MacRumors

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 models may adopt key design elements from the iPhone 17 lineup, according to new dummy units shared by reliable leaker and journalist Sonny Dickson.

An image posted on X by Dickson shows three mock devices that are believed to represent the Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra. The images reveal that Samsung is moving ahead with significant changes to its rear camera design, most notably on the rumored S26 Edge, which features a wide, horizontal camera bump extending across the phone's back. This design closely resembles the expected design of Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, which are set to introduce a similarly broad camera module.

The mockups show that while the standard S26 and S26 Ultra continue with a vertical lens arrangement, both devices now have slightly raised camera islands, breaking from Samsung's recent minimalist contour-cut designs, resembling the expected design of the entry-level ‌iPhone 17‌. The Ultra model retains its quad-lens configuration with two smaller sensors positioned alongside the primary lenses, but the S26 Edge departs radically from Samsung's traditional layout by shifting to a two-lens system with an adjacent flash in a layout strongly resembling Apple's upcoming Air and Pro devices.

The dummy units also feature large circular engravings on the back that appear to allude to the placement of magnetic charging components, indicating that the Galaxy S26 series will likely support the Qi2 wireless charging standard. Qi2 introduces a Magnetic Power Profile based on Apple's MagSafe.

The addition of these magnets suggests Samsung is planning to adopt a similar accessory ecosystem, allowing for snap-on chargers, stands, and wallets. This would be a significant a shift for Samsung, which has to date relied solely on coil-based wireless charging without magnetic positioning, and signals much closer alignment with Apple's approach.

Apple is expected to unveil the ‌iPhone 17‌ lineup at its "Awe dropping" event next week, making it likely that Samsung's design shift is influenced by the company's anticipated changes. The S26 lineup is expected to debut in February 2026.

Three out of four iPhone 17 models will feature more RAM than the equivalent iPhone 16 models, according to a new report that aligns with previous rumors.

The all-new iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will each be equipped with 12GB of RAM, according to Taiwanese market intelligence firm TrendForce, which cited "current market information and analyst projections."

The base model iPhone 17 will have 8GB of RAM, matching the amount included in all iPhone 16 models, according to TrendForce.

Here is an overview of TrendForce's RAM expectations:

• iPhone 17: 8GB
• iPhone 17 Air: 12GB
• iPhone 17 Pro: 12GB
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: 12GB

In April, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also said the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max would each have 12GB of RAM.

Here are the RAM amounts for iPhone 16 models:

• iPhone 16: 8GB
• iPhone 16 Plus: 8GB
• iPhone 16 Pro: 8GB
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 8GB

Increased RAM can contribute to faster overall performance, and it can be particularly beneficial for multitasking and Apple Intelligence.

Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9.

Satechi today announced the launch of a new travel-friendly mouse and keyboard setup designed for smartphones and tablets. The OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand and OntheGo Bluetooth Mouse have been developed to be used when flying, at a coffee shop, in coworking spaces, when commuting, and more.

The OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard has a protective cover that doubles as an adjustable stand for tablets up to 13 inches in size, so it will work with everything from the iPhone to Apple's largest iPad Pro. It can be used in either landscape or portrait mode, and it connects with up to three devices at once. There's an easy toggle option for swapping between products like a MacBook, iPad, and ‌iPhone‌ so you can use one keyboard cross-device.

There are quiet scissor-switch keys for a low-profile typing experience that Satechi says is ideal for shared or quiet spaces, and the keyboard folds up flat when not in use so it can be tucked away in a bag. There is an included 360 mAh rechargeable battery and a USB-C port for recharging.

The keyboard doesn't have an included trackpad like some third-party keyboards, but Satechi is also debuting an affordable OntheGo Bluetooth mouse. It has a sturdy base and a soft-touch top with a simple, no frills design. There is a DPI adjustment button for customizing the sensitivity level, and it supports pairing and swapping between up to three devices. An included battery lasts for up to 67 hours on a single charge.

Satechi's OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand is priced at $80, while the OntheGo Bluetooth Mouse is priced at $30. Both products can be purchased from the Satechi website starting today, and they come in either sand or black.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has been invited to an event for tech leaders at the White House today in the newly renovated Rose Garden, according to The Hill.

Cook is among more than two dozen technology executives invited to the White House by President Donald Trump for the first event to be held on the redesigned Rose Garden patio. The dinner will follow a separate White House presentation on artificial intelligence hosted by First Lady Melania Trump.

Other leaders from across Silicon Valley have also been invited, including Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google co-founders and executives Sergey Brin and Sundar Pichai, Oracle CEO Safra Catz, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Other notable attendees include David Limp of Blue Origin, Sanjay Mehrotra of Micron Technology, Greg Brockman of OpenAI, Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar, and Alexandr Wang, Meta's chief AI officer and founder of Scale AI.

Today's event will mark Cook's latest appearance at the White House, following his controversial visit in August, when he presented Trump with a gold-and-glass commemorative plaque alongside Apple's announcement of major new U.S. manufacturing investments.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Apple will maintain its entry-level pricing for the standard iPhone 17 this year, but the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to get price hikes, albeit with a minimum storage boost for the iPhone 17 Pro model, according to TrendForce.

The market research company expects the regular iPhone 17 model to have the same $799 starting price and 128GB base storage as last year's iPhone 16, while both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will come with 256GB base storage options and increases of $50-$100 per comparable capacity. The full iPhone 17 lineup pricing could break down like so:

Model	128GB	256GB	512GB	1TB
iPhone 17	$799	$899	$1,099	—
iPhone 17 Air	—	$1,099	$1,299	$1,499
iPhone 17 Pro	—	$1,199	$1,399	$1,599
iPhone 17 Pro Max	—	$1,299	$1,499	$1,699

According to TrendForce's figures, starting at $1,199, the cheapest iPhone 17 Pro will be $200 more than the cheapest iPhone 16 Pro, but with 256GB instead of 128GB. Customers who want a 512GB or 1TB Pro model will also have to pay $100 more than the comparable capacity last year. Meanwhile, a maxed-out 1TB iPhone 17 Pro Max will cost $1,699, up from $1,599.

Currently, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 with 128GB storage, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max already begins at 256GB for $1,199. Both Pro models are also offered with a maximum 1TB of storage. The iPhone 16 Plus – which the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air replaces – starts at $899 with 128GB storage.

Before the launch of the iPhone 15 series in 2023, there were rumors that the iPhone 15 Pro Max would drop the 128GB tier and start at $1,199, up from $1,099 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The rumor proved accurate, although Apple eliminated the lower storage option, effectively raising the entry price. Apple appears to be following a similar strategy for the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models, but with a more significant price hike for customers looking for the cheapest Pro model.

Earlier this week, J.P. Morgan offered price estimates for the iPhone 17 series that put the iPhone 17 Pro starting price at $1,099, or $100 lower than TrendForce's prediction.

Apple is expected to unveil the full iPhone 17 lineup next week on Tuesday, September 9 at its "Awe dropping" event. Both the MacRumors site and our X (Twitter) account are excellent ways to discuss the new announcements with other Apple enthusiasts as Apple unveils its new products. Later in the day and throughout the week, we'll also have much more in-depth coverage of all of Apple's announcements, so make sure to stay tuned.

Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air will have a $1,099 starting price providing 256GB of base storage and will max out at $1,499 with a 1TB option, according to the latest TrendForce report.

Apple will offer three price/storage tiers for the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 model, which replaces last year's iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup. Here's how TrendForce sees them breaking down:

• 256GB — $1099
• 512GB — $1299
• 1TB — $1499

Meanwhile, the market research company expects the regular iPhone 17 model to have the same $799 starting price and 128GB base storage as last year's iPhone 16, while both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will come with 256GB base storage options and increases of $50-$100 per comparable capacity.

This isn't the first time we have heard that the iPhone 17 Pro models will both have 256GB base storage, but the iPhone 17 Air pricing-for-storage-tier information is new. Earlier this week, J.P. Morgan offered price estimates for the iPhone 17 series that put the iPhone 17 Air starting price at $899-$949, which is $150 lower at the top end than TrendForce's prediction.

The TrendForce report also corroborates previous rumors that the iPhone 17 and Air will feature Apple's new A19 processor, while the Pro series will adopt the A19 Pro chip. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air, Pro, and Pro Max will come with 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB), while the regular iPhone 17 will continue to come with 8GB RAM. All models this year will also feature 120Hz ProMotion displays.

TrendForce projects that total shipments of the iPhone 17 series will rise by 3.5% compared with the iPhone 16 lineup in 2024, with the Pro series remaining the main sales driver.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup at its "Awe dropping" event on September 9, with a potential launch date of Friday, September 19.

Smart home accessory company Aqara today announced several new HomeKit and Matter-compatible products, including the Doorbell Camera G400, the Hub M200, and a selection of plugs and accessories for the European and UK markets.

The Doorbell Camera G400 is a wired camera with a 2K sensor and head-to-toe coverage for people approaching a door. It integrates with ‌HomeKit‌ and supports HomeKit Secure Video for secure iCloud-based storage and facial recognition capabilities.

The Hub M200 is a multi-function hub that works as a Matter Controller, Thread Border Router, and 360-degree IR blaster, and a Matter bridge for Aqara Zigbee devices. With Matter, it is compatible with ‌HomeKit‌, and it can integrate more than 50 types of Matter devices and other accessories.

For the EU and UK markets, Aqara is debuting the Radiator Thermostat W600 and the Wall Outlet H2 UK. The W600 offers Thread and Zigbee support with broader valve compatibility, while the outlet features an integrated fast charging USB-C port. There's also the Outdoor Plug H2 EU with IP44 water and dust resistance.

Aqara is also showing off two other home security prototype devices, including the M410 Matter hub and the battery-powered Camera G510 with a 2.5K resolution, 10,400mAh battery, and a built-in solar panel.

More information on Aqara's new products can be found on the Aqara website.

Scosche today announced the launch of the MagicMount Charge Pro 25W series, introducing several wireless charger options that support the new Qi2.2 specification.

With Qi2.2 accessories, compatible iPhone models can charge at up to 25W, a wireless charging speed that is comparable to the MagSafe 2 25W charging speeds supported by the iPhone 16 models. Standard Qi2 wireless chargers max out at 15W, so the new accessories that are coming out with Qi2.2 provide faster wireless charging while using the same magnetic attachment system.

Scosche says that its MagicMount charging options include a StickGrip suction base for securing to windows or dashboards, a flip-arm extension for deep dashboards or close-up viewing, and a 360-degree ball-joint mount head for adjustability.

There are four mounting options available for the MagicMount Charge Pro, including the $60 Dash/Vent Mount, the Window/Dash Mount, the Flip Window/Dash Mount, and a 5-in-1 Mount. The Dash/Vent Mount is available now, while the other options will launch in October.

Scosche is also highlighting the $30 FoundIT 32W Car Charger with Find My integration so that it doesn't get lost, the $70 15W Charge Pro Desk Mount, and the $50 MagicMount Flask, which has a ‌MagSafe‌ lid that can double as an ‌iPhone‌ stand.

More information on Scosche's devices can be found on the Scosche website.

There's less than a week to go until Apple's "Awe Dropping" event, and there's a good chance that Apple will introduce an updated version of the AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to include new health features, an updated design, and more.

Design Changes

Rumors suggest the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ will have a new design, though it's unclear what exactly will change. The design could be slightly tweaked, and it's possible Apple will make the stem smaller.

Charging Case

The AirPods 4 charging case was updated last year, and now it's the ‌AirPods Pro‌'s turn. The case could be slimmed down, making the ‌AirPods Pro‌ even more pocketable.

Apple also removed the pairing button on the ‌AirPods 4‌ case, adding an invisible capacitive button instead, and the same change is coming to the ‌AirPods Pro‌. The LED on the ‌AirPods Pro‌ case could also be hidden beneath the surface, so it only shows up when it's on.

Audio Improvements

Apple is working on a new chip for the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ that will result in improved sound quality.

Active Noise Cancellation

The updated chip is also going to bring much better Active Noise Cancellation, according to rumors.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Apple recently introduced in-ear heart rate tracking for the Powerbeats Pro 2, and it's a feature that's also expected to come to the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌. The AirPods will be able to measure heart rate during workouts.

If the feature works like the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ 2 heart rate tracking, users won't be able to capture heart rate data while also streaming music to gym equipment, and Apple Watch owners won't need the capability.

Temperature Monitoring

Temperature sensing is one of the AirPods features that Apple has been working on, though it's not clear if it will come in the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌. If it does, temperature detection through the ear would be much more accurate than the skin temperature readings from the Apple Watch.

Live Translation

Apple is working on a Live Translation feature for the AirPods that will provide real-time translations for in-person conversations. The feature will expand the Live Translation options introduced in iOS 26, and it could be unveiled alongside the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌.

iOS 26

The ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ will support all of the features coming in iOS 26, including automatic pausing when you fall asleep, camera remote functionality, studio-quality recording, charging reminders, and more.

Read More

For more on the features coming to the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌, read our dedicated guide.

ASUS recently came out with a new 32-inch 6K ProArt Display that's priced at $1,399, so we thought we'd check it out to see how it compares with the Studio Display and the Pro Display XDR from Apple.

At 32 inches, the ProArt 6K is larger than the 27-inch Studio Display, but it is on par in size with the Pro Display XDR. ASUS doesn't have the same design aesthetic as Apple, so the ProArt 6K's design isn't impressive. There's a square-shaped base, an arm that attaches to the display, and thin bezels at the top and the sides. There's a thicker bottom bezel that houses some quick access control buttons.

ASUS' display has the same 218 pixels per inch as the Pro Display XDR, and text looks crisp. Colors are accurate out of the box and can be further tweaked in the Settings menu with different profiles. HDR10 support is included, but peak brightness maxes out at 600 nits, which limits HDR performance. It also does not have individual local dimming zones, which means it is lacking several of the pro features that set Apple's XDR display apart.

The ProArt 6K has a matte display coating that's meant to cut down on reflections, but it does impact some of the color vibrancy and contrast.

There are a variety of ports, like dual Thunderbolt 4 ports with 96W power delivery, an HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, a headphone jack, and multiple USB-C and USB-A ports. Apple's displays are more limited in terms of port options.

At $1,399, the ProArt 6K is more affordable than the Studio Display and it's a fraction of the cost of the Pro Display XDR. It doesn't offer the same performance as the Pro Display XDR and it lags behind in design, but it is otherwise a good display that's worth considering if you're looking for something larger than the Studio Display.

Make sure to watch our full review up above for more information.

Apple plans to add an AI-powered web search tool to Siri next year, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The search tool will be an integrated ‌Siri‌ feature that will provide information on general search queries, similar to ChatGPT and Google's AI overviews for searches.

Apple is calling the search feature World Knowledge Answers internally, and some Apple executives apparently refer to it as an "answer engine." It will be limited to ‌Siri‌ to begin with, but Apple could add it to Spotlight search and Safari in the future. Apple has also considered creating a chatbot-like app for search, though it is not clear if that will happen.

‌Siri‌ search will include an interface that supports text, photos, videos, and local points of interest, with ‌Siri‌ being able to summarize search results to provide an clear summary of content.

The new ‌Siri‌ answer engine will be included in the ‌Siri‌ updates that Apple is introducing in 2026. Apple has been working on a smarter, more personalized version of ‌Siri‌ that was supposed to be introduced as part of iOS 18 earlier this year, but it was delayed.

Apple couldn't get the first-generation ‌Siri‌ architecture that it was using to work properly, so ‌Siri‌ needed to be rebuilt from the ground up using a second-generation architecture that relies on large language models. In August, Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi said that the overhauled ‌Siri‌ architecture was giving Apple the results that it needed, and that Apple was now in a position to "not just deliver what we announced, but to deliver a much bigger upgrade than we envisioned."

The new ‌Siri‌ features have three systems that power them, including a planner that interprets voice or text input, the search system that looks through the web and the user's device, and a summarizer that provides the end answer to the user.

Apple has been weighing using its own LLM models for these ‌Siri‌ elements or relying on an outside partner like OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google, and it sounds like progress has been made with Google. Apple and Google have apparently signed a formal agreement that will see Apple evaluating and testing a custom Google-designed Gemini AI model that could power some of the summarization ‌Siri‌ features.

Apple is still testing models designed by Anthropic and its own in-house models for the planner functionality, though it could opt to use Google's AI models for that too. Apple's own Foundation Models will be used for searching user data, making sure customer data isn't processed using third-party models.

The upcoming LLM version of ‌Siri‌ is on track to launch as early as March 2026 in an iOS 26.4 update. Along with the world knowledge feature, ‌Siri‌ will have the personalization capabilities that were promised in ‌iOS 18‌. ‌Siri‌ will be able to use personal information like emails and messages to answer questions and help users find what they're looking for, plus it will be able to interact with on-screen content and do more within apps.

Later in 2026, ‌Siri‌ will get a visual redesign and a built-in health feature that will be the backbone of a paid wellness subscription service.

Astropad today announced the launch of Fresh Coat, a new anti-reflective screen protector that's designed to make the iPhone easier to see outdoors and under bright lights.

Fresh Coat is a glass screen protector that cuts down on up to 75 percent of reflections while preserving color accuracy.

We were able to try out Fresh Coat ahead of launch, and can confirm that it does indeed cut down on reflections without impacting the ‌iPhone‌'s color or display visibility, with no sign of haze. Astropad includes a tray that ensures a precise alignment and makes applying the screen protector foolproof, and it comes with an app clip that walks you through the installation process.

Astropad uses a five-layer system for Fresh Coat, including a flexible bonding layer to cushion drops, a dust barrier to protect from debris, "armorine" tempered glass for screen protection, an oleophobic and hydrophobic coating, and finally, the anti-reflective coating. The entire package is 0.6mm thick.

The same type of anti-reflective technology is rumored to be coming to the iPhone 17 Pro models, and now the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro can get it too. Fresh Coat will also benefit the iPhone 17 models, providing extra reflection reduction. In fact, Astropad says that standard screen protectors will cancel out Apple's antireflective coating, but Fresh Coat will preserve it.

Fresh Coat is priced at $27.99, which includes a 20 percent launch discount. The screen protector is available now from the Astropad website for the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max, ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌, and ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max. An ‌iPhone 17‌ version is also available for pre-order.

Ecobee this week announced that its Smart Security home monitoring system now works with Apple's Home app, across devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

This integration allows you to view and change modes (Stay, Away, and Disarm) directly from an Ecobee smart thermostat's tile in the Home app, or by using Siri voice commands on an iPhone or iPad. You can also create HomeKit automations (such as "arm at 10 PM, disarm at 7 AM"), and receive push notifications for mode changes.

Ecobee's Smart Thermostat Premium can act as a security hub, eliminating the need to buy a standalone home security device. The thermostat can be paired with Ecobee's cameras and sensors, providing you with alerts for unexpected motion and entry, reminders to arm your home, smoke alarm detection, and more. In the U.S., Ecobee's Smart Security plan costs $5 per month, or $10 per month with 24/7 professional monitoring.

Ecobee's smart thermostats already worked with Apple's Home app for non-security features.

Less than a week ahead of when Apple plans to unveil the Apple Watch Ultra with satellite capabilities, Garmin introduced its own smartwatch with satellite connectivity.

The Fenix 8 Pro is Garmin's first smartwatch to feature its inReach satellite and cellular connectivity. InReach is the technology that Garmin uses for its handheld navigation devices. With inReach, the Fenix 8 Pro can send location check-ins and text messages over satellite using the Garmin Messenger app.

There is also included cellular connectivity, so the smartwatch can make phone calls, send 30-second voice messages, and provide LiveTrack links and weather forecasts when an LTE connection is available.

LiveTrack is a feature that allows the wearer's family and friends to keep track of their location during an activity or adventure.

For emergencies, there is an SOS feature that will send a message to the Garmin Response center over a satellite or cellular connection. Garmin Response will then communicate with the user, their emergency contacts, and search and rescue organizations to provide help. Garmin says that its Response team has supported over 17,000 inReach incident responses across over 150 countries.

Along with satellite connectivity, the Fenix 8 Pro has a high-resolution microLED display with 4,500 nits of brightness, making it the "brightest smartwatch ever," according to Garmin. Other features include dive-rated and leakproof metal buttons, a metal sensor guard cover, and an LED flash light. It can track health metrics and provide an endurance score, hill score, daily suggested workouts, sleeping advice, ECG functionality, and more.

There are two Fenix 8 Pro sizes, including 47mm and 51mm, and two different display options. The AMOLED model is priced starting at $1,200 and it gets up to 27 days of battery in smartwatch mode. The microLED model, which is available only in a 51mm size, is priced at $2,000 and it gets up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Garmin's new smartwatch models will be available for purchase on September 8, one day before Apple's September 9 event that will see the unveiling of the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple's upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to include integrated satellite connectivity, allowing Apple Watch wearers to send text messages and get help when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is unavailable.

Apple does not charge for satellite service at this time, while Garmin does. Garmin's inReach plans start at $7.99 per month, with additional fees for some of the satellite-based features based on which plan is selected.

The Instagram app is expanding to the iPad at long last, with Instagram releasing a dedicated iPad app as of today.

Instagram for ‌iPad‌ focuses on Reels, and when opening the app, it will go directly to the Reels page. Stories will be available at the top of the interface, with support for messaging as well.

There is a dedicated Following tab that provides different filtering options. "All" will display recommended posts and reels from accounts you follow, while "Friends" will show recommended posts from accounts you follow and that follow you back. The "Latest" option will show chronological posts and reels from accounts that you follow.

Instagram for ‌iPad‌ was designed to take advantage of a larger display area, providing access to more features with fewer taps. Instagram says that people can catch up on messages and notifications using layouts that display both tabs at the same time, and when you watch reels, you can expand the comments while the reel stays at full size.

The Instagram app for the ‌iPad‌ is rolling out now, and it is available on iPads that support iPadOS 15.1 and later.

Mophie today announced the launch of the Max Charging Stand, a two-in-one charger that's designed for the USB-C AirPods Max and the AirPods or AirPods Pro.

The Max Charging Stand holds the ‌AirPods Max‌ upright, with a magnetic USB-C charging dongle that connects to the USB-C port in the headphones. Mophie created the stand with the magnetic dongle to ensure that the ‌AirPods Max‌ are aligned perfectly for charging without the user having to fuss with positioning.

There are also included magnets to ensure that the ‌AirPods Max‌ are put into low power mode while they're on the charger, increasing charger speed.

Along with the upright charger for the ‌AirPods Max‌, there is a smaller Qi-based charging platform that can be used for AirPods or ‌AirPods Pro‌ that support wireless charging.

The stand is made from aluminum so it matches well with the aluminum ‌AirPods Max‌, and it comes in black. There is a soft silicone cradle that keeps the ‌AirPods Max‌ from being scratched, and an integrated LED that lets you know when charging has started.

The Max Charging Stand can be purchased from the Mophie website for $150.

Google has confirmed that Gemini for Home, its generative AI-powered replacement for Google Assistant, will begin rolling out on October 1 through an early access program, marking a major upgrade to its smart home platform and highlighting Apple's slower progress in deploying similar AI technology for Siri.

At the Made by Google 2025 event, the company announced that Gemini for Home will be available on all existing Nest smart speakers and displays, in addition to powering upcoming devices. The platform uses Google's latest AI models to facilitate more natural conversations, contextual reasoning, and multi-step commands. Google said the update maintains the familiar "Hey Google" activation phrase but eliminates the need for rigid phrasing, allowing users to speak more naturally.

Demonstrations highlighted Gemini for Home's ability to execute chained instructions, such as "Dim the lights and set the temp to 72 degrees," as well as interpret exceptions in commands like "Turn off the lights everywhere except my bedroom."

The platform also expands the remit of voice assistant functionality beyond smart home controls alone to include grocery list planning, recipe suggestions, troubleshooting help, and travel advice. In addition, users can engage in open-ended conversations through Gemini Live, a feature that removes the need to repeat the hotword during back-and-forth discussions.

The announcement of the October 1 rollout puts pressure on Apple, which is preparing to introduce its major but delayed update to ‌Siri‌ in 2026. ‌Siri‌ has not yet gained comparable capabilities such as chained commands, advanced reasoning, or contextual automation. Apple's HomeKit platform remains focused on preconfigured automations and single-action commands, and the company has not announced any AI enhancements for the HomePod or Apple TV.

Gemini for Home will begin replacing Google Assistant across Nest Hubs, Nest Minis, and Nest Audio devices in supported regions starting October 1, with a wider rollout to follow.