Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Coming Soon: Apple TV Film Showcases Mark Wahlberg in an Action-Comedy Role – Trailer Released

Apple TV has presented an exceptionally robust lineup of films this autumn, with its next significant release being a sequel to one of its most beloved movies to date: The Family Plan. Here’s the newly unveiled trailer for The Family Plan 2, set to arrive on Apple TV next month.

## The Family Plan 2 Arrives on Apple TV Next Month with a European Holiday Theme

Mark Wahlberg’s The Family Plan premiered in late 2023 on Apple TV and quickly became the platform’s most-viewed film to date. While it has been surpassed by other releases such as The Gorge and Wolfs, The Family Plan continues to be one of Apple’s highest-grossing films so far.

The sequel is now on the horizon. With Apple’s significantly expanded subscriber base, it has the potential to outshine the original. The Family Plan 2 is set to debut **Friday, November 21** on Apple TV, just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday in the US.

Apple has released the official trailer for this upcoming film, showcasing a holiday action-comedy set in Europe featuring newcomer Kit Harington in the role of the antagonist.

The original The Family Plan received mixed reviews from critics, but was much more favorably received by audiences. It holds a 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes but boasts a 60% audience score. This sequel appears to promise a good time, particularly with its festive backdrop. However, we will see if the film can outperform its predecessor.

Are you excited to catch The Family Plan 2 when it becomes available on Apple TV? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month and boasts popular TV series and films such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.

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Apple Outlines the Major Updates to the iPhone 17’s Front-Facing Camera

Apple’s iPhone 17 and iPhone Air series offer a range of camera enhancements, featuring the new Center Stage front camera as a key highlight. In a recent discussion, Apple executives shared the reasoning behind the significant updates made to the iPhone 17’s front-facing camera this year.

### iPhone 17’s Front Camera: Breakthroughs in Capturing and Imagery

Today, BW Businessworld released an article showcasing interviews with two prominent Apple executives, Jon McCormack, Apple’s head of camera software, and Megan Nash, iPhone product lead. They talked about the improvements in the new Center Stage front camera found in the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.

This updated camera signifies a major advancement over earlier selfie cameras, revolutionizing the user experience. This transformation was driven by Apple’s recognition of the difficulties users experienced when taking selfies. McCormack remarked, “We observe users with selfie sticks; people transitioning to the 0.5 times ultra-wide camera; users tilting the iPhone to landscape; and even individuals passing the iPhone to the tallest person in the group to gain maximum arm reach before snapping a selfie. What’s happening is that our users are attempting to manipulate the camera to suit their needs, but we realized we could enhance this… what if the camera could intuitively grasp what you’re trying to capture and automatically make the necessary adjustments?”

This project has been in development for several years. McCormack indicated that the required processing capabilities and design were only recently realizable. “We’ve aspired to achieve this for some time, and this marks the first year we can genuinely deliver it,” he said.

Nash detailed the technological advancements, saying, “Long before, we considered that this new front camera would require the high-speed Apple Camera Interface. Thus, the A19 and A19 Pro utilize ACI to swiftly transfer data between the image sensor and the processor.”

The end product is set to enhance both the photography experience and the quality of the pictures taken. For example, maintaining the iPhone in portrait mode guarantees that subjects’ eyes consistently align correctly, which is a frequent problem with landscape selfies.

Improvements have also been made to selfie videos. McCormack highlighted the intention of creating a seamless camera experience with the iPhone: “Our objective with the iPhone’s camera has always been to render it inconspicuous.” This invisibility is accomplished through stabilization and intelligent framing, which now come standard with the front camera. “We accomplished this by utilizing the extensive overscan region on the sensor to deliver exceptional stability… The broader field of view and high-resolution sensor enable us to employ Action mode automatically every time you shoot a selfie video. You need not even activate it, so you can walk, cycle, or run and trust that your video will turn out fantastic.”

The new camera showcases Apple’s dedication to utilizing advancements in silicon to improve user experience by reducing the visibility of technology.

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Anticipated iPhone Collection Projected to Showcase Greater Application of Titanium

Apple’s iPhone range has undergone considerable transformations in recent years, especially with the inclusion and later decrease of titanium in its designs. In 2023, Apple gained attention by launching titanium in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max versions, emphasizing the material’s durability and lightweight characteristics. Nevertheless, in an unexpected shift, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max reverted to aluminum, leaving only the iPhone Air with a titanium design.

Looking forward, speculations indicate that the forthcoming iPhone lineup, expected to unveil in the autumn of 2024, will bring back titanium in a more prominent manner. Reports suggest that Apple intends to introduce four models: the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a new foldable variant, potentially called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. Notably, a standard iPhone 18 is absent from this lineup, with rumors suggesting that Apple aims to postpone its release until spring 2025 to prevent congestion in the autumn launch schedule.

The expected resurgence of titanium will see it incorporated in two of the upcoming models: the iPhone Air 2 and the new foldable iPhone. This signals a departure from prior years when titanium was restricted to the Pro models. The iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro cemented titanium as an essential feature, but the iPhone 17’s return to aluminum sparked discussions regarding the material’s future in the collection.

With the standard model being excluded from the fall release, it is anticipated that half of Apple’s new iPhones will feature titanium, echoing the recent past when titanium was prevalent in more models. This alteration not only underscores Apple’s continuous exploration of materials but also illustrates its strategy to set apart its product range in a competitive landscape.

As the iPhone lineup progresses, the inquiry remains: does the presence of titanium in an iPhone design appeal to consumers? The upcoming models are likely to shed light on the material’s influence on user preferences and buying choices.

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 and M3 iPad Air Savings of Up to $220, Along with Lower Price on Beats Kickstand Case

### M3 iPad Air Promotions and More: Best Deals Today

In the current edition of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we showcase notable markdowns on Apple’s M3 iPad Air models, as well as promotions on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and accessories for the iPhone 17.

#### M3 iPad Air Savings

Amazon has recently surpassed its own Prime Day pricing on the M3 iPad Air, presenting the **13-inch 512GB cellular variant** at an outstanding **$1,046.54**, which is **more than $200 off** the initial cost of **$1,249**. This offer signifies a new historic low for this configuration, available solely in gray. Other color selections remain above **$1,140**, establishing this as a remarkable deal for those seeking a high-capacity tablet with cellular functionality.

Alongside the 13-inch variant, savings are also available on the **11-inch M3 iPad Air** and additional configurations, all priced lower than those observed during Prime Day.

#### Apple Watch Ultra 3 Discounts

The **Apple Watch Ultra 3** is experiencing price cuts as well, with Amazon showing various configurations at **$780**, reflecting a **$20 reduction** on most models. Importantly, Best Buy is providing an **open-box listing** for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 featuring the Natural Titanium case and Anchor Blue Ocean Band for **$700.99**, yielding a **$98** discount compared to brand new models. This open-box selection includes a one-year Apple warranty and is verified by Geek Squad, ensuring its quality and dependability.

#### New Beats iPhone 17 Stand Case

For users of the iPhone 17, the new **Beats Stand Case** has been reduced to a record low of **$41.60** on Amazon, offering nearly **30% off**. This case boasts a sleek design and a dual-purpose lanyard that functions as a kickstand, making it an ideal option for users who appreciate hands-free viewing.

#### Other Accessories and Charging Discounts

A variety of accessories and charging alternatives are also available at lower prices, giving users an opportunity to enhance their device experience without overspending.

For those keen on the latest tech promotions, these deals offer a fantastic chance to save on high-quality Apple products and accessories.

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Eddy Cue Proposes Apple Might Seek Future Sports Agreement with Formula 1

As Apple is reportedly approaching the announcement of a $140 million annual agreement for the US rights to Formula 1 (F1), the company’s senior vice president of Services, Eddy Cue, has been actively engaging in conversations regarding the landscape of sports streaming and the direction of Apple TV. His recent engagements, including participation in a panel at Motorsport Network’s Autosport Business Exchange NYC and an interview with CNBC, have illuminated Apple’s outlook on sports streaming.

### More Bundling

In his discussions, Cue critiqued the disjointed state of the current sports streaming environment, contrasting it with the straightforwardness of the cable television era. He remarked, “We’ve gone backwards. (…) You used to buy one subscription, your cable subscription, and you got pretty much everything they had. Now, there’s so many different subscriptions, so I think that needs to be fixed.” While Cue didn’t share specific details about Apple’s strategy, he hinted at the idea of “more bundling.” This was soon followed by the reveal of a new bundle combining Apple TV and Peacock, signaling a shift towards simplifying subscription choices for consumers.

Cue also underscored the potential of streaming technology advancements that have yet to be fully leveraged. He noted that leagues with multiple partners should easily integrate features such as picture-in-picture, implying that the industry has opportunities for innovation and growth.

### We Do Love F1

When the discussion turned to Formula 1, Cue conveyed Apple’s passion for the sport, pointing out that the F1 movie holds the record as the highest-grossing sports film ever. He acknowledged the upcoming F1 rights deal, stating, “We do love F1.” Reports suggest that Apple is nearing the completion of its long-anticipated F1 streaming package, which could be revealed at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin.

A significant component of this deal might involve the cessation of the standalone F1.TV streaming service in the U.S., aligning with Cue’s remarks about minimizing fragmentation in the streaming marketplace. This could streamline F1 content access for viewers, facilitating easier engagement for fans with the sport.

### Conclusion

As Apple establishes its presence in the sports streaming sector, the prospective F1 deal represents a strategic move towards enhancing its content portfolio and tackling the issues of subscription fragmentation. With an announcement on the horizon, many fans are eager to observe how Apple intends to transform the viewing experience for Formula 1 and possibly other sports in the future.

Apple TV is presently available at $12.99 per month, offering a variety of popular shows and films, and the company’s continuous efforts to innovate in the streaming domain could further boost its attractiveness to both sports enthusiasts and general audiences.

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iOS 26.1 Public Beta 3 Has Arrived: Latest Features and Enhancements

Apple has recently released iOS 26.1 public beta 3, just one day after launching beta 3 for developers. Here’s what’s new in this latest version.

### iOS 26.1 beta 3 introduces a new Apple TV app icon, Local Capture controls, and more

iOS 26.1 continues to be polished and enhanced ahead of its general public release. Today’s public beta 3 includes the usual bug fixes and performance enhancements generally found in later-stage betas, alongside a few significant additions.

The Apple TV app features a new icon, which aligns with the upcoming “vibrant new identity” anticipated with the rebranding of Apple TV+ to simply ‘Apple TV.’ This refreshed icon is now present across all platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. However, within the TV app, there are still numerous references to ‘Apple TV+’ as the rebranding has not completely rolled out yet.

Moreover, the Settings app has added a dedicated menu for Local Capture. Accessible through Settings ⇾ General ⇾ Local Capture, this menu enables users to designate a Files location where audio and video recordings made during calls will be stored.

Another new feature in Settings is the ‘Prefer Single-Touch Actions’ toggle, likely connected to recent modifications in alarms and timers that swapped a ‘stop’ button with a slide gesture. However, initial testing suggests that this setting may not be operating as intended.

Control Center has also received more dynamic animations in beta 3, improving the user experience.

While these are the main visible changes, underneath, iOS 26.1 beta 3 indicates Apple’s plans to introduce more third-party AI integrations alongside ChatGPT. This new integration could arrive as early as iOS 26.1, though a later update such as iOS 26.2 appears more probable.

Have you spotted any other modifications in iOS 26.1 public beta 3? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Apple Unveils Public Beta 3 of macOS Tahoe 26.1

Following the recent launch of macOS Tahoe 26.1 developer beta 3, Apple has now released the public beta. This update is anticipated to bring several significant features and enhancements.

macOS Tahoe 26.1 seems to be a crucial release as it establishes the groundwork for major AI-related developments. In particular, it incorporates support for Anthropic’s MCP and broadens third-party integration within the Image Playground, extending beyond merely ChatGPT capabilities.

The developer beta also unveiled a fresh, vibrant Apple TV logo and a revamped Macintosh HD icon, which have elicited mixed feedback from users. Moreover, there are indications of a second-generation Apple Pro Display XDR, suggesting forthcoming hardware advancements.

As is common with most updates, macOS Tahoe 26.1 consists of various bug fixes and performance upgrades. The current build number is 25B5062e, which aligns with the developer beta released the day before.

### How to Install macOS Tahoe 26.1 Public Beta 3

To install the public beta, users must first sign up for Apple’s public beta program at

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Apple Unveils Public Beta 3 of iPadOS 26.1: Main Enhancements and Features

### Public Beta 3: Latest Additions in iPadOS 26.1 and Beyond

Apple has rolled out Public Beta 3 for iPadOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, and various other platforms, following a comparable update for developers. This release introduces a range of new features and improvements as Apple prepares for a broader public debut anticipated in late October.

#### Updated Apple TV App Icon

A prominent update in Public Beta 3 is the refreshed Apple TV app icon. The redesign showcases a more vibrant look across all platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS. This change is consistent with Apple’s recent rebranding of Apple TV+, now simply called ‘Apple TV.’

#### Local Capture Menu in iPadOS 26.1

Another key feature added in iPadOS 26.1 Public Beta 3 is the ‘Local Capture’ menu in the Settings app. This functionality, part of the productivity enhancements introduced in iPadOS 26, permits users to record audio and video during calls, making it especially beneficial for podcasting and content creation endeavors.

Users can find the Local Capture settings by heading to Settings > General > Local Capture. Here, they can determine where recordings are stored in the Files app and take advantage of a new ‘Audio Only’ toggle for simplified recording choices.

#### Emphasis on Bug Fixes and Performance

With the public launch on the horizon, Apple seems to be concentrating on bug fixes and performance enhancements. User-facing updates in this beta are rather sparse compared to previous versions, suggesting a phase of refinement for the software.

One aspect that remains unchanged in this beta is the Slide Over multitasking feature, which still allows the use of only one app at a time. This choice has sparked conversation among users, as many were hoping for a more versatile multitasking experience.

#### Conclusion

Public Beta 3 for iPadOS 26.1 and other platforms brings forth intriguing new features, especially the vibrant Apple TV app icon and the Local Capture menu. As users engage with these updates, feedback is likely to influence the final release. If you’ve noticed any new features or modifications in this beta, sharing your insights could enhance the community’s awareness of the upcoming software.

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Public Beta of Updated AirPods Firmware Made Available Prior to iOS 26.1 Release

### Apple Unveils Public Beta Firmware for AirPods

This summer, Apple rolled out its inaugural public beta for AirPods firmware, representing a crucial advancement in bolstering user experience. In advance of the highly anticipated launch of iOS 26.1, Apple has now released new public beta firmware for select AirPods models, enabling users to experiment with forthcoming features and enhancements.

#### Limited Access to Public Beta Firmware

The latest firmware update, version **8B5014c**, is presently accessible for the following AirPods models:

– AirPods Pro 3
– AirPods Pro 2
– AirPods 4

This public beta follows an earlier release aimed at developers, synchronized with the imminent iOS 26.1 rollout expected later this month. Users keen on joining the AirPods public beta initiative can register at

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Partial Outages Noted for Find My and Apple Maps, As Stated by Apple [Update: Fixed]

**Apple Maps and Find My Problems: A Quick Summary**

Recently, Apple has acknowledged that certain users are facing difficulties with its services, namely Find My and Apple Maps. The issues reportedly started around 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. ET) and have been recognized by Apple on their System Status website. While the company has stated that “some users are impacted,” no comprehensive information has been released about the specifics of the problems or an estimated resolution timeline.

Apple’s official announcement mentioned, “Users are facing an issue with Maps. We are looking into it and will provide updates as more details become available.” Even with the recognition of these issues, social media reports seem to be limited, indicating that the effect might be relatively slight considering the large user base of Apple.

As per the most recent update, Apple has declared that the problems affecting Find My and Apple Maps have been fixed. Users who had previously faced issues can now expect these services to function normally.

For those who faced interruptions, Apple invites feedback and questions via their support channels. The company is dedicated to ensuring the dependability of its services and promptly addressing any user concerns.

For additional updates, users can check Apple’s System Status website or follow pertinent social media outlets for live information.

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