The watchOS 27 update removes a useful Apple Watch feature, and the iOS 27.2 update could save your marriage with a new feature. Why did Apple release iOS 27.2 instead of iOS 27.1? The first benchmark results reveal the power of the M5 Ultra and M6 chips. Apple lowers the value of iPhone trade-ins while raising the value of Macs and iPads. iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders begin at a relatively slow pace. Elon Musk withdraws his lawsuit against Apple over the ChatGPT deal with Siri. Apple may allow Siri to be replaced by ChatGPT or Cloud. The iPhone Duo has a hidden setting to fix the protective case issue. The US iPhone 18 Pro Max differs from the rest of the world. And other exciting news on the sidelines…
Why did Apple release iOS 27.2 instead of iOS 27.1?
Just two days after releasing iOS 27, Apple began testing iOS 27.2 with developers, skipping version 27.1 in the public testing program. This seems to be because iOS 27.1 is specifically designed for the foldable iPhone Duo, featuring new features tailored to the device's dual screens, thus eliminating the need for Apple to release it for testing on existing devices. Alternatively, it may contain some minor details about the iPhone Duo that weren't revealed during the conference. Therefore, it appears Apple started directly with iOS 27.2 to minimize the chances of leaks.
iOS 27.2 is intended for the rest of the iPhone devices. The new beta version reveals a major update to the Health app, including health insights powered by Apple Intelligence, a new longevity section, and a readiness assessment feature, along with Siri support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. Apple has also added the ability to use both the front and rear cameras simultaneously during group FaceTime calls. Simultaneously, the company has begun testing macOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2, but these versions are currently only available to developers.
watchOS 27 removes a useful feature from the Apple Watch
Apple released watchOS 27 on September 14th, bringing with it a new feature called Live Rewind. However, this feature is currently only available on the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Series 4 Ultra. It allows users to record speech captured within the last 15 seconds by double-tapping the Digital Crown. The problem is that this shortcut was used in watchOS 26 to quickly switch between the current and previous apps without touching the screen. With watchOS 27, this functionality has been removed, even on older Apple Watches. Double-tapping the Digital Crown now opens the app menu just like a single tap. Even more surprising is that Live Rewind itself relies on components found only in newer models, meaning users of older watches will lose this useful shortcut without gaining access to the new feature. Furthermore, owners of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Series 4 Ultra will not have the option to reuse the double-tap to switch between apps if they don't want to use Live Rewind, despite the privacy concerns this feature might raise. Apple currently offers no solution to this issue, so users can submit their feedback to the company, hoping that Apple will reinstate this shortcut in a future update such as watchOS 27.1.
The iOS 27.2 update could save your marriage!
Apple added a new feature in the iOS 27.2 beta that reminds you of a wedding anniversary or other important occasion when you call the person, provided the date is saved in the Contacts app. When you call on the anniversary, a reminder message will appear so you don't forget to congratulate the other person! The feature relies on Call Context, which gathers information related to the call, such as displaying a flight booking number when calling an airline. To add an anniversary, open the contact, select Edit, then Add Date, and you'll find "Anniversary" among the options. You can also use Siri to add the date if your device supports Apple Intelligence. iOS 27.2 is expected to be officially released in October.
Apple may return to the server market using Nvidia technologies.
Apple is exploring the development of a dedicated AI server based on its M8 chips, potentially utilizing Nvidia's networking technologies to connect the processors and accelerate data transfer between them. These servers are expected to target companies that want to run AI models on their own hardware, particularly for generating responses and results. If the project is completed, Apple could launch the server by 2029, but the plan is still under consideration and could be canceled. This move comes amid growing interest from AI companies in Apple devices like the Mac mini and Mac Studio, and Apple already has servers used in its Private Cloud Compute service to run some Apple Intelligence tasks. The collaboration with Nvidia could represent a new development in the relationship between the two companies, especially given previous plans to use Nvidia's technologies in Apple's cloud infrastructure.
Apple explains how to verify that an image is real
Apple introduced a new feature called Apple Reference Image in the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. This feature helps verify that a photo was actually taken with an iPhone camera and wasn't edited or created using artificial intelligence. The feature securely signs the image data directly from the camera sensor and then saves a protected digital copy containing the image information and the time it was taken. When verification is needed, this copy is processed within a secure private cloud computing environment, allowing for the detection of any tampering and potentially invalidating the image or even the sensor used. Apple says the system is designed to resist manipulation and hacking attempts while protecting the photographer's privacy. It is currently optional and only works with the main camera.
First test results reveal the power of the new M5 Ultra chip
The first unconfirmed results for Apple's M5 Ultra chip have appeared on Geekbench 7, revealing impressive performance. The chip scored 3,774 points in the single-core test and 52,516 points in the multi-core test, compared to 2,920 and 39,059 points for the M3 Ultra chip, respectively. This represents an improvement of approximately 30% in single-core performance and 35% in multi-core performance. With these figures, the M5 Ultra becomes Apple's fastest chip to date, potentially performing up to 2.25 times faster than the original M1 Ultra and about 6 times faster than the standard M1 chip. The chip will be available first in the new Mac Studio, which starts at $6,799 for the top-of-the-line M5 Ultra model, with the new devices expected to launch on September 22.
First test of the M6 chip reveals a significant leap in performance.
The first unconfirmed results for Apple's M6 chip have appeared on Geekbench 7, ahead of the launch of the new Mac mini. It scored 4,071 points in the single-core test and 22,783 points in the multi-core test. Compared to the M5 chip, this represents an improvement of approximately 12% in single-core performance and 27% in multi-core performance. The M6 also achieved the highest single-core score among Macs and PCs listed in the Geekbench 7 database, even surpassing the M5 Max and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. The M6 utilizes a 2nm manufacturing process, and the Mac mini will be the first device to feature it, with a launch date of September 22. The score suggests that the M6 offers more than double the performance of the original M1 chip, although graphics performance results are still pending.
Apple lowers iPhone replacement fees and raises the value of Macs and iPads.
Apple updated its trade-in program prices in the US, decreasing the value of nearly all eligible iPhones while increasing the value of iPads and Macs. Following the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is now valued at up to $885, the iPhone 17 Pro at $785, and the iPhone 17 at $585. The iPhone 16 Pro Max saw the largest value drop, from $720 to $610, while iPads and Macs saw significant increases; the iPad Pro is now valued at $905, and the MacBook Pro at $1,315. The value of most Apple Watches also decreased, while the prices of most Android phones remained stable with only minor changes. These prices are estimates, and the final value may vary depending on the condition and specifications of the device.
iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders are starting at a relatively slow pace.
According to GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max initially appeared weaker than expected, with most models available immediately after their launch on Friday, while some Pro Max versions faced wait times of three to four weeks. The analyst believes that higher prices and limited specifications changes may be contributing to this subdued demand, especially given the iPhone 18 Pro Max's $2,499 price tag for the 2TB version. He also anticipates that the foldable iPhone Duo will attract some buyers when pre-orders begin on October 16. Meanwhile, Pu lowered his production forecast for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to 72 million units due to the challenges posed by the new camera system, and reduced his iPhone Duo production estimate to 6 million units due to manufacturing difficulties with the hinge.
Elon Musk withdraws lawsuit against Apple over ChatGPT deal with Siri
Elon Musk's companies, X Corp and SpaceXAI, have asked the court to terminate their lawsuit against Apple in 2025, without explaining the reasons for the decision or mentioning a financial settlement, while the lawsuit against OpenAI continues. The lawsuit accused Apple and OpenAI of colluding to maintain their dominance in the artificial intelligence market. It also alleged that Apple granted ChatGPT better Siri integration than Grok and reduced the priority of competing AI apps and X's app in the App Store. Under the termination request, Musk's companies will be unable to refile claims against Apple in the future, while the case concerning OpenAI will proceed.
Apple asks Supreme Court to overturn ruling on App Store rules
Apple has filed a brief with the US Supreme Court seeking to overturn a ruling that forced it to change some App Store rules, potentially reverting the rules to their 2025 state. The case stems from an ongoing dispute with Epic Games, after the court ordered Apple to allow developers to direct users to payment options outside the App Store. Apple permitted these links but charged fees for them, prompting Epic to appeal to the court. The Supreme Court ruled that Apple had violated its decision and suspended Epic's right to charge fees for purchases made through these links within the United States. Apple argues that the ruling was based on what it called the "spirit" of the decision, not a clear violation of its letter. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in 2027, while proceedings are currently underway to determine the fees that might be imposed if the court does not overturn the ruling.
Apple may allow Siri to be replaced by ChatGPT or Cloud
The code for iOS 27 and macOS 27 reveals that Apple has designed the new Siri to work with AI models from other companies. Tests show that Cloud can perform tasks via Siri, such as creating reminders, while other models like ChatGPT can handle more complex tasks, such as searching and summarizing emails and then sending a message via the Messages app. The system appears to allow an external AI model to use Apple's tools and features, while Siri remains the interface that presents the results to the user. EU regulations may have played a role in pushing Apple toward this openness. However, these capabilities are still in the testing phase, and Apple has not yet opened the door for users or developers to fully replace the Siri model.
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The iPhone Duo has a hidden setting to solve the problem of protective cases.
The iPhone Duo includes a hidden setting in the display settings called "Shift Left Edge," which adds a black strip to the left side of the screen, nearly doubling its width. This is intended to address the issue of thick screen protectors that might cover part of the screen edge, making the swipe-to-return motion difficult. Apple appears to have added this option primarily for compatibility with third-party cases, though it's unclear whether Apple's own cases require this setting. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo are scheduled to begin on October 16, with availability starting on October 23.
The US version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max differs from the rest of the world.
Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 18 Pro uses the new C2 modem globally, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the same modem in all countries except the United States, where iOS 27 code indicates the use of a Qualcomm modem, likely the Snapdragon X85. Apple hasn't explained the reason for this difference, but it may be related to its existing agreement with Qualcomm for modem supply until 2026. The C2 modem supports mmWave 5G networks with higher upload speeds and 15% lower power consumption compared to the C1X. The iPhone Duo, on the other hand, uses the C2 modem in all markets without exception.
Miscellaneous news
Tim Cook is scheduled to attend a formal dinner hosted by the White House in honor of Chinese President Xi Jinping next week. The invitation was also extended to several other top technology leaders, including Sam Altman of OpenAI and Jensen Huang of Nvidia. Cook's attendance is part of his new role, which focuses on engaging with decision-makers around the world, and he has attended several similar meetings with Xi in recent years.
Apple has released a beta version of iOS 27.2, making its AI assistant Siri available in additional languages such as French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish, after it was limited to English only in the initial release. The company had previously announced that these languages would arrive in October, indicating that the update will be released that month.
The European Union has announced a new law called the Kids Act, which prohibits children under 13 from using social media platforms, some online games, or chatbots without parental supervision. Those between 13 and 15 will need parental consent to create accounts, with controls such as time limits. Companies will be required to add safeguards to prevent addiction or exploitation and will be required to verify users' ages through an official app. Violations could result in fines of up to 6% of global revenue, in a move aimed at protecting children from digital risks.
Apple has added the 2019 21.5-inch 4K iMac to its legacy product list, meaning it can only be repaired if parts are available from Apple or authorized service centers, and even then, repairs are not guaranteed. Devices are typically added to this list five years after they cease to be sold and become "obsolete" after seven years, at which point they are no longer eligible for repair services. This model was the last small iMac with an Intel processor before Apple unveiled the colorful M1 in 2021, and it featured a 4K Retina display, a Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.
The iPhone Duo appears to limit the number of apps to four in the vertical Dock on the right side of the screen, as Marcus Brownlee was unable to add a fifth app during his test. Apple did not mention this limitation in its technical documentation, which may disappoint those who want to add more apps. The new design may take some getting used to, especially for iPhone users accustomed to the horizontal Dock, and it is still unknown whether Apple will provide a special mode for left-handed users.
IMAX has had a mixed reaction to Apple's adoption of a 1:1.4 aspect ratio for the iPhone Duo's internal and external displays, which is very close to the classic 1.43:1 ratio the company used in its original movie systems. The official IMAX account commented on a post on the X platform, saying, "We love this for them," but added, "We still won't be watching movies on the phone."
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