Google is rolling out its Gemini AI assistant to Google Maps on Apple CarPlay. Users can now chat with Gemini while navigating.

• Google Maps on CarPlay rolling out Gemini when navigating (9to5Mac)
• Conversational Gemini navigation comes to Apple CarPlay (The Verge)
• Now you can chat with Gemini while using Google Maps through CarPlay (Engadget)
• Google Maps now lets you ask Gemini for help on the road with CarPlay (AppleInsider)

Apple released iOS 27.2, adding Apple Pencil support to iPhone Duo. The update enables stylus input on the dual-screen device.

• Apple Pencil support arrives on iPhone Duo with iOS 27.2 (AppleInsider)
• iPhone Duo Supports Apple Pencil Starting With iOS 27.2 (MacRumors)
• iPhone Duo adding Apple Pencil support next week with iOS 27.2 (9to5Mac)
• iPhone Duo gains Apple Pencil support next week with iOS 27.2 (MacDailyNews)

A reviewer tested the iPhone Duo and opened discussion with readers. The dual-screen device drew praise for its matte display despite high cost.

• I reviewed the iPhone Duo, ask me anything (The Verge)
• I can’t get enough of the iPhone Duo’s matte inner display (The Verge)
• The iPhone Duo is a a messy, expensive, good time (The Verge)
• Joanna Stern reviews iPhone Duo: ‘We folded the Duo 32,000 times. Did it survive?’ (MacDailyNews)
• First iPhone Duo reviews call Apple’s foldable impressive but not perfect (Cult of Mac)

Bluesound added native Apple Music streaming to its premium audio devices. The integration allows users to access Apple Music directly through Bluesound systems.

• Bluesound Adds Apple Music Streaming to Premium Audio Devices (TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog))
• Bluesound Adds Native Apple Music Support (MacRumors)
• Premium audio hardware vendor Bluesound adds native Apple Music streaming (AppleInsider)

Perplexity Computer now runs fully locally on Apple Silicon Macs without requiring internet connection. The AI tool operates entirely on-device for offline functionality.

• Perplexity Computer Can Now Run Fully Locally on Mac (MacRumors)
• Perplexity’s Computer can now run entirely on your Mac, even offline (9to5Mac)
• Perplexity Computer can run completely local on Mac, with a big caveat (AppleInsider)
• Perplexity Computer now runs fully locally, securely, and privately on Mac (MacDailyNews)

Apple began selling self-service repair parts for the iPhone 18 Pro, Mac mini and Mac Studio. The move expands consumer access to official components for device maintenance.

• Repair parts for iPhone 18 Pro, M6 Mac mini, Mac Studio are now available (AppleInsider)
• Apple now selling repair parts for iPhone 18 Pro, latest Mac Studio and Mac mini models (9to5Mac)
• Apple Now Sells DIY Repair Parts for iPhone 18 Pro and Two New Macs (MacRumors)
• Apple expands DIY repairs to iPhone 18 Pro and its latest Macs (Cult of Mac)
• Apple expands Self Service Repair parts to iPhone 18 Pro and latest Macs (MacDailyNews)

Apple highlighted nearly 100 American-made iPhone parts from domestic suppliers. The company committed up to $100 million for American titanium in its manufacturing expansion.

• Apple announces American Manufacturing Program partners for latest iPhone lineup (Apple Newsroom)
• Apple Says Nearly 100 iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Parts Made in USA (MacRumors)
• Apple says American suppliers make almost 100 parts for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo (9to5Mac)
• Apple commits up to $100 million for American titanium in domestic manufacturing push (MacDailyNews)
• Apple expands US supply chain for iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro (Cult of Mac)

The UK regulator proposed easing Apple's near-field communication restrictions to increase competition in mobile payments. Apple currently limits NFC access, restricting rivals' ability to offer competing payment services.

• UK regulator’s bid to crack open Apple Pay puts competitors’ interests ahead of user security and privacy (MacDailyNews)
• Apple still makes it too hard for Apple Pay competitors to emerge, says UK (9to5Mac)
• UK Proposes New Ways to Help Apple Pay Rivals (MacRumors)
• UK antitrust regulator wants Apple to open up iPhone NFC access (Engadget)

Apple limits iPhone Duo orders to two units per customer at its U.S. store. The restriction aims to prevent resellers from bulk purchasing the device.

• The Apple Store will only let you check out two iPhone Duos (Engadget)
• iPhone Duo orders limited to two per customer as Apple tackles scalping (9to5Mac)
• Apple Limiting U.S. iPhone Duo Orders to Two Per Customer (MacRumors)

Jason Sudeikis indicated "Ted Lasso" could continue beyond season four. The actor expressed openness to potential fifth and sixth seasons.

• Jason Sudeikis gives update on Ted Lasso seasons 5 and 6 (9to5Mac)
• Jason Sudeikis holds out hope for more 'Ted Lasso' (AppleInsider)
• Jason Sudeikis says he’d like more ‘Ted Lasso’ (MacDailyNews)
• Ted Lasso Season 5: Jason Sudeikis Hopes for Another Season (TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog))

Apple warned customers against attempting walk-in purchases of the iPhone Duo at launch. Retail staff instructed shoppers to expect limited availability without prior orders.

• iPhone Duo walk-in purchases might be challenging at launch, per report (9to5Mac)
• Apple Retail Staff Told to Warn Against iPhone Duo Walk-In Purchases (MacRumors)
• Don't expect to buy iPhone Duo at Apple Stores on Friday (AppleInsider)
• Apple Says iPhone Duo Not Available on Walk-In Basis in Two Countries (MacRumors)
• iPhone Duo not available in Apple Retail Stores on walk-in basis in these countries (MacDailyNews)

Apple is rolling out the Sound Glow feature to HomePod models via a software update. The visual feature, previously exclusive to HomePod mini 2, now works across the HomePod lineup.

• HomePod mini 2's Sound Glow feature is coming to other HomePod models (AppleInsider)
• HomePod 27.2 Adds Sound Glow to Existing HomePod Models (MacRumors)
• Your HomePod has a colorful new party trick: how to enable Sound Glow (9to5Mac)
• Apple’s HomePod Software 27.2 brings album-synced Sound Glow lighting to existing HomePods (MacDailyNews)
• Apple Expands HomePod Sound Glow and Surround Sound Features (TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog))

Apple released iOS 27.2 release candidate for iPhone developers. The company also seeded the first macOS 27.2 Golden Gate release candidate.

• Apple releases iOS 27.2 RC for iPhone (9to5Mac)
• Apple Releases iOS 27.2 Release Candidate (MacRumors)
• First Release Candidate for macOS 27.2 Golden Gate now available (9to5Mac)
• Apple Seeds macOS Golden Gate 27.2 Release Candidate to Developers (MacRumors)
• Apple Seeds watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 Release Candidates (MacRumors)

Apple is moving up delivery dates for some iPhone Duo pre-orders. Customers should check their accounts for updated shipment information.

• Some iPhone Duo orders getting moved up to earlier dates (9to5Mac)
• Check your iPhone Duo shipment date, it may have moved up (AppleInsider)
• Apple Starts Moving Up iPhone Duo Delivery Dates (MacRumors)
• Apple starts moving up iPhone Duo delivery dates for some pre-order customers (MacDailyNews)
• Apple shortens the iPhone Duo wait for some lucky buyers (Cult of Mac)

Apple confirmed the iPhone Duo's battery capacity at 4,883 mAh. The device uses an unusual design to accommodate the larger capacity.

• Apple confirms iPhone Duo battery capacity of 4,883 mAh (MacDailyNews)
• iPhone Duo’s unusual battery design hides a big capacity (Cult of Mac)
• Here’s how iPhone Duo’s battery capacity compares to other iPhones (9to5Mac)
• Apple Reveals iPhone Duo's Battery Capacity (MacRumors)
• iPhone Duo battery capacity lands in between iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max (AppleInsider)

Apple warned customers against attempting walk-in purchases of the iPhone Duo at launch. Retail staff instructed shoppers to expect limited availability without prior orders.

• iPhone Duo walk-in purchases might be challenging at launch, per report (9to5Mac)
• Apple Retail Staff Told to Warn Against iPhone Duo Walk-In Purchases (MacRumors)
• Don't expect to buy iPhone Duo at Apple Stores on Friday (AppleInsider)
• Apple Says iPhone Duo Not Available on Walk-In Basis in Two Countries (MacRumors)

Apple hired a longtime Meta executive to lead its global litigation efforts. The move strengthens Apple's legal department with experienced outside counsel expertise.

• Apple Hires Former Meta Lawyer to Oversee Global Litigation (MacRumors)
• Apple poaches longtime Meta executive to lead global litigation (9to5Mac)
• Apple nabs Meta VP for global litigation chief role (AppleInsider)

Apple banned artificial intelligence apps that create nude images from its App Store. The company updated its policies to prohibit nudification technology and deceptive applications.

• Apple updates App Store rules to ensure it doesn't offer AI nudify apps (Engadget)
• Apple’s updated App Store rules go after ‘nudify’ AI apps (The Verge)
• New App Store Rules Target AI Deepfakes and Nudify Apps (MacRumors)
• Apple’s new App Store rules crack down on AI nudification and ‘bait-and-switch’ apps (9to5Mac)
• Apple Tightens App Store Rules Against Harmful AI Image Apps (TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog))

Apple said iPhone Duo pre-order demand was extraordinary as shipping dates extended to 2027. The device sold out quickly, with new orders now scheduled for late January 2027.

• Want Apple's folding iPhone? 'Duo' you have patience? (Business Insider)
• Apple calls iPhone Duo pre-order demand ‘extraordinary’ as shipping dates slip (9to5Mac)
• Apple Calls iPhone Duo Demand 'Extraordinary' After Orders Slip to 2027 (MacRumors)
• Apple’s iPhone Duo sold out. Preorders now ship January 29, 2027 (MacDailyNews)
• iPhone Duo launch is a massive success, but Apple has a problem (9to5Mac)

Developers criticized a potential Apple-DOJ antitrust settlement as insufficient. Concerns focus on whether the agreement adequately addresses app store practices.

• Report: Apple’s antitrust negotiations with the DOJ spark concerns of a weak settlement (9to5Mac)
• Developers Question Scope of Potential Apple Antitrust Settlement (MacRumors)
• Vocal developers dismayed at DOJ considering antitrust settlement with Apple (AppleInsider)