A social media post has gone viral with the claim that Apple will be releasing emojis of major pop stars as part of iOS 18.5. The only problem is, the prediction is complete crap.
The supposed pop star 'emojis' that aren't going to be added to iOS 18.5 - Image Credit: DropPop/X
A post to X has gained significant traction online, claiming Apple will be adding new emoji to iOS 18.5. Despite the wild attention the post has received, it is completely false.Posted on April 2, X account "Drop Pop" off
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Apple is not bringing pop star emojis to your iPhone
via appleinsider.com
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SwitchBot's smart home future includes 3D-mapping smart locks, robot assistance
via appleinsider.comSwitchBot's CES 2026 involves more smart home automation, including an improved 3D facial recognition smart lock and a semi-humanoid household robot.
SwitchBot Lock Vision Pro - Image Credit: SwitchBot
SwitchBot is known for its smart vacuum cleaners and curtain robots. As it expands its reach in the smart home, it's also pushing into a few new areas too at CES 2026.For people interested in investing in a smart lock, the SwitchBot Lock Vision series is an expansion from the Keypad Vision it laun
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What Andrew Orr's desk looked like after a year of writing at home in 2025
via appleinsider.comAt the end of 2025, my desk tells a familiar work-from-home story, part writing station, part cat furniture, and somehow still functional.
Drawn on paper, touched up with Apple Pencil
It's been another year completed here at 0440-industries, which is kind of a brand name I've recently started using. Everyone needs a personal brand right? Mine is a mixture of the Borg and Alice in Wonderland.I started to keep a journal in 2013 in Apple Notes and gradually moved through multiple journaling apps ov
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We’ve Found Ways for You to Get the Coveted iPhone 17 for Free
via cnet.comThe iPhone 17 series has loads of upgrades. Though they can command a high price, we've found deals so you can grab one for free.
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Belkin's CES lineup is full of next-gen power solutions, complete with 25W Qi2.2 support
via appleinsider.comFor CES 2026, Belkin is trying to power all of your gear with the introduction of new battery packs, modular chargers, and power banks that come in all shapes and sizes.
Belkin has a new lineup of charging gear
Belkin is an Apple accessory go-to, and it is continuing that reputation with its new lineup. The big addition for 2026 is the adoption of Qi2.2 on many of its wireless chargers.The new UltraCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Magnetic Ring leads things off with ample capacity in a compact for
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You'll have new ways to charge your gear thanks to Baseus
via appleinsider.comAt CES 2026, charging brand Baseus launched several new power products, including a new MagSafe battery, an ultra-small power bank, and a powerful desktop solution.
The upcoming AC22 Ultra Mini battery pack
Headlining the announcements is the Baseus PicoGo AM52 MagSafe battery. It's a Qi2.2 25W-certified battery that is one of the thinnest on the market to date.It also has a USB-C port capable of 45W of wired power in and out. Utilizing new proprietary Triple-Loop Cooling technology, it's able t
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Xreal's 1S spatial glasses & Neo hub arrive with Real 3D
via appleinsider.comThe latest spatial display glasses from Xreal can convert all in-display content to 3D, and with the Neo DisplayPort and battery hub, it can stream games from the Nintendo Switch 2. Here's what Xreal is showing off at CES 2026.
Xreal 1S offers enhanced specs for your spatial display needs
Apple may have embraced the concept of spatial computing with Apple Vision Pro, but Xreal has been pushing a simpler concept with its glasses. Instead of a full operating system of windows and apps, Xreal spati
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Flow 2 robot vacuum anchors Narwal's CES 2026 product refresh
via appleinsider.comNarwal has unveiled its Flow 2 robot vacuum and expanded cleaning lineup at CES 2026 on January 4, with a greater push of AI cleaning.
Narwal's new robot vacuums
Narwal's 2026 product refresh centers on the Flow 2 robot vacuum, alongside new cordless and mattress vacuums aimed at broader home cleaning. The products are on display at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where Narwal is positioning them as a unified cleaning system covering floors, fabrics, and allergen-prone surfaces.For Apple users, the annou
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Jackery's new Explorer 1500 Ultra is a rugged & portable power station
via appleinsider.comThe Jackery Explorer 1500 is built with adventures in mind, with IP65 dustproof and water resistance, fully sealed ports, and enhanced structural integrity, so it'll at least survive CES 2026.
The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra is built to be rugged and portable
Portable power stations are meant to go with you to wherever power might be needed. However, most can't survive in common outdoor conditions where dust, sand, rain, and other things could ruin the electrical devices.The Explorer 1500 Ultra
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Three new Matter lights debut from Govee with blended RGBIC at CES 2026
via appleinsider.comSmart home brand Govee was at CES 2026 to highlight its new lineup of smart lighting solutions, with three new models that support Matter and Apple Home.
The new Floor Lamp 3 from Govee supports Matter, along with the other two new entrants
On display were the Govee Floor Lamp 3, Govee Ceiling Light Ultra, and Govee Sky Ceiling Light. All three communicate with Matter over Wi-Fi, which allows them to be supported in the Apple Home app.The Govee Floor Lamp 3 is a free-standing solution that casts
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Jackery unveils the Explorer 1500 Ultra -- a new rugged portable power station
via appleinsider.comThe Jackery Explorer 1500 is built with adventures in mind, with IP65 dustproof and water resistance, fully sealed ports, and enhanced structural integrity, so it'll at least survive CES 2026.
The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra is built to be rugged and portable
Portable power stations are meant to go with you to wherever power might be needed. However, most can't survive in common outdoor conditions where dust, sand, rain, and other things could ruin the electrical devices.The Explorer 1500 Ultra
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Apple's iPad 11 is down to $299, plus save up to $400 across models
via appleinsider.comAmazon's 2026 iPad sale delivers prices from $299, with discounts of up to $400 off new and closeout models across the tablet line.
Grab iPad deals from just $299 this January.
Deals on iPads are in full swing this January, with Apple's 11-inch iPad available for $299 thanks to a $50 discount. That price applies to the 128GB Wi-Fi model, but you can also snag the $50 discount on 256GB and 512GB storage capacities.Buy iPad 11 for $299
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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Pebble Round 2 cuts the bezel from the decade-old round smartwatch revival
via appleinsider.comPebble Round 2 revives the circular smartwatch after a ten-year gap, with a minimal bezel and a 1.3-inch color e-paper display.
Pebble Round 2 - Image Credit: Pebble
In 2015, the Pebble Time Round was introduced as a circular version of the original Pebble smartwatch. A decade later, the revived Pebble smartwatch range has its own take on the disc-shaped timepiece.The big change for the Pebble Round 2 is with the display, which now uses a 1.3-inch color e-paper screen that doesn't have the prono
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Apple Watch Ultra 3 Deal: Put This Powerhouse Wearable on Your Wrist for Less
via cnet.comDirect discounts are slim, but you can save hundreds with a trade-in or new line at a carrier.
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Best tech and smart home products I bought in 2025 and still use
via appleinsider.comI don't do many full product reviews anymore, but I still buy plenty of tech and home gear. Over time, some of those purchases replace older, worse products that stop working well.
Best tech of 2025. Background generated with AI
I purchase items based on longevity, not just their initial impression. Some products don't impress at first, but they replace older gear that's broken, inconvenient, or outdated.In 2025, a few items stood out because they did their jobs better than their replacements. T
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Clicks has swapped iPhone keyboard cases for a new MagSafe keyboard battery
via appleinsider.comClicks is leaning harder into tactile nostalgia, unveiling a MagSafe-compatible keyboard with battery and its own Android phone.
Clicks Power Keyboard | Image credit: Clicks
Clicks is known for its lineup of tactile-button keyboard iPhone cases. Initially unveiled ahead of CES 2024, the Keyboard Case drew both praise and criticism from onlookers.The company has returned a year later, this time with a new tactile keyboard. However, instead of functioning as a case, it now functions as a MagSafe b
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Best iPhone Air Deals: Where to Save Big on Apple's Thinnest Phone
via cnet.comThe $1,000 starting price is daunting, but there are tons of trade-in and carrier offers available to start the new year with a new phone.
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iPhone 18 A20 may cost Apple about double per chip what A19 does
via appleinsider.comApple's iPhone 18 processor may have the biggest year-over-year price increase yet, as the company's chip partner pushes into 2nm manufacturing.
Dies on wafers. Image credit: TSMC
Supply-chain reporting suggests Apple's A20 chip could cost as much as $280 per unit, roughly 80% higher than the prior generation. Earlier reporting estimated a smaller increase, but newer projections have climbed as manufacturing challenges persist.Apple is expected to build its A20 chip on TSMC's 2-nanometer process
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HomePods are not snooping on radio stations you listen to
via appleinsider.comA new claim tries to make you think HomePods and other smart speakers are monitoring what's playing on your radio channel you've selected, in some vague attempt at world domination or something.
HomePod (right, rear) and HomePod mini
In January 2025, Apple settled a legal case claiming that Siri was recording conversations. The recorders were anonymized, but at least some were being done while now the UK media wants to scare you about HomePod privacy — and help shake some cash out of Apple
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These are the best MacBook Air deals for January 2026 - save up to $600
via appleinsider.comTriple-digit MacBook Air discounts are in effect for the new year, with prices from $599 across current and closeout models.
Save up to $600 on MacBook Air laptops this January - Image credit: Apple
If you're in the market for Apple's thin-and-light MacBook Air, there are numerous discounts in effect this January, with prices as low as $599.Grab MacBook Air deals
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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Raymond James has restarted Apple coverage, and isn't impressed
via appleinsider.comInvestment bank Raymond James restarted Apple coverage on Friday, saying Apple's valuation leaves little room for near-term upside.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Analyst coverage from firms like Raymond James can influence how institutional investors frame Apple's growth outlook and risk. The note focuses on whether upcoming iPhone cycles and services growth are enough to justify Apple's premium pricing.Raymond James says Apple remains financially strong, but believes expectations for the future are already
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If you want to stick to New Years health resolutions, wear that Apple Watch
via appleinsider.comAlongside its now annual update of features for the Apple Fitness+ health program, Apple has now also announced how exercise with Apple Watch helps users avoid "Quitter's Day."
Apple Fitness+ has added new workouts for 2026 — image credit: Apple
Apple Fitness+ gets new workout videos every week, but each January it adds new series, or new features. It's always about using the service and Apple Watch to improve your health, but this time Apple claims to have proof it works."Many people give
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New M5 iPad Pro and Apple Vision Pro in Apple's 2025 part two, on the AppleInsider Podcast
via appleinsider.comIn this second of two special episodes, we examine Apple's 2025 and this time July to December. It's six months of new devices, new rumors, and old legal battles, all on the AppleInsider Podcast.
Apple's busiest six months of 2025
If 2025 already seems like a long time ago to you, you're about to be surprised just how much happened in its last six months. From the new M5 iPad Pro to the M5 Apple Vision Pro, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max to the iPhone Air, Apple had a very busy end to the year.Just a
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Battlefront MacBook Air takes a shelling in Ukraine and keeps on working
via appleinsider.comA Ukrainian soldier has shown how his M1 MacBook Air has almost survived a direct hit from artillery shell shrapnel.Usually if a YouTuber is going to stress-test an Apple device, it's their iPhone and they drop it a lot. This time, YouTube user "Shadows" is also a soldier in Ukraine's Azov special forces brigade, and he didn't intend to stress-test his MacBook Air.While he is also a photographer on Instagram, unsurprisingly, this soldier does give much detail over his duties or this specific inc
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These iPhone Deals Can Get You a Free iPhone 17 or Slash Hundreds Off Older Models
via cnet.comThese current offers unlock some of the smartest ways to grab a new iPhone for less -- or even free.
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The last Intel MacBook Air is now vintage
via appleinsider.comApple has classified the final Intel-based MacBook Air, Apple Watch Series 5, and iPhone 11 Pro as vintage products as of December 31.
Having a coffee while working on the 2020 MacBook Air
The company updated its vintage and obsolete list on Wednesday, adding several late-2019 and 2020-era devices. The change affects repair eligibility rather than software support or daily functionality.For Apple users, the shift signals a narrowing long-term service window, particularly for Intel-era Macs and o
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How Docker can help you run apps on your Mac
via appleinsider.comDocker is an important tool for developers and for running apps across networks, and it has many uses for the pro and hobbyist alike. Here's how you can get started using the containerization tech on your Mac.
Docker Desktop
If you've been checking out our NAS guides, you may have occasionally seen a reference to Docker support. It's something that doesn't usually concern the typical Mac user, but it is gradually becoming a useful tool for more advanced users.There's quite a bit to know about th
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Oliver's best tech in 2025: iPhone Air, earbuds, and an iPhone Fold teaser
via appleinsider.comAs 2025 draws to a close, attention is turning to all the tech to come, but before that, it's time to look back at some of the best tech Oliver Haslam has used throughout this year.
There's thin, and then there's THIN
It's been a busy year of tech, as always seems to be the case. It's seen new iPhones, refreshed laptops, and more, but it's sometimes important to look beyond Apple, too.The likes of Samsung and Oppo have gone all-in on foldables, and Nintendo has given its hugely popular Switch a
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Desk tours: Wesley Hilliard's iPad-centric workflows fully replace the Mac mini
via appleinsider.comApple erased the last of Wesley's needs for a Mac in his workflow in 2026, so his setup remains focused on the iPad Pro, but there's still room for Apple Vision Pro for select tasks.
Wesley's main desk setup with iPad Pro, iPad mini, and Apple Vision Pro
My desk setup didn't change much year over year, at least what's directly in front of me. However, the rest of my office evolved, so I'm going to detail each section and how I get work done for AppleInsider.The iPad Pro is still my primary tool
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Analysts need Apple Vision Pro to be a flop, whether Apple considers it one or not
via appleinsider.comA new report on Apple Vision Pro filled with old data suggests the headset is a "rare failure" for Apple, that is, if you consider more than $157 million in revenue in a single quarter a failure.
Reports on Apple Vision Pro's success are at odds with reality
Apple Vision Pro launched in February 2024 with a flashy, if heavy, exterior and exorbitant price. After a year of slow updates, minimal software support, and few native experiences, Apple managed to ship around 500,000 units in the first ye
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