Related coverage
Apple's press release for the HomePod mini 2 last month touted "rich sound" and "advanced computational audio," but it did not explicitly mention if the second-generation model has better sound compared to the original. A few early reviews of the speaker, however, said that audio quality has in fact improved. Apple's tech specs pages for both the HomePod mini 2 and the original HomePod mini mention a "full-range driver" and "dual passive radiators for deep bass and crisp high frequencies," so the core speaker hardware is seemingly unchanged. However, the HomePod mini 2 is equipped with a much newer S10 chip that could use advanced algorithms to optimize sound in an improved manner compared to the S5 chip in the original model. CNET 's Tyler Lacoma said the HomePod mini 2 has "much better sound" than the original model. From his article: Playing the same audio at the same volume on each speaker, I repeatedly switched between them while streaming Apple Lossless audio via Apple Music. The results were always the same: The new Mini 2 had significantly greater range and louder, clearer audio than the first HomePod Mini. It wasn't just noticeable: It was a big enough difference to completely change my mind about a speaker that didn't seem worth it on paper. If you want sound that can actually fill a room without losing quality, the HomePod Mini 2 is by far the preferable pick. Cult of Mac 's Ed Hardy said likewise: To my ears, the second-gen version sounds noticeably better. Especially the stronger bass. I did a side-by-side comparison with HomePod mini 2 and my original model, and the new model definitely came out ahead. Another benefit of the S10 chip that Apple did not emphasize: Siri is apparently much faster for basic requests such as playing a song and smart home commands, according to The Verge 's Jennifer Pattison Tuohy . However, this is based on what Apple now calls Siri Classic, as the more intelligent and personalized Siri AI will not be available on the HomePod mini 2 until a future software update , according to Apple. From her article: The Mini 2 is so much faster than the first-gen Mini, playing music in a few seconds and responding to smart home commands just as quickly. If you're fed up with standing over your HomePod waiting for it to finally do what you asked, then that alone is worth the upgrade. The new HomePod mini was released last week, with U.S. pricing set at $149. Related Roundup: HomePod mini 2 Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Buy Now) Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech This article, " Does HomePod Mini 2 Have Improved Sound? Here's What Reviews Say " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
macOS 27.3 adds native Markdown rendering to Quick Look, allowing users to preview .md files with their formatting applied. In the first beta of macOS 27.3, Quick Look displays styled headings, bold text, lists, and links when previewing Markdown documents. Selecting a file in Finder and pressing the Space bar brings up a readable preview, without requiring a separate editor or Quick Look extension. The addition builds on Apple's broader adoption of Markdown. Notes gained Markdown import and export with iOS 26 , while iOS 27 introduced Markdown copy and paste , allowing users to paste Markdown as formatted text or copy rich text in Markdown format. Apple's new Siri AI app skills also use Markdown. According to Apple's developer documentation , developers can bundle SKILL.md files with their apps to explain how ‌Siri‌ should handle tasks involving app actions. Apple released the first macOS 27.3 developer beta yesterday. Related Roundup: macOS Golden Gate Tag: Siri AI Related Forum: macOS Golden Gate This article, " macOS 27.3 Makes Markdown Files Easier to Read " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Apple will likely consolidate its high-end MacBook Pro lineup around touchscreen models, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman . Writing in his latest "Power On" newsletter , Gurman questioned whether Apple would keep updating its high-end ‌MacBook Pro‌ models without touchscreens. The company has retained the mini-LED M5 Pro and M5 Max models alongside the new touchscreen versions, which cost $400 more. Gurman cited the resources required to support parallel product lines across development, production, and promotion. Given the price difference, he expects the two offerings to converge, although he did not specify when Apple might stop developing the non-touch models. Gurman added that Apple plans to introduce another generation of touchscreen MacBook Pros in 2027. These machines will use M7 Pro and M7 Max processors with additional hardware capabilities for AI. He previously said the chip upgrade would arrive toward the end of 2027. The redesign will also reach the entry-level 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, according to Gurman. Apple plans to offer an M7 version with reduced weight, a thinner enclosure, and narrower borders around the display, similar to the new high-end models. Gurman first reported plans for the redesigned base model in July, when he outlined a potential launch in the first half of 2027. Apple unveiled its first touchscreen MacBook Pros last week, retaining the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips introduced in March. The redesign pairs OLED displays and Dynamic Island with a lighter, slightly thinner enclosure and a revised cooling system that channels warm air away from the screen. Related Roundup: MacBook Pro Tags: Bloomberg , Mark Gurman Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now) Related Forum: MacBook Pro This article, " Apple May Phase Out Non-Touch High-End MacBook Pros " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Apple has added an explicit ban on using confidential information to bet on prediction markets to its insider trading policy, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The policy was filed on Tuesday as an exhibit to Apple's annual report on Form 10-K , which is also available on Apple's Investor Relations website . The new version is marked "Updated October 2026," while an earlier version that Apple filed in 2024 doesn't mention prediction markets at all. If you haven't heard of them, prediction markets are basically platforms where people buy and sell contracts that pay out depending on whether a future event happens. The new clause in Apple's policy is titled "No Trading in Prediction Markets Based on Confidential Information," and it warns employees not to "participate in 'prediction markets' or similar platforms to wager, bet, trade, buy or sell contracts based on the outcome of future events," when doing so involves confidential information obtained through their work at Apple. It's not a blanket ban, however. The restriction applies only when confidential information is used, but that also includes information about other companies, such as Apple's suppliers, manufacturers, vendors, customers and carrier partners. Apple also says employees must not share confidential information to others who may go on to use it on such markets. Apple's insider trading policy applies to directors, officers, employees, independent contractors and consultants, as well as to family members who live with them or are financially dependent on them. This article, " Apple's Insider Trading Policy Now Covers Prediction Markets " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
