TL;DR
9to5Mac’s weekly recap highlights iOS 26 updates, new tips for Apple hardware, and several iPhone rumors, including the iPhone Fold, iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 18. The site also covered App Store legal and regulatory developments, Mac security and hardware stories, and various app and accessory roundups.
What happened
9to5Mac’s Saturday roundup collected the week’s biggest Apple-related items across software, hardware and company news. Coverage included practical tips for newly purchased Apple devices and a series of iOS 26 updates — from Wallet upgrades to new Reminders features and additions landing in iOS 26.2 and 26.3. On the iPhone front, the site ran multiple rumor pieces: a leaker disputing prior reports and saying an iPhone Air 2 announcement will come in 2026, early production testing and a possible split-launch plan for iPhone 18, and reporting that iPhone 18 Pro camera sensors look likely to be made in the US. The newsletter also pointed readers to concept items such as a 3D-printable iPhone Fold mockup and hosted a poll about Fold aspect ratios. Corporate and legal headlines included a Texas judge blocking a state App Store age-verification law and Apple settling a Brazilian antitrust case tied to App Store policy changes.
Why it matters
- iOS 26 feature changes affect daily iPhone workflows and Wallet/boarding pass support across airlines.
- Rumors about iPhone production and component sourcing could signal shifts in Apple’s supply chain and launch timing.
- Legal and regulatory developments around the App Store may change developer rules and in-region app experiences.
- Security and malware stories affecting macOS underscore ongoing risks for desktop users and the importance of updates.
Key facts
- 9to5Mac published its weekly recap on Dec. 27, 2025 covering major Apple topics across categories.
- The site highlighted multiple iOS 26 updates, including Wallet upgrades and changes to Reminders.
- A leaker reportedly contradicted other rumors, claiming the iPhone Air 2 will be announced in 2026.
- Reporting indicated Apple is preparing to test iPhone 18 production and may use a split-launch plan.
- 9to5Mac said iPhone 18 Pro camera sensors look set to be manufactured in the United States.
- A 3D-printable mockup of the iPhone Fold is available to experiment with, though the article noted caveats.
- A Texas judge blocked that state’s App Store age verification law, according to the roundup.
- Apple settled a Brazilian antitrust case that resulted in App Store policy changes.
- The newsletter also covered Mac-focused items: app recommendations, a mechanical keyboard story, and a Mac-targeting malware variant.
What to watch next
- Timing and confirmation of an iPhone Air 2 announcement in 2026 (not confirmed in the source).
- Outcome of Apple’s reported iPhone 18 production testing and whether a split-launch plan will be used (not confirmed in the source).
- Final design and aspect ratio decisions for the iPhone Fold beyond mockups and community polls (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- iOS 26: The 26th major version of Apple’s iPhone operating system, which includes system-wide features and app updates.
- App Store policy overhaul: Changes to the rules and fee structures governing apps and developers on Apple’s App Store; often tied to regulatory settlements.
- split-launch: A product release strategy where a company staggers availability across regions or models rather than releasing all units at once.
- mockup: A physical or digital model used to represent a device’s size and shape for design, testing, or display purposes.
Reader FAQ
Is the iPhone Air 2 officially confirmed?
A leaker told 9to5Mac the iPhone Air 2 will be announced in 2026, but an official confirmation from Apple is not in the source.
Are iPhone 18 Pro camera sensors being made in the U.S.?
9to5Mac reports the iPhone 18 Pro sensors look set to be made in the United States, which remains a report rather than a final confirmation.
Can I 3D print an iPhone Fold mockup?
The newsletter notes a 3D-printable mockup exists, with an asterisk indicating there are caveats; specific limitations are not detailed in the source.
Did Apple settle a Brazilian antitrust case?
Yes — 9to5Mac reports Apple settled a Brazilian antitrust case that led to changes in App Store policies.
Just unwrap new AirPods Pro? Here are the must-try features Chance Miller Dec 26 2025 TOP STORIES 9to5Mac Top Stories: The latest iPhone Fold, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18…
Sources
- 9to5Mac Top Stories: The latest iPhone Fold, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18 rumors
- Rumor Replay: iPhone 18, iPhone Fold, iPhone Air 2
- iPhone Fold and iPhone Air 2: Launch Dates, Prices and …
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