MacRumors

Netflix appears to have softened its stance on Apple TV integration, with some users in the US now reporting seeing prompts to connect their Netflix accounts directly to Apple's TV app.

FlatpanelsHD was first to spot the reports. The change means users can add Netflix Originals to their TV app watchlist. After accepting the integration prompt, these shows appear in the "Continue Watching" queue.

The integration currently seems restricted to Netflix Original content rather than the service's full catalog of licensed shows and movies. When users select content to watch, they are still directed to the Netflix app for playback.

Historically, Netflix has refused integration with Apple's TV app ecosystem. Before now, Netflix users had to use the company's standalone app exclusively.

The feature appears limited to the US at this time, as users with non-US Apple IDs are not seeing the integration option. It's worth noting that the functionality is limited to Apple TV set-top boxes, since there are no reports of the connect prompt appearing in the Apple TV app on iPhones, iPads, or third-party devices like smart TVs.

Neither Apple nor Netflix has made an official announcement about the integration, and it remains unclear whether this is part of a test or the beginning of a broader rollout. As always, watch this space.

Update: Netflix says that Netflix content appearing in the Apple TV was a bug, and it has since been addressed. Netflix is not adding Apple TV integration at this time.

Apple is working to bring its AI features to China as early as May, with Alibaba and Baidu acting as local partners to help the company meet strict state regulations, according to a new Bloomberg report.

Apple is said to have dedicated teams in both China and the US working to adapt its Apple Intelligence platform for the Chinese market, as it navigates the country's complex regulatory system.

Alibaba is Apple's primary partner in the endeavor, with the e-commerce giant reportedly building an on-device system to analyze and modify Apple's AI models for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users in China. The system will include built-in censorship and filtering capabilities to comply with Chinese government requirements. Meanwhile, Baidu will act as a secondary partner, handling features like Visual Intelligence for the upcoming iPhone 16.

The Chinese version of Apple Intelligence will differ significantly from the one featured on US Apple devices. The US version combines on-device features, server-based processing (Private Cloud Compute), and ChatGPT integration. In contrast, the Chinese version will rely heavily on local partnerships. Alibaba's software will basically be an intermediary layer that allows government-directed content filtering without the user knowing it.

The AI features that result from the partnership will only be available on Apple devices sold within China, while devices purchased elsewhere and brought into the country won't have access to the local AI system. Apple has reportedly submitted materials to Chinese authorities for approval, but it still faces some regulatory hurdles before the features can be launched.

The combined effort comes as Apple faces declining sales in China, its largest market outside the US, where local smartphone brands have gained market share partly thanks to their AI offerings.

WhatsApp has announced the introduction of chat themes, giving users the freedom to personalize their conversations using custom colors for both chat bubbles and backgrounds. The encrypted messaging platform is also adding 30 new wallpaper options to help users further customize their chat experience.

The new customization options let you either choose from preset themes that modify both chat bubbles and backgrounds simultaneously, or mix and match colors to create your own unique combinations.

You can apply a unified theme across all your conversations and channels, but the new options mean you also have the flexibility to customize individual chats with different themes. WhatsApp notes that these customizations are visible only to the user who sets them, so personal preferences won't affect other people in the conversation.

To set a default theme for all chats, navigate to Settings ➝ Chats ➝ Default chat theme. For individual chat customization, simply tap the chat name at the top of the screen. The new theme options are currently rolling out and will become available to all WhatsApp users over the next few weeks.

There have been several alleged leaked details of the iPhone 17 Air, Apple's rumored new slim iPhone, but images have been limited to grainy shots taken in component factories. However, this hyper-realistic concept created by WEIS Studio gives us the best idea yet of what Apple's thin device might actually look like.

The concept design is inspired by recent leaks indicating that the device will have a super-slim 5.5mm profile. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro measures 8.25mm in thickness, while the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro comes in at 5.3mm. That measurement doesn't include the camera bump, which could be thicker to accommodate the single 48-megapixel rear camera rumored for the device.

In terms of size, rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Air will have a 6.6-inch display, which will put it in between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in size. As mentioned, it will have a single-lens rear camera, and Apple could be planning for a horizontal bar-like camera bump at the back.

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to come with a 120Hz ProMotion display and Apple's in-house 5G modem. It's also expected to feature the A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7, and a more durable display material designed to resist drops and scratches.

Unlike the iPhone 17 Pro models, which prioritize high-end hardware, Apple is reportedly positioning the iPhone 17 Air as a design-focused device. While it may not have the most advanced internal components, its refreshed aesthetic could be a major selling point.

There's no word on battery life for the iPhone 17 Air yet, but space will be limited so there may be battery life compromises. The device is expected to be priced more affordably than the iPhone 17 Pro, which will start at $999.

• iPhone 17 Air Design, Specs, and More: All the Rumors So Far

The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly replace the iPhone "Plus" model in Apple's new lineup, which is set to be released around mid-September. Check out the video clip and let us know what you think of the concept.

(Via 9to5Mac.)

Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro will feature three rear cameras arranged in a familiar triangular layout, but the cameras will be housed in an all-new rectangular camera bar with rounded corners, according to YouTube channel Front Page Tech.

In a video uploaded today, Front Page Tech host Jon Prosser said the camera bar will be considerably larger than many earlier concepts circulating online have showed. The camera lenses are positioned on the left side of the bar, while an LED flash, a rear microphone, and the LiDAR Scanner are lined up vertically on the right side.

Prosser said the iPhone 17 Pro features a two-tone finish, with the camera bar appearing to be darker than the rest of the rear shell.

It is unclear if this alleged design change has any benefits, or if it is purely for aesthetics.

Prosser said his information is based on multiple sources familiar with the iPhone 17 Pro's design, and he said that he has seen the device himself.

The redesigned camera array would presumably extend to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but Prosser did not confirm that. The ultra-thin "iPhone 17 Air" is also rumored to feature a rear camera bar, but with only a single camera. It is not clear if the camera bar will extend to the lowest-end iPhone 17 model, but it seems likely for consistency.

Google's Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro also have a rear camera bar, but the lenses are arranged in a horizontal line rather than triangularly.

Prosser has been a well-known tech YouTuber for more than a decade. Like most sources, he has a mixed track record with Apple rumors, with some hits and some misses. In 2020, he was the first source to reveal the design of the AirTag, many months before it was announced. He also shared many accurate details about the iPad mini 6, months before that device was announced. On the other hand, he and others were wrong about the Apple Watch Series 7 having flat edges, although perhaps Apple tested such a design.

Prosser recently claimed that iOS 19 will introduce a redesigned Camera app with a visionOS-like design, including translucent menus and buttons.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series in September, and additional design-related rumors will likely surface before then.

TikTok is once again available for download from the App Store, which means it can be installed on iPhones and will be able to receive updates. Apple's decision to start distributing TikTok again comes after a letter sent from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to Bloomberg, but the letter has not been shared.

Apple removed TikTok from the U.S. ‌App Store‌ on January 18, just ahead of when a law banning TikTok went into effect on January 19.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act that led to TikTok being removed from the ‌App Store‌ was first passed in April 2024, and it gave TikTok parent company ByteDance a nine month period to sell the app to a non-Chinese company.

ByteDance fought against the law, claiming that it was unconstitutional and violated the First Amendment, but U.S. courts, including the Supreme Court, were not swayed by the argument.

U.S. President Donald Trump gave TikTok a reprieve by ordering the Department of Justice not to enforce the law for a 90-day period, but Apple did not return the app to the ‌App Store‌. In a support document explaining TikTok's removal, Apple said that it is "obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates."

Even with the DoJ not technically enforcing the law, it is still a law, and Apple was likely concerned about facing future penalties. Nothing has changed with TikTok as of yet, and the law continues to be in place, but the DoJ has tried to assure Apple that it will not face consequences for allowing TikTok downloads. Apple appears to have been persuaded.

While TikTok has been absent from the ‌App Store‌ for the last month, the social network has remained functional and those who previously downloaded TikTok have been able to continue to use the app.

The Trump administration is attempting to work out a deal that would see TikTok sold to a U.S. buyer, and Vice President J.D. Vance has reportedly been tasked with securing a deal. The Chinese government has maintained that it will not allow TikTok to be sold, which complicates the matter, plus Trump has recently levied an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Square Enix today announced that iOS game Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is shutting down immediately, due to some kind of in-app purchase bug.

Apparently customers have been unable to access content purchased in the iOS app for the last several weeks, which Square Enix says is "due to changes made to the in-app purchases model." Apple hasn't made any known changes to in-app purchases in recent months, so it is not clear what Square Enix is referencing given the limited information provided.

Further, the company says that it is "unable to completely fix the bug and implement the new changes," which means support for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles on the iPhone and iPad is ending.

The game has been removed from the App Store, and customers who made an in-app purchase in January 2024 or later can request a refund by contacting Square Enix support.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles offered online multiplayer and cross-platform play, allowing gamers to team up to conquer dungeons and earn loot. The remastered version of the game continues to be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Android.

Update 8:28 pm: As noted by forum member An_mo_, Apple made a change to the security requirements for App Store receipts that went into effect the day before Square Enix reported receiving complaints, so it appears that may be related to the issue users were experiencing. If so, it still remains unclear why Square Enix was unable to update the app to support the new certificates.

Earlier this week, Apple announced and began accepting orders for the Powerbeats Pro 2. Today, the high-performance wireless earbuds began arriving to customers and became available to purchase in person at Apple's retail stores.

Powerbeats Pro 2 feature the same H2 chip from the AirPods Pro 2, enabling Active Noise Cancellation, which is a feature the original Powerbeats Pro lack. Another key feature is heart rate monitoring, with each earbud featuring LED optical sensors that can pulse at over 100 times per second to measure heart rate via blood flow. This feature works with supported fitness apps like the Peloton app and Nike Run Club.

For complete details about the Powerbeats Pro 2, read our coverage of the announcement and watch our hands-on video below.

‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 are available to order on Apple's online store, in Electric Orange, Hyper Purple, Jet Black, and Quick Sand color options. In the U.S., pricing is set at $249, which is equal to the price of the AirPods Pro 2 and original Powerbeats Pro.

Apple has yet to announce any new devices this year, but that could change starting next week.

Apple CEO Tim Cook today said to "get ready" for a "launch" on Wednesday, February 19.

"Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," said Cook, in a social media post. The post includes an #AppleLaunch hashtag, along with a short video featuring an animated Apple logo inside of a circle. No other details were provided.

So, what can we expect? We outline some possibilities below.

New iPhone SE or iPhone 16E

The most likely possibility seems to be a new entry-level iPhone SE. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman already said a new iPhone SE was coming by next week, prior to Apple's teaser, and he has since doubled down on his claim.

"Tim Cook teases the new iPhone SE," he said, in a social media post today.

The new iPhone SE is rumored to feature a larger screen than the current model, a USB-C port, Apple Intelligence support, and more.

Another rumored name for the next iPhone SE is iPhone 16E, which would be the so-called "newest member" of the iPhone 16 family.

New MacBook Air and iPads

New models of the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and entry-level iPad are "coming soon," according to Gurman. He said MacBook Air and iPad Air inventory is running low at many of Apple's stores. It is unclear if any of these devices will be announced next week, though, with Gurman seemingly suggesting they are coming a little bit later.

Newer chips are expected for these devices, including the M4 chip for the MacBook Air, the M3 chip for the iPad Air, and either the A16 Bionic chip or A17 Pro chip for the entry-level iPad 11. No other significant changes have been rumored.

Smart Home Hub

Apple's rumored smart home hub is not expected to enter mass production until the second half of 2025, but what if Apple surprises us with an early preview next week? Many all-new Apple product categories were previewed months prior to an actual launch, including the original iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, HomePod, and more.

The home hub is expected to resemble a HomePod with a screen, with rumored features including a 6-inch or 7-inch display, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support. Gurman said it can be attached to a tabletop base with a speaker, or mounted on a wall.

Gurman previously said the home hub will be "Apple's most significant release of the year," as it represents the company's "first step toward a bigger role in the smart home." He said the device will be like a "smaller and cheaper iPad" that lets users "control appliances, conduct FaceTime chats, and handle other tasks."

AirTag 2

The circle around the animated Apple logo in Cook's post has fueled online speculation about an AirTag 2 announcement next week. This is entirely based on the fact that the current AirTag, announced in April 2021, has a circular design.

Gurman is skeptical about an AirTag 2 next week, though.

"Lots of folks pointing out the circular design and think it's an AirTag," he said. "There is a new one coming this year. But Tim isn't going to put out a teaser for a new $29 accessory. He would for a major new low end iPhone though."

Gurman previously said the AirTag 2 will be released around the midpoint of 2025.

Rumored features for the next AirTag include a more tamper-proof speaker to reduce stalking, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip with up to 3× longer range for item tracking, and improved integration with the Apple Vision Pro headset.

Apple is working on a 27-inch mini-LED display that could come as soon as late 2025, display analyst Ross Young said today. The display could be a new version of the Studio Display that Apple first introduced in 2022. The current version of the Studio Display uses a 5K LED panel, so a mini-LED version would be a significant update.

Young says that the display will use mini-LEDs from Epistar, while LG Display will supply the panels.

Back in 2023, Young claimed that Apple had been working on a Studio Display Pro with ProMotion technology, but Apple allegedly canceled the project. Young at the time said that Apple wasn't working on another 27-inch display, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has maintained that Apple plans to launch some kind of display in 2025.

Apple already uses mini-LED technology for the MacBook Pro. Compared to LED, mini-LED displays feature superior brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. The ‌MacBook Pro‌ display, for example, uses more than 10,000 mini-LEDs for deeper blacks, more detail in shadows, and improved highlights.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has confirmed the rumor of Apple's work on a 27-inch mini-LED display, and he believes that it will be coming in 2026.

Samsung this week introduced a new sitewide sale with big discounts on TVs, monitors, storage accessories, and home appliances. You can also still save up to $1,200 when buying the new Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphone lineup, which includes the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

In terms of TVs, the highlight of this sale is up to $700 off The Frame TVs, with the popular 65-inch model available for $1,299.99, down from $1,999.99. Another steep TV discount is on Samsung's 85-inch Neo QLED 4K TV for $2,149.99, down from $3,999.99.

This sale also has a huge selection of home appliances at a discount, including refrigerators, laundry appliances, kitchen ranges, robot vacuums, and more. You can find some of these products in the lists below, but be sure to check out Samsung's website for the full array of discounts on offer.

TVs

• The Frame - Save up to $700
• 85-inch Crystal UHD TV - $799.99, down from $1,099.99
• 65-inch QLED 4K TV - $899.99, down from $1,599.99
• 65-inch OLED S90C TV - $1,499.99, down from $2,599.99
• 65-inch Neo QLED 4K TV - $1,799.99, down from $2,699.99
• 85-inch QLED 4K TV - $1,279.99, down from $2,799.99
• 85-inch Neo QLED 4K TV - $2,149.99, down from $3,999.99

Monitors and Storage

• 990 EVO 5.0 NVMe SSD 2TB - $129.99, down from $239.99
• 2TB Portable SSD - $149.99, down from $284.99
• 34-inch Odyssey OLED G8 Curved Gaming Monitor - $789.99, down from $1,199.99
• 32-inch Odyssey Quantum Gaming Monitor - $699.99, down from $1,099.99
• 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 G95SC Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,099.99, down from $1,699.99
• 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,799.99, down from $2,699.99

Refrigerators

• Large Capacity Side-by-Side Fridge - $1,099.00, down from $1,666.00
• 4-Door French Door Fridge - $1,899.00, down from $2,899.00
• Mega Capacity 3-Door French Door Fridge - $2,399.00, down from $3,499.00
• Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $2,599.00, down from $4,099.00
• Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge - $3,199.00, down from $4,999.00

Galaxy Products

• Galaxy S25 Smartphone - Save up to $800
• Galaxy S25+ Smartphone - Save up to $800
• Galaxy S25 Ultra - Save up to $1,200

Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.

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In a social media post today, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased an upcoming "launch" of some kind scheduled for Wednesday, February 19.

"Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," he said, with an #AppleLaunch hashtag.

The post includes a short video with an animated Apple logo inside a circle.

Cook did not provide an exact time for the launch, or share any other specific details, so his post is a bit of a mystery. However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes the post is a teaser for Apple announcing a new iPhone SE. He previously said the device would be unveiled by next week, with rumored features including an A18 chip, a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, Apple Intelligence support, and more.

Will any other new products be announced next week? Rumors suggest new MacBook Air, iPad Air, and entry-level iPad models will be launching in the coming weeks, and other devices expected to launch this year include a new AirTag, an all-new smart home hub, and more. We shall find out exactly what Apple has planned in six days from now.

Cook's post seems to be more of a teaser rather than an event invite, so it seems likely that any announcements would be shared in press releases on the Apple Newsroom website. But, there could be YouTube announcement videos too, like we saw when Apple announced new iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro models with M4 chips last October.

Apple today published a new support document outlining steps to try if your Apple Watch's microphone or speaker is not working as expected.

Apple says the steps can also be followed if the Apple Watch speaker's audio is "crackling, distorted, muffled, or intermittent."

The potential solutions listed include updating your Apple Watch to the latest watchOS version, restarting the Apple Watch, un-pairing and re-pairing the Apple Watch to an iPhone, checking whether Silent Mode or Do Not Disturb is turned on, cleaning the Apple Watch's microphone and speaker, and drying the Apple Watch with a microfiber cloth to ensure there is no water in the microphone and speaker areas.

Apple has published the support document just a few days after we reported about a potential Apple Watch Series 10 speaker issue, with some users experiencing quiet or muffled audio after extended use of the device. We cannot guarantee that the document was published in response to the issue, but the timing is certainly suspect.

The support document was spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.

Apple has not commented on the speaker complaints, and it is possible that the support document is merely an interim solution while the company internally investigates the matter. If a software issue is identified, it should be fixed in a future watchOS update. If a hardware issue is identified, Apple could launch a service program offering free repairs.

If and when any further information surfaces regarding the potential Apple Watch Series 10 speaker issue, we will be sure to report it.

Apple this week began selling refurbished Mac mini models with the M4 chip for the first time, but this has led to a pricing conundrum.

In the United States, Apple is offering a refurbished Mac mini with the base M4 chip, 256GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and Gigabit Ethernet for $509, down from $599 new. This is the standard 15% discount that Apple offers on refurbished Macs.

The issue is that Apple continues to offer a refurbished Mac mini with the base M2 chip, 256GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and Gigabit Ethernet for $559. This means a refurbished Mac mini with an M2 chip is currently $50 more expensive than a refurbished Mac mini with an M4 chip, despite other key specs being equal. That's a bad buy.

The underlying reason for this situation is that Apple increased the minimum amount of RAM included in Macs from 8GB to 16GB last year, at no additional cost. When new, the Mac mini with the M2 chip started at $799 when upgraded to 16GB of RAM, whereas the latest Mac mini now comes with 16GB of RAM by default for just $599. Apple has not revised its refurbished Mac mini prices enough to account for this difference.

Members of key congressional oversight committees have called on the United States' new top intelligence director to pressure the United Kingdom to withdraw its controversial demand for Apple to create a backdoor into encrypted user data stored in iCloud, according to The Washington Post.

Last week The Post revealed that a secret UK order, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act last month, demanded Apple to provide access to data protected by its Advanced Data Protection feature, which offers end-to-end encryption for iCloud storage. The mandate would apply globally, potentially affecting users worldwide, including Americans.

But in a letter sent Thursday to national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard, senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) warned that the British order poses significant risks to Americans' privacy and security. The bipartisan pair suggested that if the UK doesn't back down, the US should consider limiting intelligence sharing and cybersecurity cooperation between the two countries.

"If Apple is forced to build a backdoor in its products, that backdoor will end up in Americans' phones, tablets, and computers," the lawmakers wrote, going on to express concerns about the security of sensitive data stored by government agencies on Apple devices.

The legislators also pointed to recent Chinese hacking campaigns as evidence that backdoors intended for law enforcement could be exploited by malicious actors. They referenced the "Salt Typhoon" attacks, which targeted phone networks by exploiting systems designed for law enforcement surveillance.

"The US government must not permit what is effectively a foreign cyberattack waged through political means," the lawmakers wrote. "If the UK does not immediately reverse this dangerous effort, we urge you to reevaluate US-UK cybersecurity arrangements and programs as well as US intelligence sharing with the UK."

• Could Apple Pull iCloud Services From the UK Market?

Apple has long opposed the UK's plans to demand access to iCloud encrypted content, or indeed any form of backdoor in its encrypted services. By contrast, US law enforcement has historically resisted end-to-end encryption, but recent major cyber attacks have led to increased support for stronger security measures.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Apple Maps now has expanded coverage for cycling directions in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The expansion, first spotted by a Reddit user, means cyclists can plan a journey on the app from, say, Land's End to John o' Groats, if they're that way inclined.

Cycling directions have been available in the UK and Ireland for a few years, but until now, support didn't cover the whole of the region. Cycling directions in Apple Maps provide specific directions for bike riders with bike lanes, bike paths, and bike-friendly routes that highlight steep inclines, stairs, and other obstacles.

Cycling directions came to ‌Apple Maps‌ in iOS 14, and are available across the United States, Australia, China, France, Germany, and Japan, as well as in select major cities around the world, such as London, Barcelona, and Toronto. Apple maintains a list of all of the areas where cycling directions are available on its website.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced plans to streamline the company's AI offerings and provided details on the upcoming releases of its GPT-4.5 and GPT-5 large language models.

GPT-4.5 will be OpenAI's final non-chain-of-thought model, said Altman in a post on X (Twitter). "After that, a top goal for us is to unify o-series models and GPT-series models by creating systems that can use all our tools, know when to think for a long time or not, and generally be useful for a very wide range of tasks," he added.

To achieve this, GPT-5 will integrate multiple OpenAI technologies, including o3, which will no longer be available as a standalone model. Meanwhile, the free tier of ChatGPT will get unlimited access to GPT-5 at a "standard intelligence setting," and Plus and Pro subscribers will gain access to higher intelligence levels with additional features like voice, canvas, search, and deep research capabilities.

"We want AI to 'just work' for you," said Altman. "We realize how complicated our model and product offerings have gotten. We hate the model picker as much as you do and want to return to magic unified intelligence."

Currently, Apple Intelligence's ChatGPT integration, which doesn't require a ChatGPT account, uses the GPT-4o model. When users who aren't signed into an account reach daily limits, the system switches to a basic mode, likely powered by the GPT-4o mini model. Given OpenAI's roadmap, Apple device users who make use of Apple's suite of AI tools should benefit from the new models when they're rolled out.

• Everything Your iPhone Can Do With ChatGPT

Altman didn't provide specific release dates for GPT-4.5 and GPT-5, but he suggested in a follow-up post that they should arrive within "weeks / months," respectively.

Apple's largest high-end model in the upcoming iPhone 17 series this year will feature a smaller Dynamic Island, according to Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station.

The leaker claims that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will adopt a "metalens" for Face ID that integrates the transmitter and receiver components, which will reduce the size and thickness of structural elements, resulting in a smaller Dynamic Island on the device. The technology will also be applied to the next iPad Pro and a rumored foldable iPad, reckons the leaker.

Unlike traditional iPhone cameras, which use curved lenses to bend light toward the image sensor, a metalens is an ultra-thin, flat lens with microscopic nano-structures that precisely control and focus light.

Conflicting Reports

Today's rumor goes against a January report by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that claimed the upcoming iPhone 17 models will not feature a smaller Dynamic Island. However, Kuo's report contradicts analyst Jeff Pu's prediction last year that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will adopt a metalens for Face ID that results in a "much narrowed" Dynamic Island on the device. Pu in 2024 reiterated the claim several times, and he has a fairly good track record with Apple rumors.

• 14 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 17

As for Digital Chat Station, they accurately revealed that the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus would feature a slightly smaller 48-megapixel sensor than the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max, as well as the display panel design of the ‌iPhone‌ 12 back in 2020.

Apple introduced the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro models in 2022, and it is also available on all iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, but the size has not changed in successive models. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series next September.