Chance Miller

Yesterday, Apple and Google announced that they have teamed up to make it easier to switch between Android and iPhone devices. The companies say they have developed new features that make it easier and faster to move data between each platform as part of this joint collaboration.

In a new statement to 9to5Mac, a European Commission spokesperson says this is an “example of how the Digital Markets Act (DMA) brings benefits to users and developers.”

While the European Commission is taking credit for this Apple-Google collaboration, the features will be available worldwide, not just in the European Union.

Apple’s AirPods lineup is stronger than it’s ever been, with compelling options at multiple different price points. If you’re exploring which AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro to buy this holiday season, whether for yourself or someone else, here’s what you need to know.

Apple and Google are teaming up to make it easier to switch between Android and iPhone devices. The two companies say that they’ve developed new features that streamline the process of moving data between each platform as part of a joint collaboration.

Earlier this year, Apple launched its first Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. The academy is designed to offer free training in “smart manufacturing” for small and medium businesses from around the country, and was started in partnership with Michigan State University.

Today, Apple announced the first-ever virtual programming as part of the Apple Manufacturing Academy.

As the holiday shopping season kicks into full swing, it’s important to make sure you’re buying the right Apple product and getting the best deal possible. Here’s everything you need to know about what to buy and how to score some big savings on the best Apple gifts of the year.

Updated December 5, 2025: The latest pricing on MacBook Air, AirPods Pro, AirPods 4, and more.

Apple’s leadership shakeup continues. Apple has announced that two more executives are departing the company: Katherine Adams, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and Lisa Jackson, vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives.

Benjamin and Chance react to the departure of not one, but two, key Apple executives this week with the news that John Giannandrea is retiring as SVP of AI, and design VP Alan Dye is leaving for a new job at Meta. Also, Apple finally agrees a deal with Tencent over commission for mini apps in WeChat, India tries to pre-install a state security app on iPhones, and the new Apple Music Replay launches. 

And in Happy Hour Plus, an analytics report claims baseball games drive more subscribers to Apple TV than its original series. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Sponsored by Narwal: Narwal is officially launching their Cyber Monday discounts, offering the record-low prices of its entire lineup up to 49% off.
• Sponsored by Hydrow: Train smarter, not longer. The Hydrow rowing machine delivers the best results, in just 20 minutes a day. Use code HAPPYHOUR to save up to $600 at hydrow.com.
• Sponsored by Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/happyhour.
• Sponsored by Aura Frames: The best digital picture frames. Get $35 off the best selling Carver Mat Frames with code HAPPYHOUR at on.auraframes.com/HAPPYHOUR.

After announcing the finalists last month, Apple today officially announced the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards. This year, the App Store Awards recognize 17 apps and games for their “technical ingenuity and lasting cultural impact.”

The winners were selected by App Store Editors for “demonstrating exceptional innovation, user experience, and design.”

Yesterday, Bloomberg broke the surprise news that Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design since 2015, is departing the company to lead a new design studio at Meta. Apple confirmed the departure in a statement attributed to Tim Cook, adding that 26-year Apple design veteran Steve Lemay will take over Dye’s role.

In a new post on Daring Fireball, John Gruber has some sourced info on the reaction inside Apple to this news.

Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design since 2015, is departing the company. Bloomberg reports that Meta has poached Dye as part of its push “into AI-equipped consumer devices.”

Stephen Lemay, a 26-year Apple design veteran, will take over the role from Dye, who officially joins Meta on December 31.

Did you just unbox some new AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro thanks to the killer Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals? If so, there’s a lot you need to know.

Over the last two years, AirPods have gotten significantly better thanks to new software updates from Apple. Here’s a rundown of new features you should try that were introduced as part of iOS 18 and iOS 26.

Apple’s annual Black Friday Shopping Event kicked off on Friday, and time is running out to take advantage. The deals officially end tonight at midnight.

You can score an up to $250 gift card with purchase of an eligible product, including select iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, AirPods, and more. Head below for the full details.

As always, however, you can save far more in cash by shopping at other retailers. Our friends over at 9to5Toys are meticulously rounding up all of the best Cyber Monday deals.

One of my favorite iPhone features is StandBy, which turns your iPhone into a smart display when it’s in landscape orientation and charging. The best to take full advantage of StandBy is with an upright wireless charger.

Head below for a closer look at some of my favorite MagSafe stands for iPhone, perfect for StandBy. Even better, most of these are on massive deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping.

You can also keep up with all my favorite Apple gear at Best Buy.

Benjamin and Chance give their opinion on the 2025 Apple holiday ad ‘A Critter Carol’, and talk about some of the Apple tech deals they’ve found this Black Friday. Also, there’s more clarity on the Apple Watch WiFi sync changes coming to the EU next month, and Google pulls off an impressive stunt to make AirDrop work on Android. Finally, Benjamin installed macOS Tahoe for the first time and has some thoughts to share.

And in Happy Hour Plus, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman delivers the first details about what to expect from iOS 27. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Sponsored by Roborock: Save up to 50% on Roborock’s flagship vacuums during their Black Friday event — but hurry, these deals won’t last long!
• Sponsored by NordStellar: Protect your business today at nordstellar.com/happyhourand use code blackfriday20 to save 20%.
• Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour.
• Sponsored by Framer: The only free design tool that brings your ideas to the web. Visit framer.com/design and use code HAPPYHOUR for a free month.

Analyst Jeff Pu is out with a new investor note today with details on Apple’s timeline for new product launches over the next year.

In the investor note, seen by 9to5Mac, Pu says that Apple will kick off 2026 with the launch of three new low-cost products: the iPhone 17e, a low-cost MacBook, and an updated base model iPad. These devices will launch sometime in mid-Q1 2026, Pu reports.

Benjamin and Chance discuss the week in Apple news, including the suggestion that Tim Cook’s retirement announced could come early in 2026. Also, Apple responds to user feedback on the multitasking changes with the latest iPadOS 26.2 beta 3, Tesla is rumored to be adding CarPlay to its vehicles, and MLS becomes part of the base Apple TV subscription starting next season.

And in Happy Hour Plus, they discuss the future of the Mac Pro and why Apple should stop selling it. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. 

• Sponsored by Roborock: Save up to 50% on Roborock’s flagship vacuums during their Black Friday event — but hurry, these deals won’t last long!
• Sponsored by Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/happyhour.
• Sponsored by HelloFresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Get 10 Free Meals with free Breakfast For Life at HelloFresh.com/happyhour10fm.
• Sponsored by NordStellar: Protect your business today at nordstellar.com/happyhourand use code blackfriday20 to save 20%.

With iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2, Apple is removing a key Wi-Fi sharing feature from iPhone and Apple Watch in the European Union due to interoperability requirements under the Digital Markets Act.

This news was first reported last month by French publication Numerama. The report explained that starting with iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2, iPhone won’t be able to sync Wi-Fi history to a newly-paired Apple Watch like it can now.

Here are more details on how exactly this will work and why Apple is making the change.

Update November 19: This feature is now live. Illinois residents can now head to the Wallet app to add their licenses. Original story below.

Apple Wallet support for digital driver’s licenses and state IDs continues to expand. Now, Illinois has officially announced that starting tomorrow, iPhone users will be able to add their driver’s license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app for digital access.

With the addition of Illinois, support for this feature is available in 13 states, along with Puerto Rico.

As we approach the end of 2025, Apple is gearing up to unveil the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards.

As part of that process, Apple today announced the 45 finalists for the App Store Awards. The nominations span a wide range of categories. Head below for the full list.

Three years ago, the Steve Jobs Archive debuted as “the authoritative home for Steve’s story and a resource for new generations eager to make their own mark.”

The initiative has steadily released fascinating tidbits about Jobs — including a hardback book called Make Something Wonderful.

Now, the Steve Jobs Archive has shared a never-before-seen interview with Jobs from 1999 to mark Toy Story’s 30th anniversary.

In a new press release, Apple goes in-depth on how it has leveraged 3D printing in the manufacturing process of this year’s Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.

For the first time, both models are made with 100 percent recycled aerospace-grade titanium powder, something Apple says was “not previously considered possible at scale.”

The manufacturing breakthrough has led to significant improvements in the environmental impact of Apple Watch production.