Tim Hardwick
Tim is a Senior Editor at MacRumors and has been writing for the site since 2016. Formerly a magazine journalist, his work has appeared in over 30 newsstand print publications and online brands covering a range of topics, from the latest trends in technology to the mysteries of ancient history.
Based in the UK, Tim's current role at MacRumors involves editorial oversight and how tos, in addition to covering daily news and contributing occasional reviews. Tim can be reached at tim@macrumors.com, Telegram (@waxeditorial) or Twitter.
Based in the UK, Tim's current role at MacRumors involves editorial oversight and how tos, in addition to covering daily news and contributing occasional reviews. Tim can be reached at tim@macrumors.com, Telegram (@waxeditorial) or Twitter.
Tim Hardwick's Articles
Apple Faces Polish Antitrust Probe Over App Tracking Transparency
Poland's antitrust regulator is investigating whether Apple is restricting competition in the mobile ads market through its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework, reports Reuters.
Introduced in April 2021 with the release of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, Apple's ATT framework requires that all apps on iPhone and iPad ask for the user's consent before tracking their activity...
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Signal Private Messenger Rolls Out Secure Backups for iPhone
Encrypted messaging platform Signal now offers secure backups on iPhone, letting users save and restore messages if they lose access to their device.
There are free and paid versions of Signal's secure backups. The free version lets users store up to 100MB of text messages, including photos, videos, and files from the last 45 days.
The paid version costs $1.99 per month and can back up...
Samsung Follows Apple's AI Strategy With Perplexity-Powered Bixby
While Apple is moving toward a multi-model AI strategy for Siri, Samsung appears to be following a similar path by integrating Perplexity's AI into its Bixby assistant for the upcoming Galaxy S26.
According to the well-regarded tipster @chunvn8888 on X (Twitter), the arrangement would see Samsung's Bixby continuing to handle basic on-device requests such as toggling settings and activating...
Hikawa iPhone Grip Sold Out on Apple Store – But New Colors Available for Preorder
Apple's online store has sold out of the limited-edition Hikawa Phone Grip and Stand accessibility accessory it debuted late last week. However, two new color options in production are set to be released in early December and can be pre-ordered directly from Hikawa's website.
Hikawa is offering the MagSafe-compatible Grip and Stand in Cobalt and Blurple Swirl, following the rapid sellout of...
New Apple Ad Highlights iPhone 17 Pro's Vapor Chamber Cooling
Apple has published a new ad for the iPhone 17 Pro on its YouTube channel, highlighting the device's vapor chamber cooling and A19 Pro chip.
Titled "Peak Performance," the minute-long ad opens with a man running through an arid desert landscape when storm clouds coalesce above him. A drop of water falls from the sky and evaporates on his forehead, providing him with super-human performance...
This Free App Unlocks AirPods Features on Android Devices
AirPods have always worked with Android phones, but with limited functionality and a less seamless listening experience. A new app called LibrePods is changing that.
The free app unlocks features on Android that are typically reserved for Apple devices, including ear detection that pauses music when you remove an earbud, Head Gestures for answering calls, and Conversational Awareness that...
Apple Launches Second Limited-Edition iPhone Accessory in a Month
Apple has begun selling the Hikawa Phone Grip and Stand, a new limited-edition iPhone accessory designed with accessibility in mind.
Designed by LA-based Bailey Hikawa to celebrate the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple, the grip uses magnets to securely snap onto any iPhone with MagSafe.
Apple says it can be removed with ease, and doubles as a stand with two different viewing...
Report: Low-Cost iPhone, iPad, MacBook Coming Early 2026
Apple is planning to release new entry-level models across its iPhone, iPad, and Mac categories early next year, with an all-new affordable MacBook the most notable addition to the lineup.
According to a new research report by Jeff Pu of GF Securities seen by MacRumors, Apple will launch the iPhone 17e – its second iteration of the "e" line – in the spring, likely along with a...
Apple's Base iPhone Model Is Taking a Gap Year
The iPhone 18 won't show up to Apple's fall 2026 event, according to multiple reports.
For the first time in iPhone history, Apple plans to skip launching a standard model during its traditional September event. Instead, the company will unveil only premium devices: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone.
The regular iPhone 18 and more affordable iPhone 18e...
Apple Watch Users Claim Workout App Is Now Worse in Every Way
Apple Watch owners have been voicing their frustration online over changes to the Workout app that Apple introduced in watchOS 26, with many finding the redesigned interface makes starting exercises difficult and exasperating.
When Apple launched watchOS 26 in September, the Workout app went from large, easily tapped workout tiles to a scrolling, corner-button interface. Instead of tapping a ...
ChatGPT Atlas Browser Gains Vertical Tabs, Passkeys, and More
OpenAI is rolling out the first major update to ChatGPT Atlas, its dedicated AI browser for Mac that includes ChatGPT integration.
There are nine new features in all for the Chromium-based browser after the update. Visually, the most notable UI change is a new option for vertical tabs that change size dynamically in the adjustable sidebar, plus there's a new interface for managing downloads. ...
M5 Apple Vision Pro Launches in Korea and Taiwan on November 28
Apple has announced pre-orders are now open for the Vision Pro with M5 chip and Dual Knit Band in Korea and Taiwan, preceding a launch in both countries on Friday, November 28.
Apple's updated Vision Pro moves to the M5 chip, bringing a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, and a 16-core Neural Engine, while retaining 16GB of RAM.
Battery life has been increased to about...
Apple's Next iPhone Accessory Could Double as a Controller
Apple appears to be working on accessory iPhone cases that provide more than just good looks and protection, if a new rumor backed by patents is anything to go by.
A known Chinese leaker claims Apple is developing cases with integrated touch-sensitive layers, specifically for future iPhone Pro models. Apparently, the cases would double as secondary input surfaces that mimic the function of...
Foldable iPhone to Debut These Two Breakthrough Features
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include two standout features that could set it apart from the competition.
The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...
10 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
One thing worth...
WhatsApp Tests Multiple Account Support in iPhone Beta
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows iPhone users to manage two separate accounts within the same app, according to WABetaInfo.
As found in the latest TestFlight beta on iOS, the feature introduces a new "Account List" section in the settings menu, where users can add a second account without needing to go near WhatsApp Business or attempt any sort of workaround.
The beta...
Set Alarm-Style iPhone Reminders in iOS 26.2
In iOS 26.2, currently in beta, Apple has added a new optional feature that provides the Reminders app with a more urgent notification system. When you need to ensure you don't miss an important task, you can now set an alarm that works just like your morning wake-up call, with a snooze button and slide-to-stop slider.
The feature distinguishes Reminder alarms from standard Clock alarms by...
Apple's First Foldable Could Have Biggest Ever iPhone Battery
Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone next year, and while there have been plenty of rumors about the book-style foldable's design and cameras, there are still questions surrounding its potential battery life, particularly given Apple's recent focus on thinness.
According to the leaker and news aggregator account "yeux1122" on the Korean-langauge Naver blog, Apple is testing...
Apple Sees Record October in China With Strong iPhone 17 Demand
Apple had a bumper month for iPhone sales in China in October, with sales jumping 37% compared to a year earlier on strong demand for iPhone 17 models, according to data from research firm Counterpoint.
One in every four smartphones sold in the country for the month was an iPhone – a market share milestone Apple hasn't achieved since 2022, when there were fewer rivals in the premium...
Major Apple Watch Redesign Won't Arrive Until 2028, Claims Leaker
Next year's Apple Watch lineup will not include any major design changes, with a redesign not expected before 2028, according to the leaker Instant Digital.
In a Weibo post in Chinese (machine translated), the leaker said Apple's watch 2026 lineup would not look significantly different, and suggested Apple would not reveal a new design until the year after the release of its 20th anniversary ...
