The new HomePod mini 2 can be used as a default speaker on all Mac models with Wi-Fi 6E or later, according to Apple. You can use a single HomePod, or a pair for stereo sound.

The previous-generation HomePod mini can also be used as a Mac's speaker via AirPlay, but it cannot be set as the default audio output. AirPlay can also introduce audio latency.
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Earlier this year, Elevation Lab announced the launch of a "Silencer" for AirTag meant to pierce the speaker on the device to disable the sound.


Elevation Lab explained that it created the Silencer to keep thieves from detecting an ‌AirTag‌ on valuable products like bikes, but the company didn't think easy speaker removal would be problematic.

The ‌AirTag‌ plays a sound when it is away from its owner to alert users that a tracker might be following them. AirTags have been criticized for making stalking simple, and Apple has improved safety features multiple times since the trackers launched in 2021. The latest ‌AirTag‌ 2 even has a louder speaker and more adhesive to make the speaker harder to remove.

We did not cover the launch of the Elevation Lab Silencer because we didn't want to publicize an accessory that does away with the ‌AirTag‌'s anti-stalking feature, and Elevation Lab must have heard several complaints. Six Colors' Glenn Fleishman, for example, said the device was "appalling." When he asked Elevation Lab about it, Casey Hopkins, the company's CEO, explained that users can already silence AirTags themselves, and people will still get smartphone notifications if an unknown ‌AirTag‌ is traveling with them.

Elevation Lab reversed course and sent out emails today letting customers know that the Silencer is no longer available for purchase.

We launched an AirTag silencing tool recently. We've always made products we want for ourselves, and this was no different - we wanted it for AirTags on our bikes. (Some of us have bikes more valuable than our cars.)

In retrospect though, this also has the side effect of aiding someone with bad intentions to track someone that wouldn't get phone notifications.

We have removed the product and will use our patent on it to prevent anyone else from making one in the future.

The Silencer had a pin located where the ‌AirTag‌ speaker is. The device description instructed users to remove the ‌AirTag‌ battery, apply the Silencer, and hit it with a hammer to cause the pin to pierce the ‌AirTag‌'s plastic cover and the speaker below.

‌AirTag‌ alerts do make the trackers less useful for locating items stolen deliberately, but audible sound is an essential safeguard that exists to protect people from stalkers. Elevation Lab plans to use its patent to make sure other companies do not design and release a similar accessory.
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The iOS 27.2 beta Apple released today removes the updated Health app that Apple was testing in earlier betas.


The removal of the Health app is not a surprise because Apple previously said the redesign wouldn't be introduced until late 2026.

After upgrading to the fourth beta, the Health app has a popup that says the new app features will come in a future update. Data collected during the beta remains available in the Settings app.


Apple is planning to release iOS 27.2 later in October, and the removal of the Health app suggests a launch is getting closer. The HomePod mini 2 that launches on October 30 uses HomePod software 27.2, so the updates will need to come out before that date.
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The iPhone Duo ships with iOS 27.1, a version of iOS 27 exclusive to the foldable device. Apple yesterday released a new build of iOS 27.1 (24A94425), which means buyers will have a day-one software update to install.


The ‌iPhone Duo‌ is shipping with iOS 27.1 build 24A94232, and if it's not already in the hands of reviewers, it will be soon. Apple likely released the new build to address bugs while the Duo is being evaluated by members of the media.

Since the ‌iPhone Duo‌ isn't coming out until October 23, there's plenty of time for Apple to release another iOS 27.1 update or even iOS 27.2. Buyers might not have the 24A94425 update to install if it's replaced by something newer, but either way, there will be an update required during the ‌iPhone Duo‌ setup process.

Pre-orders for the ‌iPhone Duo‌ begin on Friday, October 16, at 5 a.m. Pacific Time or 8 a.m. Eastern Time. It will launch on Friday, October 23.

If you're planning to pre-order the ‌iPhone Duo‌, you can use Apple's Get Ready process to select a color and capacity, as well as confirm carrier status, choose accessories, and supply billing information and payment. Get Ready speeds up pre-ordering, and it is recommended given the expectation of supply constraints.
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Apple just announced the HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, and pre-orders are now available on all of these devices at popular retailers including Amazon and Best Buy.

HomeView

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Amazon has the HomeView up for pre-order today in all four colors at $299, with an expected delivery date on November 13. Amazon isn't offering the HomeView (Wall Mounted) for pre-order right now, so you'll have to look at Apple.com for that option.



You'll also find pre-orders up at Best Buy and B&H Photo for the HomeView, with options for in-store pick-up in addition to regular shipping.

• Rose Pink


• Silver


• Space Gray


• Starlight

Apple TV 4K

Additionally, Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy have the new Apple TV 4K up for pre-order at $299, ahead of its launch date on November 13. The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K features an A19 chip, Siri AI, an updated Siri Remote with Find My support, and more.

HomePod mini 2

Best Buy and B&H Photo have the HomePod mini 2 up for pre-order at $149, including the new Green and Pink color options. These launch earlier than the other products on October 30, and Best Buy is offering free in-store pick-up for launch day.



Be sure to check out our articles on the launch of the HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and Apple TV 4K for all of the details on each new device.
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Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5043a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers.


There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases.

When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 or later, there is a beta firmware option that can be accessed in the AirPods settings interface. Toggling on beta updates allows users to install the beta firmware.

Firmware updates can then be downloaded by connecting the AirPods to an Apple device and connecting them to power. It can take a few hours for new firmware to be installed because there is no software update option like there is for other Apple devices.
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Apple today seeded the fourth beta of an upcoming iOS 27.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after Apple released the third iOS 27.2 beta. Apple also seeded a new iPadOS 27.2 beta.


Registered developers can download the beta updates by opting in under Settings > General > Software Update and selecting the iOS 27 developer beta.

iOS 27.2 includes Apple's redesigned Health app with new Insight and Longevity tabs. It also brings Siri AI in new languages. There are several other new features, with details available 4re5 our features guide.

Apple releasing an iOS 27.2 beta ahead of a iOS 27.1 beta was surprise because the company plans to ship the iPhone Duo with iOS 27.1, but it likely wants to keep some of the iPhone Duo features hidden for longer.

The ‌iPhone Duo‌ will launch on October 23. Apple previously said the new ‌Siri‌ AI languages in iOS 27.2 would be available in October, so it's likely iOS 27.2 will come shortly after the ‌iPhone Duo‌'s release date. iOS 27.2 is also required for the new HomeView.
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Apple is testing the next macOS Golden Gate update, and developers can download the fourth ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 beta. The fourth beta comes a week after Apple released the third beta.


Registered developers can download ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 by opening up the System Settings app, clicking on General, selecting Software Update, and opting into ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ betas.

‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 introduces Siri AI in new languages and includes new brightness and volume sliders.

We're expecting ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ 27.2 to launch toward the end of October.

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Alongside new betas of iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, and macOS Golden Gate 27.2, Apple has released the fourth betas of watchOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2. The betas come a week after Apple released the third betas, but there is no tvOS 27.2 beta 4 yet.


Registered developers can download the betas through the Settings app on each device.

With iOS 27.2 and watchOS 27.2, Apple is testing the new Health app that it showed off during its September iPhone event. The updated Health app has new Insights and Longevity tabs with a readiness score that uses information from the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models.

There's no word on what's being added in visionOS 27.2 and tvOS 27.2, but Apple the fourth-generation Apple TV that Apple released today includes support for Siri AI features.
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Anker and Jackery have introduced big discounts across their most popular portable power stations, with many deals that match - or beat - the prices we saw during Prime Day. We're tracking Anker's best deals at both its own website and on Amazon, while Jackery's discounts can be found on the retailer's website.

Anker SOLIX

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Anker's SOLIX brand is hosting a Prime Day Encore Sale with deals price matched from Prime Day, free gifts, and more. This sale is focused on Anker's high-end SOLIX portable power stations, with options that range from 1-2 days of backup to 3-5 days of backup.



For cheaper options, Amazon has notable markdowns on lower-cost SOLIX batteries, like the popular SOLIX C300 Portable Power Station with Lantern for $199.99 ($50 off). If you're shopping on Anker's website, be sure to make your purchases before October 14, when the sale ends.

• SOLIX C300 with Lantern - $199.99, down from $249.99


• SOLIX C200 with Solar Panel - $229.99, down from $259.99


• SOLIX C300 with Solar Panel - $269.99, down from $319.99


• SOLIX C1000 with Car Charging Cable - $469.99, down from $599.99


• SOLIX S2000 - $649.98, down from $1,199.00


• SOLIX C1000 with Alternator Charger - $918.99, down from $1,398.00


• SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 - $999.99, down from $1,499.00


• SOLIX F3000 - $1,398.99, down from $1,699.00

Jackery

Over on Jackery's website, you'll find up to 65% off a wide array of portable power stations, solar generators, add-on batteries, and more. This is another Prime Day encore event, and is set to run through October 14.

• Explorer 300D - $209.00, down from $249.00


• Explorer 2000 v2 - $899.00, down from $999.00


• Battery Pack 2000 Plus - $799.00, down from $1,399.00


• Battery Pack 3600 - $1,349.00, down from $1,499.00


• HomePower 3000 Solar Generator - $1,349.00, down from $1,499.00


• Explorer 2000 v2 + Dual 200W Solar Panels - $1,399.00, down from $1,639.00


• HomePower 3000 Solar Generator + Dual 200W Solar Panels - $1,799.00, down from $2,139.00


• HomePower 3600 Plus Solar Generator - $2,154.00, down from $2,729.00


• Explorer 5000 Plus - $4,234.00, down from $5,159.00

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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The new Apple TV 4K and updated Siri Remote unveiled today have quite a few new features, as outlined in our all-in-one summary below.


Here are 11 changes coming with the new Apple TV:

• A19 chip, for up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice as fast graphics performance compared to the previous model with the A15 chip.


• 8GB of RAM is very likely, up from 4GB of RAM in the previous model. However, this spec still needs to be confirmed.


• Siri AI support, with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad required for questions involving a user's personal context. Siri AI will also be available on the second-generation and third-generation Apple TV 4K models released in 2021 and 2022 on tvOS 27.2 and later, according to Apple.


• Three built-in far-field microphones for hands-free Siri AI voice control, but you can continue to use the Siri Remote if you prefer.


• Surround sound functionality with four HomePods — either four HomePod mini 2 speakers or matching front and rear pairs of HomePod mini 2 and full-sized HomePod 2 speakers. All previous models remain limited to two HomePods.


• Wi-Fi 7 support, up from Wi-Fi 6 for the previous model.


• Bluetooth 6 support, up from Bluetooth 5 for the previous model.


• AV1 and VP9 video support.


• There is now only a single 128GB configuration with an Ethernet port. The previous model also had a 64GB/Wi-Fi-only model.


• The white status light has been centered on the front edge of the Apple TV 4K.


• The new model is around 1% heavier than the previous model. (Hey, it counts).

Here are three changes coming with the new Siri Remote:

• Find My and Precision Finding support, making it easier to find the remote if it is misplaced. Precision Finding support for the Siri Remote requires an iPhone 17 or newer (excluding the iPhone 17e), iPhone Air, or iPhone Duo.


• A built-in speaker that can play a sound to help you locate it.


• The new remote is around 6% heavier than the previous version.

The new Apple TV 4K and Siri Remote can both be pre-ordered starting today and launch Friday, November 13. In the U.S., the new Apple TV is priced at $299 and includes the new Siri Remote. The updated remote is also available separately for $59 and is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models released since 2015.
This article, "New Apple TV 4K and Siri Remote Have These 14 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new Apple HomeView comes preinstalled with a selection of Apple apps, such as Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple News, Calendar, FaceTime, and Messages, but it will also support third-party audio and video apps.


Apple did not create an App Store for the HomeView, so there is no on-device way to download apps. It instead uses a CarPlay-like system where third-party apps will be displayed when the HomeView is connected to a compatible iPhone or iPad.

Audio apps made for CarPlay like Spotify and Audible will also work on the HomeView, and developers will be able to extend HomeView support to existing iOS video apps.

Up to six people in a household can use HomeView, and it tells users apart by voice and through the camera built into the front of the device. Each user's apps and personal information will be shown only when the person is enrolled and authenticated. Apple says users need to be recognized by the camera and have a paired and recently unlocked iPhone or ‌iPad‌ near the HomeView for it to display compatible third-party iOS apps and information from apps like Messages and Calendar.

Shared photo albums and music can be accessed by anyone in the home, including guests. Guests will not be able to see personal information due to the authentication requirement.

HomeView is priced at $299 and is available for pre-order now. It will launch on November 13.
This article, "HomeView Runs Third-Party Apps From Your iPhone or iPad" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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MacRumors was first to reveal the name "HomeView" last week, after discovering a trademark filing from a secretive shell company that we correctly suspected was linked to Apple.

Apple was likely behind a "homeOS" trademark filing as well, but the company ultimately decided to stick with generic "HomeView software" naming, just like it refers to the HomePod's operating system as "HomePod software." For example, the device will ship with "HomeView software version 27.2."
This article, "RIP, homeOS" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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As was rumored prior to today's announcements, the new Apple TV 4K can connect to up to four HomePods in front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right positions, enabling an all-Apple surround sound system for home theater setups.


You can connect four of the new HomePod mini 2 speakers to the new Apple TV 4K, or you can mix and match pairs of HomePod mini 2 and full-sized HomePod 2 speakers, so long as the front and rear pairs of speakers match. For example, you can have two full-sized HomePod 2 speakers up front and two HomePod mini 2 speakers in the rear.

Apple is relying on computational audio. The company says the four HomePods and the new Apple TV 4K can "intelligently recognize each speaker's position in the room, so audio timing and levels are automatically calibrated to the space."

All previous Apple TV 4K models remain limited to two HomePods for stereo sound.

The new Apple TV 4K is available to pre-order starting today and launches Friday, November 13. In the U.S., pricing is set at $299, with only a single configuration with 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7 support, and an Ethernet port available.
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Siri AI support on the new HomePod mini 2 will be "available later" as part of a "future software update," according to Apple. In other words, do not expect Siri AI to be available on the speaker when it launches on Friday, October 30.

Siri AI on the HomePod mini 2 will require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad for requests involving personal context.
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The HomeView can dim its display to just 0.3 nits for use on a nightstand or in dark environments, making it Apple's lowest-ever display brightness.


The 7-inch Liquid Retina display automatically adjusts its brightness as lighting conditions change, reaching up to 500 nits in bright rooms. Its 0.3-nit minimum allows it to dim substantially at night. True Tone also helps the screen adapt to changing ambient light.

Previously, Apple's dimmest display technology went down to just 1 nit. This feature debuted on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, and subsequently came to the iPhone.

The tabletop HomeView model features a stainless steel hinge that lets users tilt the display as required. Its interface responds to distance, showing simpler information from across the room and more detail as users move closer.

The HomeView also offers customizable faces, including weather information, photos, and animated designs. Apple says selected faces change throughout the day, adapting their appearance for mornings and evenings.

Apple's HomeView models launch on November 13 and cost $299 in the United States.
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Apple's new fourth-generation Apple TV 4K includes three built-in far-field microphones, allowing users to find something to watch and control playback without picking up the Siri Remote.


Users can activate the voice assistant by saying "Hey ‌Siri‌" or "‌Siri‌," including while a movie or TV show is playing. Apple says advanced echo cancellation separates the user's voice from background sound, helping the device recognize requests over the TV's audio.

The microphones also enable hands-free control of compatible smart home accessories and scenes. With ‌Siri‌ AI, users can search for entertainment conversationally and ask follow-up questions about what they are watching, with answers appearing in a compact overlay over the video.

Apple says the new Apple TV 4K and its A19 chip include Secure Exclaves, which are protected processing environments that handle microphone data separately from the rest of the system. According to Apple, data processed and analyzed inside these environments cannot be accessed by tvOS, apps, users, or Apple itself.

Far-field ‌Siri‌ support varies by region and language. The feature is supported when the primary tvOS language is set to English, Mandarin Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Norwegian, or Swedish.

The new ‌Apple TV‌ 4K is available to preorder today for $299 in the United States, with availability beginning November 13.
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Apple's new HomeView supports Spatial Audio, with different speaker systems for its tabletop and wall-mounted models.


The tabletop model features two custom full-range drivers in its display, with a down-firing woofer and two force-canceling passive radiators housed in the domed base. Apple says this arrangement delivers clear sound with extended bass, distributing the audio hardware between the screen and its stand.

The HomeView's A18 chip and built-in sensors power computational audio that continuously adjust loudness and bass response. According to Apple, this processing helps maintain consistent, balanced sound at different volume levels.

The wall-mounted HomeView uses two custom drivers and computational audio tuned specifically for placement on a wall, but lacks the added speaker hardware in the tabletop models' base. It still supports Spatial Audio.


For music playback, HomeView supports multiroom audio alongside other HomeView devices, HomePod, HomePod mini, and AirPlay-compatible speakers. Handoff lets users transfer music from an iPhone by placing it in front of the HomeView's display. Apple Music displays animated album artwork and lyrics, while Apple Podcasts and compatible third-party audio apps can provide additional content.

The HomeView also features four beamforming microphones for Siri requests and FaceTime calls. Apple says the microphone array can pick up voices from across the room while reducing background noise.

Both HomeView models launch on November 13 and cost $299 in the U.S.
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Apple offers two versions of the HomeView, one that can be mounted on the wall and one that's a standalone model with a speaker base. The wall-mounted version and the speaker version are both priced at $299, with no discount for the base-free model.


Wall mounting is the more expensive option because most buyers will need hardware that's sold separately and is currently priced starting at $60. There are three options for mounting the HomeView on the wall.

• Power Mount USB-C Wall Connector ($59.95) - The USB-C mount is from Schneider Home, and Apple says it is a self-install mount. It uses a standard USB-C cable that goes to a power adapter, which the user also needs to supply. It requires a 20W or higher power adapter.


• Power Mount AC Wired ($79.95) - The AC Wired mount uses in-wall power so there's no visible cable. Apple recommends having it installed by a licensed electrician and is partnering with ADT to offer installation services.


• Power Mount PoE Wired ($129.95) - The Power over Ethernet hardwired mount is not available right now. Apple says to check back later for availability. It will require a home with PoE wiring.


• No mount - There is an option to buy the wall-mounted version with no additional hardware. Presumably, accessory companies will eventually offer mounting solutions, but Apple has the only mount option right now.

In addition to being more expensive, the wall-mounted HomeView comes in more limited color options. It can only be purchased in silver or space gray, while the speaker version also comes in starlight and rose pink.

Both HomeView models have speakers with "two custom full-range drivers" in the display, and the wall-mounted version uses computational audio tuned for on-wall placement. The model with a speaker base also has a down-firing woofer and two force-canceling passive radiators that are not available in the wall-mounted version.

We'll need to wait for reviews to see sound comparisons on the speaker version and the wall-mounted version, but customers who opt for the wall-mounted version are going to be paying more for less hardware.

The HomeView is available for pre-order now and will launch on November 13.
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Apple today shared four new videos on its YouTube channel highlighting the newly announced HomeView smart home hub, fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, and HomePod mini 2.


The longest video, "Welcome Apple HomeView: Designed for life at home," follows a family through a busy morning. It shows Siri helping retrieve a French toast recipe sent in Messages, locate misplaced keys, and check evening plans, alongside a FaceTime call with grandparents.



A second, shorter HomeView video provides an overview of the device's features, including personalized experiences for up to six users, ‌FaceTime‌ calls, Spatial Audio, and smart home controls. It also highlights the 7-inch Liquid Retina display and its customizable collection of display faces.



The HomePod mini 2 video focuses on the speaker's sound and compact design, showing its green, pink, blue, midnight, and white finishes. It also promotes multiroom audio and ‌Siri‌ AI, which Apple says will arrive on ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 in a future software update.



The Apple TV 4K video highlights Dolby Vision and HDR10+ playback, hands-free ‌Siri‌ control using built-in microphones, and the ability to play a sound to locate the updated ‌Siri‌ Remote. Apple also promotes the new four-speaker surround sound setup, which supports ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 and second-generation HomePod speakers in matching front and rear pairs.

Today's announcements also included the Apple Home Collection, a lineup of cameras, a door lock, thermostats, and sensors developed with LG and Schneider.

The HomeView, new ‌Apple TV‌ 4K, and ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 are available to pre-order today. The ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 launches on October 30, while the HomeView and new ‌Apple TV‌ 4K launch on November 13.

This article, "Apple Shares Videos for HomeView, Apple TV 4K, and HomePod Mini 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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