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Prime Video Carrie series drops 'haunting' and 'heartbreaking' trailer — but Amazon's made a smart business move that horror fans could hate

  • The official trailer for Mike Flanagan's Prime Video adaptation of Carrie has been released
  • All eight episodes of the series are set to drop on October 7, 2026
  • Summer H. Howell stars in the titular role

The official trailer for Mike Flanagan's Prime Video adaptation of Carrie has been released, which you can catch up with in full below.

Following the same narrative as the Stephen King novel and subsequent 1976 horror movie starring Sissy Spacek, we can expect the new eight-episode series to "pull back the curtain on the urgent and arresting reinvention, bringing new depth and complexity to its beloved characters while exploring the forces that shape Carrie White (Summer H. Howell) as she navigates the cruelty and pressure of the modern world - building toward a single, shattering night.

"But how much do we really know about Carrie — or what happened in Chamberlain?"

Series regulars include Samantha Sloyan as Margaret White, Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, Alison Thornton as Chris Hargensen, Joel Oulette as Tommy Ross, Josie Totah as Tina, Arthur Conti as Billy, Thalia Dudek as Emaline, Amber Midthunder as Miss Desjardin, and Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle.

Given that streamable titles such as Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher are all already under Flanagan's belt, you might have expected the below trailer to feel a little more... spooky.

However, I think that there's a clever reason why it doesn't, and it's all thanks to Amazon.

Opinion: Prime Video's Carrie series looks frustratingly like yet another YA release

Even just within 2026 alone, Prime Video has an exceptional track record when it comes to creating popular young adult (YA) dramas. Shows like Off Campus, Every Year After and Sterling Point have helped to cement its status as the go-to streaming service for the genre.

As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So if YA is a successful Amazon niche, why not make as much of its content fit the bill as possible? I watch the trailer above and don't see disturbing scares, but fairly run-of-the-mill teenage drama.

Of course, I'm getting ahead of myself here to a certain extent. Flanagan is seemingly allergic to creating bad (or bland) TV, and if a trailer is doing its job properly, what's waiting for us is hidden away rather than shown. It could be the case that the Carrie trailer is a total red herring for what's actually to come... and that idea is incredibly exciting.

I really hope I'm right — as brilliant as Prime Video's YA stories are, I don't want to see another in this instance. Bring on the pig's blood, that's all I'm saying.

The Paper season 2 star confirms 'divisive' character is 'a work in progress' ahead of new episodes releasing on Peacock — 'things change every day'

While I was rewatching season 1 ahead of diving into The Paper season 2, one thing quickly became apparent: the internet was incredibly divided on Esmeralda (Sabrina Impacciatore).

Self-centered, brash and oblivious, she's usually found tearing though the office of the Toledo Truth Teller like a bull in a China shop. She's incredibly hesitant to absorb (or even listen to) other people's ideas, and that comes back to bite her in new episodes.

Without giving anything away, Esmeralda is set up to face more than one brutal reality check across the 10 season 2 episodes, which all land on Peacock on September 9. But perhaps the damage has already been done — some fans think she's too overpowering and narcissistic, although others fully buy into her unique brand of silliness.

Has any of this affected how Esmeralda appears in The Paper season 2? According to Impacciatore herself, she's very much still "a work in progress."

"I don't think so," Impacciatore tells me when I ask her if fan opinion has affected how we see Esmeralda in season 2. "I think Esmeralda, like every other character, is a work in progress. The show itself is so alive. It's something that changes every day. Somehow, we keep exploring new things, and that direction changes day by day.

"We talk a lot with [the show's creators] Greg (Daniels) and Michael (Koman), going to the writer's room. I think we all enjoyed things more this year because we felt more relaxed. But I'm still figuring out how Esmeralda is perceived. I surprise myself when I watch the series... things sound new to me. It's an interesting process."

In my opinion, what will be even more interesting is whether fan opinion of Esmeralda will change following the events of The Paper season 2 — and for now, you'll have to trust me when I say that her upcoming storyline certainly has the power to do just that.

Don't get me wrong, though: in many ways, she's still as annoying as she ever was. If The Paper does get picked up for a third season and beyond, which we're yet to find out, I'm still doubtful that she'll ever fully leave her self-obsessed ways in the past.

Rivals season 2 part 2 release date confirmed by Hulu and Disney+ — but it's the first-look images that have me screaming

  • Rivals season 2 part 2 release date confirmed for November 11 by Hulu and Disney+
  • Begins with a three-episode premiere followed by weekly releases
  • Upcoming episodes will feature 'a Hunt Ball, a chaotic Bonfire Night and a very Rivals Christmas

Breathe a sign of relief, Jilly Cooper fans: Rivals season 2 part 2 returns to Hulu (US) and Disney+ (international) from November 11, 2026.

The season's second half is set to kick off with a three-episode premiere, with weekly releases of the remaining three episodes following after.

Our core cast is set to return — well, all except for one, which we'll get to in a minute — but we'll also see the introduction of three important new characters.

Rachael Stirling will play Lady Monica Baddingham’s vampish younger sister Araminta Pemberton, Rupert Evans is erudite headmaster David Hawkley, and Santiago Cabrera takes on the role of Argentinian Polo legend Alejandro Mendoza.

While overarching plot details have been limited to episodes featuring " a Hunt Ball, a chaotic Bonfire Night and a very Rivals Christmas," the shock part 1 cliffhanger tells us exactly where we'll be picking the action up... and that's a bittersweet thing.

Rivals season 2 part 2 first-look images tease a Lizzie-Freddie reconciliation

Spoilers for Rivals season 2 part 1 ahead.

Rivals season 2 part 2 is set to pick back up with Monica's (Claire Rushbrook) funeral, with the full mid-season synopsis reading: " Picking up after the gut-wrenching mid-series finale, Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Declan O'Hara's (Aiden Turner) battle for the Cotswolds crown reaches fever pitch, while Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) is forced to confront his own personal demons.

"Against a backdrop of hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas, affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify. Caught in the middle of the frenzied franchise war, Taggie O'Hara (Bella Maclean) must find the courage to follow her heart, while those around her face the consequences of ambition, power and secrets that can no longer remain hidden. But as series two draws to a close, who will get their happy ending?"

Freddie and Lizzie look at each other

(Image credit: Hulu/Disney)

Not only does this signal that Taggie and Rupert will find their way back to each other before the season ends, but the above first-look image also teases an much-anticipated reunion between Freddie (Danny Dyer) and Lizzie (Katherine Parkinson).

After almost being caught together in the first half of season 2, Lizzie decided to be the bigger person and end things with Freddie before their colliding worlds got any more complicated. Has this decision made her happy? No, so you know that it's not going to last for long.

Expect "secrets, betrayals and explosive twists," and if we're being honest... that's just the start of it.

'I am so excited to see it': The first trailer for Artificial is here — and it'll star Andrew Garfield as controversial OpenAI boss Sam Altman in Neon's dark comedy-drama about the rise of ChatGPT

9 September 2026 at 12:00
  • The first trailer for Neon's Sam Altman biopic Artificial has been revealed
  • The Andrew Garfield-led movie will be released in late 2026/early 2027
  • It covers Altman's controversial rise to prominence as OpenAI's co-founder

The first trailer for Artificial, a movie about controversial OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman, has been revealed.

Unveiled yesterday (September 8), the teaser for the Neon-distributed film strikes an unusually sinister tone for what's being billed as a biographical comedy-drama.

Indeed, from the gun-laden room that lead star Andrew Garfield, who'll portray Altman, visits, to Garfield's unsettling voiceover that plays over Artificial's publicly-released footage, it's certainly foreboding in nature. I get the feeling, then, that it'll be a dark-comedy dramatization of Altman's rise of prominence, the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT, and his brief and somewhat disputable ousting as OpenAI CEO in late 2023.

Artificial will initially debut in US theaters on December 25, 2026, before receiving a wider international rollout in early 2027. UK viewers, for example, will have to wait until January 22, 2027 to catch one of many new movies that'll arrive in the months ahead.

Artificial cast and crew: who's involved?

Andrew Garfield's Sam Altman and Yura Borisov's Ilya Sutskever in Neon's ChatGPT comedy-drama Artificial

Garfield (left) will be joined by a whole host of famous faces in Artificial (Image credit: Neon)

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (Challengers, Call Me By Your Name) is on directing duties, while Saturday Night Live writing alumnus Simon Rich has penned its screenplay. Meanwhile, Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn has also created original music and songs for Artificial.

Where the movie's cast is concerned, Garfield, who impersonates another Silicon Valley techbro following his portrayal of Eduardo Savarin in The Social Network, aka the 2010 dramatization about Facebook's creation, is arguably its most recognizable star — and based on what little footage we've seen thus far, he appears to have Altman's mannerisms, vernacular, and other unique traits down to a tee.

Here's who else you'll see in Artificial:

  • Yura Borisov (Anora) as Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's chief scientific officer and co-founder
  • Monica Barbaro (Crime 101) as Mira Murati, OpenAI's chief technology officer
  • Cooper Hoffman (The Long Walk) as Greg Brockman, OpenAI's chairman
  • Ike Barinholtz (The Studio) as Elon Musk
  • Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies) as Geoffrey Hinton, the so-called 'Godfather of AI'
  • Jason Schwartzman (The Grand Budapest Hotel) as TBC
  • Chris O'Dowd (The IT Crowd) as TBC

What is the plot of Artificial?

Andrew Garfield's Sam Altman holding up a T-shirt with the ChatGPT logo on it in Neon's Artificial movie

Artificial will seemingly focus on a specific period of OpenAI's history (Image credit: Neon)

Here's the official logline for Artifical: "[The movie] chronicles the incredibly consequential days leading up to the sudden firing and reinstatement of Sam Altman, as the fate of who gets to control the technology at the centre of an AI arms race hangs in the balance."

It's unclear how much of Altman's backstory, his various relationships with his OpenAI colleagues, and ChatGPT's launch and subsequent sociopolitical impact will be covered as part of Artificial's story. One thing is for sure, though: given that it dramatizes events concerning Altman and OpenAI, the discourse that will surround Artificial's release will be impossible to ignore.

What is the release date for Lioness season 3 episode 7 on Paramount+?

God, the search for Joe (Zoe Saldaña) is taking its sweet time, isn't it? At this rate, things still won't be resolved by next week's Lioness season 3 finale.

The CIA has narrowed its rescue search to the Houston area, but fallout from dismantled Russian networks in Washington has led to some tense confrontations and a pretty disastrous decision for one of our leading senators.

But surely this week has to bring better things... right? And when does Lioness season 3 episode 7 arrive on Paramount+?

What time can I watch Lioness season 3 episode 7 on Paramount+?

Lioness season 3 episode 7 will drop on one of the world's best streaming services in the US and Canada on Sunday, September 13 at 12am PT / 3am ET.

Here's when it will be released in other nations globally:

  • US – 12am PT / 3am ET
  • Canada – 12am PT / 3am ET
  • UK – 8am BST
  • India – 12:30pm IST
  • Singapore – 3pm SGT
  • Australia – 5pm AEST
  • New Zealand – 7pm NZST

When do new episodes of Lioness season 3 come out?

Byron and Kaitlyn look across a desk

(Image credit: Paramount+)

Lioness season 3 will have a total of eight episodes, with new entries airing weekly. That gives us the following schedule:

  • Episode 1: out now
  • Episode 2: out now
  • Episode 3: out now
  • Episode 4: out now
  • Episode 5: out now
  • Episode 6: out now
  • Episode 7: September 13
  • Episode 8: September 20

Apple Event 2026 live — new foldable iPhone Duo, AirPods 5, and more set to be announced

9 September 2026 at 10:12

Apple's hotly anticipated ‘Surprise and Shine’ event is happening now, and we're on the ground in California bringing you all the big announcements as they happen.

Leading the list of rumored-to-be-unveiled products is Apple's first foldable iPhone — expected to be called either the iPhone Duo or iPhone Ultra — which, if it does arrive, would represent the biggest iPhone shake-up in recent history. This dual-screen device could also skyrocket the popularity of foldable phones more generally, so Samsung and Google executives are surely paying close attention.

Elsewhere, Apple looks set to refresh its wearable, earbud, and smart home lines with new Apple Watches, AirPods, and HomePods, respectively — and we may even see a new version of the Apple TV 4K, which hasn't been updated since 2022.

Proceedings kicked off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST — or 3am AEST on September 10 if you're in Australia — and you can follow along below for our live reaction to new CEO John Ternus' first-ever Apple Event.

Jump to the live updates here

Apple Event 2026 — rumored announcements

  • Foldable iPhone Duo (or Ultra)
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
  • Apple Watch Series 12
  • Apple Watch Ultra 4
  • AirPods 5
  • Apple TV 4K (2026)
  • HomePod mini 2

Apple Event 2026 — how to watch

Today's ‘Surprise and Shine’ Apple event is taking place at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, California, but you can follow along via the livestream video embedded above or via Apple’s official event page.

Proceedings kicked off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST, which is 3am AEST on September 10 if you're in Australia, but you'll be able to re-watch the stream once the event finishes (we're expecting things to wrap up around 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm BST, or 5am AEST in Australia).

Live updates

Good morning, folks! It's Apple Day — the most important date in the annual tech calendar and the busiest day of the year for the TechRadar office (sigh).

I'll be bringing you the latest iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch rumors ahead of the event's kick-off later today, and trust me: there's a lot to cover.

First, a quick reminder of what's happening: Apple's ‘Surprise and Shine’ event is scheduled to start at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST today (that's 3am AEST on September 10 if you're in Australia).

This is the 2026 edition of Apple's annual product showcase, and we're expecting to see as many as nine (yes, nine) new products unveiled.

Of those nine rumored products, the most hotly anticipated is Apple's first foldable iPhone, which we've been referring to as the 'iPhone Ultra' for close to a year now. But at the very last minute, the rumor mill has spat out an unexpected new name for this folding device...

Could the iPhone Ultra be the iPhone Duo?

According to seasoned Apple tipster Mark Gurman, the iPhone Ultra will in fact be called the iPhone Duo. It's pretty hard to believe that such a drastically different name has emerged just hours before the product itself is due to be unveiled — so we're still a tad skeptical about its authenticity — but Gurman has an excellent track record when it comes to Apple predictions.

Apple landed on the iPhone Duo name for the foldable iPhone and a $2,000 starting price, eating the additional memory costs. Storage capacities will reach 2 terabytes and roughly $3,000. It’ll ship in October, has support for the Apple Pencil and come in dark blue + white. https://t.co/58VLtVNka6September 9, 2026

Gurman adds in the same X post that the iPhone Duo will have a starting price of $2,000, rising to $3,000 for the 2TB model. And, yes, in case you were in any doubt: those numbers would make the Duo the most expensive iPhone of all time.

Another important note: Gurman says Apple's first foldable iPhone will have Apple Pencil support. Steve Jobs won't be happy...

Steve Jobs on stage announcing the original iPhone

(Image credit: Apple)

Let's talk AirPods

The open cases for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 held next to each other, showing the tops of the earbuds poking out

(Image credit: Future)

Moving away from the iPhone for the moment, let's talk AirPods. Today, we're expecting Apple to announce two new AirPods models: the AirPods 5 without ANC (active noise cancellation), and AirPods 5 with ANC.

Both models are set to use Apple's new H3 chipset, which should improve audio processing and reduce latency, though it remains to be seen how different the AirPods 5 with ANC will be from the AirPods Pro, which already offer ANC.

In any case, we're not expecting to see any camera-equipped AirPods launch today, despite rumors suggesting that such a product is indeed in development.

The Apple HomePod Mini on an orange background

(Image credit: Apple)

Today might also be the day we finally get a successor to the HomePod mini. This smaller, more affordable version of the standard Apple HomePod (which now exists as the HomePod 2) was released way back in November 2020, but hasn't been updated since.

More than 20 (!) new iPhones have launched in that same period, so to say the HomePod mini 2 has been a long time coming would be an understatement.

Rumored upgrades for the HomePod mini include a faster chipset (duh!), superior audio quality, and Siri AI functionality.

A clear message from Samsung

A Samsung advertising board in Piccadilly Circus

(Image credit: Samsung)

If you walk around London, New York, or Seoul today, you may spot Samsung's new tongue-in-cheek advertising campaign, dubbed ‘Welcome to Foldables’.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 manufacturer is clearly hoping to remind people that it has spent a decade developing foldable technology, and that Apple — if it does release its first foldable today — is late to the party.

That said, Samsung isn't totally against Apple's late entry into the foldables market. Speaking to Bloomberg last year, Samsung's President and COO of the company’s Mobile eXperience (MX) division, Won-joon Choi, said: "I think healthy competition with other companies will bring more innovations, and then bring more benefits to consumers. So we are welcoming others to join this category, which we created back in 2019 [...] Having another global company join this category, I think it's good for the industry, and also, it's going to be great for consumers."

Don't forget about the iPhone 18 Pro

A quick word on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which will likely be the forgotten children of today's Apple Event while also being the best-selling Apple products of the next 12 months.

Gurman says both phones will have smaller, more functional Dynamic Islands, an upgraded vapor chamber (read: they won't get as hot), and "major" new camera hardware. Rumors suggest a variable aperture feature could be chief among this new hardware, which would make the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max some of the best camera phones around.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a smaller and upgraded Dynamic Island that can support three tasks at once (up from two currently), major new pro camera hardware and software, plus an upgraded vapor chamber. https://t.co/58VLtVNka6September 9, 2026

iPhone Ultra concept image on a yellow background

(Image credit: Future)

Back to the iPhone Ultra/Duo/whatever you want to call it, let's talk about what features it reportedly won't have. According to various rumors, there's a chance Apple's first foldable will lack Face ID, a telephoto camera, MagSafe, the Action button, and a physical SIM card slot.

Now look, I can live without the Action button, a SIM card slot, and a telephoto camera, but no Face ID or MagSafe? I'm not sure I would spend $2,000 on an iPhone without those two features, which feel pretty essential to how I use my iPhone every day.

Thinking of selling your iPhone 17 Pro? Do so ASAP

Best iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max plans

(Image credit: Apple / Future)

Here's some last-minute advice for you: if you're planning on selling your current iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max to fund an upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro line, you should head out to your local tech store and do so ASAP. Why? Because current iPhones could fall in value by up to 30% once the new models launch.

“Many people will make the mistake of waiting to see what new features the next iPhone range has before trading in their old device, but our data clearly shows that waiting just a few weeks could mean a significant hit on the amount customers can get for it," Joe Armstrong, Head of Trading at musicMagpie, tells TechRadar. "Those who wait until October may see handsets drop by an average of £48 and up to £122."

It's the same story in the US and Australia, and while Armstrong references October as the hard trade-in deadline, your absolute best bet is to sell your current iPhone before 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm BST today.

Of course, selling before the iPhone 18 Pro has even been announced would leave you with no phone until the new models begin shipping later this month, but some retailers will allow you to lock in a sale price today and keep using your phone for a few more weeks. That's the ideal scenario during this precarious time of year for iPhone trade-in values.

First official look at the iPhone Ultra?

New Apple CEO John Ternus has just posted what appears to be a tease for one of the company's new iPhones on X. There's no Tim Cook-style "Good morning!" here, nor even a reminder of today's event start time. Instead, Ternus has shared a 14-second clip of a spotlight shining down on the corner of what looks like an iPhone. Is this a hint that the iPhone Ultra/Duo won't have four straight edges à la the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, or a reference to the rumored variable aperture feature on the iPhone 18 Pro?

pic.twitter.com/CLu9eRDP5bSeptember 9, 2026

The Apple Store is down

A screenshot of the Apple Store website

(Image credit: Future)

Oh, and the Apple Store website is now closed for maintenance, which typically happens right before the company refreshes its product lineup. Not long to go now!

Regarding Ternus' teaser post on X, some Apple fans are pretty convinced it refers to the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture, rather than the company's first foldable iPhone. Perhaps we'll get a second teaser video before the event kicks off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST?

Pro phones to come to variable aperture!Notice how the light source widens up and then convergesJust a guess !September 9, 2026

In terms of what won't be unveiled today, we're not expecting Apple to announce new MacBooks, iPads, or Vision Pro-style VR hardware. Software upgrades will most likely take a backseat, too, after iOS 27, Siri AI, and WatchOS 27 were all announced at WWDC 2026 back in June (though it's worth noting that these new OS packages will almost certainly be released alongside their corresponding hardware products in September).

Lance Ulanoff taking a selfie outside the Apple Store in Apple Park

(Image credit: Future)

TechRadar's Editor at Large, Lance Ulanoff, has touched down in Apple Park. His first stop? The official Apple Store, which appears to be temporarily boarded up in preparation for new products.

The Boys Are Back in Town

Lance Ulanoff and Jacob Krol at Apple Park

(Image credit: Future)

Lance has now been joined by Jacob Krol, TechRadar's US Managing Editor for News. Between them, they'll be bringing you hands-on impressions and videos of everything Apple is announcing today — including, we hope, the company's first foldable iPhone.

OK, I'm pretty sure I know what the winning response will be (it rhymes with "grindstone culture"), but cast your vote below for your most anticipated announcement from today's Apple Event:

Just two hours to go! A reminder that today's event kicks off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST (or 3am AEST if you're in Australia, but if you're reading this from Sydney: go back to sleep).

Here's Lance and Jake on their predictions for today's event:

And here's part 2 of the pair's predictions:

The sun is out at Apple Park! Incidentally, it was raining cats and dogs during last year's event, so perhaps the universe is telling us we're in for a more exciting set of announcements in 2026.

Apple Park exterior shot

(Image credit: Future)

Watch out for watches

Apple Watch Series 11 in person

The Apple Watch Series 11 (Image credit: Future)

The foldable iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro won't be the only stars of today's event: Apple Watches also look set to get an overhaul, starting with the Apple Watch Series 12.

Now, if you're expecting major design upgrades, prepare to be disappointed. According to the latest rumors, the Series 12 will look similar to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 11 — though one rumor does hint at ceramic case options, which would be a nice touch. We’ve also heard that the Series 12 could have a new LTPO display instead of the classic OLED, but we’re taking this claim with a pinch of salt.

For now, we’re expecting the biggest upgrades to come inside the watch. Specifically, the Series 12 is tipped to house Apple’s new S12 chipset, which should be powerful enough to support Siri AI, as well as a larger battery for a much-needed battery life boost.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

(Image credit: Apple)

The premium Apple Watch Ultra is also tipped to get another update today, but again, it won't necessarily look any different from the current model. Some speculate that the Watch Ultra 4 will be identical in appearance to the Watch Ultra 3, while others claim it will have a bigger screen and slimmer build.

Of course, the biggest updates will likely come under the hood, with the Watch Ultra 4 set to get a new chipset — a no-brainer given Siri AI’s imminent rollout — and a suite of new sensors for more accurate health tracking.

Look out for new health-tracking software

While both new Apple Watch models will almost certainly get hardware upgrades, Apple is also expected to unveil new wellbeing tracking tools for health-minded users. A new default Readiness app is expected to launch for the Apple Watch home screen, delivering a new and improved recovery experience for users — because what you do after a workout is just as important as the workout itself.

The Workout app could be getting an overdue facelift, too. The new version will reportedly let you record individual reps and sets for strength routines to help you keep track of your progress. I’ve been using my iPhone's Notes app in the gym for years, so this is one feature I’m hoping will make an appearance at today's event.

Another handy health tool we’re expecting to see unveiled is always-on heart rate data tracking, which will monitor your activity and recovery over 24 hours using only your heart rate. This sounds exciting, but given that only the Ultra 4 is expected to get new sensors, it’s likely that this feature will be exclusive to Apple's most premium wearable.

Queue at Apple Park

(Image credit: Future)

Just 45 minutes to go — Lance and co. are being ushered into the Steve Jobs Theater to take their seats.

The current foldable competition

The Xiaomi 18 Fold being held in the hand

The Xiaomi 18 Fold (Image credit: Future)

Switching focus back to Apple's first foldable iPhone, there are currently three similarly sized devices available on the market right now: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Xiaomi 18 Fold, and the Huawei Pura X Max.

The first of that trio is the big competition for the iPhone Duo/Ultra. The Z Fold 8 is available globally, and it's been well-received by reviewers and customers as a sturdy, pocket-friendly phone designed for content consumption above all else. Apple will surely ensure its foldable iPhone one-ups the Z Fold 8 in some way, but we're not sure how just yet. I'm banking on a less-visible crease or a superior camera array.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold and Huawei Pura X Max are only available in China, but both may look more similar in appearance to Apple's foldable iPhone than the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Both phones have two rounded corners when closed and four when open, while Samsung's phone is straight-edged whichever way you slice it.

The inside of the Steve Jobs theater

(Image credit: Future)

Lance and Jake have taken their seats inside the Steve Jobs Theater. It's getting real now.

Tim Cook is in the building

Tim Cook at Apple Park

(Image credit: Future)

Former (which feels weird to write) Apple CEO Tim Cook is in the building for new CEO John Ternus' first big Apple Event. A penny for his thoughts...

Two mins to go. Good luck, folks — I hope you get every foldable iPhone you wished for.

And we're off. We're getting a 'Shot on iPhone' sequence to kick things off (classic!). $10 says Craig Federighi appears before it finishes.

Screenshot from Apple's September 2026 event

(Image credit: Apple)

Tim Cook officially hands the reins to John Ternus. Here we go.

Screenshot from Apple's September 2026 event

(Image credit: Apple)

We're kicking off with... iPhone?! I wasn't expecting that. Ternus says the iPhone represents the perfect intersection between AI and hardware. Private Cloud Compute delivers "personal intelligence that's actually personal."

OK we really are getting straight into the new iPhones. I respect it!

Screenshot from Apple's September 2026 event

(Image credit: Apple)

First up is the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. "We made massive advancements in Intelligence, Performance, Battery, and Camera," Ternus says.

It comes in Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy.

Screenshot from Apple's September 2026 event

(Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 18 Pro features Apple's most advanced foundation models, which, of course, unlock the full capabilities of Siri AI. We got a taste of Siri AI at WWDC 2026 earlier this year, but it now looks set to roll out properly on the 18 Pro, Pro Max, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air (other iPhones will get it, too, but the best version of the software will be locked to these top-end models).

Screenshot from Apple's September 2026 event

(Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 18 Pro features the Expressive Voices feature in Siri AI for more accurate dictation and improved personalization.

We're getting a lot on Siri AI and Apple Intelligence here, but we heard most of this back in June. Let's hope we move onto the hardware upgrades soon...

Screenshot from Apple's September 2026 event

(Image credit: Apple)

OK, we're finally onto the hardware: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max feature Apple's latest chipset, the A20. It's built on 2nm technology, and features a 6-core CPU (including 2 new super cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core CPU (delivering a 40% increase in graphics performance), and two Neural Engines.

Its the "ultimate chip for running on-device AI models," Apple says.

Screenshot from Apple's September 2026 event

(Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max also feature a redesigned vapor chamber. It has three times the surface area as the one inside the iPhone 17 Pro, and features more thermally conducted graphite than before. It's much better at dissipating heat, basically (you'll supposedly get a 40% gain in sustained performance).

Screenshot from Apple's September 2026 event

(Image credit: Apple)

OK, onto the battery – the iPhone 18 Pro Max supposedly delivers the largest increase in battery life ever on an iPhone. You'll get 36 hours of video playback on the 18 Pro, and 45 hours on the Pro Max. As expected, Apple isn't sharing the specific mAh figures.

MacVoices #26245: MacVoices Update 2026-08

By: Chuck
1 September 2026 at 02:27
In the August 2026 MacVoices Update, Chuck outlines how a little time off slowed down some projects, reviews new episode artwork designed to better communicate each show’s subject, discusses why feedback is so important to what you hear and see, and delivers the Support Report form the month.  http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26245.mp3 Show Notes: Support: Become a MacVoices […]

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Think twice before installing this device promising free movies

31 August 2026 at 17:33

As online services get better at blocking malicious traffic, the attackers and scammers behind them have been forced to find new ways to reach their targets. The alternative of choice is now what are known as residential proxy networks. These systems funnel millions of home Internet connections into a unified network, and the proxy operators allow attackers to route their malicious traffic through these connections for a fee. The online services see only IP addresses with good reputations and geolocations that don’t stand out.

More often than not, the home users have no idea that their connections are being used to facilitate crime and occasionally even nation-state attacks. Users who do know often don’t care much. In exchange for leasing out part of their unlimited bandwidth to others, many get free movie and TV show streaming. Several less tech-savvy people I know who own such digital media players have told me, after I explain how the media players piggyback off their connections, that the bonanza of content is worth it. They find the tangible benefits outweigh the abstract harm they pose.

Infecting already compromised devices

Research published Monday brings the threat into much clearer view. Security firm Plume cataloged a vast ecosystem of malware that preys squarely on users of SuperBox, just one of many media players offering pirated content. These malicious apps can be surreptitiously installed by remote attackers even when the devices are positioned behind a router. While Monday’s deep-dive analysis focused exclusively on SuperBox, Plume warned that dozens of similar streaming devices pose precisely the same threat.

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© SuperBox

Apple One and Apple TV subscription prices increase by up to 20 percent

28 August 2026 at 18:23

Apple increased the price for a monthly subscription to Apple TV by $2, to $15, today.

Annual prices increased by 20 percent from $99 to $119. Current subscribers will receive one month’s notice before paying the new prices, Apple said, per Variety.

Apple’s most recent price hike was in August 2025, when monthly prices went from $10 to $13. Monthly prices also increased in October 2023 and October 2022. Apple TV (then called Apple TV+) started in 2019 for (a seemingly financially unsustainable) $5/month.

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© YouTube/Apple TV

MacVoices #26226: TV+ Talk – New Trailers, Silo, Neuromancer, and Ted Lasso Season 4

By: Chuck
5 August 2026 at 20:09
Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner catch up after a brief break to discuss the first looks at Silo Season 4, Neuromancer, and the return of Ted Lasso. The issue of adaptation versus original storytelling, speculation on Apple TV strategy are debated from the new leadership perspective. The hosts also share their expectations for upcoming releases. […]

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MacVoices #26222: MacVoices Update – 2026-07

By: Chuck
31 July 2026 at 13:26
The July MacVoices Update recaps a successful Macstock Conference, and highlights some changes inspired by the experience, including refreshed thumbnails, new streaming software and revised show notes. It also spotlights recent programming and he growing importance of MacVoices Magazine as the new OS versions are delivered. Chuck outlines some August scheduling issues, the new merchandise store, and offers thanks to Patreon supporters for making the shows possible.

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MacVoices #26219: Toby Schmitz, The Youngest Macstock Attendee, On Creativity and Entrepreneurship

By: Chuck
28 July 2026 at 21:25
Toby Schmitz was the youngest attendee at Macstock X, so his perspective on how the conference and the accompanying Ecamm Creator Camp gave him the confidence and practical guidance to begin his own YouTube channel, podcast, and livestream. He reflects on learning from a wide variety of sessions, the influence of his family of creators, […]

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MacVoices #26211: Live! – iPhone Leaks, Siri Comparisons, and Questionable Predictions

By: Chuck
16 July 2026 at 21:10
Apple leaks and rumor-driven reporting take center stage as the panel examines how constant predictions have diminished the excitement of new iPhone releases. The discussion with Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, and Marty Jencius also covers premature Siri-versus-Gemini comparisons, Apple’s legal battles with Epic Games and John Prosser, Bending Spoons’ growing technology portfolio, prediction-market manipulation, Spotify streaming fraud, and musicians’ dissatisfaction with the service.

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MacVoices #26208: Live! – A Monitor Resource Site, Comcast and NBC, and Updated Invites

By: Chuck
13 July 2026 at 18:42
A resource for checking Mac external-display support, Comcast’s move away from NBCUniversal, Peacock’s streaming and sports strategy, and whether broadband offers a stronger business model than media all started off this MacVoices Live! conversation. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Norbert Frassa, Jim Rea, and Web Bixby examine Apple Invites and question why so many Apple features launch with fanfare but receive little sustained development. 

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MacVoices #26201: TV+ Talk – Monsters, Theatrical Releases, and Eddie Cue’s Cannes Lions Recognition

By: Chuck
2 July 2026 at 17:48
Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner examine Apple TV’s strategy through the expansion of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, the theatrical release of Tenzing, and Eddie Cue’s Cannes Lions recognition. They compare Apple’s stated quality-over-quantity approach with Netflix’s engagement-first model, then consider F1 sequel plans and speculate on what smart glasses could mean for the streaming service from […]

MacVoices #26193: Live! – What Apple Wants From John Prosser, The 20 Most-Streamed Artists, and A New Merch Store!

By: Chuck
25 June 2026 at 16:54
The launch of a new MacVoices merch store kicks off this session, including product choices, embroidery options, and listener-requested items. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Ben Roethig, Marty Jencius, Jim Rea, Jeff Gamet, and Guy Serle discussion then turn to Apple’s lawsuit involving Jon Prosser, the default judgment being set aside, and what Apple may hope to gain through discovery. The group closes by reacting to Apple Music’s most-streamed artists list and how streaming reflects changing musical demographics.

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MacVoices #26191: Live! – Fox Buys Roku, Spotify Removed 57,000 Podcasts, and College AI Majors

By: Chuck
24 June 2026 at 13:40
Several tech stories kick off this session, including RAID software compatibility warnings, Bending Spoons’ IPO, foreign influence campaigns around data centers, and Fox’s reported Roku purchase. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Jeff Gamet, and Eric Bolden focus heavily on streaming control, smart TV data collection, Apple TV’s future, Spotify’s removal of fake drug-related podcasts, and the rapid growth of AI majors in higher education. 

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MacVoices #26186: Road to Macstock – Katie Fawkes and Doc Rock

By: Chuck
20 June 2026 at 01:23
This time, the Road to Macstock takes us to Katie Fawkes, Director of Marketing and Doc Rock, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Ecamm, who talk about both their Creator Camp the day before Macstock, as well as their session during Macstock. They discuss how the hands-on event will help users of all experience levels build confidence with video production. They also cover Ecamm’s broader role beyond live streaming, practical uses for creators and businesses, the value of experimenting with gear, and why Macstock's welcoming community makes it a special gathering.

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MacVoices #26185: TV+ Talk – How Apple Connects Entertainment, Sports, and Corporate Identity

By: Chuck
19 June 2026 at 14:06
Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner explore how Apple TV connects sports, entertainment, and corporate strategy, from World Cup coverage and the After the Whistle podcast to Slow Horses and global storytelling. They debate Tim Cook’s visible Hollywood presence, his role in the service’s growth, and how future leadership could shape Apple’s streaming ambitions. 

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MacVoices #26172: Live! – Exploit Speed, Bot Limits, and Bad Tech Features

By: Chuck
8 June 2026 at 15:53
The MacVoices Live! panel examines Spotify adopting Apple-backed video podcast technology, Instagram’s disappearing posts and why anyone would want them, and  Microsoft expanding Copilot everywhere, whether it is a good idea or not. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jeff Gamet, Guy Serle, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, and Jim Rea also look at the risks of putting AI mini data centers in homes, and Plex’s major lifetime Pass price hike.

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