According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a smart home camera that uses AI to generate text descriptions of what happens in a room instead of saving video footage, while still supporting facial recognition. Gurman says this approach mirrors how cameras in rumored future AirPods would operate, and resembles existing Audio Intelligence features on the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, which include opt-in tools like Live Rewind and Siri Recap that summarize or transcribe audio without storing full recordings.
During Amazon's fall Prime Day sale, several Apple Watch Series 12 models reached their lowest prices ever, with discounts approaching $50. The new Apple Watch Ultra 4 also saw significant markdowns, with some configurations nearly $100 off, including the Black Titanium version with a Burgundy Trail Loop. Additionally, the recently released ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 is available at a premium price point during the sale.
During Amazon's October Prime Day, the Apple Watch SE 3 received discounts across its various configurations. The 40mm Wi-Fi and GPS model is now priced at $199, while the 44mm version is $229; cellular options are available at $249 and $279 respectively. These deals make the smartwatch more accessible for a broad range of users.
Apple has released the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, featuring enhanced performance and health sensors. Users can now add new complications like live heart rate, steps, and readiness score to their watch faces, and enable automatic music recognition with Shazam. The update also brings the Siri Modular watch face with expanded styling choices for compatible devices.
Apple has begun distributing beta 3 versions of its latest software updates, including iPadOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2, to developers. The rollout comes two weeks after the previous beta releases, with no public beta available yet. Additional features may be introduced alongside upcoming hardware launches.
The Oura Ring 5 and Apple Watch Series 12 both track health metrics like sleep, activity, and heart rate, with the Series 12 offering additional functionalities such as a touchscreen, cellular connectivity, and on-device apps. The Series 12 is compatible only with iPhones running iOS 27 or later, while the Oura supports Android via Health Connect, making it more versatile for different users. The Series 12 also provides more accurate workout tracking and on-device controls, unlike the Oura, which relies on a phone for data access and management.
Apple introduced the AirPods Pro 3 last year, featuring significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation and the addition of a heart rate sensor in each earbud. The new model also offers longer music playback time of up to eight hours with ANC active, compared to six hours in the previous version.
Amazon has launched early fall Prime Day discounts on Apple products, including AirPods Pro 3 at $179 (down from $249) and AirPods Max 2 at $429, $120 off list price across all five colors. The sale also includes up to $150 off M6 Mac mini models, $200 off M5 MacBook Air units, discounts on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and new low prices on iPhone 18 Pro/Max cases, Magic Mouse, and Apple's new Magic Keyboard.
A tech writer who skipped many Apple Watch generations upgraded from the Series 10 to the Series 12, despite near-identical design, citing improved heart-rate monitoring, a new 'Readiness' app, faster performance, and a redesigned Health app. The reviewer says the device now rivals third-party wearables like WHOOP, which charges a $239/year subscription.
Apple has introduced Pass Designer, a tool that lets businesses build Wallet passes using templates from Apple or their own designs. Users can import logos, backgrounds, and strip images created in other design software, then assemble them into a finished pass within the tool.
On the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, hosts Chance Miller and Benjamin Mayo discuss rumors that Apple's smart display, dubbed 'HomePad,' could launch on October 13 with a small square screen. They also cover leaked photos suggesting imminent iPad mini and HomePod mini updates, reports that Apple executive John Ternus wants to make the company more nimble, and the new Apple Watch Readiness feature.
Amazon is offering early discounts on several of Apple's newest products as part of its fall Prime Day sale, including AirPods 5, Beats 360 ANC headphones, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and the M6-powered Mac mini and Mac Studio. Notably, today marks the last day for an 80% discount on the Beats 360 Cushion Kit, dropping it to $10 from $50.
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