Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

### iPhone Air 2 Might Feature Dual Camera and Larger Battery

Apple seems to be preparing to tackle two major issues with the original iPhone Air: camera performance and battery durability. Recent sources indicate that the forthcoming iPhone Air 2 could include upgrades that directly respond to user input.

The first version of the iPhone Air has fallen short of Apple’s sales projections, even with its stylish design and solid build quality. Although the battery life has generally surpassed expectations, the constraints of its camera have been a significant drawback for potential purchases.

To address these concerns, Apple is allegedly planning to integrate a second camera in the iPhone Air 2. This feature is aimed at improving photography capabilities, which have received notable criticism from users.

Furthermore, a recent report from *The Elec* suggests that Apple is investigating the use of CoE (Chip-on-Display) technology for the iPhone Air 2. This advancement could result in a slimmer and brighter display while possibly enhancing battery efficiency. By incorporating CoE, Apple could potentially free up internal space for a larger battery, tackling the long-standing battery life issues that users have expressed.

The existing design of the iPhone Air dedicates a considerable amount of its space to battery components. By removing one layer from the display, Apple could repurpose that area for a larger battery, thus improving overall battery longevity. Additionally, CoE technology could enable a brighter display without increasing battery usage, allowing users to benefit from enhanced brightness with reduced power consumption.

In conclusion, the iPhone Air 2 seems poised to address the two major criticisms of its predecessor: camera performance and battery endurance. With the possible addition of a second rear camera and improvements in display technology, Apple may be ready to launch a more attractive product that aligns with consumer desires.

Would you consider buying an iPhone Air 2 featuring these upgrades?

**Pluribus: A New Achievement for Apple TV+**

In December, Apple revealed that its original series *Pluribus* had emerged as the most viewed TV show in the history of the Apple TV streaming platform. While specific viewership numbers were not revealed, the show’s acclaim was further supported by its inclusion in Nielsen’s US streaming report for the week starting December 8, where it secured the ninth position among the top 10 streaming originals.

Despite its recent achievements, *Pluribus* did not appear on the Nielsen chart during November, making its debut in the December report. The top 10 originals list for the week of December 8-14 featured popular titles like *Stranger Things* and *Percy Jackson & the Olympians*, with *Pluribus* accruing a total of 360 million minutes viewed.

In contrast, Apple TV+ was absent from the overall streaming chart, which encompasses both acquired and original content. The lowest entry in that chart was *IT: Welcome to Derry*, with 660 million minutes viewed. For reference, *Stranger Things* led the list with more than 3 billion minutes viewed during the same timeframe.

Several elements contribute to *Pluribus*’s ranking. Firstly, the streaming industry is known for being secretive regarding viewership metrics, making it challenging to verify the accuracy of claims made by streaming platforms. Apple has not disclosed the viewer count for *Pluribus* or the total number of paying subscribers for its platform.

Secondly, Nielsen’s chart focuses on US streaming data, whereas Apple likely bases its viewership assertions on global figures, considering that Apple TV+ is accessible in over 100 countries. Moreover, Apple TV+ remains a relatively minor player in the streaming landscape, with its most popular shows frequently eclipsed by Netflix’s offerings.

Interestingly, *Pluribus* is a new series with merely seven episodes available as of the week of December 8, which restricts its potential viewing minutes when compared to established titles like *Severance* or *Ted Lasso*, which boast larger back catalogs. For example, *Severance* had nine episodes available at the time it gained traction, allowing for greater cumulative viewing time.

Despite these obstacles, *Pluribus* has proven to be a success for Apple, with a second season already greenlit and expected to start production next year, aiming for a release in 2027. As Apple continues to grow its streaming service, the success of *Pluribus* may herald a bright future for original content on Apple TV+.

Apple typically incorporates new emojis into the iPhone with iOS updates during the spring season. Recently, the Unicode Consortium released the complete list of draft emojis that may make their debut next year, as highlighted by Emojipedia.

Among the suggested additions are:

– A grinning face with squinting eyes
– A left-facing thumb gesture
– A right-facing thumb gesture
– A monarch butterfly
– A gherkin
– A lighthouse
– A meteor
– An eraser
– A handled net

These emojis are currently in draft stage, and once they receive approval, companies such as Apple and Google will develop their own variations based on the Unicode Consortium’s descriptions and prototypes.

As the emoji catalog grows, the enthusiasm among iPhone users seems to diminish. Apple has unveiled a new Genmoji feature in iOS 18 that enables users to design custom emojis from text descriptions or by merging existing emojis.

Apple has yet to implement the Unicode 17 characters, which were disclosed in July 2025. These emojis are anticipated to be added in a forthcoming update to iOS 26, probably in March or April. Following this schedule, the new Unicode 18 emojis will likely be integrated into iOS 27.4 in March or April of 2027.

The most recent batch of new emojis added to the iPhone came with iOS 18.4 in March 2025, following the Unicode 16 release.

What are your thoughts on the new emojis? Are there any emojis you’re still anticipating the Unicode Consortium to endorse?

**Apple TV’s 2026 Lineup Begins with Tehran Season Three**

The Apple TV streaming platform is unveiling its 2026 programming schedule with the eagerly awaited return of the global thriller series *Tehran*. The much-anticipated third season debuts today, showcasing the first episode, with fresh installments scheduled to come out weekly every Friday until February 27.

In this season, renowned actor Hugh Laurie joins the ensemble as a South African nuclear inspector, introducing a new dimension of suspense to the narrative. *Tehran* has garnered considerable acclaim as one of Apple’s most prominent foreign language offerings, and it has already been confirmed for a fourth season, despite fans having awaited new material for over three years since the conclusion of season two.

Notably, filming for season three wrapped up more than four years ago, with an original release targeted for 2023. Nonetheless, Apple opted to postpone the premiere due to the delicate subject matter of the series amid prevailing real-world situations in Israel and Palestine. With the Gaza conflict remaining pertinent, Apple has ultimately decided to proceed with the season’s release on its platform, although it has previously aired in its entirety on the Israeli channel KAN 11, which is a co-production collaborator with Apple.

Returning to the cast is star Niv Sultan, reprising her role as Tamar, the Mossad hacker agent. After her rebellious actions in the dramatic season two finale, Tamar must navigate the challenges of re-establishing her connections within the Mossad in the new season.

Viewers can catch up on the first two seasons of *Tehran* on Apple TV, with the third season airing weekly. For those without an Apple TV subscription, a complimentary seven-day trial is offered.

### Future Apple TV Releases

The debut of *Tehran* season three signifies the start of Apple’s original content slate for 2026. In the upcoming months, Apple intends to unveil new seasons of several beloved shows.

Next week, Idris Elba will star in the second season of the popular thriller *Hijack*, followed by the second season of *Drops of God* the following week. Furthermore, the highly regarded comedy series *Shrinking* will return for its third season at the end of January.

February will bring back *The Last Thing He Told Me* and the Godzilla universe series *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters*. A new theatrical A24 romantic comedy, *Eternity*, will also debut on February 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

March will see the launch of a new original TV show, *Imperfect Women*, set to premiere on March 18, featuring Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington.

Apple is anticipated to reveal more original premieres in the upcoming weeks, with executives suggesting that new releases will be accessible almost every week throughout 2026. For a detailed overview of everything coming to Apple TV, visit their official website.

In the annual proxy filing released today, Apple revealed detailed information concerning executive compensation for the year 2025, emphasizing the income of CEO Tim Cook and other senior executives, including Kevan Parekh, Kate Adams, Sabih Khan, Luca Maestri, and Deirdre O’Brien.

Tim Cook’s overall compensation for 2025 totaled $74,294,811, showing a minor decline compared to the last year. The specifics of Cook’s earnings are listed below:

– Salary: $3,000,000
– Stock awards: $57,535,293
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $12,000,000, determined by Apple’s performance against specified financial targets.
– All other compensation: $1,759,518, encompassing a range of benefits, such as retirement plans, vacation days, and costs related to private jet travel.

The “all other compensation” section specifically entails:

1. Apple’s contributions to Cook’s 401(k) plan: $21,000
2. Premiums for term life insurance: $2,964
3. Cash-out of vacation days: $57,692
4. Expenditures for security: $887,870, which includes personal security services.
5. Costs for personal air travel: $789,991, pertaining to Cook’s private aircraft use.

For reasons of security and efficiency, the Board requires Cook to use private aircraft for all business and personal travels.

Cook has indicated his plan to allocate his wealth to charitable efforts during his lifetime, adhering to a structured philanthropic strategy.

The compensation figures for the remaining members of Apple’s executive team in 2025 are as follows:

**CFO Kevan Parekh**
– Salary: $891,519
– Stock awards: $18,433,135
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $3,120,317
– All other compensation: $22,338
– **Total: $22,467,309**

**General Counsel Kate Adams**
– Salary: $1,000,000
– Stock awards: $22,009,766
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $4,000,000
– All other compensation: $22,482
– **Total: $27,032,248**

**COO Sabih Khan**
– Salary: $1,000,000
– Stock awards: $22,009,766
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $4,000,000
– All other compensation: $21,905
– **Total: $27,031,671**

**Former CFO Luca Maestri**
– Salary: $819,231
– Stock awards: $13,003,031
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $1,638,462
– All other compensation: $22,204
– **Total: $15,482,928**

**Retail + People SVP Deirdre O’Brien**
– Salary: $1,000,000
– Stock awards: $22,009,766
– Non-equity incentive plan compensation: $4,000,000
– All other compensation: $37,867
– **Total: $27,047,633**

Apple’s complete “Notice of 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement” can be accessed, and the annual meeting for shareholders is set to occur virtually on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT. Shareholders registered as of January 2, 2026, will be able to attend, vote, and pose questions during the meeting.

Apple Inc. has revealed the schedule for its forthcoming annual shareholders meeting, which is set to take place virtually on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT. Shareholders on record as of January 2, 2026, will have the chance to attend the meeting, cast their votes, and raise questions.

A significant agenda item for the meeting will be the re-election of members of Apple’s board of directors. Traditionally, Apple has a policy indicating that board members are ineligible for re-election upon reaching the age of 75. However, this year, two board members, Ron Sugar (77) and Art Levinson (75), have exceeded this age threshold. In its proxy filing, Apple stated it would make an exception for both members, noting their valuable experience, expertise, and contributions to the board as justifications for their re-election.

The board underscored the significance of stability in leadership, particularly in light of ongoing conjecture surrounding CEO Tim Cook’s possible retirement. It is anticipated that Cook may shift to the chairman position once he retires, making Levinson’s ongoing chairmanship vital during this transition.

Besides the board elections, shareholders will also be invited to vote on various other proposals, including:

– Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as Apple’s independent accounting firm.
– An advisory vote on executive compensation approval.
– Endorsement of a non-employee director stock plan.

Apple is also encouraging shareholders to vote against a proposition for a “China Entanglement Audit.” The company maintains that the requested report is unnecessary, as it already delivers comprehensive information regarding its international operations. Moreover, Apple argues that the proposal is excessively prescriptive and could impede its ability to effectively manage its business operations and strategies.

For additional information, shareholders can consult Apple’s comprehensive “Notice of 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement.”

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# iOS 26.3 Security Update Trials New ‘Background Security Enhancements’ System

If you’re using the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple has recently made available a new security update for installation. However, this update does not provide any fixes; it aims to evaluate a new system.

## Update Overview

As the new year rolls in, Apple is anticipated to release additional betas for iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and beyond. Recently, Apple delivered a distinctive update for beta testers, labeled ‘iOS 26.3 (a)’. This update functions as a trial for the newly restructured ‘Background Security Enhancements’ system.

### Getting the Update

In contrast to standard updates accessible via the Software Update section, this particular one can be found under Privacy & Security ⇾ Background Security Enhancements. This update is part of a significant revision initiated with iOS 26.1, which unveiled the Background Security Enhancements system but has not been deployed by Apple until now.

### Main Features of the Update

The release notes for the iOS 26.3 (a) update specify that this Background Security Enhancement is solely for testing and does not include any security fixes. The installation procedure resembles a regular Software Update, though it is located in a different menu.

After installation, users can choose to remove the update directly from the same Settings screen. If a user decides to uninstall the update, their iPhone will restart, and the security update will be erased.

### Prospective Consequences

This testing phase may suggest that Apple intends to introduce the Background Security Enhancements to all users shortly.

### Update 1/8

Just two days following the initial test security update, Apple issued a subsequent update, ‘iOS 26.3 (b)’, for beta users. Like its predecessor, this update is also strictly for testing and does not include real fixes.

In conclusion, the iOS 26.3 beta is presently in a testing phase for a new security system, with updates available for users to investigate.

# Rumor Replay: Latest Apple Product Speculations

Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly feature at 9to5Mac that provides a brief overview of the most current Apple product speculations, complete with insights and analysis. Today: an initial glimpse at the iPhone Fold’s anticipated crease-less display technology, upcoming iPhone camera enhancements, and more. Here are the Apple rumors for this week.

## Initial Insight into iPhone Fold’s Anticipated Crease-Free Display

CES is taking place this week, and Samsung may have inadvertently unveiled the technology behind the iPhone Fold’s display. It has been speculated for some time that Samsung could supply the iPhone Fold’s ‘crease-less’ display. The Verge reported this week that a model of Samsung’s crease-free OLED technology was briefly showcased at CES alongside a more traditional folding display with visible creases.

### My Observations

The display demonstrated by Samsung is not anticipated to be the exact version that the iPhone Fold’s display will take. We’re now looking forward to a screen that’s wider than it is tall when unfolded. Nevertheless, it does provide a captivating example of the foundational technology said to be employed to realize the iPhone Fold’s crease-free design. From the visuals I’ve observed, it appears to be a significant enhancement over all previous foldables.

## Upcoming iPhone Camera Enhancements

This week, there were two camera-focused iPhone speculations. Morgan Stanley released a research note asserting that Apple will incorporate a 200MP camera in the 2028 iPhone. Current iPhone cameras peak at 48MP. Previously, we learned that such an enhancement was under evaluation, but this is the first time a specific target year has been identified.

Leaker Digital Chat Station expressed less certainty regarding that timeline. He did mention, however, that Apple is exploring multispectral camera technology. My colleague Ben indicates this “could enhance the precision of color identification, particularly in low light settings.”

### My Observations

For many years, it has been evident that Apple won’t chase camera megapixel increases as a mere marketing gimmick. Rivals reached 48MP long before the iPhone, but when Apple eventually made the switch, it came with substantial advantages. I hope for a similar experience if the iPhone adopts a 200MP camera and don’t mind biding my time until the current issues with Samsung’s 200MP models are sorted out.

## iPhone 17e Launch Approaching

Last year, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e in late February. It appears that a comparable timeline may be in store for this year’s iPhone 17e. Weibo leaker Smart Pikachu shared this week that mass production of the iPhone 17e is scheduled to commence soon after CES. This suggests a production start next week or shortly after. Based on standard production timelines, a launch around late February seems plausible.

### My Observations

Apple has an unusually high number of products anticipated for release early this year. The iPhone 17e joins several Macs and iPads that are all rumored for the winter months. Additionally, there are new Home products expected around the time Siri’s iOS 26.4 upgrades are launched. It makes me think whether Apple intends to hold an official March event this year to showcase all its new products, or if we will instead see several smaller launches communicated through press releases.

What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple rumors? Share with us in the comments.

Apple TV has announced the launch date for its forthcoming film, “Eternity,” created by A24, which first hit theaters late last year. The movie is set to premiere on Apple TV on **Friday, February 13, 2026**, aligning with Valentine’s Day.

Featuring a notable cast including Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, “Eternity” is presented as a high-concept romantic comedy that has received favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike. The official synopsis of the film highlights its captivating storyline: in an afterlife where souls have one week to select their eternal path, Joan (portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen) faces a choice between her lifelong partner (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who has been waiting for her since his premature passing.

This movie marks a distinctive entry in Apple TV’s catalog, having had a theatrical release without being promoted as an Apple production at that time, with a focus on A24’s branding instead. Last year, the only significant theatrical release linked to Apple was “F1,” which became the company’s largest box office triumph.

“Eternity” will be accessible to all Apple TV subscribers, with the service available for **$12.99 per month**, or at a reduced rate through the Apple One bundle.