The MacRumors Show

On this year's final episode of The MacRumors Show, we take a look back at all of Apple's major announcements and new products from 2025. In February, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, positioned as a replacement for the iPhone SE as a lower-cost model, starting at $599. It offers the A18 chip and a 48-megapixel camera in an ‌iPhone‌ 13-style design, but with matte back glass, a USB-C port, and no MagSafe. The device debuted Apple's custom C1 5G modem, replacing components from Qualcomm for the first time. In March, Apple refreshed several iPads and Macs. The standard iPad was updated with there A16 chip, and noticeably still lacks Apple Intelligence support. The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air was refreshed with M3 chip, and Apple released redesigned Magic Keyboard for it. Apple also updated the MacBook Air with the M4 chip and introduced a new Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip options. At WWDC in June, Apple previewed its major software updates for the year. The biggest announcement was the introduction of Liquid Glass, an all-new design language for all of Apple's software platforms. iOS 26 redesigned apps such as Phone and Photos, and added Live Translation with AirPods, a host of new features for Messages, and a new Games app. iPadOS 26 introduced a new, Mac-like multitasking system with windows, while macOS 26 Tahoe revamped Spotlight with a clipboard history feature and quick commands. In September, Apple released its annual ‌iPhone‌ lineup update. The iPhone 17 features a larger display with ProMotion for refresh rates up to 120Hz and a 48-megapixel Fusion ultra-wide camera. The iPhone 17 Pro and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max tout a completely new aluminum unibody frame with a large, full-width camera plateau and vapor chamber cooling. The telephoto camera received a major upgrade to 48-megapixels, with options for 4x and 8x optical zoom. The iPhone Air arrived as a totally new ‌iPhone‌ option, replacing the "Plus" model in the lineup. Sitting between the ‌iPhone 17‌ and the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, the ‌iPhone Air‌ has a radically thin design with a polished titanium frame, and uses Apple's custom C1X and N1 connectivity chips. The device only has one rear camera, a single speaker, and supports eSIM only. All of the new iPhones feature an A19 or A19 Pro chip, Ceramic Shield 2, a 18-megapixel Centre Stage front-facing camera with a square sensor, and new color options. Apple also released updated charging and accessory products, including a new ‌MagSafe‌ battery designed specifically for the ‌iPhone Air‌, TechWoven cases, and crossbody straps. Apple refreshed its wearable and audio lineups in the same month. Apple Watch SE was updated with the S10 chip and an always-on display. The aluminum Apple Watch Series 11 gained stronger front glass and a slightly bigger battery, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 gains satellite connectivity for the first time. Cellular models of the new Apple Watches feature 5G connectivity. Apple also released the third generation of AirPods Pro, with improved active noise cancellation, a more refined design with ear tips that include foam, and heart-rate sensing. In October, Apple updated the iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro with the M5 chip. The new Vision Pro also gained a new dual knit headband, promising improved comfort, along with better battery life, higher-refresh rate displays, more rendered pixels. Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at notion.com/macrumors Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/mac #rulapod 

Apple's exciting plans for a next-gen Studio Display and Pro Display XDR are front and center. The new Studio Display is expected to sport mini-LED tech and an A19 chip, enhancing features like Center Stage and Spatial Audio. With a higher refresh rate possible, it aims to catch up with MacBook Pro displays. The hosts debate whether users will upgrade and discuss the need for more budget-friendly options. Plus, there's speculation about updates to the Pro Display XDR, including potential OLED and quantum-dot enhancements. It's a tech enthusiast's dream!

Dive into the latest buzz about Samsung's ambitious Galaxy Z TriFold, boasting a remarkable 10-inch screen and innovative double hinges. Explore the practical concerns around its durability and thickness compared to traditional foldables. The discussion includes Apple's rumored foldable iPhone and the potential trade-offs in camera quality for improved battery life. Will consumers embrace the high price tag? Tune in for insights on multitasking features and the possibility of Apple borrowing ideas from Samsung to enhance productivity.

Rumors swirl around the upcoming iPad mini, hinting at a sleek OLED display and a powerful A19 Pro chip. Discussions touch on whether ProMotion will make the cut and if the mini will be Apple's first water-resistant tablet. The hosts explore potential design changes, including a thinner chassis and fresh color options. A new vibration-based speaker system promises innovative audio solutions. Price hikes and lineup complexities are also debated as Apple continues to expand its product range.

Exciting upgrades for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are on the horizon! Anticipate new color options like burgundy and purple, plus a thicker design for better battery life. Face ID may shift under the display, and the front camera is set to get a boost to 24MP. The main camera could introduce a variable aperture for stunning low-light photography. Also, look forward to simplified camera controls and a powerful A20 chip for enhanced performance. Get ready for a whole new level of smartphone experience!

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.