Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

PowerWash Simulator and Other Titles Debuting on Apple Arcade Next Month

### New Titles Arriving on Apple Arcade on December 4

Apple has revealed an enticing selection of new titles scheduled for release on Apple Arcade on December 4. This reveal features beloved games like **PowerWash Simulator**, **SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2**, and more, broadening the platform’s eclectic gaming selection.

#### Upcoming Titles

The following games will be available on Apple Arcade:

– **PowerWash Simulator**
– **SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2**
– **Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition**
– **Subway Surfers+**
– **NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM+**
– **Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss**

**PowerWash Simulator** stands out as a prominent entry. Originally a hit on other systems, its arrival on Apple Arcade is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts. The game provides a unique and rewarding experience of cleaning various surfaces using a power washer, optimized for mobile play with touch controls and gyroscope functionality.

#### Features of PowerWash Simulator

Apple describes PowerWash Simulator as follows:

> “PowerWash Simulator delivers the gratifying experience of erasing dirt and grime to mobile, available exclusively through Apple Arcade. Enhanced with touch controls and gyroscope functionality, players can wash away their concerns with the calming sounds of high-pressure water. Arcade users will also have access to popular packs and tasks at launch, including the SpongeBob SquarePants special pack and bonus tasks, with more special packs to follow after launch at no extra charge.”

#### Subscription Details

Apple Arcade is offered for **$6.99 per month**, granting access to a diverse range of games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. All titles on the platform are free of advertisements and do not have in-app purchases. Moreover, Apple Arcade is included in the Apple One bundle, providing additional value to subscribers.

#### Conclusion

With the introduction of these new titles, Apple Arcade continues to enrich its gaming catalog, catering to a wide range of interests and tastes. Whether you enjoy simulation games, action-packed adventures, or nostalgic characters, there’s something for everyone in this upcoming release. Which new title are you most eager to try?

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iOS 26.2 Brings Improved Notification Capabilities for iPhone Users

### iOS 26.2: Fresh Features and Notification Upgrades

iOS 26.2 is scheduled for launch next month, introducing several changes and enhancements to Apple’s system applications, along with a prominent new notification feature designed to improve user experience.

#### iPhone Screen Flash for Notifications

The rollout of iOS 26.2 brings an intriguing new function that makes the iPhone screen flash brightly when a notification arrives. This feature complements the existing option that activates the camera flash for notifications, which has proven to be a helpful accessibility tool for those who are hard of hearing.

To utilize this new capability, users can head to the Settings app, then navigate to Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Flash for Alerts. This section will present options to enable both the LED Flash and the new ‘Screen’ flash feature. When the ‘Screen’ flash setting is turned on, the iPhone’s display will illuminate fully for a quick moment upon receiving a notification, providing a clear signal, particularly when the always-on display is inactive.

This feature could be a significant alternative for users who do not possess an Apple Watch and depend on visual notifications for alerts.

#### Additional Significant Features in iOS 26.2

Beyond the new notification functionality, iOS 26.2 brings several improvements across different applications:

– **Reminders**: The app now features ‘Urgent’ alarms, helping users prioritize important tasks more efficiently.
– **Podcasts**: AI-generated chapters have been incorporated, simplifying navigation through episodes for users.
– **Apple News**: The app has seen design updates for a more smooth user experience.
– **Apple Music**: Users can now access offline lyrics, enriching the music listening experience.

These enhancements showcase Apple’s dedication to boosting user accessibility and overall utility within its ecosystem.

As the launch date nears, users are encouraged to investigate these new features and ponder how they may improve their everyday engagement with their devices.

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Apple asserts that research indicates the EU has incorrectly assessed the impact of app price reductions.

**Apple’s Resistance to the EU’s Digital Markets Act: A Comprehensive Examination**

Apple’s objection to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has escalated, especially after its claim in September that the legislation ought to be rescinded. The corporation has expressed worries that the DMA might result in delays concerning new features and hardware for customers in the EU. Lately, Apple has asserted that a study it financed indicates the DMA has not delivered on its promise to cut app prices.

### A Brief Overview of Apple and the DMA

The DMA represents a key piece of antitrust legislation in Europe that designates certain technology firms as “gatekeepers.” These firms hold sufficient market power to potentially hinder competition. Apple was identified as a gatekeeper because of its significant user base and its control over iPhone app sales. Consequently, the company was required to permit the sale of iPhone apps outside its App Store. In response, Apple has enabled the establishment of alternative app stores and has proposed adjusted terms for developers which could potentially lower commissions.

### Apple Refutes Claims of Reduced App Prices

The EU suggested that the launch of competing app stores would result in lower commissions, thus leading to decreased app prices for users. However, a study carried out by The Analysis Group, funded by Apple, uncovered limited evidence supporting this assertion. The study examined the impact of three significant developments that lowered commissions for app developers:

1. The introduction of third-party app stores with diminished commissions.
2. Altered terms provided by Apple to EU developers, reducing commissions from 30% to 17% for larger developers and from 15% to 10% for smaller firms.
3. The prior adoption of the Small Business Program, which cut commissions in half for smaller developers.

According to Apple, if the EU’s claims were valid, a noticeable decrease in app prices would be anticipated. Nevertheless, the study indicated that around 90% of developers did not reduce their app prices at all, and among those who did, the average reduction was only 2.5%.

Apple remarked, “The DMA has not met its promises, resulting in diminished security, reduced privacy, and a poorer experience for consumers throughout Europe. This study offers further proof that the DMA is not advantageous to consumers in terms of lower prices. Simultaneously, we recognize that the regulation is establishing new obstacles for innovators and startups while exposing consumers to additional risks.”

The company highlighted that the majority of developers do not incur commissions as they opt for ad-supported free apps and pointed out that over 90% of the $1.3 trillion generated by the App Store is directed to developers.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

A fundamental premise of antitrust legislation is that heightened competition benefits consumers, either through lower prices or improved product quality as companies retain more revenue. The study financed by Apple implies that the price reductions attributed to the DMA are minimal. While the credibility of The Analysis Group enhances the findings, it is also recognized that developers may opt to preserve savings to reinvest in app upgrades, indirectly benefiting consumers.

Apple has previously contended that the altered commission structure would allow small developers to invest more in their businesses, thus improving the overall quality of offerings within the App Store ecosystem.

### Conclusion

Apple’s resistance to the DMA underscores the intricacies of regulating digital markets and the difficulties in balancing competition with innovation. As the discussion progresses, the ramifications of the DMA on app pricing and developer relations remain a crucial issue for both Apple and the larger tech sector.

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iPhone 18 Pro Max Anticipated to Showcase Greater Thickness and Heft, Based on Leaker Insights

# iPhone 18 Pro Max: The Heaviest iPhone Yet?

Apple has implemented a notable transformation in its design approach with the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, choosing a more robust and weighty structure in comparison to earlier models. This pattern is anticipated to persist with the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max, which a recent leak indicates will become the heaviest iPhone ever manufactured.

## The Shift to Heavier Models

The iPhone 17 series has revealed a significant difference between slim and thick designs. While the slender iPhone Air has experienced lackluster sales, the bulkier iPhone 17 Pro variants have reportedly performed very well in sales. This consumer inclination signifies a distinct demand for devices that provide more significant features, likely incorporating improved battery longevity and performance.

## Leak Details on iPhone 18 Pro Max

Leaker Instant Digital has provided information on Weibo regarding the iPhone 18 Pro Max, asserting that it will exceed the weight of its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which comes in at 233 grams. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is predicted to weigh over 240 grams, establishing it as the heaviest iPhone to date. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighed 227 grams, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max was previously the heaviest at 240 grams.

The expected weight increase may be linked to a marginally thicker design and possibly a larger battery, following the trend established by current models.

## Consumer Reactions

The reaction to the idea of a heftier iPhone 18 Pro Max is varied. Some users welcome the extra weight for the advantages of improved battery life and sturdiness, while others, including some iPhone Air users, find the growing heft undesirable. However, the sales figures indicate that a noteworthy segment of consumers prefers the chunkier, more durable models.

## Conclusion

As Apple gears up for the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, the choice to increase its weight over its predecessors reflects a strategic alignment with consumer desires for long-lasting devices. Although the increased weight may not be appealing to all, it is evident that many users are ready to accept a thicker phone for better performance and battery life. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is poised to create a stir in the smartphone arena, continuing Apple’s trend of prioritizing customer needs.

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Addressing Steve Jobs’ Critiques of the Macintosh Calculator Application: A Thoughtful Account

**The Innovative Management of Upward: Chris Espinosa’s Tactics for Handling Steve Jobs’ Critiques**

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was renowned for his stringent standards and frequently blunt critiques of his team’s efforts. His evaluations, whether regarding hardware or software, were straightforward and uncompromising. This set up a distinctive challenge for Apple staff, especially for individuals like Chris Espinosa, who holds the title of the company’s longest-serving employee.

Espinosa, who created the inaugural Macintosh calculator app, faced the intimidating challenge of fulfilling Jobs’ lofty demands. At first, Espinosa thought his calculator design was adequate, but Jobs had different opinions. As Andy Hertzfeld, a pivotal member of the original Macintosh team, noted, Jobs’ remarks were straightforward: “Well, it’s a start, but basically, it stinks.” He pointed out several shortcomings in the design, such as the background color, line thickness, and button dimensions.

The iterative process that ensued was strenuous for Espinosa. Each day, he adjusted elements based on Jobs’ feedback, only to encounter new criticisms. To escape this loop of continual modifications, Espinosa came up with a smart solution. He developed a program that enabled Jobs to adjust every visual element of the calculator through drop-down menus. This included choices for line thickness, button dimensions, and background styles.

When Jobs engaged with this program, he spent roughly ten minutes testing the settings until he landed on a combination that pleased him. This inventive tactic not only spared Espinosa from additional rounds of revisions but also led to a design that remained mostly unaffected for 17 years.

Espinosa’s experience serves as a prime illustration of proficient upward management. By equipping Jobs with the means to convey his preferences explicitly, Espinosa turned a potentially aggravating scenario into a joint achievement.

For those who yearn for the original Macintosh experience, a contemporary app exists that pays tribute to Espinosa’s calculator design.

In summary, Chris Espinosa’s inventive approach to managing Steve Jobs’ critiques highlights the significance of flexibility and creativity in the professional environment, particularly when engaging with demanding leadership.

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The Outsiders Introduces Apple Watch Application Tailored for Top Athletes

### The Gentler Stories App: A New Chapter for Athletes with Apple Watch Integration

The Gentler Stories app, tailored for cyclists, runners, and performance-oriented athletes, has recently upgraded its features with the launch of a dedicated Apple Watch app. This innovation signifies a notable advancement in offering users critical insights into their training readiness.

#### Training Readiness at Your Fingertips

The Gentler Stories team had earlier introduced The Outsiders app, which aims to provide a comprehensive exercise experience. The newly launched Apple Watch app highlights “Training Readiness,” a metric that integrates the ratio of acute to chronic training load, body metrics, and sleep quality. This functionality empowers athletes to evaluate their training session preparedness efficiently.

Katarina Lotrič, co-founder and CEO of Gentler Stories, noted the significance of this update, stating, “The Apple Watch app signifies the next phase in our evolution… We developed this app for athletes who aren’t seeking motivation; what they require is meaningful insight into their training readiness.” This perspective underscores the app’s dedication to addressing the specific interests of committed athletes.

#### Key Features of the Apple Watch App

The Apple Watch app not only introduces the Readiness index but also offers a variety of metrics and insights vital for athletes:

– **7-day Training Load Ratio (TLR)**
– **7-night Sleeping Heart Rate**
– **7-night Heart Rate Variability (HRV)**
– **7-night Wrist Temperature**
– **7-night Respiratory Rate**
– **7-night Blood Oxygen**
– **Recent nights’ Sleep**

These elements provide a comprehensive overview of an athlete’s health and readiness, allowing them to make informed training decisions.

#### A Beautifully Designed Experience

The Outsiders app is celebrated for its remarkable animations and intuitive interface, and the Apple Watch iteration preserves this visual charm. Gentler Stories advises wearing the Apple Watch overnight as well as during training sessions to optimize the precision and usefulness of the data gathered.

#### Availability and Access

The Outsiders app is available for free download, with optional in-app purchases for added features. Athletes seeking to enhance their training journey can discover the app by following this

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Apple Intelligence Necessitates M2 Mac or Newer, as per Apple’s Site

Apple has recently revised its website to indicate that Apple Intelligence on a Mac necessitates a model with an M2 chip or newer, a departure from the earlier compatibility stipulation of an M1 chip or later. This alteration has sparked concerns among users of M1 Macs, although it is generally thought to be a mistake rather than an intentional revision to the criteria.

A reader from MacRumors was the first to spot this inconsistency, which seems to be confined to the US version of the Apple website. Previously, all listings for Macs affirmed compatibility with “M1 and later,” but they have now been changed to “M2 and later.” This discrepancy is believed to have stemmed from an update concerning the Vision Pro, which originally required only an M2 chip. After the introduction of the M5 model, the requirement was modified to “M2 or later,” but it appears that the responsibility for updating the Mac listings was inadvertently given to someone who applied the same modification across all Mac models.

Currently, the UK website has not shown this alteration, as the Vision Pro is still presented with the initial M2 requirement. This implies that the update may not have been implemented globally yet. Observers expect that this is merely an oversight, and more updates from Apple are anticipated to clarify the matter.

In summary, while the recent modification on Apple’s website has caused some concern among M1 Mac users, it is probably just a minor mistake rather than a major overhaul in compatibility requirements.

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Nomad Unveils New Find My Tracking Card Pro Boasting Metal Credit Card Finish with Exclusive Launch Offer

### Nomad Tracking Card Pro: An Elite Wallet Tracker

The Nomad Tracking Card Pro has just been introduced, representing a major advancement in the world of wallet trackers. Priced at **$39**, this innovative product is crafted to mirror a high-end credit card while offering state-of-the-art tracking capabilities via Apple’s Find My network. For those seeking a deal, there’s a limited-time offer of **10% off** when purchasing two cards.

#### Key Features

1. **Design and Construction**: The Tracking Card Pro boasts a sleek aluminum casing with a polycarbonate finish, imparting a sophisticated appearance that distinguishes it from standard wallet trackers. It comes in two colors: black and white.

2. **Battery Performance**: A highlight of this product is its remarkable battery life, enduring up to **16 months** on one charge. This is **50% longer** than an AirTag and over three times the duration of various other wallet trackers.

3. **Charging**: The card features **Qi wireless charging**, enabling users to conveniently recharge it on any compatible charger. This removes the inconvenience of battery replacements.

4. **Size**: With dimensions of **85mm x 54mm x 2.5mm**, it is notably **one-third the thickness of an AirTag**, making it a slim addition to any wallet.

5. **Durability**: Rated at **IPX7**, the Tracking Card Pro is both waterproof and dustproof, ensuring it can endure daily use.

6. **Weight**: At a mere **15 grams**, it is lightweight and will not add bulk to your wallet.

#### Availability

The Nomad Tracking Card Pro is now available for **pre-order** and is scheduled to start shipping on **December 19**. Considering the popularity of Nomad’s earlier tracking products, this new card is expected to sell out quickly.

#### Conclusion

The Nomad Tracking Card Pro is an outstanding choice for anyone wanting to elevate their wallet’s utility with a chic and dependable tracking solution. With its premium design, extended battery life, and sturdy features, it shines in the competitive market of wallet trackers. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just want to monitor your belongings, this card is a valuable investment.

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Greatest New MacBook Offers for November Beginning at $599

# The Present Landscape of MacBooks in the Apple Silicon Era

During the Apple Silicon period, MacBooks have become more budget-friendly than ever, with brand new models starting at just $599. With potential global tariffs on the horizon, these appealing prices might be short-lived. If you’re looking to buy a new MacBook, now could be an ideal moment to do so.

Apple’s recent macOS Tahoe update has also ceased support for nearly all Intel Macs, with a few exceptions. If you want to take advantage of the latest Apple software, this is an opportune moment to upgrade.

## M1 MacBook Air

Apple has released four MacBook Air models since the start of the Apple Silicon period: M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips. The M1 MacBook Air continues to feature a recognizable wedge design from the Intel days, which many users may favor.

Even though it’s four years old, the M1 MacBook Air is still a fantastic laptop for its cost. It offers speedy performance due to the M1 chip, an impressive retina display (albeit with thicker bezels than newer models), an excellent keyboard, and up to 18 hours of battery life. It operates quietly, making it ideal for use in public spaces.

The M1 MacBook Air is the most affordable choice on this list, though finding new ones with more than 256GB of storage may prove more challenging. Still, it is the only Apple Silicon MacBook available in a classic Gold color.

You can acquire the M1 MacBook Air for as little as $599 at Walmart in all three colors: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.

– **13-inch MacBook Air (M1) with 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory:** $599 at Walmart

## M3 MacBook Air

In 2022, Apple unveiled a revamped MacBook Air featuring a slimmer design, a larger screen with narrower bezels, and the return of MagSafe. It became available in new Starlight and Midnight hues, along with Silver and Space Gray, although Gold was phased out. This new design debuted with the M2 chip and has carried on with the M3.

M2 MacBook Air models have largely sold out, and a similar trend is occurring with M3 models, though a few remain in stock, especially the 15-inch MacBook Air.

– **15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip, 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory:** $1199 at Amazon ($500 off!)

This MacBook is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking additional unified memory, which is advantageous for multitasking.

## M4 MacBook Air

In March, Apple introduced an updated MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip. This version resembles the previous model but includes a new Center Stage webcam and a fresh Sky Blue color that replaces Space Gray.

At the moment, you can save at least $100 on the newest MacBook Air models. Apple is said to be developing a new entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip expected to be released in the upcoming year, but at these prices, the MacBook Air remains an excellent option.

– **13-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip:**
– 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $899 at Amazon
– 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1065 at Amazon
– 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1199 at Amazon

– **15-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip:**
– 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $999 at Amazon
– 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1199 at Amazon
– 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1429 at Amazon

Even as the latest model, there are amazing offers available for the M4 MacBook Air, thanks to its more accessible starting price.

## M4 MacBook Pro

Apple revamped the MacBook Pro in 2021, incorporating a miniLED display with ProMotion, increased ports (including HDMI and an SD card reader), larger batteries, and improved thermals. It now also includes a 1080p webcam.

While the MacBook Pro isn’t as economically priced as the MacBook Airs listed, good deals can still be found. All models listed below feature M4 and M4 Pro chips, delivering the latest performance and features.

Inventory for baseline M4 models will likely reduce in the coming months due to the impending release of the new M5 MacBook Pro.

– **14-inch models:** (Pricing varies)

– **16-inch models:**
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $2216 on Amazon
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 48GB of

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Palm Royale Season 2 Debuts on Apple TV

**Palm Royale Season 2: Anticipations from the Beloved Apple TV Series**

Over a year after its triumphant inaugural season, *Palm Royale* makes its return to Apple TV for a much-awaited second season. The series boasts a prominent cast, featuring Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, and Carol Burnett, and continues to enchant viewers with its compelling storyline set against the opulent yet perilous backdrop of Palm Beach’s elite society.

**Release Schedule**

The latest season of *Palm Royale* debuted with a new set of episodes, with fresh installments released every Wednesday. This season will also include 10 episodes, concluding on January 14, 2026.

**Plot Overview**

Taking place in 1969, *Palm Royale* chronicles the journey of a driven woman maneuvering through the intricacies of social status and power plays in Palm Beach. Following a critically acclaimed first season that secured several Emmy nominations and a win at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, the series is ready to explore its main character’s journey in greater depth.

In the forthcoming season, Maxine faces social ostracism following a scandalous public meltdown. Confronted with exclusion from society, she must draw upon her cleverness and ingenuity to regain her footing among the elite. As she navigates the perilous waters of Palm Beach, she will reveal concealed truths about the community, uncovering a world founded on secrets, deception, and occasional crimes.

**Trailer and Viewing Options**

Viewers can check out the trailer for *Palm Royale* season 2 on Apple TV. The series is available for streaming on Apple TV+, which provides a subscription for $12.99 per month. Subscribers can also enjoy a range of other popular shows and films, including *Severance*, *The Studio*, *The Morning Show*, *Shrinking*, and *Silo*.

For those excited to re-enter the realm of *Palm Royale*, the new season promises to offer the same mix of drama, excitement, and star appeal that contributed to the first season’s success.

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