Apple releases free chapter from Ted Lasso ‘The Richmond Way’ book

9to5mac.com Oct 7, 2026

Apple releases free chapter from Ted Lasso ‘The Richmond Way’ book

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 7, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple timed the release of a free excerpt from Trent Crimm’s fictional book “The Richmond Way” with the premiere of Ted Lasso season 4’s finale. The 15‑minute audiobook or text sample, available on Apple Books, offers a sneak peek of the second edition of Crimm’s bestseller, celebrating the show’s success. Apple also hinted at a forthcoming season 5, while noting that Apple TV remains a paid subscription service. The excerpt includes a “Letter from the Author” with bonus insights.

💡 Why It Matters

· By pairing exclusive book content with the series finale, Apple deepens fan engagement and showcases its cross‑platform strategy, reinforcing the brand’s role as a hub for serialized storytelling.

Apple Capsules

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You can turn off & delete Apple Intelligence with an app now

Apple Intelligence can now be disabled and its models removed through a new user‑friendly app called RemoveMacAI, which replaces the original Terminal command. The application presents a graphical interface that lets users toggle specific features, preview changes before they are applied, and offers an Undo page to restore defaults. The tool frees approximately 13 GB of storage on Macs. Users must note the app is not notarized, requiring additional steps to run it. The download is available at https://omlahore.github.io/RemoveMacAI/.

💡 By simplifying the removal of Apple’s AI components, the app empowers users to reclaim significant storage and exercise greater control over their system’s background processes.

smh.com.au · Oct 7

Pornhub returns for Australians, but only if Apple says you’re over 18

Pornhub has restored explicit content for Australian iPhone and iPad users who have verified their age through Apple’s device‑level system, after a seven‑month pause during which the site offered a stripped‑down, non‑pornographic version. The change follows the eSafety Commissioner’s Age‑Restricted Material Codes, which require high‑risk services to confirm users are over 18 before displaying pornographic material, with penalties up to $49.5 million for violations. The Canadian parent company Aylo cited Apple’s updated age‑verification process as a robust safeguard, noting it protects children without burdening adults. Android and desktop users remain unaffected.

💡 The move signals a shift toward device‑controlled age verification, potentially setting a new standard for how adult‑content platforms comply with national regulations. It also underscores the growing influence of operating‑system policies on content accessibility.

appleinsider.com · Oct 7

Amazon slashes Apple Watch Ultra 3 to $599 for Prime Big Deal…

Amazon has reduced the price of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 by $200 for its Prime Big Deal Days, offering the 49 mm GPS + Cellular model with a Natural Titanium case and Anchor Blue Ocean band for $599.97, the lowest ever recorded for the second‑generation Ultra. A Black Titanium version with a Milanese Loop in size Large is available for $699.97, also reflecting a $200 discount off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. The promotion is part of a broader Prime Day slate that includes $70 off the AirPods Pro 3, $50 off the 40 mm Apple Watch SE 3, $100 off the 49 mm Apple Watch Ultra 4, and $200 reductions on select MacBook Air and iPad mini models. Amazon’s pricing push targets premium Apple wearables during the high‑traffic shopping event.

💡 The steep discount makes Apple’s flagship smartwatch accessible to a wider consumer base, potentially shifting purchase patterns away from lower‑priced competitors.

tomsguide.com · Oct 7

I tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max…

Tom’s Guide conducted a side‑by‑side test of Apple’s newest flagship, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, against the three‑year‑old iPhone 15 Pro Max to determine whether the generational upgrades justify an upgrade. The review highlights the 6.9‑inch Super Retina XDR display, A20 Pro chip, 12 GB RAM, 48 MP triple‑camera system with variable aperture, 5,391 mAh battery and 60 W wired charging on the 18 Pro Max, compared with the 6.7‑inch screen, A17 Pro processor, 8 GB RAM, 48 MP main camera, 4,422 mAh battery and 20 W wired charging on the 15 Pro Max. Physical dimensions, weight, and IP68 rating also differ. Pricing starts at $1,299 for the newer model versus $1,199 for the older, with identical storage options up to 2 TB. The test evaluates real‑world performance, camera quality, battery life and software features to assess the practical impact of three years of Apple’s development.

💡 The comparison reveals whether Apple’s incremental hardware gains translate into a noticeably better user experience, a key factor for consumers weighing the cost of a premium upgrade after a typical three‑year upgrade cycle.

9to5mac.com · Oct 7

Apple overtakes Samsung to lead European carrier smartphone sales in Q2, per…

Counterpoint Research reported that Apple surpassed Samsung as the top smartphone brand in Europe’s carrier channel during Q2 2026. Carrier sales fell 4% YoY, less than the 11% decline in the open market, with total smartphone sales down 8%. Apple’s share rose from 33% to 37%, while Samsung fell from 39% to 34%. Vivo and Motorola also grew, with vivo posting a 90% YoY increase. The shift reflects higher-end device preference and memory‑cost pressures on low‑end models.

💡 The carrier‑channel advantage underscores Apple’s resilience amid a tightening low‑end market, positioning it to capture a larger share of contract‑based sales as memory costs continue to squeeze competitors.

appleinsider.com · Oct 7

Apple Watch Series 12 review: Upgraded where it was needed

Apple released the Watch Series 12, featuring an S11 chip and a new Health Sensing System that measures heart rate every five seconds and HRV every five minutes, including overnight recovery analysis. The aluminum model now uses Ceramic Shield 2, 60 % tougher than previous Ion‑X glass, while titanium and ceramic options return. The watch retains standard fitness, sleep, and app capabilities, adds a Readiness score to guide training, and offers interchangeable bands and an always‑on display. The Series 12 is positioned as the best non‑Ultra Apple wearable.

💡 The upgraded sensors give athletes precise, real‑time data, enabling smarter training decisions. The stronger display protects users who wear the watch in harsher environments, broadening its appeal.