Last Minute Rumors: DRM Free iTunes, Mac Mini, iPhone Tethering
With Macworld Expo kicking off in a matter of hours, a number of last minute rumors have appeared today.
- CNet reports that Apple has cut deals that will allow iTunes to offer copy-protection free (DRM free) songs from the largest music labels. In exchange, Apple is said to offer more flexible pricing.
Under the terms of the deal, song prices will be broken down into three categories--older songs from the catalog, midline songs (newer songs that aren't big hits), and current hits--said one of the sources.
Beyond this, Apple has also come to an agreement to deliver over-the-air downloads which will allow iPhone users to download music directly on their iPhones. These announcements could be announced at Macworld.
- Arstechnica points out one press release by SeeFile software that reveals the software supports the "new Apple Mac Mini".
- TUAW suggests we may finally see an AT&T / iPhone tethering deal announced this week, according to a "trusted" source.
MacRumors will have live coverage of the keynote at MacRumorsLive.com. The keynote kicks off at 9 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday, Jan 6th.
Popular Stories
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
