Blog
watchOS 26 Beta Causes Crashes on Hermes Edition Apple Watches
The latest beta version of watchOS 26 has brought to light significant issues for owners of the luxury Hermes edition Apple Watch. The second developer beta is reportedly causing serious problems, including device crashes, overheating, and difficulties with pairing.
Apple has acknowledged these issues in its official release notes and is advising Hermes users to refrain from installing the beta. The bugs appear to be specific to the Hermes models, which feature exclusive watch faces and design elements.
Users who have installed the watchOS 26 beta 2 are experiencing frequent crashes, overheating concerns, and, in some cases, inability to charge their devices. As a result, Apple has strongly recommended that Hermes owners avoid the beta until a suitable fix is made available.
In addition, those who have paired an Hermes watch with an iPhone running the iOS 26 beta 2 have reported complications when trying to access the Apple Watch app. While unpairing the watch allows the app to function normally, users find that they are unable to successfully re-pair the device.
Although Apple has yet to withdraw the beta, it has advised developers who own affected models to stay away from it, as there is currently no timeline for a solution. Developer betas are inherently risky, particularly when it comes to high-end hardware.
These early software versions highlight new features, but are not intended for primary devices and can introduce serious glitches. While Apple is expected to address the Hermes-related crash in later builds of watchOS 26 and iOS 26, users who rely on their Hermes Apple Watch should avoid updating for the time being.
Developers can keep a lookout for updates on the Apple Developer Center, which may announce formal patches or rollbacks in the future. For now, if you own a Hermes edition Apple Watch, it’s best to skip beta 2.
Quickly Sell Your iPhone at Gazelle and Earn a 10% Trade-In Bonus Today!
Selling your old iPhone can often be a hassle, resulting in lower payments and wasted time. However, Gazelle streamlines this process, allowing you to receive an offer quickly and effortlessly. Here’s how it works.
Apple’s iPhones hold their value exceptionally well compared to other smartphones, making it possible to sell them for a decent price. Nonetheless, finding a reliable buyer who won’t scam you can be challenging. Online marketplaces are often cluttered and time-consuming, requiring you to take photos, write descriptions, and sift through uncommitted buyers and spam messages.
Instead, consider using Gazelle, a trusted platform that simplifies the selling process. With Gazelle, you can simply price your device online, pack it in a box they provide, and wait for your payment. Gazelle offers fair market pricing on all trade-ins and has established a reputation by purchasing millions of devices since 2007.
Unlike Apple, which typically only offers trade-in credit or gift cards, Gazelle pays in cash, making the transaction hassle-free from the comfort of your home. Additionally, if you are concerned about the environmental impact of your device upgrades, Gazelle ensures that every sold device is refurbished or recycled properly, preventing it from ending up in landfills. This allows you to sell your old phone with peace of mind, knowing you’re also contributing to reducing your carbon footprint.
To start selling your iPhone with Gazelle, simply visit their website. After selecting your model and answering a few questions regarding its condition, an initial offer will be provided. Following confirmation, Gazelle will send you a prepaid shipping box for evaluation.
Prepare your device by backing up data, signing out of accounts, and effectively cleaning it for the best possible offer. Trust in Gazelle for a straightforward and reliable selling experience, with payments available through PayPal, Amazon gift cards, or checks. It’s a convenient alternative to dealing with potential buyers directly, enabling you to sell your device efficiently from home.
Apple Acquires New Cupertino Office Complex for $160 Million Expansion Plans
Apple has recently acquired the large Tantau office complex, which is located near both Apple Park and the Apple Fitness Center. Although the building was already being utilized by Apple, the move to own the property outright will enhance its operational capabilities.
Apple Park is an expansive campus in Cupertino, highlighted by The Ring, a remarkable circular building that spans 2.8 million square feet and has the capacity for 12,000 employees. Despite the vastness of Apple Park, the company requires additional space to accommodate its growing workforce and operations.
As a result, Apple occupies several buildings in the vicinity of its main campus to meet its needs. One notable property, known as Cupertino Gateway, is conveniently located just off N Tantau Ave, close to the iconic ring building.
According to a report from Mercury News, Apple purchased the 220,700 square foot facility for $160 million. Previously, this office space was leased by Apple, and with its recent acquisition, the company now has complete ownership.
The building is strategically situated between the Apple Fitness Center and parking garages associated with Apple Park. The acquisition was officially recorded with Santa Clara County on June 24, and the property’s address is listed as 10200 N Tantau Ave.
This office complex will provide Apple with additional resources for meetings, research, and various administrative functions, offering a bit more accessibility and parking compared to the main Apple Park location. Since moving from its prior headquarters at One Infinite Loop in 2017, Apple has transitioned to the newly completed Apple Park.
While the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges in relocating employees, Apple Park has since become fully operational, meeting the company’s extensive needs.
Trump Mobile Breaks False ‘Made in America’ Commitment
The T1, often referred to as the “Trump Phone,” will not be released in time to compete with the iPhone 17. Following its announcement over a week ago, assertions about the device being manufactured in America have been removed from the official website. The Trump Organization unveiled this phone on the tenth anniversary of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign kick-off.
It is marketed alongside Trump Mobile, a T-Mobile-powered MVNO, and was initially promoted as a “made in America” smartphone. However, it was quickly revealed that the T1 Phone is likely just a re-skinned version of the REVVL 7 Pro 5G, a Chinese-manufactured device priced at $169. This model has faced recalls due to various issues.
The Trump Mobile website has since removed all references to “made in America,” replacing them with vague phrases like “proudly American” and “American hands behind every device.” Other specifications have also changed, showing a smaller 6.25-inch display and omitting previous mentions of RAM or storage. The phone is still retailing at $500, more than twice the price of its apparent original model.
Similarly, the monthly plan of $47.45 is nearly double the cost of comparable MVNO plans. Despite the Trump family’s promotional efforts, which lacked specificity, the notion of “made in America” quickly shifted to being an aspirational goal. Interestingly, both the T1 Phone and Trump Mobile are paid licenses rather than true offerings from the Trump Organization.
While Donald Trump is not directly managing this venture, his sons oversee it, and he retains significant influence through a trust. Despite the misleading claims surrounding the device and its higher-than-expected pricing, it may still attract a devoted following among Trump supporters. However, potential delays in shipping could indicate that the T1 Phone project might face significant challenges before it even launches.
With its delay, any potential threat to Apple’s iPhone sales from this phone has been effectively postponed until after the iPhone 17 is revealed in September.
MacBook Upgrade Program: Just $33/month, Refresh Your Device Every Two Years!
Purchasing a MacBook has traditionally meant selecting a model while facing the daunting prospect of a significant financial outlay. However, by 2025, this dynamic is shifting. Today’s Apple users desire greater control over their purchases, less hassle, and more manageable cash flow. The recent WWDC introduces substantial updates to macOS, featuring innovations such as Apple Intelligence, improved Continuity, and tighter ecosystem integration.
These advancements create even stronger incentives for individuals with older equipment to consider upgrading. This is where Upgraded enters the scene, allowing you to finance a MacBook over 36 months at rates starting from 0% APR, with the flexibility to upgrade every two years, all without the associated hassle of traditional purchasing methods. The conventional MacBook buying experience has its drawbacks. Major retail stores usually stock only standard models, limiting options to configurations like 16GB RAM and basic storage.
Furthermore, typical financing arrangements are restricted to 12 to 18 months, leading to elevated monthly payments. Finally, paying outright can restrict your ability to allocate funds for essential accessories or software, which can hinder long-term planning. Upgraded revolutionizes this process with a subscription model tailored to your work habits. It offers customizable spec builds not typically found in stores, starting at just $33.28 monthly for the MacBook Air and $52.17 for the MacBook Pro.
You can either upgrade every 24 months or retain your MacBook after settling 12 remaining payments, simplifying the transition process with a prepaid return for your old device. Whether you’re a professional, a developer, or a casual user, Upgraded accommodates a range of needs, allowing for powerful configurations. The service is built in partnership with GatorTec, an Apple Premier Partner, ensuring brand-new, Apple-authorized devices with included AppleCare+. By avoiding an upfront payment of $1,500 or more, you can reallocate funds toward accessories or everyday expenses.
This approach is particularly beneficial for freelancers or creatives needing equipment for new ventures. The team behind Upgraded comprises tech experts passionate about improving the purchasing experience for Apple devices. With a stellar 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot and positive customer feedback, Upgraded is recognized for its competitive pricing and user-friendly process. In 2025, securing the right MacBook becomes critical as AI transforms our device usage.
Upgraded enables you to keep pace with technology while spreading costs without compromising quality. Starting at $33.28 a month for the MacBook Air and $52.17 for the MacBook Pro, it’s time to explore how Upgraded can transform your MacBook acquisition process.
iOS 26: Battery and Charging Features, Estimated Arrival, and Speed Insights
Apple is enhancing its battery protection features with the forthcoming iOS 26. This update aims to extend battery life and overall device health, recognizing that batteries naturally degrade over time and may eventually need replacement.
For many years, Apple has prioritized battery longevity through various built-in features. The latest iOS 26 takes this commitment further, with new capabilities being tested in the developer beta phase.
Here are some noteworthy features discovered so far. One of the prominent new features is the Battery ETA.
When you connect your device to power or a MagSafe charger, a notification appears above the time displaying the current battery percentage and the estimated time remaining until a full charge. If the charging time is under an hour, it will show in minutes; otherwise, it simply indicates “more than an hour.”
Additionally, if you set a charging limit, for instance to 80%, the device will inform you of this target. This information is also available in the Battery section of the Settings app.
It would be beneficial if Apple included this feature in widgets for easier access while in Stand By mode. Beyond estimating charging time, Apple is introducing a new battery icon that indicates when charging is paused.
Rather than the typical green icon with a lightning bolt, it will now display a grey battery icon when charging is on hold, usually due to overheating. More details can be found in the battery settings.
Another significant addition is Adaptive Power mode. This feature allows automatic adjustments to your phone’s settings to prolong battery life.
You can enable it via **Settings** > **Battery** > **Power Mode**. This mode aims to balance performance with battery conservation, lowering display brightness and extending task completion times as necessary, especially when the battery falls to 20%.
These innovations, alongside existing features such as Battery Health settings and Low Power mode, will be available with the official release of iOS 26 in the fall of 2025, coinciding with the introduction of the iPhone 17. A public beta is anticipated to launch in July.
Questionable Claim: Blood Sugar Monitoring Feature for Apple Watch Series 13 in 2027
The Apple Watch 13, set to debut in 2027, is rumored to be the first model equipped with blood sugar monitoring capabilities. This feature has been in development for several years, as indicated by reports dating back to the Apple Watch Series 7 released in 2021. At that time, there were claims that Apple was on the verge of launching a blood sugar monitoring system.
However, those promises did not materialize, and in 2024, Apple was reportedly testing a related app for health data collection rather than for public use. Analyst Jeff Pu has recently claimed that blood sugar monitoring will be a pivotal feature of the Apple Watch Series 13. He suggested that this model might be marketed as “Apple Watch featuring Blood Monitoring.”
Unfortunately, details about the feature remain scarce. Pu has shared timelines for this development, but it is unclear whether his insights are based on supply chain information or derived from previous analyses related to Apple’s product roadmap. While Pu has occasionally provided accurate forecasts, he also has a track record of announcing release schedules that often prove to be incorrect.
Despite this, Apple continues to enhance the health features of its Watch lineup, such as the inclusion of blood oxygen level monitoring. However, this technology has faced challenges, including a patent dispute, and is currently disabled on Apple Watches sold in the United States. It’s essential to note that Apple is not alone in the pursuit of non-invasive blood sugar monitoring technology.
In January 2025, PreEvnt showcased a clip-on device that uses breath analysis to track blood glucose levels, demonstrating the growing interest in this field among technology companies. As the timeline for the Apple Watch 13 approaches, many are eager to see how these advancements unfold.
Amazon Prime Day 2025: Sale Dates Revealed Along With Exciting Early Deals!
Amazon Prime Day 2025 is just around the corner, officially starting on July 8. This year, the shopping event has been extended to four days, allowing shoppers more time to take advantage of incredible deals. While the event is still three weeks away, there are already significant discounts available on various Apple devices and accessories.
If you’re looking to purchase a new Apple product, you can find offers saving you as much as $400. Early Prime Day discounts include a variety of items from Apple and complementary electronics such as hubs and home security cameras. Shoppers can visit Amazon’s official Prime Day page for a wide array of deals and check dedicated price guides for specific Apple-related offers.
Here are some of the best early Prime Day deals available:
– AirTag 4-pack: $74.99 (Save $25)
– Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm Aluminum Case, GPS): $299 (Save $100)
– AirPods 4 without ANC: $99 (Save $30)
– Beats Studio Pro Over-ear Headphones: $179.95 (49% off)
– Mac mini M4 (10C CPU, 10C GPU, 16GB, 256GB): $499 (Save $100)
– 11″ iPad Air M2 (512GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray): $699 (Save $350)
– 13″ MacBook Air M4 (16GB, 256GB): $849 (Save $150)
– 15″ MacBook Air M4 (16GB, 256GB): $1,049 (Save $150)
– 14″ MacBook Pro M4 (10C CPU, 10C GPU, 16GB, 512GB): $1,429 (Save $170)
– 16″ MacBook Pro M4 Max (16C CPU, 40C GPU, 48GB, 1TB): $3,599 (Save $400)
Take advantage of these early deals before the official Prime Day begins!
EU Imposes Fines on App Store Following Concessions for Fair Competition Regulations
Recent reports indicate that Apple is engaged in final discussions with the European Union regarding changes to its App Store practices. These negotiations are aimed at preventing potential fines linked to Apple’s alleged non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), for which the company was initially fined $570 million.
Apple was given a 60-day deadline to address these issues, a timeframe that ends on June 26. After this date, the EU could impose increasingly severe penalties until compliance is achieved.
On June 19, 2025, it was revealed that the EU might not impose immediate fines. Instead, the European Commission stated it would first analyze the situation and then provide Apple with the findings.
According to the Financial Times, the ongoing negotiations are the likely reason for this potential delay, as the EU is working closely with Apple to discuss compliance strategies. Sources involved in the negotiations suggest Apple is expected to propose concessions related to its steering provisions.
These rules previously prohibited app developers from promoting alternative payment methods to Apple’s in-app purchase systems. While specifics around these concessions remain unclear, it has been reported that discussions are also focused on Apple’s Core Technology Fee, which is charged to developers using alternative app stores.
The European Commission has not disclosed detailed topics of discussion but emphasized its regulatory authority to enforce compliance. Should Apple continue to violate the DMA, the EU has the power to impose escalating fines, potentially reaching 5% of Apple’s average global daily revenue.
With Apple’s reported annual revenue of $400.4 billion for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, this penalty could amount to around $55 million daily, significantly lower than the previously imposed $2 billion for Apple Music transgressions.
Hue Wall Washer, Nuki Smart Lock, and Blueair Signature Air Purifier: A Smart Home Upgrade
In the most recent episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, the host engages with Jurgen and Martin Pansy, the founders of the smart lock company Nuki. This episode marks an exciting moment as Nuki is launching in the U.S. market, and the Pansy brothers share insights about their innovative retrofit smart lock designed for convenience and security. The episode also covers noteworthy news from the week, starting with Signify’s expansion of its Hue product lineup. They recently unveiled a third-generation smart button and the new Hue Play Wall Washer, a curved aluminum fixture that stands around six inches above surfaces.
This impressive device can emit over 1000 lumens of indirect light onto walls, enhancing ambiance or syncing with television displays. In addition to Hue’s launch, Sonos continues to evolve its product offerings with an update to its Ace headphones. The new features allow two pairs to sync simultaneously, enabling two users to enjoy spatial audio while watching TV together. Blue has also entered the spotlight with its latest air purifier, the Blue Air Signature.
This aesthetically pleasing unit is designed to blend seamlessly into living rooms, featuring a hidden display and optional wooden legs. Interestingly, its top surface can serve as an end table as well. Finally, Aqara introduced the U200 Lite smart lock in the EU, a retrofit lock compatible with Apple Home through Matter and Thread technology. The remainder of the episode delves into discussions with Jurgen and Martin about Nuki, exploring the brand’s journey and the distinct features of its new model.
They also address common challenges associated with smart home devices, such as battery life and connectivity, in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive.