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Zoë Kravitz set to star in untitled Apple TV original movie from Megan Park

Tue, 2026-06-02 07:05

Apple TV has announced that Zoë Kravitz will star in a new untitled original movie directed by Megan Park.

The news comes directly from Apple TV’s official account on X, confirming Kravitz as the lead in the project.

Megan Park's next film has found its lead.

Zoë Kravitz will star in a new Apple Original Film from DGA and WGA Award-nominated writer and director Megan Park and LuckyChap.#AppleTV pic.twitter.com/SqImY12gX7

— Apple TV (@AppleTV) June 1, 2026

Park, the writer-director known for The Fallout and the 2024 hit My Old Ass, is helming the film. LuckyChap Entertainment — the production company co-founded by Margot Robbie — is producing, marking their second collaboration with Park following My Old Ass.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Apple Original Films secured the project after winning a competitive bidding war against major studios including Warner Bros., Sony, Universal, Amazon, and Netflix. Park will also executive produce.

Plot details are still under wraps, but the story is described as having tones of Big Daddy and Stepmom. It follows a woman who discovers her boyfriend has a secret wife and children when they show up unexpectedly at her doorstep. She is suddenly thrust into a caregiving role, leading to tension and unexpected bonds.

This project reunites Kravitz with Apple TV after her recent role in the Seth Rogen comedy series The Studio. As the film remains in early development, no release date or information on a potential theatrical rollout has been shared yet.

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 tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.


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Katey Sagal joins Elizabeth Banks, Ted Danson in untitled Apple TV comedy series

Tue, 2026-06-02 06:00
Apple won in the Comedy, Documentary and Commercial categories at the 78th Annual Directors Guild Awards.

Katey Sagal has joined the cast of the untitled Apple TV comedy series from Liz Heldens and Matt Ward, Variety has learned exclusively.

She will star alongside previously announced lead Elizabeth Banks, as well as Ted Danson and Rob Delaney.

Joe Otterson for Variety:

The logline for the show states, “Fresh off a messy divorce, Heidi (Banks) sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids. But when she stumbles into coordinating her father’s (Danson) retirement community sexcapades, Heidi is forced into an unlikely alliance with his girlfriend’s perpetually single son.”

“Sagal will play Mavis, described as Heidi’s dad’s new girlfriend.

Sagal recently appeared in Season 2 of the Netflix live-action version of “One Piece” as Dr. Kureha. Other recent roles include “The Conners,” “Rebel,” “The Abandons,” “Shameless,” and “Superior Donuts.” She is also known for her Golden Globe-winning role in the FX series “Sons of Anarchy” as well as her roles in the hit shows “Futurama” and “Married…With Children.” In film, she is known for starring in features like Trust,” “Bleed for This,” “Pitch Perfect 2” and “The Good Mother.”


MacDailyNews Take: We have to:


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Apple preps smart bill-splitting in Apple Cash for iOS 27 and watchOS 27: Snap a receipt photo and let AI handle the math

Tue, 2026-06-02 05:07

Apple is set to make splitting group bills easier than ever with a major new feature coming to Apple Cash in iOS 27 and watchOS 27. According to Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman, the upcoming tool will let users simply photograph a receipt, assign individual items to different people, and automatically generate payment requests — all within the familiar Apple Cash ecosystem.

This marks the latest expansion of Apple’s push into everyday financial services. The feature directly challenges popular third-party apps like Splitwise, Venmo, and others by integrating seamless receipt scanning and item-level splitting right into iOS and watchOS. No more manual math or awkward “who owes what” conversations after dinner — just snap, assign, and send.

How It’s Expected to Work

• Photograph a Receipt: Use the iPhone or Apple Watch camera to capture the bill.

• Assign Items: Tap or select items on the digitized receipt and assign them to specific participants (including tax and tip distribution).

• Generate Requests: Apple Cash will calculate shares and send personalized payment requests via Messages or directly through the Wallet app.

• Cross-Device Support: Deep integration with both iOS 27 on iPhone and watchOS 27 on Apple Watch for on-the-go convenience.

The move builds on Apple’s growing financial toolkit, which already includes Apple Pay, Apple Card, and Apple Cash peer-to-peer payments. By adding intelligent receipt parsing (likely powered by on-device AI and vision capabilities introduced in recent iOS updates), Apple is positioning Apple Cash as a more comprehensive daily money management tool.

While details are still under wraps and the feature is in development (per people familiar with the plans, according to Gurman), it’s expected to debut alongside other iOS 27 enhancements later this year. This could be particularly popular for families, roommates, group outings, and business expense sharing.

MacDailyNews Take: Apple has been steadily expanding its services revenue, and any features increase engagement with Apple Cash could drive further growth in transaction volume and user stickiness within the ecosystem.


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Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.5.1

Tue, 2026-06-02 04:00
macOS Tahoe 26.5.1

Apple today pushed out macOS Tahoe 26.5.1, a minor point release that targets a specific but potentially disruptive bug affecting enterprise users with M5-equipped Macs.

The update arrives just three weeks after the release of macOS Tahoe 26.5 and focuses narrowly on stability rather than new features.

What’s Fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.5.1

According to Apple’s release notes, the update resolves an issue where certain Macs with the M5 chip could experience unexpected shutdowns when using specific content filtering network extensions. This problem was particularly relevant for enterprise environments that rely on such extensions for security and compliance.

This update addresses an issue for enterprise users where Macs with an M5 chip could unexpectedly shut down when using certain content filtering network extensions. – Apple Inc.

While the fix is narrow in scope, it’s an important one for IT departments managing fleets of M5 Macs in corporate or educational settings.

How to Update

Eligible Mac users can download and install macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 through the standard Software Update mechanism:

  1. Open System Settings
  2. Navigate to General > Software Update
  3. The update should appear and can be installed directly

As with any update, we recommend backing up your Mac with Time Machine before proceeding.

MacDailyNews Note: macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 is a quick follow-up to the broader 26.5 update released in mid-May. With WWDC 2026 kicking off on June 8th, Apple is expected to unveil macOS 27 during the keynote, bringing the next wave of major features and refinements to the platform.

For now, 26.5.1 serves as a timely stability patch for affected M5 users while the broader macOS development cycle continues at full speed.


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Apple releases iOS 26.5.1 for iPhone

Tue, 2026-06-02 03:48
Apple’s iOS 26.5.1

Apple has just pushed out iOS 26.5.1, a minor point release that arrives less than three weeks after the debut of iOS 26.5. As expected, this update focuses primarily on bug fixes, security improvements, and addressing early user-reported issues from the previous build.

What’s New in iOS 26.5.1

While Apple’s official release notes are characteristically brief—describing it as “improvements and bug fixes”—reports from users and developers indicate several targeted refinements:

• Stability and performance tweaks: Fixes for occasional app crashes, especially in Messages, Safari, and Apple Intelligence features.
Battery life optimizations: Addresses lingering reports of higher-than-normal drain on certain iPhone models following the iOS 26.5 update.

This update addresses an issue for a small number of users that may prevent wired charging on iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models when the battery is nearly drained. – Apple Inc

• Security patches: Includes important security updates. As always, Apple recommends installing promptly.

• Minor UI polish: Small refinements to the new Liquid Glass interface elements introduced in iOS 26, improving responsiveness in animations and control center interactions.

• Bug fixes for CarPlay and Apple Watch connectivity: Resolves connectivity hiccups reported by some users after the prior update.

How to Update

The iOS 26.5.1 update is available now over-the-air for all compatible devices:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

  2. Download and install when prompted (approximately 400–600 MB depending on your device; size can vary slightly depending on whether a user is jumping directly from 26.5 or a slightly older build).

As with any update, it’s wise to back up your iPhone via iCloud or a computer beforehand.

MacDailyNews Take: No major new features are included — this is a classic maintenance release designed to smooth out the experience ahead of the anticipated iOS 26.6 update, which is already in early testing.


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Siri’s big revamp could supercharge Apple stock next week

Tue, 2026-06-02 03:01

Apple is expected to reveal updates across its operating systems next week, a development that could help the company close the gap with rivals in artificial intelligence, according to Citi analysts.

The investment bank maintained its Buy rating and $315 price target on Apple stock in a new research note. The endorsement arrives just ahead of the company’s week-long Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off on June 8th.

Nate Wolf for Barron’s:

The headline next week will—analysts believe—be Apple’s long-overdue revamp of its digital assistant, Siri. Citi expects a new Siri app to resemble something like OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot while also serving as an AI assistant across applications on Apple’s operating systems.

“Siri will handle multi-step requests, understand personal data, analyze on-screen content, generate emails or messages using both web and device context, and surface rich card-based results for everything from news to calendar data, while also completing actions across apps and shortcuts,” predicted Citi analyst Atif Malik.

Apple will pair that overhaul with deeper AI integration across its Mac, iPad, and iPhone operating systems, Citi said…

“Edge AI has not yet taken off, but its long-term potential is substantial as consumers and enterprises increasingly prioritize low-latency, privacy-preserving, and cost-efficient AI experiences over cloud dependence,” Malik wrote. “We believe a meaningfully upgraded Siri will be a key to unlock the potential.”


MacDailyNews Take: Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani in May predicted that Apple would merely preview its AI updates at WWDC before releasing the revamped Siri in the fall. Daryanani reiterated an “Outperform” (Buy) rating and increased Evercore’s price target on Apple to $365 from $330.


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Apple’s iPhone in prime position to take smartphone market share from rivals – Counterpoint

Tue, 2026-06-02 02:00
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro

The global smartphone industry is heading into one of its toughest years on record, but not so for iPhone. According to Counterpoint Research’s latest analysis, 2026 smartphone shipments are projected to post the worst annual decline in history, hammered by a severe memory crisis (DRAM and NAND shortages) and escalating geopolitical shocks.

Yet amid the downturn, one company stands out as remarkably well-positioned: Apple.

A brutal year ahead for the broader market

Counterpoint forecasts sharp pressure across the industry in 2026. Memory component shortages — driven by prioritization of AI data center demand over consumer electronics — are squeezing OEM margins and forcing price increases or production cuts, especially in entry- and mid-range segments. Geopolitical tensions, higher logistics costs, and cautious consumer sentiment are compounding the pain, pushing buyers toward refurbished devices rather than new purchases.

Many Android-focused brands, heavily exposed to price-sensitive segments, are expected to suffer disproportionately as they grapple with rising bills of materials and weaker demand.

Apple’s insulated premium fortress

Apple, by contrast, is far better equipped to weather the storm. Its ultra-premium positioning, highly integrated supply chain, and strong ecosystem give it significant advantages:

• Resilience to memory constraints: Apple’s flagship iPhones command higher prices and benefit from proactive supply chain management, allowing the company to secure components more effectively than volume-driven competitors.

• Sustained demand: Strong ongoing interest in the iPhone 17 series, aggressive trade-in programs, and ecosystem lock-in continue to drive upgrades even in a softer macro environment.

• Recent momentum as proof: In Q1 2026, Apple led global smartphone shipments for the first time in a post-holiday quarter, capturing 21% market share with 5% YoY growth—outperforming a market that fell 6% overall.

Counterpoint specifically notes that iPhone shipments are forecast to remain broadly flat in 2026 (a strong outcome relative to the industry decline), before returning to growth of around 5% in 2027. This stability positions Apple to gain share as rivals cut back or struggle with costs.

Strategic edges in key markets

Apple has shown particular strength in important regions. It posted notable gains in China, India, Japan, and other Asia-Pacific markets earlier in the year, bucking broader weakness. In the U.S., iPhone sales also grew while the overall market declined. These results highlight effective strategies (including targeted promotions and trade-ins) that resonate with consumers even when budgets are tight.

As the memory crunch persists potentially into late 2027, many competitors will likely prioritize higher-margin configurations, streamline lineups, and lean more heavily on refurbished sales. Apple’s ability to maintain relatively stable volumes while others contract creates a clear opportunity for market share gains, likely solidifying its lead as the top smartphone vendor.



MacDailyNews Take: Once again, Apple’s premium focus and operational strengths are turning headwinds into tailwinds. The iPhone isn’t just holding steady; it’s poised to capture more of the smartphone pie.


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Apple TV celebrates ‘Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed’ at ATX TV Festival

Tue, 2026-06-02 01:00
Jake Johnson, Jessy Hodges, Tatiana Maslany, Brandon Flynn and Murray Bartlett attend the special screening of Apple TV’s darkly comedic thriller “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” at ATX TV Festival at the State Theatre on May 30, 2026, in Austin, Texas. “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” is now streaming globally on Apple TV.

On Saturday, May 30, at ATX TV Festival, Apple TV celebrated the critically acclaimed, darkly comedic thriller “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” with a special screening and panel at the State Theatre in Austin, Texas. Since its global debut on May 20, the half-hour, 10-episode season currently boasts a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes with critics hailing it as “addictive,” “wickedly funny” and “a dizzying, adrenaline-fueled ride.” New episodes premiere every Wednesday through July 15 on Apple TV.

The series follows newly divorced mom Paula (Tatiana Maslany) as she falls down a dangerous rabbit hole of blackmail, murder, and youth soccer. Convinced she witnessed a crime – while simultaneously struggling through a custody battle and an identity crisis – Paula begins her own investigation, one that could unravel a greater conspiracy while also holding the keys to rebuilding her family and sense of self.

Attendees included stars Emmy Award winner Tatiana Maslany (“Orphan Black,” “The Monkey”), Jake Johnson (“Mythic Quest,” “New Girl”), Jessy Hodges (“Barry”), Brandon Flynn (“13 Reasons Why”), Murray Bartlett (“The Last of Us,” “The White Lotus”) and creator and showrunner David J. Rosen (“Sugar,” “Hunters”), who participated in a panel discussion moderated by Samantha Highfill, executive editor at Entertainment Weekly, following a screening of episodes 103 and 104.

In addition to Maslany, Jake Johnson, Jessy Hodges, Brandon Flynn, and Murray Bartlett, the series also stars Jon Michael Hill (“Elementary”), Charlie Hall (“The Sex Lives of College Girls,” “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”), Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg (“Charmed,” “Invasion”), Nola Wallace (The Strangers: Chapter 2, The Strangers: Chapter 3) and Dolly de Leon (“Nine Perfect Strangers,” “Triangle of Sadness”).

Hailing from Apple Studios and Counterpart Studios, the series is written and executive produced by creator and showrunner David J. Rosen, and directed and executive produced by David Gordon Green (“Nutcrackers,” “Mythic Quest,” “The Righteous Gemstones”). The series is also developed by and executive produced by Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon for Genre Films and Bard Dorros for Anonymous Content.

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 830 wins and 3,557 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.

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 tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.


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New Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini ready for fall launch (waiting on LLM Siri); iOS 28 work underway as ‘Bell’

Tue, 2026-06-02 00:00
Apple’s current Apple TV 4K and its Siri Remote

In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman reveals that refreshed versions of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini have been ready for months — and are already being used internally at Apple Park — but the company is holding them back until the long-awaited LLM Siri overhaul arrives in iOS 27 this fall.

Don’t expect radical redesigns. The updates are primarily about newer processors to better support Apple Intelligence and the more capable Siri experience. The Apple TV could see a small Siri Remote tweak, while the HomePod mini gets a chip bump (likely S9-class) for improved on-device AI performance. Both were originally slated to ship earlier but were delayed in tandem with Siri’s development.

On the software front, Gurman notes that the iOS 27 Siri app will gain iCloud syncing across devices, making the assistant more seamless in the ecosystem. Meanwhile, Apple has kicked off early development on the next round: iOS 28 / iPadOS 28 (codenamed Bell) and macOS 28 (Poppy), internally dubbed “Boppy.” These 2027 releases are expected to be far more substantial than this year’s updates.

This fits Apple’s pattern of tightly integrating hardware refreshes with major software leaps — especially around AI. With Apple’s smart glasses pushed to late 2027 (aiming to disrupt the entire eyewear market like the Watch did), the company is clearly focusing on polishing its core lineup and home ecosystem in the nearer term.

MacDailyNews Take: These modest, but timely, updates could be the start of Apple breathing new life into its moribund living room and smart home offerings.


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Apple TV’s ‘Shrinking’ season four adds Karen Gillan to its star-studded ensemble

Fri, 2026-05-29 05:15
Karen Gillan

Apple TV continues to build momentum with its hit dramedy “Shrinking,” announcing today that Scottish actress Karen Gillan has joined the cast for Season 4 in a recurring role.

Shrinking's circle is expanding.

Karen Gillan officially joins the cast of #Shrinking Season 4. pic.twitter.com/eU03KDBhKB

— Apple TV (@AppleTV) May 28, 2026

The news comes hot on the heels of the show’s renewal and promises to expand the already impressive ensemble led by Jason Segel and Harrison Ford.

Details about Gillan’s character remain tightly under wraps, as is typical for the series. According to Variety, which first broke the casting news, her role is recurring, but no further plot specifics have been revealed.

This addition arrives as “Shrinking” prepares for a fresh chapter. Co-creator Bill Lawrence has confirmed that the full main cast — including Segel, Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, and the rest of the ensemble — is returning. Season 4 will feature a time jump and an entirely new storyline, kicking off a planned multi-season arc.

A premiere is expected in early-to-mid 2027.

Who Is Karen Gillan?

Fans will recognize Karen Gillan from a string of high-profile roles:

• Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and Avengers films)

• The Jumanji reboot films alongside Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart

• Her breakout TV role as the companion Amy Pond in Doctor Who

Gillan brings a perfect mix of dramatic depth and comedic timing that could fit beautifully into Shrinking’s heartfelt, therapy-centered world.

Shrinking has become one of Apple TV’s standout comedies, blending laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional weight. Adding a talent like Gillan signals the streamer’s continued commitment to quality storytelling and big-name draws.

With production on the new 12-episode season gearing up soon, anticipation is already building. Will Gillan’s character become a new patient, a love interest, a colleague, or something entirely unexpected? We’ll have to wait for more clues as filming progresses.

MacDailyNews Take: If you haven’t caught up with “Shrinking,” now’s the perfect time to binge Seasons 1–3 on Apple TV+ before the time jump shakes things up.


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Apple seeds first developer betas of iOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6, and companion OS updates

Fri, 2026-05-29 04:05

Apple has kicked off the next round of software testing for its current-generation operating systems with the company releasing the first developer betas of iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6, and updates for watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

This follows the recent public release of the .5 versions (around mid-May), keeping the update cadence on track as Apple prepares for iOS 27 and related announcements likely at WWDC in early June.

What’s New (or Not) in These Betas?

As is typical for these point releases late in a major version’s lifecycle, expectations are modest. Apple’s release notes for iOS/iPadOS 26.6 and macOS Tahoe 26.6 contain no major new features listed, pointing instead to bug fixes, performance improvements, security enhancements, and under-the-hood refinements.

• iOS 26.6 / iPadOS 26.6 (Build 23G5028e): Focus on stability. One notable discovery in the beta is a previously undocumented limit on blocked contacts (reportedly in the thousands, varying by device), which surfaces a clear message when reached. This is likely a performance safeguard for call handling.

• macOS Tahoe 26.6 (Build 25G5028f): Described by early testers as a “quiet cleanup update.” No flashy changes reported yet.

• Other platforms: watchOS 26.6 (23U5025e), tvOS 26.6 (23L5729e), and visionOS 26.6 (23O5728e) round out the release.

Early feedback suggests smoother performance in some cases, but these are early builds — expect the usual mix of minor regressions that get ironed out over subsequent betas.

Developer vs. Public Beta: Timeline

These initial releases are available only to registered Apple Developers via the developer portal or over-the-air in Settings > General > Software Update.

Public betas typically follow within a week or two. Public Beta Program members can enroll or check for updates at beta.apple.com. As always, beta software carries risks — install on secondary devices if possible.

How to Install (Developer Beta)

Ensure you have a compatible device and sufficient storage (betas can require 15–20+ GB free).

Developers: Download the profile or use the Developer app / Settings.

Back up your device first via iCloud or Finder.

Public Beta users should watch for the update to appear in Software Update shortly after Apple pushes it.

iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and the other “26” OSes launched last fall with features like the “Liquid Glass” design language. The .5 and .6 updates serve as polishing steps before the major iOS 27 release expected this fall. With WWDC approaching, these betas help stabilize the current platform while Apple’s teams finalize next-gen features.

MacDailyNews Note: If you’re on iOS 26.5 / macOS Tahoe 26.5 and everything is running smoothly, there’s no urgent need to jump to the beta unless you want to help test or spot the occasional hidden tweak. For most users, the final public releases of these .6 updates will arrive in the coming weeks as maintenance updates focused on reliability and security.


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Apple’s iPhone sales increase as Android phone sales tumble

Fri, 2026-05-29 02:30
Apple’s iPhone 17

The smartphone industry is facing its toughest year in history, but Apple’s revolutionary iPhone is bucking the trend.

Worldwide smartphone shipments are forecast to plunge 14% in 2026 to just 1.09 billion units, according to IDC — a steeper drop than the firm’s earlier 12.9% projection and the largest annual decline on record.

Yet amid the carnage, iPhone shipments are holding up far better than expected. IDC now projects a relatively modest 5.2% decline for Apple this year, an improvement from its previous forecast of an 8.1% drop. By contrast, Android-powered devices are expected to crater 20% year-over-year.

The result: Apple is gaining market share as the broader industry contracts.

The downturn stems from multiple pressures. Skyrocketing demand for memory chips to build AI data centers has created a severe global shortage, driving up costs for a key smartphone component. Compounding the problem, the U.S.-Iran war has pushed oil prices higher, inflating transportation and logistics expenses for manufacturers.

“Other factors have emerged that are challenging smartphone sales,” wrote Nabila Popal, IDC’s senior research director, in a press release. “The U.S.-Iran war has added a fresh layer of cost pressure for smartphone OEMs, driven by rising oil prices and transportation costs.”

Vendors are responding by cutting shipments, raising prices, and focusing on premium models. That strategy has pushed average selling prices to a record $550 — up $100 from last year.

Apple entered this environment better positioned than its rivals. The company locked in memory supply early, engineered a strong recovery in China, and timed the iPhone 17 lineup to align with consumers in developed markets who are extending replacement cycles but willing to trade up for new features.“

Apple has done three things that few of its competitors have managed,” said Francisco Jeronimo, IDC’s vice president for worldwide client devices, in a statement.

Analysts expect Apple to unveil major AI enhancements at its Worldwide Developers Conference starting June 8th. The company is also widely rumored to launch a premium foldable iPhone later this year. Strong interest in advanced AI capabilities and a significant physical redesign could attract new buyers and prompt upgrades from existing iPhone owners.

Apple shares have risen about 15% so far this year and were up 0.7% Wednesday afternoon, on track to close at another all-time high. In a brutal year for the smartphone market, Apple is once again proving that premium positioning and ecosystem strength deliver results.

MacDailyNews Take: The cream always rises to the top.


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The Guardian reviews Apple’s Studio Display XDR: ‘Exceptionally bright and gorgeous 5K’

Fri, 2026-05-29 02:00
The Studio Display XDR features a Mini-LED backlight. 2304 dimming zones deliver remarkably precise lighting. For deeper blacks, brighter whites, and reduced halo and blooming.

Apple’s all-new Studio Display XDR takes the pro display experience to the next level. Its 27-inch 5K Retina XDR display features an advanced mini-LED backlight with over 2,000 local dimming zones, up to 1000 nits of SDR brightness, and 2000 nits of peak HDR brightness, in addition to a wider color gamut, so content jumps off the screen with breathtaking contrast, vibrancy, and accuracy. With its 120Hz refresh rate, Studio Display XDR is even more responsive to content in motion, and Adaptive Sync dynamically adjusts frame rates for content like video playback or graphically intense games.

Samuel Gibbs for The Guardian:

Apple’s new 27in Studio Display XDR is its best monitor yet, with an exceptionally bright and gorgeous 5K screen that wants to be the pro display for Mac-wielding content creators everywhere, with a price tag to match [starts at US$2,799]…

The star of the show is the super-crisp 27in 5K IPS LCD screen, which has a scaled-up version of the backlight technology used in the MacBook Pro. It is a glorious display with wide viewing angles and a truly vivid picture. Its miniLED backlight has 2,304 dimming zones, which preserve contrast while allowing it to sustain a very bright 1,000 nits for everyday content in bright environments and hit a peak of 2,000 nits for HDR content. It dwarfs Apple’s standard 600 nit displays, which are already brighter than most rivals.

The very high peak brightness also means the XDR does a fantastic job of properly displaying HDR content, whether that’s simply watching a movie or creating one in apps such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe’s Premiere. The high density of dimming zones helps keep shadows and blacks nice and dark in bright scenes by turning off the backlight where it is not needed and controls the blooming “halo” effect around the edges of bright objects with dark backgrounds very well. It is the best miniLED screen you’ll see.

The XDR will work with most modern Macs and many iPads with M-series chips, but Macs require an M4 chip or better to drive the display at 120Hz. The XDR can also be daisy-chained with other displays through the Thunderbolt port, so that you can run multiple monitors from one cable should you need them. Even the MacBook Neo can also be used with it, but only at 4K resolution, not the XDR’s native 5K…

The Studio Display XDR is the best monitor Apple has ever made and is a huge upgrade on its regular Studio Display, offering everything that a high-end Mac user is likely to want… With less bright 5K rivals starting at about the £1,500 mark, Apple’s best display is a glorious super-premium screen that won’t disappoint for the well-heeled Mac user.


MacDailyNews Take: With Apple, you get what you pay for.


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Apple TV unveils trailer for season two of neo-noir detective series ‘Sugar’

Fri, 2026-05-29 01:00
Season two of “Sugar” premieres Friday, June 19th on Apple TV.

Apple TV on Thursday released the trailer for the second season of “Sugar,” the acclaimed neo-noir detective drama starring and executive produced by Colin Farrell. “Sugar” will return for its eight-episode second season on Friday, June 19 on Apple TV with one episode, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday through August 7.

“Sugar” is a contemporary, unique take on one of the most popular and significant genres in literary, motion picture and television history: the private detective story. Season two ushers in the return of Los Angeles’ iconic private detective and film connoisseur John Sugar, played by Farrell, who takes on a new missing persons case — searching for the older brother of an up-and-coming local boxer — all while continuing the search for his beloved missing sister. As the investigation expands into a citywide conspiracy with sinister intentions, Sugar must reckon with himself to answer the question — how far will he go to do what’s right?

In addition to Farrell, the second season of “Sugar” introduces a brand-new cast that includes Jin Ha, Raymond Lee, Tony Dalton, Laura Donnelly and Sasha Calle, along with special guest star Shea Whigham.

Season two of “Sugar” is showrun by Sam Catlin, who also executive produces under his Short Drive Entertainment banner. Audrey Chon and Simon Kinberg also serve as executive producers alongside Farrell, Scott Greenberg and Chip Vucelich. “Sugar” is created by Mark Protosevich.
Hailed as “one of the best neo-noir thrillers in years” with “one of the greatest plot twists in recent TV history,” the complete first season of “Sugar” is now streaming globally on Apple TV.

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 830 wins and 3,550 award nominations and counting including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.

MacDailyNews Take: Looking forward to “Sugar” season two!

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 tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.


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Amazon to acquire Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar as part of $11.6 billion satellite deal

Fri, 2026-05-29 00:00
Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite enables users to message with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Amazon is set to assume Apple’s significant ownership position in satellite provider Globalstar, as part of its massive $11.6 billion acquisition of the company. The move, detailed in a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing, underscores Amazon’s aggressive push into the satellite-to-phone market while maintaining support for Apple’s existing Emergency SOS via satellite feature.

Key Details of the Deal

• Apple’s Stake Transfer: Amazon’s newly created subsidiary, “Grapefruit Acquisition Sub II,” will take over Apple’s full 20% equity and voting interests in Globalstar. Apple originally secured this position in 2024 through a $1 billion investment, paying approximately $400 million for 400,000 Class B shares to support its satellite services.

• Commitment to Apple Users: Despite losing its ownership stake, Apple’s iPhone and Apple Watch users should see continued — and potentially improved — satellite connectivity. Amazon explicitly stated it remains committed to powering and enhancing services like Emergency SOS, which has already saved lives in remote areas without cellular coverage.

Amazon’s Broader Ambitions

Amazon plans to leverage Globalstar to compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile and AST SpaceMobile in the emerging direct-to-device (D2D) satellite market. The company aims to expand beyond Apple-exclusive features to support smartphones and mobile devices across multiple carriers and vendors.

In the FCC filing, Amazon highlighted plans for major upgrades:

• Continuing Globalstar’s C-3 48-satellite constellation.

• Deploying a next-generation “Amazon Leo” D2D satellite constellation.

• Introducing robust voice calls, text, and data services that work with standard 3GPP NTN-compatible phones — no specialized hardware required.

• Improved coverage that penetrates buildings, foliage, and adverse weather better than current systems.

Amazon also mentioned developing specialty phased-array antenna technology optimized for these services in relevant frequency bands.

The deal still requires FCC approval. No timeline has been announced for the full rollout of enhanced services or pricing details.

MacDailyNews Take: This development comes as satellite connectivity evolves rapidly. Apple’s current implementation (powered by Globalstar) provides critical emergency messaging, but has limitations compared to newer SpaceX offerings promising broader data capabilities and higher speeds. Amazon’s investment and technical roadmap could accelerate improvements for iPhone users, potentially bringing voice and expanded data features to future devices.

This acquisition positions Amazon as a major player in the race to eliminate cellular dead zones, while ensuring Apple’s satellite partnership remains intact and potentially stronger under new ownership. It will be interesting to watch how this affects the competitive landscape for Apple device satellite features in the coming years.


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Apple’s iOS 27 previewed in new images: Revamped Siri, pro Camera app, enhanced Photos, and new AI features

Thu, 2026-05-28 23:21

Apple is gearing up for a significant refresh of its software ecosystem with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, and Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman has delivered an exclusive first look at what’s coming. According to Gurman’s latest report, the updates — set to be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference on June 8th — center heavily on a revamped Siri, deeper AI integration, and productivity-focused improvements across core apps like Photos, Camera, and Screenshots.

The images are renders that were created based on information obtained by Bloomberg News.

Renders of Apple’s new Siri app:

A render of Apple’s new “Search or Ask” feature:

A New Era for Siri

The centerpiece of iOS 27 appears to be a major Siri overhaul designed to help Apple stage a comeback in the digital assistant and AI space. Bloomberg’s illustrations, based on internal information, preview a refreshed Siri interface and a new chatbot-style app. Users can expect a more conversational “Search or Ask” experience, with tighter integration into apps like Camera.

This builds on earlier reports from Gurman about a dedicated Siri app and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, positioning Siri as a more capable, context-aware companion.

Pro Camera App and Enhanced Photography Tools

One of the most exciting developments is a pro Camera app (or significantly upgraded Camera interface). The app is expected to include advanced customizable controls, making it more appealing for professional and enthusiast photographers. Siri integration within the Camera app is also highlighted, potentially enabling voice-driven shooting modes and smarter features.

On the editing side, the Photos app is receiving a substantial AI-powered boost. New tools under Apple Intelligence are said to include options to Extend, Enhance, and Reframe images, joining the existing Clean Up feature. These aim to rival advanced editing capabilities on competing platforms.

Screenshots and Other AI Enhancements

The report also teases improvements to Screenshots handling, likely with smarter organization, search, and AI-assisted features for better usability. Additional AI writing tools, grammar assistance, natural language Shortcuts, and more flexible model selection (allowing users to tap into rival AI services) round out the intelligence-focused updates.

MacDailyNews Take: These changes signal Apple’s continued push to embed AI more deeply while focusing on quality and refinement — a “Snow Leopard-like” approach in some respects, but with meaningful new capabilities, the most important of which is LLM Siri. Full details will emerge at WWDC, with public betas likely following in the summer and final releases in the fall.


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Ted Danson to star opposite Elizabeth Banks in new Apple TV comedy

Thu, 2026-05-28 05:30
Apple won in the Comedy, Documentary and Commercial categories at the 78th Annual Directors Guild Awards.

Ted Danson is joining Elizabeth Banks in the new Apple TV comedy series from creators Liz Heldens and Matt Ward, Deadline reports. The series is set to begin production in Los Angeles this year.

:

“In the as-yet-untitled project, fresh off a messy divorce, Heidi (Banks) sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids. But when she stumbles into coordinating her father’s (Danson) retirement community sexcapades, Heidi is forced into an unlikely alliance with his girlfriend’s perpetually single son.

In addition to Banks and Danson, the series regular cast also includes Rob Delaney.

Danson is currently the lead of the Netflix comedy series A Man on the Inside, which was renewed in February for a third season. His work on the new Apple series is not expected to affect his work on A Man on the Inside.


MacDailyNews Take:


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Apple boosts iPhone, iPad, and Mac trade-in values

Thu, 2026-05-28 04:30

Apple has refreshed its U.S. trade-in program, increasing the value of many popular iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. The changes, spotted today, offer better credit toward new purchases — especially helpful if you’re eyeing an upgrade to the latest models.

While not always the highest payout compared to third-party buyers, Apple’s trade-in process remains one of the most convenient: instant credit at purchase, with a prepaid shipping box sent later. These values can change, so act soon if you’re planning an upgrade.

iPhone 16 Lineup Gets Solid Bumps

The biggest gains appear in the current iPhone 16 series, with the base model seeing the largest increase, as first spotted by MacRumors:

Model New Trade-in Value Old Trade-in Value Change iPhone 16 Pro Max $695 $685 +$10 iPhone 16 Pro $560 $550 +$10 iPhone 16 Plus $465 $455 +$10 iPhone 16 $460 $435 +$25

iPad Trade-In Values (Maximums)

Model New Max Value Old Max Value iPad Pro Up to $690 Up to $670 iPad Air Up to $460 Up to $445 iPad Up to $235 Up to $220 iPad mini Up to $265 Up to $250

Mac Trade-In Values (Maximums)

Mac values are mixed—Mac Studio jumps significantly, while higher-end Mac Pro and iMac Pro see small declines.

Model New Max Value Old Max Value MacBook Pro Up to $690 Up to $685 MacBook Air Up to $520 Up to $485 iMac Up to $355 Up to $355 iMac Pro Up to $315 Up to $325 Mac mini Up to $375 Up to $340 Mac Studio Up to $1,045 Up to $975 Mac Pro Up to $2,045 Up to $2,090

Apple Watch Trade-In Values (Maximums)

Most Watch models hold steady or see small gains, except the original Ultra, which dropped slightly.

MacDailyNews Take: These updated values are live now but can change without notice. If you’re trading in, check Apple’s official trade-in estimator for the exact amount based on your device’s condition and configuration. Happy upgrading!


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Apple TV unveils first look at new thriller series ‘Last Seen’ starring Patrick Brammall

Thu, 2026-05-28 03:30
Australian thriller “Last Seen” will make its global debut on Wednesday, September 9 on Apple TV.

Apple TV on Wednesday revealed a first look at new six-episode Australian thriller “Last Seen” (FKA “The Dispatcher”), starring Gotham Award winner Patrick Brammall and adapted by acclaimed writer and executive producer Kris Mrksa from CWA John Creasey Dagger Award-winning author Ryan David Jahn’s book, “The Dispatcher.” “Last Seen,” set and filmed in Victoria, Australia, is directed and executive produced by Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker Christian Schwochow and will make its global debut on Wednesday, September 9 with two episodes, followed by a new episode every Wednesday until October 7, 2026.

Police detective Ian Ridley’s (Brammall) life fell apart 11 years ago when his young daughter, Maggie, disappeared without a trace. Now working as a police dispatcher, the only thing that has kept him going is his implacable refusal to accept that she might be gone forever. When he receives a distress call from a teenage girl he is certain is Maggie, he will stop at nothing to find her and reunite his broken family, whatever the cost.

In addition to Brammall (“Colin from Accounts,” “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “Evil”), the series also stars Maxine Peake (“Say Nothing,” “Black Mirror”), Brendan Cowell (“Dune: Prophecy,” “Plum”), Daniel Henshall (“Mickey 17,” “How to Make Gravy”), Jessica Wren (“Mr Inbetween,” “Devil’s Playground”), Zahra Newman (“Thirteen Lives,” “Addition”) and newcomer Chloe Jean Lourdes.

The series is executive produced by Jamie Laurenson and Hakan Kousetta at 60Forty Films (“Hijack,” “Slow Horses,” “Down Cemetery Road”), with executive producers Schwochow (“The Crown,” “Bad Banks,” “Munich: The Edge of War”), Mrksa (“Requiem,” “No Escape,” “The Murders at White House Farm”) and Joanna Werner (“The Newsreader,” “Riot,” “Clickbait”) at Werner Film Productions.

“Last Seen” joins a slate of acclaimed, thrilling dramas on Apple TV including the high-octane hit “Hijack,” starring and executive produced by SAG and Golden Globe Award winner Idris Elba; beloved, multi-BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning “Slow Horses,” led by Academy Award winner Gary Oldman; and the recently renewed, BAFTA Award-nominated “Down Cemetery Road,” starring Academy Award winner Emma Thompson and Golden Globe Award winner Ruth Wilson.

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 830 wins and 3,557 award nominations and counting including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.

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 tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.


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Apple reportedly preps native support for Google Cast in iOS 27

Thu, 2026-05-28 02:00
Google Cast icon

Apple is reportedly developing native support for Google Cast (previously known as Chromecast) and other third-party streaming protocols in iOS 27, potentially making it far easier for iPhone users to cast video, photos, and audio to a wide range of smart TVs and speakers.

Background and Current Limitations

Currently, iOS natively supports only Apple’s proprietary AirPlay for wireless casting. While many individual apps (such as YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify) include built-in Google Cast integration via Google’s iOS Sender SDK, there is no system-wide support. This means users often rely on third-party apps for screen mirroring or full compatibility with Chromecast-enabled devices, which are built into the vast majority of modern smart TVs from brands like Sony, TCL, Vizio, and others, as well as hotel TVs and speakers.

Details from the Report

According to Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman, Apple is building support for “third-party AirPlay streaming alternatives” into iOS 27. Users could potentially set Google Cast — or similar protocols like Matter Casting — as the default casting method at the system level, similar to how AirPlay works today.

This change would allow seamless casting from the iPhone’s share sheet, Control Center, or media playback interfaces to Google Cast-compatible devices without app-specific workarounds.

The primary driver appears to be the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote interoperability and reduce gatekeeping by big tech platforms. Apple has previously made DMA-related changes (e.g., third-party app stores) available only in the EU, raising the possibility that Google Cast support could initially be EU-only. However, some analysts suggest Apple might extend it globally to avoid maintaining separate codebases.

Potential Benefits and Scope

• Broader Compatibility: iPhone users could easily cast to nearly any smart TV without needing an Apple TV or third-party mirroring apps.

• Mixed Ecosystems: Households with both iOS and Android devices would benefit significantly.

• Additional Protocols: The report mentions other alternatives beyond Google Cast, such as Matter Casting, which supports cross-brand compatibility and continued playback when switching apps.

Confirmation is expected at Apple’s WWDC keynote on June 8, 2026, though details on rollout timing, exact features, and geographic availability remain unclear.

MacDailyNews Take: This development represents a notable shift for Apple, which has long prioritized its closed ecosystem but is increasingly opening up under regulatory pressure. If implemented widely, it could improve the day-to-day experience for millions of iPhone owners who frequently encounter Google Cast devices.


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