May 30, 2025 – In a move described as a "greatest dream come true", Grammy-winning artist Taylor Swift announced on Friday, May 30, that she has regained full ownership of her music catalog. The deal, made with investment firm Shamrock Capital, includes the master recordings of her first six studio albums, as well as music videos, concert films, album art, photography, and unreleased songs.
Valerie Mahaffey, a deeply recognizable presence on screen for decades, has passed away at the age of 71. Her publicist and husband confirmed the news, stating she died in Los Angeles on Friday, May 30, due to cancer. Her husband, Joseph Kell, shared a heartfelt message, saying he had lost "the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses".
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| Photo by Stewart Cook/Shutterstock |
Mahaffey's career was extensive, spanning over 46 years. She was known for portraying memorable roles in numerous high-profile shows and films. She began her acting journey on Broadway in the late 1970s and early 1980s, featuring in plays such as Dracula and Top Girls. Simultaneously, she was a regular on the NBC daytime soap opera The Doctors from 1979 to 1981, earning a nomination for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1980.
Her television career truly took flight with a long list of guest and recurring roles. In the early 1990s, she had a recurring role as Eve in the CBS series Northern Exposure. This role, where she played a chronic hypochondriac, led to her most celebrated award: a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1992. Notably, she was the only actor from Northern Exposure to win an Emmy Award.
Mahaffey was a versatile and constantly working actress, appearing in a vast array of shows. Her credits include stints on Seinfeld, Cheers, Frasier, Glee, Hart of Dixie, Wings, L.A. Law, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, The West Wing, Ally McBeal, Private Practice, Quantum Leap, and ER. Younger audiences may recognize her for her recurring role as the teacher Victoria MacElroy on Young Sheldon from 2017 to 2020. She also played Alma Hodge in nine episodes of Desperate Housewives from 2006 to 2007.
In recent years, she had recurring roles in the Netflix comedy-drama series Dead to Me, playing Lorna Harding from 2019 to 2022. She also starred in the Apple TV+ action-thriller series Echo 3 in 2022, portraying Maggie Chesborough.
Mahaffey also left her mark on film. Her movie credits include Jungle 2 Jungle, Sully, and Seabiscuit. A notable recent role was in the 2020 comedy-drama film French Exit, where she played the widow Madame Reynaud opposite Michelle Pfeiffer. Her performance in French Exit earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female. Mahaffey spoke about playing quirky characters like Madame Reynard, emphasizing her desire to play them with "absolute honesty" and avoiding artifice. She found it wonderful as an actor to realize things about human nature, even from playing people who might be considered annoying, finding empathy for them.
One of her prominent roles was as Helen Pergman in the ABC crime drama Big Sky. Her character was the repressive, overbearing mother of the kidnapper Ronald. Helen was aware of her son's involvement in a sex-trafficking operation and struggled between trying to get him to do the right thing and protecting him. The balance of power between Helen and Ronald shifted, and Helen became afraid of him. Ultimately, when Ronald indicated he might murder someone to avoid the police, Helen's conscience led her to decide she had to turn him in. She confessed this intention to Ronald, hoping he would see the error of his ways. Instead, he snapped and killed her by strangling her.
Mahaffey reflected on this intense storyline, noting that she suspected her character's fate might be limited due to the episode count David Kelley mentioned when offering her the part. She wasn't told initially that the show was based on C.J. Box's books, where Helen is also featured and meets a similar fate, but once she was creating her own version of the character, she decided not to read ahead. Mahaffey found the power struggle between Helen and Ronald compelling, noting that Helen seemed to have the upper hand for a long time. She didn't know until the end that Helen would attempt to turn her son in, questioning whether the warped but strong love she had for him would lead her to aid him instead. Mahaffey felt it was realistic that Helen might vacillate on the right path. She believed Helen hoped she could reason with Ronald and that he would have an epiphany, but she also had to find courage to try and stop a murder. Mahaffey defended Helen's decision to tell Ronald she would call the police, viewing it as a desperate attempt to get him to reconsider before betraying him.
Discussing the brutal death scene, Mahaffey described it as the most brutal she had filmed. It required choreography and a stunt double, and was tricky to execute, especially needing to die standing up and end up in a chair. She mentioned the strong comparison drawn between her character Helen and Norman Bates' mother, noting it was an interesting theme.
While acknowledging parents bear some responsibility for who their children become, Mahaffey also felt it wasn't entirely a parent's fault, particularly for someone like Ronald who was weak and damaged by extreme repression. She noted that she had known severely repressed people whose rebellion came out badly. Mahaffey mentioned Ronald's final moments with Helen's body, sobbing over her but ultimately leaving her, wryly noting he "left the TV on for her".
Valerie Mahaffey is survived by her husband, Joseph Kell, and their daughter, Alice. Her final on-screen credit is listed as Landon Mooney in The 8th Day, a film from 2025. Her extensive filmography showcases a career dedicated to bringing a wide range of characters to life, leaving a lasting legacy in television and film.
Alright, let's spill the tea on the latest Hadid family update! 🍵
Get ready to gasp, because it turns out our fave supermodel sisters, Gigi and Bella Hadid, have just revealed a major family secret: they have a secret younger half-sister named Aydan Nix! Yes, you read that right. They just confirmed the news to the world, sharing a heartfelt statement about their 23-year-old sibling.
So, who is Aydan? She's the daughter of their father, Mohamed Hadid, and a woman named Terri Hatfield Dull. According to Gigi and Bella, Aydan was born after their dad had a brief relationship with Dull over 20 years ago, while he was single. This romance happened after Mohamed's divorce from Gigi and Bella's mother, Yolanda Hadid, which was back in 2001. Sources report that Mohamed and Dull's relationship actually ended shortly before she found out she was pregnant.
Now, here's where the story gets wild. Aydan was born and raised in Florida, growing up with a man she knew and loved as her father. Everything seemed normal until his sudden passing when she was just 19 years old. After his death, Aydan decided to take a genetic test out of curiosity. And boom! That's how she discovered a biological connection to the Hadids. Talk about a DNA surprise!
Aydan first connected with her famous half-siblings in late 2023, with Daily Mail suggesting it might have been when she was studying abroad in Paris that year. Since that moment, Gigi and Bella say they've "embraced Aydan with open arms". She's spent time with all of them, including their dad, Mohamed. The sisters shared, "We've cherished this unexpected and beautiful addition to our family".
Interestingly, while Mohamed reportedly always knew about Aydan, he is said to have not provided financial support. A family source described his relationship with Aydan as "cordial and pleasant", with "mutual respect, but there's also discretion". He hasn't publicly acknowledged Aydan as his daughter, although he does follow her on Instagram. He even referred to his "five children" in a Father's Day message in 2024, omitting Aydan. Mohamed was reportedly expected to attend Aydan's recent college graduation but canceled about a week before.
Speaking of graduation, Aydan is reportedly a recent graduate of the Parsons School of Design in Manhattan. She now lives in New York City and, just like her older sisters, seems to have her sights set on the fashion world. Sources say she has ambitions to become a designer, stylist, and influencer, and her Instagram suggests she's even done a little modeling. While Gigi and Bella grew up in a more glamorous world, Aydan was an honor student and cheerleader in Orlando and even held a summer job delivering Domino's pizza. From Orlando prep school to a Parsons graduate living in NYC? We love to see the glow-up journey!
Gigi and Bella have been spotted with Aydan on multiple occasions, including nights out in NYC and trips to the beach. They follow each other on social media. The sisters shared that they've had "many open and loving conversations" with Aydan about how to support and protect her. They also stressed that Aydan and her family value their privacy and kindly ask others to respect her wish for anonymity as she continues her life in New York. So, let's respect the vibes, shall we?
For context, Gigi and Bella were born to Yolanda and Mohamed Hadid in 1995 and 1996, respectively. Their younger brother, Anwar, was born in 1999. Mohamed and Yolanda divorced in 2000. Mohamed also has two older daughters, Marielle and Alana Hadid, from his first marriage to Mary Butler.
It looks like the Hadid family tree just got a little bigger, and it's giving beautiful, unexpected family energy!
Apple is reportedly skipping a bunch of numbers and jumping straight to "26" for its next major software updates. Yep, instead of the expected iOS 19, we're apparently getting iOS 26 this fall. This applies across the board – iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 are also expected. This wild move is expected to be announced at WWDC on June 9th.
So, what's the tea? Why the big leap? According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the main goal is to bring consistency to Apple's branding and ditch a system that can be confusing for both customers and developers. Right now, platforms like iOS (at 18), watchOS (at 12), macOS (at 15), and visionOS (at 2) have different version numbers because they didn't launch at the same time. This new yearly naming system aims to make things uniform.
Apple is reportedly taking a page out of other industries' playbooks. It's similar to how car manufacturers name their models after the upcoming year. Microsoft did it with Windows 95. Samsung did it by jumping from the Galaxy S10 to the S20 in 2020. Even though the software update is expected to drop in the fall of 2025, it will be named for 2026. This kind of "plus one" approach is reportedly what's happening here. Reports even suggest Apple spent a good chunk of change ($25 million through McKinsey) on consumer testing for this rebrand. This naming shift is also expected to coincide with a major visual overhaul of the operating systems, drawing inspiration from visionOS to create a more unified look and feel across devices.
So, what's the impact on you, the user?
But, low-key, there are some potential rough patches:
In short, Apple is reportedly making a major branding play by shifting to year-based OS names starting with "26" for the updates coming later in 2025. This is all about consistency and simplifying things over the long haul. While it might make it easier to see which software is the latest and how platforms align, the initial skip in numbers and the potential awkwardness of an "iPhone 17" running "iOS 26" could definitely cause some head-scratching at first.
In a significant, albeit small-scale, move for its gaming ambitions, Apple has officially acquired RAC7, the two-person studio behind the popular Apple Arcade title, Sneaky Sasquatch. This marks the first time Apple has purchased a video game developer in its history.
RAC7 is known for indie games such as Dark Echo and Splitter Critters, but Sneaky Sasquatch has been a breakout hit for both the developer and the Apple Arcade service since its launch in 2019. The adventure game quickly became a favorite, particularly among young players, has received regular updates, and frequently ranks at the top of the Apple Arcade charts. Apple Arcade Senior Director Alex Rofman previously highlighted Sneaky Sasquatch as a major success story, noting its popularity even led to kids wanting birthday parties themed around the game.
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Apple has confirmed the acquisition and stated that the two-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on Sneaky Sasquatch. The team will now operate as an internal studio within Apple.
Despite this milestone acquisition, Apple is characterizing the move as a "unique circumstance" rather than the beginning of a broader gaming acquisition spree or a shift towards entirely in-house development. An Apple spokesperson stated, "We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the 2-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on it with us". They added that Apple "will continue to deliver a great experience for Apple Arcade players with hundreds of games from many of the best game developers in the world". Apple insists it will continue to work with third-party studios, both big and small, for both Apple Arcade and the App Store.
Nonetheless, the acquisition does signal that Apple remains committed to its Arcade service, which continues to release new games regularly. The sources note that while Apple possesses the resources to acquire much larger studios, purchasing a small team behind a highly successful Apple Arcade exclusive game sets a precedent. This move appears to be primarily aimed at ensuring the continued growth and development of a key title on the subscription service.
Beyond this acquisition, Apple's interest in gaming seems ongoing, with efforts to make its ecosystem more appealing to developers. Separately, it has been reported that Apple is planning a dedicated gaming app later this year, which could serve as a launcher and centralize features like achievements and leaderboards, potentially replacing the old Game Center. This rumored app, however, is distinct from the acquisition of RAC7.
The acquisition of RAC7, while unique in Apple's history, underscores the importance of standout titles like Sneaky Sasquatch to the Apple Arcade platform and Apple's strategy for nurturing its subscription services.
Launched in April 2023 in partnership with Goldman Sachs, the Apple Card Savings Account was introduced as a high-yield savings option exclusively for Apple Card holders. The account allows users to earn interest on their funds, offering a rate significantly higher than the national average provided by many traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. Its integration within the Wallet app on the iPhone makes it a convenient place to automatically deposit Daily Cash rewards earned from Apple Card purchases.
Users can also add funds from a linked bank account or their Apple Cash balance. The account is designed with no fees, no minimum deposits, and no minimum balance requirements, though users must be U.S. residents and at least 18 years old to open one. Interest earned is compounded daily and paid out into the account at the end of each month. The maximum balance allowed in the account is 250,000.
A History of Fluctuating Rates
When it debuted in April 2023, the Apple Card Savings Account offered an annual percentage yield (APY) of 4.15%, a competitive rate at the time. The APY saw several increases, reaching 4.25% in December 2023, 4.35% in early January 2024, and peaking at 4.5% in late January 2024.
However, since that peak in early 2024, the trend has shifted towards decreases. The rate was cut to 4.4% in April 2024, 4.25% in late September, 4.10% in October, and 3.90% in December. The first cut of 2025 brought the rate down to 3.75% in March. Most recently, as of May 28, 2024 (or May 28, 2025 depending on the source date format), the rate was lowered again from 3.75% to 3.65%. This 3.65% APY marks an all-time low for the Apple Card Savings Account.
Why the Rate Cuts?
These interest rate adjustments are characteristic of financial institutions like Apple and Goldman Sachs, which periodically change rates based on overall economic conditions. Specifically, many of the rate cuts have been in response to U.S. Federal Reserve benchmark rate changes. This trend of falling interest rates is not unique to Apple; competitors are also experiencing declines. The new 3.65% rate currently matches the rate offered by Goldman Sachs' own Marcus savings account.
How Does it Compare Now?
While the rate has decreased significantly from its peak, it's still dramatically higher than the national average interest rate in the United States. A table from March 2025 shows the Apple Card Savings Account (then at 3.75%) being competitive with, or slightly above, rates offered by other popular high-yield savings accounts like Ally, Discover, American Express, and Capital One, all listed at 3.70% APY at that time. Marcus by Goldman Sachs also matched the 3.75% rate in March 2025.
However, other options listed offered higher rates even then, such as SoFi (3.80%), Barclays (ranging from 4.15% to 4.40% APY tiered), Wealthfront (4.00%), Robinhood (4.00% APY), CIT Bank (4.10%), Fierce (4.25%), Openbank by Santander (4.40%), and Pibank (4.60%). More recent discussions from Reddit mention rates as high as 4.5% with Robinhood Gold (though possibly promotional), 4.6% with SoFi (with direct deposit or $5,000 monthly deposit), and around 5-5.25% APY with banks like Jenius Bank, CIT Bank, and UFB Direct. Some accounts like Marcus also offer bonus rates through referrals.
With the current Apple rate at 3.65%, it sits below many of the higher-yielding options available, though it's still competitive with, or only slightly below, several others depending on specific promotional rates or requirements. Some users note that while the rate is lower than its peak, the difference might be minimal compared to the hassle of switching, especially since rates are generally declining across the board.
The Future of the Partnership
Adding another layer of uncertainty, there are reports that Goldman Sachs may end its consumer lending partnership with Apple earlier than planned. It is currently unclear what impact this might have on existing Apple Card holders and their savings accounts. Several companies, including Barclays, Synchrony, and JPMorgan Chase, are reportedly being considered as potential replacements for Goldman Sachs as Apple's financial partner.
Conclusion
The Apple Card Savings Account remains a convenient and accessible high-yield savings option deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, particularly useful for managing Daily Cash rewards. While its interest rate has dropped to an all-time low of 3.65% APY, following broader market trends and Federal Reserve actions, it still offers a significantly better return than standard savings accounts at large brick-and-mortar banks. For Apple Card users prioritizing ease of use within the Wallet app, it's a strong contender. However, those looking for the absolute highest possible yield may find better rates with other online-only banks or financial institutions, although these often come with their own requirements or different user experiences. The reported potential shift in Apple's financial partner also adds an element of future uncertainty.
Good news for do-it-yourselfers! Apple has recently announced a significant expansion to its Self Service Repair program, adding support for the iPad lineup for the first time. This move allows iPad owners who are comfortable undertaking their own device repairs to access the same resources used by Apple, including manuals, genuine Apple parts, Apple Diagnostics troubleshooting sessions, tools, and even rental toolkits.
The program is set to begin on May 29, 2025. Initially, it will support several recent iPad models: the iPad Air (M2 and later), iPad Pro (M4), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad (A16). Customers will be able to tackle common repair types such as display, battery, camera, and charging port repairs.
To use the service, a customer would first perform a self-diagnosis. Then, they can order the necessary parts and tools through a special online store. Notably, customers will need to return certain "core" parts, similar to how repair shops operate, to receive a credit towards the initial purchase price of the new part.
This expansion builds on Apple's Self Service Repair program, which first launched in 2022 (initially announced in November 2021 and launched in April 2022). The program was initially intended for iPhone repair, later expanding to Macs. With the addition of iPads, the Self Service Repair Store now supports a total of 65 Apple products, including models like the iPhone 16e, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. Apple's Vice President of AppleCare, Brian Naumann, stated that the goal is to create products that last as long as possible and this expansion allows users to extend the life of their iPads without compromising safety, security, or privacy.
The program is currently available in the U.S. and Europe and is set to expand to Canada this summer, making it the 34th country to offer Self Service Repair.
Alongside the Self Service Repair expansion, Apple has also shared more details about its Genuine Parts Distributor program. This program is designed to broaden access for businesses that don't have a direct service relationship with Apple. Through third-party distributors like MobileSentrix in the U.S. and MobileSentrix and Mobileparts.shop in Europe, independent mobile repair professionals can order genuine Apple service parts and components. While the program already offers parts for iPhone repairs (displays, batteries, charging ports), iPad parts will also be available through this program starting tomorrow.
This comprehensive approach, including Self Service Repair for individuals, the Genuine Parts Distributor program for independent shops, and existing options like Apple Store locations, Authorized Service Providers, and mail-in repair centers, demonstrates Apple's efforts to accelerate its repair footprint and expand access to genuine parts, tools, and training. While some users have noted that Apple devices aren't designed for easy repair and have expressed desires for support for older models or changes to battery replacement policies, the availability of official resources for self-repair is seen as a benefit to those willing and able to tackle repairs themselves.
It's a frustrating experience many iPhone users encounter: switching away from an app, even just for a moment, only to find it has completely refreshed when you switch back. This can be particularly annoying when you're trying to copy text or navigate sensitive applications like banking apps, forcing you to start over. This issue isn't limited to older devices; one user reported experiencing it on both an iPhone 11 Pro Max and a brand new iPhone 15 Pro, even with only two apps actively running. This suggests the problem might not always be about having a less powerful device.
Initial thoughts might point to Background App Refresh settings. These settings, found under Settings > General > Background App Refresh, control whether apps can download new content in the background even when you're not actively using them. While checking these settings and toggling individual apps or changing the overall setting (like to Wi-Fi only or Off) is a common troubleshooting step, one user experiencing the frequent refreshing issue noted that their settings were enabled, and they believed the problem was more related to memory management.
According to one perspective shared in the sources, when a device's "max threshold is reached," the iPhone may force an app's memory cache to clear to make room for current processes. This could explain why apps are refreshing rather than simply resuming from where you left off. The question then becomes why this memory management behavior would be so aggressive, even on a "super fast device" with seemingly ample memory and only a couple of apps running.
One potential culprit discussed is the impact of restoring from an iCloud backup. If the previous phone had an underlying issue causing excessive memory usage, restoring that backup onto a new device might transfer the problem. One user in the Reddit thread speculated that "whatever was using the memory on the old phone might still be doing it on the new one" after restoring from backup.
Certain types of apps might also contribute to memory pressure or unexpected behavior. It was suggested that apps that handle notifications might have "delegates that run in the background," potentially consuming a significant amount of memory. Social media apps were specifically mentioned as worth offloading as an experiment. Additionally, some bank apps are designed to intentionally force a re-login when you switch away for security purposes, which might be perceived as a refresh.
Beyond the specific app refreshing symptom, the sources discuss various factors that can generally lead to an iPhone running slow:
Several troubleshooting steps are suggested for various performance issues, including the frequent refreshing problem:
For the specific issue of apps refreshing too often, particularly after restoring from a backup, the most effective solution mentioned in the Reddit discussion was a factory reset and setting up the iPhone as a new device. This process wipes all data from the phone. One user who did this found that it resolved the refreshing issue, noting that restoring from their backup seemed to reintroduce the problem. While a factory reset is a more drastic step, it can fix major software issues and improve performance. It is crucial to back up your data before performing a factory reset. The process involves going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Setting up as a new device means not restoring from an existing backup, but rather logging into accounts and redownloading apps fresh.
In conclusion, while general performance tips like updating iOS and apps, managing storage, and checking battery health are important for overall iPhone speed, the specific and persistent issue of apps refreshing immediately upon switching might be tied to deeper memory management behaviors, possibly exacerbated by restoring from an old backup. For this particular problem, a factory reset and setting up the device as new, as reported by one user, appears to be a potentially effective solution when other troubleshooting steps fail.
Brussels has spoken again, and the message to Apple is clear: your App Store rules in Europe are still not compliant with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission has published its complete 67-page ruling following a €500 million fine imposed on Apple in April. Apple now has until June 22 to fully align its App Store with the DMA's anti-steering provisions or face recurring financial penalties.
The core of the issue lies in Apple's anti-steering restrictions, which the Commission found continue to limit app developers' ability to inform users about alternative payment methods outside the App Store and facilitate transactions through external platforms. According to the ruling, these restrictions contravene Article 5(4) of the DMA, which requires designated gatekeepers like Apple to allow app developers to communicate freely with their users and offer competing payment systems without unfair conditions or excessive fees. The DMA came into force in November 2022 and became applicable to designated gatekeepers in 2023.
Apple had previously modified its business terms, allowing developers to add one external link per app to direct users to their own websites. These changes required developers to follow a standardized Apple-designed flow, including an interstitial warning screen before users are redirected. Additionally, Apple prohibited developers from pre-filling user-specific data, such as login credentials or purchase details, into the redirection URL.
However, the European Commission determined that Apple's implementation falls significantly short of the law's intent and legal requirements. Key findings in the ruling state that developers are still unable to promote alternative payment systems within their apps in a meaningful way. The structure imposed by Apple creates friction and discourages user redirection.
Specific non-compliant aspects highlighted by the Commission include:
The Commission explicitly rejected Apple's argument that it was only required to "allow" steering, not "facilitate" it. The ruling states that Apple's technical and procedural barriers effectively discouraged developers from directing users to external purchasing options, violating the law. It also criticized Apple's claim that its measures were designed to protect user security and privacy, finding that Apple had not put forward convincing arguments or shown these restrictions were objectively necessary and proportionate.
Crucially, the Commission clarified that the DMA's "free of charge" requirement in Article 5(4) applies not only to the communication and promotion of offers but also to the conclusion of contracts following steering, regardless of where the contracts are concluded. The Commission stated that Apple's 27% commission fee for steered transactions is incompatible with this requirement because it cannot be considered merely remuneration for facilitating the initial acquisition of the end user by the developer. The notion of "initial acquisition" implies compensation linked in time to the initial matchmaking and not a recurrent fee applied indefinitely or to already acquired users.
Apple has been given until June 22 to rectify these issues. Failure to comply will result in "periodic penalty payments," the amount of which would be determined based on the seriousness of the infringement and Apple's revenue. Apple must also pay the initial €500 million fine by July 23 or begin accruing interest.
In response to the full ruling, Apple reiterated its stance in a statement, describing the European Commission's actions as unjustified and detrimental to users' privacy and security. Apple claimed the decision forces them to give away technology for free and is bad for innovation, competition, products, and users. Apple stated it will appeal the decision and continue engaging with the Commission to advocate for its European customers.
At this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, a notable shift emerged: automakers that once aggressively promoted "high-level intelligent driving" have made a striking about-face. Now, they cautiously refer to their systems as mere "assisted driving," emphasizing the critical role of shared human-vehicle control. This pivot follows strict new regulations from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which aim to rein in marketing language for intelligent driving and tighten oversight of over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Even the Ministry of Public Security’s traffic safety research division weighed in, warning that false advertising could lead to legal consequences—including criminal liability—for serious accidents caused by misleading claims.
While iPhone watchers have been eagerly awaiting this year’s update to see just how different the new models will be, a new report throws some cold water on those sky-high expectations. As it turns out, the real big change isn’t coming until the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, writing in his weekly Power On newsletter, Apple’a big iPhone overhaul is still two years away, now targeted to mark 20 years of the iPhone. Gurman reports that two brand-new iPhones will make an appearance in 2027—Apple’s first folding phone and “ a bold new Pro model that makes more extensive use of glass.”
Of course, 2027 will actually be when the iPhone 19 is due, but we’ve been here before. Remember, the Phone’s 10th anniversary, which saw the launch of the iPhone X, was also the year of the iPhone 8, but Apple launched the iPhone X as a special edition and the iPhone 9 was forever lost to history.
Apple has been rumored to release a folding phone for many years, but in recent months rumors have suggested that it’s far along in the development process. Just last month, it was reported that Apple had developed a Liquidmetal hinge to help reduce the appearance of a crease in the center of the screen.
As far as the iPhone 17, Gurman says it will represent “more of a revamp” than the iPhone 16, “will appear quite similar” to the current iPhones. So if you really want something different, it looks like
This fall, Apple is launching a new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air that could prove especially compelling. The new model will have some shortcomings though, including only a single rear camera. But thanks to a little fact-finding exercise, I now know that won’t matter as much to me as I’d initially feared.
Apple’s flagship iPhones have boasted multiple rear cameras for a very long time.
The first dual-camera setup launched with the iPhone 7 Plus in 2016—nearly a full decade ago.
Since then, having two or more cameras on the back of the iPhone has become standard.
But when the iPhone 17 Air arrives, it will have only a single rear camera.
Both the Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses of the iPhone Pro models will be gone, leaving only the single Main ‘Fusion’ camera.
As excited as I am for the iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-thin, futuristic new design, I’ve been a little worried about the camera situation.
So I did a little research.
I wanted to know: how many Ultra Wide and Telephoto photos have I taken recently?
Apple’s Photos app unfortunately doesn’t make this easy to find out. There are no special albums that collect images from each of the iPhone’s different rear cameras.
But a simple manual count didn’t take long.
I learned that out of my last 50 photos:
This was honestly about what I’d expected, if not a little low for Telephoto.
First, I always knew that losing the Ultra Wide didn’t really matter to me. I almost never use it.
And I thought the Telephoto number would be low, but four out of 50 was a little lower than I’d expected. I would have guessed maybe 8.
So I kept counting, and the numbers kept shrinking.
Out of my next 100 photos, not a single one was Telephoto or Ultra Wide.
Then I counted another 100 before drawing my conclusions.
With my last 250 photos counted, the results were:
That seemed like a good place to stop counting, because the data was clear.
It seems my iPhone 16 Pro Max’s extra cameras are largely extraneous.
Out of the Telephoto photos I took, there were only a couple I would miss if I hadn’t been able to capture them. None of the Ultra Wide photos would be missed.
I know I’ve used the Telephoto lens more on vacations, and expect to miss it a bit then, but in everyday life I clearly don’t use it. At least to nowhere near the same extent as the Main camera.
Will Apple introduce some fancy new camera features on the iPhone 17 Pro that make me reconsider? Possibly. But based on what I know now, I feel a lot more comfortable saying the iPhone 17 Air is for me.
Do you take many Telephoto or Ultra Wide photos? Let us know in the comments.