Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

# The Highlights of CES 2026

CES 2026, the leading technology event, is presently taking place in Las Vegas, presenting a remarkable selection of cutting-edge products and ideas. This year’s showcase highlights transformative innovations that are set to change consumer technology. From desktop holography devices to intelligent LEGO blocks, the exhibition exemplifies the innovation and creativity of the tech sector.

## Key Features of CES 2026

### 1. Desktop Holography Devices
A key innovation at CES 2026 is the launch of desktop holography devices. These gadgets aim to integrate 3D holographic displays into home and office environments, enabling users to engage with digital content in a more engaging manner.

### 2. Intelligent LEGO Blocks
LEGO has introduced a novel series of smart blocks that merge technology to enrich playtime. These blocks can sync with applications, offering interactive building experiences and educational prospects for kids.

### 3. AI Assistant Chargers
An extraordinary charger has been launched that converts your smartphone into a personal AI assistant. This gadget not only recharges your device but also includes AI functionalities to aid with everyday activities.

### 4. New E-Bike Models
Segway has displayed its newest electric bicycles, featuring the Myon and Muxi models, alongside the Xaber 300 electric dirt bike. These e-bikes are equipped with advanced technology for superior performance and user satisfaction.

### 5. Solar-Powered Shelters
Jackery has introduced a solar-powered shelter intended for outdoor enjoyment. This product merges eco-friendliness with comfort, providing a shaded location equipped with solar-powered features.

### 6. Intelligent Goggles
The latest intelligent goggles unveiled at CES 2026 promise notable advancements in display technology. These goggles are crafted for augmented reality uses, enhancing user engagement with digital spaces.

### 7. Electric Vehicle Advancements
As expected, CES is a central point for electric vehicle innovations. This year, a variety of companies are exhibiting their newest developments in EV technology, prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and user experience.

## Summary

CES 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal event in the tech world, with an impressive array of groundbreaking products pushing the limits of technology. As the exhibition progresses, further thrilling announcements and unveilings are anticipated, making it essential viewing for tech aficionados and industry experts alike.

### Kentucky Unveils Mobile ID Application for iPhone

Kentucky has formally introduced its new mobile ID application for iPhone, granting residents the ability to access a digital version of their IDs. This groundbreaking move is designed to boost convenience and security for Kentuckians, especially when traveling.

#### Attributes of the Kentucky Mobile ID Application

The Kentucky mobile ID application is now downloadable from the App Store and will also be available for Android users. To use the application, residents must complete a verification process that involves scanning their physical driver’s license and submitting a selfie. Once verified, users can utilize their digital ID solely at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports nationwide.

Governor Andy Beshear highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “Mobile ID provides Kentuckians greater options for air travel while further safeguarding them from identity theft or the sharing of their private information. We want our families to be secure and feel secure during their travels, and this is just another measure Team Kentucky is undertaking to enhance safety for our citizens.”

#### Future Apple Wallet Compatibility

A major enhancement is anticipated this summer, as Kentucky is collaborating with Apple to incorporate support for storing the Kentucky ID in Apple Wallet. This feature will enable users to carry their identification digitally alongside other important cards and documents. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has confirmed that this functionality will be launched following the rollout of the new driver licensing system, KINDL (Kentucky Information Network for Driver Licensing), slated for Summer 2026.

The incorporation of digital IDs into Apple Wallet will not only streamline air travel but will also be extended to select businesses and venues, ensuring a seamless experience for users.

#### Further Information

While the Kentucky mobile ID application represents a significant progress, residents do not need to wait for state support to use digital IDs. Apple has rolled out a feature in iOS 26.1 that enables individuals with a passport to establish a digital ID, irrespective of their state’s involvement.

For more information on the acceptance of digital IDs, users can consult detailed guides available online.

### Summary

The initiation of the Kentucky mobile ID application signifies a crucial turning point in the evolution of identification methods for residents. With forthcoming improvements such as Apple Wallet integration on the way, Kentuckians can anticipate a more secure and convenient means to manage their identification during travel and beyond.

**CES 2026: Thrilling Deals on Apple Items**

As CES 2026 progresses, technology fans are enjoying a surge of new product announcements and thrilling discounts. Notable among these are considerable price reductions on widely-loved Apple devices, providing a perfect chance for shoppers to elevate their tech.

### Significant Discounts on iPhone 16 Pro

A top deal features the **1TB iPhone 16 Pro**, which is currently discounted by **$620** at Amazon. This version, available in the desirable Desert Titanium shade, is now listed at **$879**, reduced from its original price of **$1,499**. This price drop aligns the iPhone 16 Pro with the newer iPhone 17 Pro, making it an appealing choice for those desiring ample storage without excessive spending. The Amazon Renewed Premium program guarantees that customers receive high-quality refurbished models accompanied by a one-year warranty, enhancing the attractiveness of this offer.

### Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Sale

The **Apple Watch Ultra 2** is experiencing considerable price cuts, with discounts reaching as much as **$250** at Amazon. The Natural Titanium case version, available in several band styles, now starts at **$549**, down from its standard price of **$799**. This smartwatch continues to be a favorite among fitness aficionados and technology enthusiasts, and the current pricing renders it a captivating purchase. For those interested in the black model, Best Buy lists it at **$599**, offering a competitive option.

### iPad Mini Discounts

Additionally, Amazon has reduced prices on the **iPad Mini 7**, with savings of up to **$110**. The basic model is now being offered for **$389.99**, down from **$499**. Praised for its portability and performance, this device is an outstanding selection for both casual users and professionals on the move. The extra savings make it an excellent candidate for anyone aiming to acquire a compact tablet.

### Deals on Accessories and Chargers

In addition to key devices, accessories are also seeing price cuts. The **Anchor Blue Apple Watch Sport Loop** has hit an all-time low of **$34**, a **30%** reduction from its usual price of **$49**. This band is crafted for comfort and resilience, making it a superb addition for Apple Watch owners.

### Conclusion

With CES 2026 highlighting cutting-edge technology and notable discounts on favored Apple products, it’s an excellent time for consumers to think about upgrading their devices. From the iPhone 16 Pro to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the iPad Mini, the current offers present considerable savings that are difficult to overlook. Whether you’re in the market for a new smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet, these deals provide a wonderful opportunity to enhance your tech collection.

# Apple Music’s Thrilling New Features in iOS 26

Apple Music has made impressive improvements to its platform with the launch of iOS 26, presenting a range of exciting features that users have quickly embraced. Here are three notable additions that enhance the music-listening experience.

## 1. Fullscreen Animated Lock Screen Artwork

Apple Music has always been celebrated for its striking album art, and with iOS 26, this artistic flair has been brought to the Lock Screen. Users can now appreciate fullscreen animated artwork while enjoying their music, even when the Music app is not visible. This feature is especially remarkable on iPhones equipped with an always-on display, enabling users to view a captivating edge-to-edge display of album art that animates when the screen is activated. Although not all albums or playlists include this animation, many do, and the fullscreen view enriches the overall aesthetic of the listening experience.

## 2. Playlist Folders

In the past, the ability to create and manage playlist folders was confined to the Mac, making it inconvenient for users who rely mainly on iPhones and iPads. With iOS 26, Apple Music has fully integrated folder support for playlists across all devices. This empowers users to create new folders, rearrange playlists, and handle existing folders directly from their mobile devices. This upgrade makes music organization more straightforward and user-friendly, enabling users to fully utilize playlist organization without the need to switch to a Mac.

## 3. Pinned Music in Library

One of the most sought-after features in Apple Music is the capability to pin music within the Library. With the arrival of iOS 26, users can now pin up to six albums, playlists, artists, or songs at the top of their Library for convenient access. This feature enhances the user experience, facilitating quick navigation to often-played content. While some users may desire an increase in the pin limit, the existing functionality greatly enhances the usability of the Library tab, transforming it into a more personalized and efficient space for music exploration.

Apple Music continues to be a strong contender in the streaming service arena, available for $10.99 per month for individuals or as part of the Apple One package. With these new features in iOS 26, users can savor a more dynamic and organized music experience. What are your favorite features in Apple Music’s newest update?

### Eve Thermostat: A New Chapter in Intelligent Home Climate Management

During CES 2026, Eve unveiled the Eve Thermostat, an advanced smart thermostat crafted to improve home climate management with an emphasis on user-friendliness and effectiveness. This device supports Matter, enabling smooth integration with numerous smart home platforms, such as Apple HomeKit and the Eve app, utilizing Thread connectivity for dependable operation.

#### Aesthetic and Functionality

Eve highlights a sleek, minimal design in the Eve Thermostat. It offers a large, straightforward display paired with user-friendly touch controls, allowing users to make direct temperature changes with ease. The interface can be personalized via the Eve app, enabling users to access temperature presets, switch heating and cooling modes, and manage fan functions effortlessly. A trim plate included with the thermostat facilitates a tidy installation, accommodating uneven wall surfaces.

#### User Privacy and Software Upgrades

A standout attribute of the Eve Thermostat is its dedication to user privacy. The device functions solely on your local network, negating the need for user accounts, subscriptions, or dependency on cloud services. This strategy not only bolsters privacy but also ensures users maintain complete control over their data. Additionally, Eve has committed to delivering regular software updates for the thermostat, thanks to its alignment with the Matter standard, which aspires to enhance compatibility among smart home devices.

#### Competitive Landscape

The launch of the Eve Thermostat signifies Eve’s entry into the smart thermostat arena, a sector currently led by established brands like Ecobee. While the minimalist design is attractive, uncertainty exists regarding the level of functionality available directly on the device compared to the Eve or Apple Home apps. Users may question how much they can achieve without depending on their smartphones.

#### Release and Pricing Information

The Eve Thermostat is scheduled for release in Q1 2026, with a retail price of $129.95 USD. It will be available through various outlets, including Eve’s official website, Apple, and Amazon.

#### Final Thoughts

The Eve Thermostat offers an intriguing solution for those seeking to elevate their smart home experience with a focus on privacy and simplicity. As the launch date nears, prospective users can anticipate a comprehensive review that will explore its features and performance in greater detail.

### High-end AirPods Pro 3 Model Anticipated to Retail Around $299

Apple is preparing to broaden its AirPods range with a new, premium edition of the AirPods Pro 3 this year. This expected model is rumored to include major enhancements, such as infrared (IR) cameras aimed at supporting new Apple Intelligence features.

A standout element anticipated with this new iteration is the incorporation of a more sophisticated version of Siri, potentially enabling users to interact with the device hands-free by inquiring about their environment. This function could improve the overall user experience, making it more intuitive and fluid.

Leaker Instant Digital has previously disclosed that Apple intends to introduce two distinct models of the AirPods Pro 3—one featuring cameras and one lacking them. This distinction is anticipated to address varying consumer demands and preferences.

According to Instant Digital, the cost for the AirPods Pro 3 with cameras is expected to be “over 2000 yuan,” which presently equates to roughly $286 in U.S. dollars. Given that the price is likely to surpass this figure, an estimated cost of around $299 appears plausible, reflecting a $50 hike from the standard AirPods Pro 3 model.

Apple currently presents two variants of its AirPods 4 at different price levels: the basic model without Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) priced at $129, and the enhanced ANC version at $179. It seems that Apple may adopt a similar pricing approach for the AirPods Pro 3, maintaining a $50 difference between the two variants.

As consumers look forward to the formal announcement, the question lingers: would you consider paying $299 for new AirPods Pro equipped with cameras and advanced AI features?

### Aqara Smart Lock U400: An Advancement in Smart Home Innovations

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 has officially launched at CES, presenting a new dimension of ease with its incorporation of the Home key functionality in Apple Wallet. This cutting-edge technology allows for automatic door unlocking as users approach, removing the necessity for manual engagement.

#### Ultra-Wideband Technology

Central to the U400 is ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which improves the accuracy of location tracking. This enables the lock to identify when an authorized user, holding an iPhone or wearing an Apple Watch, is in proximity. Cathy You, Aqara’s Senior Vice President of Global Business and Strategy, highlighted the importance of this development, indicating that it signifies a move towards a more intuitive and fluid smart home environment.

#### Improved Security and Convenience

UWB technology outperforms conventional Bluetooth by employing Time of Flight (ToF) and Angle of Arrival (AoA) metrics to effectively monitor user movements. This guarantees that the lock engages only when an authorized user is approaching from outside, minimizing the chances of unintentional unlocks when users are indoors or merely walking by.

#### Various Unlocking Methods

The U400 provides a range of unlocking options, including:
– **Physical Key**: For standard access.
– **Fingerprint Recognition**: Fast and secure entry for registered users.
– **Passcodes**: Choices for recurring or one-time use, perfect for granting guest access.

In the event of a power outage, the lock can be temporarily powered by an external power bank, making sure access is maintained.

#### Compatibility and Requirements

To make use of the U400, users must have a Thread-compatible hub, such as the Apple TV 4K, second-generation HomePod, or HomePod Mini. The lock works with iPhone models starting from the iPhone 11 and later, operating on iOS 18.5 or newer, in addition to Apple Watch Series 6 and later. It’s important to note that the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and iPhone 16e do not have the required UWB chip for compatibility.

#### Availability and Pricing

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 is available for purchase in the USA for $270. It can be found on Amazon US, Amazon Canada, and select Apple stores in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, with plans to arrive at US Apple stores later this month.

In conclusion, the Aqara Smart Lock U400 signifies a noteworthy progression in smart home access technology, merging convenience, security, and advanced features to transform user interaction with home security systems.

### iPhone 17e: A Cost-Effective Option on the Horizon

The iPhone 17e is in the works as a more economical variant of the iPhone 17. Recent leaks indicate that its release might coincide closely with last year’s iPhone 16e, which launched on February 28.

#### Production Timeline

As per a post by leaker Smart Pikachu on Weibo, the iPhone 17e is anticipated to commence production shortly after CES concludes this week. If Apple initiates mass production in mid-January, a launch in late February could be expected, paralleling the iPhone 16e’s release schedule.

#### Key Features

The iPhone 17e is believed to showcase several significant features:

– **6.1-inch Display with Dynamic Island**: This feature enriches the user interface by delivering a more engaging experience.
– **A19 Chip**: The addition of this chip implies enhanced performance and efficiency.
– **No ProMotion Support**: Unlike its premium counterparts, the iPhone 17e may lack ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling.

Further rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e will also support MagSafe, incorporate a new Center Stage front camera, and boast slimmer bezels compared to the iPhone 16e.

#### Conclusion

The iPhone 17e appears to be a promising entry-level option, particularly given the appeal of the iPhone 17 series. As production intensifies, it will be intriguing to observe how the market reacts to this more budget-friendly choice.

### Steve Jobs Memorabilia Auction: An Extraordinary Chance for Collectors

A major auction showcasing memorabilia from Steve Jobs’ life has now commenced online, providing a rare insight into Apple’s formative years and the personal belongings of its co-founder. The auction, organized by RR Auction, is scheduled to end on January 30, 2024, and features an assorted collection of items that underscore the history and impact of one of technology’s most pivotal figures.

#### Featured Items

Among the prominent items up for bids is the original desk from the garage where Apple was established, a meaningful artifact of tech heritage. Bidders can also vie for the very first check signed by Jobs and his partner Steve Wozniak, along with personal relics like Jobs’ high school bow ties. The auction includes various Apple-related memorabilia, with opening bids starting at $100, appealing to a broad spectrum of collectors.

Noteworthy items consist of:

– **Apple 1 Prototype**: The earliest known version of the Apple 1, with a starting price of $50,000 and an estimated worth exceeding $500,000.
– **First Apple Check**: The inaugural check issued by Apple, beginning at $25,000, also believed to be valued at around $500,000.
– **Apple 1 Byte Shop Wooden Case**: Once owned by Jobs, this piece starts at just $500, with an approximation of $5,000.
– **Steve Jobs’ Desk**: Opening bids at $5,000, with projected worth of $25,000 or more.
– **Personal Posters**: Several posters belonging to Jobs are available starting at $200.

The auction also features lesser-known items, such as an Apple 1 heatsink and a ribbon cable, both prized due to their association with Jobs.

#### Background and Significance

Numerous items in this auction are being offered by John Chovanec, Jobs’ stepbrother, who received much of the belongings from Jobs’ childhood space. Chovanec reminisces about a touching moment when Jobs recounted the story behind the early Macintosh development in that very location, emphasizing the emotional ties these artifacts possess.

One particularly intriguing item is a $500 check made out to circuit board designer Howard Cantin, who contributed to the Apple 1 board. Cantin chose a cash payment instead of stock options, a choice that, in retrospect, could have resulted in considerable financial outcomes.

#### Conclusion

This auction offers a distinctive chance for collectors and enthusiasts of Apple and Steve Jobs to acquire a fragment of tech history. With a collection ranging from the iconic to the personal, the auction encapsulates not just Jobs’ legacy, but also the origins of a company that revolutionized the technology industry. As the auction date draws near, increased interest is anticipated, marking it as a significant occurrence in the realm of memorabilia collecting.

Samsung has introduced a prototype of an innovative folding display that is expected to be featured in the forthcoming iPhone Fold. This advancement arises as Apple strives to develop a folding device characterized by a display that does not exhibit a visible crease, a challenge that this new technology has reportedly succeeded in overcoming.

### Apple’s Pursuit of a Creaseless Display

Apple has a long-standing practice of monitoring market trends and debuting its products only after confirming they adhere to its high standards. The much-anticipated iPhone Fold has been under development for several years, with Apple allegedly awaiting a display devoid of a visible crease. This choice has led to an extended wait, potentially stretching to six or seven years following the launch of the initial folding Android smartphone.

The primary cause of this delay is Apple’s stringent requirement for an impeccable display. The company assigned its display collaborator, Samsung, the task of creating a panel that would remain crease-free when opened. This presented a major challenge, as Samsung had not yet accomplished this feat with its own folding devices.

Reports suggest that Samsung successfully developed a creaseless display to meet Apple’s approval last year. This achievement was so intricate that Apple had to engage its own design engineers to aid in the development process.

### This is Possibly the iPhone Fold Display

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Samsung Display exhibited the new folding screen, asserting that it showcases no visible crease. The prototype display is quite striking, as even upon close inspection, there are no indications of a crease. In contrast, a juxtaposed image with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 emphasizes the notable differences between the two displays.

Although a video shared by SamMobile reveals a minor crease, the overall look of the new display corresponds with the anticipated aspect ratio of the iPhone Fold. The display was momentarily displayed at Samsung’s booth before being taken down, indicating it was not meant for public exposure yet.

### How Interested Are You?

With the prospect of this new display being incorporated into the iPhone Fold, consumer enthusiasm is likely to surge, even if the device carries a steep price. The excitement surrounding the iPhone Fold continues to escalate as Apple prepares to delve into the folding smartphone arena with a product that fulfills its stringent criteria.

In summary, the creation of a creaseless folding display signifies a noteworthy achievement for both Apple and Samsung, potentially establishing a new benchmark for future smartphones.