The iPhone 18 will feature a 24-megapixel front camera; Apple is hiding the front camera on the 20th-anniversary iPhone and the 24th-anniversary iPod Touch; Apple is developing five new satellite communication features for the iPhone; the new smart version of Siri will be based on Google Gemini; a visual showcase of the liquid glass design will be featured in some apps; the iPhone 18 Pro may abandon its two-tone design for a unified look; and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Google unveils a new cloud-based system to protect privacy in artificial intelligence.
Google has announced a new service called Private AI Compute, designed to run AI tasks in the cloud using Gemini models, while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security. This system allows devices to securely handle large tasks that exceed their local capabilities, without exposing user data to the company or any third party. The service relies on dedicated processing units (TPUs) with advanced security technologies that ensure data remains isolated and fully encrypted. Its first applications will appear on Pixel 10 phones through features like the Magic Cue assistant and an enhanced recording app that summarizes text in additional languages. This system is quite similar to Apple's Private Cloud Compute service, launched last year to support Apple's AI features, as both rely on closed and secure environments to process AI tasks.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max could become the heaviest iPhone in history.
New leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be thicker than its predecessor, potentially making it the heaviest iPhone ever at approximately 243 grams, surpassing the previous heaviest iPhone, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. While the screen size will remain at 6.9 inches, the increased weight is likely due to a larger battery and a new stainless steel cooling system. The phone is also expected to feature camera improvements, including a variable aperture and an advanced Samsung image sensor, along with potential changes to the Dynamic Aperture and Face ID features. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the fall of 2026.
An error on Apple's website sparks controversy over whether Macs with the M1 processor will support Apple's AI features.
Apple's website caused some confusion among Mac users after the US version of its Intelligence page listed support for the feature only for Macs with an M2 processor or later, whereas the previous listing indicated support for M1 processors and later. In contrast, the UK and Canadian versions of the site still confirm M1 compatibility, and Apple's official support page dated November 10th still mentions "Mac with an M1 processor or later." The error appears to have occurred during a list update to include support for the new Vision Pro headset with an M5 processor, resulting in an unintentional change to the device descriptions. Apple is expected to correct this confusion soon. It's worth noting that Apple's Intelligence features began rolling out in October 2024, offering smart tools such as text writing, document summarization, and image creation, while a more advanced version of the Siri voice assistant is expected in the spring of 2026.
Apple is preparing to launch a new version of the HomePod Mini soon.
Apple is expected to unveil the second generation of the HomePod Mini soon, featuring significant improvements in performance and connectivity. The new device will come with a more advanced processor, such as the S9 or S10, instead of the older S5 processor used since 2019. This will give it faster speeds and improved efficiency in audio processing and Siri voice assistant operation. It will also feature the new N1 chip for faster Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth, as well as the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, which provides more accurate location tracking for nearby devices. New colors are also likely, including the red color that was recently tested. Although the device will be built into Apple's smart home ecosystem, it will not support Apple's smart features. The fact that some retailers have stopped selling the current version suggests that the announcement of the new model is imminent.
The iPhone 18 Pro may abandon the two-tone design in favor of a single-tone look.
New leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a more uniform back design, with Apple abandoning the two-tone look of the iPhone 17 Pro, which resulted from the different colored glass used for MagSafe wireless charging compared to the metal frame. According to sources, Apple has updated its manufacturing process for the back glass to minimize the color difference between it and the aluminum, giving the phone a more elegant, unified appearance. There are also rumors that the Ceramic Shield layer will have a semi-transparent finish, while the rest of the device will retain the design details of the previous generation. Additionally, the phone is expected to be powered by the A20 Pro processor, built on a 2nm process, and will feature Apple's own C2 modem instead of Qualcomm's. It is anticipated to launch in September 2026 alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone.
Apple is considering adding a second camera to the iPhone Air 2.
Reports indicate that Apple is using the delay in launching the second-generation iPhone Air to work on a redesign that may include adding a second rear camera, in an attempt to address user criticism regarding its limited features compared to its high price. The current device starts at $999, slightly less than the iPhone 17 Pro, which offers three cameras and a better battery, resulting in weak iPhone Air sales. Adding a second camera could bring its specifications closer to the iPhone 18 and increase its appeal. Some Apple engineers want to release the new version in the spring of 2027, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 18 and 18e, while the Pro, Max, and foldable iPhone models will arrive in the fall of 2026. Leaks also suggest that the device may feature a 48-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel wide camera, along with improvements in weight, cooling, and battery life.
24th Anniversary of the iPod Touch
On November 10, 2001, Apple launched the first iPod, which would later become an icon in the world of digital music. Despite numerous rumors preceding its release, the device was a huge surprise thanks to its sleek design and its ability to store 5GB of music in your pocket—something unavailable in any other music player at the time. Despite early criticisms such as its high price and its limited compatibility with Macs, the iPod achieved phenomenal success and established a culture of long queues outside Apple stores, before paving the way for the iPhone. The last version of the device was the iPod touch, which officially ceased production in 2022, but Apple has confirmed that the "spirit of the iPod" is still present in its products such as the iPhone, Apple Watch, and HomePod. With the 25th anniversary approaching next year, Apple is expected to draw inspiration from this device's legacy when introducing its new smart home products.
Apple hides the front camera in the 20th-anniversary iPhone
Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 2027 to mark the 20th anniversary of the device, with the front-facing camera hidden under the screen for a truly bezel-less design. According to leaks from China, this technology will debut a year after the introduction of Face ID under the screen in the iPhone 18 Pro. While some Android phones have already featured under-display cameras, the image quality has been poor, leading Apple to postpone its adoption until it develops its own solution. Previous reports indicate that the Korean supplier LG Innotek is working on a multi-lens system that reduces distortion and increases brightness, while JP Morgan has stated that Apple's first foldable phone will feature an unprecedented 24-megapixel under-display camera. The 20th-anniversary device is also expected to have a revolutionary bezel-less design that wraps around all sides of the phone, potentially skipping the "iPhone 19" moniker, as Apple did with the iPhone X on its tenth anniversary.
Apple is developing five new satellite communication features for the iPhone.
Apple is working on a range of new features that will expand the use of satellite connectivity on the iPhone, according to a recent report. These features include: using Apple Maps for navigation without a network or Wi-Fi, sending photos via the Messages app using satellite connectivity, indoor use without pointing the phone at the sky, support for 5G NTN technology which allows cell towers to rely on satellites for wider coverage, and finally, providing an API framework that will allow developers to integrate satellite connectivity into their apps. However, there are currently no plans to support voice calls, video calls, or internet browsing over satellite. The current features are free, but Apple may offer paid options in the future through companies like SpaceX. Implementing some of these capabilities will require updates to the infrastructure of Globalstar, the company Apple helped fund.
iPhone 18 has a 24MP front camera.
Recent reports indicate that all upcoming iPhone 18 models, including the standard iPhone, Pro and Pro Max versions, iPhone Air 2, and Apple's first foldable iPhone, will feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, up from 18 megapixels in the iPhone 17. This upgrade will result in sharper selfies and improved portrait photography. The current generation's front camera is known as the Center Stage and features a square sensor that provides a wider field of view, a design that will continue with further enhancements in the new generation. The report also suggests that Apple's foldable iPhone will be the first to feature a 24-megapixel under-display front camera, while the more affordable models like the iPhone 17e and iPhone 18e will retain only a 12-megapixel front camera. Apple is expected to release the Pro, Max, and foldable iPhone models in the second half of 2026, while the standard and e models will arrive in the spring of 2027.
Miscellaneous news
Apple has unveiled a visual gallery on its developer website showcasing how third-party apps are adopting the new liquid glass design in iOS 26. The gallery compares the look of apps in iOS 18 with their current appearance on devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs. Key changes include the removal of bottom navigation bars in favor of smaller options, the use of transparent slide-out buttons, and the addition of pop-up windows with a glass effect. Participating apps include Crumbl, Tide Guide, GrowPal, Lumy, Sky Guide, CNN, OmniFocus 4, Photoroom, and others. Apple asserts that this design offers a more elegant and streamlined experience, and the full comparisons can be viewed on its official website.
A study commissioned by Apple revealed that the European Digital Markets Act (DMA) has failed to lower app prices on the App Store, despite commission reductions implemented in March 2024. The findings indicated that 91% of apps did not reduce their prices; in fact, some developers raised them, while larger developers retained the additional revenue without passing it on to consumers. Apple stated that the law has led to a decline in privacy and security, created new obstacles to innovation, and failed to deliver the desired benefits to users. The company also explained that some recent iOS features have been delayed or not activated in the European Union due to the requirements of this law.
A new report from Bloomberg confirms that Apple is still planning to launch its AI-powered Health+ service in 2026. The service will be part of the updated Health app and will include a smart assistant that provides personalized health recommendations, along with videos from nutrition and health experts demonstrating ways to improve lifestyles. Apple will also add advanced nutrition tracking. Reports also indicate that the company is working on an enhanced version of Siri with AI capabilities, which will first appear in iOS 26.4 and then with a completely redesigned interface in iOS 27.
A Bloomberg report indicates that Apple will initially reserve OLED displays for MacBook Pro models equipped with the M6 Pro and M6 Max processors, while the base model with the M6 processor will continue to use a mini-LED display. The new devices will feature a thinner design and touch support, and are expected to launch in late 2026 or early 2027. OLED technology is likely to later be introduced to cheaper models, such as the MacBook Air, but not before 2028 at the earliest.
Asian reports indicate that TSMC has informed its major clients, including Apple, of its intention to raise prices for its advanced chips (less than 5nm) by 8-10% starting next year. This increase will affect Apple's A16 chips through the M5, as well as future generations like the A20, which is expected to be the first 2nm processor and will be used in the iPhone 18 series in 2026. Estimates suggest that the cost of this chip could reach $280 per unit, making it the most expensive iPhone component and potentially leading Apple to restrict its use to Pro models only to minimize its impact on profit margins.
Qualcomm has begun reducing its reliance on Apple as demand for high-end Android phones increases. Its non-Apple-related revenue rose by 18% in the last quarter of 2025, driven by sales of Samsung devices that heavily rely on Snapdragon modems. Meanwhile, Apple has been replacing Qualcomm modems with its own since acquiring Intel's modem division, meaning the relationship between the two companies will gradually diminish after 2026.
A new report confirms that Apple will remove the automatic Wi-Fi syncing feature between iPhones and Apple Watches in the European Union starting with iOS 26.2, in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Code (DMA). The feature allowed the watch to connect to the same network without manually entering the password, but Apple decided to disable it rather than grant third-party devices access to Wi-Fi components as required by the law. The company justified the decision with privacy and security concerns, warning that full compliance could give companies like Meta access to sensitive data such as notification content and wireless network history.
A Bloomberg report revealed that the new intelligent version of Siri will be based on Google's Gemini AI model, in a deal where Apple pays Google approximately $1 billion annually for a massive model with 1.2 trillion parameters. Gemini will be used for summarizing tasks and executing multi-step commands, running on Apple's own servers to ensure privacy. While Apple is temporarily relying on Google's technology, it is working on developing its own model with a trillion parameters, expected to be ready in 2026. The new version of Siri is expected to arrive with the iOS 26.4 update in the spring of 2026, becoming more intelligent and capable of interacting with applications in a way similar to ChatGPT and Cloud.
Google has announced a new update for its Chrome app on iPhone and iPad, featuring a dedicated AI Mode button next to the Incognito Mode button. This button provides quick access to Gemini-powered search, allowing users to ask more complex questions and seamlessly follow the answers. The feature is currently available to Chrome users in the US on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, with plans to expand to other countries soon.
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