Apple has released the third iOS 26.5 public beta. The previous public beta introduced a new splash screen that signaled the upcoming arrival of ads in Apple Maps.
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Zac Hall is a Senior Editor, covering Apple, apps, and AI. His work is regularly featured by Techmeme.
He joined 9to5Mac in 2013. He later served as Lead Editor from 2016 through 2020, before creating the Space Explored website.
In 2015, Zac began co-hosting 9to5Mac Happy Hour, establishing the format of the site’s premier podcast, which he hosted for eight years.
In 2018, he created 9to5Mac Daily, providing audio recaps of Apple and technology news each weekday. He also hosted multiple seasons of the 9to5Mac Watch Time podcast, a health and fitness-focused interview series.
Zac is based in the lovely Gulf Coast town of Ocean Springs, MS, where he lives with his brilliant kids and Nova, his loyal Cavachon rescue.
Contact: zac@9to5mac.com
Reflecting on when Steve Jobs passed the Apple CEO torch to Tim Cook
Apple CEO Tim Cook is giving up the title and passing the torch to John Ternus on September 1.
Unsurprisingly, Cook is taking on the role of board executive chairman, a position in which Cook is expected to remain very active as Apple’s chief global diplomat. Retiring as CEO? Yes. But retiring into the sunset? Hardly. You can take Tim at his word when he says he can’t imagine life without Apple.
As Apple’s CEO transition shifts into the public-facing phase, I couldn’t help but revisit some of the official press material from the previous changing of the guard.
That happened under very different circumstances, of course, with Steve Jobs at the end of his life. It’s incredibly touching to revisit now. There are also echoes of Steve’s endorsement of Tim Cook in Tim’s endorsement of the next Apple CEO, John Ternus.
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OpenAI teases next AI announcement coming today, here’s what to expect
OpenAI has teased its next AI software product announcement happening later today. The teaser gives us a good idea of what to expect.
Expand Expanding CloseTim Cook stepping down this year, John Ternus confirmed as next Apple CEO
Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down, and John Ternus is taking over. The CEO transition has quietly been underway for some time now. Starting today, the transition is happening publicly and will be complete this fall.
Expand Expanding CloseOpenAI releases Codex ‘Chronicle’ feature for enhancing context, here’s how it works
Last week, OpenAI released an all-new version of Codex for Mac that includes the best example of AI-driven computer use yet.
Today, Codex for Mac is taking its recently gained memory feature further with a feature OpenAI calls Chronicle.
Expand Expanding CloseApple releases iOS 26.5 beta 3 for iPhone
Apple has released the third iOS 26.5 beta for developers. The previous beta introduced a new splash screen that signaled the upcoming arrival of ads in Apple Maps.
Expand Expanding CloseApple Sports now works with CarPlay, here’s how to set up
Good news for sports fans: Apple has updated its Sports app for iPhone, adding new support for CarPlay alongside more F1 race-tracking features.
Expand Expanding CloseHow Apple Vision Pro was used to help make the next Star Wars movie
Apple and Star Wars share a history of collaboration, and that continues with the newest film premiering in May. The Mandalorian & Grogu director Jon Favreau recently described how he used Apple Vision Pro to help bring Grogu to the biggest of big screens.
Expand Expanding CloseAnthropic launches Claude Design following Opus 4.7 model upgrade
After two previous design-related updates this week, Anthropic is out with a new product today: Claude Design. The new Claude Design joins an existing suite of Mac tools, including Claude Cowork and Claude Code.
Expand Expanding CloseApple’s CarPlay feature now supports multiple AI chatbot apps from iPhone
Starting with iOS 26.4, Apple supports using AI chatbot apps on the iPhone through CarPlay.
ChatGPT was the first AI app to arrive shortly after iOS 26.4’s release. Now a second AI chatbot has added support: Perplexity.
Expand Expanding CloseNetflix launching redesigned iPhone app with vertical video feed
After botching its Apple TV app with an inferior custom video player, Netflix is updating its iPhone app with a vertical video feed.
Expand Expanding CloseMacBook Neo sells out for April as demand for Apple’s $599 laptop outpaces supply
Apple has sold through its MacBook Neo inventory for April. The earliest deliveries for new MacBook Neo orders from Apple now quote delivery dates in May.
MacBook Neo’s launch has resembled a flagship iPhone launch more than a typical Mac release. After more than a month since its release, customers continue to purchase the $599 laptop faster than Apple can produce them.
Expand Expanding CloseOpenAI’s Codex Mac app adds three key features that go beyond agentic coding
OpenAI is releasing a new version of its Codex desktop app today. The latest Codex update adds three key features that expand its use beyond agentic coding.
Today’s release signals the start of a shift for Codex. The app is going from strictly developer-focused to having more general utility as an AI tool on the Mac.
Expand Expanding ClosePerplexity’s Personal Computer AI assistant feature launches on Mac for subscribers
Last month, Perplexity announced Personal Computer, a Mac-based personal AI assistant. Today, the Mac-specific version of the company’s Perplexity Computer system, inspired by OpenClaw, is launching.
Expand Expanding CloseAnthropic reveals new Opus 4.7 model with focus on advanced software engineering
Anthropic has announced its latest AI model with Claude Opus 4.7. The new version arrives two months after the previous model upgrade, matching Anthropic’s previous upgrade cadence.
Expand Expanding CloseSpotify’s latest update is a redesign for iPads with four features
Spotify is releasing a new version of its mobile app that redesigns the experience for iPad users. The experience is improved for browsing, navigation, and more with four specific features.
Expand Expanding CloseFold, Ultra, or something else? What should Apple call the foldable display iPhone?
Apple is widely expected to release the first iPhone with a foldable display this year. What’s less certain is exactly when it will launch and what Apple will call it.
iPhone Fold, to me, is the clearest shorthand way to reference the foldable iPhone before it has an official name. It also feels like the least likely name to actually be used.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle launches Gemini AI Mac app, here’s what it offers
Google’s Gemini AI app is a constant top three iPhone app in the App Store. Starting today, Gemini is available as a dedicated Mac app as well.
Expand Expanding CloseOpenAI unveils GPT‑5.4‑Cyber, an AI model for defensive cybersecurity
OpenAI has announced a new AI model called GPT-5.4-Cyber. Similar to Anthropic’s Claude Mythos, this new “cyber-permissive” variant of its GPT-5.4 is built for defensive cybersecurity and not public use.
Expand Expanding CloseApple releases revamped Business app with Apple Vision Pro support
Last month, Apple announced plans to unify its enterprise tools into a free suite called Apple Business. The unified Apple Business platform officially arrives today, and it includes a revamped Business app.
Expand Expanding CloseAnthropic adds routines to redesigned Claude Code, here’s how it works
Anthropic’s Claude Code has a new repeatable routines feature that works even when your Mac is offline. Claude Code, part of the Claude app for Mac, has also been redesigned with new features.
Expand Expanding CloseApple releases iOS 26.5 public beta 2
Apple has released the second iOS 26.5 public beta. The release follows iOS 26.5 beta 2 for developers, which added an Apple Maps ads explainer.
Expand Expanding CloseApple releases iOS 26.5 beta 2 for iPhone
Apple has released the second iOS 26.5 beta for developers. iOS 26.5 beta 2 follows two versions of the first beta. The second version became the first iOS 26.5 public beta.
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OpenAI says to update Mac apps including ChatGPT and Codex as security precaution
OpenAI is asking users of its Mac software to update to the latest releases from today “out of an abundance of caution.” This is due to a security issue with a third-party developer tool, Axios, that was used by OpenAI.
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