The MacRumors Show

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's new iPhone Pocket accessory, the future of Apple Fitness+, and the iPhone Air 2's delayed launch. Apple this week announced the ‌iPhone‌ Pocket, a 3D-knitted limited edition accessory made in collaboration with Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE. The accessory is like a stretchy pocket, similar to an iPod Sock, but elongated to form a strap made of a ribbed, elastic textile.  The ‌iPhone‌ Pocket comes in two versions. There's a short strap design available in eight colors for $149.95, and a long strap design in three colors for $229.95. The ‌iPhone‌ Pocket can be used in a variety of ways – handheld, tied onto bags, or worn directly on the body. The limited-edition release is now available on Apple's online store and at select flagship Apple Store locations worldwide. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that the future of Apple Fitness+ is "under review." The service apparently suffers from high churn and little revenue, remaining one of the company's "weakest digital offerings."  As a result, Fitness+ is now said to be in the process of receiving new management, with Apple health vice president Sumbul Desai taking control of the service. The health division, now including Apple Fitness+, will report directly to services chief Eddy Cue. The reorganization is likely to lead to added pressure to improve the service. In other news, it emerged this week that Apple's second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ is to be delayed on account of the device's low sales, pushed back from the original target launch of fall 2026. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been a multitude reports of poor sales and significant production cuts. Apple has responded by scaling back shipments and winding down the supply chain, with all production expected to cease by the end of this month. Apple now plans to introduce a more substantially redesigned ‌iPhone Air‌ 2 model in the future, perhaps alongside the ‌iPhone‌ 18e and iPhone 18 in the spring of 2027. The new device could feature an additional rear camera with an ultra-wide lens, vapor-chamber cooling, reduced weight, a larger battery, and a new chip. This episode is sponsored by Shopify — the commerce platform that helps you start, run, and grow your business all in one place. Sign up for your $1-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/mac.

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the AirPods Pro 3 and the future of the AirPods lineup as a whole. Apple introduced the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ in September, featuring a more refined design, improved active noise cancelation (ANC), enhanced sound quality, foam ear tips in five sizes, and heart rate monitoring for workouts. After using the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ for two months, we talk through our experience with the noticeably different fit, improved ANC, and more. We also discuss the reports from some users who are experiencing an ongoing static issue with the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌. Apple does seem to be replacing affected units for customers who are bothered by the noise, which appears to be audible when ANC is active but no sound is playing. Other users have been hearing a high-pitched whine when on airplanes, which could be related to pressure. Not all ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ units are experiencing the issue, but it sounds like Apple is investigating. Looking to the future, another version of the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ are expected to launch next year featuring infrared cameras for gesture controls and improved Vision Pro integration. This model is likely to be a more premium offering available alongside the current model at a higher price point. Apple is believed to be working on a next-generation H3 chip for future AirPods models. The AirPods 5 are in development, with two models just like the current version. The AirPods Max 2 are also in the works, touting a lighter design and likely a newer chip with features that are now noticeably absent from the device such as adaptive transparency and Siricommands. They are reportedly due to enter mass production in 2027 at the earliest. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/mac #rulapod

A fresh look at the Apple Vision Pro reveals significant upgrades with the new M5 chip, enhancing performance and responsiveness. The display now offers 10% more pixels and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate. Updates in visionOS 26 bring better personas and widgets, making it more user-friendly. Comfort improvements with the new Dual Knit band reduce pressure, while immersive content options are expanding. Hosts discuss lingering issues like field of view and price barriers, pondering if the latest changes make the device worth the investment.

The latest sales reports suggest the iPhone Air is struggling, with Apple cutting production due to weak demand. Reports indicate a significant reduction in units, echoing concerns that the iPhone 17 already meets high-end user needs. A similar fate befalls Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge, highlighting a broader trend in mid-tier model challenges. The hosts also weigh the possibilities of a cheaper variant and discuss why the Air's engineering remains notable despite its sales struggles.

Apple has unveiled its powerful M5 chip, now driving the latest MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro. Key highlights include performance gains of up to 45% in graphics and intriguing new features like the C1X modem for enhanced connectivity. The refresh brings subtle design changes while maintaining many original specs. Discussion also delves into the Vision Pro's new accessories, trade-in challenges, and the implications for future headset development. Overall, a must-listen for anyone curious about Apple's latest innovations.

Get ready for budget-friendly Apple! Rumors swirl about the upcoming iPhone 17e, featuring a sleek design and A19 chip, along with the 12th-generation iPad bringing Apple Intelligence onboard. The most exciting reveal? A low-cost MacBook using the A18 Pro chip, targeting students and first-time buyers. Expect a 13-inch display in vibrant colors but with some cost-saving trade-offs. Will these new devices shake up the market? Tune in to find out how they could redefine affordable tech!

On this episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the latest leaks about the next-generation iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, Studio Display, and Vision Pro. Earlier this week, an apparent unboxing video of an updated ‌iPad Pro‌ with the M5 chip was shared online. The same YouTube account leaked the 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ with the M4 chip before it was announced by Apple last year. The new ‌iPad Pro‌ does not have any noticeable external design changes compared to the current models with the M4 chip, with the chip being the only difference. Meanwhile, documents leaked from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reveal the next-generation ‌iPad Pro‌, ‌MacBook Pro‌, and Vision Pro are imminent. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also recently detailed Apple's plan to release two new external monitors either later this year or in early 2026. Gurman this week revealed that Apple has stopped work on a cheaper, lighter version of the $3,499 Vision Pro. There were rumors that Apple was developing a a much lighter, more affordable "Vision Air" for launch in 2027, but Apple is now apparently transitioning engineers from that project to its smart glasses project to compete with Meta. Last year, The Information reported that suspended its work on the true second-generation Vision Pro. This means that the only new Vision product in the pipeline is the impending refresh of the existing product to upgrade to the M5 chip.  We discuss the wave of product leaks and our expectations for the new releases, as well as the implications of Apple seemingly halting work on new Vision headsets. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you use our link – https://www.Claude.ai/mac

On this episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk over first impressions of the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro. Apple's new iPhone lineup has been available for over a week, so we reflect on the devices now we've had some time to check them out. We discuss the radically thin and light design of the ‌iPhone Air‌, and what it really feels like to use the device. We look at its surprisingly impressive durability and battery life, as well as its drawbacks in terms of speakers and rear camera versatility. We talk through the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌'s controversial design and improved thermals, and examine the all-new 48-megapixel Fusion telephoto camera. We also look at the impressive scratch-resistance of Ceramic Shield 2, as well as the brighter display panel. In addition, we weigh up recent debates around the durability of the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ models, which have come under fire for being highly susceptible to damage compared to previous generations due to the move to an aluminum unibody design

A major update has arrived with iOS 26, showcasing a stunning 'Liquid Glass' redesign and fresh communication features. Users can now enjoy dynamic Lock Screens and enhanced photo layouts. iPadOS 26 introduces a game-changing multitasking system, allowing users to freely manage app windows. Meanwhile, macOS 26 brings the sleek design to desktops with improved Spotlight and customizable Control Center features. WatchOS 26 enhances health tracking with new tools like Sleep Score and even adds Notes to the Apple Watch!

Excitement abounds as the iPhone 17 makes its debut with a 6.3-inch display and ProMotion for non-Pro models. The AirPods Pro 3 impress with advanced noise cancellation and a heart rate monitor. Apple Watch Series 11 offers some enticing upgrades, though opinions on its innovations are mixed. The iPhone Air boasts a sleek design but lacks a SIM card slot. Discussions explore Apple's evolving product strategy, new camera features, and the potential impacts on users. Overall, a blend of innovation and humor makes for an engaging tech conversation.