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iPhone 18 Pro rumored to gain a variable aperture wide-angle lens

In a major update to the camera system, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 18 Pro's wide angle lens will be upgraded to have a variable aperture.


Apple may update the iPhone's wide-angle lens to give it a variable aperture

Rumors concerning the cameras in the forthcoming iPhone 17 range and later have previously varied from saying they will get better bokeh, to how the front camera's resolution will double to 24MP. Now analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims to have specific information that the iPhone 18 Pro will gain this variable aperture update.

In a blog post that he says is based on his own industry sources, Kuo says that this update will "significantly improve the user's photography experience."


Rumor Score: ???? Possible


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iPhones on iOS 18.1 will automatically reboot and lock down after being idle for a while

A hidden feature in iOS 18.1 will automatically reboot a locked iPhone when it is asleep but hasn't been unlocked for a while, presumably as a security measure.


The feature has been identified as an "inactivity reboot," and is similar to a feature found on Macs. The Mac version, known as "hibernation mode," saves the state of the device to disk when put to sleep, in case the power fails or the battery runs out before the user can return to the machine.

By flushing the last state of the device, iPhone users are better protected from forensic searches by law enforcement or other entities. The change also makes it more difficult for anyone to break into the device using brute-force or other methods.

The reboot timer is not reliant on charging or network functions, and is only tied to inactivity since the last unlock. This means the reboot will take place after a period of time, even if network connections are not maintained.


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Apple Vision Pro 2 with M5 chip likely to arrive before budget models

Apple is likely to launch a refreshed Apple Vision Pro headset before a cheaper version of the product arrives, according to a new report.


An updated Apple Vision Pro could sport an M5 chip and other improvements.

Apple is believed to be working on "several ideas" for its overall Apple Vision product line and its future intentions. Currently, it is expected that an updated Apple Vision Pro will be the first, ahead of a rumored cheaper "Apple Vision" headset.

The next Apple Vision Pro would likely sport an M5 processor and other internal changes, but would otherwise be very similar to the existing model. It's expected to arrive in late 2025, reports Bloomberg, or the spring of 2026.


Rumor Score: ???? Possible


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Apple starts supplying replacement parts for iPhone 16 repairs

Repair parts for the iPhone 16 lineup are now available to order in the US and other countries, including for those wanting to fix their iPhone for themselves.


DIY repairs are well-suited to some, but can be labor-intensive and expensive.

Following the release of the repair manuals for the iPhone 16 in September, it's now possible to acquire replacement parts for repairs from Apple directly. This is a continuation of a move starting in 2022 towards more user repairability of its products.

Batteries, one of the most common replacement parts, sell for $99 for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, or $119 for the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max. Likewise, replacement camera assemblies cost $169 or $249, depending on the model.


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US blocks TSMC chip exports, but Apple's chips face a different threat

A US order to TSMC to cut AI chip supplies to China over Huawei sanctions won't cause problems for Apple. However, Taiwan's prohibition of TSMC producing 2-nanometer chips elsewhere could make an impact.


A TSMC factory sign - Image credit: TSMC

U.S. sanctions against Huawei has caused problems for TSMC over attempts by intermediaries to order certain AI-based chip designs on Huawei's behalf. From Monday, TSMC is suspending shipments of the AI-focused chips to China, on the orders of the United States.

The Department of Commerce imposed export restrictions of select chip designs that were intended to be shipped to China, an unnamed source of Reuters claims. The shipment ban, which kicks in from Monday, affects certain types of chips made with 7-nanometer processes or advanced designs, intended for AI or graphics processing.


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Matter 1.4 is released, new Apple betas, & more news on HomeKit Insider

On this episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast we talk about Apple's new betas, discuss the major Matter 1.4 release which adds new categories and other improvements, and more!


HomeKit Insider Podcast

Before jumping into Matter, we got several new beta updates from Apple. For example, tvOS 18.2 added behind the scenes code to soon enable the new slate of wallpapers.

On Vision Pro, visionOS 2.2 added new ultra-wide mirroring options for the Mac. Finally, macOS Sequoia 15.2 adds new control for mirroring where the user can display a single window/app, extend the display, or duplicate your whole display.


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Trump tariffs will raise prices, but Apple has set the table to avoid the worst of it

Proposed tariffs under the Trump administration could trigger considerable price increases for consumer electronics in the United States, though Apple may be able to weather the storm.


Apple CEO Tim Cook [left] with Donald Trump [right]

During his first time in office, President Donald Trump's trade war with China resulted in price increases. While there were threats that Apple's products would be dinged by tariffs, Tim Cook's regular Trump talks helped Apple avoid being hurt by the import charges.

For Trump's second term in office, it seems that a similar situation could happen again, with Chinese imports being hit with high tariffs. However, this time Apple is in a much better position.


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Apple updates the firmware again for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4

Apple has released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, another software update for its personal audio devices.


Apple's fourth-generation AirPods

Apple has been uncharacteristically frequent with its firmware updates for its AirPods product lines. The relatively high tempo of updates has continued with yet another AirPods firmware update.

Rolled out on Monday, the latest firmware updates are for the AirPods Pro 2 with both Lightning and USB-C charging cases, as well as both of the AirPods 4 models.


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New in iOS 18.2 developer beta 3: Changes to Apple Intelligence, video playback, and more

The third developer beta of iOS 18.2 is now available for all compatible iPhone models, as Apple Intelligence testing continues. Here's everything you need to know about the update.


iOS 18.2 developer beta 3 introduces enhancements to existing features.

On Monday, Apple released iOS 18.2 developer beta 3, with build number 22C5131e, up from the previous 22C5125e. While the update is compatible with devices as old as the iPhone XS and iPhone XR, the software includes a variety of Apple Intelligence features that only work on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 range.

The iOS 18.2 update introduces support for Image Playground, Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, and ChatGPT integration via Siri. There's also a new FindMy feature that helps users locate lost luggage or AirTags.


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Supply chain leak hints at two potential Apple home automation releases set for 2026

An Apple supplier may have been tapped to build an Apple-designed smart home camera and future health-focused AirPods, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.


Tapo smart cameras compatible with Apple HomeKit

After Apple abandoned the decade-long Apple Car project, rumors suggested Apple would increase investments in the smart home and AI. While Apple Intelligence has been released to the public, there has been little evidence of Apple's new commitment to the smart home beyond rumors of a smart monitor.

A new supply chain-based rumor from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests an Apple supplier named Goertek has been tapped with orders for two products due in 2026. The first is a smart home camera, and the second is a set of AirPods with more health-focused features.


Rumor Score: ???? Possible


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App Store faces Epic Games-style antitrust lawsuit from Chinese developer

The developer of an app dropped from the App Store in China has filed a lawsuit that challenges Apple's overall practices, as well as damages of $420,000.


China and the App Store

Apple has consistently been bowing to pressures from China and dropping apps from the App Store in the region. In this case, it's claimed an app called Bodyreader was pulled by Apple over reasons the developer believes are inconsistent.

According to Bloomberg Beijing's intellectual property court has accepted a complaint from Bodyreader's developer. The publication describes this as an Epic Games-style lawsuit on account of its scope concerning Apple's overall practices on the App Store.


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North Korean hackers use infected crypto apps to target Macs

North Korean hackers have disguised malware in seemingly harmless macOS apps using sophisticated code to bypass security checks and target unsuspecting users.


Malware apps continue to target Mac users

In a recent discovery, researchers at Jamf Threat Labs uncovered malware embedded in macOS apps that look harmless on the surface. Using the popular app-building tool Flutter, cybercriminals made apps that slipped through typical security measures.

Flutter, developed by Google, has become a favorite tool for creating apps that work seamlessly across macOS, iOS, and Android. Its codebase allows developers to build an app once and have it look consistent across all platforms.


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OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub offers high-speed port expansion for Apple's newest Macs

OWC's new Thunderbolt 5 Hub aims to provide even more access to the fastest ports, by splitting one off into three more.


OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub - Image credit: OWC

In 2021, OWC introduced the Thunderbolt Hub, a dock that provided three additional Thunderbolt 4 ports when it was plugged into a Mac's Thunderbolt 4 connections. Three years later, it's doing it again, but for the newest Mac models.

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is the same concept as before, with one Thunderbolt 5 cable connecting to the host Mac while providing three more Thunderbolt 5 ports to plug devices into. The hub also adds a single USB-A port to the equation too.


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EU's latest demand on Apple about geolocking is unforgivably naive

The European Union has told Apple to stop geo-locking, where apps and services vary in different countries — entirely ignoring decades of laws and practices by other industries that have nothing to do with the App Store.


EU wants the impossible with Apple's App Store

Give the EU credit, it has implemented the kind of laws regarding Big Tech that other countries, including the US, are still only talking about. But in this case, its assumption that it can simply mandate how the rest of the entire world works is an excoriating overreach.

The new demand is that Apple stop geo-locking, and specifically that EU users must be able to:


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Ultimate guide on how to use an external SSD as a working drive on macOS Sequoia

It is easily possible to double the cost of a new M4 Mac mini by buying Apple storage — but if you know what you're doing, you can buy external drives, and save hundreds of dollars by working off those. Here's how.


External drives are vastly cheaper than Apple's storage upgrade prices

Apple's New Mac mini is a stunning bargain for its price and its performance — but maybe only in its base configuration. Once you start adding anything like more storage, you hit Apple's excessive upgrade charges and the bargain diminishes, or even goes away entirely.

It is true that Apple has made things better, both by increasing the amount of RAM that base model gets, and also by making 256GB the smallest amount of storage you can buy.


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Power press: Fixes for Apple's oddly-placed Mac mini button

Apple's decision to place the power button of the M4 Mac mini underneath has been questioned by users. In some cases, they've come up with their own "solutions" to the problem.


Mac mini power button

The introduction of the M4 Mac mini was welcomed by critics, with the already small Mac made to be even smaller. Getting to that size meant there had to be a compromise, and that took the form of an awkward power button placement.

Rather than at the rear, the button is instead underneath the corner of the Mac mini's enclosure. It's in a position that you have to lift or tilt the Mac mini to access it, which can be awkward for people with larger digits.


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Apple's smart display with smart home AI focus predicted for March 2025

The pivot from Apple Car set the stage for bigger investments in the smart home, and the initial products from that shift could be launching as soon as March according to a new rumor.


Apple could release an iPad-like home hub with AI and smart home features

Apple has offered smart home options since 2014 with the launch of HomeKit. Beyond Siri integrations, HomePod, and few product category additions over the years, the company's investment in the area hasn't been as strong as some of its competitors.

That could change as soon as March with the launch of a new smart display that isn't an iPad, doesn't have an App Store, and is voice-first. This device would be a precursor to the rumored display with a robotic arm that's been rumored since Apple Car was abandoned.


Rumor Score: ???? Possible


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Bluetti's new Elite 200 portable power station provides 17 years of charging

Check out the latest from Bluetti with an exclusive discount on the Elite 200 V2 portable power station capable of generating reliable 2 kWh power for 17 years.


Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is rated for 17-years of use - Image credit: Bluetti

Bluetti is an innovator in the home battery backup space that's been pushing the limits of consumer backup power solutions. The company offers some of the best portable power station units that serve you everywhere from the campground to your home during a power outage.

Tuesday, Bluetti has unveiled the latest in its lineup — the Elite 200 V2. It is a 2 kWh portable power station that is rated for 6,000 life cycles, which equates to over 17 years.


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How advanced content caching settings on the Mac works

Advanced configuration parameters control how your Mac stores cached content. Here's how to change the settings.


Content cache settings in macOS Sequoia.

Content caching controls what internet content gets stored locally in macOS when you visit websites and other online servers.

When you visit a site, some of the data (content) gets downloaded and stored locally on your Mac. This is so that if you access that content later, it can be loaded more quickly from the cache - instead of having to make more trips to the internet to fetch it again.


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Dancers impact community in Portugal

A team of OM Dancelink dancers in Portugal impact the community through workshops, shows and street performances.




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Portugal Dancelink team clears way for Transit team harvest

A Transform 2012 Dancelink team in Mondim, Portugal, clears the way for a Transform Transit team to see the Gospel bear fruit four months later.




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OM Portugal begins outreach to Fátima

OM Portugal sends a Portuguese pastor and his family to begin outreach in the Catholic town of Fátima.




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What would you wish for?

One Finnish woman discovers that a simple question seems to be all it takes to talk about God in a postmodern world.




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Transform 2016: Surfing and dancing in Portugal

Surfing on the beach or providing a dance workshop were new ways to share the gospel in Portugal.




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Road-tripping through Portugal

Writer Nicole spent five days driving around Portugal this summer, hanging out with three Transform teams and listening to their stories.




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From Texas to Tana: What adventures will tomorrow hold? – Part II

Caitlin, an intern with OM, participates in African and communications orientation in South Africa before flying to Madagascar.




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Going the distance for the gospel

A Malagasy girl exemplifies dedication to spreading the gospel.




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From Texas to Tana: On the floor of a grass hut – Part IV

Caitlin, an intern, reflects on the lives touched by God during the OM outreach to Sainte Marie Island off the coast of Madagascar.




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God transforms a family

A woman and her husband accept the Lord after hearing the gospel from an OM team visiting the island of Sante Marie.




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From Texas to Tana: Lessons for a lifetime - Part VI

Caitlin Red returns home after interning with OM Madagascar since August. Says Caitlin, “In Madagascar, I learnt enough lessons to last me a lifetime.”




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God provides for Hanta to join an OM outreach

Hanta, a committed young Christian from a rural village in Madagascar, learns that if she’s willing to obey God, He provides a way.




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Sports ministry changes lives in Antananarivo

OM Madagascar uses sport as tool for reaching youth with the gospel and relationship building.




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What the witch doctor saw

A Malagasy witch doctor comes to faith in Christ during an OM outreach and is baptised just one week before his death.




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They got 'The Story'

Antemoro “coastal people” of Amosiala come to faith after learning about Christ through an OM team and volunteers from a neighbouring village.




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He Went to Church For the Candy

Pastor Rene Armand, a pastor from the Androy region of Madagascar, shares how he became a pastor.




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Trusting Him for the future

Perla, meaning “pearl” in Malagasy, raises awareness about human trafficking and provides skills training, coupled with discipleship, to at-risk women and girls.




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Missions is for everyone

An outreach to the north of Madagascar was a new experience not only for those being reached, but for the participants and church as well.




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Transforming communities

Despite knowing very little about the Androy region, OMers Fara and Herimanina went willingly and have seen God at work.




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Worth more than jewels

Perla is a Freedom Challenge project in Madagascar that is empowering women through skills training.




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Working together

Fourteen young people participated in a month-long outreach within in their country. The result: unity.




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Music opens doors to hearts

In each village, a small crowd of people gathered, and children and adults watched the puppet theatre with much interest. The team also put on a concert featuring songs by Istvan Horvath, a member of the OM Hungary team, as well as English songs by the international team. during Easter




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Unforgettable squeals of joy

Rex from the USA, volunteered for two months in the Baseball and Softball Programme alongside OMers Terry Lingenhoel and Suzanne Cole this spring.




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Baseball transforms lives and communities

The impact of baseball as an outreach tool is growing far beyond the first teams that began nine years ago in Érd.




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A mission trip for the whole family

Ministry opportunities in Hungary open up the mission experience for families with younger children.




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Reaching out to the world in Hungary

Workers with OM Hungary minister to the weary and burdened in a local refugee camp.




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Christmas puppets tell the story

OM Hungary’s Christmas puppet ministry is currently underway, with performances in the city of Érd and the surrounding area.




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Finns join Hungarians for puppet outreach

Many schools experienced a new international flavour this year when the OM puppet outreach team was joined by a supporting Finnish church.




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New opportunities in Christ

OM Hungary encourages local Hungarian pastors and their congregations through the Bus4Life during the Easter season.




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‘Live with the opportunities’

Participants from a day of outreach to refugee families in Budapest share their experiences.




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Santa Claus and the street corner

An OMer in Hungary shares how God intervened in the lives of women in the sex industry through the Bus4Life ministry