Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman yesterday reported that Apple’s new Siri initiative was facing internal delays, having originally been planned to start rolling out with iOS 26.4. Gurman suggested features may start appearing in iOS 26.5, or later releases in the year.

That report has seemingly rocked investor confidence, with Apple stock plummeting today. In a statement to CNBC, Apple confirmed that it remains on track to launch new Siri this year, which reaffirms what it has promised publicly all along.

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The earbuds use Sony’s HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3e with an adaptive noise canceling optimizer and four microphones on each earbud to detect sound to cut out. The earbuds analyze external noise and wearing conditions in real time to improve noise canceling performance.

Sony’s XM6 earbuds are smaller than the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ because there is no stem, and they include noise isolating silicone ear tips with a USB-C charging case. Sony redesigned the earbuds with a more ergonomic shape that’s meant to follow the natural curves of the inner ear to reduce discomfort, and the XM6 is 11 percent slimmer than the XM5. The updated design also reduces internal noises like footsteps and chewing sounds.

The battery in the XM6 earbuds lasts for up to eight hours, and the charging case provides an additional 24 hours.

More processing power delivers better sound, and Sony says the earbuds have a new driver unit that combines different materials on the dome and the edge. The soft edge offers deep bass, while the rigid dome provides clear and extended high frequencies. Sony is also using AI to restore compressed files in real time to improve sound quality.

For phone calls, there are two microphones and a bone conduction sensor on each side, with the earbuds using AI beamforming to isolate and capture the wearer’s voice even in crowded environments.

Sony offers Adaptive Sound Control, Auto Play, multi-device support, and integrated voice assistance, with Google Gemini Live built in.

Reviews suggest the WF-1000XM6 earbuds are almost on par with the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ when it comes to noise cancellation. According to SoundGuys, the XM6 had an 88 percent average reduction in loudness across all frequencies, just behind the 90 percent average of the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌. Passive isolation was better than the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ passive sound reduction.

Engadget felt that Sony’s earbuds struggled with human voices and had fit issues, but The Verge said the earbuds tuned out conversations better than other ANC earbuds, including the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌.

TechRadar said the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ had noticeably better ANC, Business Insider preferred the XM6 noise canceling, and CNET said the XM6 offered better sound quality than the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌.

Sony’s new earbuds are available from the Sony website for $330.

This article, "Sony Launches $330 WF-1000XM6 Earbuds to Take on AirPods Pro 3" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Walmart Saturday Showdown is coming to Apple TV on February 21.

Apple’s push for sports-related programming continues, as the iPhone maker has now promised additional Major League Soccer content. Throughout 2026, Apple TV subscribers in the United States will be able to watch MLS games for free, with select games highlighted as part of Sunday Night Soccer.

Starting February 21, MLS fans will get to enjoy even more soccer content over the weekend, with Walmart Saturday Showdown games coming to Apple’s streaming service.

Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new beta firmware update is available for select AirPods models.

Following the public release of iOS 26.3 on Wednesday, Apple has deployed a new beta firmware for select AirPods and AirPods Pro models. Thursday’s developer beta increases the build number to 8B5034f, up from previous versions like the 8A5308b update.

This beta software release is available for AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3. The software won’t be made available for AirPods Max or other non-H2 devices.

Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

After multiple years of speculation, last month Apple officially announced that Chase is set to become the new issuer of Apple Card. Apple says the transition from Goldman Sachs to Chase will occur in approximately 24 months. Here’s everything we know about what this transition means for Apple Card users …

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You’re probably familiar with this scenario: You raise your wrist expecting to see your customized watch face, but it’s been replaced by media playback controls because someone’s watching your Apple TV, or a timer you set earlier for cooking that still has ages left to run. Live Activities in the Smart Stack can clearly be useful, but having them automatically take over your display isn’t always ideal. Here’s how to take back control:

1. Open Settings on your Apple Watch.
2. Tap Smart Stack.
3. Select Live Activities.
4. Toggle off the switch next to Auto-Launch Live Activities.

After disabling auto-launch, Live Activities will still be available in your Smart Stack when you want them – you’ll just need to manually scroll to see them instead of having them pop up automatically.

If you want more granular control, you’re in luck. From the same settings screen you can control which Apple apps display Live Activities. Using the Watch app on your iPhone, you can also manage Live Activities settings for third-party apps. This lets you keep the notifications you find useful while preventing the less important ones from interrupting your watch face.

Pro Tip: If it’s just those persistent media controls that bug you, head to Media Apps in the same settings menu and turn off Live Activities completely, or alternatively under “Auto-Launch,” select Off or Smart Stack for a more focused watch face experience.
This article, "Live Activities Taking Over Your Apple Watch? Here's the Fix" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Benjamin and Chance react to the disappointing news shared by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that the new Siri features are facing even more delays, but in happier news, a bunch of iPhones, iPads and Macs are due for an imminent refresh. Meanwhile, Tim Cook reminisces ahead of Apple’s 50th birthday.  

And in Happy Hour Plus, thoughts on the design of the Ferrari Luce and Jony Ive’s sniping comments about his former employer.

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