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Apple Finds New Collaborator to Supplant Goldman Sachs for Apple Card Services

Apple has reportedly secured a new collaborator to take over from Goldman Sachs for its Apple Card, as outlined in a recent report from the Wall Street Journal. This shift follows over two years of speculation about Goldman Sachs’ intention to exit the partnership, mainly due to substantial financial setbacks in the consumer credit card market.

Per sources referenced by the Wall Street Journal, JPMorgan Chase is poised to step in as the provider for Apple’s iPhone-integrated credit card. Goldman Sachs has been looking to withdraw from the Apple Card arrangement, which has led to multi-billion dollar deficits for the bank. The agreement will see JPMorgan Chase taking on existing credit balances at a major discount, with projections indicating that Goldman Sachs could transfer about $20 billion in outstanding card balances for over a $1 billion markdown. This is significant as most co-branded credit card balances usually sell at a premium, making such discounts uncommon and suggestive of a difficult scenario.

Alongside managing the Apple Card, JPMorgan Chase is anticipated to support Apple-branded savings accounts. Current customers holding savings accounts with Goldman Sachs will have the choice to either stay with Goldman or move to a new account with JPMorgan.

The expected announcement of this arrangement is anticipated soon, following prior reports of the separation between Apple and Goldman Sachs regarding the Apple Card, which debuted in 2019. The Apple Card, exclusively available in the United States, provides various perks, including 3% cash back on purchases from Apple and select merchants when using Apple Pay, 2% cash back on other purchases made with Apple Pay, and seamless integration with the Apple Wallet app on iPhone. This card succeeded a previous co-branded card with Barclays, which lacked the same level of integration or the unique titanium card design.

Every iOS 16 Configuration Altered Instantly on My iPhone

# Personalizing Your iPhone with iOS 26: Essential Settings to Adjust

iOS 26 and its updates have rolled out a variety of personalization choices for iPhone users via the Settings app. Below are some key settings that can elevate your iPhone experience.

## Wallpaper Photo Blur on Always On Display

In iOS 26, the Always On Display feature has been updated to blur the wallpaper photo by default. This change is intended to highlight the new Liquid Glass clock more effectively or possibly to save battery power. If you wish to retain the original appearance of your Lock Screen photos, you can easily change this setting back. Go to **Settings ⇾ Display & Brightness ⇾ Always On Display** and switch off the ‘Blur Wallpaper Photo’ option.

## Lock Screen Camera Swipe

For years, users have been able to access the Camera app by swiping left on the Lock Screen. However, with the addition of various options to open the Camera, this gesture has become less common. In iOS 26.1, Apple allows users to turn off the Lock Screen swipe for opening the Camera. To disable this, navigate to **Settings ⇾ Camera** and locate the ‘Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera’ toggle at the bottom. Switching it off will prevent unintentional launches of the Camera app.

## Adaptive Power Feature

The newly introduced Adaptive Power option in iOS 26 aims to prolong battery life without noticeably hindering performance. Unlike the standard Low Power Mode, which significantly limits performance, Adaptive Power makes subtle tweaks, such as reducing display brightness and extending the duration of some activities. You can find this feature under **Settings ⇾ Battery ⇾ Power Mode ⇾ Adaptive Power**. It activates only during unusually high battery usage, serving as a practical solution for users who want to save energy without compromising performance.

## Sleep Detection for AirPods

iOS 26 has brought a new capability for AirPods that senses when you are asleep and automatically pauses media playback. This is especially beneficial for those who listen to audiobooks or podcasts before going to sleep. To activate this option, go to the AirPods settings and enable ‘Pause Media When Falling Asleep.’ This feature is available for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4, simplifying your listening experience by eliminating the need to find your place after pausing.

## Summary

The new settings in iOS 26 and iOS 26.1 provide users with greater control over their iPhone experience. Whether it’s personalizing the Always On Display, disabling accidental Camera openings, engaging Adaptive Power mode, or managing AirPods playback, these features can greatly enhance usability and customization. Take the time to explore these settings to tailor your iPhone to your liking.

“Rumored Launch Date and Specifications for OnePlus 15T”

The OnePlus 15T is making a return to discussions, now with additional specifications leading up to a rumored release.

What you need to know

– Latest OnePlus 15T speculation suggests the device could come equipped with a “maximum” 7,500mAh battery and a 50MP telephoto camera.
– A Chinese insider has indicated that the phone may aim for an April release in China, which aligns well, as the 13T launched around the same time.
– Previous rumors suggested the 15T might feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship SoC and a 6.3-inch 1.5K display.

OnePlus generally produces a streamlined version of its flagship model within the “T” series, and rumors regarding this device have surfaced with launch information.

This week, well-known Weibo insider Digital Chat Station (DCS) shared insights on the Chinese social media platform about the supposed OnePlus 15T (via PlayfulDroid). The insider posits that OnePlus might aim to equip this model with a battery exceeding 7,000mAh. This is where speculation increases, with the post indicating that users could witness a capacity close to 7,500mAh.

DCS mentions that this higher figure is the “maximum,” suggesting that OnePlus may include a battery with a capacity ranging between 7,000mAh and 7,500mAh.

The device’s camera setup is said to incorporate a 50MP telephoto lens. While DCS did not elaborate on the main sensor, the publication revisited earlier speculations, which suggested the 15T could come with a dual-array. The insider then reacted to inquiries, touching on the phone’s launch timeframe. When one user asked, “When will it be released,” DCS replied, “Around April.”

Details about phone features weren’t disclosed in this leak, but we do have some specifications to consider, following an earlier update.

The 15T is on the horizon

Rumors regarding the OnePlus 15T have been relatively few and far between, with the last major leak surfacing last June. At that time, Digital Chat Station claimed that the OnePlus 15T was on its way with one aspect set to outperform the flagship: its battery. Those initial whispers suggested that the capacity would exceed that of the OnePlus 15; however, only now do we begin to understand what it might entail.

Additional rumors indicate that the device could feature a flagship Snapdragon SoC, alongside a smaller 6.3-inch 1.5K display and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

One aspect to keep in mind: if the OnePlus 15T is to surpass the 15 in battery performance, it may need to land somewhere between 7,400mAh and the speculated 7,500mAh maximum. When the OnePlus 15 made its debut in October, it featured a substantial 7,300mAh battery and 120W wired charging. It remains to be seen whether OnePlus will hit this rumored April launch window. This timeline makes sense, given that the 13T was released in the same month last year.

Gemini’s Latest Enhancements Turn Google TV into an Engaging Media Partner

With the collaboration of Nano Banana and Veo, Google TV is poised to transform user engagement by improving the viewing experience through cutting-edge AI functionalities. These elements, included in the Gemini update, empower users to engage with their TVs in more natural ways. Users can now look for specific images, modify them, and even convert them into animations or slideshows with the help of Nano Banana and Veo. Furthermore, the AI is capable of modifying settings based on straightforward voice commands, enhancing the personal touch of the TV experience. These enhancements are initially accessible on select TCL models and necessitate Android TV OS 14 along with a Google account for entry. Some advanced features might need a Google AI Pro subscription.

“Latest Update Results in Performance Problems for Two Generations of Google Pixel Flagship Models”

These problems appear to be directly linked to a Play update, yet they don’t seem to persist.

Key points to consider:
– A report indicates that Google’s Pixel 10 and 9 series devices are experiencing difficulties after a Play systems update.
– Certain devices are dealing with unresponsive Pixel Launchers; moreover, numerous Pixel phones are also booting up rather slowly post-update.
– December was challenging for the Pixel 10 series, as users reported significant app crashes and issues with the AOD.

There is a report suggesting that some users with Google’s latest Pixel phones may encounter problems after a behind-the-scenes update.

The potentially slow or “buggy” Pixel 10 and 9 phones were highlighted by 9to5Google, which noted several issues following a Play system update. The publication remarked on difficulties with a Pixel 10 unit after a minor 15MB patch. This device appeared to experience the most significant problems, as the post underscored an extremely sluggish Pixel launcher. It mentioned that the Pixel launcher “did not fully load.”

The device’s display was stuck, showing its wallpaper for an extended period without presenting a major requirement: its UI. Furthermore, 9to5 observed that their status bar was also absent after the update.

Tests involving a Pixel 10 Pro, which also exhibited issues, were conducted. The report noted that the Pro model had trouble after rebooting. Specifically, the device’s display “remained black” for what felt like an extended duration. It’s uncertain how widespread these issues are and if they are directly related to the latest Google Play systems update (which might be the case, given the timing).

The publication emphasizes that once the rebooting sequences are finished, the Pixel devices don’t seem to exhibit difficulties. A common issue reportedly stems from the rebooting sequence and its sluggishness.

A rough start to the new year:
The Pixel 10 has faced some challenges lately, as December brought complications with the severe cold. Users began receiving the monthly patch early last month, but quickly reported AOD (always-on display) concerns across all channels. Reportedly, the update led to a significant flickering issue with the AOD that users found difficult to remedy.

The flickering occurred during wireless charging, with clock refreshes, and even while unlocking the device. This problem was relatively confined to the Pixel 10 series, likely annoying consumers with Google’s newest lineup.

Shortly thereafter, a second issue emerged, with reports describing frustrating app crashes following the December patch. Apps would freeze, remain on their splash screen, or show the “not responding” error. Basic troubleshooting measures proved ineffective, prompting even greater calls for Google’s intervention. Fortunately, some relief for the Pixel 10 issues arrived by mid-December, as Google released a vital (emergency) update.

The patch aimed to address battery drain and touch-related problems.

Integration of Apple Health Unveiled in New ‘ChatGPT Health’ Functionality

**ChatGPT Health: An Innovative Step in AI-Enhanced Health Support**

OpenAI has rolled out ‘ChatGPT Health,’ an innovative feature that connects with leading health platforms like Apple Health and MyFitnessPal. This initiative is designed to address the rising need for AI-informed health support, with over 230 million individuals worldwide seeking health and wellness advice from ChatGPT weekly.

### Objective and Utility

ChatGPT Health aims to assist users in navigating their health information more efficiently. OpenAI highlights that this feature is not meant to substitute professional medical services, but to complement them by offering users dependable information. The aim is to empower individuals to feel more knowledgeable and assured regarding their health choices.

This new feature securely integrates users’ health data with ChatGPT’s sophisticated intelligence, enabling tailored interactions. Users can select which health partners are authorized to share their data with ChatGPT, ensuring privacy and governance over personal information.

### Creation and Partnership

The creation of ChatGPT Health has been a careful journey, spanning over two years and involving collaboration with more than 260 healthcare professionals from 60 countries and various fields. This comprehensive feedback has influenced the feature’s responses, focusing on providing valuable information while prioritizing user safety. The physicians offered insights on how to communicate health data clearly and when to advise follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.

### Privacy and Safety Improvements

OpenAI has introduced distinctive privacy features for ChatGPT Health, which include:

1. **Specialized encryption and segregation**: This guarantees that health-related discussions remain private and distinct.
2. **No utilization of health discussions for training**: Engagements within the ChatGPT Health feature are not used for training OpenAI’s core models, thereby enhancing user privacy.

### Initial Launch and Future Growth

ChatGPT Health is presently being launched to a select group of users, with intentions for broader access down the line. Users keen on merging their health data with ChatGPT can discover additional details on OpenAI’s official website.

As AI technology advances, ChatGPT Health signifies a major leap towards offering accessible and tailored health guidance, epitomizing the growing convergence of technology and healthcare.

Anticipated iPhone Software Enhancements for 2023: iOS 27 and Beyond

# Apple iPhone Software Updates Schedule for 2026

Apple is set to launch a range of important iPhone software updates in 2026, featuring the much-anticipated iOS 26 and iOS 27. Here’s a comprehensive schedule of the updates expected this year.

## Which iOS Updates Will Be Released by Apple This Year?

### iOS 26.3

Currently undergoing beta testing, iOS 26.3 is anticipated to bring a variety of improvements:

– Enhanced switching and data transfer between iPhone and Android devices.
– Notification forwarding for third-party smartwatches (EU only).
– Proximity pairing for third-party accessories (EU only).

**Expected Release Date:** Late January

### iOS 26.4

iOS 26.4 is expected to be a significant update, especially for Siri, featuring:

– Personal context capabilities enabling Siri to find specific information in notes, texts, and emails.
– Onscreen awareness allowing Siri to interact with items on the user’s screen.
– In-app actions that enable control of specific app functions via Siri.

These features were originally scheduled for iOS 18, suggesting possible delays.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early February
**Expected Release Date:** Late March or early April

### iOS 26.5

This update is expected to include a new Pride wallpaper to celebrate Pride Month. It is likely to be a more minor update as Apple concentrates on the forthcoming iOS 27.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early April
**Expected Release Date:** Mid May

### iOS 26.6

iOS 26.6 will mainly focus on bug fixes and performance improvements as the final significant update ahead of iOS 27.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early June
**Expected Release Date:** Late July

### iOS 27

As the standout software update of the year, iOS 27 is speculated to include:

– Optimizations for the inaugural iPhone Fold.
– New Apple Intelligence features, incorporating an AI-driven Health app and a revamped Siri interface.
– Emphasis on bug fixes and performance enhancements.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early June (for developers) and mid-July (for public beta)
**Expected Release Date:** Mid September

### iOS 26.7

This update will launch alongside iOS 27 for users who opt not to upgrade to the new version.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early September
**Expected Release Date:** Mid September

### iOS 27.1

iOS 27.1 will present features that were not completed in time for the iOS 27.0 rollout.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Mid September
**Expected Release Date:** Late October or early November

### iOS 27.2

This update will concentrate on refinements, bug fixes, and modifications to new features introduced in iOS 27.0.

**Expected Beta Release Date:** Early November
**Expected Release Date:** Mid December

## Conclusion

These updates signify the primary software enhancements slated for iPhone users in 2026. While other minor updates will take place throughout the year, these are the major releases that will go through beta testing.

Which new software features are you most looking forward to this year?

9to5Mac Daily: January 7, 2026 – Discussion on iPhone Camera Speculations and Other Subjects

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Hub for Daily Apple News and Insights**

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9to5Mac Daily is a podcast that provides daily installments, recorded each weekday, encapsulating the most notable news in the Apple realm. Hosted by Chance Miller, the podcast delves into various subjects, such as product launches, software releases, and industry dynamics. Audiences can subscribe to the podcast on platforms like iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and via a specialized RSS feed for other podcast applications.

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HBO Max Features Keanu Reeves’ Overlooked Comic Book Horror Movie

While “Constantine 2” has yet to receive the green light, despite the interest expressed by both Reeves and Lawrence, the initial film began streaming on HBO Max in early 2026, offering fans of the action-horror genre an opportunity to revisit it. Those who have skipped the film all these years, or were simply unaware, can now discover it from the comfort of home — possibly joining the ranks of fans advocating for a sequel to the tale.

“Constantine” serves as an instance where the Rotten Tomatoes rating from film critics (46%) does not accurately reflect the reaction of the general audience. The Rotten Tomatoes Popcorn Meter score is significantly higher, sitting at 72% from over 250,000 ratings, consistent with the film’s IMDb rating (7.0/10 based on over 402,000 reviews). While critics may have had legitimate criticisms of “Constantine” upon its release, it remains an enjoyable film to watch. Keanu Reeves plays an exorcist/investigator specializing in the supernatural. John Constantine possesses the ability to see, speak to, and confront demons and/or angels already embroiled in their conflict over humanity. He navigates this while bearing his own metaphorical burden as he heads toward his imminent day of reckoning.

It’s not solely centered on Keanu Reeves

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Mint Mobile Provides 50% Off on Top Wireless Plan: Should You Make the Switch?

Mint Mobile, recognized for its attractive pricing and witty ads featuring Ryan Reynolds, has unveiled what it touts as its “top offer of the year.” The T-Mobile-owned MVNO provider is promoting its Unlimited plan at a discounted price of $15 monthly, irrespective of the chosen duration—3, 6, or 12 months. This implies that clients can obtain a full year of service for just $180 in advance. This offer is time-sensitive and is a part of Mint Mobile’s bulk-purchase model, which generally provides more savings with longer commitments.

The Unlimited plan encompasses unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile’s 5G network, a mobile hotspot feature, and service availability in Mexico, Canada, and the UK. Although the plan does not include some of the luxurious benefits provided by major carriers, it serves as a budget-friendly option for individuals aiming to cut down on their mobile expenses.

Mint Mobile additionally provides a 7-day free trial via its app, enabling prospective users to experience the service with 250 minutes, 250 texts, and 250MB of data. Furthermore, Mint Mobile often features promotions on Android devices, like a $500 discount on the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL when purchased alongside a year of the Unlimited plan.

This offer is ideal for those prepared to change phone plans, reside in regions with reliable T-Mobile coverage, and are okay with paying for service upfront. However, it might not be the best choice for individuals who prefer monthly payment options or are looking for carriers with a wide range of benefits.