<![CDATA[Sick Gaming - Apple Mac & macOS]]>

<![CDATA[Sick Gaming - Apple Mac & macOS]]> https://sickgaming.net/ Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:42:22 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Beats 360 review: Good all-around sound and customizable too]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113569.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:59:59 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113569.html
When it comes to premium headphone options, there are a few options available from Apple's personal audio stable. At the most extreme end of the scale, you can pay a lot for the AirPods Max if you want an easy-listening and high-quality listening experience at home.

Then there's Beats, the subsidiary that also sells the Beats Solo 4 and the Beats Studio Pro. Both are on-ear and over-ear headphones that have the audio quality and comfort for long listening sessions.

However, while they are great for home use, the headphone market also caters to a market of fitness enthusiasts. People who need music to do their best at the gym, or at least to pass the time as they pound the roads on a daily run.

Beats 360

Beats 360 over-ear headphones have interchangeable ear and headband cushions.

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Buy at B&H

While Beats earphones like the Powerbeats Fit or the Powerbeats Pro 2 are certainly constructed for that job, there's still a contingent who prefer to have over-ear headphones. Those earbuds are certainly made for fitness with sweat resistance, but those headphones generally don't have that.

I am somewhat part of that contingent. Outside of the house, I'm a regular user of Powerbeats Fit since they slip easily into a bag and can be hidden under my hair, but I do gravitate towards over-ear headphones while working.

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Some people are still choosing headphones for comfort where possible. Even if that means taking expensive AirPods Max with them into a situation that they weren't really made for in the first place.

With the Beats 360, the Apple subsidiary thinks it's cracked this market with something that is flexible, durable, and customizable.

Beats 360 review: Core design

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Beats has been teasing the Beats 360 by handing headphones out to players. The design hasn't change since then at all.

The Beats 360 are over-ear headphones that are unmistakably Beats in design, but are also a big departure from its previous models. This time around, it's taking some of the cues from the AirPods Max.

Rather than the more obvious multi-section design and generally flat headband of the Solo 4 and Solo Pro, the Beats 360 instead use a round headband with a central cushion.

That cushion is attached on the inside of the band and extends much further in width than the thickness of the headband itself.

[Image: 69047-145631-Beats-360-USB-C-Port-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: The frame is small, the attachable earcups make up most of the size.

Then there's the earcup sections, which still have the big Beats logo but it no longer has the big side button. Instead, the outer earcup section is a flat and smooth disc, tapering to meet the band.

The headband adjustment is also different, in that it's a round shiny metal section that slides inside the headband and enables the earcups to rotate.

This also allows the Beats 360 to rotate to lie flat on a table or in the supplied carrying bag. You no longer have the hinged section to fold the earcups in, but this is still a nice compromise.

If you discount the headband cushion and the earcups, the main frame of the Beats 360 is actually very compact for premium headphones in general. Let alone the typical Beats headwear.

At 6.52 inches wide, 7.53 inches tall and 3.35 inches deep when not folded flat, they're fairly typical in terms of size, though still very lean.

At 10.39 ounces, they're at a midpoint between the Beats Solo 4 and the AirPods Max, they've got some heft to them. That makes them quite dense, but not too heavy for long-term wear.

[Image: 69047-145632-Beats-360-Earcups-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: The headphones are very lightweight, and similar to the Beats Studio Pro

It's a design choice that makes sense considering the aims of making them nice to wear while working out, while allowing things to be replaced over time. In a week of usage, they have been very comfortable for long sessions of work, and the occasional workout.

As for the visual design, it's new and improved in the way Beats manages to pull off, without shouting about it. It's sleek and good-looking, and unless you're going for a bright color combo, it's not obnoxious to wear in public, either.

Beats has certainly taken some inspiration from the AirPods Max here, but there are other changes at play here.

Beats 360 review: Personalization

As usual for Beats, you have color options. But unusually this time, you can make more of a fashion statement than usual.

[Image: 69047-145634-Beats-360-Color-Mixes-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: Some of the color combinations with the cloud, volt, and black UltraPlush cushions

The earcup cushions and the headband cushions are removable and replaceable. This works in a number of ways, with the chief one being that you can mix-and-match colors.

Each earcup easily twists off and can be quickly replaced with another cushion kit. The headband cushion can also be snapped off and replaced with relative ease.

[Image: 69047-145618-beats360rvw-2-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: An assortment of cushions

While the base colors are Black, Cloud, Sky, and Pink for the frame, you can go completely different with the cushion kits.

The Performance Knit has a distinctive microthread knit pattern to make them breathable and extremely soft, in part thanks to the memory foam filling. It results in a cushion that you can press down with minimal force, but still see them instantly spring back into place.

They are supplied in the same colors as the frame, as well as Navy and Volt options. The Volt, which is an almost luminous yellow-green, combined with the white-ish Cloud frame, seems like the most stylish play here.

If you prefer the feel of the older Beats headphones, there's also UltraPlush, which uses Black or Cloud-colored leather. It's the same sort of experience as the Studio Pro headphones, if you would prefer that to the knit finish.

[Image: 69047-145633-Beats-360-Volt-Ear-Cushions-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: Opening the Volt Performance Knit cushions

If you combine the eight cushion options and four frames, that's up to 32 combinations of colors. Or, if you want to be really unique and use different cushions for each part, you could get up to 256 combinations.

You may want to think twice about this approach, mind. Each cushion kit is $49.99 apiece, which can quickly add up.

Thankfully, at launch Beats will be selling the cushion packs for $9.99 apiece.

[Image: 69047-145619-beats360rvw-3-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: The head cushion simply snaps into small slots.

The construction of the cushions themselves is also interesting, since the back section is slightly translucent silicone on a harder plastic skeleton, instead of something more solid. The cushions are therefore very lightweight, while also giving a bit of protection to the headphones if you drop them.

These sure aren't the solid metal earcups you'd find on AirPods Max.

The ease of being able to change the earbuds does allow you to make the Beats 360 better match your outfit of the day, but there's also a practical side to it too.

If you're working out regularly in headphones, you'll eventually notice grime and signs of wear on earcups. At least with the Beats 360, you can more easily replace the earcups than the entire unit.

Sure, you can get spares and replace the earcups on other headphones with a bit of research and effort. But here, it's an expectation of use.

Combined with the frame, it results in a very nice-to-wear pair of headphones. They don't clamp too hard onto your head, and have been worn for multi-hour work sessions without prompting any comfort-related complaints.

Beats 360 review: Steady and sweat-proof

An interesting point about the Beats 360 is how they're practically made for working out.

We're talking more than just the ability to sit on your head here. With the steel spring design of the headband and the way the earcups fit around your ears, they are staying put.

This is done in a way that doesn't feel uncomfortable after wearing them for a long period of time. Sure, there's a little press to keep them tight to your head, but the softness of the earcups counters this pressure very well.

[Image: 69047-145624-beats360rvw-8-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: The earcup locking mechanism. All it needs is a small twist.

If they can survive a good 30-second manic head-banging session, they will stay on while you're on the treadmill.

Unusually, these are sweat and water-resistant headphones to IPX4. You're not going to be able to swim with them, but they'll easily survive light rain and sweat.

There's a firewall implemented behind the acoustic driver, which seals off the electronics from any liquids that enter the headphone's frame. That firewall still allows Beats to include a venting structure for acoustic purposes, while ensuring the electronic elements won't be harmed over time.

Beats 360 review: Self-contained earcups

The design of the headphones is also interesting as each earcup is effectively its own functional unit.

A typical headphone design uses wires in the headband to connect the two sides up, handling data and power. For the Beats 360, each earcup is self-contained as its own unit.

With each earcup having a battery, antenna, and processing components, they work as a self-contained system. There is still a cable in the headband, but only power is shared between the two sides.

The earcups communicate wirelessly with each other. This is similar to what you'd expect from wireless earbuds, and it's the same principle, but with headphones.

This is an idea that makes a lot of sense from a wear-and-tear standpoint.

Beats 360 review: Control

In the absence of the side Beats logo buttons, the buttons have shifted around to the edges of the earcups. There are a few buttons on each side, placed to the mid-to-low rear, which makes them easy to access while the headphones are worn.

The mounted-higher controls of AirPods Max make them easier to see when you're externally looking at the headphones, but the placement here by Beats is far better for actually reaching them. That, and they're hidden from the view of most people, aside from those standing right behind you.

On the left is the Listening Mode button, for switching between Transparency and full ANC. Below is a power button, which is also used to manage pairing with devices. At the base of the earcup is a USB-C port for charging.

On the right-hand side is a volume rocker with a multi-function play-pause button below.

[Image: 69047-145620-beats360rvw-4-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: The controls are to the rear and are easily reached.

These buttons are just clicky enough to be satisfying, without being too obtrusive while in use. They're also slightly proud of the casing, making them easier to access blindly.

The exception is the power button, which is made to be more surface-level than the rest so you don't accidentally press it. The small LED light on the power button is a nice touch, again without being too distracting for anyone looking at the headphones.

While you can use your fingers to manage the Beats 360, you can also use your voice. For iOS, there's hands-free Siri support, though on Android you can press and hold the multi-function button to access Google Assistant.

Beats 360 review: Performance

Beats is fond of using customized audio hardware, and the Beats 360 is no different. A high-dynamic-range amplifier and a custom-designed 40mm dual-magnet transducer run the show here, with the latter providing as much headroom as it can for a balanced and clear audio profile.

That transducer uses two neodymium ring magnets, as well as a triple-layer construction to reduce resonance. Venting around the transducer is also managed to reduce distortion.

The audio modes include Transparency and ANC, with the latter claimed to be 1.75 times better than the ANC of the Beats Studio Pro. Transparency, meanwhile, is said to be more natural-sounding than before.

Audio is collected by a total of nine MEMS microphones with a high signal-to-noise ratio. That includes eight for ANC, with two also used for a three-mic array with beamforming for picking up your voice.

[Image: 69047-145622-beats360rvw-6-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: The earcups are silicone and plastic. You can just see the internal structure.

If you turn off both ANC and Transparency, Adaptive EQ kicks in to analyze the fit on the user's head. It's constantly adapting instead of using a single fixed profile for tuning, which helps if you hand the headphones on to someone else.

During use, the ANC has proven itself to be exceptionally good. To the level that I forgot that a fan was running in the office, noticing only after I removed the headphones at the end of a shift.

If you're using an Apple device, there's also Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, for when a Dolby Atmos track comes up on Apple Music. There's an accelerometer and gyroscope in the left earcup handling that task.

The headphones use Beats' proprietary platform, now in its fourth generation, which handles all of the constant tuning and environmental audio adaption. Again, Beats uses audio processors optimized with machine learning, which helps with capturing the user's voice.

In making a few calls through FaceTime, Discord, and over the phone, it seems to be fairly clear and understandable to this reviewer's ears and his contacts.

After using the Beats 360 for a few days with a variety of music genres and TV shows, it seems that Beats has certainly perfected the sound quality. Unlike the earbuds, where I had to compensate for the slight amount of extra treble, there were no adjustments needed here.

They sound clean and clear for almost anything you can throw at it. The exception is at high volume levels, as the bass does creep in a bit, but it's certainly not in a heavy-handed way.

Beats 360 review: Apple and Android

As usual for Beats, while it is an Apple subsidiary, it does work to include Android support where possible.

Apple users can benefit from one-touch pairing, as well as iCloud Pairing and automatic switching between their Apple devices. Android also gets one-touch setup, and pairing and switching with other devices on the same Google account.

While there's Find My support on the Apple side, there's Find Hub on Android that lets you track your headphones down. However, you do get audio sharing on iOS, which is seemingly absent on Android.

The functionality and firmware updates are handled within Apple's operating systems, though you get a lot of the same features on Android too. It's just handled in the Beats App instead of being deeply integrated into the operating system.

Beats 360 review: Charging and connectivity

As wireless headphones, there's connectivity with your hardware over Bluetooth 5.3. This is fine, as you wouldn't necessarily expect much in the way of a real benefit for switching to Bluetooth 6 here.

However, while hardware like the Beats Studio Pro and the AirPods Max do allow you to use a physical USB-C or 3.5mm connection with your devices, it's not the case here. The USB-C port is only used for charging, not for data.

This isn't necessarily a nightmare for the intended audience who care more about hearing a song at all while lifting weights rather than wanting to hear every single detail. But for the audiophile who wants to listen to lossless audio, it's certainly not possible with the Beats 360.

They sound great, but lossless is just unavailable.

[Image: 69047-145617-beats360rvw-1-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: They're comfortable to wear, even by people with massive heads, like this reviewer.

When it comes to power, with ANC or Transparency on, you can get a massive 32 hours of audio playback from a single charge.

While we haven't managed to drain the headphones in our testing yet, it's safe to say that the Beats 360 will outlast your workout by a long shot.

Weekend travelers will also be happy that they don't necessarily need to charge them every day either.

If you do somehow manage to exhaust them, the fast-charging capability is pretty neat. A five-minute charge will give up to an hour of playback, which is a fairly good power exchange rate.

Beats 360 review: No sweat

As far as premium headphones go, Apple and Beats know what works well. However, it's evident that the Beats side of things is more willing to experiment and shake things up.

That's what it has done with the Beats 360. It's a pair of headphones that sound just how you would expect premium personal audio devices to be.

Though the new cushion system is nice from a personalization and replaceable component angle, it's extremely comfortable to wear for long periods. As our testing also discovered, they're not going to move from your head without some extreme head motion.

Really, the only ding that we can hit it with is the lack of physical connectivity. It'll upset the audiophiles but it doesn't matter that much here.

[Image: 69047-145635-Beats-360-Box-xl.jpg]

Beats 360 review: In the box you get the headphones, a carrying pouch, and one set of the Performance Knit cushions

As headphones that you pick up and go out the door wearing while on a well-meaning quest to get rid of the paunch, they're an ideal pick. They're comfy, they sound great, and they have a battery life that will get you quite a few gym sessions before needing to be plugged in again.

While I am not exactly someone who cares about doing exercise on a regular basis, the Beats 360 are at least a welcome alternative to my earbuds when going for an out-of-house walk. Thanks to the local weather being less than great, I'm also not going to worry about a little occasional rain interrupting my music.

All without the pressure on the inside of my ear canals that earbuds inherently create.

What Beats have come up with is a serious in-house alternative to the AirPods Max that you can comfortably work out in. At $349, it's also saving you money.

Beats 360 review pros

Balanced sound
Reasonably weighted
Very comfortable and changeable cushions and earcups
Sweat resistance

Beats 360 review cons

No cable-based audio
Cushion kit prices are a little steep

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Where to buy Beats 360

Beats 360 can be purchased at Amazon and B&H for $349.99.]]>
When it comes to premium headphone options, there are a few options available from Apple's personal audio stable. At the most extreme end of the scale, you can pay a lot for the AirPods Max if you want an easy-listening and high-quality listening experience at home.

Then there's Beats, the subsidiary that also sells the Beats Solo 4 and the Beats Studio Pro. Both are on-ear and over-ear headphones that have the audio quality and comfort for long listening sessions.

However, while they are great for home use, the headphone market also caters to a market of fitness enthusiasts. People who need music to do their best at the gym, or at least to pass the time as they pound the roads on a daily run.

Balanced sound
Reasonably weighted
Very comfortable and changeable cushions and earcups
Sweat resistance

Beats 360 review cons

No cable-based audio
Cushion kit prices are a little steep

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Where to buy Beats 360

Beats 360 can be purchased at Amazon and B&H for $349.99.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] New Mac mini does not have a slotted SSD, Mac Studio still does]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113564.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:55:47 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113564.html Mac Studio still has a slotted SSD with serialized components, so an upgrade there is at least possible.

Apple always used to solder its Mac storage in place, making it a permanent and so unchangeable, unrepairable feature. Given that Apple charges more for SSD storage than seems imaginable, it was big news when the last generation of Mac Studio and Mac mini changed this.

The M4 Mac mini came with a slotted, removable SSD, as did the M1 and M2 models of the Mac Studio. It's not as if Apple recommended upgrading your SSD yourself, but it was no longer making it impossible, and many people took great advantage. AppleInsider's Mike Wuerthele did it with an M4 Mac mini and then monitored it for six months, never finding any issues at all.

However, one firm that provided larger SSD storage for these devices, ExpandMacMini.com, now reports that the New Mac mini is not upgradeable. That's for both the M5 Pro and M6 versions of the Mac mini, meaning the NAND storage is once again soldered onto the logic board.

At time of writing, Apple's official repair documentation for the Mac mini consists only a specifications sheet. So there will be details later of what can be replaced or repaired, but it's not going to include swapping out the SSD.

However, Apple repair documentation for the new Mac Studio and includes how it is possible to replace the SSD has been published.

Better news for the Mac Studio

The repair documentation's section on the SSD is for both the M5 Max and M5 Ultra versions of the Mac Studio. That same section does presume that you are repairing the Mac Studio, though, not that you are trying to install lower-cost SSD storage.

It can of course be the SSD that has failed, so the repair instructions allow for you replacing them. However, "SSD modules are specific to the Mac model," it says. "Ensure that you use an SSD module that correctly corresponds with the model."

Then the Mac Studio can come with two SSD modules, depending on the storage configuration, and they aren't the same. Apple's ones come with serial numbers whose ending corresponds to one of the two connectors on the logic board.

Plus it won't be clear until teardowns check it out, but it's unlikely that Apple uses standard parts. While they resemble standard PC storage modules, Apple has the controller integrated into Apple Silicon instead of on the module itself.

That means it's not possible to order off-the-shelf M.2 SSD modules and use those. Previously some users have undertaken immensely delicate and complex soldering to make it happen.

But then after that, there were companies that provided options that weren't exactly plug and play, but were close enough. They could fit into the slots on the Mac Studio, for instance, and work.

You still had to have access to another Mac in order to complete the setup. And the moment you open your Mac Studio, you void the warranty.

So it's hardly a recommended solution to Apple's high SSD storage prices. But in theory it is still possible to do this with a Mac Studio and doubtlessly there will be firms that produce the parts to do it.

They just can no longer do so for the Mac mini.]]> Mac Studio still has a slotted SSD with serialized components, so an upgrade there is at least possible.

Apple always used to solder its Mac storage in place, making it a permanent and so unchangeable, unrepairable feature. Given that Apple charges more for SSD storage than seems imaginable, it was big news when the last generation of Mac Studio and Mac mini changed this.

The M4 Mac mini came with a slotted, removable SSD, as did the M1 and M2 models of the Mac Studio. It's not as if Apple recommended upgrading your SSD yourself, but it was no longer making it impossible, and many people took great advantage. AppleInsider's Mike Wuerthele did it with an M4 Mac mini and then monitored it for six months, never finding any issues at all.

However, one firm that provided larger SSD storage for these devices, ExpandMacMini.com, now reports that the New Mac mini is not upgradeable. That's for both the M5 Pro and M6 versions of the Mac mini, meaning the NAND storage is once again soldered onto the logic board.

At time of writing, Apple's official repair documentation for the Mac mini consists only a specifications sheet. So there will be details later of what can be replaced or repaired, but it's not going to include swapping out the SSD.

However, Apple repair documentation for the new Mac Studio and includes how it is possible to replace the SSD has been published.

Better news for the Mac Studio

The repair documentation's section on the SSD is for both the M5 Max and M5 Ultra versions of the Mac Studio. That same section does presume that you are repairing the Mac Studio, though, not that you are trying to install lower-cost SSD storage.

It can of course be the SSD that has failed, so the repair instructions allow for you replacing them. However, "SSD modules are specific to the Mac model," it says. "Ensure that you use an SSD module that correctly corresponds with the model."

Then the Mac Studio can come with two SSD modules, depending on the storage configuration, and they aren't the same. Apple's ones come with serial numbers whose ending corresponds to one of the two connectors on the logic board.

Plus it won't be clear until teardowns check it out, but it's unlikely that Apple uses standard parts. While they resemble standard PC storage modules, Apple has the controller integrated into Apple Silicon instead of on the module itself.

That means it's not possible to order off-the-shelf M.2 SSD modules and use those. Previously some users have undertaken immensely delicate and complex soldering to make it happen.

But then after that, there were companies that provided options that weren't exactly plug and play, but were close enough. They could fit into the slots on the Mac Studio, for instance, and work.

You still had to have access to another Mac in order to complete the setup. And the moment you open your Mac Studio, you void the warranty.

So it's hardly a recommended solution to Apple's high SSD storage prices. But in theory it is still possible to do this with a Mac Studio and doubtlessly there will be firms that produce the parts to do it.

They just can no longer do so for the Mac mini.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Supplemental image data used in Face ID authentication on iPhone 18 Pr]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113556.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:10:49 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113556.html iPhone 18 Pro using image data and a secure exclave, potentially speeding up the process.

Face ID is Apple's most secure biometric authentication system for iPhone and is only matched in terms of security by Optic ID on Apple Vision Pro. The system uses infrared dot projection, attention awareness, depth mapping, and an encrypted mathematical representation of your face to authenticate the user.

With iPhone 18 Pro, Apple has added another layer of complexity to the Face ID system. The tidbit was first discovered by Sam Fathi and shared to social media.

According to updated support documentation, iPhone 18 Pro models supplement captures depth and infrared imagery as usual, but then supplements this with additional image data.

The text specifically says:

Quote:On iPhone 18 Pro models or later, this data is supplemented by additional image data to maintain Face ID performance. This information is matched against the stored mathematical representation to authenticate.

The word "maintain" has been called out by social media users as a reference to a potentially weakened Face ID system in the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple moved the dot projector underneath the display, which some assume means worse performance.

However, that seems highly unlikely. Face ID will still perform the same as it always has, even with a partially obscured sensor under a display.

The new system turns off pixels around the sensor to allow the infrared projection to pass through. The only impact this could possibly have is on speed, not on accuracy.

The "maintain" here appears to refer to speed in this case. Users expect a fast authentication system on iPhone, and while having a portion under the display is nice, it is a compromise.

Some users have reported irregular Face ID performance, including slower read times or errors authenticating. There is even a bug with the system that has affected a small number of users and leads to a system crash in iPhone 18 Pro.

AppleInsider staff have a few iPhone 18 Pro models on hand and haven't encountered issues with Face ID or crashes at this time. Your mileage may vary.

The document continues:

Quote:Supplemental image data used for Face ID on some devices is processed by the Secure Exclave — a hardware-isolated compartment built into the silicon to process sensor data separately from the rest of the system. Data that is processed and analyzed in the Secure Exclave cannot be accessed by iOS, apps, the user, or Apple.

Quote:On iPhone 18 Pro models or later, this data is supplemented by additional image data to maintain Face ID performance. This information is matched against the stored mathematical representation to authenticate.

Quote:Supplemental image data used for Face ID on some devices is processed by the Secure Exclave — a hardware-isolated compartment built into the silicon to process sensor data separately from the rest of the system. Data that is processed and analyzed in the Secure Exclave cannot be accessed by iOS, apps, the user, or Apple.

Apple introduced the secure exclave on M4 and A18 processors. It is a chipset completely separate from the rest of the system that can perform some tasks even if the main chip is compromised in some way.

While the secure enclave is processing depth and infrared data, the secure exclave is processing captured image data into a mathematical representation of the user's face. That data is compared to what is stored in the secure enclave to confirm the user's identity.

While image recognition isn't a reliable form of authentication, combining it with Face ID's biometric data and attention awareness, it is additive to the process. It helps speed the authentication up without decreasing the security protocols in place.

The iPhone 18 Pro released to the public on September 18 with a new under-display component for Face ID. There are some bugs that need to be worked out via an upcoming update, but otherwise it seems iPhone security is more robust than ever.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Ron Johnson's 'Shop Different' review: Tantalizing glimpse at Apple St]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113550.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:10:31 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113550.html
Apple is nearing the end of a five-year plan to open or remodel around 50 Apple Stores worldwide. That's around 10% of the total number of Apple Stores, and Apple's retail business has been an extraordinary success for a quarter of a century.

Shop Different review: what's in the book

Now retailer Ron Johnson has co-written a book describing how he was approached by Steve Jobs to create the stores. "Shop Different" by him and Zander Nethercutt, explains the impetus for the stores and the effort that went into creating them.

Aside from the result being bricks and mortar stores, the tale is the same as every other product Apple was making at the time. Steve Jobs is deeply involved with every inch of the development, for instance, and the stores were a costly investment at a time when Apple was far from the wealthy firm it is today.

That makes this story fascinating, that Apple gambled on spending big. Johnson, though, paints it not as a wild gamble, but instead as an absolutely necessary move if Apple were to survive.

Johnson is a self-professed retailer with his entire career in that business, and even today maintaining that physical stores are actually flourishing. Back then, though, there was no mistaking that Apple needed to do something.

Despite the huge success of the iMac, Apple still faced the problems that its products were being sold through stores such as Best Buy. It was in retailers were it fought to get shelf space, and it did not have store owners motivated to push it.

When a store's chief focus is on price, Apple loses because the upfront cost of a Mac is so much more than a PC. Once someone uses both machines, the value of the Mac becomes so much clearer, but few people were getting to use it.

Whereas with an Apple Store, the company could encourage people to try out its products. As Johnson describes it, the reasoning seems obvious and yet at the time, Apple was ridiculed for opening stores.

There was reason for that, though, including how at the time Apple had only four main hardware products. Rather than wondering how to fill shelf space with so few items, Johnson and Jobs designed the stores so that selling took second place to using.

The stores were designed to be destinations rather than hard-sell retail outlets, like CompUSA or other Apple vendors of the day. The stores were designed to include free advice from the now famous Genius Bars, which at the time was typically paid-for at Apple Specialist locations.

Children playing on iMacs on the first day that the first two Apple Stores opened. This was Tysons Corner in 2001, so those kids are now approaching 30 years old.

No question, it is a tremendous tale that also happens to be set at a time when Jobs was firmly back in place at Apple and the company had risen from ashes.

Shop Different review: Needed more

All of this is in the book, alongside much more about the key decisions, and the particular problems that faced the stores. There's a sense, though, that this is the first book from either Johnson or his co-writer Nethercutt.

The latter has a great deal of experience writing online, yet somehow the book feels a little too cautious. There are anecdotes and Steve Jobs doesn't escape at least implied criticism, but there is more to tell.

For example, the book doesn't even mention how Microsoft tried copying Apple Stores, and even Gateway tried some renovations to stop the juggernaut. Microsoft's ultimately failed retail experiment began in 2009, shortly before Johnson left Apple in 2011. Gateway had retail stores before Apple Stores, but they ignominiously died quickly too.

Johnson also doesn't mention his successor, the short-lived retail head John Browett, nor any of the work subsequently done on the stores by Angela Ahrendts. This was surely a conscious decision, but Johnson is very good at establishing his retail acumen and it would've been fascinating to read his analysis of all that's happened since.

In person, Johnson is likeable and very knowledgeable about retail. That does come through in the book, but perhaps most in its quite short closing sections about his move from Apple to JC Penney.

He's frank about what he describes as his mistakes at that department store, but also what a gigantically different environment it was from Apple. That leads to a section on the need for kindness in business, which feels out of place.

That tone of that section makes the book conclude feeling more like a general business title.

Shop Different review: Should you buy

This is really an exceptional period in both Apple and retail history, and there is simply no one better placed to write about it than Johnson. You'll finish it wanting more, but perhaps that's a measure just how interesting a topic this is.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Pros

True insider's view of a key Apple moment
Retailer's perspective instead of a technologist's
Explains why Apple took this huge gamble

Cons

No insight into why copycat stores failed
General business audience, versus an Apple history one
No analysis of Apple Stores since Johnson left

"Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius" by Ron Johnson with Zander Nethercutt is published by Harper Business. Retailing at $45 in hardback, it's available on Amazon from September 22, 2026, for $32.]]>
Apple is nearing the end of a five-year plan to open or remodel around 50 Apple Stores worldwide. That's around 10% of the total number of Apple Stores, and Apple's retail business has been an extraordinary success for a quarter of a century.

Shop Different review: what's in the book

Now retailer Ron Johnson has co-written a book describing how he was approached by Steve Jobs to create the stores. "Shop Different" by him and Zander Nethercutt, explains the impetus for the stores and the effort that went into creating them.

Aside from the result being bricks and mortar stores, the tale is the same as every other product Apple was making at the time. Steve Jobs is deeply involved with every inch of the development, for instance, and the stores were a costly investment at a time when Apple was far from the wealthy firm it is today.

That makes this story fascinating, that Apple gambled on spending big. Johnson, though, paints it not as a wild gamble, but instead as an absolutely necessary move if Apple were to survive.

Johnson is a self-professed retailer with his entire career in that business, and even today maintaining that physical stores are actually flourishing. Back then, though, there was no mistaking that Apple needed to do something.

Despite the huge success of the iMac, Apple still faced the problems that its products were being sold through stores such as Best Buy. It was in retailers were it fought to get shelf space, and it did not have store owners motivated to push it.

When a store's chief focus is on price, Apple loses because the upfront cost of a Mac is so much more than a PC. Once someone uses both machines, the value of the Mac becomes so much clearer, but few people were getting to use it.

Whereas with an Apple Store, the company could encourage people to try out its products. As Johnson describes it, the reasoning seems obvious and yet at the time, Apple was ridiculed for opening stores.

There was reason for that, though, including how at the time Apple had only four main hardware products. Rather than wondering how to fill shelf space with so few items, Johnson and Jobs designed the stores so that selling took second place to using.

The stores were designed to be destinations rather than hard-sell retail outlets, like CompUSA or other Apple vendors of the day. The stores were designed to include free advice from the now famous Genius Bars, which at the time was typically paid-for at Apple Specialist locations.

True insider's view of a key Apple moment
Retailer's perspective instead of a technologist's
Explains why Apple took this huge gamble

Cons

No insight into why copycat stores failed
General business audience, versus an Apple history one
No analysis of Apple Stores since Johnson left

"Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius" by Ron Johnson with Zander Nethercutt is published by Harper Business. Retailing at $45 in hardback, it's available on Amazon from September 22, 2026, for $32.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Spectacular Apple Music Hall concert venue opens in London]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113543.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:07:02 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113543.html Apple Music venue for live concerts and Spatial Audio recording.

Apple Battersea is home to both an Apple Store and the company's main UK offices, each housed within the iconic Battersea Power Station. Now there's also Apple Music Hall, a 600-seat auditorium with 48-speaker spatial sound system, 16 or more cameras, two audio recording studios, and a broadcast video control room.

"Apple's deep love for music dates all the way back to the very beginning, from the launch of the iPod to the long-running iTunes Music Festival to the debut of Apple Music," Oliver Schusser, Apple's vice president of Apple Music and International Content said in a statement. "Today, with the opening of Apple Music Hall, we are once again taking an unprecedented step further in our commitment to artists and fans by supporting live music in ways only Apple can do."

Subscribe to AppleInsider on YouTube

Battersea Power Station was built in the 1930s and is famously an enormous brick building with four high towers. Now a shopping mall with offices, even entirely new sections such as Apple Music Hall have mimicked the brick facade to stay in keeping with its architectural heritage.

The building is by the River Thames and the new Apple Music Hall also features a large glass wall that offers a view of the river.

[Image: 69077-145629-000-lead-Apple-Music-Hall-foyer-xl.jpg]

The foyer of the new Apple Music Hall shows how it has retained the brickwork of the Battersea Power Station - image credit: Apple.

Apple Music Hall is built to be both a concert venue and a recording studio. Apple claims that musicians will be able to perform "an intimate live show for fans... and walk out with a finished Spatial Audio recording, a broadcast-ready mix, and multi-camera video" from a single show.

Such shows will also be able to be streamed live worldwide on Apple Music.

"At Apple Music, we care deeply about music, the artists who make it, and their life stories," said Zane Lowe, Apple Music's global creative director and lead anchor for Apple Music 1. "We're always looking for new opportunities to connect the artists and the fans because we are fans."

"What better way to celebrate this relationship than a new music venue where we get to experience amazing music in an amazing space and share it with the world," he continued. "Great music and memories will be made at Apple Music Hall."

The new Apple Music Hall in London comes almost exactly five years after Apple France opened a studio in Paris.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Best M6 Mac mini, 2026 Mac Studio deals on release day]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113533.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:53:59 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113533.html
Despite releasing today, Amazon has issued deals on the brand-new Mac mini and Mac Studio. Save $30 on Apple's M6 Mac mini when you opt for 512GB of storage, bringing the upgraded spec down to $1,069.99. This configuration has the new M6 chip with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, along with 16GB of memory and a bump up to 512GB of storage.

Buy M6 Mac mini 512GB for $1,069.99

If you want the power of the M5 Pro chip, the configuration with a 15-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and 512GB of storage is marked down to $1,669.99, which also reflects a $30 discount off MSRP.

Buy M5 Pro Mac mini for $1,669.99

These are the lowest prices available, according to our M6 Mac mini Price Guide, with the compact desktops officially launching today, September 22.

And for an even more robust desktop, Apple's new M5 Max Mac Studio is $50 off, bringing the standard model down to $2,449.99. This configuration, which has an 18-core CPU and 32-core GPU, is built for AI tasks. It also has 36GB of unified memory, 512GB of storage, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

Buy M5 Max Mac Studio for $2,449.99

Like the 2026 Mac mini, the M5 Max Mac Studio officially releases today. You can compare prices and availability across the line in our M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio Price Guide.]]>
Despite releasing today, Amazon has issued deals on the brand-new Mac mini and Mac Studio. Save $30 on Apple's M6 Mac mini when you opt for 512GB of storage, bringing the upgraded spec down to $1,069.99. This configuration has the new M6 chip with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, along with 16GB of memory and a bump up to 512GB of storage.

Buy M6 Mac mini 512GB for $1,069.99

If you want the power of the M5 Pro chip, the configuration with a 15-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and 512GB of storage is marked down to $1,669.99, which also reflects a $30 discount off MSRP.

Buy M5 Pro Mac mini for $1,669.99

These are the lowest prices available, according to our M6 Mac mini Price Guide, with the compact desktops officially launching today, September 22.

And for an even more robust desktop, Apple's new M5 Max Mac Studio is $50 off, bringing the standard model down to $2,449.99. This configuration, which has an 18-core CPU and 32-core GPU, is built for AI tasks. It also has 36GB of unified memory, 512GB of storage, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

Buy M5 Max Mac Studio for $2,449.99

Like the 2026 Mac mini, the M5 Max Mac Studio officially releases today. You can compare prices and availability across the line in our M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio Price Guide.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Apple's iOS 27.2 beta 2 reveals new anti-snatching protections]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113525.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:27:30 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113525.html iPhone security feature designed to recognize snatch-and-grab theft and lock the device before the thief can exploit it.

There's a name for snatching someone's smartphone from their hands in a brazen theft attempt: Apple picking. And Apple's been working on a way of protecting its customers from the act.

In May, it was learned that Apple had been working on a new set of security features that will automatically lock an iPhone when it detects that it's been snatched from its owner's hands. Now, the new iOS 27.2 Beta 2 gives us a better look at what that entails.

The feature, spotted by 9to5Mac, is called "AutoLock" internally, and it uses multiple signals to determine whether or not the device has been taken from its owner. This includes

Sudden, sharp acceleration
A paired Apple Watch remaining unreachable
Loss of connection to a paired Apple Watch
Prolonged loss of network connectivitgy
The device remaining unlocked beyond a certain interval

Of course, any one of these could theoretically give a false positive, so Apple is also working on safeguards to prevent errant lockdowns. These could include biometric authentication, app activity, and a backoff mechanism that suppresses locks after lock events.

As 9to5Mac mentions, the feature is still in the works. Users on the iOS 27.2 beta 2 cannot access the feature for testing.

Instead, Apple has enabled the feature in the background and chosen to keep the actual locking component disabled. This may be Apple's way of gathering data to further test the feature.

Apple has good reason to keep working on anti-theft features, too. In places like London, iPhones have become particularly attractive targets for thieves, with some criminals going so far as to reject Android devices in favor of Apple's more lucrative hardware.]]> iPhone security feature designed to recognize snatch-and-grab theft and lock the device before the thief can exploit it.

There's a name for snatching someone's smartphone from their hands in a brazen theft attempt: Apple picking. And Apple's been working on a way of protecting its customers from the act.

In May, it was learned that Apple had been working on a new set of security features that will automatically lock an iPhone when it detects that it's been snatched from its owner's hands. Now, the new iOS 27.2 Beta 2 gives us a better look at what that entails.

The feature, spotted by 9to5Mac, is called "AutoLock" internally, and it uses multiple signals to determine whether or not the device has been taken from its owner. This includes

Sudden, sharp acceleration
A paired Apple Watch remaining unreachable
Loss of connection to a paired Apple Watch
Prolonged loss of network connectivitgy
The device remaining unlocked beyond a certain interval

Of course, any one of these could theoretically give a false positive, so Apple is also working on safeguards to prevent errant lockdowns. These could include biometric authentication, app activity, and a backoff mechanism that suppresses locks after lock events.

As 9to5Mac mentions, the feature is still in the works. Users on the iOS 27.2 beta 2 cannot access the feature for testing.

Instead, Apple has enabled the feature in the background and chosen to keep the actual locking component disabled. This may be Apple's way of gathering data to further test the feature.

Apple has good reason to keep working on anti-theft features, too. In places like London, iPhones have become particularly attractive targets for thieves, with some criminals going so far as to reject Android devices in favor of Apple's more lucrative hardware.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] GM isn't changing course on CarPlay for its electric vehicles]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113515.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:29:17 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113515.html CarPlay plans, confirming that its EV lineup will remain off-limits to Apple's in-car interface.

GM hasn't offered CarPlay in electric vehicles for three years, and apparently it's not planning on starting anytime soon. There was a bit of confusion earlier after it was learned that the company would keep CarPlay for its gas-powered 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks.

GM confirmed its plans to Joanna Stern.

Quote:Correction: GM has confirmed it is NOT rolling phone projection to GM EVs. Instead this announcement is specific to JUST their new gas powered light-duty pickups, which have always supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

You know where I stand on this!

— Joanna Stern (@JoannaStern) September 21, 2026

Apple is allegedly part of the retention as far as GM's gas-powered vehicles are concerned.

It's an interesting move by the company, which has stood firm in spite of notable public backlash. Rather than include CarPlay, GM would use an in-house infotainment system built on Android Automotive OS.

The company initially called the decision "Jobsian," claiming that this was a win for privacy. However, what it really did was make a move to own the digital relationship with its customers.

The accidental CarPlay experiment

GM has performed an unintentional A/B test with the Chevy Blazer EV and Honda Prologue EV. The two vehicles share the same GM-developed platform and much of the same underlying technology.

They also differ in several key ways, notably that the Honda has CarPlay and the Chevy does not. The CarPlay-equipped Prologue outsold the Blazer by 43% in 2024, 73% in 2025, and more than 165% in the first half of 2026.

CarPlay isn't the only variable: the Prologue also has a lower MSRP, and factors like incentives and brand loyalty can affect sales. Still, the widening sales gap between two closely related vehicles suggests GM's decision to remove CarPlay may have contributed to weaker Blazer EV sales.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Apple shares hit record high after iPhone Duo and Siri AI success]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113508.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:03:04 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113508.html iPhone Duo.

Back in May 2026, Apple's shares twice hit record highs, taking it over the psychologically significant $300 mark. Since then, John Ternus has taken over as CEO in a particularly smooth transition from Tim Cook, and Apple has launched new hardware and software.

The stock price closed at $338.98 on Monday, breaking the previous record close of $338.49. AAPL's slow growth is interesting to observe even as some pundits paint Apple as behind at AI or lacking innovation.

The iPhone Duo answers investors' criticisms that Apple has been late to the foldables market. Not only does Apple now have a foldable iPhone, but it's done its usual thing of being late but probably best.

Remarkably, Apple has managed to position itself as the best foldable maker despite the price of the iPhone Duo. And despite the fact that the device hasn't even shipped yet.

What has shipped, of course, is iOS 27 and the much-awaited update with Siri AI. Where before the story was that Apple was dramatically behind on AI, suddenly things have switched to it being at least level, if not ahead.

That is partly down to Siri AI being chiefly as greatly improved as Apple previously promised. But it's also down to a general unease over other AI firms which investors are now seeing as being over-extended.

Apple's comparatively cautious approach means that it has not saddled itself with enormous debt in its pursuit of AI. That makes it an attractive buy to investors who may have become wary of committing too much to firms such as OpenAI.

It's perhaps also helped that OpenAI has announced that it will not be holding an IPO this year as previously believed. That may be tied to how it's been revealed that OpenAI has been losing $1.25 for every $1 it earns.

What happens next

While Apple will not report sales figures for the iPhone Duo, investors will be looking to gauge its success once pre-orders start on October 16, 2026 and it's in stores from October 23. That's particularly so because of the device's price and how a common report from analysts has been that orders for the iPhone 18 Pro have been slow.

AppleInsider reported that it took significantly longer for iPhone 18 Pro shipping dates to slip back compared to the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025. But this launch is too different for meaningful comparisons.

Apple is expected to deliver its next earnings report at the end of October 2026.]]> iPhone Duo.

Back in May 2026, Apple's shares twice hit record highs, taking it over the psychologically significant $300 mark. Since then, John Ternus has taken over as CEO in a particularly smooth transition from Tim Cook, and Apple has launched new hardware and software.

The stock price closed at $338.98 on Monday, breaking the previous record close of $338.49. AAPL's slow growth is interesting to observe even as some pundits paint Apple as behind at AI or lacking innovation.

The iPhone Duo answers investors' criticisms that Apple has been late to the foldables market. Not only does Apple now have a foldable iPhone, but it's done its usual thing of being late but probably best.

Remarkably, Apple has managed to position itself as the best foldable maker despite the price of the iPhone Duo. And despite the fact that the device hasn't even shipped yet.

What has shipped, of course, is iOS 27 and the much-awaited update with Siri AI. Where before the story was that Apple was dramatically behind on AI, suddenly things have switched to it being at least level, if not ahead.

That is partly down to Siri AI being chiefly as greatly improved as Apple previously promised. But it's also down to a general unease over other AI firms which investors are now seeing as being over-extended.

Apple's comparatively cautious approach means that it has not saddled itself with enormous debt in its pursuit of AI. That makes it an attractive buy to investors who may have become wary of committing too much to firms such as OpenAI.

It's perhaps also helped that OpenAI has announced that it will not be holding an IPO this year as previously believed. That may be tied to how it's been revealed that OpenAI has been losing $1.25 for every $1 it earns.

What happens next

While Apple will not report sales figures for the iPhone Duo, investors will be looking to gauge its success once pre-orders start on October 16, 2026 and it's in stores from October 23. That's particularly so because of the device's price and how a common report from analysts has been that orders for the iPhone 18 Pro have been slow.

AppleInsider reported that it took significantly longer for iPhone 18 Pro shipping dates to slip back compared to the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025. But this launch is too different for meaningful comparisons.

Apple is expected to deliver its next earnings report at the end of October 2026.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Second developer betas of iOS 27.2, macOS 27.2 are out now]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113492.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:28:52 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113492.html iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, and macOS 27.2.

The second post-milestone release developer beta is here. After the first developer builds of iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2 Golden Gate, watchOS 27.2, visionOS 27.,2 and tvOS 27.2 landed on September 16, Apple is now on the second round of the generation.

Normally, you would expect that the first updates will be for the 27.1 versions, as a point-1 release usually follows the milestone ones. However, since the iOS 27.1 build is made with iPhone Duo elements in mind, that version is being skipped for the non-foldable iPhone models, hence 27.2.

The second 27.2 builds are:

iOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24B5089g, replacing24B5084k
iPadOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24B5089g, replacing 24B5084k
macOS 27.2 beta 2 is 26B5091g, replacing 26B5086k
tvOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24K5093g, replacing 24K5088l
watchOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24S5091f, replacing 24S5086l
visionOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24N5093f, replacing 24N5088l
HomePod Software 27.2 beta 2 is 24K5093g

There's also a pair of macOS release candidates for earlier generations:

macOS 26.7.1 RC 3 is 25G313
macOS 15.8.1 RC 2 is 24H212

The first round introduced a few changes to iOS 27.2, including a redesigned Health app, which works alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12.

FaceTime gained dual capture support, Siri AI added localization for multiple languages, and Apple TV profiles from tvOS 26.2 came over to the iPhone.

At your own risk

AppleInsider regularly warns readers that people trying out beta software should do so on secondary, spare hardware instead of their mission-critical or daily driver devices. This is for a good reason.

There's a higher chance of buggy, broken, and potentially harmful elements being distributed in early betas. Even though the first releases are out, it doesn't lessen the risk of issues in betas for later-released updates.

Members of the public should seek out the public betas instead of the developer versions. They are much safer alternatives if you want to try out prerelease software.

Find any changes in the new builds? Reach out to us on X at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at [email protected].]]> iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, and macOS 27.2.

The second post-milestone release developer beta is here. After the first developer builds of iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2 Golden Gate, watchOS 27.2, visionOS 27.,2 and tvOS 27.2 landed on September 16, Apple is now on the second round of the generation.

Normally, you would expect that the first updates will be for the 27.1 versions, as a point-1 release usually follows the milestone ones. However, since the iOS 27.1 build is made with iPhone Duo elements in mind, that version is being skipped for the non-foldable iPhone models, hence 27.2.

The second 27.2 builds are:

iOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24B5089g, replacing24B5084k
iPadOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24B5089g, replacing 24B5084k
macOS 27.2 beta 2 is 26B5091g, replacing 26B5086k
tvOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24K5093g, replacing 24K5088l
watchOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24S5091f, replacing 24S5086l
visionOS 27.2 beta 2 is 24N5093f, replacing 24N5088l
HomePod Software 27.2 beta 2 is 24K5093g

There's also a pair of macOS release candidates for earlier generations:

macOS 26.7.1 RC 3 is 25G313
macOS 15.8.1 RC 2 is 24H212

The first round introduced a few changes to iOS 27.2, including a redesigned Health app, which works alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12.

FaceTime gained dual capture support, Siri AI added localization for multiple languages, and Apple TV profiles from tvOS 26.2 came over to the iPhone.

At your own risk

AppleInsider regularly warns readers that people trying out beta software should do so on secondary, spare hardware instead of their mission-critical or daily driver devices. This is for a good reason.

There's a higher chance of buggy, broken, and potentially harmful elements being distributed in early betas. Even though the first releases are out, it doesn't lessen the risk of issues in betas for later-released updates.

Members of the public should seek out the public betas instead of the developer versions. They are much safer alternatives if you want to try out prerelease software.

Find any changes in the new builds? Reach out to us on X at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at [email protected].]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Neural Engine timeouts & Face ID panics hit Apple's newest devices]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113476.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:24:14 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113476.html Apple Watch Ultra 4 models as a smaller group of iPhone 18 Pro owners reports Face ID-related kernel panics.

The new watches reached customers on September 18. Within hours, owners began describing sudden restarts that displayed the Apple logo before returning them to the watchOS interface.

Some Apple Watch devices restarted while their owners used Siri AI, edited watch faces, opened Maps or the App Store, made calls, and recorded workouts. Other reboots reportedly occurred while the Apple Watch was idle.

Apple Neural Engine timeout appears in crash log

An Apple forums post includes a panic log showing an

Code:
ANEHWDevice::ANE Timeout

. A Neural Engine command waited 2,020 milliseconds against a 2,000-millisecond limit before the Apple Watch restarted.

The log confirms a Neural Engine timeout on that Apple Watch, but it doesn't establish why the command stalled. A software bug, firmware problem, or hardware defect could produce the same result.

A separate Reddit thread contains restart reports from Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 owners, while a Facebook report describes three restarts on an Apple Watch Series 12. Those accounts don't all include diagnostic logs, so they support a cluster of similar crashes without proving that every device shares the Neural Engine timeout.

[Image: 69071-145615-Apple-Watch-Series-12-Siri-face-xl.jpg]

Apple Watch Series 12 is encountering Siri-related boot loops

Reports have appeared on the original watchOS 27.0 build and the launch-day update offered during setup. The update appears to have stopped the crashes for some owners, while others continued seeing unexpected restarts after installing it.

There's no reliable workaround yet. Owners have reported restarts during Siri AI use, watch-face editing, app launches, workouts, and idle periods, leaving no clear trigger.

iPhone 18 Pro reports remain limited

A separate group of complaints has appeared since iPhone shipments began arriving. The iPhone reports don't include the consistent diagnostic pattern found in the Apple Watch cases.

An iPhone 18 Pro Max owner reported four panic restarts within the first day of use. Face ID appeared to trigger three crashes, while the fourth occurred as Wallet opened.

[Image: 69071-145616-iPhone-18-Pro-rear-cameras-...ase-xl.jpg]

iPhone 18 Pro users have reported issues with Face ID

The phone went without another reported crash after Face ID was reset, but it restarted again while opening Wallet the following morning. In an updated Reddit post, the owner said Apple Support ran diagnostics, considered the unit faulty, and began arranging a replacement.

Two other iPhone 18 Pro owners reported similar panics, including one whose restarts continued after a software restore.

Apple hasn't confirmed a cause

These new devices have only been in customer's hands for a few days, and isolated issues are bound to emerge after a wide launch. There is only so much testing Apple can conduct internally, and bugs become more detectable when millions of users are available to report a problem.

Apple hasn't publicly acknowledged either set of complaints, and no confirmed fix is available. The repeated Apple Watch timeout supports treating those reports as an emerging bug cluster, while the iPhone evidence remains preliminary.

Owners experiencing repeated kernel panics should install available software updates and contact Apple Support for diagnostics and service options. The issues appear to be isolated and will likely be corrected in an impending software update for both Apple Watch and iPhone.]]> Apple Watch Ultra 4 models as a smaller group of iPhone 18 Pro owners reports Face ID-related kernel panics.

The new watches reached customers on September 18. Within hours, owners began describing sudden restarts that displayed the Apple logo before returning them to the watchOS interface.

Some Apple Watch devices restarted while their owners used Siri AI, edited watch faces, opened Maps or the App Store, made calls, and recorded workouts. Other reboots reportedly occurred while the Apple Watch was idle.

Apple Neural Engine timeout appears in crash log

An Apple forums post includes a panic log showing an

Code:
ANEHWDevice::ANE Timeout

iPhone 18 Pro users have reported issues with Face ID

The phone went without another reported crash after Face ID was reset, but it restarted again while opening Wallet the following morning. In an updated Reddit post, the owner said Apple Support ran diagnostics, considered the unit faulty, and began arranging a replacement.

Two other iPhone 18 Pro owners reported similar panics, including one whose restarts continued after a software restore.

Apple hasn't confirmed a cause

These new devices have only been in customer's hands for a few days, and isolated issues are bound to emerge after a wide launch. There is only so much testing Apple can conduct internally, and bugs become more detectable when millions of users are available to report a problem.

Apple hasn't publicly acknowledged either set of complaints, and no confirmed fix is available. The repeated Apple Watch timeout supports treating those reports as an emerging bug cluster, while the iPhone evidence remains preliminary.

Owners experiencing repeated kernel panics should install available software updates and contact Apple Support for diagnostics and service options. The issues appear to be isolated and will likely be corrected in an impending software update for both Apple Watch and iPhone.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Apple Vision Pro has a bright future says Apple CEO Ternus, but it's a]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113461.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:14:49 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113461.html Apple Vision Pro, calling it an amazing device that is finding more users, but also that it's in its very earliest days.

John Ternus has been criticized for laying off workers in the company's Apple Vision Pro division, but in a new interview for French television, he says he's enthused about the device's future. The Canal+ arts show Clique TV asked him directly whether or not he considered the Apple Vision Pro to be a failure.

"You know, Vision Pro, to me, is an amazing device, right, it's an absolutely amazing device, but I think of it as, like, the early days of computers," he said. "It is the early days of a long journey, that's how I feel about Vision Pro."

Subscribe to AppleInsider on YouTube

"What you're seeing with Vision Pro now is, certainly, there's early adopters who love it and they're using it, they're enjoying it," he continued, "but you also [see] surgeons are starting to use it in surgery, because it's just a fundamentally better tool for them than a monitor that's kind of sitting over there."

Ternus claimed that people are finding more uses for the Apple Vision Pro and that this is where he sees a "very bright future" for the device.

He wasn't pressed for any commitment over whether the Apple Vision Pro would continue to be developed. But he was asked what difference it makes to Apple that the company's new CEO is an engineer.

"I don't think anything's really changed," he said. "I think, sure, I'm new in this job, but the focus on innovation, the focus on products, the focus most importantly on our customers, that has never changed, that's been here from the beginning."

"I am super passionate about products, I love building things, that's why I've been here for so long [and] that's why I love what I do," Ternus continued. "I don't think of it as some radical change, I just couldn't be more excited about the future."

This issue of him being an engineer has been repeatedly brought up since his predecessor Tim Cook was famously "not a product person." But Apple today is far from the computer product firm it originally was, and Ternus is presiding over a $5 trillion company with multiple services as well as hardware.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] This clever workaround lets iPhone 18 Pro Max skirt battery shipping m]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113445.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:55:31 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113445.html iPhone 18 Pro Max has a battery with more capacity than permitted to ship. To get around that, Apple is using a combination of hardware, software, and user authentication to slip under the regulatory wire.

Customers began receiving devices on September 18. An Apple support document published the same day explains why the iPhone 18 Pro Max arrives with a battery capacity restriction in place.

At full capacity, the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery exceeds 20 watt-hours, putting it above a threshold that brings extra shipping requirements in most countries and regions. Apple uses firmware to keep the battery below 20 Wh while the phone moves through its factory and shipping network.

The restriction disappears automatically once the owner activates the iPhone, restoring access to the battery's full rated capacity, reports The Verge on Monday.

Apple can ship the iPhone 18 Pro Max below the 20 Wh threshold without permanently reducing the battery capacity available after activation. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rated for up to 45 hours of video playback, six hours more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Prepare to Ship puts the battery limit back

The process also works in reverse when an activated iPhone 18 Pro Max needs to be mailed for repair, trade-in, return, sale, or gifting. Apple's Prepare to Ship feature lowers the battery below the shipping threshold and temporarily limits how much it can recharge.

Open Settings.
Tap General.
Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Prepare to Ship.

From there, users choose whether the iPhone is being sent for repair, trade-in, return, or another reason. If the battery is too full, the phone discharges itself until it falls below the required level.

Depending on the battery level, Prepare to Ship can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. The iPhone may get warmer than usual while it discharges, but it remains usable unless it has already been erased.

A red Ready to Ship badge appears in Settings once the process is complete.

For repairs, trade-ins, and returns, Prepare to Ship limits charging to 80% for 14 days. Users can remove the charging limit after 14 days, while Prepare to Ship can be canceled at any time for a sale, gift, or other person-to-person shipment.

Unopened iPhone 18 Pro Max units don't need the extra step because the factory restriction is still active. Owners also don't need to use Prepare to Ship when carrying the phone themselves while traveling, including on an aircraft.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only model that needs the feature. Other iPhones remain below the threshold without a temporary firmware restriction.]]> iPhone 18 Pro Max has a battery with more capacity than permitted to ship. To get around that, Apple is using a combination of hardware, software, and user authentication to slip under the regulatory wire.

Customers began receiving devices on September 18. An Apple support document published the same day explains why the iPhone 18 Pro Max arrives with a battery capacity restriction in place.

At full capacity, the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery exceeds 20 watt-hours, putting it above a threshold that brings extra shipping requirements in most countries and regions. Apple uses firmware to keep the battery below 20 Wh while the phone moves through its factory and shipping network.

The restriction disappears automatically once the owner activates the iPhone, restoring access to the battery's full rated capacity, reports The Verge on Monday.

Apple can ship the iPhone 18 Pro Max below the 20 Wh threshold without permanently reducing the battery capacity available after activation. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rated for up to 45 hours of video playback, six hours more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Prepare to Ship puts the battery limit back

The process also works in reverse when an activated iPhone 18 Pro Max needs to be mailed for repair, trade-in, return, sale, or gifting. Apple's Prepare to Ship feature lowers the battery below the shipping threshold and temporarily limits how much it can recharge.

Open Settings.
Tap General.
Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Prepare to Ship.

From there, users choose whether the iPhone is being sent for repair, trade-in, return, or another reason. If the battery is too full, the phone discharges itself until it falls below the required level.

Depending on the battery level, Prepare to Ship can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. The iPhone may get warmer than usual while it discharges, but it remains usable unless it has already been erased.

A red Ready to Ship badge appears in Settings once the process is complete.

For repairs, trade-ins, and returns, Prepare to Ship limits charging to 80% for 14 days. Users can remove the charging limit after 14 days, while Prepare to Ship can be canceled at any time for a sale, gift, or other person-to-person shipment.

Unopened iPhone 18 Pro Max units don't need the extra step because the factory restriction is still active. Owners also don't need to use Prepare to Ship when carrying the phone themselves while traveling, including on an aircraft.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only model that needs the feature. Other iPhones remain below the threshold without a temporary firmware restriction.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] Aqara FP400 sensor, new iOS 27 app updates, & more news on Smart Home]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113427.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:01:39 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113427.html
Following the launch of iOS 27, Apple has released the first beta of iOS 27.2. The major change was the inclusion of the new Health app, but it also had at least one tangentially-related feature.

The Apple TV app on iPhone and iPad now supports profiles. This is great for parents who give their device to children to watch something, as it limits their content and won't impact the parent's watch list.

Price hikes have started to become the norm, and Amazon is also pushing prices up. It's smart home devices have all seen significant price jumps.

The Echo Dot smart speaker went from $49.99 to $79.99 while the Fire Stick 4K Max has gone up 40% to $84.99. For simple smart speakers, that puts Amazon on the low end at $79.99, followed by Google at $99, and Apple with the HomePod mini at $129.

Ikea has launched a new Matter-over-Thread 30W driver for closet and under-cabinet lights. The Dubbelkisel replaces the prior Zigbee Tradfri model and can power up to 8 compatible lighting units.

Adam Foot has updated his HomeBatteries app with new features for the launch of iOS 27. The latest version has battery suggestions, estimated battery life, and new sort and filter options for monitoring the batteries in your smart home devices.

Govee has two new lights hitting shelves. There is the new dual-zone Wallwash Table Lamp and the outdoor ball lights.

Both support Matter via Wi-Fi to work with Apple Home. Additional functionality, such as animations and independent color control, will remain limited to the Govee app.

Finally, we test the Aqara FP400 spatial multi-sensor. It has a 60Hz mmWave radar to detect presence in a room and can identify 10 individual people at once.

It's more powerful than the FP300, not only tracking 10 people, but their posture as well. There's a 120-degree field of view and can monitor a room up to 10x8 meters in size.

In our time with it, it worked very well and was quick to trigger. It can be set up directly in any Matter ecosystem with Thread, or paired with an Aqara hub with Zigbee.

The sensor can create mini virtual "zones" as small as .5x.5 meters that can each trigger their own automations and scenes. For example, sitting down at a work desk could turn on a lamp or "work" scene.

Links from the Smart Home Insider podcast

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at [email protected]

Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask it, and our latest Smart Home Insider episode too. If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.]]> <![CDATA[[AppleInsider] M5 Ultra Mac Studio's GPU, AI performance keeps up with desktop graphi]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113416.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:54:32 -0200 xSicKxBot]]> https://sickgaming.net/thread-113416.html Mac Studio is on a par with graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5080, early benchmarks indicate.

The first reviews of Apple's new Macs are starting to surface, and so too are the benchmarks. With the M5 Ultra being Apple's newest high-performance chip, the Mac Studio update is of particular interest to those in the field of AI.

If those first benchmarks are to be believed, the M5 Ultra is certainly as high-performance as ever. To the level of some premium graphics cards.

As raised by Overclocking.com, searches for the Mac17,15 in Geekbench 7 brings up GPU results for the M5 Ultra, with Metal test results in the general range of 350,000 to 360,000. For reference, the previous Mac Studio with M3 Ultra and 80 GPU cores scored 249,564 under the same Metal test.

When it comes to comparing against a consumer graphics cards, a good benchmark is the Nvidia RTX 5080. However, we have to look at OpenCL results instead of Metal.

Geekbench's OpenCL listings puts the GeForce RTX 5080 as scoring 250,711, which is very impressive. The Mac Studio results, however, show OpenCL scores around 210,000 to 220,000.

While not quite toppling the 5080 in GPU performance, it is still a very impressive improvement for the Mac Studio. Under the OpenCL test, the M3 Ultra with 80 GPU cores scored 140,821.

An AI boost

The results should be of great benefit to people working in the field of AI research and development, which commonly uses high-powered graphics cards as part of expensive computing rigs.

On GPU performance alone, it is evident that the Mac Ultra can still hold its own in the competitive field. When you consider the Dual Neural Engine and that each GPU core has a Neural Accelerator to assist in AI processing, that certainly helps the Mac Studio's position.

But then there's power to consider, which is the Mac Studio's wheelhouse. High-end graphics cards like the RTX 5080 have massive power needs, and computers using them can often pull over 600W under load.

With multi-GPU setups, this can approach and even exceed 1,000W.

By comparison, Apple's approach has been to enhance energy efficiency where possible. Previous models of the Mac Studio have been found to draw at considerably lower levels, closer to 100W and well below 200W at a push.

While raw processing power is a key element of building an AI development setup, other factors like power consumption certainly help Apple get a bit of an edge on rivals working in the space.]]> Mac Studio is on a par with graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5080, early benchmarks indicate.

The first reviews of Apple's new Macs are starting to surface, and so too are the benchmarks. With the M5 Ultra being Apple's newest high-performance chip, the Mac Studio update is of particular interest to those in the field of AI.

If those first benchmarks are to be believed, the M5 Ultra is certainly as high-performance as ever. To the level of some premium graphics cards.

As raised by Overclocking.com, searches for the Mac17,15 in Geekbench 7 brings up GPU results for the M5 Ultra, with Metal test results in the general range of 350,000 to 360,000. For reference, the previous Mac Studio with M3 Ultra and 80 GPU cores scored 249,564 under the same Metal test.

When it comes to comparing against a consumer graphics cards, a good benchmark is the Nvidia RTX 5080. However, we have to look at OpenCL results instead of Metal.

Geekbench's OpenCL listings puts the GeForce RTX 5080 as scoring 250,711, which is very impressive. The Mac Studio results, however, show OpenCL scores around 210,000 to 220,000.

While not quite toppling the 5080 in GPU performance, it is still a very impressive improvement for the Mac Studio. Under the OpenCL test, the M3 Ultra with 80 GPU cores scored 140,821.

An AI boost

The results should be of great benefit to people working in the field of AI research and development, which commonly uses high-powered graphics cards as part of expensive computing rigs.

On GPU performance alone, it is evident that the Mac Ultra can still hold its own in the competitive field. When you consider the Dual Neural Engine and that each GPU core has a Neural Accelerator to assist in AI processing, that certainly helps the Mac Studio's position.

But then there's power to consider, which is the Mac Studio's wheelhouse. High-end graphics cards like the RTX 5080 have massive power needs, and computers using them can often pull over 600W under load.

With multi-GPU setups, this can approach and even exceed 1,000W.

By comparison, Apple's approach has been to enhance energy efficiency where possible. Previous models of the Mac Studio have been found to draw at considerably lower levels, closer to 100W and well below 200W at a push.

While raw processing power is a key element of building an AI development setup, other factors like power consumption certainly help Apple get a bit of an edge on rivals working in the space.]]>