iCloud+ keeps getting better, here’s what’s new for subscribers

9to5mac.com Oct 13, 2026

iCloud+ keeps getting better, here’s what’s new for subscribers

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 13, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple has expanded iCloud+ without raising prices, adding new features such as Hide My Email, iCloud Private Relay, and full Apple Invites access. The updates also include additional storage options and other perks for subscribers, while maintaining the same cost structure. These enhancements aim to deepen the value proposition for users who already pay for iCloud+ or Apple One, offering more privacy tools and collaboration features. The changes reflect Apple’s strategy to keep its cloud service competitive and appealing to a broader audience.

💡 Why It Matters

· By bundling privacy and collaboration tools into iCloud+ at no extra cost, Apple strengthens its ecosystem lock‑in, encouraging users to stay within its services rather than switch to third‑party cloud solutions.

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MagSafe Monday: This aluminum MagSafe wallet ejects your credit card with one…

An aluminum MagSafe wallet features a side-mounted eject button that fans up to three cards with a single press, allowing one‑handed access without removing the wallet from an iPhone. The lightweight metal case offers a scratch‑resistant finish, 32 magnetic strips for secure attachment, and RFID blocking to protect contactless cards. While it lacks Find My support and can hold only three cards, its quick‑eject mechanism and solid build make it a standout choice for users needing rapid card selection.

💡 The eject feature streamlines everyday transactions, reducing friction at checkout and enhancing convenience for frequent card users. Its RFID shielding adds a layer of security that addresses growing concerns over electronic skimming.

9to5mac.com · Oct 13

M6 MacBook Pro: Three new upgrades launching later this month

Apple will launch a new M6 MacBook Pro later this month, featuring a 14‑inch display and the current chassis. The M6 chip introduces a Dual 16‑core Neural Engine, doubling peak AI compute versus earlier models, and a 12‑core CPU and GPU, up from 10 cores in the M5. For the first time, the base M6 includes super, performance, and efficiency cores, and it is built on a 2 nm process, promising higher performance and better power efficiency. The Mac mini already houses the M6, but the MacBook Pro will likely benefit from extended battery life.

💡 The M6’s dual neural engines and new core mix give mainstream MacBook users Pro‑level AI and performance gains, reshaping how developers and creatives leverage on‑device machine learning.

appleinsider.com · Oct 13

New Windows games play really well on M5 Max Mac Studio

Andrew Tsai, a seasoned Mac gaming advocate, demonstrated that several contemporary Windows titles, including Gears of War, run swiftly on an M5 Max Mac Studio. In his latest video, he tested 17 games, showcasing varied installation methods. Tsai highlighted the use of the (not)Proton tool as a key component for achieving optimal performance. The video provides step‑by‑step guidance, illustrating how the M5 Max’s hardware can support demanding Windows games with minimal configuration.

💡 The demonstration proves that Apple’s silicon can rival traditional PC gaming rigs, expanding the Mac’s appeal to a broader gamer base. It also signals a shift toward more cross‑platform compatibility, potentially reshaping how developers target Apple hardware.

9to5mac.com · Oct 13

Apple ‘Welcome home’ event: Three new products are coming tomorrow

Apple will host a “Welcome home” event on October 13, featuring a new smart display called HomeView, a refreshed Apple TV 4K with an A19 chip, and an upgraded HomePod mini 2 powered by an S10 processor. HomeView will offer a 6‑inch square screen on a half‑dome base, recognize multiple users, and integrate iPad‑, Watch‑, and iPhone‑style interfaces. The Apple TV will gain Siri AI and potential built‑in microphones, while the HomePod mini will support a new surround‑sound setup. Apple also hints at future HomeKit accessories from a partnership with LG.

💡 The event signals Apple’s strategic push into the smart‑home market, positioning HomeView as a central hub that blends its ecosystem’s devices. By embedding Siri AI across new hardware, Apple could redefine home automation and strengthen its competitive stance against established players.

9to5mac.com · Oct 13

The iPhone Duo’s cooling system hides a clever trick inside its hinge

Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, first 2 nm iPhone SoC, powers the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the folding iPhone Duo. The Duo version adds a second display engine and a rear‑display FaceTime camera, requiring extra thermal management. Apple introduced a “metal‑over‑foam” layer linking the chip to a vapor chamber and routed a flexible graphite pipe through the hinge to transfer heat between folded halves. Engineers spent months refining the material to meet mechanical and thermal demands.

💡 The hinge‑based heat pipe demonstrates how Apple’s design teams innovate to keep foldable phones cool, a critical hurdle for future flexible devices.

9to5mac.com · Oct 12

iPhone hits record Q3 shipment share as global smartphone market plunges 20%,…

Apple’s share of global smartphone shipments surpassed 20% for the first time in a third quarter, reaching 22% in Q3 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. The overall market fell 20% year‑over‑year, the lowest in 14 years, driven by memory shortages and higher prices. Apple’s rise narrowed the gap with Samsung, which held 23%. Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo each saw declines, while the iPhone 18 Pro launched strongly in China and India, offsetting a smaller launch‑month channel fill.

💡 The shift shows Apple’s resilience amid a shrinking market, suggesting its premium strategy can sustain market share even as volume declines. This trend may pressure competitors to rethink pricing and supply strategies.