Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Apple TV’s Hit Thriller Featuring Jennifer Garner to Make a Comeback Soon

Apple has revealed the premiere date for season 2 of “The Last Thing He Told Me,” a series featuring and executive produced by Jennifer Garner, inspired by a bestselling book. The second season is scheduled to launch on **February 20, 2026**, on Apple TV.

Initially designed as a limited series, the first season of “The Last Thing He Told Me” was based on Laura Dave’s novel, which reached the New York Times bestseller list. With a sequel titled “The First Time I Saw Him” due in January 2026, the upcoming season will source from this fresh content.

The cast will include Jennifer Garner reprising her character alongside returning actors Angourie Rice, David Morse, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, while newcomers Judy Greer and Rita Wilson will be joining.

The series centers around Hannah, played by Garner, who is tasked with creating a bond with her 16-year-old stepdaughter, Bailey, as they strive to solve the enigma surrounding her husband’s abrupt vanishing.

Viewers can watch the first season on Apple TV, which is accessible for a subscription price of $12.99 per month, alongside other popular series such as “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” and “The Morning Show.”

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Apple Refreshes Shazam for iOS with Liquid Glass Aesthetic Improvements

### Apple Unveils Liquid Glass Redesign for Shazam

Apple has unveiled a major update for its widely-used music recognition app, Shazam, showcasing a stylish new “Liquid Glass” design. This redesign is intended to improve the user experience by offering a contemporary and visually striking interface.

#### Major Features of the Update

The newest version of Shazam, now accessible on the App Store, includes several significant improvements:

1. **Liquid Glass Design**: The app has received a complete visual transformation, embracing a Liquid Glass aesthetic that highlights transparency and fluidity. This design choice not only updates the app’s look but also facilitates a more intuitive navigation experience.

2. **Enhanced Navigation**: Users can seamlessly navigate between the Home, Library, Concerts, and Search tabs. The search option now has its own dedicated button, providing quicker access to music exploration features.

3. **Recent Songs Feature**: The Home screen now prominently displays a selection of recently identified songs, enabling users to revisit their musical finds without having to sift through various menus.

4. **Improved Animations**: The update brings fresh animations for pop-up menus, enhancing the overall smoothness and engagement of the user experience.

5. **Revamped App Icon**: In addition to the interface updates, Shazam has also received a new app icon that embodies the Liquid Glass theme.

#### System Requirements

To utilize these new features, users should ensure their devices are running iOS 26 or above. The update is being rolled out worldwide, making it available to Shazam users globally.

#### Download Information

The latest version of Shazam is available for download from the

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How to Play Native Fortnite on an Apple Silicon Mac

### Playing Fortnite on Mac: Options and Instructions

Fortnite, the widely popular battle royale game created by Epic Games, isn’t officially accessible for Mac users in its native version. Nonetheless, there are several methods to play Fortnite on a Mac, particularly for those using Apple Silicon devices. Below, we outline the options available and provide a guide on how to install Fortnite on your Mac.

#### Official Cloud Gaming Services

Epic Games recommends Mac users opt for cloud gaming services as the primary way to enjoy Fortnite. The following platforms enable you to stream Fortnite on your Mac:

1. **Xbox Cloud Gaming**
2. **Nvidia GeForce NOW**
3. **Amazon Luna**

These services allow you to enjoy Fortnite without the need for a high-powered local machine, as the game operates on remote servers and is streamed to your device.

#### Installing Native Mobile Fortnite on Apple Silicon Macs

For those with Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2 chips), there is a method to install the native mobile version of Fortnite. This requires downloading the latest Fortnite IPA file and applying essential patches to ensure it functions correctly on your device. The process is supported by a tool available on GitHub known as **FnMacAssistant**.

##### Requirements

To successfully install Fortnite on your Apple Silicon Mac, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

– **Sideloadly** installed on your Mac.
– macOS version 15.1 or newer.
– An Apple Silicon Mac (Fortnite mobile is incompatible with Intel Macs).

##### Installation Instructions

1. **Download Sideloadly**: Ensure you have Sideloadly installed, allowing you to sideload applications onto your device.
2. **Obtain the Fortnite IPA**: Utilize FnMacAssistant to download the most recent Fortnite IPA file.
3. **Follow GitHub Instructions**: Carefully adhere to the instructions provided on the GitHub page to apply the necessary patches. It’s vital to follow each step closely, as missing any part can result in installation problems.
4. **Apple ID Login**: You will be required to log in with your Apple ID to sign the app without a developer license. This is a standard procedure among users leveraging Sideloadly.

##### Troubleshooting

Users have reported challenges during installation, often due to skipping steps. The GitHub instructions include common issues and their resolutions, so it’s advisable to refer to these if you experience difficulties.

For further assistance, you can join the **Fortnite Mac Discord channel**, where you can ask for advice and receive help from the community.

#### Video Guide

For a visual demonstration, Andrew Tsai, founder of AppleGamingWiki, has produced a YouTube video showcasing gameplay on Mac and detailing the installation process. This resource can be especially beneficial for those who are unfamiliar with the steps involved.

### Conclusion

Although Fortnite is not officially offered for Mac, players can still partake in the game via cloud gaming services or by installing the mobile version on Apple Silicon Macs. By following the steps outlined and utilizing the available resources, you can effectively play Fortnite on your Mac.

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iOS 26.2 Indicates Imminent Release of ‘Apple Creator Studio’

### Beta 1 of iOS 26.2 Mentions ‘Apple Creator Studio’

The launch of iOS 26.2 beta 1 has brought forth an array of new functionalities, featuring notable enhancements to the Apple Podcasts application, design modifications in the News app, and revisions to the Sleep Score characteristic on the Apple Watch. Nonetheless, lurking within the code of this beta version is a mention of a new initiative dubbed ‘Apple Creator Studio.’

#### Newly Introduced Features in iOS 26.2 Beta 1

This beta version displays numerous improvements aimed at enhancing user experience across different applications. Key updates include:

– **Apple Podcasts**: Improved capabilities to facilitate user interaction and content exploration.
– **Apple News**: An updated design intended to deliver a more user-friendly reading experience.
– **Sleep Score**: Modifications that may provide users with deeper insights into their sleep habits and general well-being.

As is typical with beta versions, iOS 26.2 beta 1 also offers hints at possible future advancements, with the mention of ‘Apple Creator Studio’ generating excitement among users and developers.

#### Speculations Surrounding ‘Apple Creator Studio’

The reference to ‘Apple Creator Studio’ has led to a flurry of conjectures about its function. This finding comes on the heels of a recent leak suggesting that Apple might soon unveil iPad versions of several professional Mac software applications, including:

– Pixelmator Pro
– MainStage
– Motion
– Compressor

These applications cater to professional users and could potentially be grouped together under the ‘Apple Creator Studio’ label. This package might provide access to both Mac and iPad editions of these tools at a reduced price, catering to creators and professionals who rely on Apple’s ecosystem for their tasks.

While the precise definition of ‘Apple Creator Studio’ is still ambiguous, it is expected to function as an integrated suite for creative professionals, incorporating Apple’s current pro tools like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.

#### Conclusion

As the beta testing process progresses, additional details regarding the functionality and offerings of ‘Apple Creator Studio’ are anticipated to surface. The creative community is keenly interested in how Apple intends to enhance its portfolio of professional applications and the implications this may have for content creators across multiple platforms. Users are urged to remain alert for updates as more information is disclosed in forthcoming beta releases.

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Japan Poised to Be the 29th Nation to Permit Third-Party iPhone App Stores

Apple’s dominance over iPhone app sales is poised for further decline, as indicated by a recent tweet revealing third-party app stores in the iOS 26.2 beta in Japan. This development follows the ruling by Japan’s Fair Trade Commission in August, mandating that both Apple and Google must allow alternative app stores.

This change will make Japan the 29th nation to gain access to third-party app stores for the iPhone, with additional countries likely to follow as courts and antitrust officials keep issuing decisions.

## Third-party app stores for the iPhone

Apple is under antitrust scrutiny globally due to its near-total control over iPhone app sales. In most regions, aside from exceptional cases, developers cannot sell an iPhone app directly to users without incurring Apple’s commission.

Authorities in multiple nations have deemed this practice unlawful and have required Apple to enable third-party app stores on the iPhone.

A key development was the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandated Apple to allow third-party app stores across all 27 member states. Brazil has followed suit, Australia is expected to do so soon, with further cases still to be resolved worldwide.

Apple continues to resist in each of these situations, even advocating for the repeal of the EU’s DMA.

## Third-party app store support in Japan

Japan is yet another nation where Apple is being pressed to allow third-party app stores. Screenshots shared by developer Cizzuk indicate that support for these is now present in the iOS 26.2 beta.

The tweet states:

> iOS 26.2 Beta 1 now enables alternative app stores in Japan as well!!!!!! You can use AltStore PAL and Epic Games Store!

## 9to5Mac’s Take

I’ve maintained for years that Apple would benefit more by aligning with future legislative trends, taking proactive steps rather than persistently defending its current stance, and that it would incur minimal financial loss by doing so. While both sides have exhibited stubbornness, it’s glaringly evident that Apple cannot triumph in this scenario.

Nonetheless, the company has entrenched itself further, going so far as to have a senior Apple executive perjure themselves! It appears evident that Apple will need to be forcibly compelled to allow third-party app stores on a country-by-country basis.

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M4 to M5 MacBook Pro Benchmarks Indicate Notable Performance Improvements, However Restricted Practical Benefits

The majority of users replace their MacBook Pro no more often than once every five years, with many extending that period even further. Nevertheless, Apple frequently markets its newest models as markedly improved, as demonstrated by the introduction of the M5 MacBook Pro.

Apple asserts that the M5 chip provides considerable enhancements in AI performance and overall chip functionalities. Built upon third-generation 3-nanometer technology, the M5 incorporates a 10-core GPU architecture with a Neural Accelerator embedded in each core, achieving over four times the peak GPU compute performance relative to the M4. The GPU further showcases improved graphics capabilities, featuring third-generation ray tracing, resulting in a graphics performance increase of up to 45 percent compared to the M4. The CPU of the M5 includes up to six efficiency cores and four performance cores, offering a 15 percent enhancement in multithreaded performance. Additionally, the M5 is equipped with a superior 16-core Neural Engine and nearly a 30 percent rise in unified memory bandwidth.

Benchmark assessments validate Apple’s assertions, revealing notable disparities between the M4 and M5 MacBook Pro. For example, the M5 recorded write speeds of 6440MBps and read speeds of 6725.6MBps, in contrast to the M4’s 3265.3MBps write speed and 2904MBps read speed, indicating a considerable performance boost.

However, practical usage evaluations imply that the tangible advantages of upgrading might not be as significant. In an evaluation by Macworld’s John Brandon, the time saved during demanding tasks was negligible. For instance, exporting 562 photos in Lightroom required 66 seconds on the M4 and 56 seconds on the M5, whereas a complex Blender render took 595 seconds on the M4 and 585 seconds on the M5. The time disparity for these tasks was merely 9 to 10 seconds, which might not make the upgrade worthwhile for many users.

In summary, although the M5 MacBook Pro demonstrates remarkable technical progress, the real-world performance enhancements may not be substantial enough to justify an upgrade for those using the previous generation.

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Comparison of the New Motorola Edge 70 and iPhone Air

# The Ultrathin iPhone Air vs. The New Motorola Edge 70

The smartphone industry is perpetually transforming, with companies striving to create the thinnest devices. The recent contest in this field has seen the iPhone Air become the thinnest smartphone on the market, surpassing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Nonetheless, the rivalry remains intense, particularly with the launch of the Motorola Edge 70.

## The Ultrathin iPhone Air

The iPhone Air has established a new benchmark for thinness, measuring merely 5.6mm thick. This makes it the most slender iPhone to date, exceeding the former record held by the iPhone 6, which was unveiled in 2014. The iPhone Air’s elegant design not only outperforms the Galaxy S25 Edge’s thickness of 5.8mm but also secures its position as the thinnest smartphone among standard non-foldable devices.

It’s crucial to highlight that when factoring in folding phones, the iPhone Air is outperformed by numerous models that reach thicknesses of just 4.2mm when unfolded. Moreover, past smartphones from 2014 and 2016 have also been recorded as slimmer than the iPhone Air.

## The New Motorola Edge 70

The Motorola Edge 70, while marginally thicker at 5.99mm, offers a compelling option in the ultra-slim smartphone segment. A notable feature is its less pronounced camera bump, reminiscent of prior iPhone Pro versions. This design decision contributes to a sleeker appearance.

Despite its slender frame, the Motorola Edge 70 does not skimp on performance. It is equipped with three rear cameras, Face Unlock, and an integrated fingerprint scanner, all while housing a punch-hole front camera. Additionally, Motorola has successfully included a powerful 4800mAh battery, which the manufacturer asserts can deliver up to 50 hours of usage—nearly double the battery life of the iPhone Air.

Moreover, the Edge 70 features an AI chatbot aimed at enhancing user experience by interpreting on-screen content. However, its actual effectiveness in practice is yet to be evaluated.

While the iPhone Air may attract enthusiasts within the Apple ecosystem, the Motorola Edge 70 illustrates the possibilities of slim smartphone design and may motivate further innovations from Apple and other brands.

## Conclusion

The race for the title of the thinnest smartphone persists, with the iPhone Air currently at the forefront. However, the Motorola Edge 70 makes a strong argument for individuals seeking a blend of slimness and functionality. As technology progresses, users can anticipate even more thrilling advancements in smartphone design and capabilities.

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Apple TV’s Upcoming Series Pluribus to Include Official Companion Podcast

**Pluribus: A Fresh Sci-Fi Drama on Apple TV with an Official Companion Podcast**

The eagerly awaited sci-fi drama *Pluribus* is scheduled to debut on Apple TV this Friday, November 7. Created by Vince Gilligan, famous for his work on *Breaking Bad*, the series features Rhea Seehorn as Carol, a character navigating a society afflicted by a contagion of joy. With substantial marketing efforts from Apple, expectations for this new series are notably elevated.

In a significant development, Apple TV has revealed the introduction of an official companion podcast titled *Pluribus: The Official Podcast*. This signifies a resurgence in producing original podcasts for its series, a trend that had diminished recently. Preceding companion podcasts for programs like *Foundation* and *Prehistoric Planet* set a standard, but the recent *Severance* podcast was produced by an external network, implying a shift away from internal productions.

*Pluribus: The Official Podcast* will be created by Apple itself, ensuring a seamless link between the show and its associated discussions. Hosted by show editor Chris McCaleb, the podcast will showcase detailed conversations with Vince Gilligan, Rhea Seehorn, and other vital members of the cast and crew. This behind-the-scenes perspective aims to enhance the viewing experience and engage fans more deeply with the series.

Listeners can look forward to a new episode of the podcast being released each Friday, aligning with the weekly release of *Pluribus* episodes on Apple TV. This approach not only boosts the show’s visibility but also cultivates a community of fans eager to explore the creative process behind the series.

As *Pluribus* gears up for its debut, both the show and its companion podcast are positioned to attract the attention of audiences and critics alike, offering an engaging journey through a distinctive narrative landscape.

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Apple Unveils New APIs for Age Verification and Parental Consent in Texas

Apple has introduced new APIs and sandbox tools to aid developers in meeting the updated requirements for apps in Texas, following the enactment of Texas SB2420. This legislation, effective January 1, 2026, requires age verification and parental consent for minors prior to downloading, purchasing, or continuing to use applications.

In response, Apple has shared comprehensive technical resources, including revised APIs and frameworks, along with a sandbox testing environment. Key enhancements include:

1. **Declared Age Range API**: This API allows developers to assess a user’s age group as stipulated by Texas legislation (under 13, 13-15, 16-17, or over 18) and also provides insights related to age verification methods.

2. **Significant Change API**: A component of the PermissionKit framework, this API empowers developers to seek parental approval for minors to keep using an app after significant modifications are made.

3. **App Consent Revocation**: This functionality addresses cases in which a parent or guardian rescinds consent, hindering the app from launching on the minor’s device.

4. **Sandbox Testing**: This tool enables developers to evaluate the user experience when integrating the new APIs to confirm adherence to Texas regulations.

Developers are urged to submit their SB2420-compliant applications when the Release Candidates of iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 are made available. Apple also intends to roll out further tools to support developers in fulfilling legal requirements in other states, such as Utah, Louisiana, and Brazil. For additional information, developers can consult the Apple Developer blog post.

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Source Code for Apple’s New Web App Store Front-End Leaked Accidentally on GitHub

### Apple’s App Store Web Interface Source Code Leak: What Occurred?

Just hours following Apple’s launch of a redesigned web interface for the App Store, a project on GitHub was published containing the complete front-end source code of the site. This situation raises concerns about the diligence in production protocols and the ramifications of such a leak.

#### Apple’s Updated App Store Interface

On November 3, 2025, Apple rolled out a new web interface for the App Store, which included dedicated pages catering to various platforms, app categories, and enhanced search capabilities. However, the launch was overshadowed by an error that permitted users to access the entire front-end codebase.

#### The Origin of the Leak

A GitHub user identified as rxliuli noted that Apple accidentally released the new App Store with sourcemaps enabled. Sourcemaps are documents that correlate the minified code back to its original source, facilitating easier debugging for developers. In this instance, the enabled sourcemaps permitted rxliuli to acquire the complete front-end code directly from the live site.

Utilizing a Chrome extension, rxliuli gathered and preserved all available resources from the web App Store and subsequently stored them on GitHub for educational use. The repository comprises:

– Entire Svelte/TypeScript source code
– Logic for state management
– Components for UI
– Code for API integration
– Configuration for routing

#### Consequences of the Leak

While this leak is crucial in unveiling Apple’s front-end framework, it does not immediately jeopardize security or privacy for Apple, developers, or users. Turning off sourcemaps in production settings is a common procedure in web development, and this oversight is viewed as an unusual lapse for a company of Apple’s prominence.

Rxliuli stressed that the source code was gathered from publicly accessible sources via browser developer tools and that the repository is aimed at educational and research objectives. Nevertheless, considering the nature of such leaks, it is probable that the accessibility of this repository may be short-lived.

For individuals keen on grasping how Apple organized the front end of the new web App Store, it might be wise to investigate the repository sooner rather than later, as it could be removed following the leak.

#### Summary

The unintentional release of the App Store’s front-end source code serves as a reminder of the necessity of adhering to best practices in software deployment. While the leak does not present a direct danger, it underscores the importance of vigilance in production settings to avert similar occurrences in the future.

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