Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines from across the Apple world, including iPhone 17 sales problem, iOS update alert, new MacBook Pro certified, Apple Intelligence’s LLM, repairing the AirPods Pro 3, UK’s crazy encryption demand, Vision OS glasses and a new Find My backpack.
Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Apple in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes.
iPhone 17 Success Does Not Include The iPhone Air
In the history of the iPhone, there have been pivotal releases that saw sales climb rapidly and the zeitgeist altered. Think the introduction of the iPhone 6 Plus with its larger screen, or the full redesign with the iPhone X. The iPhone Air was pitched as the next big thing, and while it might have picked up critical acclaim, commercial success may have eluded Tim Cook and his team.
While the iPhone 17 family as a whole has performed “modestly stronger than we expected”, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley, the iPhone Air is showing “relative weakness.” Much like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, looks are not enough in the competitive market.
An Immediate iOS 26 Update For All
Details on the latest update to iOS 26 have been published. Apple is urging all iPhone owners to upgrade to this version, officially numbered iOS 26.0.1. David Phelan examines the key changes in iOS 26, including the use of the update to address many minor bugs and security patches, as well as issues related to dropped Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The New MacBook Is Certified
The ever-reliable FCC, which publishes all its certification reports online, has confirmed details on Apple’s upcoming models. While the product names are not mentioned, we do have the model numbers, and the existing patterns can help us deduce what’s coming up. In short, we have two 11-inch iPad Pro models with Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, two 13-inch iPad Pros again with Wi-Fi or cellular, and a new MacBook Pro, which will likely be the first Mac to ship with the latest M5 Apple Silicon.
There’s no indication on the timeline in the FCC filing, but the applications tend to happen late in the pre-release schedule once the final specifications are signed off.
Apple Reminds Developers It Can Do AI
Apple’s latest press release is a not-so-subtle reminder to developers that the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS and macOS come with Apple’s own large language model. The “Foundation Model” keeps processing on the device rather than passing the processing up to a cloud-based service. That also means it is free to use. Uses including fitness apps devising exercise plans, journaling apps that analyse entries to parse emotions and educational models that allow users query technical terms while exploring
As always, Apple is not using AI or Artificial Intelligence in marketing, instead relying on the awkwardly backronymed Apple Intelligence to act as a signpost.
Can You Repair The AirPods Pro 3?
Elizabeth Chamberlain and the team at iFixit have completed a teardown on the AirPods Pro 3 and remain disappointed in Apple’s approach to sustainability in the AirPods lineup. While the IP rating has been increased, and a new IR sensor allows more health data to be captured, the AirPods Pro 3 battery is effectively impossible to replace. Surrounded by glue and inside a nearly impenetrable case, it earns a repair score of zero out of ten. The team argue that the $250 AirPods Pro 3 are little more than disposable after eighteen months of use.
UK Demands Apple Break Everyone’s Encryption
Once again, the UK government appears to have requested access to users’ personal data stored by Apple. Previously, the demand was for data access by any Apple user worldwide. Now it is narrowed down to Apple’s British users. BBC News’ Zoe Kleinman highlights the two arguments: the UK Government want access “at the domestic level to keep UK citizens safe” against Apple’s consistent approach to safeguarding user data, “As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will.”
Will Vision OS Choose Glasses Or Headsets?
Apple appears ready to take the next step following the launch of the Vision Pro headset. Many thought it would be a lightweight headset bringing the technology to the masses. Not so fast, writes Blomberg’s Mark Gurman. Given the staff movements announced in an internal Apple email, it’s more likely that Apple will be a follower rather than a leader, chasing the same market as Meta with AI Glasses. These glasses will come in two versions: one pair that works in tandem with your iPhone and another with a standalone display.
And Finally…
Illustrating the power of Apple’s Find My item-tracking service is Scapade’s new AirPack Backpack. Find My support is built into the TSA-approved carry-on. The tracking chip can be charged wirelessly and will hold laptops up to 15.6 inches in size. And as part of the extensive Find My network, any misplaced AirPack should be quickly found!
Apple Loop brings you seven days worth of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future. Last week’s Apple Loop can be read here, or this week’s edition of Loop’s sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.
