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According to a new Private Cloud Compute software release this week, Apple is starting to use M5 chips in Apple Private Cloud Compute servers. This is the infrastructure that powers Apple Intelligence’s cloud-based features.

iOS 26.4 is here, at least in beta form, and delving into the code has revealed that Apple is preparing for CarPlay to let you watch videos when parked.

iOS 26.4 beta 1 debuted yesterday, packing a wide array of new features, including a change for personal hotspot that makes it easy to see who’s using your data.

For me iPhone Mirroring has been one of the most useful enhancements to the Apple ecosystem in recent years, and is something I use on a daily basis.

However, while I completely understand Apple’s focus on privacy protection, for my usage the way it works at present is simply annoying …

Excessive use of in-ear headphones like AirPods can result in hearing damage and ear infections, warn audiologists.

They recommend a simple guideline to reduce the risks of noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and sound sensitivity – known as the 60/60 rule …

The EU has opened its own investigation into the Grok chatbot generating child sexual abuse material. It’s estimated that Grok generated 23,000 CSAM images in just 11 days. Update: A second investigation has been opened in Ireland, focusing on possible privacy violations.

Despite multiple calls for Apple and Google to temporarily remove both X and Grok from the App Store, neither company has yet done so …

A Best Buy worker has been charged with fraud after he allegedly used his manager’s override code to give himself discounts of up to 99% on MacBook Pro models and other high-value electronics.

Police say the total value of the products “purchased” by the employee and his associates was more than $118,000 …

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In this episode of Apple @ Work, I am joined by Justin Etkins from Tropic to talk about SaaS sprawl and how Apple IT admins should be thinking about it in the AI era.

The Charge Limit feature, which lets you set a maximum charge to help extend battery health, was previously only available on iPhone and iPad.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

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The new dedicated channel for Formula 1 has appeared in the Apple TV app, starting today. Users in the United States can now see a dedicated Formula 1 item in the sidebar, alongside the existing Apple TV originals and MLS tabs.

This channel is where Apple TV app subscribers will be able to stream all of the races, starting with the Melbourne Grand Prix on March 8. As a reminder, F1 is now included in the base Apple TV subscription in the United States ($12.99 per month or $99 per year).

visionOS 26.4 beta 1 debuted today, and in addition to supporting Apple Podcasts’ new video features, the update also unlocks ‘foveated streaming’ for apps and games.

When macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26 launched last fall, they removed support for an optional Safari layout: the compact tab bar. Now, the feature is back in macOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 beta 1.

iOS 26.4 beta 1 is now available in beta for developers. The update includes a ton of new features and changes for iPhone users. There are new changes to the Music app, Messages, Apple Podcasts, and much more. Head below for the full roundup of all the new features in iOS 26.4 beta 1.

Update February 17, 2026: Now available for public beta testers as well.

Apple released the first beta of iOS 26.4 for developers today, and it includes a new Apple Intelligence feature for Apple Music.

Dubbed “Playlist Playground,” this feature lets you create playlists based on text descriptions.

Last June at WWDC25, Apple announced that Rosetta 2, the software that translates Intel apps for Apple silicon, would be discontinued starting after macOS 27. Now, Apple will begin notifying users of apps that will soon be incompatible.

iOS 26.4 is the next big iPhone software release, and Apple plans to enable a key security feature by default in the update.

Ridge is best known for its minimalist wallets, but it’s now taking a crack at the MagSafe industry as well. I came across this battery through a social media ad and purchased it right away. The Ridge 5-in-1 Magnetic Power Bank aims to be the best all-around battery with great colors, built-in cables, and more.

Apple has new beta firmware available today for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4. Here are the details.

Update 2/16/26: The firmware shipped to developers on February 12, but now today on February 16, public beta testers received the same AirPods update.

iOS 26.4 beta 1 launched today, and among its various changes, Apple Music introduces a new fullscreen design for albums and playlists, plus concert info and more.

As part of iOS 26.4, Apple is upgrading its Podcasts app to “bring advanced video podcast capabilities” to creators and listeners, Apple says. The new “enhanced video podcast experience” will allow users to seamlessly switch between viewing a video podcast and listening to the audio.

Apple added RCS support to iPhone with iOS 18.1, enabling richer cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users. This included things like typing indicators, read receipts, and high-resolution photo and video attachments.

Last March, Apple announced its plans to add support for end-to-end encryption for RCS messages.

Now, iOS 26.4 beta 1, which is rolling out today, adds an early way to test end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging on iPhone.