Apple News
iPhone 18 trial production set to begin in February, paving way for spring 2027 launch
According to Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, Apple is set to kick off trial production for the iPhone 18 shortly after the Chinese New Year holiday. This means small-scale test runs on production lines will begin once operations resume normally after the Lunar New Year break, typically wrapping up in late February.
The leaker further notes that assembly lines for the iPhone 18 Pro variants are already in place, signaling that the Pro models’ hardware design is now finalized. Additionally, anticipated changes to the exterior design are likely to be more modest than some rumors have suggested.
That lines up with reports that the iPhone 18 Pro models will feature the same general design as the iPhone 17 Pro models, with the triple-lens rear camera system residing within the new camera plateau.
The report also fits with Apple’s rumored shift to a split iPhone launch cycle. Under the reported strategy, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to debut in September 2026 alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone, while the standard iPhone 18 will follow later with the iPhone 18e for a spring 2027 launch.
The standard iPhone 18 could be also upgraded to 12GB RAM in 2026, while adopting TSMC’s 2nm architecture for the A20 chip…
MacDailyNews Take: A rsplit iPhone launch cycle — with premium/Pro models in the fall and standard/budget models in the spring — would benefit Apple’s smartphone sales in these key ways:
• Smoother revenue distribution — Spreads out iPhone revenue more evenly across the year, reducing heavy reliance on the fall/holiday quarter and evening out seasonal dips.
• Reduced self-cannibalization — Separating premium (higher-margin) and standard models prevents them from competing directly at launch, further boosting overall Pro sales while allowing budget options to target mainstream buyers later.
• Year-round hype and upgrades — Two major release events maintain sustained consumer interest and media attention, encouraging more frequent upgrades as new models feel fresher regardless of purchase timing.
• Better competition — Spring launches for standard models align with rivals’ early-year releases, capturing sales in slower periods.
• Supply chain relief — Staggering production eases strain on manufacturers.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post iPhone 18 trial production set to begin in February, paving way for spring 2027 launch appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple TV claims three spots on TIME’s list of the 10 best TV shows of 2025 — more than any other streamer or network
As 2025 draws to a close, television has delivered a year of bold storytelling, emotional depth, and cultural resonance like few before it. From gripping dramas that tackle timely issues to innovative comedies and prestige series that push creative boundaries, the small screen has proven once again to be a powerhouse of entertainment. Notably, Apple TV claims three spots on TIME’s list of the 10 best TV shows of 2025 — more than any other streamer or network — underscoring its dominance in delivering critically acclaimed, boundary-pushing originals. In this roundup from TIME, critics highlight the year’s standout achievements, the shows that captivated audiences, sparked conversations, and defined a truly remarkable era of television.
1. DYING FOR SEX (FX)
2. PLURIBUS (APPLE TV)
Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan swung for the stratosphere with this globe-spanning sci-fi thought experiment: What if world peace suddenly broke out, people everywhere started living in harmony, and you were the only grouch among billions of humans who couldn’t be happy about it? Built around a virtuosic, often solo lead performance from Rhea Seehorn (who dazzled in Gilligan’s Better Call Saul) as a curmudgeonly romantasy author who proves immune to an extraterrestrial virus that fuses the consciousnesses of nearly everyone on earth, the cinematic Pluribus dares to argue that our stubborn individuality is what makes our species worth saving.
3. THE LOWDOWN (FX)
4. MUSSOLINI: SON OF THE CENTURY (MUBI)
5. SEVERANCE (APPLE TV)
When a new creator delivers a knockout debut season, then takes three years to release the follow-up, you worry. So it was a wonderful surprise when the second season of Dan Erickson’s sci-fi drama of bifurcated consciousness in the office defied all expectations of a sophomore slump. Back at their desks, Adam Scott’s Mark S. and his coworkers resume investigating their sinister employer. As they dig, ambitious questions emerge around love and death that further Severance’s central inquiry into what makes us human.
6. MO (NETFLIX)
7. THE STUDIO (APPLE TV)
Hollywood loves making art about its devolution. This comedy is TV’s best entry in the subgenre yet, casting co-creator Seth Rogen as a doofy, insecure, idealistic but cowardly studio head trying futilely to make good movies amid cutthroat colleagues played by Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, and Chase Sui Wonders. The show is truly funny. It uses A-list guest stars to great effect. Its film homages are on point. But what sets The Studio apart is its genuine reverence for cinema, which cuts through the cynicism about the business of moviemaking that fuels so many similar stories and gives stakes to the characters’ fumbling.
8. FOREVER (NETFLIX)
9. SUCH BRAVE GIRLS (HULU)
10. THE PITT (HBO MAX)
MacDailyNews Take: More proof for TV fans that if you’re not subscribing to Apple TV,
you’re missing out on the very best TV has to offer!
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a ltv.apple.com,imited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple TV claims three spots on TIME’s list of the 10 best TV shows of 2025 — more than any other streamer or network appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Italy slaps Apple with $115 million penalty in App Tracking Transparency case
Italy’s antitrust watchdog, the AGCM, announced on Monday that it has imposed a €98.6 million ($115.53 million) fine on Apple and two subsidiaries for allegedly abusing its dominant position in the iOS app distribution market.
The authority determined that Apple violated EU competition rules through its App Store, leveraging an “absolute dominance” over third-party developers by unilaterally imposing restrictive terms via its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework. Apple responded in a statement that it “strongly disagrees” with the ruling, arguing that it “disregards the important privacy protections” offered by the company’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompt.
Reuters:
The watchdog opened the probe into the technology giant in May 2023, claiming the company penalised third-party app developers by imposing “a more restrictive privacy policy” on them from April 2021.
AGCM said that Apple required third-party developers to obtain specific consent for data collection and linking data for advertising purposes through the ATT screen imposed by the company.
“The terms of the ATT policy are imposed unilaterally, they are detrimental to the interests of Apple’s business partners and are not proportionate to achieving the objective of privacy, as claimed by the company,” the regulator said in a statement, adding the process does not comply with privacy regulations.
ATT was created “to give users a simple way to control whether companies can track their activity across other apps and websites,” the tech company said, adding the rules apply equally to all developers, including Apple.
The firm will appeal the regulator’s decision and reiterated its commitment “to defend strong privacy protections”.
MacDailyNews Take: Listen, we love Italy, but organization and attention to detail are not among their strong points. When – if – the power comes back on today in Italy, we hope they can agree with this:
“Apple does not track users across third-party apps and websites, selling user tracking data to other companies, which is why Apple apps do not display the App Tracking Transparency prompt to obtain the users’ permission to allow the collection of end user data and the sharing of it with other companies for purposes of tracking across apps and web sites.” – MacDailyNews, June 14, 2022
Apple employs on-device intelligence and other features to minimize the data that the company collects in Apple’s apps, browsers, and online services, and the company does not create a single comprehensive user data profile across all of our apps and services.
More info: https://www.apple.com/privacy/docs/A_Day_in_the_Life_of_Your_Data.pdf
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Italy slaps Apple with $115 million penalty in App Tracking Transparency case appeared first on MacDailyNews.
The Tim Cook era at Apple looks to be winding down
As we step into 2026, a historic leadership transition is unfolding at three of America’s most pivotal corporate giants. We’re talking about major shifts at the helm of none other than Apple, Walmart, and Berkshire Hathaway.
Observers are postulating that Apple senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus, 50, who’s been with the company for 25 years, will ultimately take over the reins from Cook.
On Feb. 1, Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart since Feb. 1, 2014, will be handing the reins to John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. (They have succession down to the day at Walmart!) Meanwhile, Warren Buffett, who has been running Berkshire Hathaway forever (actually only since 1965—slightly shorter than forever) will be turning over his responsibilities to Greg Abel, currently vice chairman of noninsurance operations, on New Year’s Day.
As for Apple’s Tim Cook, who has been CEO since Aug. 24, 2011, he isn’t going anywhere—yet. But with the announced departure of some key Cook deputies—Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, general counsel Kate Adams, and head of government affairs Lisa Jackson, part of a continuum in a multiyear switching out of 60-plus-year-old top executives, or as an insider calls it, “maintaining the magic”—the 14½-year Cook era at Apple looks to be winding down.
There are a few connections among them, especially Berkshire’s home-run investment in Apple, probably Buffett’s best stock investment ever in dollar terms, generating some $100 billion in pretax profits and with tens of billions more still held in a roughly $35 billion investment. This is the case, even though one could argue that Berkshire sold much of its Apple stock too soon, missing a strong recent run-up.
Speaking of missing an opportunity, Buffett once owned Walmart but sold his stake beginning in 2015, in the early days of McMillon’s tenure. This is ironic since Buffett has chastised himself for missing Walmart early on. Make that later on, too, Warren.
Simply put, these three CEOs have been wealth-creation beasts. And it isn’t just Buffett, who’s actually not No. 1 by a long shot. That honor goes to Tim Cook, who, when he became CEO, presided over a company with a mere $350 billion in market capitalization. Today, it’s $4.1 trillion — or some $3.75 trillion more. Yes, you can argue that much of this was selling products that Steve Jobs developed, but talk about taking an operation to a whole other level.
MacDailyNews Take: As we wrote earlier this month,”Hopefully, the days of a COO masquerading as an Apple CEO are finally drawing nigh. Apple deserves a visionary leader who can once again drive relentless, world-changing product innovation.”
Note that nearly one year ago, shares of Apple hit $260.10 (Dec. 26). Apple closed today at $273.67, a gain of just $13.57; a relatively paltry 5.22% over the past 12 months.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post The Tim Cook era at Apple looks to be winding down appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple TV drops ‘Pluribus’ season finale early: Stream the epic conclusion on Christmas Eve!
Fans of “Pluribus” get a holiday treat: no agonizing seven-day wait for the season one finale.
Apple TV typically rolls out fresh episodes midweek or at week’s end, varying by show. “Pluribus” lands in the Friday slot, but the platform has a habit of surprising viewers with early drops — and this marks the second one this season.
Back in November, episode five popped up two days ahead of schedule to align with Thanksgiving and Black Friday festivities. Now, with Christmas approaching, the finale originally slated for December 26th is moving up to December 24th.
That shift has a welcome side effect: you’ll be able to stream it as early as Tuesday evening. Apple TV makes new episodes available at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on the eve of their official date. (“Palm Royale” is the only other original dropping new content next week, and it sticks to its usual Wednesday rhythm.)
The updated date is already reflected in the Apple TV app. Clocking in at 57 minutes, episode nine claims the bronze medal for runtime in the season—trailing the 59-minute premiere and the hour-plus episode two.
This installment wraps up Pluribus’s debut season. Fortunately, renewal anxiety isn’t an issue: Apple greenlit two “Pluribus” seasons upfront in 2022, and the show’s record-breaking viewership as the streamer’s biggest hit to date only seals the deal for more to come.
MacDailyNews Take: Like Severance, Pluribus is for viewers with patience who have the ability to immerse themselves into and enjoy a single thing for 45-minutes to an hour. It’s not a “second screen” series.
“Pluribus” certainly deserves to be the most-watched show in Apple TV history (as do “Severance” and “Silo,” both of which we also highly recommend).
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a ltv.apple.com,imited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple TV drops ‘Pluribus’ season finale early: Stream the epic conclusion on Christmas Eve! appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Holiday Deal Alert: $100 off Apple Watch Series 11; hits all-time low of $299
As of December 19th, select colors of the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) are back down to their record-low price of $299 at Amazon — a full 25% off the regular $399, saving you $100.
Apple Watch Series 11 offers standout features like hypertension notifications, improved battery life, sleep score tracking, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence.
If you’ve been holding out for the perfect holiday gift (for yourself or someone else), this Amazon deal is a timely festive bonus.
The $100 discount applies to a limited selection of colorways, including the silver aluminum case with purple fog sport band and the rose gold aluminum case with light blush sport band. For the silver aluminum case with purple fog sport band colorway, Amazon promises delivery in time for Christmas — ideal for last-minute shoppers!
This is an excellent opportunity to snag the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) at its best price yet before the holidays wrap up.
MacDailyNews Take: Get ’em while they last here.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Holiday Deal Alert: $100 off Apple Watch Series 11; hits all-time low of $299 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Larger tax refunds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could boost Apple’s U.S. sales in 2026
In December 2025, President Donald Trump touted the upcoming tax filing season as promising the “largest tax refund season of all time,” thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted earlier in the year. This legislation, which introduced retroactive tax cuts for 2025, is set to deliver significant financial relief to millions of American taxpayers when they file their returns in early 2026. According to analyses from the Tax Foundation and reports citing its experts, these changes could translate into larger lump-sum refunds — potentially increasing average refunds by $300 to $1,000 compared to typical years — putting extra cash directly into consumers’ pockets at a key moment.
The Tax Foundation estimates that the bill reduced individual income taxes by $144 billion for 2025 alone, with up to $100 billion of that potentially flowing back as higher refunds during the 2026 filing season. Because the IRS did not adjust withholding tables after the law’s passage in July, workers continued to have more taxes withheld from their paychecks throughout 2025 than necessary under the new rules. As a result, most taxpayers will receive the benefits all at once via oversized refunds when filing in 2026.
Key provisions driving these cuts include an increased standard deduction ($750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint), a $200 boost to the maximum child tax credit, a new $6,000 deduction for seniors (phasing out at higher incomes), expanded state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps, and new deductions for auto loan interest, tip income, and overtime pay. These changes affect a broad swath of households, with more than 100 million taxpayers historically receiving refunds averaging around $3,000 in recent years.
This timing could provide a notable lift to consumer discretionary spending early in 2026, particularly for big-ticket items like electronics. Apple, a leader in premium smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables, often sees seasonal sales spikes around tax refund time as consumers use windfall cash for upgrades and purchases they might otherwise delay. With refunds potentially arriving in February through April 2026 — right as many households receive this extra disposable income — the influx of hundreds or even thousands of dollars per taxpayer could encourage spending on high-margin Apple products.
Experts quoted in recent coverage, including Tax Foundation analysts Erica York and Alex Muresianu, emphasize that many taxpayers will indeed see larger refunds than in recent years due to these retroactive provisions. A note from Piper Sandler highlighted an “exceptionally large refund season,” noting that middle- and upper-income taxpayers — demographics that align closely with Apple’s core customer base for devices like the iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch — are likely to benefit the most.
Starting in 2026, adjusted withholding tables will also begin delivering higher ongoing take-home pay, providing sustained increases in disposable income throughout the year. This combination of an immediate refund boost followed by steadier paycheck gains could support stronger consumer demand for Apple’s ecosystem of products and services well into 2026 and beyond.
While the primary economic benefits of the tax cuts are tied to long-term incentives for work and investment rather than short-term spending spurts, the practical effect of larger lump-sum refunds remains: more money in consumers’ hands at once, often earmarked for desired purchases like the latest Apple innovations. As the 2026 tax season approaches, this windfall could give Apple’s sales a meaningful tailwind.
MacDailyNews Take: 2026 promises to be a banner year for Apple as the company releases the new LLM Siri (to positive reviews; we’ve been hearing good things) and as many new/upgraded products as possible in time for U.S. tax refund checks!
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Larger tax refunds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could boost Apple’s U.S. sales in 2026 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
How to disable the ‘who’s watching’ user profile selection screen on Apple TV
Starting with tvOS 26 (and enhanced in tvOS 26.2, released in December 2025), Apple TV devices display a profile selection screen—commonly known as the “Who’s Watching” screen — every time you turn on or wake the device from sleep. This feature supports multi-user households with personalized recommendations, watch history, and app settings.
If you’re the main or only user, this screen can feel like an unnecessary extra step. Fortunately, you can disable it easily, allowing your Apple TV to boot directly to the Home Screen.
Steps to Turn Off the Profile Selection Screen- Open the Settings app on your Apple TV.
- Scroll down and select Profiles and Accounts (in some versions, it may appear as Users and Accounts).
- Find the option labeled Choose Profile on Wake.
- Toggle it off.
That’s all! Now, when you wake or power on your Apple TV, it will skip the profile picker and go straight to your default profile’s Home Screen.
What This Change Does (and Doesn’t Do)- Disabling this option does not delete any profiles, watch histories, recommendations, or associated data.
- You can still switch profiles manually if needed (e.g., for family members or guests) by going to Settings > Profiles and Accounts > Switch Current Profile.
- If multiple profiles exist, the default profile (typically your primary Apple Account) will load automatically.
This setting is particularly handy for single-user setups or households that prefer using per-app profiles (like in Netflix, Amazon Video, etc.) rather than system-wide Apple TV profiles.
To re-enable the profile screen later, simply follow the same steps and toggle Choose Profile on Wake back on.
MacDailyNews Note: For official Apple guidance, refer to their support page: Adjust settings for profiles and accounts on Apple TV.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post How to disable the ‘who’s watching’ user profile selection screen on Apple TV appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple TV picks up Will Poulter dramedy series ‘Beat the Reaper’
Apple TV on Thursday announced it has picked up “Beat the Reaper,” a new dramedy starring BAFTA Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Will Poulter (“Black Mirror,” “The Bear”), who will also serve as executive producer. “Beat the Reaper” will be showrun and executive produced by Sam Catlin (“Sugar,” “Preacher,” “Breaking Bad”), with Apple Studios and New Regency serving as co-studios.
Based on the novel of the same name by Josh Bazell, “Beat the Reaper” will star Poulter as Dr. Peter Brown, an intern at Boston’s worst hospital who has a talent for medicine, works a shift from hell and has a past he’d prefer to keep hidden. But when a patient recognizes him from his dangerous past, Brown has eight hours to elude the government, mob hitmen, quack surgeons and a trail of dead gangers to beat the reaper somehow.
Hailing from Apple Studios and New Regency, “Beat the Reaper” will be executive produced by Catlin under his overall deal with Apple TV. Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan and Natalie Lehmann will executive produce for New Regency.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 662 wins and 3,006 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a ltv.apple.com,imited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple TV picks up Will Poulter dramedy series ‘Beat the Reaper’ appeared first on MacDailyNews.
U.S. appeals court considers reviving Apple App Store class action lawsuit
A U.S. appeals court announced on Thursday that it will review a lower court’s decision to decertify a massive class-action lawsuit against Apple, potentially allowing millions of iPhone users to collectively sue the company for allegedly monopolizing the app distribution market and overcharging consumers.
In a short order, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to examine the ruling that stripped class-action status from a group of nearly 200 million consumers, who allege Apple’s restrictive App Store policies resulted in roughly $20 billion in inflated prices for apps and in-app purchases.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, ruled in October that the customers failed to provide a model “capable of reliably showing classwide injury and damages in one stroke” by matching Apple accounts to consumers, while limiting the number of “unharmed” consumers in the class.
The three plaintiffs asked the appeals court to overturn the decision and revive the class action before their individual claims are decided. Class actions can expose companies to far greater damages than individual lawsuits.
The lawsuit, filed in 2011, accuses Apple of violating U.S. antitrust law by too tightly restraining how customers download apps and pay for transactions, causing overcharges for apps and in-app content on their iPhones and iPads.
Apple told the appeals court that the plaintiffs still can pursue individual claims and that review was unwarranted because the decertification order turned on fact-specific rulings, not unsettled law.
MacDailyNews Take: Again, the vast majority of developers who pay Apple an App Store commission, pay 15%. That amounts to 12 cents of “inflated prices” for non-free apps on average. So, if you bought 50 apps for your iPhone, it would cost you, on the average, a total of $40. Halving Apple’s commission would reduce that price to $37. Removing Apple’s commission entirely would reduce that price to $34.
Here you see the absolute horror of “inflated prices” caused by Apple trying to cover costs to run their App Store for 1.4+ billion iOS/iPadOS users. A total of $3-$6 per every 50 apps, on average. How can any app consumer survive such abject gouging?!!!
How much did it cost developers to have their apps burned onto CDs, boxed, shipped, displayed on store shelves prior to Apple remaking the world for the better for umpteenth time? Does Apple not have costs to store, review, organize, surface, and distribute apps to 1+ billion users? – MacDailyNews, July 30, 2021
Ultimately, the end user pays, regardless.
Either Apple continues to take App Store commissions to pay for their infrastructure costs or they increase hardware and/or subscription prices to pay for the government interference.
As usual, Big Government is a meddling middleman just attempting to move costs around in order to appeal to their base: “We fought the big, bad corporation meanies and saved you oh-so-much money on your apps (a whole 12 cents per). (We won’t talk about your other costs – hardware, subscription rates, etc. – that were increased in order to compensate for our meddling). We think you’re stupid. Vote for us.”
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post U.S. appeals court considers reviving Apple App Store class action lawsuit appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple pours $20.4 billion into Q3 buybacks, the most of any company
Apple led all companies in stock buybacks, investing $20.4 billion in its own shares during the third quarter. As a consistent repurchaser, Apple accounts for 19 of the 20 largest quarterly buybacks in history. (Meta Platforms occupies the 19th spot.)
Though Q3 spending marked a decline from $23.6 billion in the prior quarter, Apple’s trailing 12-month total through September reached $96.7 billion. Over longer periods, the company has returned $468 billion to shareholders in the past five years and a substantial $755 billion over the last decade.
Juan Carlos Arancibia for Investor’s Business Daily:
Third-quarter total share repurchases rose 6.2% to $249 billion from the second quarter, and climbed 9.9% from the year-earlier period, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. For the 12-month period ending in September, buybacks surpassed $1 trillion for only the second time, to a record $1.02 trillion.
Nvidia spent $14.9 billion, up from $11.6 billion in Q2. Its 12-month total was $51.8 billion, vs. $34.5 billion in the previous 12-month span.
Alphabet allocated $11.5 billion for buybacks, down from $13.6 billion in Q2. Its 12-month expenditure was $55.8 billion, down from $62.9 billion in the prior comparable period.
Meta Platforms’ repurchases fell to $8.5 billion from $14.3 billion in the previous quarter. The 12-month total eased to $44.2 billion from $48.2 billion in the prior period.
JPMorgan Chase (JPM) rounded out the top five buybacks, with $8.3 billion purchased in Q3, up from $7.5 billion in Q2. Its 12-month expenditure ramped up to $27.6 billion from $16.8 billion.
MacDailyNews Note: Companies employ stock buybacks as a way to signal strong confidence in their own shares and future prospects. By repurchasing shares, they reduce the total number outstanding, allowing earnings to be distributed across fewer shares. This mechanism can provide a significant boost to earnings per share (EPS).
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple pours $20.4 billion into Q3 buybacks, the most of any company appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple plans more ads in App Store in 2026
Apple Ads will introduce additional ads across App Store search queries in the coming year.
Apple:
Available in 2026: Additional opportunities in search results
Search is the way most people find and download apps on the App Store, with nearly 65 percent of downloads happening directly after a search.
To help give advertisers more opportunities to drive downloads from search results, Apple Ads will introduce additional ads across search queries. You don’t need to change your campaign in order to be eligible for any new positions. Your ad will run in either the existing position — at the top of search results — or further down in search results. If you have a search results campaign running, your ad will be automatically eligible for all available positions, but you can’t select or bid for a particular one.
The ad format will be the same in any position, using a default product page or custom product page, and an optional deep link. You’ll be billed as usual based on your pricing model: cost per tap or cost per install.
MacDailyNews Take: More info for developers and advertisers via Apple here.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple plans more ads in App Store in 2026 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple kicks off development of OLED panels for future iMac models
Apple has officially kicked off a project to bring OLED display technology to its iMac lineup, marking a significant shift from the current LCD-based screens in its all-in-one desktop computers.
According to industry reports, The Elec reports, Apple has sent Request for Information (RFI) documents to its key display suppliers, Samsung Display and LG Display, seeking technical details for developing OLED panels tailored for iMac monitors. The RFI process is an early stage in product development, where companies gather capabilities and feasibility data before finalizing specifications and issuing Requests for Quotation (RFQ).
The proposed specifications for the iMac OLED panels include a 24-inch size – aligning with the current entry-level iMac – with a target brightness of 600 nits and a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch (PPI). For comparison, today’s iMac models use LCD panels with 500 nits brightness while maintaining the same 218 PPI, offering a noticeable upgrade in peak luminance for better HDR performance and visibility in bright environments.
Supplier Responses and Technology Choices
Both Samsung Display and LG Display are preparing responses based on their large-area OLED technologies that avoid the use of Fine Metal Mask (FMM), a patterning method commonly used in smaller RGB OLED panels but challenging to scale for larger sizes.
• Samsung Display is likely to propose its QD-OLED (Quantum Dot-OLED) technology, which uses blue OLED emitters combined with quantum dot color conversion layers. For this project, Samsung is expected to highlight a 5-stack structure (B-B-G-B-G), adding an extra green layer to the existing 4-stack design for improved brightness efficiency.
• LG Display plans to leverage its W-OLED (White-OLED) approach, featuring white emitters paired with RGBW color filters. Similarly, LG is considering a 5-stack configuration (B-G-B-R-G) to boost brightness by incorporating an additional green layer. LG is also exploring a shift from its current bottom-emission structure to top-emission, which could enhance the aperture ratio and overall light efficiency.
Apple’s ideal preference is for true RGB OLED, where red, green, and blue subpixels are independently controlled for superior color accuracy and efficiency. However, stable mass production of RGB OLED without FMM remains underdeveloped for displays in the 20-30 inch range. Current RGB OLED with FMM is primarily limited to smartphone (6-7 inch) and smaller tablet/laptop (10-inch) screens.In the short term, both suppliers will rely on their established large-OLED platforms (QD-OLED and W-OLED), while pursuing longer-term research into viable RGB OLED solutions for mid-sized panels.
Challenges and Timeline
Developing OLED for a 24-inch monitor presents unique hurdles compared to smaller IT devices. Samsung Display, for instance, has an 8th-generation IT OLED line set to begin mass production next year, initially focused on 14-inch and 16-inch panels for MacBooks. Scaling to 24 inches requires additional advancements.
Emerging FMM-free technologies are also in play: LG Display is testing its “eLeap” process, and Samsung Display has invested in similar R&D equipment from Applied Materials.
Apple aims to finalize iMac OLED panel development between 2027 and 2028, with full product launches likely following thereafter. This timeline aligns with Apple’s broader transition to OLED across its device ecosystem, including rumored OLED MacBooks and iPads in the coming years.
MacDailyNews Take: This move underscores Apple’s push toward premium display technologies, promising deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and higher contrast ratios for which OLED is renowned – potentially transforming the iMac into an even more appealing choice for creative professionals and everyday users alike.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple kicks off development of OLED panels for future iMac models appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple TV unveils first look at ‘Imperfect Women’ created by Annie Weisman
Apple TV on Thursday unveiled the first look at “Imperfect Women,” the new psychological thriller starring and executive produced by Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Shining Girls,” “Mad Men”) and Kerry Washington (“Scandal,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” “UnPrisoned”), and created for television by Annie Weisman (“Physical,” “Based on a True Story”), who also serves as showrunner. The eight-episode series will make its global debut on Apple TV with the first two episodes on Wednesday, March 18, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through April 29.
Based on Araminta Hall’s novel of the same name, “Imperfect Women” examines a crime that shatters the lives of three women in a decades-long friendship. The unconventional thriller explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that irrevocably alter our lives. As the investigation unravels, so does the truth about how even the closest friendships may not be what they seem.
The ensemble cast starring alongside Emmy Award winners Moss and Washington includes Kate Mara (“House of Cards,” “The Martian”), Joel Kinnaman (“For All Mankind”), Corey Stoll (“House of Cards”), Leslie Odom Jr. (“Hamilton,” “Central Park”), Audrey Zahn (“Wildcat”), Jill Wagner (“Special Ops: Lioness”), Rome Flynn (“With Love”), Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”), Violette Linnz (“Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty“), Indiana Elle (“The Housemaid”), Jackson Kelly (“The Pitt”), Keith Carradine (“Madam Secretary”), Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) and Wilson Bethel (“All Rise”).
“Imperfect Women” is a co-production between 20th Television – the television studio arm of 20th Century Studios, owned by Disney Television Studios, a division of the Disney Entertainment business segment of the Walt Disney Company – and Apple Studios. Weisman serves as showrunner, marking her latest collaboration with Apple TV following the critically acclaimed dramedy “Physical.” The limited series is executive produced by Moss and Lindsey McManus, who initially optioned the book via their production company Love & Squalor Pictures. Washington executive produces for Simpson Street alongside Pilar Savone. Author Hall serves as executive producer along with writer Kay Oyegun. Lesli Linka Glatter (“Homeland,” “Love & Death”) serves as director and executive producer of the first episode.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 662 wins and 3,006 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a ltv.apple.com,imited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple TV unveils first look at ‘Imperfect Women’ created by Annie Weisman appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple TV expands ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ universe with new spin-off series starring Wyatt Russell
Apple TV on Thursday announced the expansion of Legendary’s Monsterverse with a thrilling new untitled Young Lee Shaw prequel starring Wyatt Russell reprising his role as Colonel Lee Shaw. Emmy Award-nominated screenwriter and producer Joby Harold has been tapped to showrun. Under a newly announced overall deal with Legendary, Harold will also oversee Legendary’s entire Monsterverse franchise for Apple TV, featuring both new and fan-favorite Titans.
Starring and executive produced by Russell, the spinoff series will follow the story of Colonel Lee Shaw, an American operative who, in 1984, went on a secret mission behind enemy lines in an attempt to stop the Soviets from unleashing a horrific new Titan big enough to destroy the U.S. and turn the tide of the Cold War.
The untitled Young Lee Shaw spinoff joins Apple’s expanding slate of original series hailing from Legendary Entertainment’s Monsterverse, including the broadly acclaimed, global hit series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” on which Harold is also an executive producer. “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” returns for its highly anticipated second season on February 27, 2026.
The new prequel series is executive produced by Harold and Tory Tunnell for Safehouse Pictures, alongside Russell, Chris Black, Kyle Bradstreet, Alex Boden, Max Borenstein and Andy Goddard, and is produced by Kei Banno, Brian Rogers and Kenji Okuhira. Hiro Matsuoka and Takemasa Arita executive produce on behalf of Toho Co., Ltd., the owner of the Godzilla character. Toho licensed the rights for “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” to Legendary as a natural byproduct of their long-term relationship with the film franchise.
“Viewers around the world haven’t been able to get enough of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ since its global debut, and we cannot wait to unleash the electrifying new stories that Joby and the entire cast and creative team have been working on,” said Morgan Wandell, head of international content development for Apple TV, in a statement. “With Joby at the helm, and alongside our terrific partners at Legendary, this new spinoff will kick off an epic Monsterverse expansion that brings audiences even closer to their favorite Titans along with fantastic character-driven storytelling.”
“I could not feel more privileged to be a part of building out this wildly iconic universe,” said Harold in a statement. “Apple and Legendary have been exemplary partners throughout this process, and we will continue to bring these Titans of cinematic history to audiences with the reverence they deserve.”
“Joby is a remarkable storyteller with a deep understanding of what makes the Monsterverse resonate with fans globally,” said Jason Clodfelter, president and managing director at Legendary Television, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring him and Safehouse Pictures into a broader partnership alongside Apple, marking an exciting new era for the franchise.”
Legendary’s Monsterverse is an expansive cross-platform story universe centered on humanity’s battle to survive in a world facing a catastrophic new reality — the monsters of our myths and legends are real. Beginning with the “Godzilla” film in 2014 and continuing through 2017’s “Kong: Skull Island,” 2019’s “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” 2021’s “Godzilla vs. Kong,” and most recently, the record-breaking “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” the franchise’s highest-grossing installment and the highest-grossing Godzilla film of all time, along with the eagerly anticipated sequel “Godzilla x Kong: Supernova,” which is set to release in 2027, the Monsterverse has accumulated over $2.5B at the global box office and expanded into the highly successful event series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” for Apple TV. Including an interconnected world of video games, graphic novels, toys and live experiences, the Monsterverse represents epic entertainment on the largest possible scale.
Harold’s first foray into television was writing and executive producing “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” which was nominated for five Emmys and broke records for the service on its premiere. Harold has a notable history of writing and producing massive tentpoles and franchises, including “Edge of Tomorrow,” the “John Wick” franchise, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “The Flash” and others.
Catch up on the first season of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” now streaming globally on Apple TV, ahead of the season two premiere.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 662 wins and 3,006 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a ltv.apple.com,imited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple TV expands ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ universe with new spin-off series starring Wyatt Russell appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple announces changes to iOS in Japan
Apple has introduced updates to iOS apps in Japan in response to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). These changes provide developers with additional ways to distribute applications via alternative marketplaces and handle payments for digital goods outside of Apple’s In-App Purchase system. Apple has prioritized implementing protections to mitigate the increased privacy and security risks posed by these regulatory requirements, aiming to maintain a secure experience for Japanese users.
The MSCA mandates support for alternative distribution and payment methods, which could introduce risks such as malware, scams, fraud, and inappropriate content. In collaboration with Japanese authorities, Apple has added measures like app Notarization, marketplace authorization, and specific safeguards for minors to counter these threats.
Although these steps help limit risks, they do not fully eliminate them. Apple remains committed to working with regulators to further strengthen user protections on iOS.
Developers can access details on these new features through the Apple Developer Support page and begin implementation with the iOS 26.2 update available today.
New Options for App Distribution on iOS in JapanThe App Store continues to offer the most secure and reliable way for users in Japan to find and install apps, with comprehensive reviews ensuring high standards for privacy, security, and age-appropriate content.
Under the MSCA, developers now have the choice to distribute iOS apps through authorized alternative marketplaces. These marketplaces must receive Apple’s approval and adhere to ongoing standards, but apps installed from them will lack the full protections of the App Store Review process, potentially exposing users to greater risks of fraud, scams, or harmful content.
To address some of these concerns, Apple is applying Notarization—a review combining automated and human checks—to all iOS apps, verifying basic functionality and screening for malware. This is less rigorous than full App Store Review.
More information for developers on alternative marketplaces is available on the Apple Developer Support page.
New Payment Options in App Store AppsUsers in Japan can still rely on Apple In-App Purchase for secure transactions, refunds, subscription management, and purchase history within the App Store.
To meet MSCA requirements, developers can now integrate alternative payment methods or direct users to external websites for transactions in their App Store-distributed apps. These options must be shown alongside Apple In-App Purchase for transparency.
Transactions via alternative methods reduce Apple’s ability to provide support, refunds, or fraud protection, and may require sharing payment details with third parties, increasing privacy risks.
Updated Business Terms for iOS Apps in JapanApple has revised its terms to account for the new distribution and payment options, ensuring compensation for the value provided to developers regardless of their use of the App Store or In-App Purchase.
Key changes include:
- App Store commission: Reduced to 10% (or 21%) for most developers on digital goods transactions.
- Apple payment processing fee: Additional 5% for using In-App Purchase.
- Store services commission: 15% (or reduced rates) for external website transactions linked from apps.
- Core Technology Commission: 5% for apps distributed outside the App Store on digital sales.
Overall, developers selling digital goods in Japan will pay the same or less under these terms.
Protections for Children’s Online SafetyApple emphasizes child safety features in the App Store, including age ratings and parental controls. The new options may heighten risks for minors, such as exposure to inappropriate content.
Specific safeguards include restrictions on external transaction links in Kids category apps, parental gates for users under 18, and prohibitions on web links for transactions in apps for users under 13. Apple is also developing APIs for parental monitoring of alternative payments.
Additional iOS UpdatesiOS 26.2 introduces user choice screens for browsers and search engines, default controls for navigation and marketplaces, support for alternative browser engines, side-button access for voice apps, and interoperability requests.
MacDailyNews Note: Detailed developer resources are available on the Apple Developer Support page.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple announces changes to iOS in Japan appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Stock futures jump after better-than-expected inflation data
U.S. stock futures climbed on Thursday following the release of cooler-than-expected November inflation data. The Consumer Price Index report — the first published since congressional Democrats’ lengthy government shutdown concluded last month — revealed a headline year-over-year inflation rate of 2.7%, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Core CPI, stripping out volatile food and energy prices, rose 2.6% annually, the slowest pace since early 2021. This came in well below economists’ forecasts from Dow Jones, which had anticipated 3.1% for headline CPI and 3.0% for the core measure.
Meanwhile, initial unemployment claims fell to 224,000, slightly below estimates. They were expected to fall to 225,000 from 236,000 in the previous week.
MacDailyNews Take: Bodes well for Apple and likely adds pressure on the Fed to cut interest rates again in January by at least a quarter point.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Stock futures jump after better-than-expected inflation data appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Morgan Stanley sees Apple moving from AI laggard to leader in 2026
In a bullish move for Apple investors, Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring on Wednesday, reiterated an overweight rating on AAPL stock while hiking the price target from $305 to $315, citing the company’s potential transition from AI laggard to industry leader starting in 2026—driven by an anticipated Siri overhaul leveraging advanced on-device AI capabilities.
Patrick Seitz for Investor’s Business Daily:
“Apple will become a leading distributor of AI technologies with a Siri re-release in spring 2026,” Woodring said in a client note. Apple’s upgraded Siri digital assistant likely will use Alphabet’s (GOOGL) Google Gemini AI models, he said. News reports point to a March or April launch for the new Siri.
“With this update, we expect Apple to deliver on the long-promised functionality of leveraging users’ on-device information/data, such as Siri’s ability to ‘understand and take action with things on your screen,'” Woodring said.
Further, the company’s Apple Intelligence initiative should accelerate iPhone replacement cycles, Woodring said. He estimates more than 550 million iPhones in use will be unable to run Apple Intelligence exiting fiscal 2026.
In early 2027, Apple might introduce a paid tier for its Apple Intelligence offering with more agentic AI capabilities, Woodring said.
“While AI monetization has likely been in Apple’s future pipeline, we do not expect a paid subscription for a smarter Siri in spring 2026,” he said. “Near-term priorities will center on driving adoption, enhancing the user experience, and positioning Apple as a leading AI distributor.”
MacDailyNews Note: Morgan Stanley’s Woodring reiterated his “Overweight” (Buy) rating on Apple stock and raised his price target to $315 from $305.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Morgan Stanley sees Apple moving from AI laggard to leader in 2026 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Jefferies boosts Apple price target citing resilience to cost pressures
Investment firm Jefferies has increased its price target for Apple to $283.36 from $246.99, according to a new research note. The firm maintained its Hold rating on the stock, signaling a cautious but optimistic outlook.
At the time of the update, Apple’s shares were trading around $274.62, meaning the new target implies a modest potential upside of approximately 3%.
Analysts at Jefferies highlighted Apple’s strong positioning against rising memory costs, largely thanks to the company’s premium pricing strategy and high average selling price (ASP). This buffer has helped sustain a healthy gross profit margin of 46.91% over the trailing twelve months.
Looking ahead, Jefferies’ proprietary forecasting model anticipates some challenges in calendar year 2026, including a 3% decline in sales volume and a 2 percentage point compression in gross margins. The firm also projects an roughly 8% drop in volume for that year, attributed primarily to shifts in product launch schedules.
To counter these headwinds, Jefferies is modeling a $100 increase in the ASP for the anticipated iPhone 18 model, which it expects will help mitigate any downward pressure on margins.
In a positive adjustment, the firm raised its iPhone unit sales estimates for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 by 7% and for the full fiscal year 2026 by 3%. Additionally, Jefferies now incorporates a foldable iPhone into its projections starting in fiscal year 2027, reflecting long-term innovation potential.
The analysts’ earnings per share forecast for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 stands 6% above street consensus. Overall, the discounted cash flow valuation underpinning the new price target represents a 15% increase from prior assumptions.
MacDailyNews Take: While the Hold rating suggests limited near-term catalysts for significant outperformance, Jefferies’ upward, and rather precise, price target move underscores confidence in Apple’s ability to navigate industry cost pressures through pricing power and strategic product evolution.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Jefferies boosts Apple price target citing resilience to cost pressures appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple releases first iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS 26.3 public betas
Apple has rolled out the first public betas of iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.3, making these upcoming updates available to enrolled beta testers just days after seeding the initial developer versions.
The public betas, released on December 17, 2025, allow anyone signed up through Apple’s Beta Software Program to test the software on their devices. These builds align closely with the developer betas introduced earlier in the week, focusing primarily on refinements rather than major overhauls, as the testing period spans the holiday season.
Key Changes in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3
The iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 public betas introduce a couple of notable user-facing improvements:
• Simpler Data Transfer to Android: Apple has added a more straightforward process for iPhone users switching to an Android device, enabling easier migration of data when moving platforms.
• Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Wearables (EU Only): In compliance with European Union regulations, a new feature allows notifications to be forwarded from an iPhone to compatible third-party wearable devices.
No additional new features have been discovered in the iPadOS 26.3 beta so far, and the updates for tvOS 26.3 and watchOS 26.3 — also available in public beta — similarly show no significant changes at this early stage.
macOS Tahoe 26.3: A Quiet UpdateThe macOS Tahoe 26.3 public beta appears to be particularly light on visible changes. Early analysis indicates very few user-facing or under-the-hood modifications, suggesting Apple’s primary focus here is on stability improvements and bug fixes ahead of more substantial updates in future releases, such as macOS 26.4.
How to Install the Public Betas
To participate:
• Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com.
• On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update, then select the beta option.
• On Mac: Open System Settings > General > Software Update, click the info icon next to Beta Updates, and choose the macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta.
MacDailyNews Note: The final versions of these updates are expected to launch to the public around the end of January 2026, following additional beta testing. As with any beta software, users should proceed with caution, as it may contain bugs or instability.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple releases first iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS 26.3 public betas appeared first on MacDailyNews.