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Apple is already testing M5 and M5 Pro versions of its iconic Mac mini, and we have new rumors surrounding the iPhone 17. Apple’s lackluster FineWoven cases could be phased out in September 2025, as one leaker suggests the company will introduce a new line of “TechWoven” cases. Masimo, meanwhile, has filed another lawsuit, this time over the restoration of Apple’s blood oxygen measuring features for the Apple Watch.
Here’s what happened during the past week, and why it matters. |
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AppleInsider has exclusively learned that Apple is internally testing two new Mac mini variants — J873g and J873s. Based on Apple’s existing naming patterns, the two devices will likely feature the M5 and M5 Pro chips, respectively.
This comes after our July 2025 report that highlighted more than a dozen new Mac models in development, most of them with an M5 chip. People familiar with Apple’s development efforts have also told us that the company is working on macOS 26.1, macOS 26.4, and macOS 27, which aligns with previous reports.
Our take: The M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini will offer improved performance over their M4 counterparts, but major design changes are unlikely. The two Mac mini variants might debut in late 2025 or early 2026.
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Genmoji lets you create unique emoji-style stickers with the help of Apple Intelligence, and iOS 26 just made the feature even better!
Through prompt flexibility, expanded customization, and tighter integration with your favorite apps, iOS 26 offers a variety of often-overlooked Genmoji improvements. This week’s newsletter-exclusive guide has everything you need to know about Genmoji in iOS 26 and the AI enhancements Apple has introduced. Check it out!
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The iPhone 17 might be the last with a Camera Control button, according to one leaker, while a more reputable source claims Apple merely wants to redesign it. The button has reportedly seen little use since its introduction, prompting Apple to consider removing it or reducing its functionality with subsequent iPhone releases.
Apple may also increase iPhone 17 production in India, as a way of avoiding tariffs the U.S. imposed on imports from China. Separately, a leaker with a questionable track record has provided images of purported “TechWoven” cases for the iPhone 17 range. The Apple Watch, meanwhile, may gain a Touch ID sensor, judging by leaked Apple code.
Our take: Apple has already scrapped two button-related projects, codenamed Atlas and Bongo. The author of the AppleInsider Newsletter, who broke the news on the Camera Control, considers the capacitive button a forgettable upgrade. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if Apple decided to change it. It remains to be seen if TechWoven will be better than FineWoven, or if Apple will have to return to leather cases.
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Masimo is suing US Customs and Border Protection in an attempt to stop the return of the Apple Watch's blood oxygen measuring feature. Apple appears to have met with the CBP on August 1 alone. Masimo says this violated its Fifth Amendment rights and bypassed all due process. In another Apple Watch-related lawsuit, Apple has accused a former engineer of stealing confidential sensor technology and handing it to Oppo, a Chinese rival.
The UK government, meanwhile, has apparently given up on its demands that Apple somehow break its end-to-end encryption and provide a backdoor. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard says that the UK has dropped the controversial mandate affecting Apple. The FTC has also sent letters to US big tech companies, saying that data security isn't up for negotiation.
Our take: It is unclear where the Massimo lawsuit will go or how it will affect Apple. The ITC will likely have to weigh in on Apple's new system that offloads processing to the iPhone before any decision is made. As for the situation in the UK, it's not yet clear if Apple will turn end-to-end encryption back on. Neither the U.S. nor the UK government has made any formal announcement about the matter.
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Texas Instruments has officially opened its $60 billion semiconductor plant in Sherman, Texas, with Apple among the first customers to produce chips at the site. The facility will produce small analog and embedded components that manage power, sensors, and signals, and not the high-performance processors designed in Cupertino. The company’s first Manufacturing Academy has also taken place in Detroit, while “South Park” has released an episode mocking Tim Cook’s gift to President Trump.
In the AI realm, Apple’s brain drain continues, with Cloud AI infrastructure lead Frank Chu being the sixth Apple executive to leave for Meta. He was the lead for AI teams focused on cloud infrastructure, training, and search. The same source suggests that Apple is in talks with Google over a potential Siri upgrade involving Google Gemini.
Our take: Tim Cook’s calculated attempts at appeasing Trump have little to do with bringing manufacturing back to the United States. The iPhone will continue to be made elsewhere in the world. As for the planned Siri upgrade, Apple may implement Google Gemini integration the same way it did with ChatGPT. Still, it’s unlikely that Apple will use either of them as a replacement for its in-house Siri models.
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Google has unveiled its Pixel 10 line mere weeks ahead of the iPhone 17 Pro’s debut in September. The move is yet another attempt to disrupt the annual upgrade cycle, and the Pixel 10 Pro is effectively a direct rival to Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro. But is it worth getting over an iPhone? We compared every aspect of the two devices, from AI features to connectivity, cameras, displays, and much more. Check out the full comparison to see where each device excels, and see which one is right for you!
This week, Apple increased prices for the standard AppleTV+ subscription from $9.99 to $12.99 per month. This begs the question: Is a standalone Apple TV+ subscription worth it, or does Apple One give you better value for money? Find out how the service holds up in our Apple One overview.
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Apple might be gearing up to take on Amazon’s Ring with a brand-new lineup of Apple smart home cameras — including a potential Apple video doorbell with Face ID and even MagSafe charging support. Apple has the potential to redefine what it means to have a privacy-first smart home camera through Secure Video encryption and integration with Apple Home and iCloud+.
In this week’s video, AppleInsider’s Andrew O’Hara breaks down the latest rumors, why this move makes sense for Apple, and when we might finally see them launch. Check out the full video to learn more! |
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For in-depth insights on recent developments in the area of technology, you should check out the AppleInsider Podcast. This week, Google unveiled its Pixel 10 range, less than a month before the iPhone 17 is expected to debut. William Gallagher and Wesley Hilliard also discuss Apple’s alleged “TechWoven” cases for the iPhone 17, rumors about the Camera Control, and Massimo’s new lawsuit over the Apple Watch blood oxygen feature. For all the details, tune in to the full episode, and be sure to share it with your friends!
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B&H Photo has exclusive discounts available for AppleInsider readers, letting you save up to $500 on a new M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max MacBook Pro! Its Liquid Retina XDR display offers up to 1600 nits peak brightness and has ProMotion technology. You also get an HDMI port and an impressive six-speaker system built in, making it a great option for pro users.
If you’re in the market for a desktop Mac, Amazon also has an amazing deal on the current M4 Mac mini. The base configuration, which ships with 16GB of RAM, is available now for only $499! |
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Be sure to check out our Price Guides to find the best deals on M4 MacBook Pro and M4 MacBook Air configurations:
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. |
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The iPhone 17 Pro is mere weeks away. It’ll be interesting to see how it compares to the newly announced Google Pixel 10 Pro, and whether or not Apple will actually offer a TechWoven case alongside it. The Mac product line is expected to gain the M5 chip in the months ahead as well, and it could offer some significant improvements relative to the M4 line of chips.
At AppleInsider, our mission is to keep you up to date on all major developments in the area of technology, particularly related to Apple, its products, and endeavors.
We publish stories, guides, and reviews throughout the week, so be sure to check out AppleInsider.com.
For any comments, questions, or suggestions regarding the AppleInsider Newsletter, reach out to marko@appleinsider.com. |
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