with Two Significant Constraints

### The Future of OLED Displays in Apple’s iMac

Apple is on the brink of a major shift in display technology, planning to roll out OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays for its iMac range. This comes on the heels of the expected debut of an OLED MacBook Pro next year as part of an expansive redesign initiative. Although the MacBook Pro will be the initial device to showcase OLED technology, recent information suggests that Apple is also examining the possibility of integrating OLED into the iMac.

#### Current Status of OLED Development

As per a supply chain report, Apple is currently at the preliminary phase of designing an OLED iMac. The company has contacted display partners Samsung and LG to collect information on how they can fulfill Apple’s requirements for this new display technology. This phase is referred to as the Request for Information (RFI) stage, during which Apple seeks the technical information necessary for product development prior to moving on to a formal Request for Quotation (RFQ).

The specifications under consideration for the OLED iMac include a 24-inch display with a brightness of 600 nits and a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch (PPI). This would indicate a 20% enhancement in brightness compared to the current 24-inch iMac while retaining the same resolution.

#### Challenges Ahead

Even with the promising outlook of an OLED iMac, there are considerable challenges to address. The development timeline implies that the product may not be ready for release until 2027 or 2028, with the actual rollout potentially occurring even later. This protracted timeline is largely a result of the initial stage of development and the intricacies associated with OLED technology.

Moreover, there are constraints regarding the size of the OLED displays that Apple intends to implement. Currently, the specific OLED technology preferred by Apple, which uses RGB subpixel units for light and color, is not feasible for mass production in larger sizes, like the rumored 30- to 32-inch iMac. Consequently, Apple has chosen to focus on introducing OLED in MacBooks prior to extending it to the iMac.

#### Conclusion

The adoption of OLED technology in Apple’s iMac lineup signifies a considerable enhancement in display quality, promising superior brightness and color precision. However, the hurdles of development timelines and technological restrictions imply that consumers may have to wait several years before an OLED iMac appears on the market. As Apple continues to innovate and perfect its display technology, the future of its product lineup appears bright, albeit with some patience necessary from enthusiastic supporters.

X Ceases Support for Installing iPad Application on Mac

**X (Previously Twitter) Discontinues Support for Mac Users: A Strategic Change**

Last year, X, the service formerly referred to as Twitter, attracted attention by ceasing its dedicated Mac application and withdrawing it from the Mac App Store. Users were directed to the iPad version of the application, which remained accessible for users with Apple Silicon. Nevertheless, recent updates suggest a major change in the company’s strategy, as X has now prohibited users from installing the iPad version on macOS, effectively marking the conclusion of support for Mac users.

### The Shift to iPad App

At first, the iPad version of the X app was perceived as a feasible substitute for Mac users, especially for those with Apple Silicon chips that enable the operation of iPhone and iPad applications. However, developers have the authority to limit this capability, and X has opted to exercise that right. Reports from various users indicate that the Mac App Store listing for the iPad version now clearly states that the app is unsupported on macOS.

### Challenges with the iPad App

The iPad variant of the X app had been facing considerable functionality problems before this choice was made. Users reported that the search feature was ineffective, and attempts to access links within the app often led to error notifications. These ongoing glitches contributed to a diminishing user experience, raising doubts about the app’s effectiveness on the Mac platform.

### Present User Experience

For those who had previously installed the X iPad app on their Macs, it remains usable, though with restricted functionality. Users can still access portions of the app that continue to operate, but for a complete experience, they are now encouraged to utilize the web version of X through browsers such as Safari or Chrome. This change highlights a widening gap between the platform and its Mac user community.

### Consequences of the Decision

The choice to forsake the Mac platform, along with the cessation of third-party Mac applications, reflects a larger trend of favoring mobile experiences over desktop applications. Critics contend that this direction is myopic, as it marginalizes a group of users who depend on Mac for their social media interactions.

While it may be that X has temporarily suspended Mac support for the iPad app to rectify existing bugs, there has been no official update from the company regarding intentions to restore functionality. As things stand, Mac users might need to adjust to a web-only experience if they wish to keep using X.

### Summation

The withdrawal of support for the X iPad app on macOS signifies a major change in the platform’s attitude towards desktop users. As the social media landscape continues to shift, the ramifications of such decisions will likely echo with users and developers alike, sparking conversations about the future of cross-platform compatibility and user experience.

Final Chance: Enjoy a $50 Discount on AirPods Pro 3 Before Christmas

### Final Opportunity to Purchase AirPods Pro 3 at an Unprecedented Low Price

Good morning! If you’ve been thinking about acquiring AirPods Pro 3 this holiday season, this is your last chance. Amazon has unexpectedly slashed the price of AirPods Pro 3 to a record low of $199. The company guarantees that orders will be delivered before Christmas, providing plenty of time for wrapping gifts.

#### AirPods Pro 3 – HURRY UP!

AirPods Pro 3 have become one of the most sought-after items this holiday season. They deliver outstanding audio quality, feature a built-in heart rate monitor, and boast all-day battery life, highlighting Apple’s dedication to innovation and excellence. Currently, Amazon’s product page shows that orders will be delivered several days prior to Christmas. However, inventory might not last long, so it’s essential to act swiftly and check shipping times for your area. Postponing your purchase might mean needing to give a printout of your Amazon receipt on Christmas Day.

#### Additional AirPods Offers

In the past few months, we’ve been monitoring promotions across Apple’s full AirPods range. Regrettably, as Christmas nears, these deals are becoming rarer. Notably, Amazon’s stock of AirPods 4 seems to have completely run out. For most shoppers, AirPods Pro 3 at $199 stands as the top recommendation, assuming you are fine with the in-ear style.

#### Discounts on Beats Headphones

Alongside AirPods, there are also discounts on Beats headphones, creating an excellent opportunity to discover various audio products for yourself or as gifts.

This holiday season, don’t pass up the opportunity to grab AirPods Pro 3 at this unmatched price.