iOS 26.1 - Apple Did It!

Apple has announced several new products and updates, including MacBooks without chargers in some regions and exclusive F1 broadcasting rights, while iOS 26.1 beta 3 shows significant stability and performance improvements over previous iOS 26 versions.

• Apple removed chargers from M5 MacBook boxes in the EU/UK, a controversial business decision.

• Apple TV secured exclusive five-year F1 broadcasting rights in the U.S. starting next year.

• iOS 26.1 beta 3 significantly improves stability and performance over bug-ridden iOS 26.0.1.

Apple made several announcements, including new M5 MacBooks (excluding chargers in the EU/UK), the renaming of Apple TV+, and securing exclusive five-year F1 broadcasting rights in the U.S. for Apple TV. Regarding iOS, while 26.0.1 is plagued with performance and battery issues, iOS 26.1 beta 3 offers a crucial course correction with reported stability and performance boosts, though some minor bugs persist.

Apple's Recent Product Moves

• 00:00:37 Apple announced new M5 MacBooks but controversially decided not to include a charger in the box in the EU and UK, which appears to be a business decision rather than a legal requirement, contrasting with the iPhone where many users already had chargers. The company also rebranded Apple TV+ to 'Apple TV' and introduced a new bundle with Peacock, saving users up to 35%, potentially hinting at new Apple TV hardware or a home device soon. Additionally, Steve Jobs will be featured on a $1 American innovation coin starting in 2026.

Exclusive F1 Rights & More

• 00:02:06 Apple has secured exclusive five-year broadcasting rights for Formula 1 races in the United States, which will begin next year on Apple TV. This move makes F1 more accessible for U.S. viewers directly through Apple TV, though access via the F1 app and website remains an option. This significant acquisition follows long-standing rumors about Apple's interest in F1 rights.

iOS 26 User Experience & Issues

• 00:11:07 The iOS 26.0.1 public release has been experiencing significant issues, including delayed Face ID, no notification sounds, odd icon drawing on the iPhone, widespread lag, stuttering, poor battery life, and CarPlay disconnects. In contrast, iOS 26.1 beta 3 shows marked improvements, with many users reporting increased stability and performance on both new and older devices, although a one to two-second lag in the App Library, UI glitches, and CarPlay connectivity issues for some users are still present.

Performance and Battery Life Comparisons

• 00:14:57 Benchmarks show iOS 26.1 beta 3 outperforms iOS 26.0.1, with single-core and multi-core scores slightly higher on the beta version, suggesting better overall processing management and improved thermals, running about one degree Celsius cooler during strenuous tests. Battery life reports are mixed; while iOS 18.7 is lauded for phenomenal stability and battery life, prompting many users to delay upgrading, iOS 26.1 beta 3 also shows improvements in battery efficiency compared to earlier iOS 26 versions, using less storage overall.