The Weekender
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AirPods get even better?!?

AirPods get even better?!?

See if your earbuds can handle the cool new features coming in iOS 26.

Lewis Wallace
June 21, 2025

Just when you thought AirPods couldn’t get any better, Apple’s about to improve them again. The good news is that the new features will come in a software upgrade this fall. The bad news is that not every model of Apple’s earbuds will receive the enhancements.

Check out the cool new AirPods features coming in iOS 26 (and find out if yours will get the upgrade).

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Speaking of cool new features in iOS 26, here’s a list of all the “hidden” features Apple didn’t discuss during WWDC25. (We put together a video on the topic in case you prefer to watch rather than read.)
Just as with AirPods, not every iPhone will get all the new features coming in iOS 26.
The intense racing scenes in F1: The Movie take "shot on iPhone” to a new level.
This clever charging cable — which magnetically curls up to avoid tangling — also comes with an Apple Watch charging puck in the middle. And it’s on sale!
And finally, if you’re a sucker for cute Apple accessories, take a peek at this Apple Watch charging stand that looks like the original iMac.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

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News

How iOS 26 will upgrade your AirPods experience

Apple will make your AirPods even better with iOS 26 with new features like Camera remote, superior audio recording and CarPlay integration.

Hidden iOS 26 features Apple didn't talk about at WWDC25

Beyond its Liquid Glass design, iOS 26 packs several small features that will improve your iPhone experience.

iPad won’t run macOS because Apple doesn’t make sporks

Apple’s software chief turns to a pair of metaphors to explain why macOS will not come to iPad, including comparing the combo to a spork.

Folding iPhone could stay a niche product for years

Production of the long-awaited folding iPhone reportedly begins in a few months, but Apple will only make a few million of them.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

iOS 26 features you’ll miss on older iPhones

Your old iPhone, iPad or Intel-based Mac will miss out on several new features in iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26.

Want a Mac for college? Apple’s clever PowerPoint could seal the deal.

Apple marketing for back to school brings us "The Parent Presentation," a template for college-bound kids in want of a free (to them) Mac.

Plus: Apple’s Back to School sale brings free AirPods with Mac or iPad

Why Apple’s slow AI rollout isn’t a crisis

Despite all the criticism, mockery and predictions of doom, Apple lagging the pack in artificial intelligence isn’t a crisis. Here’s why.

iPhone parts go into custom cameras for ‘F1’ racing scenes

Standard cameras in Formula One race cars only work for TV. So Apple engineered a custom iPhone camera to capture the fast-paced action in "F1: The Movie.”

How-tos

Protect yourself online by changing bad old passwords

Apple’s new Passwords app makes it easy to find out which of your passwords leaked. Then you can change the compromised ones right on your iPhone.

See the past week's weather and other stats on your iPhone

You can see weather for the past week on your iPhone in the Apple Weather app and compare recent data to typical stats.

Deals

Tangle-free magnetic charging cable comes with a special spot for an Apple Watch

For anyone who owns multiple Apple devices and wants to cut down on clutter, the MagStack Duo magnetic charging cable is a smart move.

Plus, more gear from Cult of Mac Deals:

Score 20TB of cloud storage for life

Pay just $400 for 20TB of encrypted cloud storage from Internxt. It's designed to keep your files safe and fully under your control.

This addictive app turns learning a language into a game

Multiple learning modes like matching games, dictation and Q&As immerse you in your language goals with the Qlango language learning app.

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

These ChatGPT courses show how to bend AI to your will

Rather than playing with Apple Intelligence, learn the latest AI skills with this ChatGPT training bundle for just $29.99.

Reviews and recommendations

This SanDisk SSD clings to iPhone to record terabytes of high-res video [Review]

We go hands-on with the SanDisk Creator Phone SSD designed for people recording large amounts of 4K ProRes video with an iPhone Pro/Pro Max.

Elevate your iPad with this lightweight origami case/stand [Review]

The Moft Dynamic Folio is an iPad case that can be folded into a variety of shapes to support the tablet as a stand.

Spigen's new Apple Watch charger clones classic iMac G3

The new Spigen Apple Watch Classic C1 Charger Stand is a classic iMac G3 computer replica in miniature, down to the translucent colors.

Setups

Here's the best way to hide your computer

The latest Mac minis are small, but they still take up space on desks. That is, unless you use an under-desk mount to hide them.

Mac Studio-wielding designer adores dual Studio Displays

A designer with a Mac Studio loves dual Studio Displays. They discuss the monitors' benefits while others debate Mac Studio vs. Mac mini.

Powerful Mac Studio drives epic ultra-wide display

When it comes to selecting a Mac Studio display, this user chose ultra-wide over two or more monitors for their workflow.