O'Grady's PowerPage

Category: macOS

  • Rumor: Debug kit leaks hint at possible iMac Pro featuring the M5 Max chip

    Rumor: Debug kit leaks hint at possible iMac Pro featuring the M5 Max chip

    The iMac Pro may be returning in a big way.

    According to leak posts on Chinese social media websites Weibo and Bilibili over the past week, Apple is thought to be developing a high-end iMac featuring the M5 Max chip. The finding comes from leaked kernel debug kit files used by Apple engineers. These kits, which are used for kernel debugging, enumerate unreleased Apple hardware by internal identifiers, such as codenames and platform names, and can also include separate references that map the products to chip codenames and marketing names.

    The software contains references to an ‌iMac‌ with the identifier J833c running on platform H17C. H17C is associated with the codename “Sotra C,” which relates to the expected marketing name “M5 Max.” This suggests that an ‌iMac‌ with the M5 Max chip is in active testing.

    The leaks refer to several devices believed to be used exclusively for internal testing, such as iPad minis running tvOS and MacBooks with the A15 chip, so there is a chance that the M5 Max ‌iMac‌ is used for testing only. Apple is expected to be introducing its M5 Max Chip in 2026, and there have been rumors about Apple reintroducing the high-end “Pro” iMac for several years now. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has posited that Apple was still “working on a larger-screened ‌iMac‌ aimed at the professional market” following the launch of the Apple silicon ‌iMac‌. This rumor was also supported by noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

    The kernel debug kit has also mentioned several additional Mac configurations, such as 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro notebooks with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ with the M6 chip, and 14- and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models with the M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. Other products mentioned include 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M5 chip, Mac mini models with the M5 and M5 Pro chips, and new Mac Studio models with the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. Finally, the leak also lists a MacBook with the A18 Pro chip, which is thought to be an all-new, budget model.

    As always, stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors

  • Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.2, iOS 26.2, and iPadOS 26.2 updates

    Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.2, iOS 26.2, and iPadOS 26.2 updates

    Late Friday proved to be an update-o-rama as Apple released both its macOS Tahoe 26.2 operating system update as well as its iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 updates for its iPhone and iPad.

    The macOS Tahoe 26.2 update includes the following fixes, changes, and new features:

    Edge Light:

    • Edge Light video effect uses the Mac display to illuminate your face like a virtual ring light when you’re on a video call in low light
    • Customizable light width and temperature give you control over how you’re lit
    • Mouse awareness ensures that the light recedes when you need to access content underneath
    • Option to have the light turn on automatically in low light situations on Mac computers introduced in 2024 and later

    Podcasts:

    • Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate more episodes
    • Links to mentioned podcasts let you see and follow other podcasts mentioned in the episode you’re listening to directly from the player and transcript

    Games:

    • Filters in the Games library let you find games by category, size, and more
    • In-game challenge score banners provide real-time updates when someone new has taken the lead
    • Connected controller support

    This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

    • AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver’s device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer
    • Apple News Section links in the sidebar of the News app offer easy navigation to popular topics like Sports, Politics, Business, and Food
    • Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the infinite canvas
    • Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks in Apple Music
    • Fixes an issue where pre-release albums in the library were not immediately playable at their release time

    The update can be installed via the following steps:

    • Open System Settings.
    • Tap General.
    • Tap Software Update.

    Where the mobile devices are concerned, Apple released its iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 updates on Friday. While not a huge update, and instead focused more on polish, tweaking, and adding quality-of-life enhancements, the update offers the following fixes and changes:

    Apple Music:

    • Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks on the home tab
    • Offline lyrics for downloaded songs, so you can view them without an internet connection

    Podcasts:

    • Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes
    • Links to the mentioned podcasts let you see and follow other podcasts mentioned in the episode you’re listening to directly from the player and transcript

    Games:

    • Filters in the Games library let you find games by category, size, and more
    • In-game challenge score banners provide real-time updates when someone new has taken the lead
    • Improved support for connected controllers such as Backbone and Razer

    This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

    • Additional Lock Screen time customization option lets you further adjust its appearance, giving the Liquid Glass material more or less opacity
    • Enhanced Safety Alerts can inform you about imminent threats such as floods, natural disasters, and other emergencies, with rich information like a map of affected areas and links to additional safety guidance (available in the U.S.)
    • Alarms for Reminders help you stay on top of urgent tasks, and provide snooze and Live Activity support if you’re not ready to check the reminder off
    • AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver’s device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer
    • Apple News Section links at the top of the Today feed offer easy navigation to popular topics like Sports, Politics, Business, and Food
    • Multipack accessory pairing in the Home app lets you use the same setup code to easily enroll multiple accessories when sold together
    • Flash for alerts in Accessibility Settings offers the additional option to have the device screen flash when you receive a notification
    • Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the infinite canvas
    • Fixes an issue where pre-release albums in the Apple Music library were not immediately playable at their release time
    • Fixes an issue where a Privacy and Security setting may incorrectly be marked as managed by an enterprise organization

    The update can be installed via the following steps:

    • Open Settings.
    • Tap General.
    • Tap Software Update.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the updates, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via MacRumors and Macworld

  • Google begins to introduce Gemini AI features into iOS and iPad builds of its Chrome web browser

    Google begins to introduce Gemini AI features into iOS and iPad builds of its Chrome web browser

    This could come in handy.

    Google has begun integrating its Gemini AI into its Chrome web browser for iPhone and iPad, a move that brings AI feature parity with its web and desktop builds.

    The company had teased Gemini-in-Chrome functionality for iOS back in September, and the feature has begun rolling out gradually across the United States. The Gemini AI feature requires Chrome 143 or later, so you’ll want to make sure your copy of Chrome is up to date, the browser language is set to English, and the app isn’t in Incognito mode.

    If all the above conditions are met, the Google Lens logo on the left-hand side of the address bar will change to a Gemini icon. Tapping the icon shows options for two “Page tools” that let Gemini search your screen or for you to ask the chatbot a question.

    The Gemini interface offers shortcuts for functions such as summarizing a website or creating an FAQ about a topic. Other possible queries can include creating study guides, sorting through bullet points on complex topics, or creating recipes or a gym routine as needed. Gemini’s responses to queries appear in an overlay that floats on top of the webpage.

    Chrome 143 for iOS also adds biometric checkout support, new Chrome tips on the New Tab Page, and general stability improvements.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the new Gemini features in Google Chrome, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via MacRumors and 9to5Google

  • Apple distributes macOS Tahoe 26.2 Release Candidate build to public beta and developer communities

    Apple distributes macOS Tahoe 26.2 Release Candidate build to public beta and developer communities

    Amidst its bevy of Release Candidate announcements, Apple on Wednesday published the Release Candidate beta of its macOS Tahoe 26.2 operating system to both developers and public beta testers alike. The RC represents the final version of macOS Tahoe 26.2 that will be provided to the public as long as no bugs are found in the software.

    Testers interested in downloading the macOS Tahoe 26.2 update can do so by opening the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled.

    The macOS Tahoe 26.2 RC build currently includes the following fixes and changes:

    Edge Light: A new feature for video calls. Edge Light adds a border of soft light around the edges of the Mac’s display to illuminate your face in darkened rooms. Edge Light is meant to mimic the look of a physical ring light. The feature uses the Neural Engine for positioning, thus optimally placing your face in the video frame. Light color can be adjusted from warm to cool, and intensity varies based on ambient lighting. Edge Light is available in video conferencing apps like FaceTime and Webex alongside other options like backgrounds, Portrait mode, and Voice Isolation. It works on Macs that support Apple silicon.

    Reminders: The Reminders app will be receiving an option to have an alarm activate when a reminder is due.

    News: The News app will receive some design updates.

    Podcasts: The Podcasts app will be receiving new features, such as auto-generated chapters, along with the ability to more easily follow mentioned podcasts or follow up on links mentioned in a podcast episode.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the macOS Tahoe 26.2 beta, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via MacRumors

  • Developer leak hints at forthcoming ChatGPT incorporation into Apple Health app

    Developer leak hints at forthcoming ChatGPT incorporation into Apple Health app

    Apple may be incorporating ChatGPT’s AI features into your Apple Health data to help retrieve answers to queries.

    Per 9to5Mac and MacRumors, a recently discovered leak associated with the latest version of the ChatGPT app for the iPhone contains an image of the Apple Health icon hidden within the app’s code. The image’s file name hints that it will be possible to link the Apple Health app to ChatGPT, which may help it locate more personalized and useful answers regarding your health and fitness data.

    The image indicates that ChatGPT could tap into several Apple Health categories related to your activity, sleep, diet, breathing, and hearing.

    This leaked image was uncovered by Aaron Perris, though it’s no guarantee that the Apple Health integration will ever officially launch.

    ChatGPT is currently capable of connecting to several “apps and connectors” such as the Peloton exercise apps. Still, other health-focused options remain minimal at this time.

    It’s thought that since January is right around the corner, a number of new users will pursue improved health as a new year’s resolution, making this a viable path for Apple’s health initiative, ChatGPT, and other related partners.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via 9to5Mac and MacRumors