Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

iPhone 17 Pro Reaches Enhanced Charging Rates: Insights on the Upgrades

# iPhone 17 Pro Max: Improved Charging Speeds and Battery Efficacy

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has captured attention with its remarkable battery capacity and charging speeds, representing a notable enhancement over its predecessor. ChargerLAB recently performed assessments on the charging performance of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, uncovering that it can reach charging speeds of up to 36W, an increase of 20% compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.

## Charging Speeds for iPhone 17 Pro Max Reach 36W

Last year, the iPhone 16 Pro established a standard with charging speeds near 30W, already a significant upgrade over the iPhone 15 Pro. Yet, Apple has continued to break new ground with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which was evaluated with 15 different Apple chargers. The findings revealed that users can achieve a peak charging speed of 36W, highlighting another year of notable progress in charging technology.

To reach this peak speed, users can employ various Apple chargers, including the new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, which is optimized for fast charging. Furthermore, Apple’s MagSafe charger also excelled, providing charging speeds of 32W. However, for those aiming for the quickest charging experience, a wired connection with an Apple 40W charger or greater is suggested.

## The Significance of Charging Speed

While increased battery capacities are always appreciated, the correlated rise in charging speeds is just as vital. A larger battery that charges at a slower rate can lead to perceptions of inefficiency, even with an enhanced overall capacity. Hence, Apple’s focus on boosting charging speeds along with battery enhancements is a strategic decision to guarantee user satisfaction.

## Conclusion

The iPhone 17 Pro Max not only features a greater battery but also considerably enhanced charging speeds, making it an attractive option for users who emphasize performance and efficiency. As technology continues to progress, Apple’s improvements in charging capabilities demonstrate its commitment to elevating the user experience. Whether through wired or wireless charging methods, the iPhone 17 Pro Max shines as a frontrunner in smartphone charging technology.

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Apple Provides Complimentary Chapter from Carol’s Book ‘Pluribus’

### Pluribus: Apple TV’s New Sci-Fi Series and the Release of Bloodsong of Wycaro

Apple TV has just unveiled its latest must-see series, **Pluribus**, which has swiftly attracted attention for its captivating narrative and intriguing characters. The show stars Rhea Seehorn in the prominent role of Carol Sturka, a character who serves as a key player in the series and is also a bestselling author of romantasy novels.

#### Bloodsong of Wycaro Excerpt Now Available on Apple Books

In a creative marketing initiative, Apple Books has made available a complimentary chapter from Carol’s fictional novel, **Bloodsong of Wycaro**. This exclusive excerpt enables fans of the series to immerse themselves deeper into Carol Sturka’s world and experience the storytelling style that has enthralled readers within the show.

The excerpt can be downloaded from Apple Books, offering readers a sneak peek into the fourth installment of Carol’s grand romantasy trilogy. The description from Apple Books invites readers to accompany Lucasia, the captain of the duneship Mercator, as she traverses the perilous sands of Wycaro in search of a remedy for her ailing crew. The narrative promises a mix of adventure, romance, and intrigue, as Lucasia faces her past and the trials of her present.

#### Marketing Strategy and Series Availability

Apple TV’s promotional strategy for **Pluribus** has been recognized for its inventiveness, reminiscent of the marketing campaigns for other hit series such as **Severance**. The show currently offers three episodes, with new installments scheduled for release weekly until December 26.

For those keen to delve into **Pluribus** and the associated literary work, Apple TV is available for a subscription rate of $12.99 per month. The platform boasts a wide array of popular shows and films, including beloved titles like **Ted Lasso** and **Severance**.

#### Conclusion

The debut of the **Bloodsong of Wycaro** excerpt is a distinctive enhancement to the viewing journey of **Pluribus**, enriching the narrative landscape of the series. Fans are urged to download the free chapter and immerse themselves in Carol Sturka’s universe, while also enjoying the developing storyline of **Pluribus** on Apple TV.

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Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Function Faces ITC Examination After Redesign

In August 2025, Apple brought back a revamped version of its Blood Oxygen feature for the Apple Watch in the United States, signifying a major comeback after an 18-month break. This hiatus was attributed to a patent conflict with health tech firm Masimo, which prompted Apple to market the Apple Watch without this capability for a duration.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has now launched a new proceeding to ascertain if this revamped feature should also encounter a ban because of the continuing patent disputes with Masimo. The ITC’s latest filings reveal that they are undertaking a combined modification and enforcement proceeding to evaluate the legality of the revamped Blood Oxygen feature regarding the original import ban.

The ITC’s choice to revisit the case arises from the release of the redesigned Apple Watch, which was not included in the initial probe. The main focus of this proceeding will hinge on whether Apple infringes on Masimo’s patents by offering an Apple Watch that, when connected to an iPhone, utilizes the contested technology.

A critical component of the ITC’s assessment is the operation of the Apple Watch alongside the iPhone. The inquiry will investigate if the union of the two devices activates the patented features at stake. Apple’s updated Blood Oxygen feature enables users to start a test on their Apple Watch, gathering the required data. However, the findings are not shown on the watch itself; rather, they are available through the Health app on the connected iPhone, specifically within the Respiratory section.

The ITC has signaled that it anticipates reaching a verdict on this issue within six months, which could have considerable consequences for Apple’s product lines and its ongoing legal skirmishes with Masimo.

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Apple to Transform ‘Hot Money: The New Narcos’ Podcast into TV Series

Apple and Richard Plepler’s EDEN Productions are joining forces to convert the investigative podcast *Hot Money: The New Narcos* into an Apple TV series. The podcast, co-hosted by Miles Johnson from the *Financial Times*, debuted in late 2023 and delves into the workings of a cocaine “super cartel” that operates similarly to a multinational company.

The story begins with the assassination of a middle-aged electrician in a tranquil Amsterdam neighborhood, unraveling a complicated network of drugs, money laundering, and state-sponsored killings extending from Dublin to Dubai. Johnson’s probe uncovers the increasingly indistinct boundaries between criminals and legitimate business leaders, as well as between governments and gangsters.

In the adaptation process, Johnson will take on the role of executive producer alongside the *Financial Times* and the audio production studio Pushkin. At this time, there is no established schedule for the show’s debut.

Apple TV, which provides a subscription at $12.99 monthly, showcases a range of popular series and films, including *Severance*, *The Studio*, *The Morning Show*, *Shrinking*, and *Silo*.

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Release Date for Spotify Wrapped 2025

# Spotify Wrapped: A Musical Year in Retrospective

The most thrilling season for Spotify enthusiasts is drawing near. Spotify Wrapped is expected to be released in the coming weeks, providing fans with a summary of their favorite songs, artists, albums, and more.

## What is Spotify Wrapped?

Spotify Wrapped is Spotify’s highly celebrated year-end review feature for its subscribers. It presents a detailed analysis of various listening patterns, including overall listening duration, favorite artists, and songs. Users can check if they ranked as a top listener for a particular artist, monitor their listening streaks, and appreciate personalized messages from beloved musicians. Furthermore, Spotify Wrapped formulates musical chapters that characterize each listener’s year.

## Spotify Wrapped 2025 Launch Date

Traditionally, Spotify has unveiled Wrapped during the last week of November or the initial week of December. The launch dates from previous years are listed below:

– **2024:** December 4
– **2023:** November 29
– **2022:** November 30
– **2021:** December 1
– **2020:** December 1
– **2019:** December 5

This regular release pattern indicates that Spotify Wrapped 2025 will probably debut in the first few days of December.

Recently, Spotify updated its approach to tracking listening data for Wrapped. Formerly, data collection concluded on October 31, but last year, Spotify revealed that Wrapped would keep recording into November. This modification allows users additional weeks to affect their Wrapped statistics.

## Apple Music Replay

In comparison, Apple Music subscribers can access Apple Music Replay throughout the entire year. For Spotify users contemplating a transition, Apple Music is priced at $10.99 per month, which is $1 less than Spotify.

As the launch of Spotify Wrapped nears, numerous users are curious about what will dominate their lists this year and what surprises Spotify might unveil. Comprehensive coverage of Spotify Wrapped’s launch will be provided in the weeks ahead.

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Every iOS 16 Configuration Modified Instantly on My iPhone

# Personalizing Your iPhone with iOS 26 and iOS 26.1

iOS 26 and its follow-up, iOS 26.1, have brought forth an array of fresh customization features for iPhone users, especially within the Settings app. Here are some significant adjustments to settings that you might want to check out immediately.

## Always On Display’s Wallpaper Photo Blur

One of the most discussed modifications in iOS 26 is the adjustment to the Always On Display functionality. Now, by default, the wallpaper photo appears blurred in Always On mode. This alteration seems aimed at improving the visibility of the new Liquid Glass clock and might also aid in saving battery life.

If you prefer the original appearance of your Lock Screen images, reverting this setting is straightforward. Head to **Settings ⇾ Display & Brightness ⇾ Always On Display** and switch off the ‘Blur Wallpaper Photo’ feature. This will return the previous functionality from iOS 18.

## Camera Swipe from the Lock Screen

For years, iPhone users have accessed the Camera app swiftly by swiping left on the Lock Screen. However, with the introduction of various methods to open the Camera, including a dedicated Camera Control button and the Action button, many have found the swipe gesture to be more of an unintentional activation than a helpful feature.

In iOS 26.1, Apple has at last included the ability to disable this swipe gesture. To do so, navigate to **Settings ⇾ Camera** and locate the ‘Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera’ toggle at the bottom. Switching it off will stop any unintentional openings of the Camera app.

## Adaptive Power Mode

Battery conservation has consistently been key for iPhone users, and iOS 26 presents a fresh option called Adaptive Power. Unlike the conventional Low Power Mode, which drastically cuts performance, Adaptive Power implements subtle tweaks to prolong battery life without significantly affecting performance.

Apple states that when your battery consumption is elevated, Adaptive Power can dim the display brightness, extend the duration of certain activities, or enable Low Power Mode at 20%. You can access this feature under **Settings ⇾ Battery ⇾ Power Mode ⇾ Adaptive Power**. It activates only as needed, making it a useful enhancement for those looking to maximize battery life without compromising on performance.

## AirPods Sleep Detection

iOS 26 has also introduced new functionalities for AirPods, including a sleep detection feature that halts media playback upon falling asleep. This capability is particularly beneficial for users who listen to audiobooks or podcasts while winding down for the evening.

To activate this feature, navigate to the AirPods settings in iOS 26 and turn on ‘Pause Media When Falling Asleep.’ This option is accessible for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4, simplifying the process of resuming where you left off without the hassle of searching for the last heard section.

## Conclusion

The enhancements in iOS 26 and iOS 26.1 offer a range of new settings that improve the personalization and user-friendliness of your iPhone. Whether you prefer to modify the Always On Display, deactivate the Lock Screen camera swipe, utilize Adaptive Power, or take advantage of AirPods sleep detection, these features give you greater control over your device. Explore these settings to customize your iPhone experience to better align with your preferences.

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Factors to Keep in Mind When Securing an Apple Card: Key Details You Need to Be Aware Of

# Is the Apple Card a Good Investment? A Detailed Analysis

Launched over six years ago, the Apple Card has gained immense popularity. It features a user-friendly interface, appealing benefits such as interest-free Apple financing, and more. Here’s everything you should know to determine if the Apple Card is a good fit for you.

## Quick Facts about Apple Card

– Apply and manage directly through the Wallet app on your iPhone
– Receive a complimentary Apple-designed titanium card
– No late fees involved
– No over-limit fees
– No fees for foreign transactions
– Developed by Apple with a financial backend supported by Goldman Sachs
– All payments are due on the last day of the month
– Check if you’re approved with just a soft credit inquiry

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9to5Mac Daily: November 14, 2025 – Anticipated Collaboration between Tesla and CarPlay

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights

In the rapid-moving sphere of technology, keeping abreast of the most recent updates is essential, particularly for Apple fans. The **9to5Mac Daily** podcast acts as a vital tool, offering listeners a summary of the leading stories in the Apple universe every weekday.

#### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

9to5Mac Daily is a podcast that concentrates on providing brief and enlightening updates concerning Apple products, software, and corporate news. Each episode is crafted to keep listeners up-to-date with the latest changes, trends, and perspectives in the Apple community.

#### Where to Listen

Listeners can tune into 9to5Mac Daily across numerous platforms, guaranteeing that everyone can easily find a method to listen in. The podcast is accessible on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast players.

#### Content Highlights

Every episode of 9to5Mac Daily includes discussions on a variety of subjects, such as:

– Latest product launches and updates
– Software updates and feature improvements
– Perspectives on Apple’s business tactics and market performance
– Reviews and comparisons of Apple gadgets

Listeners can also savor an audio recap of the day’s leading stories, like the one provided in the most recent episode [here](https://9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/11/MacDaily_11-14-25.mp3).

#### Subscription Benefits

For those wishing to support the podcast and improve their listening journey, subscribing to **9to5Mac Daily Plus** presents several advantages:

– Ad-free versions of each episode
– Access to exclusive content that explores particular topics in greater depth

#### Community Engagement

9to5Mac Daily fosters listener interaction through feedback and ratings. Supporters can express their opinions by emailing the team at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Moreover, listeners are encouraged to rate the podcast on platforms like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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Walmart Introduces Early Black Friday Offers: AirPods Pro 2 at $139, Apple Watch Series 10 at $249, AirTag at $18, and Additional Items

**Early Black Friday Offers: What to Anticipate from Walmart and Best Buy**

As the festive shopping period draws near, leading retailers are unveiling their Black Friday offers sooner than ever before. Walmart and Best Buy have commenced their promotions, providing notable reductions on sought-after electronics, especially from Apple. Here’s a glimpse at some of the top deals currently available.

### Walmart’s Early Black Friday Event

Walmart has initiated its Event 1 Black Friday promotion, showcasing a range of offers on electronics and devices. Among the key highlights:

– **Apple AirPods Pro 2**: Now priced at **$139 shipped**, reduced from the original **$249**. This marks one of the lowest costs ever for these high-end earbuds.
– **Apple Watch Series 10**: Price cuts on the Series 10 models have brought costs down to **$249** for the 42mm variant and **$279** for the 46mm version. This is a notable decrease, particularly for those intending to gift a smartwatch this holiday season.
– **Apple AirTag**: Available for just **$18**, this is an excellent deal for individuals looking to manage their belongings efficiently.
– **13-inch M4 iPad Pro**: A substantial price reduction of **$250** makes this model an attractive choice for those in search of a powerful tablet.

### Best Buy’s Black Friday Flash Sales

Best Buy has also rolled out its Week 3 Black Friday Doorbusters, offering competitive prices on various Apple items:

– **Apple AirPods Pro 2**: Initially listed at **$120**, the prices have varied. They are currently offered at **$139**, matching Walmart’s pricing.
– **Apple Watch Series 10**: Similar to Walmart, Best Buy is providing the Series 10 models at competitive price points, with the likelihood of matching prices across stores.
– **M4 MacBook Air**: All variants are enjoying a **$250 price drop**, making them some of the top Black Friday offers available. This encompasses both the 13-inch and 15-inch models.

### Key Discounts and Comparisons

– **M4 Mac Mini**: This device has been noted as a fantastic value, with discounts reaching up to **$110 off**. It acts as a robust home office solution without the premium cost associated with a MacBook.
– **Comparing New Releases**: Although the new M5 iPad Pro is now available, the M4 models are experiencing considerable markdowns, rendering them a more cost-effective choice for buyers.

### Conclusion

With Black Friday promotions now underway, shoppers have an abundance of choices to explore, particularly concerning Apple products. Whether you’re in the market for earbuds, smartwatches, or high-performance computers, both Walmart and Best Buy are presenting some of the most attractive prices of the year. As the shopping season evolves, it’s wise to monitor these offers, as prices might vary and new deals may surface.

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Improvements to CarPlay in iOS 26.2 Bring Enhanced Features for Certain Users

### iOS 26.2: New Features and Upgrades

iOS 26.2 is poised for release next month, introducing a variety of thrilling updates aimed at enhancing the user experience across different applications. Significant improvements are expected for Reminders, Apple Music, Podcasts, and more. A standout feature is the upgrade of CarPlay widgets, which will rely on the compatibility of the vehicle.

#### CarPlay Widgets Enhancement

Earlier this autumn, Apple rolled out its most notable CarPlay update in years with iOS 26. This upgrade brought the inclusion of iPhone-like widgets, enabling users to access information more easily while driving. Based on the infotainment screen size of the vehicle, users could view either one or two widgets at once.

With the forthcoming iOS 26.2, sources indicate that Apple is increasing the number of widget stacks available for select vehicles. For example, Tom Warren from *The Verge* highlighted that his vehicle, which previously only supported two widgets, now shows three in the iOS 26.2 beta iteration. This enhancement facilitates improved use of screen space, making it simpler for drivers to engage with multiple applications simultaneously.

#### Vehicle Compatibility

Although the increase in widget stacks is a positive development, it remains uncertain how many vehicles will take advantage of this feature in iOS 26.2. Apple has not shared specific details regarding which vehicles will accommodate the additional widgets. The only information provided indicates that the number of visible widget stacks relies on the vehicle’s CarPlay screen dimensions.

#### Conclusion

The impending iOS 26.2 is set to elevate the user experience with its novel features and enhancements, especially in the CarPlay domain. The proliferation of widget stacks marks a significant advancement in optimizing screen space within vehicles. As the official release nears, many users anticipate that a broad range of vehicles will receive these upgrades, contributing to a more cohesive and efficient driving experience.

Have you managed to install the iOS 26.2 beta? If yes, have you observed any alterations in your available CarPlay widget stacks?

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