iPhone 18 Pro sales rise strongly in China ahead of the iPhone Duo launch, Apple prepares for a new event on October 13, complaints about a speaker issue in the iPhone 18 Pro, preparations for iPhone Duo pre-orders starting October 12, Apple explains why it removed US immigration tracking apps, Apple considered replacing 5,000 support staff with AI, an app turns the iPhone Duo into a virtual Walkman, a leak reveals more StandBy interfaces on the iPhone Duo, Apple ordered to pay $5.7 billion in a patent case, a leak confirms specs for the upcoming budget iPad 12, a cellular connectivity issue affects some iPhone 18 Pro Max users, Qualcomm and Apple renew their patent licensing agreement, and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Is Apple preparing for a new event on October 13?
Recent reports and leaks suggest that October 13 may be the date for a new Apple event, where the company is expected to unveil its new smart home hub, an updated version of the HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K. Some observers believe these products deserve a special presentation via a keynote video and media event, rather than just a press release.
It is also likely that Apple will use the occasion to provide iPhone Duo units to reviewers before their official market release on October 23, which aligns with the company’s usual schedule before launching new products. If these expectations are correct, Apple is expected to announce the event in the coming days, making October 13 an important day for fans of the company and its products.
iPhone 18 Pro sales rise strongly in China ahead of the iPhone Duo launch
The iPhone 18 Pro models had a strong start in China, with sales in the first three days of launch rising by 12% compared to iPhone 17 Pro sales during its entire first week last year. This performance helped Apple lead the smartphone market in China with a 33% share in one week. The company is expected to benefit even more with the release of the iPhone Duo on October 23, especially since consumers in China are more receptive to foldable phones than many other markets around the world.
AirPods 5 teardown: Removable batteries, but the case is still hard to repair
iFixit revealed after tearing down the Apple AirPods 5 that they have become slightly easier to repair compared to previous generations. The earbuds use batteries that can be detached and removed relatively easily, and opening the earbud itself has become less difficult thanks to heating the adhesive and carefully dismantling it. However, there is an important note: the left earbud battery is different from the right and they cannot be swapped, while the charging case remains extremely difficult to open without damaging it. Therefore, AirPods 5 received a repairability score of 2 out of 10, a clear improvement over the 0 out of 10 score received by previous versions, meaning professional technicians and some experienced users can replace the batteries, but home repair is still far from easy.
Complaints of a speaker issue in the iPhone 18 Pro
Some iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max users have reported hearing crackling or light clicking sounds coming from the earpiece, whether while using apps, receiving notifications, or making calls. Complaints indicate that the issue appears in various situations, and replacing the device did not solve the problem for some users, as it appeared in the replacement units as well. So far, Apple has not clarified the cause of the defect, and the latest iOS 27.0.1 update did not address the issue according to reports, suggesting it could be fixed via a future software update if it is related to the system.
iPhone Duo pre-orders starting October 12
Those wishing to purchase the iPhone Duo will be able to use the "Get Ready" feature starting October 12, which allows them to select the color and capacity, verify carrier information, add accessories, AppleCare+ plans, trade-in options, and payment and shipping details in advance. This feature helps complete the order with a single click as soon as pre-orders open, which is important given the expectations of limited quantities of the device at launch.
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo will begin on October 16, before its official market release on October 23. Quantities are expected to sell out quickly due to reports of production constraints, while the device starts at $1999.
Apple adds new features to Apple Creator Studio and Final Cut Camera
Apple has launched new updates for the Apple Creator Studio and Final Cut Camera apps, including important features for content creators, most notably support for the variable aperture in the iPhone 18 Pro, with the ability to control aperture and shutter speed, and the addition of Cinematic Mode effects for video, alongside a new design that makes it easier to access professional shooting settings like ISO and white balance. The apps also received better tools for adjusting exposure, focus, and video monitoring, while Pages, Numbers, and Keynote received new templates and collaboration features, including creating smart slides and advanced calculation functions. Pixelmator Pro received new templates and more precise selection tools, while Final Cut Pro and Motion added the ability to adjust focus and depth of field in Cinematic Mode videos shot on the iPhone 18 Pro.
Freeform also received dark mode support, better file organization, and writing tools, and some AI features are now available for editing and summarizing handwritten notes. These updates are available now, while Apple Creator Studio costs about $12.99 per month and includes Apple’s creative apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro.
Apple explains why it removed US immigration tracking apps
Apple revealed that it removed the ICEBlock app and similar apps from the App Store due to concerns regarding the safety of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, after receiving information from law enforcement agencies indicating that these apps directly display the locations of agents and could be used to harm them. The decision also came amid concerns raised following a deadly shooting incident that targeted one of the agency’s offices.
The ICEBlock app relied on real-time location sharing of agency personnel by users, which Apple considered a violation of App Store policies regarding safety and potential harm to individuals. Since its removal from the App Store in 2025, the app is no longer available for download.
Apple considered replacing 5,000 support staff with AI
A report stated that Apple was considering cutting about 5,000 jobs in the technical support department, relying on AI-powered assistants via phone and web to perform some of the staff’s tasks, but it has currently halted this plan without setting a date for its return. The company already uses a new smart assistant in the AppleCare service capable of answering questions and providing steps to solve problems, with the ability to transfer the user to a real employee when needed.
Although plans to lay off employees are currently frozen, the report indicates that Apple continues to expand the use of AI in support services, while it recently made some limited cuts to administrative positions within the company.
iPhone Duo faces production issues before launch
According to Chinese reports, the foldable iPhone Duo is facing manufacturing issues before its expected launch in October, with expectations that the quantities available initially will be limited. Jiemian News cited a source close to the Foxconn supply chain saying that the percentage of devices passing the final assembly stage successfully was just over 60% as of September 17, and production lines may need 6 months to a year to reach a more stable level.
Challenges also include the foldable OLED screens and the phone’s hinge, with delays and design adjustments, while Foxconn continues to adjust equipment and assembly methods to improve production. Other reports indicate that Apple aims to provide about 6 to 8 million devices globally during 2026, a number much lower than the usual shipments of iPhone Pro and Pro Max models during a full production cycle. Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo on September 9, with pre-orders starting on October 16, and it will hit the market on October 23 at a price starting at $1999 in the United States.
App turns the iPhone Duo into a virtual Walkman
An independent developer has created a new app called Duo-Man that takes advantage of the iPhone Duo’s foldable design to give the user an experience that mimics the classic Sony Walkman. The device can be opened to select music and insert a virtual cassette tape, then closed to start playback in a way inspired by the 80s. To make the experience more realistic, the developer used real sounds recorded from an old Walkman, including button clicks and the characteristic tape hiss.
The app received significant attention online, prompting its developer to work on a full release with support for Apple Music and local audio files, in addition to interactive features inspired by old cassette players. The app’s release date has not yet been announced, while pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin on October 16 before it is officially available on October 23.
Leak reveals more StandBy interfaces on the iPhone Duo
A new leak revealed five additional unannounced interfaces for the StandBy mode on the iPhone Duo, including an interface for viewing smart home cameras, an interface for controlling home appliances, another inspired by the character Snoopy, alongside new options named Flow and Fade. It seems Apple is giving users more freedom to customize this mode by changing colors, patterns, and rearranging elements easily via gestures.
StandBy mode will also support several different layouts for widgets and clock displays, providing a more flexible experience that suits the user’s needs. More details are expected to be revealed as the pre-order date for the iPhone Duo approaches on October 16 before its official release on October 23.
Apple ordered to pay $5.7 billion in a patent case
A US jury issued a verdict ordering Apple to pay $5.7 billion to Taction Technology after finding that it infringed on two patents related to touch and vibration technologies used in devices like the iPhone and Apple Watch. The company had been sued in 2021 over Taptic Engine technology, before the case returned to courts after being reopened later.
For its part, Apple confirmed that it does not agree with the verdict and believes its technology differs fundamentally from Taction’s technology, noting that it will appeal the decision. The jury also clarified that it did not find the infringement to be willful, which may affect the course of the case in future appeal stages.
Leak confirms specs for the upcoming budget iPad 12
Information found in Apple’s code revealed that the upcoming iPad 12 will receive an A19 chip and 8GB of RAM, alongside a C1X modem and an N1 network chip, meaning faster performance and full support for Apple’s AI features that are not available in the current generation. The device will also support modern technologies such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 with improvements in cellular network connectivity efficiency.
Expectations indicate that the device will maintain its budget category and current price, with a possible release during the spring of 2027. Meanwhile, Apple is expected to unveil a new iPad mini before the end of October, equipped with an A20 Pro chip, an OLED screen, and other improvements in sound and camera.
Cellular connectivity issue affects some iPhone 18 Pro Max users
Reports and complaints from some iPhone 18 Pro Max users in the United States have indicated issues with connecting to the AT&T network or activating the eSIM, preventing them from making calls, sending messages, or using mobile data. The problem seems limited to a group of users, while the exact cause remains unclear so far.
It is noted that the US version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses a different modem than the rest of the new iPhone models, but there is no evidence confirming this is related to the issue. Apple is expected to release the iOS 27.0.1 update soon, with hopes that it will include fixes or network updates that address these malfunctions.
Qualcomm and Apple renew their patent licensing agreement
Qualcomm announced the renewal of its global patent licensing agreement with Apple, with the new agreement taking effect on April 1, 2027, without disclosing additional details regarding its duration or terms. This agreement comes separately from the supply contracts for communication modems used in Apple devices.
Information indicates that Apple will likely continue its plan to rely on its own modems in its future devices, as most of its latest devices already use modems of its own development. The renewal of the agreement also comes after years of legal disputes between the two companies, ensuring continued cooperation between them in the field of technology licenses and essential patents.
New update for the Apple Invites app
Apple has launched a new update for the Apple Invites app that adds three main features, including sharing photos in their full quality within shared albums, creating realistic backgrounds for invitations using the Image Playground tool, in addition to facilitating email confirmation by clicking a link instead of entering a code. The app makes it easier to organize events and send invitations, and anyone can receive and respond to the invitation for free even if they do not use an Apple device. The update also includes bug fixes and performance improvements to make the user experience smoother.
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