By Wesley Hilliard Nothing has been decided, and months of deliberations are still ahead, but Epic Games is taking a premature victory lap and rereleasing “Fortnite” globally (except Australia).Epic’s latest move comes with an Apple-inspired adIf you only listened to Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, you’d think the Epic versus Apple trial was already decided. In yet another marketing-style push, Epic is attempting to sway legislators around the world with a flashy ad campaign.A press release and a new social media ad from Epic Games are promoting the return of Fortnite to the App Store globally, well, at least outside of Australia. The ad is an obvious homage to Apple’s iPod campaign featuring silhouettes and headphone cables. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Malcolm Owen Just before Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 21, Apple has revealed some of the new assistive features coming soon to iOS 27, macOS 27, and visionOS 27.Some accessibility updates arriving in 2026 – Image credit: AppleApple is still a few weeks away from showing off its new operating system updates at WWDC. However, as has become tradition for the iPhone maker, it is giving an early glimpse of some changes in accessibility features that are on the way.The changes are outlined ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, held on May 21 for 2026. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By William Gallagher A low-profile firm that makes software to create virtual avatars has been acquired by Apple, perhaps to improve Personas in Apple Vision Pro.Apple Vision Pro could see improvements to its Personas feature during video callsFollowing its acquisition of firms that may help with new features in Apple Creator Studio, Apple has now also bought a firm that specializes in avatars. Animato, Inc, develops avatar software specifically for use in video chats and lessons.The company appears to have no website, unless Apple has already removed it, and no social media presence. According to LinkedIn, it was formed by Francesco Rossi in October 2022, and is based in the San Francisco area. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By William Gallagher A new rumor claims that a version of Apple’s method of making a seamless hinge for the iPhone Fold will be replicated by others, suggesting that it works the best.iPhone Fold will have a seamless hingeThe idea seems to be that Apple will effectively train Chinese manufacturers on how to make the perfect hinge, and then may use the idea itself for an iPad Fold. Although most recent rumors have claimed that Apple has postponed working on a folding iPad, or may never release one, and opinions are divided over whether that’s a shame or not.Now in an especially brief and easy-to-mistranslate posting on China’s Weibo social media site, leaker Digital Chat Station says that Apple is leading the way with its seamless hinge solution. It appears to say that this, or a non-patented equivalent, will be adopted by rival smartphone manufacturers. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Marko Zivkovic With WWDC 2026 just weeks away, the apps and games nominated for the 2026 Apple Design Awards have been revealed.Apple has announced the finalists for its 2026 Design Awards.Every year, Apple recognizes App Store applications that demonstrate genuine innovation and ingenuity. Through its annual Apple Design Awards, the company highlights its top picks across several app categories, celebrating developers and their creative efforts.On Monday, all apps that were nominated for the 2026 Apple Design Awards were highlighted. Finalists are organized based on the design aspects Apple deemed particularly impressive, with three apps and three games nominated for each category. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Andrew Orr A new leak claims Apple may bring titanium back to future Pro iPhones after moving the iPhone 17 Pro to aluminum, a reversal that could reintroduce many of the material’s old tradeoffs.Render of an iPhone 18 ProA May 17 Weibo post from leaker “Instant Digital” claimed Apple is researching improved titanium alloys for future iPhones rather than abandoning the material entirely. The post also claimed Apple is still exploring liquid metal and glass for future premium iPhone designs.Instant Digital has a mixed track record with Apple leaks, though earlier reports correctly pointed to features like Camera Control before Apple announced them.Apple hasn’t publicly discussed material changes for future iPhones, and the leak offers little evidence beyond claims about Apple’s internal thinking. Rumor Score: 🙄 Unlikely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Wesley Hilliard The slow trickle of iOS 27 leaks continues with seemingly obvious upgrades that are being painted as part of a desperate move to catch up with competitors. Instead, they appear to be business as usual.iOS 27 will see some improvements to its various AI toolsApple announces new features for iOS each year during WWDC, and sometimes, early builds lead to leaks of features being tested. While these leaks frustrate Apple engineers that would prefer to keep them a surprise, they’re sometimes obvious and predictable.According to a new leak from Bloomberg, Apple will announce improved Writing Tools, a wallpaper generator, and the ability to generate Shortcuts with natural language input. While these are not groundbreaking features, they’re part of a larger effort to ensure users have access to various AI tools across their iPhone. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Malcolm Owen Ahead of WWDC starting on June 8, Apple has sent out invites to the media for the event, as well as outlining its main schedule for the week.A logo used to promote WWDC 2026 – Image Credit: AppleApple’s Worldwide Developer Conference is the big event for developers working in the Apple ecosystem. The 2026 edition is sure to be exciting as usual, and the company is preparing to get people involved.On Monday, Apple started sending out invitations to members of the media to attend a special event at Apple Park. While this would previously have involved watching a live keynote, it has since taken the form of a mass viewing of the keynote at Apple’s headquarters, along with special events for attendees. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By William Gallagher A new rumor claims that the iPhone Fold’s reported testing delays are because of significant issues with the hinge that could prevent Apple from launching it in 2026.The folding screen doesn’t seem to be a problem anymore, but the hinge apparently is. Render of a possible iPhone Fold: AppleInsiderIt’s previously been reported that the expected iPhone Fold has entered manufacturing testing, but also that it has encountered problems. Initially, the only reports were of some unexpected issues, but then further rumors pointed to problems with the iPhone Fold’s hinge.Now, leaker Instant Digital on Chinese social media site Weibo claims to have backed this up. Specifically, he or she says that the issue is to do with failures after repeated opening and closing of the iPhone Fold. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By Andrew Orr Apple is offering its biggest Apple Card sign-up bonus yet with free AirPods Pro 3, though customers must keep using the card for months before they receive the full reward.Apple CardApple launched its biggest Apple Card sign-up promotion yet with up to $250 in Bonus Daily Cash tied to an AirPods Pro 3 purchase. The deal spreads the reward across months of required card usage instead of offering an upfront rebate.The promotion applies only to new Apple Card customers who open an account and purchase AirPods Pro 3 directly from Apple between May 18 and June 15. Beginning July 1, qualifying users can earn $25 in Bonus Daily Cash each month through April 30, 2027, as long as they make at least 10 purchases with the card every month.Apple pitched the promotion as a way to get AirPods Pro 3 for free through Apple Card. Many credit card sign-up bonuses deliver rewards upfront through statement credits or points. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
