POVA has officially launched its newest smartphone, the POVA 8 Pro 5G, in India. The device moves away from conventional smartphone aesthetics. It introduces an eye-catching rear design with a triangular camera module and a secondary display panel. This new smartphone
Google is reportedly planning to move all Pixel production out of China
Google told its suppliers that it will no longer manufacture Pixel devices in China starting next year, according to Nikkei Asia.
HP EliteBook X G2i 14-inch Review: A Business Laptop That Knows Its Job
I've spent enough time with the Core Ultra X7 358H by now to know what it can do. The Galaxy Book6 Pro used it to chase battery life, the Dell XPS 14 pushed it harder on performance. The EliteBook X G2i
Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition at INR 26.70 Lakh: What
Aston Martin Valen Revealed: What Makes It The Brand
Apple appears to have leaked its camera-equipped AirPods
Apple may have leaked its camera-equipped AirPods in a video tucked into macOS Tahoe 26.7.
CMF Teases New TWS Earbuds, Could Launch as Buds 3 Series: What You Need to Know
CMF could launch a new pair of wireless earphones soon in India. A new teaser from CMF confirms the design and colour of this model. The teaser shows a stem-style earbud with a white or silver finish and an orange tip. CMF has not revealed any details about the product yet, but the company is believed to launch the CMF Buds 3 series soon.
The iQOO Z11 is set to make its debut in India soon, with the brand positioning the smartphone as a performance-focused option for younger users and college students. Ahead of the launch, iQOO has already revealed several key details, including its
Tired of Reading Reddit Threads? Soon, You Could Just Watch Them
Reddit is experimenting with a major change to how users consume content on the platform. The company is testing new AI-powered audio and video formats that can transform traditional text-based Reddit posts into content users can either listen to or watch.
Pova 8 Pro 5G has been launched in India as the company's latest Pova series smartphone. The new Pova smartphone is set to go on sale in India via Flipkart. The Pova 8 Pro 5G is offered in three colour options, namely Arc White, Graphite Black, and Tundra Green. The Pova 8 Pro 5G is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultimate chipset, along with the Tecno P1 graphics chip and an ARM Mali-G615 MC2 GPU. It also features an Alive Matrix Display, comprising 177 mini LEDs.
Realme has become the latest brand to increase the prices of several smartphones in India. This move builds upon similar price hikes rolled out by OnePlus, Oppo, and Vivo in recent days. According to a tipster, the price revision models from the companys Realme 16 series and C-series lineup. It includes models like the Realme 16 Pro+, Realme 16 Pro, Realme 16T, Realme C83 5G, and Realme C100x 4G, which have seen varied increases in prices depending on the configuration.
Sony Has Still Not Decided a Release Date for PS6, Says CEO Hiroki Totoki
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki has said that the company has not yet decided on a release date for the PS6. The next-gen console is expected to launch sometime in 2027, but analysts believe Sony may delay the release amidst ongoing memory and storage shortages and the resulting rising prices of components.
Google Pixel 11 Series Reportedly Gets New MediaTek Modem With Better Efficiency
Google has confirmed that the Pixel 11 series' Tensor G6 chipset is equipped with an all-new modem. The smartphone maker claims that this new modem is more reliable and faster, while offering enhanced power efficiency. However, in the footnotes, the company clarifies that the claim is based on average results found during internal testing, using pre-production devices in lab-controlled conditions. According to a 9to5Google report, the tech giant is using a modem made by MediaTek. Hence, this marks a shift for the company from Samsung-built modems, which reportedly used to showcase overheating, power efficiency, and other issues. Hence, this switch might allow the new Pixel phones to offer enhanced performance.
Apples macOS Tahoe 26.7 Reportedly Includes References to iPhone 18, New Macs and More
Apples latest Mac software build contains internal identifiers linked to several products that have yet to reach the market. The list includes the iPhone 18 Pro models, foldable iPhone Ultra, next MacBook Pro and iMac models, a future iPad mini, camera-equipped AirPods, Beats headphones and new home accessories. The code also points to a possible Apple TV remote and an unidentified headset. Additional references cover Apple Intelligence Writing Tools in China and several model numbers that remain unidentified.
Vivo appears to be preparing to expand its V-series lineup with the Vivo V80 Lite 5G. While reports suggest that the broader Vivo V80 series launch could be delayed, the Lite model may arrive ahead of the rest of the lineup.
Vivo V80 Lite 5G has been spotted in leaked marketing material online, suggesting that the phone could be launched in India soon. It is shown to feature a curved display, with a relatively thin metal frame. The handset might also sport a hole-punch display cutout, which could house a camera for selfies and video calls. The rumoured Vivo V80 Lite 5G appears in blue and white colour options. Separately, a smartphone retailer, New Gothi Mobile (@new_gothi_mobile), based in Shajpur, Madhya Pradesh, has shared the same marketing poster on Instagram, further fueling the rumours regarding an imminent launch of the handset in India. However, the company has yet to confirm its debut in the country.
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Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for August 18 2026: Claim Your Free Rewards And Weapon Skins
Garena Free Fire MAX players can now access new redeem codes for August 18, 2026. These active alphanumeric codes allow users to unlock premium in-game cosmetic items easily. Players can acquire exclusive assets like character skins, weapons, and outfits without spending
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Design Revealed in Leaked Hands-on Video: Check Full Specifications Here
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has been doing the rounds in the rumour mill for the past few weeks. While Samsung has yet to officially confirm the Fan Edition smartphone, a new alleged hands-on video has surfaced online, offering a detailed look
Apples AirPods With Built-In Cameras Spotted in macOS Video; Visual Intelligence Features Teased
Apple has long been rumoured to be developing AirPods with built-in cameras for quite some time now. A new report suggests that the purported wearable could be inching closer to its launch. The Cupertino-based tech giant recently released a beta version of the macOS Tahoe operating system, and it not only contains quality-of-life improvements but also a new video that reportedly demonstrates how the AirPods with built-in cameras could leverage Visual Intelligence to identify objects.
Lava Virat V1 5G Review: Not Just a Budget Phone
Lava Virat V1 5G was recently launched in India in the sub-Rs. 15,000 price category. It is one of the few phones offered in this price segment. For its price, the smartphone is a decent offering, with passable camera performance and a large display. The handset is quite well-built. However, its underpowered chipset weighs it down. Similarly, its 6,000mAh battery does not perform as expected. But the lack of competition makes it an attractive choice.
Wild leak straight from Apple shows camera-equipped AirPods in action
Macworld Apples iPhone event is in just a few weeks, and one of the surprises weve been hoping to see are a new pair of AirPods Pro with built-in cameras. And now Apple might have confirmed that they are ready to launch. Hidden in the macOS 26.7 release candidate, which landed Monday night and includes important security fixes, are two references to the rumored AirPods project. The first is a mention of the code name B790, which doesnt amount to much more than a confirmation that the earbuds are indeed in development. But the other leak is far more interesting. As spotted by Macrumors contributor Aaron Perris , a video hidden in the macOS 27 release candidate code contains a full video of the AirPods cameras in action. The video, which shows a user wearing a pair of AirPods and holding a book, includes a voiceover with the following explanation: WithVisual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later. Here is your first look at AirPods with Cameras in action using Visual Intelligence. This video file came from macOS 26.7 RC pic.twitter.com/yo7RI4MCeu Aaron (@aaronp613) August 18, 2026 You can see the right earbud in the users ear, but its indistinguishable from the current AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4. Presumably, the cameras face outward and will snap a photo of whats in a users line of sight and send it to a paired iPhone. Visual Intelligence is getting a major upgrade in iOS 27, including a new Siri mode in the Camera app, nutritional information when looking at a package or photo, bill splitting, and Siri AI app integration. Perris also reports that the new AirPods will alert users about anything blocking the field of view, with a message, To get the most accurate information about things in your environment, make sure AirPods are not covered. Its unclear whether these new AirPods will replace either of the current models or occupy an Ultra space above the AirPods Pro.Apple is expected to hold its iPhone event in early September, so we might find out very soon.
macOS Tahoe 26.7 is Full of References to Unreleased Apple Products
The macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate that Apple seeded today has references to several unreleased products, from home devices to iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and Macs. Some of these codenames have shown up in prior software updates but have new feature flags, while others haven't been seen in the code before. Home Accessories Home Hub (J490 and J491) - There are references to Siri setup for a J490 home accessory, which has previously been identified as Apple's upcoming home hub. There's a second reference to J490 and J491. J490 is believed to be the version of the home hub with a base, while J491 is the version that's meant to be mounted on a wall. HomePod mini (B525) - Code mentions Argentium has been installed on a product codenamed B525, which likely corresponds to the HomePod mini . The current HomePod mini has a B520 codename. Home Accessory (J229) - There is a reference to J229Architecture, a codename for an unreleased Apple product. J229 previously popped up in iOS 26 last December and was found by Macworld . The site said it was a device with multiple sensors and the ability to detect alarm sounds and capture images. It's possible J229 is the rumored security camera Apple is working on, or some kind of accessory to go with its home hub products. Pebble - There's a reference to Pebble, which Bloomberg previously said was Apple's codename for the homeOS operating system that runs on the home hub. HomeAccessory17,2 and HomeAccessory17,3 - These are new mentions of home devices, but it's not clear what they are. Mystery Colors - There are references to colors for a home accessory, which might be linked to the HomePod mini 2, the home hub, or something else. The colors are Rose Pink, Silver, Space Gray, and Starlight. Audio Accessory Visual Reasoning - There is an audio_accessory_visual_reasoning string, which could be for the home hub. Headphones AirPods with Cameras (B790) - B790 is the codename for AirPods with a camera, according to Bloomberg . Confusingly, these are not the camera-equipped AirPods rumored for 2027 because those have a B798 codename, but are a separate camera AirPods project that could come out as soon as September. Code specifically mentions an image stream for the device: B790 start image stream failed for left bud. Beats (B518 and B522) - B518 and B522 could reference upcoming Beats headphones. AirPods Pro 4 - There is a reference to AirPodsPro1,4, which could be fourth-generation AirPods Pro. The current AirPods Pro 3 are AirPodsPro1,3. There's also a reference to AirPod3,5. iPhone iPhone Air 2 (V62) - V62 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone Air 2. The iPhone Air 2 isn't expected until spring 2027. iPhone 18 Pro (V63) - V63 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone 18 Pro . The iPhone 18 Pro is expected in September. iPhone 18 Pro Max (V64) - V64 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected in September. iPhone 18 (V67) - V67 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone 18 . The iPhone 18 isn't expected until spring 2027. iPhone Ultra (V68) - V68 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the foldable iPhone Ultra . The iPhone Ultra is expected in September. Mac MacBook Pro (J804) - J804 is the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that's going to be updated with an M6 chip before the end of the year. The current M5 MacBook Pro is J704. iMac (J833 and J834) - J833 and J834 are the codenames for new iMac models Apple is working on, according to Bloomberg . MacBook Pro - K114c, K114s, K116c, and K116s reference upcoming MacBook Pro models. It's possible these are the higher-end OLED MacBook Pro models Apple is working on. iPad iPad mini (J510 and J511) - J510 and J511 are the codenames for the next-generation iPad mini rumored to be getting an OLED display and A19 Pro chip. Headset Headset (N109) - N109 is in the code. Bloomberg previously said N109 was a second-generation Vision Pro, while The Information said it was a cheaper version of the Vision Pro. A more affordable version of the Vision Pro was reportedly canceled last year . Apple TV Remote There's a mention of ATVRemote1,5, which appears to be a new Apple TV remote. Rumors previously suggested the next Apple TV could come with an updated remote control. Apple Intelligence in China There are references to Writing Tools coming to China. Code mention temporary restrictions due to triggering safety alerts, and content that won't be able to be edited with Apple Intelligence . Content safety update required. iPhone will be able to use Writing Tools once the automatic update completes. Unable to edit this text. %1$@ may be able to help with this type of content. This text will need to be sent to %2$@. Writing Tools are temporarily restricted due to triggering safety alerts multiple times. Unknown Model Numbers There are multiple model numbers listed that do not correspond to any existing Apple product and they don't have a clear link to an upcoming product. A3436, A3437, A3438, A3439, A3440, A3441 A3456, A3457 A3465 A3529, A3530, A3531, A3532, A3533 A3543 A3577 Device1,8234 Device1,8236 Device1,8238 Device1,8240 Device1,8241 Device1,8242 Device1,8246 Device1,8247 Device1,8248 We'll see the first devices on this list launch this September, when Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra. We don't yet know when new home products or Macs might come out. Apple often holds two fall events, so there could be a second event in October or November for the MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad mini, and home accessories. Related Roundup: macOS Tahoe Related Forum: macOS Tahoe This article, macOS Tahoe 26.7 is Full of References to Unreleased Apple Products first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Why flash drive capacity keeps increasing (and why small drives are rarely sold today)
While smaller drives can certainly still be found, there's a good reason why you don't often find them on retailers' shelves.
When zombie credit cards attack
A new security loophole discovered by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst can bring some expired credit cards back to life. If stolen, these
Bring this F1 garage + Mercedes-AMG
LEGO City F1 Garage & Mercedes-AMG & Alpine Cars set Buy for $60 (Reg. $80) What we love Is your LEGO City collection in need of some high-octane expansion? Well, this set is a great way to add some F1 garage vibes to your display or fun, as it gives you a unfolding garage complete with workbenches, tool and welding carts, a tower of tires, a winners trophy accessory, 2x F1 racecars, and 6 minifigures 2 drivers and 4 mechanics.
Apple Adds More New Wallpapers in macOS Golden Gate
Apple today added two new Golden Gate-themed wallpaper options in the sixth beta of macOS 27. There are new Golden Gate Day and Golden Gate Evening wallpaper options that join the Golden Gate Sunset and Golden Gate Night wallpapers that Apple introduced in earlier betas. macOS 27 also includes abstract Golden Gate wallpaper options for those who don't prefer scenery. Golden Gate Day and Golden Gate Evening animate when you unlock your Mac, and can be set as a screen saver. When used as screen saver, both wallpapers feature cars slowly driving across the bridge. Apple also tweaked the look of the traffic light buttons in macOS Golden Gate beta six, adding a Liquid Glass aesthetic. macOS Golden Gate is available for developers and public beta testers, with a public launch coming in September. Related Roundup: macOS Golden Gate This article, Apple Adds More New Wallpapers in macOS Golden Gate first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
As part of Aventons latest Labor Day e-bike Sale , we wanted to shine a spotlight on the new generations of the brands smart e-bikes getting first-ever savings, one of which is the Level 4 REC Smart Commuter e-bike at $1,799 shipped with either a step-over or step-through design. This new generation will fetch $1,999 at full price after this initial discount ends with the sale, which pops up $100 higher in total price from the predecessor. This is a $200 markdown and the first-ever savings hitting this upgraded generation, setting the bar for future discounts down the road. Like this model, this sale is also giving us the first discount on the counterpart Pace 5 REC Step-Through Smart Cruiser e-bike at $1,599 shipped , down from a $1,799 MSRP. You can also shop the rest of the Labor Day Sale lineup in our original coverage here .
Anker flat plug 8-outlet Power Strip with USB now down at $24
Anker 8-Outlet Power Strip with USB Buy for $24 (Reg. $30) What we love Anker has been a go-to brand for me when it comes to picking some affordable power strips. And I especially like these models that feature USB ports alongside the ultra flat plug you can sneak behind furniture and the like. This one has 8 outlets and 4 USB ports (2x USB-A, 2x USB-C) for $24 Prime shipped.
Nike sale: Up to 40% off hundreds of styles, deals from $17
Right now Nike is offering up to 40% off hundreds of styles , and theres a lot of good stuff in the mix. Were seeing tons of fresh markdowns, including sweet tracksuits, highly rated picks, best sellers, and a seriously solid lineup of sneakers and runners that would be perfect for Fall.
YouTube public view counts will likely get higher starting next week
The platform will start tracking views the same way across video formats.
Score up to 50% off Polo Ralph Lauren basics, shoes, more
Amazon is offering up to 50% off Polo Ralph Lauren right now, with a ton of deals on timeless wardrobe staples.
Today marks the kick off for AirPods Max 2 at $120 off , we also have the lowest prices in several months on AirPods 4 with ANC. Those discounts also join the return of all-time lows on the latest AirTag 2, MacBook Neo deals , and some increasingly rare iPad Air offers. Scope them all out down below.
This PDF editor rivals Adobe Acrobat, but it
SwifDoo PDF Pro has everything you need to edit PDFs for a lifetime for a one-time purchase of $34.99 (Reg. $129).
Stop guessing which AI tool is best
TL;DR: Get lifetime access to AskAnyModel AI Pro, which compares responses from 50+ AI models side by side , for $39.99 (MSRP $499).
Petlibro says feeders perform scheduled feedings offline. Users report otherwise.
Sonos put speaker controls on your iPhone's lock screen (again)
Sonos released an app update that takes advantage of Apple's Live Activities system.
Through its official eufyHome Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its C31 Wired Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera in three colorways at $39.98 shipped, matching the price bundle for two cameras and a Homebase storage hub at its $150 low.
Next PlayStation State of Play goes live today: 20-min deep dive on Phantom Blade Zero
The next PlayStation State of Play is live today. This time around we are getting a dedicated showcase featuring the upcoming Phantom Blade Zero and you can follow along with us down below.
Get the latest Greenworks 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer with $150 savings at $350
Over at Amazon, you can currently find the newest version of Greenworks 3,000 PSI TruBrushless Electric Pressure Washer down at $349.99 shipped, beating out Greenworks deals on a wide variety of tools in the official Amazon storefront here.
Apple Sports App Updated With More Soccer Leagues
Apple Sports was updated today with support for additional soccer leagues, including the Austrian Bundesliga, English Women's Super League, Greek Super League, Indian Super League, Saudi Pro League, Spanish LigaF, and Turkish Sper Lig. Apple Sports already gained support for seven more soccer leagues in July , so the additions now total 14 over the past month. The app remains available on the iPhone only, with version 4.3 rolling out on the App Store now. Tag: Apple Sports This article, Apple Sports App Updated With More Soccer Leagues first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Land the most affordable M5 MacBook Pro in brand new condition at $320 off today
While we already featured the gigantic $650 price drop B&H is offering on this high-end M5 Pro MacBook Pro for today only, we also wanted to touch down today to highlight its deal on the entry-level M5 MacBook Pro you can land the 16GB 14-inch model at $320 off right now.
Apple has agreed to make changes to its App Tracking Transparency feature in Germany, according to the country's competition regulator. Since the release of iOS 14.5 in April 2021, Apple has required apps to ask for permission before tracking a user's activity across other apps and websites for personalized advertising. If a user selects the Ask App Not to Track option, the app is unable to access the device's advertising identifier. Apple says the feature is designed to enhance user privacy, but some advertisers have complained that it has significantly impacted their revenue. In Germany, Apple has agreed to remove possibly discouraging symbols and wording from the App Tracking Transparency prompt, the regulator said. Apps will also be given more scope to explain to users what significance personalized advertising has for their offering and their business model, and the freedom to combine the consent request required by Apple with the consent requests required under data protection law. Apple has four months starting on the date it is formally served with the decision to implement the changes in Germany, and it will test them with app developers first, the regulator said. The changes will apply for seven years. Over the past few years, Apple has faced similar regulatory pressures over the App Tracking Transparency feature in other EU countries, such as France, Italy, and Poland, and from the overarching European Commission. Apple has maintained that App Tracking Transparency protects user privacy and is compliant with competition law in Germany. Nevertheless, it agreed to make the changes, and the regulator said the proceedings have thus concluded. Tag: App Tracking Transparency This article, Apple Agrees to Make 'App Tracking Transparency' Changes in Germany first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Uber aims for 1 million daily drone deliveries with Zipline partnership
The first Zipline drone deliveries for Uber Eats orders will start later this year.
Is an iPhone 15 still worth your money in 2026?
Buying an older iPhone is a great way to save money while taking advantage of Apple's long support. But is the iPhone 15 too old to be worth it now?
That Apple Screen Sharing bug has now been seen in the wild, so please update macOS
A bug in macOS screen sharing lets attackers view your screen, open files and do just about anything else they want.
GitHub has been down for most of the morning
If you hear lots of grumbling in coffee shops this morning, GitHub's outage may be why.
WhatsApp Adds Pinned Message Notifications To iOS
WhatsApp has introduced pinned message notifications to its stable iOS application , enabling users to stay informed when an item is pinned within an active discussion. This functionality, identified in the WhatsApp for iOS 26.31.74 update on the App Store , expands upon an earlier implementation released for Android devices . Previously, participants had to manually access a conversation to check whether an announcement , reminder , or file had been pinned to the top of the interface. With the latest update, the platform automatically dispatches an alert whenever a participant pins a message in an individual conversation or group chat . The push alert includes the label Pinned: alongside a direct text preview , allowing individuals to review essential updates without launching the application. Interacting with the alert opens the chat directly and highlights the specific pinned entry , streamlining navigation in fast-paced or media-heavy threads. According to WABetaInfo , the notification system adheres to standard user preference settings and will only trigger for unmuted conversations . If a participant has silenced a group or personal chat, pinned message alerts will be suppressed accordingly. While direct mentions operate under distinct alert rules in muted discussions , pinned notifications currently respect all existing muting configurations, though future adjustments may alter this behavior. This release establishes functional parity across operating systems. The notification format, preview layout, tap-to-highlight navigation , and mute handling mirror the Android version, ensuring a consistent experience for multi-device users . The update significantly improves information visibility , particularly in large community groups where critical notices frequently get buried beneath high volumes of standard chat traffic. By delivering immediate pop-up alerts , administrators and members can ensure high-priority announcements reach all participants promptly. The feature is rolling out incrementally across the user base. While some accounts running the latest App Store build can already access the functionality, availability will continue to expand to additional devices over the coming weeks until the deployment process is fully complete. WhatsApp Adds Pinned Message Notifications To iOS , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Mercedes-Benz To Bring Back Physical Buttons In Future Vehicle Interiors
Mercedes-Benz has announced a strategic shift in its interior design philosophy, confirming plans to reintroduce physical buttons and tactile controls across its future automotive lineup. The decision, officially verified by CEO Ola Kllenius , comes as a direct response to widespread driver dissatisfaction regarding overly complex touchscreen interfaces and unintuitive digital menu systems. Mercedez-Benz to bring back the good old physical buttons because drivers think touchscreens are overly complicated. (Image: Mercedez-Benz) The German luxury automaker aims to step back from the prevailing industry trend of migrating nearly every cabin function onto centralized digital displays. Drivers have voiced significant frustration over the complete elimination of tactile controls, noting that touch-only interactions complicate simple adjustments while navigating. Furthermore, studies conducted by organizations such as J.D. Power and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety demonstrate that full touchscreen reliance considerably increases driver distraction by pulling visual focus away from the road for extended periods. Mercedes-Benz executives have publicly acknowledged that the brand went too far in stripping essential mechanical switches and tactile inputs from vehicle dashboards. The upcoming design transition is not intended to eliminate modern displays entirely, but rather to establish a functional hybrid layout that balances advanced digital instrumentation with direct, dedicated hardware buttons for critical operational features. This strategic reassessment marks an evolution away from hyper-minimalist cabin concepts, such as the extensive MBUX Superscreen seen in models like the electric GLA SUV , where digital glass previously spanned the entire cockpit dashboard. The move by Mercedes-Benz reflects a broader pattern taking shape across the global automotive industry . Major competing manufacturers, including Volkswagen and Hyundai , are similarly reversing course on capacitive touch surfaces by restoring physical controls, buttons, and traditional dials to their steering wheels and center consoles to enhance vehicle ergonomics, tactile responsiveness, and overall road safety. Mercedes-Benz To Bring Back Physical Buttons In Future Vehicle Interiors , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Claude AI Faces Wave Of Cancellations Over New Invisible Watermark Feature
Anthropic is currently experiencing a noticeable wave of subscription cancellations following the global rollout of an invisible watermarking system embedded in text produced and processed by its Claude artificial intelligence models. The initiative, implemented earlier this month, has provoked substantial backlash , particularly among professional users who rely on the platform primarily for auxiliary tasks such as proofreading , drafting revisions , document summarization , reference verification , and code optimization . A primary concern among subscribers is the potential misattribution of human work. Many users do not utilize Claude to generate original text or software from scratch but rather leverage the model to polish existing human-authored material. As a result, there is widespread apprehension that the invisible watermark could unfairly contaminate finished projects, creating the misleading impression that the content was generated entirely and exclusively by an automated system . This ambiguity introduces considerable professional, contractual, and academic risks . In environments where universities , corporate clients , or employers enforce strict restrictions on artificial intelligence , detected watermarks could lead to penalties or disputes over intellectual property and professional integrity. For example, software engineers have voiced concerns that delivering source code reviewed by Claude could raise doubts about the true authorship of their work, even when the AI functioned merely as a standard syntax checker. Okay, it's done Cancelling Claude will probably be bad for my engagement as Claude complaint posts always do well, but it's the right thing to do Goodbye, Claude, it was fun while it lasted pic.twitter.com/K5LPltcvxb John Ennis (@johnennis) August 15, 2026 Anthropic has sought to reassure users by clarifying that the system remains fully imperceptible and does not degrade the core operational experience. According to the company, the watermark is only attached when text or code is copied directly from the interface platform, serving to signify that the AI interacted with the material rather than confirming it authored the content originally. The adoption of watermarking technologies is largely propelled by European Union regulatory mandates requiring tech firms to transparently identify AI-generated media . Other major industry leaders, including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI , are expected to introduce comparable safeguards. However, market analysts suggest that these regulatory requirements may inadvertently drive users toward open-source models , particularly from China , which can run locally on private hardware and remain exempt from strict compliance frameworks . Claude AI Faces Wave Of Cancellations Over New Invisible Watermark Feature , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
The giant Best Buy 60th Anniversary Sale is now flying its almost like a whole new summer Black Friday event. The weeklong sale, as we detailed this morning is loaded with tech, smart home gear, and much more, alongside 10x rewards bonuses for Plus and Total members. Best Buy is featuring a series of OLED TVs as low as $699.99 and we just spotted a whole 58-inch Class QD50 Hi-QLED Series 4K UHD Smart TV for just $189.99 shipped . Details below.
Expand your LEGO City collection with this four-vehicle transporter set down at $70
LEGO City Car Transporter set Buy for $70 (Reg. $100) What we love If you or a loved one has a growing LEGO cityscape, this 998-piece set is a great way to further expand your collection with more vehicles. It stacks up to give you a truck with a trailer, as well as a 50s-style tail dragger car, 70s-style muscle car, and modern electric car plus four minifigures, too.
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. According to a new report and evidence within Apple's code, the feature is set to expand to four more states. A few days ago, North Carolina's DMV announced that it plans to launch a mobile ID program later this year. As reported by WRAL , North Carolina residents will be able to set up a digital ID through a new NC Wallet app starting in December, with Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet support to follow in early 2027. Given that Apple Wallet IDs are not accepted by law enforcement and at many businesses, carrying a physical ID is still highly recommended. Your mobile ID is a valid form of identification in North Carolina, the DMV said, in a FAQ on its website. However, as retailers, restaurants and other businesses transition to mobile IDs, some may not be set up to accept them right away. For now, carrying your physical card gives you a backup when needed. According to code seen by MacRumors , Apple Wallet IDs are also coming to Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia, but there is no timeframe for availability. All in all, Apple Wallet IDs are coming to these four states: North Carolina Oklahoma Utah Virginia The following 14 states already offer Apple Wallet IDs: Arizona (since March 2022 ) Maryland (since May 2022 ) Colorado (since November 2022 ) Georgia (since May 2023 ) Ohio (since July 2024 ) Hawaii (since August 2024 ) California (since September 2024 ) Iowa (since October 2024 ) New Mexico (since December 2024 ) Montana (since August 2025 ) North Dakota (since September 2025 ) West Virginia (since October 2025 ) Illinois (since November 2025 ) Arkansas (since May 2026 ) The feature is also available in Puerto Rico . Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports in the U.S. for domestic travel, and North Carolina's DMV said this will include Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Travelers should refer to TSA signage to confirm availability of the feature. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards, select your state from the list, and follow the on-screen steps to complete the process. Tag: Apple Wallet This article, Apple Wallet Driver's License Feature to Launch in Four More U.S. States first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Hurry and save $650 on this 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro today only
Macworld Save $650 on the M5 Pro MacBook Pro View Deal (function () { document.querySelector(#sticky-promo-block a).addEventListener(click, function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest(#sticky-promo-block).querySelector(p.promo-title).textContent; const data = { event: stickyConversionUnitClick, eventCategory: Sticky Conversion, eventAction: Click, eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log(Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: , data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); MacBook Pro deals are hard to come by these days, but weve found a great one today: B&H Photo has slashed $650 off this 16-inch MacBook Pro with tons of RAM and storage and an upgraded display. Heres what youre getting: 16-inch display with nano-texture glass M5 Pro processor with 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU 48GB Unified RAM 1TB SSD Thats a fantastic setup that normally sells for $3,749 through Apple. Youre getting a monster machine that will perform at a high level for years to come. The memory alone is worth the price of admission, but youre also getting a tremendous processor and a gorgeous display that wont show any glare thanks to its nano-texture coating. Youre also getting an array of expansion ports, including Thunderbolt 5, an SDXC slot, HDMI, and MagSafe for fast charging, as well as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 and a 12MP Center Stage camera. And of course, its ready for macOS 27 in the fall with the new Siri AI. An underrated feature of this laptop is the storage. Not only are you getting a spacious 1TB, its also significantly faster than the previous model. So youll be able to access your files even quicker, which will make an extremely fast machine feel even faster. With Apples MacBook prices jumping by $300 or more earlier this year, getting a deal like this is like finding gold. But act fast, because itll be gone once the clock strikes midnight.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Review: The Foldable Benchmark, If You Can Pay the Price
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra takes the foldable experience to the next level with its upgraded camera and display technology. Designed for users who value productivity, it features a larger battery and supports rapid charging up to 45W. Running on Android 17, the device promises seven years of software updates, making it a top pick for those invested in advanced, versatile tech.
Epic Games Store Confirmed to Get Official Linux Support Soon
Epic Games Store is officially coming to Linux soon. Epic Games has confirmed that its storefront will get a native Linux support. The company did not share a release timeline, but said it would not be part of the upcoming preview version. Epic Games Store is currently accessible on Linux via community-developed solutions like Heroic Games Launcher.
Most affordable M4 iPad Air now $100 off, M3 models now $400 off at Best Buy
Alongside the giant $100 off . Best Buy also has M3 iPad Air models at $400 off right now as well.
Bring more power to your EGO tool arsenal with this 56V 2.5Ah battery down at $114.50 (Reg. $199)
Amazon is giving EGO users a chance to bolster their arsenal power with the brands 56V 2.5Ah Battery down at $114.50 shipped. Its dropping down from $199 here, which has been mostly keeping above $128 this year, though there was a drop to $109 in April and a further fall to the $99 low in May. The deal here gives you the third-best pricing we have tracked with $84.50 savings, landing it just $15.50 above the all-time low.
Woot has kicked off an updated Summer Gaming sale with fresh discounts across games, controllers, keyboards, headsets, and other battlestation gear . Prices start at just $2.99 Prime shipped , and you can save an additional 20% with promo code GAMER20 today. Some of the more notable offers are landing on 8BitDo and Razer gamepads, ASUS ROG keyboards, and more , while theres also a huge selection of Switch 2 and PS5 games in the mix. You can save up to a whopping 85% by cashing in on these deals, making this a particularly solid chance to pick up some new gaming gear or add a few titles to your library for less. Head below for a closer look at the best offers before the extra 20% disappears.
What are the two types of Bluetooth and what are they used for?
You probably use Bluetooth regularly, but different accessories call for different types of Bluetooth.
Tata Play Offers 4 Months of Spotify Premium for Free: Check Eligibility and How to Claim
Tata Play has partnered with Spotify to expand its digital entertainment offerings in India. As part of the collaboration, eligible Tata Play subscribers can get four months of Spotify Premium Standard for free, giving them access to ad-free music, podcasts and
HP Omnibook X (2026) review: Nailing the basics
The Omnibook X isn't flashy, but it still excels in almost every way.
Loads of Switch 1 and 2 games extra 20% off already reduced prices for today only, deals from $20
Woot is out this morning with one of its particularly notable one-day Switch 1 and 2 game sales . You can now use code GAMER20 at checkout to knock an additional 20% off all of the already discounted Switch games in the sale. From the new Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream at $42 and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond from $32 to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition down at $48 from the regular $70, there are some serious discounts to be had here and titles could begin to sell out at anytime. ***Note: All of the prices below will drop an additional 20% at checkout with code GAMER20 : Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream $53 (Reg. $60) Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 $60 (Reg. $70) Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 $60 (Reg. $70) Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 $53 (Reg. $70) Metroid Prime 4: Beyond from $40 (Reg. $70) Mario & Luigi: Brothership $25 (Reg. $60) And much more FREE money: Amazon now selling Nintendo gift cards at 15% off Kingdom Hearts 4: Release window revealed, new trailer, and a Disney+ anime on the way Zelda Ocarina of Time remake leak roundup: Everything we know so far, release date, price, more [Updated] Land Switch 2 consoles at a discount now before the price jumps up in just over two weeks Super Mario Sunshine now officially available on Switch 2 GameCube library First images of new special edition Zelda Switch 2 console and Pro controller reportedly leak online
Ira Duo Pro 5G First Impressions
Ira Duo Pro 5G is the latest addition to Wishtels 2-in-1 PC lineup. The tablet currently retails in India on Amazon for just under Rs. 45,000. The Ira Duo Pro 5G ships with a folio case with an integrated keyboard that has most of the important keys. The 2-in-1 PC has a metal back, with part of the panel made of plastic. While the Ira Duo Pro 5G is quite thin and light, the folio case makes it feel heavy and bulky compared with some laptops in this price range.
Apple's AirPods Max 2 have hit $429.00 on Amazon this week, down from $549.00. This sale is available in two colors on Amazon, while Best Buy has all five models in stock at this low price. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Free delivery on Amazon has the AirPods Max 2 arriving around August 22, but Prime members should see same-day delivery options in many locations. This is the best deal on the headphones that we've tracked since June, and it's just about $30 higher when compared to the all-time low price. $120 OFF AirPods Max 2 for $429.00 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, AirPods Max 2 Discounted by $120 Across Amazon and Best Buy first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
As apple harvest peaks, why Kashmir seeks a green corridor to India's markets
As apple harvest peaks why Kashmir seeks a green corridor to Indias markets
The AirTag 2 landing this week, Best Buy is giving away a FREE $25 Starbucks gift card with MacBook Neo purchases (or you can skip that and grab one at $120 off via the Apple refurb store).
Jio Prime Membership 2026: Price, Benefits, Eligibility and How to Subscribe
Reliance Jio has reintroduced its Jio Prime membership in India, giving subscribers a way to protect themselves against potential telecom tariff hikes for the next year. The membership comes with a one-time fee and allows users to continue recharging with their
OPPO Reno 16 Price Hike in India Tipped: New Price Could Put It Near Galaxy S26
The global smartphone industry is facing growing pressure from rising DRAM and NAND memory costs, with strong AI-related demand adding strain to the memory supply chain. As component costs increase, smartphone manufacturers are increasingly passing some of that pressure on to
Best Buy has kicked off a new 60th Anniversary sale , offering huge discounts on Apple gear, LG TVs, and more . Were also tracking a new batch of notable Windows laptop deals , covering everything from newer Copilot+ PCs and gaming laptops to more affordable everyday machines. This is in addition to the daily flash sale events that are going live with more offers. The latest discounted lineup includes models powered by AMDs Ryzen AI 400-series chips and Intels Core Ultra Series 3 Panther Lake processors , along with plenty of lower-cost options for work, school, and general use. A handful of these machines have seen discounts before, but Best Buy has rolled out several fresh offers as part of its 60th Anniversary celebration, with prices starting at $199.99 shipped . Weve rounded up some of our favorite picks from the sale below, so be sure to check them out.
School holiday news: Monsoon rains are expected to continue across several parts of India. Students and parents are watching for possible school closures on Tuesday, August 18. Heavy to extremely heavy showers are forecast for some regions by the IMD. Local authorities will decide on school holidays based on weather and safety conditions. Decisions will depend on local weather and orders from concerned authorities.
Summer AirPods deals just dropped even lower, now up to $120 off
After summer full of solid deals on Apples latest AirPods lineup, just about all of them have just dropped even lower. The sought-after AirPods Pro 3 are now sitting at one of the best prices ever at 25% off, but we also saw AirPods 4 with ANC dip to the lowest price in several months and AirPods Max 2 have dropped even lower as of this morning to $120 off .
7 Best Cheap Laptops to Buy in 2026 (and Some to Avoid)
From surprisingly good $300 Chromebooks to excellent $650 Windows notebooks and more, these are the best budget laptops I
Best Buy now offering 20% off all official new Pixel 11 Pixelsnap cases
Best Buy is now offering deals on all of the 11 Pro,11 Pro XL, and11 Pro Fold pre-order deals are still flying with Amazon and Best Buy , for the most part, offering the same trade-in value and FREE gift cards just watch out for the special discount code you can use at Amazon for an extra $150 off . That said, if you have already secured your device, or are looking to bundle in one of Googles new Pixelsnap cases, Best Buy is also offering 20% off all of them .
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A new iPhone is coming soon. It
Macworld This iPhone 18 Pro is just a couple of weeks away, and from what weve heard, itll be the best iPhone Apple has ever made. I mean, obviously, it doesnt take an expert to predict that. The question, however, is whether it will be enough of an improvement on the 2025 handsets to be worth the money and the wait. Apples annual hardware upgrades are often iterative, which means the differences between one generation and the next are relatively minor. If youre wondering whether to grab an iPhone 17 Pro now or hang on for the iPhone 18 Pro, for example, the truth is that the latter probably wont be worth the wait. The changes anticipated in the 18 Pro are unlikely to significantly impact the main feature set you get or the way you use your device each day. Thats not the case every year, however, as we saw with the iPhone X . The overhauled phone instantly stood out, making the same-generation iPhone 8 and previous models look ancient in comparison. And we think something similar is going to happen in 2027. Despite a quickly debunked rumor that Apple will be canceling the project , Apple is reportedly set to introduce dramatic changes for the 20th anniversary that will kick-start the iPhones next era. If youve been planning to buy an iPhone 18 Pro this fall, these seven reasons will make you want to wait for 2027s special model. Bye-bye, bezels Former Apple designer Jony Ive famously envisioned the iPhones ultimate form as a single glass slab. The 20th-anniversary iPhone could mark a major milestone by taking that concept to the next level and adopting a curved display for the first time. According to rumors, the displays four edges will all curve, virtually eliminating any visible bezels. The Liquid Glass design on iOS will likely be optimized to blend software elements with the hardware, resulting in realism and visual harmony. The phone wont actually be a mere glass slab, of course, but it will look like one to those interacting with the screen. Invisible buttons Reports about the iPhone dropping its mechanical side buttons in favor of haptic ones have been circulating for years. These rumors could finally materialize with the 20th-anniversary iPhone thanks to the curved display. Apple could incorporate solid-state buttons into the glass edges and upgrade its Taptic Engine to provide sensory feedback when clickedsimilar to the iPhone 7s Home button. This will further contribute to the iPhones futuristic feel and eliminate lint-collecting gaps. Physical buttons that actually stick out from your phone are so 2025. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Apples most immersive display yet The 2027 iPhones design innovations likely wont be limited to the curved edges and haptic side buttons. The device will also reportedly feature a thinner OLED panel, increasing the brightness while reducing power consumption. Better still, the top cutout could finally be eliminated by moving the Face ID sensors and front camera under the display. This would completely get rid of distracting elements and get us yet closer to Jony Ives glass slab vision. If Apple fails to overcome the associated technological challenges before then, it may settle for a smaller Dynamic Island (Dynamic Islet?) instead. Power-full battery Battery life is one of the most common concerns among smartphone buyers. The eSIM-only iPhone 17 Pro Max currently boasts the largest iPhone battery capacity, at 5,088 mAh. The 20th-anniversary model could push that number as high as 6,000 mAh. Apple has also been experimenting with silicon anode technology , which would extend the batterys life while maintaining its size. Speaking of batteries, the 20th-anniversary iPhone may finally implement reverse wireless charging support, letting you recharge compatible accessoriessuch as AirPodsby placing them on the phones rear surface. Shooting star Apple has long invested in the iPhones photographic capabilities, and its camera is often considered the best on certain social media platforms. For the 20th-anniversary iPhone, the company could debut its custom Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) sensor, significantly boosting HDR output. The technology minimizes overexposure in bright areas and dark shadows in dim spots by letting each pixel store different amounts of light in a single photo as required. This would noticeably enhance iPhone photography by preserving more details and outputting more balanced shots. If you dont think the iPhones camera could get any better, wait until next year. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Speed and intelligence It goes without saying that the 20th-anniversary iPhone will enjoy the usual annual chip upgrade and performance gains. Logically that means the unreleased A21 Pro, Apples second 2-nm iPhone chip. It could feature Mobile High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), which would accelerate data transfer between the RAM and CPU/GPU. HBM is also more optimized for on-device AI tasks, speeding up processing and reducing battery drain. To further extend battery life, 2027s flagship iPhone could feature an in-house Apple modem. The company has already included the C-series cellular chips in select devices, such as the iPhone Air. Its believed that the company will roll these chips out to all of its iPhones once they surpass the performance of their Qualcomm counterparts next year. Price? Not as painful as you might think Because the 20th-anniversary iPhone is expected to be significantly more advanced than its predecessors, some customers may understandably be worried about a price hike. However, a fresh rumor suggests this special model will actually occupy the Pro tier in fall 2027s iPhone generation, rather than a new, higher tier. While Apple may yet raise prices, the potential increase presumably wont be drastic. With this years folding iPhone Ultra expected to cost around $2,000, the company will likely want to maintain clear price spacing between its different iPhone models.
Massive $650 price drop hits this M5 Pro MacBook Pro for today only
While this is a more niche, high-end configuration, and you can score far more affordable models with deals on Amazon and the Apple Certified Refurbished Store , we just spotted a brand new condition M5 Pro MacBook Pro at a gigantic $650 off the list price.
OnePlus 16 Could Offer Major Display Upgrade With BOE X4 Material and Slim Bezels
OnePlus said to have worked with BOE to customise the new X4 light-emitting material for the OnePlus 16. This new material is said to offer improved power efficiency compared to the X3 material used in the OnePlus 15. The new display material could double the lifespan compared to the previous generation. The X4 display could outperform Samsung's M-series luminescent material.
Over the weekend we spotted Amazon bringing back some of the best prices ever on Apples new 2026 AirTag 2 tracker. It is now offering the 4-pack back at all-time low pricing ($22 per Tag) and, with Best Buys 60th Anniversary Sale now in full swing, a single AirTag 2 has now dropped to $24 , or just $19.99 in open-box condition . Details below.
Redmi Note 17 Series Global Launch Date Announced, Company Reveals Key Specifications
The Redmi Note 17 series is all set to be launched in the global markets soon, the company announced on Monday. The handsets from the Xiaomi sub-brand made their China debut in July, while the brand also introduced the Redmi Note 17 in 5G and 4G variants globally. The global lineup is expected to comprise three models Redmi Note 17, Note 17 Pro, and a new Note 17 Pro Max, with several specifications of the latter also revealed.
Skylight Buddy Review (2026): Kid Routines Just Got Easy
This kid-friendly version of Skylight
Tim Cook did his best, for better or worse
Macworld The days are counting down, and a 15-year era is drawing to a close. On September 1, Tim Cook will step back from his current role as Apple CEO, settling for a somewhat quieter job as executive chairman, and it will be time to evaluate his place in corporate history. Theres every reason to think historians will be relatively kind. I say relatively, because the bar for decency in Cooks field is low. If we look at his peers and rivals, we find a mixed bag, to put it politely: few sane commentators would have Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg or Sam Altman on their list of 10 Nicest Dudes Who Should Definitely Have Access To Political Power. Much as tech in the 60s and 70s attracted hippies and idealists, tech in the 2010s and 2020s seems to have become the province of, well, the sort of people who think its a gotcha to point out that humans consume food . To a degree, such a mindsetthe disposition, we might say, to build and stock an underground shelter rather than work to prevent the catastrophe its designed foris an inevitable result of being extremely rich and running an extremely large business in an extremely competitive market. Tim Cook is a billionaire, and it would be absurd to expect billionaires to be soft-hearted or prone to wild attacks of no-strings generosity. You dont become a billionaire unless youre at least above average in the ruthlessness department. But is Cook a good and decent man? If that sounds like an odd question to ask, please note that Im not the one asking. In a micro-interview last week, Cook fielded two questions from CBS News Jo Ling Kent, and while he technically didnt answer either of them, he did put forward an interesting metric by which his legacy could be evaluated. Kent: As you look back on your time as CEO, in a word, what have you stood for? Cook: In my view, your legacy is described by others, not by yourself. I hope that people say I was a good and decent man. And if they say that at the end of the day, I [will] feel like I have achieved something. Thats not one word, Tim. But I get where youre coming from. Will we say he was a good and decent man? Im not sure. Cooks inner decency is almost as elusive as his interview responses. He has the vibe of decency. He comes across as a nice guy, the sort of boss who remembers peoples names and contributes handsomely to going-away gifts. But thats enormously subjective. Those whove actually worked with him (I will note here for clarity that he and I have never even been in the same room) will be able to judge better than the rest of us. But what can we learn from his actions? The truth is that Cooks actions have not always been those of an unfailingly good and decent man. On his watch, for example, Apples treatment of retail and support employees has come in for severe criticism . At one meeting, Cook himself declined to answer questions submitted by the AppleToo activist group, whose leaders understandably said they did not feel heard. The company has reportedly blocked pay surveys , likely breaking the law; it has discouraged unionization and, coincidentally or not, closed the first U.S. Apple Store to achieve this. Conditions in Apples Asian supply chain, of course, are a serious issue. On the other hand, all the things above were true when Cook took the top job, and while he hasnt solved them, he has tried. Apple published a list of suppliers for the first time in 2012, months after he became CEO; in 2020, he put a major supplier on probation for breaking the companys code of conduct. Apples environmental record, while still far from perfect, vastly improved under the tenure of Lisa P. Jackson, whom Cook hired in 2013 until she retired earlier this year. We even got to enjoy/endure the CEO bantering with Mother Nature at the iPhone 15 launch event. To be clear, many of the reforms weve seen in the Cook era have been forced on him by regulators or bad PR, but there remains a sense that while Steve Jobs, for one, would have refused to give in, Cook is more conciliatory. It also appears that Cook has far more of an urge to do the right thing than his famous predecessor. In 2014, the Mac Observer reported that he responded angrily to a shareholder question about whether focusing on sustainability was good for the companys bottom line. When we work on making our devices accessible by the blind, I dont consider the bloody ROI, he said. If you want me to do things only for ROI reasons, you should get out of this stock. It takes a lot of courage for a CEO to go after the shareholders. Cook, or Cooks Apple, has also taken stances on immigration , abortion , and transgender rights , which will have alienated a proportion of its potential customers and allies and seem motivated by principle rather than pragmatism. Some of these stances, perhaps, have been undermined by recent political complications , but my sense is that hes doing what he always has: the best he can under the circumstances. What I mean is that for Tim Cook, morality is one factor within a complex algorithm affecting each decision he makes. It would be an exaggeration, clearly, to claim he always does the right thing in a moral or ethical sense, regardless of its effects on his career. Apple comes first, and some of the time that means actions and policies which are difficult to defend . But if he can do the right thing, he will. And by the standard of his cohort, or of his predecessors in the hot seat at Cupertino, the fact that morality enters into the calculation at all is almost miraculous. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but its cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Trending: Top stories Apples iPhone event will be packed with intrigue . Apple TV has lost the plot , reckons Mahmoud Itani. iOS 27 may be free, admits the Macalope, but the AI bill wont be . Apples revolving door continues to spin, with more big-name exec changes . Podcast of the week In the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast, Michael Simon, Jason Cross, and guest producer Adam Patrick Murray break down the folding phone landscape and how Apples upcoming iPhone Ultra will change it. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on YouTube , Spotify , Soundcloud , the Podcasts app , or our own site . The rumor mill iOS 27 beta confirms Apples full iPhone 18 roadmap with 6 new models . iPhone Ultra leak confirms our report of a dark blue model . And that name is looking pretty good , too. A sweeping Apple Watch rethink could bring new designs and premium models. Reports of the 20th anniversary iPhones death seem to be greatly exaggerated . Software updates, bugs, and problems Apple releases rare point betas for iOS 26.6 and macOS 26.6 . And with that, were done for this weeks Apple Breakfast. If youd like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters , including our new email from The Macalopean irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook , Threads , Bluesky , or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.
Senior Russian banker fired after warning over wartime economy
