Tim Hardwick
Tim is a Senior Editor at MacRumors and has been writing for the site since 2016. Formerly a magazine journalist, his work has appeared in over 30 newsstand print publications and online brands covering a range of topics, from the latest trends in technology to the mysteries of ancient history.
Based in the UK, Tim's current role at MacRumors involves editorial oversight and how tos, in addition to covering daily news and contributing occasional reviews. Tim can be reached at tim@macrumors.com, Telegram (@waxeditorial) or Twitter.
Based in the UK, Tim's current role at MacRumors involves editorial oversight and how tos, in addition to covering daily news and contributing occasional reviews. Tim can be reached at tim@macrumors.com, Telegram (@waxeditorial) or Twitter.
Tim Hardwick's Articles
New 12.9-Inch MacBook Could Launch This Year Starting at $599
Apple's rumored new more affordable MacBook could have a starting price as low as $599 and launch as soon as this year, according to a recent report out of Asia.
We first learned of Apple's low-cost MacBook plans in late June, when analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the company was developing a "more affordable" 13-inch laptop that would compete with Chromebooks and drive MacBook purchases, though he ...
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OWC's New 1M2 80G Portable SSD Brings 6,000MB/s Speeds to Thunderbolt 5 Macs
OWC has unveiled its new Express 1M2 80G portable SSD, bringing another fast Thunderbolt 5 external storage option to Mac users with the latest hardware.
Providing over 6,000 MB/s real-world speeds, the 1M2 approaches the performance level of an internal MacBook Pro drive, making it a compelling partner for Apple's latest M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro models, not to mention the M4 Pro Mac...
Spotify Debuts Playlist Mixing Tool Ahead of Apple Music AutoMix
Apple Music is getting a new Automix feature when iOS 26 is released next month, and in a strategic counter-punch, Spotify has now launched its own mixing feature, allowing Premium subscribers to create seamless transitions between playlist tracks.
Users can access the new functionality, which is still in beta, by opening any playlist and selecting "Mix" from the toolbar. An "Auto" option...
Latest WhatsApp Beta for iPhone Includes AI Writing Help Feature
WhatsApp is testing an AI-powered writing assistant feature for iPhone users that aims to improve communication over the message platform, reports WaBetaInfo. Writing Tools, which is an Apple Intelligence feature, is not available in WhatsApp – and this is presumably why.
Called "Writing Help," the new feature is already available on Android and appears within the messaging platform's app...
iPhone 18 Could Drop Camera Control Button, Claims Dubious Rumor
This year's upcoming iPhone 17 models could be the last of Apple's smartphones to include a Camera Control button because not enough iPhone owners are using it, claims a questionable new rumor out of China.
In a post Tuesday, Weibo-based account "OvO OvO OvO OvO" (previously "OvO Baby Sauce OvO") claimed that Apple has informed suppliers it won't continue ordering the component, citing low...
iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design Could Signal Future Bezel-Free iPhone
Apple's divisive new Liquid Glass design language in iOS 26 could be hinting at a major hardware redesign coming to future iPhones, reckons veteran app developer Craig Hockenberry of The Iconfactory.
In a blog post published this week titled "Liquid Glass. Why?", Hockenberry argues that unlike the transition from iOS 6 to iOS 7, which addressed a genuine need for simplified interfaces, no...
Apple's iPhone 17 Manufacturing Expands Across Five Indian Plants
Apple is ramping up iPhone production in India across five factories as it continues reducing dependence on China for U.S.-bound devices. For the first time, all four iPhone 17 models will be manufactured in India in preparation for launch next month, reports Bloomberg.
The expansion includes newly operational plants from Tata Group in Tamil Nadu and Foxconn near Bangalore airport....
UK Reportedly Withdraws Demand to Access Encrypted iCloud User Data
The British government has agreed to withdraw its controversial demand to access Apple users' encrypted iCloud data, according to the U.S. director of intelligence.
Tulsi Gabbard said in a post on X (Twitter) the UK had dropped its plans to force Apple to provide a back door that would have "enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens and encroached on our civil...
Every Apple Secret That Leaked Last Week
Apple made a major slip last Wednesday when it accidentally included hardware identifiers in software code linking to numerous unannounced products.
The leaked information provided MacRumors with concrete evidence of Apple's hardware development across multiple product categories. Here's everything that was confirmed through the code discoveries:
New HomePod mini with updated chip –...
Apple Leak Confirms A18 Chip for Next Low-Cost iPad Model
Apple is developing a new low-cost iPad powered by an A18 chip, according to code references accidentally disclosed by the company yesterday.
The finding builds on a previous report by Bloomberg that indicated Apple plans to launch a 12th generation entry-level iPad in the spring of 2026. The device is expected to maintain the current design while incorporating the faster processor.
The...
Next iPad Mini to Get Apple's Most Powerful iPhone Chip
Apple's next iPad mini will be powered by the A19 Pro chip set to be used in Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models, according to code accidentally leaked by the company.
The upcoming tablet, codenamed J510/J511, should be a major performance jump over the current iPad mini's A17 Pro processor, which debuted in the iPhone 15 Pro models. Apple typically reserves its most advanced silicon for...
Alleged iPhone 17 Pro Chassis Offers First Look at All-Aluminum Body
An alleged iPhone 17 Pro production leak may provide a first look at the device's milled all-aluminum chassis, which this year includes the camera bump – in contrast to last year's iPhone 16 Pro model that features a glass camera module attached to an all-glass back panel.
Originally shared by leaker Majin Bu, the image below could be of a moulding, but it still lines up with rumors that...
Stream Every New macOS Tahoe Screen Saver Right Now – Here's How
Apple has uploaded all of macOS Tahoe's beautiful new screen savers to its servers, and you can watch them right now without waiting for the operating system's release. The collection showcases some breathtaking aerial footage and nature scenes from the likes of India that will grace Mac screens later this year.
Rather than waiting to see what Apple has in store, you can preview every single ...
iOS 26: Keep iPhone Camera Lens Clean With This Smart Setting
In iOS 26, Apple has a helpful new feature that notifies you when your iPhone's camera lens needs cleaning – something Android devices have offered for years. Here's how to turn on this smart notification system.
Whenever your iPhone's camera is active, iOS 26 monitors the incoming light for signs of reduced clarity or smudging that could indicate a dirty lens. When triggered, you'll see a ...
Don't Buy Apple Studio Display Now – New Model Coming Soon
If you're about to drop cash on an Apple Studio Display, you might want to hold off on that purchase. Several credible sources suggest Apple is planning a significant refresh for late 2025 or early 2026.
Display industry expert Ross Young, who accurately predicted iPhone 16 Pro screen sizes over a year in advance, reports that Apple's next Studio Display will retain the 27-inch form factor...
AirPods Pro 3 Likely Just Weeks Away – Here's What We Know
Despite being over two years old, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 still dominate the premium wireless‑earbud space, thanks to a potent mix of top‑tier audio, class‑leading noise cancellation, and Apple's habit of delivering major new features through software updates. Rumors suggest AirPods Pro 3 could arrive as soon as September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, giving prospective AirPods...
Netflix Finally Rolls Out Redesigned Interface to Apple TV
Netflix appears to have finished deploying its redesigned interface for Apple TV with version 3.0 of the app now available, bringing a months-long rollout that began with other TV platforms earlier this year to a close. Netflix has been testing a redesigned version of its TV app since last year, and the new look is a notable departure from the previous design.
There is a new home page that...
Your AirPods Are About to Become the Ultimate Travel Companion
Apple's AirPods are getting smarter in iOS 26, and if you're traveling abroad anytime soon, they could well make the trip a whole lot easier.
Imagery has been discovered in the iOS 26 beta of AirPods displaying "Hello" in multiple languages, tucked away in the Translate app files. The image suggests activation through a press gesture, and the file is literally named "Translate." It's pretty...
This Iconic iPhone Ringtone Gets Several New Remixes in iOS 26
In iOS 26, Apple has quietly added several fresh takes on one of its most recognizable sounds: the classic default iPhone ringtone.
The iconic "Reflection" ringtone – introduced in 2017 alongside the iPhone X – now has multiple alternate versions. While the original tone retains its familiar pellucid xylophone melody, the following new variants bring different energies:
Buoyant
Dreamer
Pon...
Fortnite Coming Back to iPhone in Australia After Epic's Legal Victory
Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will return to iOS in Australia after Apple and Google were found to have broken competition law by banning Epic Games from their app stores.
Federal judge Jonathan Beach found that both companies had broken the law by misusing their market power in the way they run their app stores. Apple was ruled to have engaged in conduct that prevents direct...
