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Apple has embedded the Face ID TrueDepth module beneath the iPhone 18 Pro's screen by redesigning the pixel layout in that area to allow infrared light through. iFixit's microscope analysis found pixel density there is halved, with Apple confirming the brightness is boosted to compensate and an IR pass filter reportedly used to keep the components hidden from view.
Citing an unnamed insider, Jiemian News reports that Foxconn's final assembly yield rate for Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo stood just above 60% as of September 17, with full production maturity possibly six months to a year away. Samsung Display is said to be struggling separately with low yields on foldable OLED panels and hinges, reportedly due to late design changes, while Apple's 2026 production target is pegged at six to eight million units against sales guidance of over five million.
Samsung has released its third-generation SmartTag item tracker, adding improvements to range and battery life over previous models. Unlike earlier versions, SmartTag 3 works with iPhones as well as Android phones from brands other than Samsung.
Samsung unveiled the SmartTag 3, its latest Bluetooth tracker, which for the first time works with iPhones through the SmartThings app, though features like Compass View, Ring Phone, and Left Behind Alerts remain Android-exclusive. The device is 35% smaller and 33% lighter than earlier models, offers battery life up to 550 days, extends directional finding to about 200 feet, and adds Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding and geofenced Place Notifications. It starts at $29.99 and is expected in the US by early November.
Lux Optics updated its Halide Mark III camera app to support the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture main camera, letting users select any f-stop from f/1.48 to f/4.0 rather than fixed presets. The update also adds two new photo looks, Dawn and Quicksilver, which apply distinct color and contrast treatments to images.
A limited number of iPhone 18 Pro users have reported hearing faint pop or click noises from the phone's speakers, often during actions like switching apps, adjusting volume, or using voice dictation. The reports, surfaced on MacRumors forums and Reddit, show no consistent pattern in when or how the issue occurs.
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy SmartTag 3, a Bluetooth tracker that is 35 percent smaller and 33 percent lighter than its predecessor, with battery life extended to 550 days of normal use or 790 days in power-saving mode. The device drops the SmartTag 2's key-ring cutout in favor of a squircle design requiring an optional case, and adds iOS compatibility alongside new location-history and movement-alert features.
9to5Mac's daily podcast episode for September 29, 2026 covers recent Apple news, including the iOS 27.0.1 software update and reported features expected on a device referred to as iPhone Duo. The episode is part of the outlet's regular weekday podcast series summarizing top Apple stories.
Apple began rolling out iOS 27.0.1 on Monday, targeting several bugs found in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The update addresses random restarts tied to failed Face ID authentication, a color artifact in photos shot at 2x zoom, and a freeze triggered when Notification Center and Control Center were opened simultaneously.
Security researchers at Malwarebytes have identified a fraudulent advertisement claiming Apple's unreleased iPhone Duo foldable can be preordered now for a $500 discount, even though Apple has said preorders start October 16 and sales begin October 23. The scam relies on the DarkSword exploit chain, which can steal data from vulnerable iPhones running iOS 18.4 to 18.6.2 simply by loading the malicious page, without requiring any clicks or typed input.
Apple has released a Final Cut Camera update that supports the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture and redesigned camera controls, including easier access to ISO and white balance settings. Final Cut Pro and Motion now allow editing of depth of field and focus points for footage shot on the new phone, and Apple also pushed updates across Pages, Keynote, Numbers, Freeform and Pixelmator Pro.
Apple confirmed shoppers can begin its 'Get ready' process for the iPhone Duo on Monday, October 12, letting buyers pre-select color, storage, carrier, and payment method ahead of time. Actual pre-orders open Friday, October 16 at 8:00 a.m. ET / 5:00 a.m. PT, and completing the setup early is meant to speed up checkout that morning.