Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

New HomePod mini Poised for Major Enhancements

Apple is preparing to introduce two new Home products this autumn: a revamped Apple TV 4K and the next-gen HomePod mini 2. Recent indications suggest that the HomePod mini 2 could showcase noteworthy enhancements, presenting a more significant upgrade than initially expected.

### HomePod mini 2 May Present Six New Features, According to Gurman

The HomePod lineup has been fairly static for a while. While there were intentions for a new HomePod featuring a display, known as the HomePod Touch, its launch has been delayed until 2026 due to setbacks in Siri’s AI advancements.

Speculation has been ongoing since last year about the launch of the HomePod mini 2 by the end of 2025, and current reports have reinforced this schedule. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg indicates that the HomePod mini 2 is likely to include a variety of new features:

1. A new chip to take the place of the existing S5.
2. Support for Apple Intelligence and the updated Siri.
3. An enhanced ultra-wideband chip.
4. Superior audio quality.
5. New color choices, potentially including a red version.
6. The previously mentioned custom Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip.

These enhancements suggest a considerable advancement in technology, making the five-year interval between hardware refreshes seem warranted.

The introduction of Apple Intelligence is notably thrilling, as it will augment the HomePod’s functions, particularly with Siri, which is crucial to the device’s performance. With the new Siri anticipated to launch next spring, it will be intriguing to see how Apple showcases the HomePod mini 2, particularly in relation to its AI features.

### Best Apple Home Accessories

As Apple progresses in the home technology arena, the forthcoming HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K are expected to enhance the smart home experience. Whether consumers decide to invest in these new offerings will rely on their specific needs and the perceived advantages of the upgrades.

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Present Offers: $100 Discount on 24GB Mac mini, Up to $730 Off iPhone 15/16 Pro, Savings on 25W MagSafe Accessories, and Additional Deals

### 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Deal Roundup

As we near the weekend, 9to5Toys has assembled an enticing collection of deals, featuring exclusive promotions and notable discounts on sought-after tech items. Here’s a glimpse at some of the top bargains available today.

#### Exclusive Nomad Sale

Today signifies the last chance to benefit from the **exclusive Nomad sale**, where you can receive **20% off** sitewide. This encompasses a selection of new releases, making it an ideal moment to enhance your accessories. To redeem the discount, apply the unique promo code found on the Nomad website.

#### Mac Mini Discounts

B&H is presently offering a standout promotion on the **24GB M4 Mac mini**, priced at **$699 shipped**. This model is considerably less expensive than the $999 option listed on Amazon, offering a generous $100 discount. The 24GB RAM configuration is especially enticing for users who need additional memory for multitasking and intensive applications. While the Amazon version comes with 512GB of storage, the B&H deal presents a more affordable choice with 256GB, perfect for those who can leverage external storage options.

#### iPhone Discounts Ahead of the iPhone 17 Launch

With the iPhone 17 introduction just ahead, Amazon is providing up to **$730 off** on various **iPhone 15 and 16 Pro models**. This includes reductions on the Renewed Premium listings, which include a one-year warranty, making them an outstanding option for those seeking to save on a quality device. Notably, the **1TB iPhone 15 Pro Max** is now offered at a significant discount, making it a compelling choice for anyone considering an upgrade.

#### Apple’s 13-inch M3 iPad Air Deal

Amazon has also reduced prices on the **13-inch M3 iPad Air** with Wi-Fi + Cellular, now priced at **$764.60 shipped**, indicating a **$185 discount** from its original price of $949. This offer represents the best price noted to date, surpassing past deals from Prime Day and Labor Day. For those seeking a more economical option, there’s also an exclusive promotion on the M2 iPad Air, providing **$350 off**.

#### Accessory and Charging Deals

In addition to hardware offers, there are multiple accessories and charging products available at reduced prices. These bargains present a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your tech setup without overspending.

#### M4 Pro MacBook Pro Discounts

Finally, the **M4 Pro MacBook Pro** lineup is experiencing notable price reductions, with the **24GB/512GB model** currently priced at **$1,699**, down from its standard price of $1,999. This $300 discount ranks among the best deals available and is perfect for users in need of the enhanced performance and features that the Pro model delivers.

### Conclusion

With these thrilling deals, now is an excellent time to shop for tech products, whether you’re in the market for a new Mac mini, iPhone, iPad, or accessories. Ensure you take advantage of these offers before they disappear!

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Latest Camera Enhancements of the iPhone 17 Pro: An In-Depth Analysis

Apple is merely days away from revealing its complete iPhone 17 range, and a recent report from Bloomberg provides an excellent last-minute summary of the new camera capabilities arriving with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

### iPhone 17 Pro Cameras: Here’s What’s New

Every year, Apple introduces new iPhones, and for those contemplating an upgrade, camera enhancements usually stand out as a crucial aspect. Today, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared a preview of what to anticipate from Apple’s September 9 event. In his post, he detailed five ways the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max cameras will enhance.

The five camera features highlighted include:

1. Video recording will receive “significant improvements”
2. Telephoto lens upgraded to 48MP, up from 12MP
3. Adjustable aperture system
4. Multi-camera simultaneous video recording
5. Selfie camera’s “largest-ever upgrade”

These specifics largely coincide with earlier reports, though there are some new insights and confirmation of features that had previously appeared uncertain.

Gurman emphasizes video recording’s “significant improvements” as the primary detail in his article. The only particular he reveals is the ability for simultaneous front-and-back camera recording, which may only be a minor aspect of the overall enhancements.

A new adjustable aperture camera system is also quite fascinating. Previously, Ming Chi-Kuo noted that this feature was anticipated for next year’s iPhone 18. We’ll need to wait until Tuesday to discover more details, but this could potentially become one of the standout new camera features this year.

Which iPhone 17 Pro camera features are you the most eager about? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Apple Vision Pro Might Soon Experience a Major Revamp

### Apple Vision Pro is due for a refresh

In June 2023, Apple introduced the Apple Vision Pro, with availability set for February 2024. As we near the end of 2025, excitement is growing for an updated iteration of the Apple Vision Pro.

The best scenario for this second-generation model would echo the shift from the original iPad to the iPad 2, which included significant internal improvements and a bold external redesign. Nonetheless, signals indicate that the forthcoming Apple Vision Pro 2 might undergo a more measured design evolution, similar to the transition from the Apple Watch Ultra to Ultra 2.

Nevertheless, hopes for upgrades remain elevated. The most anticipated enhancement is a chip upgrade, with speculation that Apple will move from the M2 chip to the M4 or the soon-to-be-released M5 chip. The initial Apple Vision Pro was launched when the M2 was cutting-edge, although it appeared after the M3 had already been featured in various Apple devices.

### AVP 2 could showcase a stunning new appearance

Speculations regarding design alterations for the Apple Vision Pro 2 have mainly centered on the possible substitution of the dual head straps with a single, more ergonomic strap. Yet, a fresh update from Mark Gurman’s preview of the forthcoming iPhone 17 event suggests a full redesign for the Apple Vision Pro.

Gurman reports that Apple is gearing up to unveil its first hardware revision for the Vision Pro, which has encountered criticism and sluggish sales since its debut. The update will feature a chip enhancement from the M2 to a newer version, with both the M4 and M5 currently under evaluation. Moreover, there are rumors about launching a space black version of the headset, along with plans for a lighter and more budget-friendly model, plus smart glasses within the next two years.

The introduction of a space black variant adds an intriguing aspect to the design possibilities. This approach reflects Apple’s strategy with the Apple Watch Ultra, which first debuted in a lighter hue before rolling out a black edition a year later to rejuvenate its appeal.

While the release of a space black Apple Vision Pro may not drastically alter the perception of its $3,499 price point or overall usability, it would visually signify that it is the latest version, especially if the other modifications are mainly internal.

Would consumers be inclined towards a space black variant of the Apple Vision Pro? Considering that Apple already provides space black options for the M4 iPad Pro and M4 MacBook Pro, it seems logical for the M4 or M5 Apple Vision Pro to adopt a similar direction.

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Galaxy S26 Edge Images Showcase iPhone 17-Influenced Design and Validate Qi2 Magnet Inclusion [Gallery]

**Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge: A Fresh Aesthetic Influenced by Apple**

Recent leaks and visuals have verified that the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge will showcase a look reminiscent of Apple’s iPhone 17. The pictures, generated by @OnLeaks for Android Headlines, illustrate a comprehensive design transformation, featuring a full-width camera module with two cameras located on the far left of the device.

### Design Specifications

The Galaxy S26 Edge is speculated to take the place of the Galaxy S26+, with dimensions of 158.4 x 75.7 x 5.5mm, rendering it slimmer than its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Edge. Despite this decrease in thickness, the camera bump extends to 10.8mm, which could compromise the overall sleek appearance.

### Qi2 Magnet Integration

A standout characteristic of the Galaxy S26 Edge is the expected inclusion of Qi2 magnets. This technology, hinted at in previous leaks, is designed to improve wireless charging functionalities. Although the exact positioning of these magnets is not clear in the visuals, CAD files utilized for accessory development typically incorporate this data to guarantee correct alignment with cases.

### Naming and Model Variations

There has been some uncertainty surrounding the naming of the device. Initially, it was suggested that the Galaxy S26 Edge could be called the Galaxy S26 Pro, with a base model also in the works. However, this information was rapidly retracted, and sources indicate that the base model will indeed be labeled as the “Pro.”

### Conclusion

The Galaxy S26 Edge’s design signifies a notable change for Samsung, taking cues from Apple’s style while integrating new features like Qi2 magnets. As the launch date nears, additional information is anticipated to surface, offering a clearer preview of what consumers can expect from this cutting-edge smartphone.

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Possible Clarification of iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Rear Design Enigma Ahead of Imminent Apple Event

### iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: A Possible Redesign Revealed

Earlier this week, conversations about the forthcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have escalated, especially concerning a major design enigma that remains unresolved ahead of Apple’s eagerly awaited “Awe dropping” event. Recent information suggests that a more striking design alteration may be imminent.

#### Conflicting Design Speculations

There are two main speculations regarding the rear design of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Both speculations converge on the notion that the camera module will transform into a full-width camera strip that extends across the top of the device. However, they differ on the overall look of the back: one indicates a continuation of the all-glass design observed in the iPhone 16 Pro, while the other suggests a two-tone aluminum and glass design with a specific MagSafe section.

At first, the two-tone design seemed more like a schematic intrigue than a plausible reality. Nevertheless, insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman imply that a more extensive redesign is indeed on the way.

#### Perspectives from Mark Gurman

Gurman has shed light on the matter, mentioning that the latest premium models, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, will showcase new backs that refresh the look of the camera section. He elaborates, stating that:

> “The back of the phones look different, including a new camera area that spans the entire length of the top third of the device as well as a new cutout area on the bottom two-thirds of the phone that doubles as the wireless charging area.”

This description closely corresponds with the aluminum-and-glass design leaks, bolstering the likelihood of a substantial design change rather than merely continuing the current all-glass approach.

#### Consequences of the Redesign

Should these claims prove correct, Apple is set to present the most striking design alteration to the iPhone Pro series in years. This change could also set the stage for the expected all-glass iPhone 20, as Apple seems to be trending towards incorporating more metal in the iPhone Pro lineup.

Shifting from a titanium and glass construction to aluminum and a smaller amount of glass could significantly lessen the overall weight of each iPhone Pro model. This potential weight reduction might be one of the most noticeable differences for users if the redesign materializes.

#### Community Reactions

As the launch event nears, opinions are mixed. Some users are enthusiastic about the rumored redesign, while others favor the existing look of the iPhone series. Feedback from the community will likely influence future designs.

In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may be on the verge of a considerable transformation that could revolutionize their appearance and feel. As we look forward to the official announcement, the anticipation continues to grow around what Apple has planned.

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Denzel Washington’s Latest Film “Highest 2 Lowest” Available Now on Apple TV+

### Highest 2 Lowest: A Contemporary Retelling of a Timeless Story

As fans eagerly await the streaming launch of the highly anticipated F1 film, Apple has unveiled a new feature titled *Highest 2 Lowest*, showcasing the celebrated Denzel Washington and directed by the famed Spike Lee. This film is currently streamable at no extra charge for Apple TV+ subscribers.

#### Film Overview

*Highest 2 Lowest* serves as a modern day reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 masterpiece *High and Low*. In this updated version, Washington takes on the role of David King, a prosperous music mogul based in New York City. The narrative intensifies when King learns that his child has been kidnapped and is being demanded back for a ransom of $17 million.

Yet, a crucial twist transpires as King finds out that the abductor has mistakenly taken his child’s friend, rather than his actual son. Confronted with this reality, King faces a moral quandary: should he still pay the ransom to rescue a child he knows only fleetingly, even though his own son remains unharmed?

#### Critical Acclaim and Access

*Highest 2 Lowest* underwent a limited theatrical release for a fortnight, enabling it to qualify for the forthcoming awards season. Following its time in cinemas, the film is now broadly available on Apple TV+, where it has received favorable critical feedback, boasting an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

#### Subscription Information

Apple TV+ is priced at $12.99 monthly, but new users can benefit from a free seven-day trial. Furthermore, Apple TV+ can be included with the Apple One subscription package, and certain mobile carrier plans provide it as a complimentary benefit.

#### Viewing Options

Audiences can watch *Highest 2 Lowest* via the Apple TV app, which works with various devices such as iPhone, iPad, Apple TV set-top boxes, Xbox, PlayStation, and select smart televisions. The service is also available through the Amazon Prime Video Channels feature.

For those keen on diving into this captivating story, *Highest 2 Lowest* is merely a few clicks away on Apple TV+.

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Tim Cook Praises Trump’s Governance and Focus on Innovation During White House Dinner

**Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tech Leaders Commend Trump at White House AI Gathering**

A noteworthy assembly of technology sector leaders occurred at the White House yesterday, overseen by First Lady Melania Trump, concentrating on artificial intelligence (AI) and its future ramifications. Apple CEO Tim Cook was present among other influential figures such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, and IBM CEO Arvind Krishna.

### Taking Turns to Commend Trump

As reported by *The Wall Street Journal*, the gathering mirrored President Trump’s cabinet sessions, with each tech CEO taking the opportunity to express appreciation and praise for the President’s policy initiatives. The conversations primarily centered on Trump’s initiatives to encourage investment in chip production and AI advancement.

During his turn, Sam Altman recognized Trump’s business-friendly approach, contrasting it with the policies of the current Biden administration. Cook echoed this sentiment, underscoring Apple’s dedication to domestic investments, crediting the President’s leadership. He remarked, “I want to thank you for setting the tone such that we can make a major investment in the United States and have some key manufacturing here. I think it says a lot about your leadership and focus on innovation.” This comment highlighted Apple’s recent $600 billion American Manufacturing Program aimed at enhancing local output.

### Significant Discussions on Antitrust Matters

The event also featured conversations on recent legal occurrences affecting major technology firms. President Trump queried Sundar Pichai about a favorable decision in an antitrust lawsuit that could have compelled Google to divest its Chrome and Android systems. Trump commented, “You had a very good day yesterday,” to which Pichai replied, “I’m glad it’s over.” Trump further noted that the lawsuit had been initiated under the Biden administration, emphasizing the political implications of the dialogue.

### Noteworthy Absences

Although the event showcased numerous top figures from the tech industry, some prominent absentees, including Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, sparked inquiries regarding their nonattendance at such a crucial gathering.

### Conclusion

The White House event highlighted the ongoing connection between the tech sector and government, particularly concerning AI and manufacturing. As technology leaders continue to navigate the intricacies of regulation and innovation, their engagements with political figures are likely to influence the future trajectory of technology in the United States.

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iOS 26 Unveils CarPlay’s ‘Video in the Car’ Feature with Restrictions

Apple is implementing a notable modification to CarPlay, enabling video playback for the very first time in its history. This new capability will be accessible starting with iOS 26, allowing applications to showcase video on the CarPlay display while the vehicle is stationary. This change, termed “video in the car,” is outlined on Apple’s developer site, which urges developers to incorporate support for this functionality using AirPlay.

The announcement has sparked inquiries about the level of support from car manufacturers, as each brand will have the authority to activate or deactivate the AirPlay video functionality in their vehicles. Although a third-party app previously succeeded in incorporating video playback via a CarPlay web browser, it was subsequently removed following the App Store review procedure.

With iOS 26 expected to launch this month, it remains unclear whether video playback will be operational during the developer and public beta phases. The actual execution of this feature will rely significantly on the backing of individual automakers, which has yet to be confirmed by any brands.

In addition to video playback, iOS 26 will bring a variety of improvements to CarPlay, including revamped icons, widget functionality, and updates to apps like Music and Messages. As the release date nears, additional information will be shared regarding automaker integration of the new video playback feature.

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Apple Contends with Patent Litigation Pertaining to ‘Hey Siri’ and Virtual Keyboard Innovations

**Cerence Initiates Patent Infringement Action Against Apple**

Cerence, a division of Nuance Communications, has recently launched legal proceedings against Apple, claiming violation of several patents associated with mobile text input and wake word technology. This legal action, submitted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, emphasizes the persistent friction in the tech sector over intellectual property rights.

### Overview of Cerence

Cerence focuses on conversational AI technology, especially for the automotive industry. Initially part of Nuance Communications, which significantly contributed to the development of Siri’s early voice recognition features, Cerence has since aimed to broaden its scope in AI-powered solutions beyond automotive uses.

### Lawsuit Specifics

In its legal filing, Cerence indicates that it contacted Apple in 2021 to explore the possibility of acquiring or licensing various patents. The company shared numerous documents with Apple, including a summary of its patent portfolio and spreadsheets showing that Apple had referenced Cerence in its own patent submissions. Some of these submissions were reportedly rejected due to existing patents owned by Cerence.

Despite initial talks, Cerence asserts that no agreement was reached concerning the mobile text entry patent portfolio, leading to the present legal challenge.

### Patents Involved

The lawsuit revolves around several particular patents, mainly associated with virtual keyboard technology and the “Hey Siri” wake word feature. The patents referenced in the complaint comprise:

1. **U.S. Patent No. 7,251,367** – This patent pertains to a system for recognizing word patterns according to a virtual keyboard layout, which Cerence alleges is incorporated in Apple’s iPhones and iPads operating on iOS 13 and later.

2. **U.S. Patent No. 7,453,439** – This patent relates to a method for continuous stroke word-based text input, which is utilized in Apple’s “slide to type” keyboard feature.

3. **U.S. Patent No. 7,750,891** – This patent covers a selective input system that monitors motion parameters of an input device, relevant to several Apple products.

4. **U.S. Patents No. 8,712,755 and No. 9,256,580** – These patents concentrate on enhancing text input in a shorthand-on-keyboard interface, again pertinent to Apple’s devices.

5. **U.S. Patent No. 9,361,885** – This patent pertains to methods for detecting voice commands, applicable across various Apple products including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and HomePods.

### Legal Consequences

Cerence is pursuing a ruling from the court declaring that Apple has infringed upon its patents, an injunction to halt further infringement, and damages that include ongoing licensing fees. The company has also requested a jury trial.

The Western District of Texas is known for being a favorable jurisdiction for patent holders, which could create difficulties for Apple as it addresses this legal conflict.

### Final Thoughts

As the technology landscape continues to advance, the significance of intellectual property rights remains critical. Cerence’s lawsuit against Apple highlights the intricacies of patent law and the ongoing rivalry in the domains of conversational AI and mobile technology. The resolution of this case could have far-reaching effects for both entities and the wider tech ecosystem.

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