Apple News

Subscribe to Apple News feed Apple News
Welcome Home! Apple and Mac News
Updated: 2 days 8 hours ago

Some iPhone owners could get up to $95 after Apple agrees to settle Apple Intelligence false advertising lawsuit

Thu, 2026-05-07 08:00
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro

Owners of certain iPhones could receive cash payments of up to $95 from Apple following the company’s $250 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit over false advertising of its artificial intelligence features.

Apple heavily promoted new AI capabilities for Siri when it launched the iPhone 16 in 2024 as part of software updates it marketed as “Apple Intelligence,” but failed to deliver.

Kelvin Chan for Associated Press:

The company has been scrambling to keep up with tech rivals amid the AI boom but still hasn’t delivered on the Siri revamp two years later.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of U.S. consumers in the San Francisco federal court for the Northern District of California, alleged that Apple deceived consumers with a marketing campaign that promoted features that did not yet exist and misled them into buying the devices.

Lawyers for the iPhone buyers asked a court for preliminary approval of the proposed $250 million settlement, according to a court filling. If approved by a judge, it would be one of the biggest ever for Apple.

The settlement covers about 37 million devices bought in the United States between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025, including all iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Owners are eligible for a payment of at least $25 for each device, and that amount could go up to $95 depending on how many other claims are filed “and other factors,” the filing said.

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, was caught off-guard by the intense consumer interest in the Siri AI features. Buyers were angered after finding out that the new features would be released later than expected, the filing said.

They “would not have purchased the Eligible Devices or would have paid significantly less, had they known Enhanced Siri features were not available,” the filling said.


MacDailyNews Take: Again, Apple got off easy. It ends up being effective advertising, albeit false. $250 million is pocket change.

As usual, we called it correctly very early on:

When you're caught flat-footed like Tim Cook's Apple, you pop into scramble mode to try to catch up. Early on, you hit it with a big marketing flourish (WWDC24) in order to buy some more time. Then you dribble out features as they get finished & actually exist. Classic vaporware. https://t.co/I1J4y3aDNy pic.twitter.com/fLKvxGj4G3

— MacDailyNews (@MacDailyNews) July 31, 2024

The Apple Intelligence vaporware [is] false advertising, fraud, and lies. Those will be the basis for class action lawsuits from iPhone, iPad, and Mac customers soon enough. And Apple will deserve them all.MacDailyNews, March 14, 2025

See also: Apple pulls iPhone 16 ad touting nonexistent Apple Intelligence-powered Siri features – March 10, 2025


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 Some iPhone owners could get up to $95 after Apple agrees to settle Apple Intelligence false advertising lawsuit appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple’s watchOS 26.5 will fix two frustrating Apple Watch bugs

Thu, 2026-05-07 06:30
watchOS 26.5

Apple has seeded the Release Candidate for watchOS 26.5, and the update brings welcome relief for Apple Watch users dealing with two notable issues.

According to Apple’s release notes, watchOS 26.5 directly addresses the following bugs:

• Messages app fix: Resolves an issue where Messages on the Apple Watch could incorrectly fall back to SMS instead of using iMessage when paired with a dual-SIM iPhone. This should restore proper blue-bubble behavior and better integration for users with multiple phone lines.

• Workout app fix: Fixes a problem where audio alerts in the Workout app would fail to play if the paired iPhone wasn’t nearby. Runners, cyclists, and gym-goers relying on those motivational cues or pace alerts will appreciate the reliability boost.

The update is expected to arrive alongside iOS 26.5

When Can You Expect It?

With the Release Candidate now available to developers and public beta testers, Apple typically pushes the final public version to all compatible Apple Watch models within days to a week. Keep an eye on your Watch app for the over-the-air update notification.

Background and User Impact

These fixes target pain points that have annoyed segments of the Apple Watch user base — particularly dual-SIM professionals and those who frequently train without their iPhone close at hand. While not groundbreaking new features, addressing core reliability issues like messaging and workout feedback helps maintain the seamless ecosystem experience for which Apple is known.

MacDailyNews Take: Users have been vocal about various watchOS quirks in recent months, so this point release should provide some stability before attention turns fully to watchOS 27, expected to be unveiled at WWDC in June.


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’s watchOS 26.5 will fix two frustrating Apple Watch bugs appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple releases new AirPods Max 2 firmware

Thu, 2026-05-07 05:00
AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier for even cleaner audio while maintaining the incredible sound signature of AirPods Max.

Apple this week rolled out a fresh firmware update for its premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max 2. The new build, version 8E258, follows closely on the heels of the 8E251 firmware that shipped just before the headphones’ April 1, 2026 launch.

What’s New?

As is typical with AirPods firmware updates, Apple has not provided detailed release notes. The company’s support documentation simply lists the update under “Bug fixes and other improvements.” While the exact changes are unknown, these incremental updates often address minor stability issues, refine audio performance, tweak noise cancellation or transparency modes, or improve battery efficiency and connectivity.

The AirPods Max 2, powered by Apple’s H2 chip (an upgrade from the original H1), already deliver impressive features including Adaptive Audio, Loud Sound Reduction, Voice Isolation, and enhanced noise cancellation. This firmware could further polish those experiences.

How to Update Your AirPods Max 2

Firmware updates for AirPods Max 2 happen automatically when the following conditions are met:

• Keep your AirPods Max 2 within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
• Connect that device to Wi-Fi.
• Plug the AirPods Max 2 into power using a USB-C cable.
• Leave them connected for at least 30 minutes.

After the update completes, reconnect the headphones and check the firmware version in Settings > [Your AirPods Max 2] on your iOS device. If the update doesn’t apply, try restarting the headphones and repeating the process. Some users have reported faster updates when connecting directly to a Mac via USB-C.

Should You Update?

Yes. These updates are generally recommended for the best performance, reliability, and any under-the-hood optimizations Apple has prepared. If you’ve noticed any quirks with your AirPods Max 2 — such as occasional connectivity hiccups, battery drain, or audio glitches — this could be the fix.

MacDailyNews Note: The original AirPods Max (especially the USB-C version) remains on an older firmware branch, highlighting that this update is specific to the second-generation model with its H2 hardware.


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 new AirPods Max 2 firmware appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple removes additional Mac Studio and Mac mini memory configs as shortage worsens

Thu, 2026-05-07 03:30
Apple’s M4 Mac mini’s thermals are designed for maximum performance

Apple has removed additional desktop Mac models from its online store amid the ongoing global memory shortage. Mac mini configurations with 32GB and 64GB of RAM are no longer available, and the M3 Ultra Mac Studio with 256GB of memory has also been pulled from sale.

The M3 Ultra Mac Studio is now only offered in a 96GB memory configuration, with all higher-tier options eliminated. Both the M3 Mac Studio and M4 Max Mac Studio currently show delivery estimates of 9 to 10 weeks.

On the Mac mini side, the M4 Pro model is now capped at 48GB of memory after the 64GB option was removed. The base M4 Mac mini is limited to 16GB or 24GB configurations, with the 32GB option discontinued.

Juli Clover for MacRumors:

Last week, Apple removed the ‌Mac mini‌ with 256GB of SSD storage, leaving the 512GB model as the minimum option. That effectively raised the price of the ‌Mac mini‌ from $599 to $799. Apple also stopped accepting orders for some ‌Mac Studio‌ and ‌Mac mini‌ machines with higher amounts of RAM in March and April.

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said that… Apple underestimated the demand for the ‌Mac mini‌ and the ‌Mac Studio‌ from customers looking for a machine to run AI and agentic tools locally. He said Apple also expects significantly higher memory costs in the months to come, so Apple is likely conserving supply by eliminating some configuration options. Global supply constraints caused by AI server demand have impacted the pricing of memory chips, leading to high prices and memory shortages.


MacDailyNews Take: Supply chain reality check in full effect.


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 removes additional Mac Studio and Mac mini memory configs as shortage worsens appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple seeks U.S. Supreme Court stay in ongoing Epic Games App Store commission battle

Thu, 2026-05-07 02:00

In the latest chapter of the long-running legal saga between Apple and Epic Games, the iPhone maker has filed an emergency application with the U.S. Supreme Court requesting a pause on proceedings that could force it to justify and potentially set a new commission rate on purchases made outside the App Store.

Background on the Dispute

The case stems from the landmark 2020-2021 Epic Games v. Apple trial. In 2021, a district court issued an injunction requiring Apple to allow developers to include links or buttons directing users to external purchasing options, bypassing the App Store’s in-app purchase system. Apple complied by updating its rules but continued to impose commissions (initially up to 27%) on those external transactions.

This led to a 2025 contempt ruling against Apple by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, which argued that charging fees violated the “spirit” of the injunction — even though the original order did not explicitly prohibit commissions. Apple has maintained compliance by implementing zero commissions on such link-outs while appealing.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals later reversed the strict zero-commission requirement and remanded the case back to the district court to determine a “reasonable” commission rate Apple could charge. Apple is now challenging the contempt finding itself, arguing it was improper and prejudicial.

Apple’s Arguments to the Supreme Court

In its filing on May 4, 2026, Apple requests a stay of the Ninth Circuit’s mandate to prevent the remand proceedings from moving forward immediately. Key points include:

• The contempt designation is unwarranted because the 2021 injunction made no mention of commissions or fees.
• Proceeding under a “taint” of contempt would cause irreparable harm, including forcing Apple to disclose sensitive business information and litigate its core business model under a false premise.
• The injunction improperly applies worldwide to all U.S. App Store developers, not just Epic Games.
• Global regulators are closely watching the outcome, which could influence commission policies in other markets.

Apple has emphasized that it will continue operating under the current zero-commission structure for external purchases during any review, meaning no immediate harm to Epic or developers. The company has also indicated it plans a full petition for certiorari and suggested the current application could serve as that request if needed.

Epic’s Response and Next Steps

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney responded to the filing, highlighting Apple’s own admission in the documents that regulators worldwide are monitoring the case for potential precedent on commission rates.

The mandate sending the case back for fee calculations was set to take effect on May 5, 2026. If the Supreme Court grants the stay, the zero-fee status quo remains while the high court considers whether to hear the appeal. If denied, the district court will proceed to evaluate an appropriate commission rate.

This marks another escalation in a dispute that has already spanned years and multiple court levels. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Apple’s App Store revenue model but for app distribution and developer policies across the mobile ecosystem.

MacDailyNews Note: The Supreme Court is expected to act relatively quickly on the emergency stay request.


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 seeks U.S. Supreme Court stay in ongoing Epic Games App Store commission battle appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple settles shareholder lawsuit over Siri AI vaporware for $250 million

Thu, 2026-05-07 00:30
Apple’s Siri icon

Apple has reached a $250 million settlement to resolve a shareholder lawsuit stemming from the delayed rollout of key artificial intelligence upgrades to its Siri voice assistant.

The lawsuit, filed in 2024 by shareholder Peter Landsheft in U.S. federal court in California, accused Apple of misleading investors. It followed Apple’s high-profile announcements and advertising campaign at its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company promised a suite of AI enhancements for Siri that would arrive with new iPhones that fall.

When the new iPhones launched without those features, plaintiffs claimed it harmed shareholders. Apple later pushed the major Siri AI overhaul to 2026. Executives have now confirmed the new capabilities will be unveiled at Apple’s developer conference next month.

Apple did not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement, which still requires court approval. In a statement, the company emphasized its progress on other AI features since launching Apple Intelligence in 2024:

“Apple has reached a settlement to resolve claims related to the availability of two additional features. We resolved this matter to stay focused on doing what we do best, delivering the most innovative products and services to our users.”

This settlement comes as Apple continues to play catch-up in the generative AI race while emphasizing a more privacy-focused, on-device approach with its Apple Intelligence suite. The company has rolled out numerous AI capabilities over the past year, even as the full Siri overhaul remains one of the most anticipated updates.

MacDailyNews Take: A slap on the wrist, Apple got off easy.

As usual, we called it correctly very early on:

When you're caught flat-footed like Tim Cook's Apple, you pop into scramble mode to try to catch up. Early on, you hit it with a big marketing flourish (WWDC24) in order to buy some more time. Then you dribble out features as they get finished & actually exist. Classic vaporware. https://t.co/I1J4y3aDNy pic.twitter.com/fLKvxGj4G3

— MacDailyNews (@MacDailyNews) July 31, 2024

The Apple Intelligence vaporware [is] false advertising, fraud, and lies. Those will be the basis for class action lawsuits from iPhone, iPad, and Mac customers soon enough. And Apple will deserve them all.MacDailyNews, March 14, 2025

See also: Apple pulls iPhone 16 ad touting nonexistent Apple Intelligence-powered Siri features – March 10, 2025


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 settles shareholder lawsuit over Siri AI vaporware for $250 million appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple lands first-ever honors from the Tony Awards with a record 12 nominations

Wed, 2026-05-06 23:00
Apple won in the Comedy, Documentary and Commercial categories at the 78th Annual Directors Guild Awards.

Apple this week received its first-ever nominations for the prestigious Tony Awards, leading with a record 12 nominations, including Best Musical for “Schmigadoon!,” and tying for the most-nominated musical of 2026. Co-produced by Apple TV, “Schimgadoon!” is inspired by the Apple TV series of the same name. The 2026 Tony Awards are presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, and this year’s winners will be announced at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday, June 7.

In addition to Best Musical, “Schmigadoon!” landed Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical — Sara Chase; Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical — Ana Gasteyer; Best Direction of a Musical — Christopher Gattelli; Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre — Music & Lyrics, Cinco Paul; Best Book of a Musical — Cinco Paul; Best Orchestrations — Doug Besterman and Mike Morris; Best Choreography — Christopher Gattelli; Best Sound Design of a Musical — Walter Trarbach; Best Lighting Design of a Musical — Donald Holder; Best Costume Design of a Musical — Linda Cho; and Best Scenic Design of a Musical — Scott Pask.

These accolades are the latest honors for “Schmigadoon!”, including series wins at the Emmy Awards, recognition as an AFI Award TV Program of the Year, and honors from the Dorian TV Awards and ReFrame Stamp Awards. The series has also earned nominations from the Critics Choice Awards, Grammy Awards, Art Directors Guild Awards, American Society of Cinematographers Awards, Motion Picture Sound Editors Awards, Imagen Awards and many more. In addition to the Tony Award nods today, “Schmigadoon!” the musical has also been honored with nominations from the Drama Desk Awards, the Drama League Awards, the Outer Critics Circle Awards and the Chita Rivera Awards, among others.

From “Saturday Night Live’s” Lorne Michaels and based on the award-winning Apple Original series, the delightfully hilarious musical is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (“Death Becomes Her,” “Newsies”) with a book and Emmy Award-winning score by Cinco Paul (“Despicable Me,” “The Secret Life of Pets”). “Schmigadoon!” the musical is produced by Michaels, Micah Frank and Caroline Maroney on behalf of Broadway Video, and Christine Schwarzman and Megan O’Keefe on behalf of No Guarantees Productions. It made its Broadway debut at the Nederlander Theatre in April 2026, and is currently set to run through September 2026.

To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 816 wins and 3,498 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.

Apple landed 12 nominations for the 2026 Tony Awards, including:

“Schmigadoon!”
• Best Musical
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical — Sara Chase
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical — Ana Gasteyer
• Best Direction of a Musical — Christopher Gattelli
• Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre — Music & Lyrics, Cinco Paul
• Best Book of a Musical — Cinco Paul
• Best Orchestrations — Doug Besterman and Mike Morris
• Best Choreography — Christopher Gattelli
• Best Sound Design of a Musical — Walter Trarbach
• Best Lighting Design of a Musical — Donald Holder
• Best Costume Design of a Musical — Linda Cho
• Best Scenic Design of a Musical — Scott Pask

All episodes of the Emmy Award-winning series “Schmigadoon!” are now streaming on Apple TV.

“Schmigadoon!”

Welcome to Schmigadoon — the magical town where every day is a musical. Everybody has a song for everything and the only bridge out of town leads nowhere. When one couple accidentally wanders in, they discover the only escape is finding true love — which may or may not be with each other.

“Schmigadoon!” is a New York Times Critic’s Pick and an “uproarious, high-energy, delicious sundae.” Entertainment Weekly cheers, “Grade A! Rapturous Laughter! Two and a half hours of constant smiles!” Time Out raves, “Good Gosh! It’s big, joyous musical fun!” And Variety declares, “this irresistible musical turns the most skeptical curmudgeon into a walking heart-eye emoji.”

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.

MacDailyNews Take: Congrats to the cast and crew of “Schmigadoon!”

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.


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 lands first-ever honors from the Tony Awards with a record 12 nominations appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Tim Cook’s Apple wasted billions on ‘Apple 2030’ based on now-discredited climate targets

Wed, 2026-05-06 06:07
Apple’s outgoing CEO Tim Cook

By SteveJack

Apple CEO Tim Cook has long positioned “Apple 2030” as a flagship initiative — the company’s ambitious pledge to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain and product lifecycle by the end of the decade. This has involved massive investments in renewable energy procurement, supplier mandates for clean power, recycled materials research, and extensive environmental reporting. The effort has already consumed billions of dollars in direct spending, opportunity costs, and compliance burdens passed through the supply chain.

Recent developments have pulled the rug out from under the assumptions driving these commitments. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has moved away from its most extreme climate scenarios — the ones that painted doomsday “impossible futures” and justified urgent, aggressive 2030 emissions cuts. These scenarios, long criticized for lacking plausibility checks, are now being treated more as exploratory thought experiments rather than realistic projections. You likely will not hear about this via legacy corporate media in the United States.

At the same time, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) — the key body certifying corporate “science-based” net-zero goals that Apple and many others followed — quietly updated its rules in April 2026. The previous requirement for steep Scope 1 and 2 emissions cuts of around 42% by 2030 (from recent baselines) has been significantly relaxed to roughly half that level for some companies. Scope 3 value-chain reductions were also dialed back. The changes acknowledge that the original near-term targets had become practically unachievable as the deadline approaches, prompting some companies to walk away rather than commit to unrealistic numbers.

Apple’s own 2026 Environmental Progress Report continues to highlight progress — emissions down more than 60% since 2015 — and insists the company remains “closer than ever” to its 2030 goal. Yet the broader framework that made those targets seem scientifically imperative is shifting underfoot.

This reckoning is especially ironic given Tim Cook’s fiery stance at Apple’s 2014 annual shareholder meeting. When a representative from the National Center for Public Policy Research proposed greater transparency and scrutiny of environmental spending — suggesting Apple focus only on initiatives that delivered clear returns — Cook didn’t hold back. He angrily pushed back, stating that considerations like environmental efforts and accessibility go beyond pure ROI. Looking directly at the questioner, Cook declared that if shareholders wanted decisions based solely on financial return, they should sell their Apple stock and leave.

The message was clear: dissent on the green agenda wasn’t welcome. Apple doubled down in the years that followed, announcing the full Apple 2030 plan in 2020 and pressuring suppliers to align with clean-energy commitments. Cook has repeatedly framed these efforts as central to Apple’s innovation and moral responsibility.

Twelve years later, the landscape has changed. The extreme scenarios that underpinned much of the urgency around 2030 deadlines are being walked back, and even the SBTi is loosening its timelines. Apple remains locked into its original public commitments, continuing to spend heavily while competitors allocate resources more directly toward product development, shareholder returns, and core innovation.

Shareholders who stayed despite Cook’s 2014 lecture have watched capital flow into areas now resting on softer scientific ground. The billions directed toward virtue-signaling contracts, audits, and marketing could have funded R&D breakthroughs, major acquisitions, and even more stock buybacks and dividends.

Cook’s passionate defense of Apple’s environmental initiatives now appears as an overcommitment to a narrative that leading institutions are quietly moderating. As the IPCC shelves implausible worst-case projections and corporate target-setters adjust 2030 expectations, Apple finds itself heavily invested in a plan built on assumptions that no longer hold the same weight.

Cook, widely regarded as a brilliant operations executive, got thoroughly duped by the climate-industrial complex. He bought into the “science-based” narrative hook, line, and sinker, committing Apple to the aggressive Apple 2030 carbon-neutrality targets pushed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and underpinned by the IPCC’s most extreme climate scenarios. Those scenarios (which assumed unrealistic economic growth paired with maximal fossil-fuel use and minimal technological adaptation) were sold to corporations as settled science demanding immediate, drastic 2030 emissions cuts. Cook, seemingly eager to burnish Apple’s, and/or his, progressive credentials, publicly tied the company’s reputation and billions of dollars to these goals, strong-arming suppliers and berating skeptical shareholders. What he apparently never did was apply his legendary supply-chain scrutiny to the underlying assumptions. As a result, Apple is now locked into costly long-term renewable contracts, supplier mandates, and public promises built on targets that even the IPCC and SBTi are quietly walking back. Cook didn’t just drink the Kool-Aid — he ordered Apple to chug it by the barrel.

SteveJack is a long-time Macintosh user, web designer, multimedia producer, and contributor to the MacDailyNews Opinion section.

MacDailyNews Take: The real question for Apple’s board and incoming CEO John Ternus is whether they will quietly pivot along with the evolving evidence — or continue pouring resources into a 2030 deadline that the underlying “science-based” rationale is steadily eroding. Shareholders deserve a company laser-focused on creating value through great products, not chasing receding climate targets.


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 Tim Cook’s Apple wasted billions on ‘Apple 2030’ based on now-discredited climate targets appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple said to allow users to choose rival AI models across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 features

Wed, 2026-05-06 04:48

Apple is taking a significant step toward making its AI platform more flexible and user-centric. According to a Bloomberg News report published today, the company plans to let users select and switch between third-party AI models for powering features across Apple Intelligence in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 this fall.

Currently, Apple Intelligence relies primarily on Apple’s own on-device models, with an option to tap into OpenAI’s ChatGPT for more complex requests. Starting with this year’s major OS updates, users will gain the ability to choose from a broader range of outside AI services for tasks such as:

• Generating and editing text
• Creating and manipulating images
• Other generative AI features

This expansion builds on Apple’s strategy of positioning its devices as a comprehensive AI platform while giving users more control and choice.

An “Extensions” menu in Settings is expected to let users assign preferred models (such as xAI’s Grok, Google’s Gemini, or Anthropic’s Claude) to handle specific Apple Intelligence tasks. This approach allows Apple to avoid building every capability in-house while addressing longstanding criticisms of Siri and its relatively limited intelligence compared to dedicated AI assistants.

Why This Matters

• User Choice: Instead of being locked into one provider, iPhone, iPad, and Mac owners can tailor their AI experience.

• Competitive Edge: It positions Apple as an open platform that integrates best-of-breed models rather than trying to compete solely with its own silicon and software.

• Privacy Focus: Apple is expected to maintain its emphasis on on-device processing where possible and user consent for cloud-based models.

• Developer Opportunities: Broader model support could encourage more third-party apps and services to integrate deeply with Apple Intelligence.

Broader iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 Context

This news aligns with other reported iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 efforts, including deeper Visual Intelligence integration in the Camera app, performance and quality improvements (echoing the “Snow Leopard” philosophy), and the revolutionary LLM Siri. Apple appears focused on both polishing the foundation and accelerating its own AI ambitions.

Market Reaction

Following the report, Apple shares rose more than 2% in trading, while Alphabet (Google) also gained on expectations of deeper partnerships.

MacDailyNews Take: We’ll likely hear official details at WWDC 2026 in June, with developer betas following shortly after and public releases in September. If the plans hold, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 could mark the moment Apple Intelligence truly becomes a customizable, multi-model experience rather than a single-vendor showcase.

Apple [should] allow users to choose – gasp! – which AI model they’d like to underpin Siri.MacDailyNews, January 20, 2026

This is a smart evolution for John Ternus’ Apple — one that balances its legendary control with the reality that the AI landscape is moving too fast for any single company to dominate every use case alone.


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 said to allow users to choose rival AI models across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 features appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Trump admin looks to ease memory chip crunch with supply chain bloc

Wed, 2026-05-06 04:30
President Donald Trump

The United States is partnering with allies in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to tackle the global memory chip shortage through a new supply chain coalition, a State Department official told Nikkei Asia on Monday.

The department launched the Pax Silica initiative in December. The coalition aims to secure supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals while reducing reliance on China.

Yifan Yu for Nikkei Asia:

Fourteen countries including India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and the Philippines have joined the coalition, with Norway set to do so this week, Jacob Helberg, undersecretary of state for economic affairs, told Nikkei Asia on the sidelines of the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference.

The global memory chip supply shortage continues to worsen as the industry struggles to keep pace with skyrocketing demand boosted by artificial intelligence, weighing on tech companies big and small from AI chipmakers to Apple.

The Trump administration looks to address the memory chip crunch by leveraging the supply chain coalition, particularly with Asian allies such as South Korea.

“Addressing the memory shortage is, for us, a key priority to advance through the Pax Silica initiative,” Helberg said. “It’s possible for us to partner in a bilateral and plurilateral way with an excellent framework to actually spin up projects that help us move the needle.”

One example of that partnership, Helberg said, is the 4,000-acre industrial hub being set up on the Philippine island of Luzon by Washington and Manila.

Helberg will lead a delegation of U.S. officials and business leaders to the Philippines later this month to discuss details of the use of the massive industrial park.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is expected to visit Beijing on May 14-15, and supply chain issues including semiconductor and rare-earth export controls could be discussed when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“President Trump will be heading to Beijing with the American delegation with maximum optionality and leverage because he has really positioned the United States to enhance its position at many different layers of the supply chain,” Helberg said. “The president can actually have a very productive and fruitful trip to China, while at the same time continuing to make progress on all of our supply chain security initiatives,” he said.


MacDailyNews Note: More info about Pax Silica via the U.S. Department of State 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 Trump admin looks to ease memory chip crunch with supply chain bloc appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple TV 4K, released in 2022, is still the fastest streaming device on the market, bar none – Vice

Wed, 2026-05-06 03:27
Apple’s current Apple TV 4K and its Siri Remote

What you’re looking at is the third-generation Apple TV 4K. Apple launched it back in 2022, and it’s still going strong. Unlike the real apples we sometimes bring home from the store — which seem to spoil somewhere between the checkout line and my kitchen counter — this one has impressive staying power. Three and a half years on the market, and the Apple TV 4K (3rd gen) shows no signs of going bad.

Matt Jancer for Vice:

In fact it’s nearly as fresh as the day it fell off the Apple tree. The Apple TV 4K is still the fastest streaming device on the market, bar none.

The Apple TV 4K is blisteringly fast. Of all the streaming devices I’ve ever used, it’s the fastest. It’s downright telepathic. Actions on screen seem to happen at the very instant I’d press a button on the Apple TV 4K’s beautifully sculpted bare aluminum remote. And it’s a slickly designed interface, if a bit clinically soulless and more obtuse to navigate than Roku’s…

It may be easy to dismiss the speed of menu navigation on a streaming device as beside the point, a sideshow from what really matters: speed while streaming. But you’ll spend a lot of time navigating through menus. Every time you fire up your TV, in fact. Even just a slight delay saved each time you press a button or scroll through a home screen adds up to a major savings in annoyance and time when you multiply it by tens of thousands of times over the lifetime of the device…

The Apple TV 4K is for speed demons, people who love Apple’s stripped-down and clean aesthetic in both hardware design and software UI.


MacDailyNews Take: The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) was released on November 4, 2022. More than three years later, Apple TV 4K is still far and way the best streaming device on the market, period.


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 4K, released in 2022, is still the fastest streaming device on the market, bar none – Vice appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple’s iPhone 17 is best-selling smartphone worldwide in Q126

Wed, 2026-05-06 01:08
Apple’s iPhone 17

Apple’s iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2026, capturing 6% of global unit sales, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest Global Handset Model Sales Tracker. The iPhone 17 Series captured the top three spots, while Samsung Galaxy A Series was most represented with five models in the top 10. Xiaomi Redmi A5 secured the tenth spot.

The top 10 smartphones contributed 25% of global unit sales, the highest Q1 concentration ever. This was driven by sustained demand for the iPhone 17 series, alongside pressure on Android OEMs in mass-market segments as the ongoing memory shortage pushes up component costs.

Source: Counterpoint Research Global Handset Model Sales Tracker, Mar 2026 (Prelim)

Commenting on Apple, Senior Analyst Harshit Rastogi said in a statement, “iPhone 17 continues to outperform its predecessor owing to key upgrades like higher base storage, camera resolution, display refresh rate bringing the smartphone closer to the Pro variants and providing overall value for larger market. The smartphone registered double digit YoY growth in key markets like China, the US and 3x in South Korea for the quarter. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro captured the following two spots, offering even more advanced capabilities across camera, battery and new colour, material and finish.”

Samsung’s 2026 flagship, Galaxy S26 Ultra missed the top 10 list. Xiaomi Redmi A5, captured the 10th spot and was the most affordable smartphone in the list.

Commenting on outlook, Senior Analyst Karn Chauhan said in a statement, “Looking ahead to 2026, the top 10 smartphone models are expected to expand their share of global unit sales. The anticipated market decline is likely to impact mass-market segments more significantly, while high-end smartphones continue to gain share. In response, OEMs are shifting focus toward premium portfolios, prioritizing value over volume.”

MacDailyNews Take: The only Android phones to make the list are cheap, entry-level models aimed at third-world markets, where they generate the vast majority of their sales volume. The only premium smartphones on the list are made by Apple – and they dominate the top of the list.


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’s iPhone 17 is best-selling smartphone worldwide in Q126 appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple eyes using Intel, Samsung to build Apple Silicon chips in America

Wed, 2026-05-06 00:00

In a notable development that could reshape Apple’s long-standing semiconductor supply chain, the company is holding early-stage discussions with Intel and Samsung about producing its main device processors in the United States, according to Bloomberg News. This marks a potential diversification away from its exclusive reliance on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which has fabricated Apple’s custom-designed systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) for more than a decade.

The exploratory talks come as Apple CEO Tim Cook has publicly acknowledged supply constraints for the company’s device processors. While no orders have been placed and the efforts remain preliminary, the moves are being viewed as fresh signs of change at the company Steve Jobs built.

What We Know So Far

According to people familiar with the matter, Apple has engaged in early-stage conversations with Intel about enlisting the U.S. chipmaker’s manufacturing services, Bloomberg reports. Separately, Apple executives have visited a Samsung Electronics plant currently under development in Texas that is slated to produce advanced chips.

Neither initiative has advanced beyond the discussion and site-visit phase, and sources indicate Apple harbors concerns about transitioning to non-TSMC manufacturing technology. It remains entirely possible that the company will ultimately decide not to proceed with either partner.

For context, Apple designs its own powerful processors — the A-series chips for iPhones and iPads, and the M-series chips for Macs — but has long outsourced production to TSMC in Taiwan. TSMC’s cutting-edge process nodes have been critical to Apple’s performance leadership in mobile and personal computing silicon.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about two new names entering the conversation; it’s about geography and resilience. Shifting even a portion of leading-edge chip production to American soil (Intel in the United States and Samsung’s new Texas facility) would represent a meaningful step toward reducing reliance on a single overseas foundry — and on a region subject to geopolitical tensions.

Bloomberg‘s framing the story as “more signs of change at Apple” suggests this could be part of a broader strategic evolution. Apple has steadily worked to strengthen and diversify its supply chain in recent years, and outgoing CEO Cook’s comments about processor supply constraints provide a clear business rationale for exploring alternatives.

That said, the preliminary nature of the discussions is important to emphasize. Apple is famously deliberate — and notoriously demanding — when it comes to manufacturing partners. Any actual production ramp would require extensive validation, process alignment, and likely significant capital investment from all parties involved.

What Happens Next?

We’ll be watching closely for any follow-up developments. Bloomberg notes that Apple’s executives have already taken the step of physically touring Samsung’s Texas facility, which suggests at least a baseline level of serious interest. Whether those visits translate into deeper engineering collaboration or trial runs remains to be seen.

MacDailyNews Take: For now, this is an early-stage exploration rather than a done deal. But in the world of Apple supply-chain rumors, even early-stage talks with major U.S. players like Intel and Samsung are noteworthy — especially when they align with executives’ publicly stated concerns about advanced processor availability. Keep in mind that neither Samsung nor beleaguered Intel is currently at TSMC’s level, so this could also be a strategic move to increase Apple’s leverage with TSMC and ensure that Apple Silicon remains at the highest priority.


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 eyes using Intel, Samsung to build Apple Silicon chips in America appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple Manufacturing Academy accelerates AI use in American supply chains

Tue, 2026-05-05 23:12
Block Imaging, an Apple Manufacturing Academy participant, hosts forum attendees at its facility for an interactive tour where they can see firsthand how the company has applied learnings from the program.

The Apple Manufacturing Academy hosted hundreds of manufacturers at its inaugural Spring Forum in East Lansing, Michigan. The academy’s largest event to date brought together American manufacturers, industry leaders, and academics at Michigan State University (MSU) and put a spotlight on one of the program’s most tangible results: how American businesses are using what they’ve learned at the Apple Manufacturing Academy to transform their operations.

At Block Imaging — a Michigan-based company that services and refurbishes medical imaging equipment, including CT scanners and MRI machines that keep healthcare providers running across the country — that transformation is already underway. An Apple Manufacturing Academy participant, Block Imaging hosted forum attendees at its facility for an interactive tour where they could see firsthand how the company has applied learnings from the program to modernize its operations and improve efficiency on the factory floor.

“We created the Apple Manufacturing Academy with Michigan State because we wanted to bring advanced manufacturing techniques to American manufacturers,” Priya Balasubramaniam, Apple’s vice president of Product Operations, told attendees during the forum. “Our goal was to create real-world applications that help companies enhance their productivity and efficiency. We’re very excited about Block Imaging and other participating companies that are now making use of what they’re learning in the academy to deliver great results.”

“We were proud to host attendees from the Spring Forum at our facility and share what we’ve been building here,” said Katie Runyon, Block Imaging’s director of Technical Training, in a statement. “The Apple Manufacturing Academy has had a direct impact on how we operate. The training we’ve received from Apple engineers and Michigan State experts has given our team practical tools and techniques we’ve been able to apply immediately on the floor, improving the way we work and the quality of what we deliver to healthcare providers. We keep coming back because the program continues to push us forward.”

Block Imaging was one of four stops on offsite tours that also included the MSU Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Peckham, and the MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. Those visits reflected themes that ran throughout the forum’s first day on MSU’s campus, where speakers from McKinsey, Magna, LightGuide, Medtronic, and other industry leaders addressed topics ranging from the role of physical Al on the factory floor to overcoming the challenges of implementing Al solutions at scale. The day closed with a poster session featuring MSU students and small- and medium-sized business participants, offering a look at the next generation of manufacturing innovators.

The forum also featured a fireside chat between Balasubramaniam and Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Michigan State University’s president. The conversation touched on how Al is transforming day-to-day manufacturing operations, the skills workers and students will need to thrive in an Al-enabled economy, and why the partnership between Apple and Michigan State is central to preparing the next generation of American manufacturers.

Launched last year as part of Apple’s $600 billion commitment to the United States, the Apple Manufacturing Academy is a free program that pairs Apple engineers and MSU experts with small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses to help them implement Al and smart manufacturing techniques. It is the only manufacturing academy in North America and is open to businesses nationwide. To date, the academy has supported more than 150 American businesses through dozens of free in-person training sessions, and recently launched virtual programming to extend that support even further.

MacDailyNews Note: To learn more about the Apple Manufacturing Academy, or to enroll in virtual programming, businesses can visit manufacturingacademy.msu.edu.


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 Manufacturing Academy accelerates AI use in American supply chains appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple’s iOS 26.5 brings end-to-end encryption to RCS messages in major step for cross-platform privacy

Tue, 2026-05-05 07:09
Apple’s Messages icon

Apple continues to refine iPhone messaging experience with the upcoming iOS 26.5 update, introducing a long-awaited security feature for users communicating with Android devices. According to reports, the new version adds support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, finally delivering stronger privacy protections to cross-platform texting.

What This Means for iPhone Users

RCS (Rich Communication Services) has been available on iOS since iOS 18, offering a significant upgrade over traditional SMS/MMS with features like high-resolution media sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts. However, one critical element was missing: robust end-to-end encryption between iPhone and Android users.

With iOS 26.5, that gap is closing. Apple’s changelog notes: “End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.” The feature is enabled by default, but users can verify or toggle it in Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging.

When active, encrypted conversations will display a lock icon in the Messages app, giving users clear visual confirmation of the added security layer.

Background and Timeline

The GSM Association added E2EE support to the RCS protocol last year, paving the way for secure messaging across iOS and Android. Apple initially tested the feature in iOS 26.4 betas earlier this year, but held it back from the final release. Its return in iOS 26.5 betas suggests the company has refined the implementation and is preparing for broader rollout.

This update aligns with Apple’s long-standing emphasis on user privacy. While iMessage has offered E2EE between Apple devices for years, RCS encryption now extends similar protections to the billions of Android users worldwide.

Important Caveats

• Beta Status: The feature is still labeled as beta and may not be available on all devices or with every carrier initially.

• Carrier Dependence: RCS functionality, including encryption, relies on carrier support, so availability will vary.

• Visual Indicators: Expect a lock icon for encrypted chats, similar to how Google Messages handles E2EE RCS conversations.

Why This Matters

For years, iPhone-to-Android messaging has been a point of friction — often resulting in green bubbles and limited features. RCS adoption helped bridge the gap functionally, and E2EE now addresses the security concerns many users and privacy advocates have raised.

This change represents another win for users who want seamless, secure communication regardless of phone platform. It reduces reliance on less-secure SMS fallbacks and makes everyday texting safer from potential interception.

Looking Ahead

iOS 26.5 appears to be a relatively focused update, with RCS encryption as one of its standout additions alongside other refinements. Expect the final release in the coming weeks, likely mid-May based on Apple’s typical beta-to-release cadence.

MacDailyNews Take: Apple users should keep an eye on their Settings app after updating to confirm the new RCS encryption option. For those in mixed iOS/Android groups, this is a welcome improvement that enhances both convenience and confidentiality. Always remember, friends don’t let friends suffer through life with an Android phone.


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’s iOS 26.5 brings end-to-end encryption to RCS messages in major step for cross-platform privacy appeared first on MacDailyNews.

U.S. weekly jobless claims plunge to lowest level in more than 50 years

Tue, 2026-05-05 05:02

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits has fallen to its lowest level in more than 50 years. This week’s new jobless claims dropped to the fewest since September 1969.

Matt Ott for The Associated Press:

U.S. jobless aid applications for the week ending April 25 fell by 26,000 to 189,000, down from the previous week’s 215,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s well below the 214,000 new applications analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet were expecting.

Filings for unemployment benefits are considered a proxy for U.S. layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the job market.

According to High Frequency Economics, this week’s number for new jobless aid applications was the fewest since September of 1969.

The Labor Department’s report Thursday showed that the four-week moving average of jobless claims, which evens out some of the weekly volatility, came in at 207,500, about 3,500 lower than the previous week.


MacDailyNews Take: Bodes very well for Apple!

With more Americans employed (and often seeing wage gains in a tight labor market), people have more disposable income and confidence to buy items like iPhones, Macs, AirPods, Apple Watches, and services (App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, etc.). Apple’s revenue is heavily driven by American consumer demand.

Very low jobless claims signal a healthy American economy, which boosts Apple’s largest market. Historically, Apple’s sales and stock tend to perform well during periods of low American unemployment and economic expansion.

Businesses are also more willing to invest in Apple devices, Macs, iPhones, and iPads for employees, and enterprise services (Apple Business) when the economy is strong.

In short, low unemployment means more people with jobs and money which improves the likelihood they’ll buy Apple products. This is especially positive for Apple as a premium brand that benefits from a prosperous consumer base.


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. weekly jobless claims plunge to lowest level in more than 50 years appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple’s iOS 27 Wallet upgrade: Users will finally be able to create their own custom passes

Tue, 2026-05-05 04:25
Apple Wallet Boarding Pass

Apple is set to give the Wallet app a major boost in iOS 27 with a new “Create a Pass” feature that lets users build and customize their own digital tickets, gift cards, and other passes directly in the app.

According to Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman, this long-overdue capability will let iPhone owners create personalized Wallet passes without relying on third-party apps or services that may not yet support Apple’s platform. Today, Wallet excels at storing Apple Pay cards, digital keys, retailer gift cards, and passes issued by compatible apps, but many everyday items like event tickets, loyalty cards, gym memberships, or custom coupons still live outside the ecosystem.

Why This Matters

• Greater Flexibility: Users could design simple digital versions of paper tickets, membership cards, or even homemade gift certificates.

• Easier Digitization: Combined with reports of scanning features for physical passes, you’ll be able to turn a barcode on a gym card or concert stub into a functional Wallet pass with notifications, expiration dates, and scannable codes.

• Developer-Friendly Expansion: While the new tool targets end users, it should also encourage broader adoption of Wallet passes by lowering the barrier for small businesses and individuals.

This change builds on recent Wallet improvements, such as enhanced boarding passes in earlier iOS versions, and aligns with Apple’s push to make the app a true digital hub for everyday items.

Mark Gurman for Bloomberg News

MacDailyNews Take: Expect more details at WWDC 2026, where Apple traditionally unveils its upcoming iOS features. If implemented well, “Create a Pass” could finally make Wallet indispensable for everyone, not just users of big-name services.


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’s iOS 27 Wallet upgrade: Users will finally be able to create their own custom passes appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple discontinues $599 base Mac mini – entry-level model now starts at $799 with 512GB storage amid surging demand

Sat, 2026-05-02 05:45
Apple’s Mac mini

Apple has officially discontinued its most affordable Mac mini configuration. The $599 base model with M4 chip, 16GB of unified memory, and 256GB of storage is no longer listed on Apple’s website, marking the end of an era for the company’s entry-level desktop Mac.

Just last week, the base Mac mini went completely out of stock at the Apple Store, with shipping estimates shifting to “currently available” after repeated delays. Now, it’s been removed entirely from the configurator, confirming its discontinuation.

New Starting Price: $799 for 512GB Storage

The new entry-level Mac mini starts at $799, featuring the M4 chip, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. This isn’t a direct price hike for equivalent specs — the 512GB model previously carried the same $799 price tag — but it does raise the floor for anyone looking to buy a new Mac mini today.

Current availability for this new base model shows backorders stretching into the second or third week of June, with many higher-end configurations (especially those with 32GB or more RAM) listed as “currently unavailable” or quoting 10-12 week delivery times.

Why Is This Happening?

During Apple’s recent Q2 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook attributed the shortages to “higher-than-expected demand” for the Mac mini and Mac Studio. He highlighted strong interest in these machines as platforms for AI and agentic tools, noting that customer adoption has outpaced Apple’s forecasts.

Cook indicated it could take “several months” to balance supply and demand, suggesting buyers shouldn’t count on quick relief. The removal of the 256GB model entirely signals it’s unlikely to return.

Similar shortages are affecting other Apple products, though MacBook Neo configurations are seeing relatively shorter wait times of 2-4 weeks on Apple’s site (and next-day availability in some cases on Amazon).

What This Means for Buyers

• Budget shoppers: The cheapest new Mac mini is now $200 more expensive than before, though it comes with double the storage.

• AI enthusiasts and developers: High demand for local AI workloads is clearly driving these shortages, making the Mac mini a popular compact powerhouse.

• Patience required: If you’re not in a rush, you might score better availability later this summer. Otherwise, check third-party retailers (where stock is also tight) or consider refurbished options.

This move reflects Apple’s ongoing challenges with component supply — particularly advanced chips — while underscoring the growing popularity of its desktop lineup in the AI era.

MacDailyNews Take: The Mac mini remains one of the best values in Apple’s ecosystem for power users who want maximum performance in a tiny package. With the base model now bumped up in specs and price, it continues to punch well above its weight.


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 discontinues $599 base Mac mini – entry-level model now starts at $799 with 512GB storage amid surging demand appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple confirms Mac mini and Mac Studio supply shortages will drag on for several months as demand surges beyond expectations

Sat, 2026-05-02 04:00
Apple’s Mac Studio (top: front, middle: interior, bottom: rear)

In Thursday’s Q2 2026 earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook directly addressed the growing frustration among pro users and AI enthusiasts: high-demand configurations of the Mac mini and Mac Studio are severely constrained, and relief isn’t coming anytime soon.

“We think, looking forward, that the Mac mini and the Mac Studio may take several months to reach supply-demand balance,” Cook stated. He attributed the shortfall to stronger-than-expected customer adoption of “agentic AI” tools and workflows — use cases like OpenClaw and local AI agents that thrive on the compact desktops’ powerful unified memory and performance.

What’s Actually Happening with Stock and Shipping?

Many configurations of both machines are now listed as “Currently Unavailable” on Apple’s online store, meaning you can’t even place an order. Others show shipping estimates stretching into multiple months:

• Higher-RAM options (32GB/64GB on Mac mini, 128GB/256GB on Mac Studio) hit hardest.

• Even the base M4 Mac mini has been sold out at times.

• Apple previously removed the top-end 512GB RAM configuration for the Mac Studio entirely.

The constraints stem primarily from limited availability of advanced semiconductor nodes for Apple Silicon chips, compounded by the global memory crunch driven by AI server demand. Cook noted Apple underestimated how quickly developers and power users would embrace these desktops for always-on AI tasks.

This isn’t isolated to desktops. Cook also flagged ongoing constraints for the hot-selling MacBook Neo, which has seen “off the charts” demand and helped Apple bring in record numbers of new Mac users.

Why Now? The AI Factor

The Mac mini, long a budget-friendly favorite, has become a go-to for running local AI agents thanks to its compact size, efficiency, and generous unified memory options. That unexpected popularity surge caught even Apple off guard — and production lead times mean the company can’t ramp up fast enough.

Apple is also bracing for significantly higher memory component costs in the coming quarters and is exploring mitigation strategies.

What Should You Do?

• If you need a Mac mini or Mac Studio now: Check authorized resellers, but expect premiums on popular configs. Base models may still be easier to find.

• Planning ahead? Consider lower-spec options that are more readily available, or wait it out if your workflow can hold.

• Buyers’ guides from MacRumors currently flag both products with “Caution” due to these delays.

MacDailyNews Take: Apple’s pro desktop lineup remains incredibly capable — the current M4/M4 Pro Mac mini and M3 Ultra Mac Studio are beasts for creative work, development, and now AI. The irony? They’re victims of their own success in the exploding agentic AI space.


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 confirms Mac mini and Mac Studio supply shortages will drag on for several months as demand surges beyond expectations appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Apple beats second quarter results with record quarterly revenue of $111.2 billion

Fri, 2026-05-01 06:31

Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2026 second quarter ended March 28, 2026. The Company posted quarterly revenue of $111.2 billion, up 17 percent year over year. Diluted earnings per share was $2.01, up 22 percent year over year.

“Today Apple is proud to report our best March quarter ever, with revenue of $111.2 billion and double-digit growth across every geographic segment,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s outgoing CEO, in a statement. “iPhone achieved a March quarter revenue record, fueled by such extraordinary demand for the iPhone 17 lineup. During the quarter, Services achieved yet another all-time record, and we were excited to introduce remarkable new products to our strongest lineup ever. That included the addition of the iPhone 17e and the M4-powered iPad Air, along with the launch of MacBook Neo, which is captivating customers all around the world.”

“Our strong business performance during the March quarter generated over $28 billion in operating cash flow and drove new March quarter records for both operating cash flow and EPS,” said Kevan Parekh, Apple’s CFO, in a statement. “Continued strong customer demand for our products and services once again helped us achieve a new all-time high for our installed base of active devices across all major product categories and geographic segments.”

Net sales by category:

• iPhone: $56.994 billion (vs. $48.841 billion YoY)
• Mac: $8.399 billion (vs. $7.949 billion YoY)
• iPad: $6.914 billion (vs. $6.402 billion YoY)
• Wearables, Home and Accessories: $7.901 billion (vs. $7.522 billion YoY)
• Services: $30.976 billion (vs> $26.645 billion YoY)

Net sales by reportable segment:

• Americas: $45.093 billion (vs. $40.315 billion YoY)
• Europe: $28.055 billion (vs. $24,454 billion YoY)
• Greater China: $20.497 billion (vs. $16.002 billion YoY)
• Japan: $8.401 billion (vs. $7.298 billion YoY)
• Rest of Asia Pacific: $9.138 billion (vs. $7.290 billion YoY)

Apple’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per share of the company’s common stock, an increase of 4 percent. The dividend is payable on May 14, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 11, 2026. The board of directors has also authorized an additional program to repurchase up to $100 billion of the Company’s common stock.

Apple will provide live streaming of its Q2 2026 financial results conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. PT on April 30, 2026, at apple.com/investor/earnings-call. The webcast will be available for replay for approximately two weeks thereafter.

According to consensus estimates tracked by FactSet, prior to earnings, Apple was expected to post adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.95 and revenue was projected at $109.5 billion. Analyst forecast iPhone revenue of $56.5 billion and Mac sales were expected to come in at $8.12 billion. Greater China was projected at $19 billion.

MacDailyNews Take: Slight iPhone miss, but overall:

MacDailyNews Note: We’ll have live notes from Apple’s conference call starting at 2:00 p.m. PDT / 5:00 p.m. EDT 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 beats second quarter results with record quarterly revenue of $111.2 billion appeared first on MacDailyNews.

Pages