ThinkSecret notes that Apple is currently working on a minor Panther version to be released with new hardware after the consumer release of Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) reaches Gold Master.
As ThinkSecret reports -- this is typical behavior -- as each new Mac from Apple which is released comes bundled with a slightly updated version of the operating system. These minor updates/tweaks simply provide support for whatever new hardware or configurations are provided in the new machines.
They speculate, however, that this new version may herald a new release in the near future. The new iMacs and upcoming PowerBooks are (presumably) excluded as they should ship prior to Panther's consumer release. Our Buyer's Guide lists iBooks as the next consumer model due for an update, as it is is approaching the end of its release cycle.
The Xserve is also approaching time for a revision, with many expectations for a G5 release. However, while not specified by ThinkSecret, the implication seems to be that Tachyon is a version of Panther Client, not Server.
Updated: Tachyon is the name of Apple's new Developer's tools, casting doubt that a new Panther update would share the same name.
An anonymous report clarifies some of Apple's Codename categories:
Sub-particles = Developer Tools
Colors (Green/Pink/etc) = Jaguar updates
Lord of the Rings characters (Smeagol/Deagol/etc) = G5-enabling system updates.
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld.
The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld.
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie.
"Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026.
"I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by Juli Clover
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do.
The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up.
Upgraded Architecture
The next-generation...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
