With the launch of iOS 26 and HomePod Software 26, Apple is adding support for Crossfade, an Apple Music feature that improves transitions between songs.
Beta testers who have the second HomePod Software 26 and iOS 26 betas now have an option to enable Crossfade. The toggle is a little bit hidden, but it can be found by opening up the Home app, going to Settings, tapping on a person's name, and choosing Apple Music.
Crossfade timing can be set anywhere from one second to 12 seconds, so users can adjust the fade in and fade out period for song transitions. When Crossfade is toggled on, the volume of the song that's ending will lower gradually, while the volume of the song that's coming on will increase. It is designed to prevent silence gaps between songs.
Crossfade is an Apple Music feature, so an Apple Music subscription is required to use it. It has been an option on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac for some time now, but Apple didn't bring it to the HomePod until now.
Apple Music in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26has a new AutoMix feature that replaces Crossfade. AutoMix goes beyond simple crossfading, and it uses time stretching and beat matching for a DJ-like song transition experience.
The HomePod 26 software also includes a new feature that allows you to select a Wi-Fi network to connect to, something that wasn't an option before.
Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future.
To set up the...
Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices.
Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models.
The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras
Under-screen Face ID
Front camera in...
Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones.
iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features.
Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen
A new slider in the Lock...
Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by Juli Clover
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by Juli Clover
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows.
One Thing (Free) -...
Tuesday December 23, 2025 11:55 am PST by Juli Clover
Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026.
Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18...
Monday December 22, 2025 3:20 pm PST by Juli Clover
The European Commission today praised the interoperability changes that Apple is introducing in iOS 26.3, once again crediting the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with bringing "new opportunities" to European users and developers.
The Digital Markets Act requires Apple to provide third-party accessories with the same capabilities and access to device features that Apple's own products get. In iOS...
Tuesday December 23, 2025 1:31 pm PST by Juli Clover
Apple is working on a foldable iPhone that's set to come out in September 2026, and rumors suggest that it will have a display that's around 5.4 inches when closed and 7.6 inches when open. Exact measurements vary based on rumors, but one 3D designer has created a mockup based on what we've heard so far.
On MakerWorld, a user named Subsy has uploaded a 1:1 iPhone Fold replica (via Macworld), ...
Wednesday December 24, 2025 7:24 am PST by Joe Rossignol
With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year.
Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out.
Below, we have...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Apple Introduces Genmoji on HomePod with iOS 26 Now your speaker can send emoji. Because that was the missing piece in your life.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA — June 25, 2025 — In a move that’s “revolutionary”, Apple today announced game changing new functionality: Genmoji are now available on HomePod with the release of iOS 26.
Yes, the speaker that’s been magically playing your music and mishearing your requests since 2018 is now capable of responding with AI-generated emojis. Because clearly, what users wanted was not better Siri comprehension, multi-user memory, or local podcast support—it was anthropomorphic emojis giving them side-eye.
“Built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence, Genmoji on HomePod represents a huge leap forward in ambient personality projection,” said Kelly Smirkson, VP of Feature Justification. “Now when you ask Siri about the weather, she can shrug with a sarcastic cartoon cloud or a web emoji instead of the typical 'here's what I found on the web'.”
New Features in iOS 26 for HomePod include:
* Emotionally Overexpressive Siri: No longer limited to just voice, Siri now responds to queries with abstract Genmoji. Ask how your stocks are doing, and HomePod may respond with a todamoon rocket, sweating piggy bank or a burning dumpster. * Silent Judgment, Visually Rendered: You’ll know HomePod is listening—and quietly mocking—when it flashes a Genmoji of an exhausted rabbit in response to your third Taylor Swift request of the day. * Voice-to-Emoji Translation: Tell your HomePod you’re “fine,” and it’ll reply with a melting smiley that says, “No you’re not, but sure.”
Critics have described the feature as “the least helpful update since U2 appeared in my library,” and “a high-effort way to feel low-key insulted by a $299 speaker.”
When pressed for clarity on the feature’s purpose, Apple responded, “Vibes.”
Compatibility: Genmoji on HomePod requires iOS 26 and a tolerance for minor absurdity. Works on HomePod (2nd gen) and HomePod mini. Not supported on AirPods Pro—yet. But don’t worry. We’re working on it.
At Apple, we’ve always believed in pushing the boundaries of what technology can do.
Hope they bring back the feature "doesn't mishear you half the time" and get rid of the feature "hang for 15 seconds and then say it ran into a problem." Our HomePod mini has gotten steadily less usable with every update.
