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Tech News
Apple has outlined several methods for users locked out of their iPhones after too many failed passcode attempts. Depending on the iOS version and available hardware, users can revert to a previous passcode, erase and reset the device using Find My and their Apple Account credentials, or connect the phone to a computer for a full reset via iCloud backup.
The Weather Channel has released a CarPlay version of its Storm Radar app, filling a gap left by Apple Weather, which still isn't supported on CarPlay. The new app shows a live map with radar, clouds, and precipitation layers, plus current conditions and forecasted weather at a driver's destination alongside ETA. The same update also brings new home screen widgets and a redesigned Apple Watch app.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple built and internally tested a stubbier stylus meant to pair with its upcoming foldable iPhone, but the company is unlikely to release it alongside the device's debut. The design would attach to the phone's side for charging and storage, similar to existing Apple Pencils, but that placement could interfere with the fold mechanism and risk scratching the more fragile foldable display.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple internally explored a shorter, stubbier Apple Pencil variant designed to magnetically attach to the side of its upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra. The accessory reportedly ran into design problems, including awkward handling and the risk of scratching the phone's delicate inner foldable display. Gurman says the concept is unlikely to be unveiled at Apple's event next month.
Amazon's 2026 Labor Day sale is bundling numerous Apple discounts, including $50 off AirPods Pro 3, AirTag 2 at an all-time low of $20, and the first-ever price cuts on Apple's new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models. Renewed Premium iPhone 17 Pro units are also seeing record lows of up to $290 off, alongside deals on Apple Pencil Pro, MagSafe battery packs, and certified refurbished Studio Display and Apple TV 4K units.
Apple will hold its fall hardware event on September 9, reportedly skipping a new base iPhone 18 this year in favor of launching Pro models alongside its first foldable device, expected to be called the iPhone Ultra. The event also marks a leadership shift, coming just days after John Ternus takes over as CEO from Tim Cook, who is stepping down after nearly 15 years leading the company.
Meta AI has begun appearing as a CarPlay-compatible app on iPhone, joining ChatGPT, Perplexity and Grok as third-party chatbots available in Apple's car interface. However, many users currently see a 'not supported' message when launching it, suggesting the rollout is still in limited testing, and a paid Meta AI account doesn't unlock access either.
Apple's iOS 27 update introduces a new AI-powered Siri, but it only runs on iPhone 15 Pro models and later, leaving older devices with the standard assistant. The feature currently supports English only and is unavailable in the EU and China due to regulatory restrictions. Users can enable it manually through Settings, though some may be placed on a waitlist lasting from minutes to days before gaining access.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple may break from its usual pattern of releasing all new iPhones together, instead launching standard iPhone 18 models next spring while saving the Pro, Pro Max and a rumored foldable iPhone Ultra for a September debut. The new phones are also said to feature smaller dynamic islands and variable-aperture cameras.
A wave of Labor Day weekend discounts is hitting Apple products, including a record-low price on the official MagSafe Battery Pack, $50 off AirPods Pro 3, and AirTag 2 down to $20 each. Amazon is also offering its best-ever prices on iPhone 17 Pro renewed units (up to $290 off) and the first-ever discounts on Apple's new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models.
Reports indicate Apple will delay its next major iPhone release until March 2027, when the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18E are expected to arrive together, rather than launching in the usual fall window. That leaves the iPhone 17, which debuted with improved displays, cameras and durability, as Apple's current entry-level flagship for an extended stretch, especially as rivals like Samsung and Google have raised prices on their budget phones due to rising RAM costs.
9to5Mac's daily podcast episode rounds up the day's top Apple stories, including continued speculation about a foldable iPhone. The episode is distributed through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and RSS, with sponsorship from Backblaze offering a discount code.