From 9to5Mac · 40 stories
Counterpoint Research Predicts Wearables Market to Exceed $1 Trillion by 2032
A new report from Counterpoint Research forecasts that the consumer wearables market will generate over $1 trillion in cumulative revenue through 2032, with smartwatches and wireless earbuds leading the growth. This projection indicates a significant expansion in the wearables sector, driven by health-focused features and integration with smartphone ecosystems.
Susan Kare Discusses Original Mac Graphics at Startup School 2026
Graphic designer Susan Kare's talk from Startup School 2026, where she revisited her work on the original Macintosh's icons and graphics, is now available on Y Combinator's YouTube channel. Her contributions, including the Command key symbol and Happy Mac, significantly influenced the visual language of personal computing.
Things 3.23 Update Enhances Repeating To-Do Flexibility and Management
Things 3.23 introduces improvements to repeating to-dos, allowing users to complete tasks early and offering more flexible rescheduling options. This update addresses user requests for better handling of recurring tasks within the application.
Apple Watch to host National Parks activity challenge on August 23
Apple Watch users can participate in the 2026 National Parks Challenge on Sunday, August 23, by recording a workout of 20 minutes or more. Completing the challenge unlocks a virtual trophy and animated stickers for use in Messages and FaceTime.
AirBuddy 3 Released with New Action HUD, Widgets, Now Playing, and Enhanced Automation
AirBuddy 3 has been released for Mac, introducing over 150 new features including a redesigned Action HUD, customizable widgets, a Now Playing feature, and expanded automation capabilities via AppleScript and Shortcuts. This update enhances the management of Apple devices and Bluetooth accessories on macOS, providing more control and information directly on the desktop.
WhatsApp Beta for iOS Shows Customizable Emoji Reactions Feature
WhatsApp is testing a feature in its iOS beta that allows users to customize the default emoji reactions. This change would enable users to replace the standard six emoji reactions with their own choices, potentially enhancing personalization within the messaging app.
Apple Removes Controversial iPhone Billboard in Milan After Watchdog Criticism
Apple removed a billboard in Milan featuring a toddler holding an iPhone after Italy's children's rights watchdog, AGIA, criticized it for normalizing "electronic babysitting." The ad was part of Apple's "Relax, it's iPhone" campaign, which highlights device durability.
Apple TV adds classic movies and announces six new films for fall lineup
Apple TV has expanded its film library by adding numerous classic movies for subscribers and announced six new original films scheduled for release this fall. This move doubles Apple TV's existing film catalog and introduces a mix of mass-market and awards-focused content.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Adds Free Apple TV or Apple One Credit
Chase has added new benefits to its Sapphire Preferred credit card, offering cardholders a free year of Apple TV or a monthly credit towards Apple One. This change makes premium Apple services more accessible to users of the Sapphire Preferred card, which has a lower annual fee than the Sapphire Reserve card.
WhatsApp Beta for iOS Shows Animated Wallpapers and Chat Customization Options
The latest WhatsApp beta for iOS includes references to new chat customization options, such as animated wallpapers and categorized chat themes. This update indicates WhatsApp is expanding personalization features for its messaging platform, which could enhance user experience by offering more visual variety in chat interfaces.
Apple Designates iPhone X and 2018 MacBook Pro as Obsolete Products
Apple has moved the iPhone X and the 15-inch 2018 MacBook Pro from its vintage to its obsolete products list. This change means Apple will no longer provide hardware service or parts for these devices, impacting users who rely on official support channels for repairs.
Apple Card in iOS 27 Introduces Recurring Transaction Tracking
Apple Card in iOS 27 now includes a recurring transaction tracking feature within the Wallet app. This allows users to view and manage their subscriptions and regular payments, including a monthly calendar of upcoming charges. The feature simplifies the process of monitoring recurring expenses, which is increasingly relevant in the digital economy.
iOS 27 Introduces Feature to Save Video Frames as Photos in Apple Photos App
Apple's iOS 27 update includes a new "Save Video Frame as Photo" feature within the Photos app. This allows users to extract high-resolution, properly cropped still images directly from videos, addressing previous limitations of using screenshots.
Apple to reopen redesigned Oracle store in Reading, UK, as Basingstoke store closes
Apple is reopening its Oracle Shopping Centre store in Reading, UK, in December with a new design, while its Festival Place store in Basingstoke will close in November. This change is part of Apple's ongoing strategy to update its retail locations globally, offering customers updated facilities and services.
WhatsApp rolls out username field for new contacts to select users
WhatsApp is introducing a username field when creating new contacts for select users, moving away from exclusive reliance on phone numbers for user identification. This update allows users to save a contact's username alongside their name and phone number, aligning WhatsApp with features common in other messaging platforms.
Apple hires American Airlines executive Nate Gatten as VP of Government Affairs
Apple appointed Nate Gatten, formerly of American Airlines, as its new Vice President of Government Affairs, effective August 31. This hire fills a key leadership role following previous transitions and aims to align with current political administrations.
Raycast AI adds Screen Awareness feature for contextual AI chat
Raycast AI introduced Screen Awareness, a new feature that allows its AI Chat to access context directly from the user's active application or window. This update aims to reduce the need for manual copying and pasting of information when interacting with the AI.
Apple TV+ premieres second season of Spanish-language crime drama "Women in Blue"
Apple TV+ has released the first episode of the second season of its Spanish-language crime drama "Women in Blue" (Las Azules). The new season will consist of eight episodes, released weekly through September 30, and continues the story of Mexico's first female police force investigating a student activist's murder tied to a 1968 massacre.
Microsoft Edge Canary and Beta builds test Apple Account sign-in support
Microsoft is testing Apple Account sign-in functionality for its Edge browser in Canary and Beta builds. This feature allows users to sign into an Edge profile using their Apple ID, offering an alternative to a Microsoft Account.
Apple Pay and Wallet Leader Jennifer Bailey to Retire in October
Jennifer Bailey, Apple's Vice President of Apple Pay and Wallet, will retire in October after two decades with the company. Bailey launched Apple Pay in 2014 and oversaw the Apple Online Store team, with her departure noted internally as a significant loss.
iOS 27 beta 5 increases Liquid Glass transparency option
Apple released iOS 27 beta 5, which includes an update to the Liquid Glass transparency slider, allowing for a more transparent setting than previous beta versions. This adjustment provides users with greater customization for interface elements ahead of the full iOS 27 launch.
Apple TV+ unveils trailer for new thriller series "Last Seen," premiering September 9
Apple TV+ released the trailer for "Last Seen," a new thriller series based on Ryan David Jahn's book "The Dispatcher." The series will premiere on September 9, with two episodes initially, followed by weekly releases.
Apple settles religious discrimination lawsuit for $150,000
Apple has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The lawsuit alleged Apple fired an employee for requesting Sabbath accommodations after converting to Judaism. The settlement includes financial compensation and mandates religious discrimination training for some Apple employees.
Yelp expands ChatGPT integration to allow restaurant reservations and waitlist joins
Yelp has expanded its integration with ChatGPT, enabling users in the U.S. and Canada to book restaurant tables and join waitlists directly through the chatbot. This update allows users to go from receiving restaurant recommendations to securing a spot within a single chat interface.
WhatsApp iOS Beta Adds References to In-Chat Search Button
WhatsApp's latest iOS beta includes references to a new search button that will appear directly within conversations, making it faster to find past messages. This update improves user convenience by eliminating the need to navigate to the chat info screen for in-chat searches.
Apple TV+ picks up Alfonso Cuarón's psychological horror series "Ascension"
Apple TV+ announced it will produce "Ascension," a new psychological horror thriller series from director Alfonso Cuarón, marking his second collaboration with the streaming service. This expands Apple TV+'s original content catalog with another high-profile director.
iPhone 18 Pro rumored to feature new burgundy color, replacing Cosmic Orange
Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will introduce a burgundy/dark cherry color as its new flagship option, replacing the Cosmic Orange from the iPhone 17 Pro. This change indicates Apple's continued move towards bolder color choices for its Pro models.
Pocket Jam 5.0 update adds redesigned waveform, tempo trainer for music practice
Pocket Jam, an app for musicians to practice songs, released version 5.0, introducing a redesigned waveform view and a new tempo trainer. This update enhances the app's tools for dissecting and learning music by providing improved navigation and progressive speed training.
WhatsApp Adds Dedicated Parental Controls Section to iPhone App
WhatsApp has introduced a dedicated "Parental controls" section for its iPhone application, making it easier for parents to set up and manage accounts for underage users. This update mirrors a similar feature recently rolled out on Android, simplifying the process of configuring parental controls for features like contact management and group access.
Apple adds 43 new hearing device models from 22 brands to Made for iPhone compatibility list
Apple updated its Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing device compatibility list, adding 43 new models across 22 brands, bringing the total to 623 devices from 104 brands. This expansion allows more hearing aids to connect with Apple devices for audio streaming, including bidirectional streaming for hands-free communication.
James Marsden to star in third Apple TV+ project, 'Bad News Dads'
Actor James Marsden has been confirmed for his third Apple TV+ production, a mystery comedy titled 'Bad News Dads', where he will also serve as an executive producer. This marks his latest collaboration with Apple TV+, following roles in 'Your Friends & Neighbors' and the upcoming thriller 'Disavowed'.
iOS 27 addresses Wi-Fi to cellular network transition delays
Apple's iOS 27 update includes a fix for the historical delay experienced when iPhones transition between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. This improvement aims to provide a more consistent data connection for users moving between different network types.
OpenAI developing feature to export ChatGPT-created stickers directly to WhatsApp
OpenAI is developing a feature that will allow users to create custom stickers in ChatGPT and export them directly to WhatsApp. This development, identified through an APK teardown of the ChatGPT Android app, indicates a potential expansion of ChatGPT's capabilities into multimedia content creation for messaging platforms.
Apple reports delays in Jon Prosser's response to leak lawsuit, citing newborn child
Apple stated in a joint status report that Jon Prosser's legal team has not responded for a month regarding his leak lawsuit, with his counsel attributing the delay to Prosser caring for a newborn. This indicates ongoing procedural delays in the legal proceedings between Apple and Prosser concerning alleged trade secret misappropriation.
Apple TV+ series 'Widow's Bay' to screen final episodes in select AMC Theaters
Apple TV+ series "Widow's Bay" will screen its final three episodes in six AMC Theaters locations on August 12. This marks a rare theatrical release for an Apple TV+ series, typically reserved for films.
Lutron Caseta integrates Sonos Voice Control for hands-free smart home device management
Lutron Caseta now supports Sonos Voice Control, allowing users to manage lights and shades via voice commands through Sonos speakers. This update expands existing integration, enabling hands-free control of Lutron devices from Sonos for the first time.
CarPlay in iOS 27 adds MiniPlayer and audio scrubbing for audio apps
CarPlay in iOS 27 introduces a new MiniPlayer and audio scrubbing functionality for audio applications, including Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. These updates provide enhanced playback control and navigation within audio apps directly from the CarPlay interface, improving user experience for in-car audio consumption.
Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition Launches on Apple Arcade for Multiple Apple Platforms
Apple Arcade has added Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition to its subscription service, making the game available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. This release provides an ad-free football simulation experience with no in-app purchases, expanding the platform's sports content ahead of the NFL pre-season.
Abode Releases New Apple Home-Compatible Garage Tilt and Outdoor Contact Sensors
Abode has launched two new smart home sensors, a Garage Tilt Sensor and an Outdoor Contact Sensor, which are compatible with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Assistant. These sensors are designed to monitor entry points like garage doors, gates, and sheds that traditional indoor sensors often miss. The release expands Abode's smart home security offerings for monitoring outdoor and less conventional access points.
iOS 27 Introduces Four New Lock Screen Customization Features
iOS 27 adds new customization options for the iPhone's Lock Screen, including an "Extend" feature for wallpapers, AI-generated wallpapers via Image Playground, the ability to move the clock, and an option to swipe away the Now Playing widget. These updates provide users with more control over the visual appearance and layout of their Lock Screen.