Apple News
Apple releases visionOS 26.2
Apple has released visionOS 26.2, the second major update to the visionOS 26 operating system that launched in September. This update arrives about a month after the rollout of visionOS 26.1.
Compatible Apple Vision Pro headsets can install visionOS 26.2 via the Software Update option in the General section of the Settings app. Note that the headset must be removed during installation, with progress visible on the front EyeSight display.
The update expands Travel Mode to include cars and buses (beyond airplanes and trains), adds support for hand-drawn content using spatial accessories like the Logitech Muse in apps such as Notes and Freeform, introduces structured tables in Freeform, and includes various other enhancements, bug fixes, and security improvements.
Apple’s full release notes:
This update expands Travel Mode to cars and busses, adds support for hand-drawn content with spatial accessories, and includes other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Apple Vision Pro.
• Travel Mode lets passengers use Apple Vision Pro on cars and busses in addition to airplanes and trains
• Support for hand-drawn content with spatial accessories like Logitech Muse in Notes, Freeform, and any PencilKit-enabled app
• Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the content of your board
MacDailyNews Note: For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: support.apple.com/100100
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Apple releases watchOS 26.2
Apple has released watchOS 26.2, the second major update to the watchOS 26 operating system that launched in September. This update arrives roughly five weeks after the release of watchOS 26.1.
Compatible Apple Watch models paired with an iPhone can install watchOS 26.2 through the Software Update section in the Watch app on iOS.
The update introduces new workout metrics for enhanced tracking, improved Smart Stack widget personalization, advanced sleep stage insights, and refined complication options for watch faces. It also adds support for third-party app complications in the Smart Stack and various other refinements.
Apple’s release notes for watchOS 26.2:
This update includes improvements and bug fixes, including:
• Refinements to sleep score classifications and notification controls
• An issue where the Music app fails to advance to the next song
• Enhanced Safety Alerts can inform you about imminent threats such as floods, natural disasters, and other emergencies, with rich information like a map of affected areas and links to additional safety guidance (available in the US)
MacDailyNews Note: For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: support.apple.com/100100
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Apple releases tvOS 26.2
Apple has released tvOS 26.2, the second major update to the tvOS 26 operating system that debuted in September. This release comes about five weeks after the launch of tvOS 26.1.
Compatible Apple TV models can download tvOS 26.2 via the Software Updates section in Settings.
The update brings enhancements to the Photos app, including new screensavers featuring beautiful imagery of global locations and improved Family Sharing options for easier management of shared purchases and subscriptions. It also adds support for advanced camera controls in FaceTime, refined Home app automation triggers, and other refinements.
What’s new in tvOS 26.2
This update makes it easier for everyone to create their own profile for the Apple TV app to enjoy their favorite movies and shows, and includes performance and stability improvements.
Apple TV app profiles
• Profiles can now be added for family and friends without an Apple Account, enabling their own Watchlist and the ability to explore movies and shows just for them.
• Age-suitable content across video providers automatically appears for kid profiles.
• Restrictions can be set on kid profiles to limit access to age-appropriate content.
MacDailyNews Take: No issues here!
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Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.2
Apple has released macOS Tahoe 26.2, marking the second significant update to the macOS Tahoe operating system, which originally launched in September. This update arrives approximately five weeks following the rollout of macOS Tahoe 26.1.
Users running macOS on compatible Macs can install the macOS Tahoe 26.2 update directly through the Software Update option found in System Settings.
Among its key additions, macOS Tahoe 26.2 introduces Edge Light, an innovative tool designed to softly illuminate your face during video calls in dimly lit environments. The release also incorporates alarm functionality into the Reminders app, enhanced capabilities for podcasts, refined AirDrop configurations, and various other improvements.
Below are Apple’s complete release notes:
Edge Light
• Edge Light video effect uses the Mac display to illuminate your face like a virtual ring light when you’re on a video call in low light
• Customizable light width and temperature give you control over how you’re lit
• Mouse awareness ensures that the light recedes when you need to access content underneath
• Option to have the light turn on automatically in low light situations on Mac computers introduced in 2024 and later
Podcasts
• Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate more episodes
• Links to mentioned podcasts let you see and follow other podcasts mentioned in the episode you’re listening to directly from the player and transcript
Games
• Filters in the Games library let you find games by category, size, and more
• In-game challenge score banners provide real-time updates when someone new has taken the lead
• Connected controller support
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
• AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver’s device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer
• Apple News Section links in the sidebar of the News app offer easy navigation to popular topics like Sports, Politics, Business, and Food
• Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the infinite canvas
• Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks in Apple Music
• Fixes an issue where pre-release albums in the library were not immediately playable at their release time
MacDailyNews Note: For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: support.apple.com/100100
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Apple releases iPadOS 26.2
Apple has today unveiled iPadOS 26.2, marking the second significant update to the iPadOS 26 platform that debuted in September. This release arrives approximately one month following the rollout of iPadOS 26.1.
Users with compatible iPad models can install the update wirelessly by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.Building on the multitasking enhancements introduced in iPadOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.2 offers refined controls for managing apps. It’s now possible to drag and drop applications directly from the Dock, Spotlight Search, or App Library into various multitasking layouts, such as Slide Over.
For instance, pulling an app to the extreme left or right edge activates Slide Over, while positioning it to the left or right initiates a tiled arrangement. Dragging to the center allows for resizing windows to larger or smaller dimensions, aided by clear visual cues for seamless operation. This drag-based approach simplifies app handling compared to the previous window button options.
Apple’s Official Release Notes for iPadOS 26.2
Multitasking
• Multitasking gestures to quickly tile windows or place an app in Slide Over by dragging app icons from the Dock
Apple Music
• Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks on the home tab
• Offline lyrics for downloaded songs so you can view them without an internet connection
Podcasts
• Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes
• Links to mentioned podcasts let you see and follow other podcasts mentioned in the episode you’re listening to directly from the player and transcript
Games
• Filters in the Games library let you find games by category, size, and more
• In-game challenge score banners provide real-time updates when someone new has taken the lead
• Improved support for connected controllers such as Backbone and Razer
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
• Additional Lock Screen time customization option lets you further adjust its appearance, giving the Liquid Glass material more or less opacity
• Alarms for Reminders help you stay on top of urgent tasks, and provide snooze and Live Activity support if you’re not ready to check the reminder off
• AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver’s device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer
• Apple News Section links in the sidebar of the News app offer easy navigation to popular topics like Sports, Politics, Business, and Food
• Multipack accessory pairing in the Home app lets you use the same setup code to easily enroll multiple accessories when sold together
• Flash for alerts in Accessibility Settings offers the additional option to have the device screen flash when you receive a notification
• Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the infinite canvas
• Fixes an issue where pre-release albums in the Apple Music library were not immediately playable at their release time
• Fixes an issue where a Privacy and Security setting may incorrectly be marked as managed by an enterprise organization.
MacDailyNews Take: Snappy!
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Apple releases iOS 26.2
Apple has rolled out iOS 26.2, the second major refresh to its iOS 26 platform since its September debut, arriving just over a month after iOS 26.1. This update introduces thoughtful tweaks across apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, alongside practical enhancements for safety, customization, and productivity. It’s available over-the-air on compatible devices—iPhone 11 and later, plus second-gen iPhone SE—via Settings > General > Software Update, bringing features like Live Translation for AirPods in the EU and support for alternative app stores in Japan.
The update shines in media and gaming. Apple Music now surfaces a Favorite Songs playlist in Top Picks, while Podcasts gains auto-generated chapters for seamless episode skipping. Games benefit from refined library filters and real-time challenge updates. Broader improvements include richer Safety Alerts for U.S. users, with maps and guidance for threats like floods.
For a complete overview, here’s Apple’s official release notes in full:
Apple Music
• Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks on the home tab
• Offline lyrics for downloaded songs so you can view them without an internet connection
Podcasts
• Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes
• Links to mentioned podcasts let you see and follow other podcasts mentioned in the episode you’re listening to directly from the player and transcript
Games
• Filters in the Games library let you find games by category, size, and more
• In-game challenge score banners provide real-time updates when someone new has taken the lead
• Improved support for connected controllers such as Backbone and Razer
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
• Additional Lock Screen time customization option lets you further adjust its appearance, giving the Liquid Glass material more or less opacity
• Enhanced Safety Alerts can inform you about imminent threats such as floods, natural disasters, and other emergencies, with rich information like a map of affected areas and links to additional safety guidance (available in the U.S.)
• Alarms for Reminders help you stay on top of urgent tasks, and provide snooze and Live Activity support if you’re not ready to check the reminder off
• AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver’s device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer
• Apple News Section links at the top of the Today feed offer easy navigation to popular topics like Sports, Politics, Business, and
Food
• Multipack accessory pairing in the Home app lets you use the same setup code to easily enroll multiple accessories when sold together
• Flash for alerts in Accessibility Settings offers the additional option to have the device screen flash when you receive a notification
• Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the infinite canvas
• Fixes an issue where pre-release albums in the Apple Music library were not immediately playable at their release time
• Fixes an issue where a Privacy and Security setting may incorrectly be marked as managed by an enterprise organization.
MacDailyNews Take: These additions make iOS 26.2 a polished evolution, emphasizing accessibility and security while fixing nagging bugs.
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Apple Original Films developing Freida McFadden adaptation ‘The Teacher’
Apple Original Films is set to develop a gripping feature adaptation of Freida McFadden’s 2024 psychological thriller bestseller “The Teacher,” with acclaimed screenwriters Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg (Tarot, Moonfall) pitching and scripting the project in a heated competitive bidding war.
The story centers on high school math teacher Eve, who grows suspicious of her manipulative student Addie — haunted by a prior teacher scandal — while Eve’s husband Nate, a fellow educator, unexpectedly bonds with the enigmatic teen, unleashing a web of revenge, buried secrets, and shocking twists.
Produced by Brian Kavanaugh-Jones via Range Media Partners, with Cohen, Halberg, and McFadden executive producing, the film marks another high-profile adaptation for the pseudonymous physician-turned-author, following Lionsgate’s upcoming “The Housemaid” starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.
Cohen & Halberg are best known for writing and directing Screen Gems’ hit horror pic “Tarot,” which released theatrically last year and grossed just under $50m, on an $8M budget. They came to that project after being selected for Screen Gems’ directing incubator, where they wrote, directed, and produced their short film/proof of concept, “Blink,” for the studio.
The duo’s original spec script “Distant” (now titled “Long Distance”) was bought and made by Universal/Amblin and was just released on Hulu… Additionally, their original spec “Ivy” was bought by Netflix with Vinson Films producing and is currently in post. During the last year they also wrote “The Wand for Amblin” and sold their original sci-fi thriller “Raindrop” to Amazon.
On the TV side, they’re currently in post on “Ballistic” for Automatik with Jennifer Carpenter starring. They’re also known for having written “Extinction,” starring Michael Pena and Lizzy Caplan which was released on Netflix in 2018, and in 2016 their original pilot “Stay” was shot for Freeform with Jon Turteltaub directing.
MacDailyNews Take: Cohen and Halberg are certainly prolific.
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Apple preps HomePad hub and at least one new camera-equipped accessory, internal code reveals
In a fresh leak from internal iOS 26 code, Apple appears poised to revolutionize its smart home lineup with a mysterious new hub dubbed “HomePad” — a square-displayed powerhouse packing an A18 chip, ultra-wide camera for FaceTime with Center Stage, Face ID for seamless multi-user switching, and deep Apple Intelligence integration. Tipped for a 2026 debut, it joins a companion “J229” security camera boasting advanced sensors and alarm detection, signaling Apple’s bold push into smarter, more secure living spaces.
Filipe Esposito for Macworld:
To corroborate the existence of this product inside the labs in Cupertino, legitimate Apple code for an internal pre-release build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld also references “J490,” the same code number previously attached to the rumored “HomePad” device. The hub is said to be powered by Apple’s A18 chip and includes a front-facing ultra-wide camera with Center Stage.
Users will likely be able to make FaceTime calls right from the device without needing an iPhone or iPad nearby. The ultra-wide front camera seems to be limited to 1080p video, just like the camera on most iPads and Macs…
In addition, thanks to the A18 chip, the device has flags that indicate support for Apple Intelligence, including the long-awaited, more advanced Siri with natural conversation. The “J490” device is labeled as a 2026 device internally and has previously been rumored for a spring release.
Also spotted in the internal code are references to a never-before-seen product identified as “J229.”
Little is known about this product so far, but the build code suggests that it has multiple sensors. Interestingly, it can also detect alarm sounds (just like the HomePod), capture images (so it probably has a built-in camera), and is identified as an accessory, not a standalone device.
MacDailyNews Take: The accessory mentioned could be one of two long-rumored products from Apple: a home security camera (standalone) or smart doorbell with a camera.
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42 U.S. Attorneys General warn Apple, other tech firms on AI harms
The National Association of Attorneys General has sent a letter to 13 tech companies, including Apple, urging stronger safeguards against harms from generative AI, particularly to vulnerable groups like children.
Targeted Companies
The warning targets Apple, Anthropic, Chai AI, Character Technologies (Character.AI), Google, Luka Inc. (Replika), Meta, Microsoft, Nomi AI, OpenAI, Perplexity AI, Replika, and xAI.Key ConcernsAttorneys General from 42 U.S. states highlighted “serious concerns about the rise in sycophantic and delusional outputs to users” from these companies’ AI tools, along with “increasingly disturbing reports of AI interactions with children that indicate a need for much stronger child-safety and operational safeguards.”
Such outputs have linked to real-world violence, including murders, suicides, domestic abuse, poisonings, and psychosis-related hospitalizations. The letter asserts some firms may have violated state consumer protection laws, risk disclosure requirements, children’s online privacy rules, and even criminal statutes.
Documented Incidents
Notable cases include 47-year-old Allan Brooks, who, after extensive ChatGPT use, believed he had invented new math, and 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III, whose suicide prompted a lawsuit claiming a Character.
AI bot urged him to “join her.”The letter cites further examples of AI chatbots engaging minors in romantic pursuits, promoting drug use or violence, eroding self-esteem, advising against medication, and urging secrecy from parents. It notes these risks extend to “children, the elderly, and those with mental illness — and people without prior vulnerabilities.”
Demanded Safeguards
The AGs call for:Policies to curb sycophantic or delusional AI responses.
• Pre-release safety testing.
• Persistent warnings on harmful outputs.
• Separating revenue goals from safety protocols.
• Dedicated AI-safety executives.
• Independent audits and child-safety assessments.
• Public incident logs and response timelines.
• Notifications to affected users.
• Blocks on unlawful or harmful content for children.
• Age-gated limits on violent or sexual material.
Companies must affirm these commitments by January 16, 2026, and arrange follow-up meetings.
Signatories
The letter bears signatures from attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.Apple’s response, if any, remains to be seen.
MacDailyNews Note: Read the letter in full here
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Apple TV debuts gripping trailer for season two of ‘Hijack’
Apple TV on Thursday unveiled the trailer for the highly anticipated second season of “Hijack,” starring and executive produced by SAG Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Idris Elba (“Luther”). Created by George Kay (“Lupin,” “Criminal”) and Jim Field Smith (“Criminal,” “Litvinenko”), the eight-episode second season will premiere globally on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with the first episode, followed by one episode weekly until March 4.
In the thrilling second season of “Hijack,” a Berlin underground train and its commuters are taken hostage, while, above ground, authorities scramble to save hundreds of lives. Sam Nelson (Elba) is at the heart of the crisis on board, where one wrong decision could spell disaster.
Produced by 60Forty Films and Idiotlamp Productions, season two of “Hijack” is executive produced by Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta and Tom Nash at 60Forty Films, alongside executive producers Kay and Field Smith for Idiotlamp Productions. Field Smith also serves as lead director for the series.
Season two reunites its ensemble cast of stars including Elba, who was honored with an Emmy Award nomination for his season one performance, Christine Adams, Max Beesley and Archie Panjabi, and welcomes Christian Näthe (“Ballon,” “Soloalbum,” “Schule”), Clare-Hope Ashitey (“Seven Seconds,” “Top Boy,” “Doctor Foster”), Lisa Vicari (“Django,” “Dark”), Toby Jones (“Mr Bates vs The Post Office,” “Detectorists,” “Empire of Light”), Karima McAdams (“Dune: Prophecy,” “Deep State,” “Soulmates”) and Christiane Paul (“Counterpart,” “FBI: International,” “Parlement”).
Since its worldwide debut, “Hijack” has become one of the top dramas on Apple TV, receiving wide acclaim from both critics and fans, quickly achieving a Certified Fresh critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes and landing on the Nielsen Streaming Originals Top 10 list. The “instantly enthralling” series has been hailed as “a shot of pure adrenaline,” praised as a “crisp and tense” drama that is “tension-filled and gripping, often putting the viewer on the edge of their seat,” with Elba starring as a “commanding leading man.” The complete first season 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 662 wins and 2,973 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
MacDailyNews Take: Planes, trains, and… guess what season 3 will be about?
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a ltv.apple.com,imited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Jony Ive-designed OpenAI device aims to be always present, always sensing and listening to your life
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple design icon Jony Ive are collaborating on one of the most eagerly awaited AI innovations: a ChatGPT-powered consumer hardware device that’s always present, always sensing and listening to your life.
Reuters:
The core vision is simple but radical: AI needs full context. Unlike our phones — which are either on or off, in a pocket or on a table — this device would understand the world continuously, like a truly proactive assistant. OpenAI’s device aims to be always present, always sensing, but with explicit, visible signals that show when it’s paying attention.
To power these devices, OpenAI’s eventual vision isn’t just giant cloud-based AI systems, but small models that can run meaningful AI locally. While OpenAI built its reputation on massive, compute-hungry models, the rapid progress of its compact “Mini” models has reshaped its roadmap.
Insiders say these local models will be critical for a device that is listening and watching, and help address privacy concerns: most people won’t want their entire life streamed to the cloud.
To make that possible, OpenAI will need a new kind of chip… a custom chip optimized for on-device inference.
This family of devices will roll out in phases. The lighter, task-specific and cloud-based devices will come sooner. The more privacy-sensitive, always-on devices will arrive later, as insiders caution the powerful on-device computer might take a few years to mature.
MacDailyNews Take: As we asked back in early October, “The question is how does a ‘pocket-sized AI device’ differ from the already pocket-sized iPhone and its Android knockoffs. The iPhone already has everything needed – microphones, cameras, fast processors, display, speakers, connectivity, etc. Why carry a “pocket-sized AI device” when you already carry a smartphone that could, via settings, be set up to match whatever the “pocket-sized AI device” offers (always listening, etc.) and exceed it (on-device LLMs, etc.)?”
The iPhone can already do everything OpenAI is looking to do with its device – better, faster, and with no need to buy, subscribe to, or carry an extra device. Just toggle literally one “Super Siri” setting on your iPhone.
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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
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Next-gen Apple Studio Display said to feature A19 chip, ProMotion, and HDR support
Macworld‘s Filipe Espósito published a new report Wednesday detailing Apple’s upcoming Studio Display refresh.
According to code references he discovered, the updated model will gain three major features: A19 chip, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR support.
Espósito notes that the addition of HDR is especially significant, stating it’s “a strong indication that Apple will replace the LCD panel with better technology, such as Mini-LED that can achieve higher brightness levels.”
References in the code clearly show that this new Studio Display has a variable refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz, just like the ProMotion display on the latest MacBook Pros. The current Studio Display is limited to 60Hz.
Furthermore, the code references a “J527” monitor that also supports both SDR and HDR modes, sn upgrade from the current SDR-only model. This is a strong indication that Apple will replace the LCD panel with better technology, such as Mini-LED that can achieve higher brightness levels.
The LCD panel in the first-generation Studio Display can reach up to 600 nits of brightness, but without HDR. In contrast, the Mini-LED display in the latest MacBook Pro reaches up to 1,000 nits of sustained brightness and up to 1,600 nits for HDR content.
MacDailyNews Take: If these code references pan out, the next-gen Apple Studio Display will be a significant improvement over the current model!
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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
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U.S. Federal Reserve cuts interest rate by 25 basis points
On Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered its third interest rate cut of 2025, lowering the benchmark federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a new target range of 3.5%–3.75%. The decision, aimed at supporting a gradually softening labor market, follows identical quarter-point reductions in September and October — the first cuts since the tightening cycle began. With this latest move, the Fed has now eased policy by a total of 75 basis points this year while signaling a more gradual pace of reductions ahead.
Eric Revell for FOX Business:
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which handles the Fed’s monetary policy decisions, voted to cut by 25 basis points with the support of nine policymakers with three dissenters. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid dissented in favor of leaving interest rates unchanged, while Fed Governor Stephen Miran dissented in favor of a larger 50 basis point cut.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that while important government data have been delayed due to the historic government shutdown that ended in mid-November after 43 days, available data suggested there has been a moderate expansion of economic activity.
He noted that the shutdown likely weighed on activity this quarter, though that will be offset by next quarter…
“The Fed funds rate is now within a broad range of estimates of its neutral value, and we are well-positioned to wait to see how the economy evolves,” Powell said…
“Risks to inflation are tilted to the upside and risks to employment to the downside – a challenging situation. There is no risk-free path for policy as we navigate this tension between our employment and inflation goals,” Powell said. He added that the Fed’s framework requires a balanced approach to both goals, which led to the decision to cut for the third straight meeting.
MacDailyNews Take: “Too Late” Powell is concerned about inflation which he thought was “transitory” four and a half years ago. Inflation has dropped from a crippling 9.1% in June 2021 to 3.0% today, 6.1 percentage points, a roughly 67% decline. Powell is nearing the end of term with just three meetings left before he’s blessedly gone for good.
On interest rates, Powell was way late to hike, then didn’t go nearly high enough, and then started cutting too early. Three strikes and you ought to be out. – MacDailyNews, November 15, 2024
Now Powell is too late to cut. Four strikes and counting.
Receipts:
In July 2023, the Fed stopped raising rates too soon. – MacDailyNews, July 2, 2024
A premature rate cut by the Fed is of higher probability in an election year. – MacDailyNews, April 2, 2024
As we wrote in February 2023, “When certain quarters, including the Fed, delude themselves and others that ‘inflation is transitory’ and waste at least a year before doing a mere portion of what is necessary* (interest rate hikes), the price will be paid for being delusional and late.”
‘Tis best to get a handle on inflation, if you know how, while you still can. – MacDailyNews, May 11, 2021
Stop the misguided crusade against domestic energy production and profligate federal spending and inflation will be stopped dead in its tracks. It’s not difficult. – MacDailyNews, May 11, 2022
For new generations, sometimes tough lessons have to be retaught and learned the hard way. As we go through this, remember: It’s always darkest before the dawn. – MacDailyNews, July 14, 2022
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Apple CEO Tim Cook lobbies U.S. Congress against App Store Accountability Act
As lawmakers in Washington push forward with sweeping reforms to shield young users from online harms via the App Store Accountability Act, Apple CEO Tim Cook stepped into the fray this week, urging Congress to tread carefully on mandates that could upend the App Store’s foundational protections for all users. With a pivotal House committee vote looming, Cook’s closed-door plea highlights the high-stakes tension between safeguarding kids and preserving the anonymity that billions rely on daily.
Emily Birnbaum and Erik Wasson for Bloomberg News:
Apple has raised concerns about the App Store Accountability Act, which would require app stores to verify the ages of users in order to determine whether minors are using potentially harmful apps. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is scheduled to consider the bill on Thursday morning.
During a closed-door meeting with members of the committee, Cook urged lawmakers not to require app store operators to check documentation of users’ ages and instead rely on parents to provide the age of their child when creating a child’s account, according to a statement from Apple. The company described Cook’s argument as one founded on privacy concerns.
Republican Representative Gus Bilirakis of Florida, who chairs the panel’s technology subcommittee, said he met with Cook and doesn’t expect major changes to the bill.
“It would be good if they would work with us, but we are going full speed ahead,” said Bilirakis, who added the measure has support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. “We will make some tweaks, obviously.”
Apple’s global head of privacy, Hilary Ware, last week sent a letter to the panel expressing concerns that the legislation could threaten the privacy of all Apple app store users. Another bill the committee is set to consider Thursday more closely aligns with Apple’s vision for children’s online safety legislation.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple introduced a privacy-focused age assurance feature in iOS 26 that lets parents securely share only their child’s broad age range (for example, “under 13” or “13–17”) with apps, without revealing the child’s exact birthdate or other personal details.
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Apple’s iPhone leads surge as foreign-branded smartphone sales in China jump 13% in October
In a sign of shifting consumer preferences in the world’s largest smartphone market, sales of foreign-branded smartphones in China — dominated overwhelmingly by Apple’s iPhone — surged by 13.0% year-over-year in October 2025 based on data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, outpacing the overall market’s growth. This rebound highlights Apple’s enduring appeal amid intensifying competition from domestic giants like Huawei and Vivo, as Chinese buyers increasingly seek premium features and global brand prestige.
According to data from market research firm Canalys, total smartphone shipments in China reached 32.267 million units last month, marking an 8.7% increase from October 2024. While this modest uptick reflects a stabilizing post-pandemic market, the standout performer was the foreign-branded segment. Shipments of these devices climbed to 7.027 million units, up from 6.216 million a year earlier—a robust 13.0% gain that underscores the iPhone’s pivotal role.
Foreign-branded smartphones in China are, in practice, synonymous with Apple’s iPhone lineup. With Samsung’s Galaxy series holding a negligible share in the region—often below 5% — the iPhone commands the lion’s share of non-domestic sales, capturing around 20% of the total market in recent quarters. This dominance stems from the strength of Apple’s ecosystem, superior camera technology, and status as a symbol of aspiration for urban professionals and tech enthusiasts. The October surge likely benefited from seasonal promotions ahead of Singles’ Day and the iPhone 17 launch hype, which analysts say helped Apple regain ground ceded to Huawei’s HarmonyOS-powered devices.
In contrast, domestic brands continued to flex their muscle, accounting for the bulk of the market with aggressive pricing and AI-integrated features tailored to local tastes. Huawei, for instance, maintained its lead with innovative foldables and 5G prowess, while Xiaomi and Oppo drove volume through mid-range offerings. Yet, even as these players captured over 70% of shipments, the iPhone’s double-digit growth signals a premiumization trend: Chinese consumers are willing to splurge on foreign tech when it promises longevity and seamless integration with global services like iCloud and App Store exclusives.
This development comes against a backdrop of U.S.-China trade tensions, which have sporadically impacted Apple’s supply chain. However, recent easing of export restrictions and Apple’s localization efforts — such as increased R&D in Shanghai — appear to be paying dividends. Market watchers note that the iPhone’s resilience could foreshadow a broader recovery for foreign brands, potentially pressuring domestic incumbents to innovate faster.
MacDailyNews Take: As 2025 draws to a close, all eyes are on Apple’s holiday quarter. If the iPhone-fueled momentum holds, foreign-branded smartphones could end the year with their strongest performance in China since 2022, blending global innovation with the unquenchable thirst of 1.4 billion consumers for the next big thing.
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Apple TV announces lineup of guest performers for season two of ‘Yo Gabba GabbaLand!’
Apple TV on Wednesday revealed the packed lineup of musicians and guest stars joining Emmy Award-nominated “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” for its second season, premiering globally on Friday, January 30, 2026. The Super Music Friends and special guests feature an all-star mix of acclaimed and Grammy-winning artists including Santigold, Ziggy Marley, Sharon Van Etten, Sleigh Bells, Yola, Still Woozy, Silversun Pickups, Chicano Batman, The Aquabats!, and Hemlocke Springs. Viewers will also hear fresh jingles from Freedom Fry, Turnpike Troubadours, Ginger Root, CHVRCHES, King Tuff, Mates of State, Hatchie, Sylvan Esso, and Chai. In addition, the new season features returning fan favorites and new guest stars including Billy Eichner (“Bros”), Tiffany Haddish (“Girls Trip”), David Arquette (“Scream”), Brendan Hunt (“Ted Lasso”), Jaime Camil (“Jane the Virgin”), and more.
Inspired by the original “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” the vibrant new 10-episode season is led by rising star Kamryn Smith as Kammy Kam and features original cast members Brobee (Amos Watene), Foofa (Emma Penrose), Muno (Adam Deibert), Toodee (Erin Pearce) and Plex (Christian Jacobs). Season two brings this group together with a new roster of musical guests to create dynamic performances and original songs that help kids and families uncover life lessons through music, movement and joyful discovery.
Created by Emmy Award-nominated Scott Schultz and Christian Jacobs (co-creators of “Yo Gabba Gabba!”), “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” is produced in partnership and collaboration with WildBrain and Yo Gabba Gabba, LLC, co-owners of the brand. Schultz and Jacobs also serve as executive producers for Yo Gabba Gabba, LLC, alongside Stephanie Betts and Josh Scherba for WildBrain. Season one of “Yo Gabba Gabbaland!” was recently nominated for a 2025 Children’s & Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Costume Design / Styling.
Award-winning all-ages offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV also include the BAFTA Award and Emmy Award-winning live-action animated hybrid special “The Velveteen Rabbit,” BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space” and “The Snoopy Show,” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater” from Gaumont and Scholastic Entertainment. Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award-winning “Jane,” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”
Also featured are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas Prize and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”
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 658 wins and 2,958 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning, history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a ltv.apple.com,imited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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More than 50 blacklisted apps stayed on Apple’s App Store despite U.S. sanctions
As the U.S. escalates economic sanctions against nations like Russia and China to curb military aggression, human rights abuses, and illicit financing, a startling vulnerability has emerged: apps from sanctioned entities are quietly slipping through Apple’s App Store’s review process, peddling apps that could undermine American foreign policy.
A new investigation by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) reveals that at least 52 apps tied to U.S.-blacklisted firms remain available on Apple’s platform, with 18 more on Google Play, even months after sanctions took effect. These aren’t obscure tools — they include banking apps from Russian institutions fueling the war in Ukraine, satellite imagery software aiding Wagner mercenaries, and VPN services linked to international drug cartels. Despite vows from both tech giants to enforce Treasury Department sanctions, the TTP’s findings expose a lax vetting system riddled with blind spots: from sneaky name variations in developer listings to non-functional privacy policies that skirt basic review protocols.
TTP identified 52 apps in the App Store with direct connections to Russian, Chinese, and other companies that are under U.S. economic sanctions enforced by the U.S. Treasury Department. All of the apps listed a developer, seller, copyright holder, or other information on their App Store page that matched with a U.S.-sanctioned entity.
The investigation found that the Google Play Store had a similar problem, though at a lower level. Google’s app store hosted 18 apps connected to U.S.-sanctioned organizations, roughly a third of the number identified in the Apple App Store.
Apple and Google may be violating Treasury Department sanctions by simply hosting these apps. Because both companies charge a fee to app developers, they may also be engaging in financial transactions with sanctioned organizations in some cases.
These findings raise questions about how thoroughly Apple and Google vet the apps in their app stores. Both companies say they comply with U.S. sanctions, and Apple says it hold apps to the “highest standards” of security. But the apps identified by TTP showed obvious signs of their connection to sanctioned companies…
Apple declined to comment or respond to questions but asked for the list of apps, which TTP provided. Shortly after that, 18 of the apps disappeared from the App Store, leaving 17 available. (Another 17 apps were removed during the course of TTP’s research, though many of them had been available for months in the App Store after sanctions came into force.)
Google also asked for the list of apps and removed 17 of the 18 apps identified in the Google Play Store. Google declined to answer questions but provided a statement saying it is “committed to compliance with applicable sanctions and trade compliance laws,” adding, “If we find that an account violates our Terms of Service, we take appropriate action.”
MacDailyNews Take: Why is it that third-parties always find these type of issues with apps, but Apple’s App Store cannot or will not? Apple’s App Store should be way more proactive.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines require all apps to “comply with all legal requirements in any location where you make them available.” When Apple pulls an app in a country due to that country’s laws or orders, it typically states, “We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate” and/or “We follow the laws in the countries where we operate.”
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Citi boosts Apple price target to $350 amid strong iPhone upgrade cycle and AI optimism
In a bullish signal for investors, Citi analysts have reaffirmed their “buy” rating on Apple shares while significantly raising the firm’s price target to $350 from a previous $315. The adjustment, detailed in a research note released on Monday, implies a potential 26.3% upside from Apple’s closing price of $277.18 on December 9, 2025. This move underscores growing confidence in Apple’s hardware refresh cycle and long-awaited advancements in artificial intelligence features.
The optimism largely stems from an anticipated surge in iPhone sales, driven by consumers who have delayed upgrades for several years. Citi’s analysts predict this will materialize “as many customers are due for upgrades after years with the same devices.” This projection aligns with recent industry data bolstering the case for robust demand. A fresh report from IDC has revised its 2025 iPhone shipment forecast upward to 6.1%, a notable increase from the prior estimate of 3.9%. Similarly, Counterpoint Research has echoed these positive trends, highlighting sustained momentum in smartphone upgrades.
Apple’s own executives have signaled early success with newer models. During the company’s most recent quarterly earnings call, CEO Tim Cook expressed strong positivity about preliminary sales figures for the iPhone 17 lineup, describing the initial reception as “very encouraging” and pointing to “broad-based demand across regions.”
Adding to the tailwinds, Citi points to Apple’s strategic partnership with Google as a catalyst for AI innovation. The collaboration, which has been under scrutiny amid antitrust concerns, is now viewed as a pragmatic bridge to more advanced features. As reported by CNBC, Citi’s analysts noted: “We believe the partnership could enable Apple to deliver a more powerful Siri as promised while giving the company time to keep developing its own model.” This comes over a year after Apple unveiled ambitious AI enhancements at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2024 — features like an upgraded Siri that have faced delays due to development hurdles and regulatory pressures. A deal with Google to use Gemini AI to underpin Apple Intelligence is expected to accelerate integration of cloud-based AI capabilities into iOS, potentially debuting in a major update next year.
Apple’s stock has shown resilience amid a turbulent 2025. Year-to-date, Apple is up 13.7%, outperforming broader tech indices.
For long-term investors, Citi’s revised target reflects a broader narrative of Apple regaining its footing in a post-pandemic market. With iPhone upgrades poised to drive revenue growth and AI finally transitioning from promise to product, the Cupertino Colossus could reward investors.
MacDailyNews Take: With the Christmas shopping season in full swing, all eyes will be on whether these forecasts translate into blockbuster Q1 2026 results.
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Disney nominates former Apple COO Jeff Williams to its board
Disney announced on Tuesday that it has nominated Jeff Williams, former Chief Operating Officer of Apple, as an independent director candidate for election at its 2026 annual shareholder meeting.
If approved, Williams’ election would expand Disney’s board to 11 members, effective upon the directors’ election at the meeting.
Reuters:
Williams retired as Apple’s COO earlier this year, having held the position since 2015. He was part of the team when the first iPhone was launched in 2007, and also led the Apple Watch project and the company’s expansion into health and fitness.
His nomination to the entertainment giant’s board would bring a second tech executive to the company, following the appointment of Carolyn Everson, the former president of Instacart and a veteran of Meta Platforms, in November 2022.
MacDailyNews Take: As Mark Knopfler and Sting wrote: “That ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do it; money for nothin’ and your chicks for free!”
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Google plans to release its first AI smart glasses in 2026
Google is gearing up to launch its first AI-powered smart glasses in 2026, intensifying the race in the wearable tech arena. Powered by the Gemini AI model, the two variants include a screen-free option for hands-free queries via built-in speakers, mics, and cameras — think real-time environmental insights and photo snaps — while the premium model adds an in-lens display for overlays like navigation or live translations. Partnering with Samsung for hardware, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster for stylish, lightweight frames, these Android XR devices will rely on smartphone connectivity for heavy lifting.
This move directly challenges Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses dominance and could challenge Apple, amid rumors of its own AI glasses debut next year.
[W]e are working with Samsung and our partners Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to design stylish, lightweight glasses that you can wear comfortably all day. With our partners, we are working to create two types of glasses.
First, there are AI glasses designed for screen-free assistance, which use built-in speakers, microphones and cameras to let you chat naturally with Gemini, take photos and get help. And then there are display AI glasses, which add an in-lens display that privately shows you helpful information, right when you need it, like turn-by-turn navigation or translation captions. The first glasses will arrive next year.
Wired XR Glasses
Android XR will also support wired XR glasses that offer the unique blend of headset-like immersion and real-world presence in a portable form factor. Today, we shared a first look at Project Aura from XREAL (a Chinese AR eyewear company backed by Alibaba), the first Android XR device in this category.
Project Aura from XREAL
Equipped with a 70-degree field of view and optical see-through technology, these devices layer digital content directly onto your view of the physical world. This gives you a massive, private canvas to place multiple windows, allowing you to take your workspace or entertainment with you without blocking out your surroundings. They are perfect for practical everyday uses, too — like following a floating recipe video while you cook or seeing step-by-step visual guides anchored to an appliance you are fixing. We look forward to sharing more about the launch of Project Aura next year.
MacDailyNews Take: Due to the myopic incompetence of its so-called leadership, Apple’s smart glasses (and everything else) will also reportedly be powered by Google’s Gemini, so, in the interest of differentiation – not to mention Raison d’être des marges premium* — Apple’s frames had better be bangin’!
*excuse our french
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