August 21, 2026: Apple Watch Series 12 is rumored to include a ceramic option for the first time since the Series 5 was discontinued. With that in mind, I’m resharing my hands-on post of my favorite Apple Watch from September 2019. Seven years later, it’s still the best version I’ve ever owned. I hope you enjoy! Apple Watch Series 5 introduces the return of the ceramic Edition after being notably absent from the Series 4 lineup. That means this is the first time ceramic has been an option with the redesign that debuted last year, and the new look is stunning. Check out our initial hands-on with the Apple Watch Edition before our full Series 5 review later next week.
After years of holding out, Walmart today announced that it will finally begin accepting tap-to-pay options like Apple Pay in some of its Walmart and Sam's Club stores in the U.S. starting Monday, August 24. The retailer plans to roll out tap-to-pay support to all of its U.S. stores by the end of 2026 and to its gas stations by mid-2027. "We want customers and members to have choice in how they pay, so they can check out in the way that works best for them," said Walmart, in a press release. Other major U.S. retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe's, Kroger, and Texas-based grocery store chain H-E-B already reversed course and rolled out tap-to-pay support in recent years, leaving Walmart as one of the most notable remaining holdouts until now. Before this, Walmart prioritized its own Walmart Pay system that involves scanning a QR code at checkout, but it has finally listened to customer feedback and decided to accept NFC-based tap-to-pay options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at its U.S. stores. Tap-to-pay support extends to physical credit and debit cards. With Apple Pay, launched in 2014, you can simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the payment terminal to pay with a digital version of an eligible credit or debit card stored in the Apple Wallet app. Apple Pay has a lot of privacy protections, including hiding a customer's actual credit card number during the payment process. Existing payment options like Walmart Pay will remain available. Walmart has already accepted Apple Pay in its Canadian stores since 2020. It is unclear if the retailer will begin accepting tap-to-pay options in Mexico too. Related Roundup: Apple Pay Tag: Walmart Related Forum: Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+ This article, " Walmart to Begin Accepting Apple Pay in U.S. Stores " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
An old iPhone or iPad may have years of useful life left, but the wrong second act can turn aging software into a security risk. Here's how to tell when it deserves a new job, a new owner, or a trip to the recycler. Apple devices can be repurposed Most retired devices still have a working display, usable cameras and enough battery life for undemanding tasks. A clever project can keep that hardware out of a drawer, but novelty alone doesn't make the project worthwhile. Repurposing an old device can save money and postpone another purchase, but a second life isn't automatically useful or responsible. Using an iPad solely as an e-reader can provide real value with limited security exposure. An iPhone that no longer receives security updates shouldn't stay signed into messages, banking apps, saved passwords, or smart-home controls. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple "has just laid off an entire team dedicated to VR development," reports AppleInsider , citing its own source. Apple is said to have laid off at least 60 employees from its Apple Vision Group. Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman previously reported that the Vision Pro team was disbanded and its members redistributed across other projects, following the October 2025 refresh of the Vision Pro and the headset's weak reception. Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus also reportedly signed off on canceling both a second Vision Pro and a cheaper, slimmer " Vision Air ," with Apple's focus now shifted to smart glasses. Last month, The Elec reported that Apple had suspended development of the display for a cheaper, lighter version of the Vision Pro that it originally planned to launch in the next few years. Gurman doesn't expect Apple to launch another headset before late 2028 at the earliest. Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Neutral) Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro This article, " Apple Reportedly Lays Off 60 Vision Products Group Employees " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
