Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

iPadOS 26.1 Release Candidate Now Available Prior to Official Release

# iPadOS 26.1 Release Candidate: What to Anticipate

Apple has recently released the iPadOS 26.1 Release Candidate (RC), indicating that the software update is nearing its public debut. This update is especially thrilling for users as it unveils a host of new features and enhancements designed to enrich the iPad experience.

## New Features in iPadOS 26.1

The forthcoming iPadOS 26.1 will present numerous notable features, particularly for beta testers who can engage with the most recent build ahead of the public rollout. Here are some of the key highlights:

– **Liquid Glass**: The update adds a new ‘Tinted’ option that boosts opacity, allowing users to further personalize their interface.

– **Slide Over**: This multitasking feature makes a comeback, offering users a distinct method to handle apps. However, it’s crucial to highlight that Slide Over now accommodates only one app at a time, as the feature no longer allows stacking multiple applications.

– **Apple Intelligence**: The functionality expands to incorporate eight new languages for AirPods live translation, improving accessibility for users worldwide.

– **Music Controls**: Users can now swipe on the MiniPlayer to switch tracks, optimizing the music listening experience.

– **UI and Feature Enhancements**: Besides the major updates, several minor user interface changes and enhancements aim to sharpen the overall user experience.

The reintroduction of Slide Over is particularly important for iPad users, as it improves multitasking capabilities. Despite its restriction to a single app, many users have shown approval of its return.

## Performance and Stability

The latest iteration of iPadOS 26.1 is crafted to deliver an enhanced experience for beta testers, concentrating on performance, bug resolutions, and stability. Apple has been responsive to feedback during the beta period, ensuring that users experience fewer obstacles while navigating the new features.

## Expected Public Launch

With the Release Candidate now accessible, the public launch of iPadOS 26.1 is anticipated to take place within the coming week. Users who have been evaluating the beta are encouraged to share their insights, especially regarding performance and usability.

## Conclusion

iPadOS 26.1 is set to offer a variety of enhancements that cater to both casual and power users. As the public release nears, excitement grows around the new features and improvements that will soon be accessible to all iPad users.

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Apple Unveils macOS Tahoe 26.1 Release Candidate: Fresh Features and Enhancements

Apple is launching the release candidate version of macOS 26.1 for developers, along with the public beta, preceding the imminent public debut. Here’s what you can anticipate.

## AI foundations, fresh icons, and Tinted Liquid Glass

Since the initial beta, Apple has incorporated several modifications behind the scenes to prepare the system for MCP support, in addition to introducing more third-party AI functionalities beyond ChatGPT on Image Playground. These enhancements have not been officially revealed yet.

Apple has also introduced a toggle that allows users to opt for either the existing Liquid Glass design or a subdued variant, referred to as Tinted, which enhances contrast.

Once more, Apple has revised the Macintosh HD icon, responding to feedback regarding the revamped design launched with macOS 26.

macOS 26.1 additionally unveils the new Apple TV icon and contains mentions of a second-generation Apple Pro Display XDR.

We are exploring the new release and will update if anything significant emerges.

## How to install the new beta

Here’s how to set up the macOS Tahoe 26.1 RC:

1. Backup your Mac
2. Open System Settings
3. Navigate to General ⇾ Software Update
4. Click the ‘i’ icon adjacent to Beta Updates
5. From the dropdown menu in the upper right, select the macOS Developer Tahoe Beta
6. Click ‘Done’

Did you notice any changes in today’s beta? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Apple Unveils Release Candidates for watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and Other Updates

Apple’s upcoming major round of software updates is nearing release: today the RC (release candidate) versions of watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and more have been launched.

## Next round of software updates is nearly set to launch

New Apple software updates have been undergoing beta testing for just over a month, and they seem almost ready for deployment.

These upcoming updates consist of:

– iOS 26.1
– iPadOS 26.1
– macOS Tahoe 26.1
– watchOS 26.1
– tvOS 26.1
– visionOS 26.1
– HomePod 26.1

Today, Apple has introduced the RC versions of these updates for beta testers.

According to Apple’s past patterns, public releases for these updates are expected to arrive within about a week—plus or minus a few days.

So far, the most significant changes noted during the beta phase have been confined to Apple’s three primary platforms: iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

These updates feature new options to modify the Liquid Glass design, a substantial Apple Intelligence language enhancement, along with the reintroduction of Slide Over on iPad, among other minor updates.

For tvOS, watchOS, visionOS, and HomePod, modifications have been scarce.

There’s a new Apple TV app icon, likely to align with the upcoming more “vibrant” branding for the Apple TV streaming service. However, the TV app itself has remained unchanged in the betas thus far.

Bug fixes, security enhancements, and performance upgrades may turn out to be the main highlights for Apple’s “lesser” software platforms this time. But we will keep you updated on any changes we find.

Have you spotted anything new in watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, or visionOS 26.1? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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All We Know Regarding Dark Matter Season 2 Release and Information

**Dark Matter Season 2: What We Know Thus Far**

Dark Matter premiered last year as yet another impressive sci-fi success for Apple TV, and a second season is officially in the pipeline. Here’s all the information we have currently about Dark Matter season 2.

### Fresh Narrative, With No Existing Source Material

Dark Matter season 1 was entirely based on the *New York Times* bestselling book authored by showrunner and writer Blake Crouch. The inaugural season encompassed the entire storyline of that book, which has no sequels. Consequently, Apple’s decision to move forward with a second season of Dark Matter came as a shock. However, as Crouch expressed, there is “so much more story to unfold” with these characters.

> “While writing and filming season one, we realized that there’s an abundance of story left to explore, and we’ve merely begun to uncover these characters as they struggle for survival and navigate their way home through a realm of mind-bending realities. See you in the Box!”

Typically, a series extending beyond the source material might raise red flags. Yet, with the original author at the helm, Dark Matter season 2 has fans feeling enthusiastic instead of apprehensive.

### Dark Matter’s Original Cast and Creative Team Returns

The stars from the first season of Dark Matter will return for season 2, as the narrative continues to trace the Dessen family and associated characters across the multiverse. Notably, Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly reprise their roles as Jason Dessen and Daniela Vargas Dessen, respectively.

Chris Diamantopoulos joins the ensemble as a new addition, with his character details being kept under wraps. Amanda Brugel will return, this time as a series regular alongside Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, and Oakes Fegley. Blake Crouch continues his role as showrunner for season 2, in addition to serving as writer, executive producer, and creator.

### Anticipated Release Date for Season 2 on Apple TV

Filming for Dark Matter season 2 concluded in July, according to an update from showrunner Blake Crouch. Crouch also noted that the series would soon undergo approximately six months of post-production work.

This suggests that Dark Matter season 2 should be set for a premiere around early 2026. Apple TV has only just begun revealing its 2026 lineup. January is beginning to look quite busy, so Dark Matter debuting in February or March would likely be a safer estimate. Apple may choose to delay the new season a bit longer. The inaugural season of Dark Matter premiered in May 2024, for instance, so we might anticipate season 2 arriving around May 2026. Any release beyond that would be unexpected.

You can watch the complete first season of Dark Matter on Apple TV. Apple TV is available for $12.99 per month and includes popular TV shows and films such as *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *The Morning Show*, *Silo*, and *Shrinking*.

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Complimentary Giveaway: $175 Burton Goods Gift Cards Up for Grabs

### 9to5Toys x Burton Goods Giveaway – $175 in FREE Gear

Burton Goods, renowned for its premium American handcrafted leather accessories, is presenting a thrilling opportunity for enthusiasts of fine leather products. This week, in partnership with 9to5Toys, they are offering three gift cards valued at $175, enabling fortunate winners to select from an array of their beautiful items.

#### About Burton Goods

Burton Goods focuses on creating stunning leather accessories, such as iPad cases, MacBook sleeves, and Apple Watch bands. Their items are crafted with a classic aesthetic, merging practicality with style. The brand has recently launched new versions for the M5 iPad Pro, ensuring that gadget lovers can safeguard their devices with sophistication.

Among their products, the leather Apple Watch bands are particularly noteworthy. Offered in traditional designs alongside vintage military and aviation-inspired styles, these bands are praised for their quality and visual charm, making them an ideal complement to any Apple Watch.

#### How to Enter the Giveaway

Joining the 9to5Toys x Burton Goods giveaway is simple. Interested parties must provide their name and email address, with one entry permitted per email account. The giveaway is accessible solely to U.S. residents and will run for one week, from October 24 to October 31, 2025. Winners will receive notification the following week.

To enter, click the link included in the giveaway form. Moreover, participants are encouraged to follow 9to5Toys on their social media platforms for updates and additional chances.

#### Conclusion

This giveaway offers an excellent opportunity for leather accessory lovers to obtain high-quality items from Burton Goods at no cost. With various options available, including iPad cases, MacBook sleeves, and fashionable Apple Watch bands, winners will have the chance to elevate their collection with exceptional craftsmanship. Don’t let this limited-time opportunity slip away!

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Present Promotions: M3 MacBook Air Price Cut by $659, Apple Qi2 25W MagSafe Charger Offered, M3 iPad Air Priced Down by $370, and Additional Offers

### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Key Discounts on Apple Products

In the latest installment of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we showcase remarkable savings on an array of Apple products, including the M4 MacBook Air, M3 MacBook Air, M5 iPad Pro, and accessories like the Qi2 MagSafe Charger. Here’s a thorough overview of the top deals currently available.

#### Mid-Generation MacBook Air Savings

**Midnight 16GB M3 MacBook Air – $659 Off**
If you’re aiming to cut costs on a reliable laptop, the 16GB/512GB 15-inch M3 MacBook Air in Midnight is priced at **$775.99 shipped** in open-box condition from Best Buy. Initially introduced at $1,699, this model now enjoys a substantial markdown. Best Buy’s open-box program guarantees these units are Geek Squad verified, restored to factory settings, and come with a 1-year warranty.

– **Condition Options:**
– **Excellent Condition:** $839.99
– **Fair Condition:** $775.99

This offer presents a strong alternative to the newer M4 versions, which carry higher price tags, making the M3 an excellent choice for those on a budget.

#### M3 iPad Air Price Reduction

**1TB M3 iPad Air – Lowest Price Ever**
Amazon is presently providing the **11-inch M3 iPad Air with 1TB storage** for **$878.77 shipped**, representing a reduction of over **$370 from** the standard price of $1,249. This is the lowest price ever noted for this model, making it a splendid opportunity for anyone requiring a high-capacity tablet.

#### Qi2 MagSafe Charger Price Cut

**Qi2 25W 1-Meter MagSafe Charger – $30**
Apple’s newly released **Qi2-certified 25W MagSafe Charger** is currently selling for just **$30.02** on Amazon, down from its standard price of $39. This compact charger is perfect for those who prefer a shorter cable for a tidier charging experience.

#### Additional Mac Mini Discount

**24GB/1TB M4 Mac Mini – $150 Off**
B&H is providing a **$150 discount** on the **24GB/1TB M4 Mac Mini**, lowering the price to **$1,049 shipped**. This model isn’t available on Amazon, making this deal especially significant for those in search of a powerful desktop solution.

### Conclusion

With these impressive discounts on Apple products, this is an ideal moment to think about upgrading your technology. Whether you’re looking for a new laptop, tablet, or accessories, these deals offer considerable savings that are worth taking advantage of.

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Leaker Discloses iPhone 20 Will Remove Physical Buttons and Completely Incorporate Haptic Technology

### Apple’s iPhone 20: A Leap into the Future with Solid-State Buttons

As Apple nears the 20th anniversary of its legendary iPhone, buzz is growing regarding what the tech leader has planned for its milestone model, the iPhone 20. Speculation indicates that this upcoming device may showcase an all-glass display free of any cutouts, signifying a remarkable design advancement. Among the most captivating features rumored for the iPhone 20 is the possible incorporation of solid-state buttons, set to supplant conventional physical buttons.

#### The Shift to Solid-State Buttons

Recent revelations, particularly from leaker Instant Digital on Weibo, suggest that Apple has finalized functional testing for a solid-state button design. This groundbreaking method is anticipated to be mass-produced and integrated into the iPhone 20, expected to debut in 2027. According to the leak, the power button, volume controls, and camera operation buttons will evolve into solid-state configurations, delivering localized vibration feedback that enhances the user experience.

This is not the first instance of Apple being speculated to replace physical buttons with solid-state options. There were hopes for such a transition with the iPhone 16 Pro, but those plans did not come to fruition. Nevertheless, the iPhone 20, akin to the iPhone X which marked the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, appears to be an ideal candidate for this transformative upgrade.

#### Design Innovations: All-Glass Display

In addition to the anticipated solid-state buttons, the iPhone 20 is rumored to sport an innovative all-glass, wrap-around display. This design would remove any cutouts, providing a flawless visual experience. Although these specifications remain conjectural and may evolve as the release date nears, the union of an all-glass design and solid-state buttons could revolutionize the iPhone experience.

The incorporation of solid-state buttons may also link closely to the speculated wrap-around display. If Apple successfully executes this technology, it could result in a sleeker and more contemporary aesthetic, reflecting the company’s dedication to innovation and design superiority.

#### User Experience and Feedback

The introduction of solid-state buttons prompts considerations about user experience. While some users may embrace the change for its elegance and potential resilience, others might long for the tactile feedback offered by conventional buttons. The haptic feedback from solid-state buttons aims to mimic the sensation of pressing a physical button, but the efficacy of this replication in daily use remains to be determined.

As Apple progresses in honing its vision for the iPhone 20, the excitement surrounding its features and design is palpable. The potential transition to solid-state buttons and an all-glass display could establish a new benchmark in smartphone technology, making the iPhone 20 a highly awaited release.

#### Conclusion

With the iPhone 20 prepared to celebrate two decades of innovation, Apple seems ready to make daring design decisions that might reshape the smartphone landscape. The rumored solid-state buttons and all-glass display signify a substantial advancement, promising to enhance both functionality and visual appeal. As we look forward to further updates, the anticipation for what Apple has in store continues to grow.

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Apple Responds to Unaddressed Lawsuit Concerning Apple Pay from Fintiv

Apple has submitted a reply to Fintiv’s trade secret lawsuit concerning Apple Pay, which was initiated in August. This reply is not a response to any court-imposed deadline but is instead a move by Apple to accelerate the process. Fintiv has not yet formally served the complaint to Apple, which Apple contends is a strategy to prolong the case and evade a court trial.

In its reply, Apple reiterates that it had previously attempted to transfer Fintiv’s patent case to California, while Fintiv maintained that the appropriate jurisdiction was the Western District of Texas and Judge Alan Albright. Apple contends that Fintiv should not be permitted to select a different district for its trade secret lawsuit after failing to gain any advantage from Apple Pay in Texas.

Apple outlines several grounds for dismissing Fintiv’s lawsuit:

1. Fintiv’s assertions under federal and Georgia trade secrets legislation, as well as federal racketeering laws, are barred since Fintiv has been aware of the circumstances since 2014 but postponed litigation until August 2025 after losing its patent case.
2. The claim of racketeering in Georgia is unfounded as it is solely based on trade secret claims under state law.
3. Fintiv’s effort to frame its trade secret lawsuit as a racketeering case does not satisfy the required elements of an enterprise or a series of unlawful acts.

Apple also underscores Fintiv’s record of failed attempts to monetize Apple Pay, referencing court decisions that have found Apple Pay does not infringe on Fintiv’s patent. Apple asserts that it developed Apple Pay independently utilizing its own technologies, and that Fintiv’s latest trade secret claims merely reiterate earlier patent assertions. The technology Fintiv alleges as confidential is publicly available in its prior patent, disqualifying it from being deemed a trade secret.

Moreover, Apple notes that two former CorFire employees referenced in Fintiv’s complaint became part of Apple in 2015, well after the 2014 launch of Apple Pay, which undermines any claims regarding their impact on the product’s evolution. Apple labels Fintiv’s racketeering accusations as an overreaching assertion based on the same flimsy basis as its trade secret allegations, arguing that the supposedly criminal enterprise is simply Apple’s routine business conduct.

The case is currently at a standstill until Fintiv serves the complaint to Apple. Should this not happen soon, Apple’s reply may cause the situation to progress faster than Fintiv’s actions.

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Apple Attains $4 Trillion Market Value After Successful Launch of iPhone 17 Prior to Earnings Announcement

Apple Inc. reached a notable milestone on Tuesday, attaining a market valuation of $4 trillion for the first time. This accomplishment signifies an important chapter in the company’s history, although it is not the inaugural entity to achieve this valuation. Apple was the first to reach $1 trillion in 2018, followed by $2 trillion in 2020, and $3 trillion in 2022. Currently, it ranks third to hit the $4 trillion mark, trailing Nvidia and Microsoft.

Nvidia achieved the $4 trillion valuation in July, largely fueled by the increasing demand for its GPU hardware during the AI surge. Microsoft also surpassed the $4 trillion threshold in July and has since confirmed its position by attaining this valuation once more today.

Apple’s recent milestone can be linked to the successful launch of its iPhone 17, which has attracted considerable consumer interest. The company is anticipated to announce its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, which will offer insights into the performance of the iPhone 17 during its initial launch week. Although Apple does not reveal specific unit sales, the quarterly revenue figures will act as a valuable gauge of how the new iPhone models are faring compared to previous versions.

Despite momentarily reaching the $4 trillion valuation, Apple’s stock price subsequently fell back to the upper end of the $3 trillion range. This fluctuation underscores the volatility often exhibited in stock markets, especially surrounding significant product launches.

The importance of these trillion-dollar milestones transcends simple figures. They act as signals to investors that Apple continues to be a growth-focused company, dispelling any doubts regarding its future potential. Moreover, they provide context for Apple’s competitive stance in the tech sector. While Nvidia and Microsoft have taken advantage of the AI revolution, Apple’s varied hardware and services portfolio showcases its resilience and sustainability beyond AI trends.

Furthermore, this achievement represents Apple’s lasting status as a prominent player among its peers. Even if it is not the first to reach the $4 trillion milestone, its steady performance highlights its strength within the market. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, Apple’s capacity to innovate and uphold its market position will be keenly observed by investors and industry analysts alike.

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