2025-12-17 05:56:46
The next-generation HomePod mini won't include Apple's new N1 networking chip, according to code analysis provided by a MacRumors tipster.
A macOS kernel debug kit distributed by Apple earlier this year included information on a number of upcoming devices, including the HomePod mini 2. Code associated with the HomePod mini 2 mentions the "Sunrise" wireless system, which is what Apple calls Bluetooth/Wi-Fi chips sourced from MediaTek. The N1 is called "Centauri" in Apple's internal systems.
Based on the Sunrise mention, it appears that the HomePod mini 2 won't be upgraded with the N1 networking chip, which contradicts some prior rumors we've heard about it. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that both the Apple TV and HomePod mini will use Apple's N1 chip in the past.
It appears that Apple plans to use the N1 chip for premium devices, while entry-level products will stick with cheaper MediaTek hardware for now. The upcoming HomePod mini 2, the iPhone 17e, the iPad 12, and the A18 Pro MacBook are all expected to use MediaTek chips instead of Apple's chip.
The N1 was introduced in the iPhone 17 models, and it is Apple's first in-house networking chip. It supports Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread. Because it was designed by Apple, it better integrates with other hardware and software in Apple devices, leading to improved efficiency and reliability.
2025-12-17 05:01:27
Apple's next-generation iPad mini will be equipped with an A20 Pro chip, according to a MacRumors tipster who analyzed a macOS kernel debug kit containing internal Apple codenames. The kit was accidentally released on Apple's website earlier this year, but it was quickly pulled after information started leaking out of it.
A previous rumor indicated that the next iPad mini would be powered by the A19 Pro chip, which debuted in the iPhone 17 Pro, but our tipster is confident the codenames actually point towards the device using an unreleased A20 Pro chip.
We cannot say for sure whether the next iPad mini will use the A19 Pro or A20 Pro. It is possible that Apple initially tested a model with the A19 Pro, but the company's plans do change from time to time. If the iPad mini will next be updated in September or October of 2026, perhaps Apple ultimately decided to give it the A20 Pro.
In September 2021, Apple introduced the A15 Bionic chip across the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPad mini all at once. But over the years, the iPad mini has not always received Apple's newest A-series chip at the time it was updated, so the A19 Pro cannot be entirely ruled out at this time.
iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to use the A20 Pro chip, which will reportedly be fabricated with TSMC's advanced 2nm process.
Other rumored features for the next iPad mini include an OLED display, a redesigned speaker system with vibration technology, and a water-resistant design.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that the next iPad mini could be unveiled as early as next year. The current iPad mini was unveiled in October 2024, with key features including an A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support.
2025-12-17 04:41:14
OpenAI added several new features to its flagship ChatGPT product today, introducing Apple Music support and upgraded image generation capabilities.
ChatGPT has supported app integrations since earlier this year, and it will soon work with Apple Music. With Apple Music integration, ChatGPT will be able to make music recommendations and playlists based on listening history and user suggestions.
Music recommendations made by ChatGPT will be able to be clicked to open the Apple Music app on desktop or on an iOS device. Apple Music is not available as an app integration just yet, but it is coming in the near future.
Along with Apple Music support, ChatGPT now has better image generation capabilities. ChatGPT Images is able to generate images up to 4x faster, and can make precise edits to an image while preserving details. OpenAI says that ChatGPT can tweak only the details you want updated, keeping lighting, composition, and people's appearance consistent across inputs, outputs, and edits.
The new model "excels" at adding, subtracting, combining, blending, and transposing for more realistic image creations using real photographs. It is better at adding text to images and altering layouts, and OpenAI says that it follows instructions more reliably than the prior-generation version.
With the update, the ability to generate some specific art styles like anime has regressed and it is no longer as good at altering images featuring many people, but OpenAI says that using preset filters can help, and the previous version of the image generator remains available to use.
ChatGPT Images, an image editing experience built into ChatGPT, includes dozens of preset styles and prompts that users can try out. It's available in the mobile app and on the web.
The updated Images model is rolling out today for all ChatGPT users, as is the new Images experience built into ChatGPT. ChatGPT's new image functionality will allow it to better compete with Google's Nano Banana image generator.
Update: The Apple Music mention has been removed from the original Substack post that included it.
2025-12-17 04:09:20
Apple is hosting an Apple Watch Activity Challenge on Sunday, December 21 to honor World Meditation Day. The challenge will show up for Apple Watch owners starting on December 19.
Apple first did a World Meditation Day Activity Challenge in May 2024, but later in 2024, the date of World Meditation Day was moved to December 21 by the United Nations General Assembly. December 21 coincides with the timing of the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking a time when days are short and nights are long.
Before 2024, World Meditation Day was informally observed on May 21, but it had not been officially designated as a UN-recognized international day.
Apple Watch owners can earn the Meditation Day badge by recording five or more mindful minutes with the Mindfulness app or any app that adds mindful minutes to the Health app.
Time to celebrate World Meditation Day! On December 21, record five mindful minutes or more with the Mindfulness app or any app that adds mindful minutes to Health to earn this special badge.
2025-12-17 04:09:17
In line with previous rumors, The Information today reported that Apple is planning to release a special 20th-anniversary iPhone less than two years from now.
The report said the device will have a seamless design, with a curved glass enclosure and no cutouts in the display. Apple is expected to move Face ID under the screen starting with the iPhone 18 Pro models next year, and the report said the 20th-anniversary iPhone will also feature an under-screen front camera.
The publication said it could not yet learn if the display itself will curve around the edges, as shown in our conceptual mockup above. Nevertheless, it appears that Apple is working on a very ambitious design for the 20th-anniversary iPhone, much like the iPhone X was a game-changer for the iPhone's 10th-anniversary.
At a minimum, the report said the 20th-anniversary iPhone will lack bezels around the screen for a true edge-to-edge experience. It said the device has only a "narrow metal band running around the midpoint of the device's edge, where the buttons sit."
Many of these details were previously reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple is expected to release the 20th-anniversary iPhone around September 2027, so it is still early, and the device's design could change. If these rumors pan out, though, the 20th-anniversary iPhone could be something out of a dream.
2025-12-17 03:50:41
Apple's next Apple Watch Activity Challenge will begin on Thursday, January 1, with Apple Watch users able to earn an award by closing all three rings for seven days in a row in January.
Start the year strong and stay active! Earn this award by closing all three Activity rings for seven days in a row in January.
