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Apple is preparing to release iOS 26.2 to the general public in December, bringing new features to iPhones and continuing the company's established update schedule pattern.
Based on Apple's historical release patterns, iOS 26.2 is anticipated to launch around mid-December. Past iOS x.2 updates have consistently been released during the middle of the month, with iOS 18.2 serving as a recent example—it reached Release Candidate status on Thursday, December 5 and launched on Wednesday, December 11 after four beta versions.
The most notable addition in iOS 26.2 is offline lyrics support for Apple Music, allowing users to view song lyrics without an internet connection. This feature addresses a common user request and enhances the music listening experience during flights, commutes, or in areas with poor connectivity.
iOS 26.2 won't be released in isolation. Apple has confirmed that corresponding updates will roll out simultaneously across its entire device lineup, including:
This coordinated update approach ensures feature parity and compatibility across Apple's ecosystem. Users can expect the update to arrive via over-the-air installation in their device settings sometime in mid-December, following Apple's typical beta testing cycle before the final public release.
Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold, marking the company's ambitious entry into triple-screen foldable technology. Unlike traditional foldables with a single hinge, this innovative device features two folds and three total screens, representing a significant evolution in smartphone design.
The Galaxy Z TriFold features a 10-inch display when fully opened, transforming it into a tablet-sized device that could potentially replace dedicated tablets for many users. When closed, the device offers a 6.5-inch cover screen for standard smartphone use. Samsung has emphasized "minimized creasing" in the display, addressing one of the most common complaints about existing foldable phones.
The device utilizes an inward-folding design, though Samsung has shared details about the phone's durability and fold rating to reassure potential buyers about its long-term reliability.
The Galaxy Z TriFold represents Samsung's vision of a device that can truly replace both a smartphone and tablet in a single package. The massive 10-inch screen when unfolded provides ample space for productivity tasks, media consumption, and multitasking, while the 6.5-inch cover screen ensures the device remains functional as a traditional phone.
However, early hands-on videos have revealed both major strengths and weaknesses of the design, and the device notably misses a key feature found in Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold lines, though specific details weren't provided in available information.
Samsung expects the Galaxy Z TriFold to be available in Korea in a few days (later this month), with a US launch confirmed for early 2026. The company has already announced promotional offers for the US market, suggesting an aggressive push to establish this new form factor.
While full specifications and pricing details are still emerging, Samsung's entry into the tri-fold market positions it as a major player in the next generation of foldable devices.
Apple's long-awaited entry into the smart glasses market could finally materialize in 2026, according to recent reports. The product is expected to be among the company's most attention-grabbing hardware releases next year.
While Apple has several software and service launches scheduled for December 2025, new hardware products are not expected until 2026. Among the rumored products in development, Apple Glasses stands out as the most likely to generate significant consumer interest.
Smart glasses represent Apple's continued expansion beyond traditional computing devices. Following the launch of Apple Vision Pro in 2024, a more accessible glasses form factor could bring spatial computing and augmented reality features to a broader audience. The product would compete in a market where companies like Meta and Google have already attempted to establish smart glasses as a mainstream category.
Details about Apple Glasses remain limited, but the product is expected to differ from the company's existing Vision Pro headset by offering a more lightweight, everyday-wearable design. The glasses could integrate features like augmented reality overlays, navigation assistance, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
As 2026 approaches, more concrete information about specifications, pricing, and availability is expected to emerge. For now, Apple Glasses represents one of the most anticipated potential product launches in the company's pipeline.
Marques Brownlee, the popular tech YouTuber known as MKBHD, is shutting down his Panels wallpaper app less than two years after its controversial launch. The app, which offered high-quality wallpapers for iPhone and Android devices, will cease operations on December 31, 2025.
According to a notice on the Panels website, the decision stems from changes to the development team composition earlier in 2025. Brownlee stated that he was unable to find collaborators who were the "right fit" to continue work on the app and who shared the team's passion and vision for the project.
MKBHD also cited sustainability issues as a factor in the shutdown, suggesting the app wasn't viable to maintain long-term without the right team in place.
The Panels app will be removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Annual subscribers will receive refunds for their subscriptions, ensuring paying customers aren't left out of pocket when the service ends.
Panels generated significant controversy when it first launched in 2024. The app offered premium wallpapers curated by MKBHD, but its pricing model and approach drew criticism from the tech community and Brownlee's audience.
Users who relied on Panels for their device wallpapers will need to find alternative sources. The shutdown highlights the challenges of maintaining niche mobile apps, even when backed by influential creators with millions of followers. For those seeking replacements, numerous wallpaper apps remain available on both major app stores offering similar high-quality imagery for customizing smartphones and tablets.
For Apple fans and retro computing enthusiasts, a new desk accessory is capturing the charm of the original 1984 Macintosh. The Maclock is a limited-edition scale recreation of Apple's iconic first Mac, reimagined as a functional desk clock.
The Maclock faithfully recreates the compact, boxy design that made the original Macintosh instantly recognizable. What sets this desk clock apart are its three distinct display modes, giving users variety in how they experience this nostalgic piece.
Most notably, one of the display modes features Susan Kare's original Happy Macintosh icon—the smiling computer face that greeted users when they booted up their 1984 Mac. Kare's pixel art designs became synonymous with early Apple computing and remain beloved by tech history enthusiasts.
The Maclock appeals to multiple audiences: Apple collectors who appreciate the brand's heritage, design enthusiasts drawn to iconic 1980s tech aesthetics, and anyone seeking unique desk accessories with personality. As a limited-edition item, it also has potential collectibility for those who value exclusive tech memorabilia.
The 1984 Macintosh revolutionized personal computing by introducing the graphical user interface and mouse to mainstream consumers. This desk clock allows fans to celebrate that legacy in a practical, everyday item that serves as both conversation piece and functional timepiece.
As a limited-edition product, the Maclock is positioned as a specialty item for dedicated enthusiasts. The scale recreation captures the essence of the original Macintosh while serving a modern purpose, making it an appealing addition to home offices, workspaces, or display collections for those who appreciate computing history and Apple's design evolution.
As Apple continues its trend toward minimalist port designs, accessory makers are stepping in to fill the gap. Satechi's latest offering—a MagSafe 7-in-1 hub—represents one of the most comprehensive solutions yet for users who need expanded connectivity on their iPhones or Macs.
The hub leverages Apple's MagSafe technology to attach magnetically to compatible devices, providing seven different ports in a single compact accessory. According to 9to5Mac, this is "one of the first accessories" that truly bridges the divide between Apple's minimalist design philosophy and users' practical needs for multiple ports.
The ongoing debate between port minimalism and functionality has long divided Apple users. While some appreciate the sleek, streamlined designs with fewer ports, others require multiple connections for their daily workflows—whether for data transfer, charging, display output, or connecting peripherals.
This hub addresses a real pain point: mobile professionals and power users who need versatile connectivity without carrying multiple adapters or dongles. The MagSafe attachment means it can work with recent iPhones (iPhone 12 and later) as well as newer MacBooks with MagSafe charging.
As Apple continues reducing port counts across its product lineup, accessories like Satechi's 7-in-1 hub are becoming essential tools rather than optional extras. For users who refuse to compromise on connectivity, this type of all-in-one solution offers a practical middle ground between Apple's design vision and real-world usability needs.
Apple has announced that Tap to Pay on iPhone is now available in Singapore, bringing the contactless payment feature to its 50th country since its initial launch. The expansion provides independent sellers, small businesses, and larger merchants in Singapore with the ability to transform their iPhones into contactless payment terminals.
Tap to Pay on iPhone enables businesses to accept contactless payments directly through an iPhone, without the need for separate card readers or payment terminals. The feature works with both mobile wallets like Apple Pay and physical contactless payment cards, offering a streamlined payment solution for merchants.
According to MacRumors, Tap to Pay first launched in February 2022 in the United States. Since then, Apple has been steadily expanding the feature's availability worldwide, with Singapore becoming the latest market to gain access to the payment technology.
Apple positions Tap to Pay as offering "the ultimate in convenience and affordability" specifically for small businesses, according to 9to5Mac. By eliminating the need for dedicated payment hardware, the feature reduces upfront costs and simplifies the payment acceptance process for merchants. Small business owners and independent sellers can use devices they already own to process customer payments.
The continued global expansion demonstrates Apple's commitment to making contactless payments more accessible across different markets, particularly benefiting smaller merchants who may have previously found traditional payment terminal costs prohibitive. With Singapore joining the 50-country roster, more businesses worldwide can now leverage their existing iPhone hardware to accept modern payment methods.
Apple Music has launched its annual Replay feature for 2025, offering subscribers a comprehensive breakdown of their music listening habits over the past year. The personalized recap is now available through the Apple Music app, arriving with a full month still remaining in the year.
The Replay 2025 experience consists of two main components designed for both personal review and social sharing:
Personalized Playlists and Stats: Users receive a curated year-end playlist containing their most-listened-to songs from 2025, along with detailed analytics about their listening habits throughout the year.
Shareable Highlight Reel: Apple has created visually-designed content, including images and videos specifically formatted for sharing on social media platforms like Instagram and other networks, allowing users to showcase their music taste.
Alongside the personalized recaps, Apple Music has unveiled its official 2025 year-end charts, revealing global listening trends across multiple categories. The charts draw from an expanded set of data collected throughout 2025, including:
According to Apple, the annual charts featured several unexpected chart-topping performances and reflect broader listening patterns from the global Apple Music user base.
The Replay feature has become an anticipated annual tradition for streaming service subscribers, offering insights into personal listening patterns and discovery trends. With Apple Music competing against similar year-end features from other streaming platforms, the early December release gives users the chance to review and share their music statistics while still having time to influence their final year-end numbers before 2025 concludes.
Apple is rumored to expand its iPhone 17 lineup with a more budget-friendly option in early 2026. According to reports from 9to5Mac, the company is planning to launch the iPhone 17e, a device designed to deliver an iPhone 17-like experience at a lower price point.
The iPhone 17e is positioned as the successor to the iPhone 16e, and early rumors suggest it will feature three new capabilities that will set it apart from its predecessor. While specific details about these features have not yet been disclosed, the device appears to be Apple's strategy to make the iPhone 17 generation more accessible to price-sensitive consumers.
Apple's introduction of an "e" model in the iPhone 17 lineup signals the company's continued commitment to offering premium features at multiple price tiers. For consumers who want the latest iPhone generation but don't want to pay flagship prices, the iPhone 17e could provide a compelling middle ground.
The timing of an early 2026 launch is also notable, as it would give budget-conscious buyers access to the iPhone 17 generation shortly after the standard models debut. This strategy mirrors Apple's approach with previous SE and budget-oriented models, making cutting-edge technology more accessible to a broader audience.
As we approach 2026, more details about the iPhone 17e's specifications, pricing, and exact release date are expected to emerge. Consumers interested in upgrading to the iPhone 17 generation should keep an eye out for official announcements from Apple and further leaks that may reveal the three rumored features that will differentiate this model from the iPhone 16e.
Huawei has unveiled the Watch Ultimate Design, a premium smartwatch with a price tag of approximately $3,500, making it one of the most expensive wearables currently available.
The Watch Ultimate Design distinguishes itself through its use of luxury materials. According to Notebookcheck, the device features ceramic construction combined with 18-karat gold accents, placing it in direct competition with high-end luxury watches from traditional watchmakers.
At $3,500, the Watch Ultimate Design represents Huawei's push into the ultra-premium smartwatch segment. This pricing strategy positions the device well above standard smartwatches, which typically retail between $200-$800, and even exceeds many luxury smartwatch offerings from competitors.
The release of the Watch Ultimate Design signals the growing maturation of the smartwatch market, where manufacturers are increasingly targeting luxury consumers who want both advanced technology and premium materials. For buyers seeking a smartwatch that doubles as a luxury accessory, Huawei's latest offering provides an alternative to options like the Apple Watch Ultra or luxury editions from traditional watch brands.
The combination of ceramic and gold construction suggests durability and scratch resistance while maintaining an upscale aesthetic, though the high price point clearly targets a niche audience of affluent consumers rather than the mass market.
Availability details and full technical specifications have not yet been widely disclosed.
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