Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Apple TV Earns Four Grammy Nominations for F1: The Film and Severance

The Recording Academy has revealed the nominees for the forthcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards, with Apple earning a total of four nominations. Below are the specifics.

## Four nominations across four categories

This morning, the Recording Academy disclosed the complete lineup of nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1, 2026. Here are the categories Apple received nominations in, along with their competitors:

### Best Dance Pop Recording

– [Bluest Flame](https://apple.co/3Lls3dM), Selena Gomez & benny blanco
– [Abracadabra](https://apple.co/47PuAUZ), Lady Gaga
– [Midnight Sun](https://apple.co/4qOGB5C), Zara Larsson
– **[Just Keep Watching (From F1® The Movie)](https://apple.co/49443FK), Tate McRae**
– [Illegal](https://apple.co/49GGHpS), PinkPantheress

### Best Country Solo Performance

– [Nose On The Grindstone](https://apple.co/4orkLU9), Tyler Childers
– [Good News](https://apple.co/4ouCPNv), Shaboozey
– **[Bad As I Used To Be (From “F1® The Movie”)](https://apple.co/4r61slp), Chris Stapleton**
– [I Never Lie](https://apple.co/4piRuLN), Zach Top
– [Somewhere Over Laredo](https://apple.co/43fSxU3), Lainey Wilson

### Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media

– [A Complete Unknown](https://apple.co/4kcNbPD), Timothée Chalamet
– **[F1® The Album](https://apple.co/3XiUprA), (Various Artists)**
– [KPop Demon Hunters](https://apple.co/4hNZrWH), (Various Artists)
– [Sinners](https://apple.co/4l0jmCu), (Various Artists)
– [Wicked](https://apple.co/4qPtQYu), (Various Artists)

### Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film And Television)

– [How To Train Your Dragon](https://apple.co/3ZPlWTo), John Powell, composer
– **[Severance: Season 2](https://apple.co/4mI15ey), Theodore Shapiro, composer**
– [Sinners](https://apple.co/4l0jmCu), Ludwig Göransson, composer
– [Wicked](https://apple.co/4qPtQYu), John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, composers
– [The Wild Robot](https://apple.co/499gekC), Kris Bowers, composer

The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. It will be broadcasted live on the CBS Television Network and streamed on Paramount+. To view the complete list of nominees, click [this link](https://www.grammy.com/news/2026-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list).

Apple Music requires a current subscription. You can

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iOS 26.2: Summary of Latest Features for iPhone Users

# iOS 26.2: Fresh Features and Improvements

iOS 26.2 is officially open for beta testing, unveiling an array of new features and enhancements for iPhone users. This update brings improvements to Apple Podcasts, Reminders, and additional areas. Below is a detailed overview highlighting the key features of iOS 26.2.

## New Features in iOS 26.2

### Reminders
The Reminders app has introduced a much-anticipated “Urgent” feature. This enables users to set an alarm for tasks that require immediate attention, ensuring that crucial items on your to-do list are not missed.

### Apple Music
Apple Music upgrades its lyrics capability, permitting users to view lyrics for songs in their library even without internet access. This includes complete lyrics functionalities, such as translations and beat-by-beat synchronization.

### Apple Podcasts
iOS 26.2 rolls out three major enhancements to Apple Podcasts:
1. **AI-Generated Chapters**: The app can now automatically generate chapters for podcast episodes utilizing artificial intelligence, although producers can still supply their own chapters, which will take precedence.
2. **Podcast Mentions**: Users can now view and follow mentioned podcasts directly from the player and transcript, facilitating easier access to referenced shows.

### Sleep Score
With iOS 26.2, the Sleep Score feature on the Apple Watch has been fine-tuned. The criteria for classification levels have been modified to deliver a more precise evaluation of sleep quality. The revised levels are:
– Very Low: 0-40 points
– Low: 41-60 points
– OK: 61-80 points
– High: 81-95 points
– Very High: 96-100 points

### Apple News
The News app has experienced design updates to enhance user experience. The “Today” view now includes four specific buttons for quick access to Sports, Puzzles, Politics, and Food sections. Furthermore, a new “Following” tab has been introduced for simpler navigation of favorites, saved articles, and history.

### Changes for EU Users in iOS 26.2
For users in the European Union, iOS 26.2 delivers both good and bad news. The update extends Live Translation with AirPods to EU users, a feature that was postponed due to regulatory challenges. However, it also eliminates Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch, now requiring manual sign-ins for each network.

### Liquid Glass
iOS 26.2 improves the Liquid Glass feature by incorporating a slider on the Lock Screen, allowing users to tailor the transparency of the clock. This feature provides enhanced options for personalization.

### Additional Updates
Other significant updates in iOS 26.2 comprise:
– A new “Enhanced Safety Alerts” menu for controlling earthquake and imminent threat notifications.
– Support for tables within the Freeform app.
– An “Excluded Websites” menu in the Passwords app.
– A new Accessibility option for “Flash to Alerts,” which makes the screen flash for notifications.

## Conclusion
iOS 26.2 is now accessible to developers and public beta testers, with a complete rollout anticipated in mid-December. As testing progresses, additional features may be introduced. Users are invited to share their preferred changes and experiences with the new update.

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Three Fresh Features in iPadOS 26 That Improve the iPad Experience

# iPadOS 26: A Revolutionary Update for iPad Users

iPadOS 26 marks an important enhancement for iPad users, bringing a variety of productivity improvements that enrich the user interface. Here are three key features that have greatly influenced my usage of the iPad Pro.

## 1. Enhanced Windowing System

The enhanced windowing system stands out in iPadOS 26, permitting users to display up to 12 apps simultaneously. This feature transcends merely the quantity of apps; it offers the capability to resize and arrange apps according to personal preferences. Unlike earlier multitasking systems, this update allows users to personalize their workspace, facilitating the efficient management of multiple tasks. While there are still some constraints, such as the Slide Over feature being limited to one app at a time, the overall experience with the updated windowing system has been significantly improved.

## 2. Enhanced Dock Features

The dock has consistently been a vital part of the iPad experience, and iPadOS 26 significantly enhances its features. Major improvements include:

– **Persistent Dock**: The capacity to keep the dock displayed at all times accelerates the process of switching between apps, making it more intuitive.
– **Expanded App Capacity**: Users can now hold almost twice the amount of apps in the dock, along with folders from the Files app, improving organization and accessibility.
– **Refined Multitasking**: These enhancements foster a more Mac-like experience, streamlining the multitasking procedure and simplifying the management of various applications.

## 3. New App Menu Bar

The arrival of a specialized menu bar for apps signifies a notable leap in app usability on the iPad. This feature enables developers to highlight the full potential of their applications, granting users straightforward access to various controls and keyboard shortcuts. The menu bar enhances the overall workflow, facilitating easier navigation through app functionalities and uncovering features that might have been overlooked previously.

In summary, iPadOS 26 introduces a plethora of new features that greatly amplify productivity and usability for iPad users. The improved windowing system, dock enhancements, and app menu bar are merely a few illustrations of how this update transforms the iPad experience. Which new features are you finding enjoyable in iPadOS 26?

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WhatsApp Launches Improved Security Features for High-Risk Accounts

**WhatsApp Unveils Stringent Account Settings for At-Risk Users**

Individuals who are more susceptible to cyber threats will soon benefit from advanced security features on WhatsApp. This new capability, noted in the recent WhatsApp update on TestFlight, aims to add an additional layer of defense for those who might become targets of cybercriminals.

### Summary of the New Feature

According to WABetaInfo, the feature named “Stringent account settings” can be located within the Privacy > Advanced area of the application. It empowers users to activate a set of rigorous security protocols if they feel they are in danger of a cyber incident.

### Essential Security Protocols

Upon activation, the stringent account settings will automatically impose various protective protocols:

– **Blocking Media and Attachments**: Users will not receive media and attachments from unknown contacts, lowering the risk of harmful content.
– **Revised Privacy Settings**: The application will restrict who can reach out via calls or messages, boosting privacy.
– **Secured Settings**: Certain settings will be locked to uphold a high security standard, though users can deactivate the stringent account settings whenever they choose.

### Effect on User Experience

Though these security protocols are advantageous for at-risk users, the launch of stringent account settings may affect the overall quality of messaging and calls. Users should keep in mind that call quality might be diminished when this feature is enabled.

### Additional Modifications

Beyond the main protocols, activating stringent account settings will also result in further modifications, which include:

– Muting unknown callers.
– Limiting automatic group invitations to known contacts.
– Turning off link previews.
– Informing users of changes to encryption keys.
– Enabling two-step verification.
– Reducing the visibility of personal data for unknown contacts.

### User Convenience

While many of these security features are already accessible on WhatsApp, the stringent account settings option simplifies the process by automatically adjusting all pertinent settings. This enables at-risk users to swiftly implement thorough security measures without needing to navigate each option individually.

### Release Information

Similar to other beta features on WhatsApp, there is currently no defined schedule for when the stringent account mode will be officially rolled out to the entire user base.

In summary, the introduction of stringent account settings on WhatsApp marks a noteworthy advancement in enhancing user security, especially for those who may be more exposed to cyber threats.

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How Siri, Fueled by Gemini, is Anticipated to Operate Internally

**Google and Apple’s $1 Billion Collaboration: The Future of Siri with Gemini**

Earlier this week, Bloomberg disclosed that Google and Apple are close to finalizing a substantial annual agreement worth $1 billion for a variant of the Gemini model, intended to upgrade Siri’s functionalities next year. This collaboration not only signifies a major financial investment but also introduces a crucial transformation in the framework that will affect user experience.

### Grasping the 1.2 Trillion Parameters

As per Bloomberg’s findings, Google is projected to supply Apple with a model featuring 1.2 trillion parameters, which will function on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers. This setup guarantees that Google will not have access to the data processed by this model, a significant benefit for user privacy.

The impressive scale of a 1.2 trillion parameter model is noteworthy, but making direct comparisons with competing models is intricate. Recently, prominent AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic have stopped revealing the parameter counts for their leading models, resulting in speculation surrounding the actual capabilities of models like GPT-5 and Claude Sonnet 4.5. Estimates fluctuate widely, with some indicating they possess fewer than a trillion parameters, while others suggest they could scale to several trillion.

### The Mixture of Experts Framework

A prevalent characteristic among many sophisticated AI models is the employment of a mixture of experts (MoE) framework. Apple has already integrated a version of MoE in its current cloud-based model, which is rumored to comprise 150 billion parameters.

MoE organizes a model with numerous specialized sub-networks, or ‘experts.’ For each input, only a selection of these experts is activated, improving computational efficiency and speed. This allows models to sustain elevated parameter counts while reducing inference costs, as not every parameter needs to be engaged for each input.

For example, a model with 1.2 trillion parameters may activate merely 2-4 experts per input, implying that around 75-150 billion parameters are employed at any given time. This technique allows the model to operate at a high level while keeping computational requirements manageable.

### Future Consequences for Siri

While there have been no detailed reports outlining the framework of the model Google may deliver to Apple, it is highly probable that the MoE approach will be essential for effective operation, particularly given the model’s size. The performance of the Gemini-enhanced Siri relative to other models available at its launch next year remains to be observed, but the incorporation of such cutting-edge technology could greatly improve user engagement and functionality.

In summary, the partnership between Google and Apple signifies a major advancement in AI technology, particularly in the domain of virtual assistants. The anticipated deployment of a 1.2 trillion parameter model, likely making use of a mixture of experts architecture, could transform how Siri functions and communicates with users, establishing a new benchmark in the industry.

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Flight Sight Unveils Engaging Video and 3D Helicopters on Apple Vision Pro

### Apple Vision Pro Revolutionizes Helicopter Training with Flight Sight App

Apple Vision Pro has recently broadened its array of services with the launch of an innovative app tailored for helicopter training and flight simulations. Crafted by Rogue Labs, Flight Sight merges state-of-the-art technology with engaging content to deliver an unparalleled educational platform.

#### Features of Flight Sight

Flight Sight is heralded as the “future of immersive helicopter training and flight simulations.” The app features a range of sophisticated attributes:

– **180-Degree Apple Immersive Video**: Training footage is recorded with the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera, delivering a realistic perspective on helicopter operations.
– **Hyper-Realistic 3D Models**: Users can inspect detailed 3D representations of helicopters, showcasing complex interiors and exteriors.
– **Flight Pattern Animations**: The app offers spatial airport procedure maps that aid in visualizing arrivals and departures, enriching comprehension of flight operations.
– **Scalable Learning Interactions**: Users can adjust aircraft models for close inspections, fostering deeper understanding of helicopter mechanics.

#### Insights from Rogue Labs

Matt Barnes, founder and CEO of Rogue Labs, revealed the inspiration behind Flight Sight. With a background in education and aviation, Barnes sought to elevate flight training standards. He acknowledged the significance of acclimating students to the cockpit setting before real flights, aiming to alleviate stress and improve learning effectiveness. The unveiling of Apple Vision Pro provided the technological advancement necessary to fulfill this vision.

Rogue Labs had previously attempted to craft similar experiences on Meta’s Quest platform but encountered challenges due to display limitations. Enhancements in visionOS 26 have greatly refined the development process, facilitating features like SharePlay and improved memory management.

John Racine, the creative and technical director at Rogue Labs, underscored the assistance received from Apple during the Flight Sight development process, which encompassed workshops and support on design and coding.

#### Future Developments

Barnes stressed that the existing iteration of Flight Sight is merely the start. The team is dedicated to continually incorporating new content each month, ensuring the app remains valuable for both training and general aviation enthusiasts.

Flight Sight is intended not only for trainees but also for anyone intrigued by aviation or technology. Users can delve into immersive videos, flight maps, and 3D models, creating an engaging experience for all.

#### Availability

Flight Sight is currently available for purchase on the App Store for $9.99, with additional in-app purchases to unlock further content. This groundbreaking app signifies a notable advancement in the field of aviation training and immersive experiences on the Apple Vision Pro platform.

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Current Promotions: $125 Discount on 24GB M5 MacBook Pro, $103 Discount on AirPods Pro 2, Apple Watch Solo Loops Priced from $5, and Additional Offers

### Friday Edition of 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Thrilling Offers Await

As we near the festive shopping period, the Friday edition of *9to5Toys Lunch Break* presents a multitude of alluring offers, particularly for technology fans. This week’s notifications highlight substantial savings on Apple items, making it an ideal moment to refresh your gadgets or present them to friends and family.

#### Unmatched Savings on the M4 MacBook Air and M5 MacBook Pro

The current Black Friday promotions have resulted in impressive price reductions on the M4 MacBook Air series, now offered at **$250 off**. Furthermore, for those in search of a more robust alternative, the latest **24GB M5 MacBook Pro** is being sold at a special price cut of **$126 off**, reducing the cost to **$1,673.07**. This version includes a 14-inch screen, 24GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it an excellent selection for users who value performance without the steep price usually linked to larger storage capacities.

#### AirPods Pro 2 at All-Time Low Prices

In the audio section, the **AirPods Pro 2** have reached one of their lowest prices to date, currently available for **$146.99** at Best Buy, representing a **$102 reduction** from the original cost of $249. This offer follows the rapid sellout of the previous stock, presenting a noteworthy chance for those aiming to elevate their listening experience with these premium wireless earbuds.

#### Apple Watch Series 10 Models on Discount

For fans of smartwatches, Amazon has reinstated the **Apple Watch Series 10** models at Prime Day pricing, with discounts approaching **$120 off**. The 46mm variant is now listed at **$309.99**, while the 42mm version is likewise available at a comparable discount. These promotions are especially attractive for those looking to upgrade to cutting-edge technology without straining their budget.

#### Extra Accessories and Charging Promotions

The Friday edition also showcases a range of accessories and charging promotions, ensuring that shoppers can discover everything necessary to enhance their new gadgets. From official Apple Watch Solo Loops starting at **$5** to markdowns on charging options, there are numerous choices to improve your technological experience.

### Conclusion

With Black Friday looming, this is the optimal moment to capitalize on these outstanding offers on Apple items and accessories. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your own technology or seek the ideal present, the savings available this week are not to be overlooked. Be sure to explore the exclusive deals and maximize this shopping season!

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9to5Mac Daily: November 7, 2025 – Information on Budget-Friendly MacBook and Further Updates

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, keeping up with the latest tech news is crucial, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily provides a straightforward way to stay abreast of key stories, insights, and changes in the Apple ecosystem. This enlightening podcast caters to individuals who wish to remain informed while on the move.

**What is 9to5Mac Daily?**

9to5Mac Daily is a podcast produced daily that summarizes the most important news related to Apple and its offerings for its audience. Each episode is recorded during weekdays, ensuring that subscribers obtain timely information about the newest events in the technology sector. The podcast is accessible across multiple platforms, including [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), and [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), making it available to a broad audience.

**Content Highlights**

Every episode of 9to5Mac Daily addresses a variety of subjects, such as product releases, software upgrades, industry trends, and perspectives from Apple professionals. The podcast is crafted to give listeners a brief summary of the day’s most pertinent news, making it a perfect option for those with busy schedules who desire information without spending excessive time.

Listeners can also opt into 9to5Mac Daily Plus, which provides an ad-free experience and extra content for those interested in supporting the podcast directly. This subscription service improves the listening experience by offering additional insights and exclusive content.

**Engagement and Community**

9to5Mac Daily promotes audience engagement through various avenues. Fans of the podcast are encouraged to express their opinions and feedback by contacting via email at

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Improve Your Photography: Uncover the Advantages of the Sandmarc Macro Lens for iPhone Users

**Macro Photography with iPhone: Delving into the Sandmarc Macro Lens**

In 2021, Apple improved the iPhone’s photographic functions by launching a macro lens feature available only on the Pro models. This functionality permits users to take breathtaking close-up photos, and it has now been included in the iPhone 16 and 17 series. Although the built-in macro feature is remarkable, it doesn’t provide the same depth of field as specialized macro lenses. For those in search of a more sophisticated choice, the Sandmarc 100mm macro lens offers a compelling option at an accessible price.

### Grasping Macro Lenses

Macro lenses are specialized instruments that enable photographers to concentrate on subjects at extremely close ranges, typically achieving magnification ratios of 1:1 or higher. This feature is paired with a shallow depth of field, which assists in separating the subject from its backdrop, resulting in captivating images that emphasize intricate details.

Despite the appeal of macro photography equipment, numerous photographers hesitate to invest in costly lenses that may see limited use. However, a macro lens can be a significant addition, particularly for those involved in particular photography styles, like wedding photography, where detailed close-up shots are often valued.

### Benefits of iPhone Macro Photography

iPhone users enjoy two main benefits in macro photography. Firstly, the integrated macro feature suffices for many casual photographers, allowing them to explore this genre without extra expenditure. Secondly, for those who find themselves captivated by macro photography, cost-effective external lenses such as the Sandmarc macro lens can greatly enhance their photography skills.

### The Sandmarc Macro Lens: Details

Sandmarc provides its macro lens in two variants: a 25mm lens with 10x magnification and a 100mm lens with 12x magnification. The 100mm model, which focuses at 53mm, is especially beneficial for videography and offers a more practical working distance. Both lenses include a clip-on mount that is compatible with different iPhone cases, or users can choose Sandmarc’s dedicated case for easier lens attachment.

### Design and Functionality

The Sandmarc macro lens showcases a polished design akin to conventional camera lenses, complete with distinctive white markings for clear identification. Weighing 114 grams, it adds a manageable weight to the iPhone without feeling burdensome. The lens is intended for use with the primary camera for optimal image quality, which requires disabling the built-in macro feature in the camera settings.

### Practical Use

Utilizing the Sandmarc macro lens entails a few straightforward steps. After confirming that the macro control is activated and the built-in feature is turned off, users can attach the lens and maneuver the camera close to the subject. While a tripod can enhance stability, many users find that effective hand-holding techniques are sufficient for capturing crisp images.

### Photography Examples

The lens has been evaluated with various subjects, demonstrating its capability to capture intricate details with sharpness and vibrancy. The outcomes indicate a substantial enhancement over the integrated macro features, making it an appealing choice for dedicated iPhone photographers.

### Pricing and Summary

The Sandmarc 100mm macro lens is priced at $149.99, which is relatively economical compared to specialized camera lenses. While the lens can be utilized with the provided clip mount, acquiring Sandmarc’s dedicated case improves the user experience, particularly for those utilizing multiple lenses.

In the end, the decision to invest in the Sandmarc macro lens hinges on individual photography habits. For those who frequently use the macro feature on their iPhones and seek better results, this lens is a worthwhile investment. The impressive outcomes achieved with the Sandmarc lens can enrich an iPhone photographer’s portfolio, making it an indispensable tool for creative exploration.

For further information on Sandmarc’s selection of iPhone lenses, visit their

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iOS 26.1 Improves AirPods Pro with Fresh Features: Information Inside

iOS 26.1 was released this week, introducing updates not just for iPhone but also for AirPods. This is due to the significant expansion of Live Translation. Here’s what’s new for AirPods with iOS 26.1.

## AirPods Live Translation now includes five additional languages in iOS 26.1

The latest upgrade for AirPods boasts one of the most impactful features.

Live Translation debuted in September alongside the unveiling of AirPods Pro 3, but it is also compatible with:

– AirPods Pro 2
– AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancellation

Initially, Live Translation was constrained to the following languages: English (US and UK), French, German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).

However, with the release of iOS 26.1, this feature for AirPods has grown significantly.

The new added languages are:

– Chinese (Mandarin, simplified)
– Chinese (Mandarin, traditional)
– Italian
– Japanese
– Korean

With the inclusion of these five languages, the total number of supported Live Translation languages nearly doubles, reaching 11 options overall.

To activate a specific language, you will need to open the Settings app in iOS 26.1 and navigate to your AirPods’ settings page. From there, scroll down to find the ‘Languages’ menu listed under the ‘Translation (Beta)’ section. Here, you’ll see all available languages and options to download each one that you wish to access.

To utilize Live Translation with AirPods, an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone model is also required. Supported models include iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, iPhone Air, iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro.

You can view Apple’s complete list of requirements for AirPods Live Translation.

Have you tried Live Translation with AirPods yet? What has your experience been? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Top AirPods Pro accessories

FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. More.

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