From 9to5Mac · 40 stories
Apple Watch National Fitness Day challenge returns in China on August 8
Apple Watch users in China can participate in a National Fitness Day challenge on August 8 by completing a 20-minute workout to unlock virtual rewards. This event is exclusive to China and offers animated stickers and a virtual medal for completion.
Nielsen Data Reveals "Shrinking" as Apple TV+'s Most-Watched Show of 2026 So Far
Nielsen data for the first half of 2026 indicates that "Shrinking" is Apple TV+'s most-watched original series, accumulating 5.2 billion minutes viewed. This marks a rare appearance for an Apple TV+ series on Nielsen's top 20 'Original Series' chart, highlighting its relative success within the streaming platform's offerings.
iOS 27 Introduces Dual Capture Feature for FaceTime on iPhone 17 and Newer Models
Apple's upcoming iOS 27 update will add a Dual Capture feature to FaceTime, allowing users with iPhone 17 and newer models to simultaneously use both front and rear cameras during video calls. This feature, previously exclusive to the Camera app, enables users to share both their face and their surroundings, enhancing communication for compatible devices.
WhatsApp Beta for Mac Introduces Flexible Update Schedules
The latest beta version of WhatsApp for Mac, 26.30.10.20, allows users to select between daily and weekly update schedules. This change provides users with more control over receiving immediate bug fixes and new features versus prioritizing stability.
Wikipedia iOS App Adds New Home Screen Widget for Random Articles
The Wikipedia app for iOS has introduced a new Home Screen widget that allows users to access random articles directly. This update provides a quick way for users to explore Wikipedia content without opening the app first.
Apple updates online accessories shopping experience with new design and features
Apple revamped its online accessories store and App Store experience, introducing a modern design, new browsing categories, and improved filtering. This update aims to simplify the process of finding and purchasing accessories for Apple users.
Apple acquires PlasmaSolve, a company specializing in plasma simulation software for manufacturing
Apple has acquired PlasmaSolve, a company that develops plasma simulation software for optimizing plasma-based manufacturing processes. This acquisition could assist Apple in developing new hardware designs that require precise application of ultra-thin coatings to complex 3D objects.
Apple TV Releases Full San Diego Comic-Con Panels for Upcoming Shows and Movies
Apple TV's YouTube channel has published the full panel discussions from its first Hall H takeover at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, featuring shows like "Silo" and "Dark Matter," and movies such as "Mayday" and "Matchbox The Movie." This release provides viewers with detailed insights into upcoming content directly from creators and cast members.
iPhone 17 Pro survives 1.1 km fall from airplane in Saskatchewan
An iPhone 17 Pro fell 1.1 kilometers from an airplane in Saskatchewan and was found in pristine condition. This incident demonstrates the device's durability, which Apple highlighted during its launch.
Shazam releases first Artist Sticker Pack featuring Ariana Grande for new album promotion
Shazam has launched its first Artist Sticker Pack, available for free within the app, to promote Ariana Grande's new album, "petal." This new feature integrates promotional content directly into the app's user experience, offering a new way for artists to engage with fans through the platform.
iOS 27 Expands Landscape Mode Support to More Apps
iOS 27 will introduce expanded landscape mode support for a wider range of applications, including Find My, Fitness, Health, Home, Music, Podcasts, Shortcuts, and Weather. This update provides a new functional advantage for larger iPhone models, as the expanded landscape layouts are optimized for bigger screens.
New Snoopy Special, 'There's No Place Like Home, Snoopy,' Released on Apple TV
Apple TV has released a new Peanuts special titled 'Snoopy Presents: There's No Place Like Home, Snoopy,' continuing its partnership with the Peanuts franchise. This release expands the platform's library of Snoopy content, offering more family-friendly programming to subscribers.
Tim Cook states more memory suppliers may not reduce Apple product prices
Apple CEO Tim Cook indicated that increasing the number of memory suppliers might improve supply availability but would not necessarily lead to lower product prices. This statement suggests that recent price increases for Apple products, driven by memory costs, may not be temporary.
Apple Pledges Support for Wildfire Relief in Southern Europe and Japan Earthquake Victims
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the company will donate to relief efforts for communities affected by wildfires in southern Europe and victims of a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture. This follows Apple's practice of contributing to disaster relief globally.
Yahoo Weather iOS App Receives Major Overhaul with New Features
The Yahoo Weather app for iPhone and iPad has been updated with enhanced radar, interactive maps, and minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts. The update also adds air quality, pollen levels, moon phases, and a daily weather narrative.
Apple Notes in iOS 27 receives new features including divider lines, section links, and Siri AI integration
Apple's iOS 27 update introduces several new features for the Notes application, including the ability to add divider lines for organization, create section links for navigation, and integrate with Siri AI for note creation and modification. These updates enhance the functionality of Apple Notes for structuring and managing information.
Utah and Virginia to Soon Support Apple Wallet Digital Driver's Licenses
Utah and Virginia are expected to add support for digital driver's licenses and IDs in Apple Wallet. This expansion indicates a continued, albeit slow, rollout of digital identification features across US states.
The Outsiders App Updates with Detailed Performance Metrics and Workout Sharing
Gentler Stories released an update for its exercise-tracking app, The Outsiders, introducing enhanced workout analysis features and customizable sharing options. This update provides high-performance athletes with more detailed insights into their training and new ways to share their progress.
iyO and OpenAI pause trademark lawsuit for seven days to finalize settlement
A judge has granted a seven-day pause in iyO's trademark lawsuit against OpenAI and Jony Ive's io Products, as the parties have reached an agreement in principle and are working to finalize settlement details. This pause indicates a potential resolution to the legal dispute involving trademark infringement and trade secret claims.
Instapaper 10 for iOS and Web Platform Redesign Released with New Features
Instapaper released version 10 of its iOS app, introducing Liquid Glass, new fonts, and Home Screen widgets, alongside a redesign of its web platform. This update enhances the reading experience and functionality across devices for Instapaper users.
iOS 27 and watchOS 27 Update Find My Location Sharing and App Interface
Apple's upcoming iOS 27 will enable automatic location sharing from an Apple Watch when it is not near its paired iPhone, improving accuracy for users who leave their phones behind. Additionally, watchOS 27 unifies the Find My apps on Apple Watch into a single application with a new full-screen map interface.
Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus Affirms Commitment to Apple TV Streaming Service
Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus stated that the company will continue to invest in its Apple TV streaming service, despite reports of it losing money. Ternus, who takes over in September, expressed commitment to building on the company’s momentum in entertainment, a view supported by outgoing CEO Tim Cook.
MacBook Ultra May See Higher Prices Due to Single Display Supplier Decision
Apple has reportedly decided to use only Samsung as the display supplier for the upcoming MacBook Ultra, foregoing its usual multi-supplier strategy. This decision, driven by LG's inability to meet volume requirements for advanced tandem OLED touchscreen panels, could lead to higher manufacturing costs and increased consumer prices for the new MacBook.
Pocket Casts Launches Native Apple TV App
Pocket Casts released a native application for Apple TV, allowing users to access their podcast queues, history, and synced playback positions on the television. This release expands the podcast player's availability to a larger screen, with an Android TV version planned for future release.
iOS 27 Introduces Natural Language Event Creation to Apple Calendar App
Apple's Calendar app in iOS 27 will include natural language support for creating and editing events. This feature allows users to type event details conversationally, and the app will automatically parse information like time, location, and invitees, improving event creation efficiency.
Amazon Basics Matter Smart Plug Offers Apple Home Support for Under $10
Amazon has released a new Basics smart plug with Matter support, allowing direct integration with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home ecosystems without requiring a separate Amazon app. This product provides an affordable option for smart home automation, particularly for Apple Home users, by leveraging the Matter standard.
Meirro Pro 6K Monitor Offers 32-inch 6K Display as Apple Studio Display Alternative
Meirro has released the Pro 6K, a 32-inch 6K monitor, positioned as an alternative to Apple's Studio Display. This new monitor provides a larger, higher-resolution option for Mac users at a lower price point than Apple's offerings. It matters as it introduces a competitive display option for users seeking retina-class sharpness and a larger screen size without the premium cost of Apple's professional monitors.
Tapbots releases Pastebot 3 for Mac with new organization and automation features
Tapbots has launched Pastebot 3, a significant update to its Mac clipboard manager, nearly ten years after its predecessor. The new version introduces improved organization tools like Custom and Smart Pastebins, along with enhanced automation capabilities through filters and stack creation, requiring macOS 26 Tahoe or later.
watchOS 27 Introduces Proactive Battery Extension Notifications to Improve Apple Watch Battery Life
watchOS 27 will include a new feature called 'proactive battery extension notifications' that automatically disables unused features to conserve battery life. This update aims to extend the operational time of Apple Watch devices by managing background processes associated with features like gestures and Siri's Raise to Speak.
Apple's $250 Million Siri Settlement Receives Preliminary Judicial Approval
A judge has granted preliminary approval for Apple's $250 million class action settlement regarding delayed Siri and Apple Intelligence features. The settlement addresses claims that Apple marketed AI capabilities that were not available at the time of purchase for certain iPhone models. This approval allows the case to proceed to the next stage, with payouts expected for eligible iPhone users.
Apple Art Director Shares Early Sketches and Prototype of Lil’ Finder Guy Mascot
Sofia Coelho, Apple's art director, shared behind-the-scenes images of the development of Lil’ Finder Guy, the mascot for the MacBook Neo campaign. This provides insight into the creative process behind a widely recognized marketing character.
Ben Stiller's film 'The Dink' premieres on Apple TV with initial reviews
'The Dink,' a sports comedy produced by Ben Stiller, premieres on Apple TV this Friday. Early reviews highlight it as a fun, lighthearted film, continuing the legacy of early 2000s sports comedies like 'Dodgeball.'
Opera One browser adds optional vertical tabs and expanded Google Lens integration
Opera One has introduced optional vertical tabs, allowing users to view full tab titles in a resizable side panel. The browser also expanded its Google Lens integration, enabling image searches directly from the homepage search bar and from local files or clipboard content.
Apple TV+ announces new dating documentary series 'The Last Person on Earth'
Apple TV+ is launching "The Last Person on Earth," an 8-part dating documentary series featuring couples therapist Esther Perel. This marks Apple TV+'s first entry into the dating show genre, expanding its content beyond its usual sci-fi, comedy, and thriller offerings.
SmartGym iPhone app update adds inline logging, new keyboard, and redesigned Smart Action Button
SmartGym updated its iPhone application to include an inline logging interface, a new keyboard for exercise input, and an improved Smart Action Button. These changes aim to streamline the process of adjusting and logging workout sets directly within the app.
Apple Updates macOS 28 Guidance for Direct Encrypted HFS+ to APFS Conversion
Apple revised its macOS 28 migration guidance, now allowing direct conversion of encrypted HFS+ volumes to encrypted APFS without prior decryption. This change simplifies the upgrade process for users with encrypted legacy Mac-formatted drives, removing a previously required step.
Apple Store app privacy policy updated for upcoming AI shopping assistant
Apple updated its Apple Store app privacy policy to include terms for a virtual shopping assistant, indicating an upcoming AI-powered chatbot feature. This assistant will personalize shopping experiences using user data, with Apple stating it will remove personal identifiers before sharing data with partners.
Apple TV+ Announces Two New Series: 'Protective Custody' and 'Peculiar Stars'
Apple TV+ announced two new series, 'Protective Custody' and 'Peculiar Stars', expanding its content offerings. 'Protective Custody' is a comedy starring Benicio Del Toro and Ben Stiller, while 'Peculiar Stars' is a romance adaptation from author Rebecca Yarros, marking an entry into a genre previously less common on the platform.
iOS 27 Introduces One-Tap Paste Shortcut Above Keyboard for Clipboard Content
iOS 27 adds a new paste shortcut that appears above the keyboard when a text field is active, providing one-tap access to copied content. This feature simplifies the pasting process by offering a direct option with a preview of the clipboard's contents.
Apple Park Visitor Center's exhibition space closed for store improvements
Apple has temporarily closed the exhibition space at its Cupertino Visitor Center for unspecified improvements. The area currently hosts a physical model of the Apple Park campus, which has been deemed inefficient in its use of space, prompting the updates.