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Robert DeLuca

Robert DeLuca

Apple’s Foldable iPhone Nears Production: What Insiders Should Watch for 2026

By Robert DeLuca in iPhone 18 on

Foldable iPhone Set for Manufacturing Debut: Details Emerge from Supply Chain

Apple’s longstanding development of a foldable iPhone is approaching a pivotal milestone, with Foxconn gearing up to start production in late Q3 or early Q4 of 2025, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (MacRumors, TF Securities, 9to5Mac). If current projections hold, the device—likely branded within the iPhone 18 lineup—will launch in fall 2026, marking Apple’s formal entry into the foldable smartphone segment.

Supply Chain and Display Partnership

While several key hardware specifications remain undecided, Kuo confirms that the foldable display, measuring approximately 7.8 inches when opened and 5.5 inches when closed, is finalized and will be sourced from Samsung Display. This echoes Apple’s previous strategies of leveraging proven display partners. Samsung Display is reportedly preparing to deliver 7–8 million foldable panels in 2026, with Apple’s aggregate order targeting 15–20 million

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Apple Maintains iPhone Mirroring Restriction in EU with macOS Tahoe Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

By Robert DeLuca in iPhone Mirroring on

iPhone Mirroring Remains Unavailable in EU: Regulatory Pressures Persist for Apple

Apple’s iPhone Mirroring feature, first introduced with macOS Sequoia and iOS 18, continues to be unavailable in the European Union as macOS Tahoe approaches release. This strategic holdout, confirmed at WWDC 2025 and reported by French tech outlet Numerama, underscores Apple’s ongoing efforts to navigate the shifting regulatory landscape in Europe.

Feature Overview: Integration With Limits

iPhone Mirroring has been lauded outside the EU for enabling users to wirelessly project and control their iPhone screen directly from a Mac—extending Apple’s signature continuity between devices. According to comprehensive breakdowns from AppleInsider forums, the workflow allows notifications, apps, and control via mouse or keyboard, all while maintaining iPhone security with device lock. This deep integration is limited only by regional boundaries, as EU-based users currently remain blocked from accessing the feature.

Regulatory Headwinds: The Digital Markets Act’

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Apple Officially Ends Intel Mac Era: What This Means for OpenCore and Hackintosh Communities

By Robert DeLuca in Apple Silicon on

Apple’s Full Transition to Apple Silicon: A Defining Schism for Intel Mac Enthusiasts

Apple’s announcement at WWDC 2025 confirming that macOS 26 Tahoe will be the final version supporting Intel-based Macs marks a decisive milestone in the company’s hardware evolution. The declaration, made during the WWDC Platforms State of the Union, signals not just the conclusion of macOS support for legacy Intel hardware, but also a fundamental change in the viability of OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP) and Hackintosh practices, both long established in the macOS enthusiast community.

End of the Road: OpenCore and Hackintosh

According to AppleInsider and 9to5Mac, the technical and community ramifications of this transition are significant. OpenCore, which has enabled macOS updates on unsupported Intel Macs, will no longer be able to patch future versions. Apple will remove all Intel-specific code—including the x86_64 kernel and related binaries—from upcoming macOS releases, starting

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Apple Regains Momentum in China as iPhone Sales Surge 15% Globally

By Robert DeLuca in Apple on

iPhone's Resurgence: Apple Reclaims China's Market Lead

Apple's iPhone sales registered a 15% year-over-year jump during April and May 2025, marking the company's strongest two-month period for this timeframe since the pandemic began, according to Counterpoint Research's Market Pulse Global Monthly Smartphone Sales Report. For Apple enthusiasts, this milestone signals a notable turnaround after a turbulent start to the year, particularly in China, the world's most competitive smartphone market.

Turning the Tide in China

Apple's performance in China stands out as the most consequential shift of the period. Counterpoint's report shows that after a sharp contraction in Q1—driven by intense competition from local vendors and a near 50% drop in March iPhone shipments (CAICT)—Apple not only reversed its recent market share losses but also reclaimed the top spot in China's smartphone market by May. Market observers, such as those at AppleInsider and 9to5Mac, attribute this rebound to aggressive

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iOS 18.6 Beta Code Reveals Progress on Apple’s Rumored Home Hub and homeOS

By Robert DeLuca in Apple Home Hub on

Unearthing New Clues in iOS 18.6 Beta: All Eyes on Apple's Home Hub Ambitions

Enthusiasts tracking Apple’s ambitious smart home push have new evidence to consider. According to recent reports from 9to5Mac, the iOS 18.6 beta contains a significant reference to Apple’s rumored home hub, specifically an image asset titled "apple-logo-1088@2xhome.png." The suffix "home" is highlighted as a likely reference to homeOS, the operating system reportedly under development to power Apple's next-generation home device.

A Subtle Yet Telling Asset

Analysts at 9to5Mac interpret the filename's "1088" and "@2x" as a possible indicator of the device’s screen resolution—implying a display width of 2176 pixels at double scale. This aligns with earlier coverage by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who previously forecasted a 6- to 7-inch, iPad-like screen for the smart home hub. The design is rumored to facilitate both tabletop and wall-mounted use, integrating

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Break Hiatus: What Could Define Apple's Next Rugged Wearable

By Robert DeLuca in Apple Watch Ultra on

Apple Prepares to Revive the Ultra: Two-Year Wait Nears End

For dedicated Apple Watch Ultra enthusiasts, the two-year lull in major upgrades is poised to end. Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities Hong Kong, as cited via @jukanlosreve, indicates that Apple is set to release the Apple Watch Ultra 3 alongside the expected Apple Watch Series 11 later this year. If Apple continues its historical pattern, both are likely to debut in the September event that customarily showcases new iPhones.

A Gap Not Seen Since Apple Watch Series 0

According to Pu’s product roadmap for investors, this upcoming Ultra launch will mark the first significant update to the rugged smartwatch line since the Ultra 2. In 2024, Apple skipped a generational refresh for the Ultra, opting only to expand the color options with a black titanium variant. Such a pause deviates from the company’s previous annual cadence for

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Analyst Consensus: AirPods Pro 3 Likely Pushed to 2026 with Advanced Health Features

By Robert DeLuca in AirPods Pro 3 on

AirPods Pro 3 Release Window Pushes to 2026: Analyst Roadmaps Align

Expectations for the next iteration of Apple’s premium in-ear headphones—the AirPods Pro 3—have shifted following multiple independent analyst reports. The timeline for the launch is now solidly anchored in 2026, rather than the previously rumored 2025 window. This adjustment stands out given Apple’s historical cadence for updating its audio hardware, and carries notable implications for Apple enthusiasts tracking the company’s wearable and health-focused strategies.

Analyst Reports Refine Release Forecasts

Jeff Pu of GF Securities Hong Kong recently published a product roadmap (via a Korean chip industry insider, @jukanlosreve), forecasting mass production of the AirPods Pro 3 in 2026. Pu’s projection corresponds with earlier comments from respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has similarly pointed to significant AirPods hardware updates—potentially including an IR camera—for a 2026 debut. Meanwhile, references to “AirPods Pro

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Apple Brings AirPods Firmware Public Betas to Enthusiasts This July

By Robert DeLuca in AirPods on

AirPods Firmware Enters the Apple Beta Software Program

Apple is preparing a notable expansion to its public beta program: for the first time, the company will offer public betas of AirPods firmware updates. According to Apple's press release (MacRumors), the initial public beta rollout is scheduled for July 2025 and does not require an Apple Developer account. This brings AirPods firmware testing in line with the established public betas for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, HomePod, and watchOS—an important shift for Apple’s increasingly interconnected hardware ecosystem.

Hands-On: Advanced Features for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Recent developer betas, as reported by 9to5Mac, have introduced several significant features for AirPods Pro 2 and the upcoming AirPods 4. These include:

  • Enhanced Audio Quality for phone and video calls
  • Studio-Quality Audio Recording—targeting podcasters, interviewers, and video creators
  • Camera Remote Control via AirPods stems, supporting hands-free photo capture and video recording
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Apple’s HomeOS and Smart-Home Hardware Target March 2026 Debut Amid Siri Overhaul

By Robert DeLuca in Apple on

Apple’s Smart-Home Ambitions: HomeOS Readies for Spring 2026 Reveal

Apple’s projected entry into the unified smart-home operating system market has developed a new timeline. According to Bloomberg and AppleInsider reports, the long-rumored HomeOS platform and a series of new smart-home devices are now expected to launch at a consumer-focused event in March 2026, preceding Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This marks a strategic shift for Apple, which typically reserves major OS introductions for its annual developer gathering.

What’s Delayed and Why?

The launch, initially speculated for WWDC 2026, has reportedly been postponed due to delays in upgrading Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. Bloomberg attributes the scheduling change to the requirement for significant advances in Siri’s contextual understanding and chatbot abilities—a central pillar for the forthcoming HomeOS ecosystem. These upgrades are said to power a new conversational mode, enabling proactive task announcements and persistent voice

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iPhone 17 Pro: A New Chapter of Hardware and Design Innovations Nears Launch

By Robert DeLuca in iPhone 17 Pro on

iPhone 17 Pro Readies for September Debut: What the Latest Rumors Reveal

Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max in approximately three months, with rumors indicating a notable convergence of design change and hardware upgrades (sources: MacRumors, 9to5Mac). For enthusiasts tracking incremental and major shifts in Apple’s device architecture, the upcoming flagship cycle is shaping up as a key pivot point for both design philosophy and technical ambition.

Return to Aluminum: Material Shift Signals New Strategy

Rumor has it (MacRumors, 9to5Mac) that Apple will set aside the recent use of titanium in the Pro models, reverting to an aluminum frame with a part-aluminum, part-glass back design. This marks a notable departure from the stainless steel frames seen on iPhone X to iPhone 14 Pro and the titanium used for both iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models. Commentary among supply chain

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Apple Initiates 2023 M2 Mac Mini Repair Program After Power Issue Identified

By Robert DeLuca in Mac mini on

Proactive Support: Apple's 2023 M2 Mac Mini Repair Program

Apple enthusiasts closely following the Mac mini lineage saw a notable development this week: Apple has launched a dedicated repair program for select 2023 Mac mini models equipped with the M2 chip, addressing what the company describes as a "very small percentage" of units affected by a critical power fault. According to information published by Apple and reported by outlets like MacRumors and 9to5Mac, this issue can render impacted devices unable to power on.

What Devices Are Affected?

The repair program is narrowly targeted. Only Mac mini models produced between June 16 and November 23, 2024, and equipped with the M2 SoC, are included. No other configurations—such as Intel or M1 variants—are eligible. Users concerned about their device's eligibility can enter their Mac mini's serial number into an online tool on Apple’s support website to determine coverage.

Repair

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iOS 26 Unlocks eSIM Transfers Between iPhone and Android: What Apple Users Need to Know

By Robert DeLuca in iOS 26 on

iOS 26 Bridges the Divide With Cross-Platform eSIM Transfers

Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 introduces a change that directly impacts mobile flexibility for Apple loyalists and cross-platform adopters alike: the ability to transfer eSIMs seamlessly to and from Android devices. According to MacRumors, this update simplifies a historically tedious process, potentially altering both user experience and competitive dynamics in the mobile market.

Addressing a Long-Standing Migration Challenge

Prior to iOS 26, users looking to switch between iPhone and Android faced hurdles when migrating eSIM-based phone numbers. According to multiple sources including 9to5Mac, transferring an eSIM from iPhone to Android typically required direct carrier support and manual QR code generation—a point of friction often cited by users contemplating a switch.

By implementing built-in options to both "Transfer to Android" and "Transfer From Android," Apple is removing a key barrier to platform migration. The company appears to be aligning with evolving

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Apple Expands In-App Redemption Codes for iPhone Games, Signaling Gaming Focus

By Robert DeLuca in App Store on

Redemption Codes Now Cover All In-App Purchases: A Strategic Shift

Apple has announced a notable update for App Store developers: starting later in 2025, iOS games and apps will be able to offer redemption codes for any type of in-app purchase—not just auto-renewable subscriptions. According to reports from MacRumors and statements by Apple, this expansion is set to roll out by the end of the year and marks a significant evolution in how developers can promote their games, engage users, and fine-tune their monetization strategies.

Previously, Apple introduced redemption codes in 2020, but they were limited to subscriptions. The broadened scope now includes consumable items such as in-game currency or power-ups, providing developers with new levers to drive user acquisition and engagement.

Broadening Promotional Horizons for Developers

Developers will soon be able to distribute unique, alphanumeric codes that grant users access to free or discounted in-app content. Sources including

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WWDC25 Wrap-Up: Design Overhauls, AI Initiatives, and Developer Focus Define Apple’s Vision

By Robert DeLuca in WWDC25 on

WWDC25’s Final Day: Unpacking Apple’s Strategic Momentum

As Apple closed the curtains on WWDC25, attention turned to the event's defining pivots—unprecedented design changes, intensified AI investment, and a robust development ecosystem. For Apple aficionados, the closing day not only revisited the technical discussions of the week but underscored Apple’s trajectory amid persistent industry scrutiny.

Unified Platform and the “Liquid Glass” Redesign

According to live coverage by MacRumors, Apple introduced a comprehensive UI overhaul through the 'Liquid Glass' initiative. This move, inspired by VisionOS, represents the most significant design shift since iOS 7. Rounded corners and immersive depth elements are now central to Apple’s ecosystem, with the redesign harmonizing across iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and other platforms. This alignment—branded with a unified "26" moniker—signals Apple’s ongoing mission to streamline user experience and reinforce deep hardware-software integration, fully leveraging Apple Silicon advancements.

AI Integration:

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