Happy Monday! Here's everything happening in the Apple world today — from a frustrating iPhone battery bug affecting the latest models, to why John Ternus's September 1 start date as CEO is strategically timed, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the MacBook Neo intro video and what's coming in iOS 26.5.
🔋 New iPhones Won't Turn Back On After Battery Dies
A growing number of iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air owners are reporting a troubling issue: when the battery runs completely to zero, the phone refuses to power back on even after being plugged in. Users describe plugging in the USB-C charger within seconds of the phone shutting down, only to find the screen remains completely black — no low battery indicator, no Apple logo, nothing.
Multiple threads online confirm the issue spans across all of Apple's latest iPhone models. The problem appears to be software-related rather than a hardware defect, as affected phones eventually recover after being left on charge for an extended period. Apple has not yet issued an official statement, but a fix could come in an upcoming iOS update.
Workaround: If your iPhone refuses to turn on after dying, try a force restart (quick press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side Button for up to 20 seconds). If that doesn't work, leave it plugged in for 30+ minutes before trying again.
Source: 9to5Mac
👔 Why September 1 Matters for Apple's CEO Transition
With Tim Cook stepping down and John Ternus officially taking the reins on September 1, 2026, the timing is more deliberate than it might seem. September marks the beginning of Apple's fiscal year and — more importantly — falls right in the heart of iPhone launch season.
By transitioning leadership just weeks before the expected iPhone 17 lineup hits store shelves (and potentially the foldable iPhone Ultra), Ternus gets to ride the momentum of a major product launch as his first act as CEO. It also gives Cook a graceful exit tied to a completed product cycle rather than a mid-year departure.
Analysts note that Ternus, currently Apple's Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, brings deep technical expertise that could shift Apple's culture back toward engineering-first decision making — a contrast to Cook's operations-focused tenure.
Source: 9to5Mac
🎬 Behind the Scenes of Apple's MacBook Neo Intro Video
The $599 MacBook Neo has been a breakout hit since its surprise March launch, and a big part of that success came from the delightfully creative introductory video that showcased the ultra-thin laptop. Now Apple has released a behind-the-scenes look at how the video was made — and it's as impressive as the product itself.
The video reveals Apple's use of practical effects combined with CGI, macro photography of the device's aluminum chassis, and a custom-built turntable rig that could rotate at precisely controlled speeds. The team reportedly shot over 47 hours of footage to produce the 2-minute final cut.
The MacBook Neo continues to be one of Apple's best-selling products, praised for its combination of the M3 chip, a stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and a price point that undercuts most Windows competitors.
Source: 9to5Mac
📱 iOS 26.5 Will Add New Features to Three Popular iPhone Apps
Apple is preparing iOS 26.5 for release in the coming days, and the update brings meaningful enhancements to three of the most-used built-in iPhone apps. While full release notes aren't available yet, here's what we know so far:
- Messages: New message effects and improved RCS support for better cross-platform messaging.
- Maps: Enhanced transit directions with real-time crowding information and improved walking directions.
- Wallet: Expanded support for digital IDs and improved tap-to-pay functionality.
The update is expected to drop within the next week. As always, we recommend waiting a day or two after release before updating to ensure no critical bugs slip through.
Source: 9to5Mac
🕶️ Apple Vision Pro Suffered From Indecisive Leadership
A new deep-dive analysis suggests that Apple Vision Pro's struggles in the market stem largely from indecisive leadership during its development and launch. The $3,499 headset was positioned as "the next generation of computing" but has felt like an afterthought in Apple's product lineup since launch.
The report suggests that under John Ternus's leadership, the Vision Pro roadmap could see significant changes — potentially including a more affordable model and a clearer software strategy. The device's spatial computing platform has undeniable potential, but Apple's reluctance to commit resources has left developers uncertain about the platform's future.
With WWDC 2026 just weeks away, all eyes are on what Apple will announce for visionOS.
Source: 9to5Mac
📋 Next iPad Could Get a New Naming Scheme
It's been over a year since Apple updated its entry-level iPad, and when the next model arrives with an A18 chip, it might sport a brand-new name. A recent interview with an Apple executive hinted that the company is reconsidering its iPad naming strategy, which has become increasingly confusing with iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro all coexisting.
The entry-level iPad hasn't been updated since the A16-powered model, making it one of the oldest products in Apple's lineup. The expected refresh with an A18 chip would bring Apple Intelligence support to the most affordable iPad for the first time.
Source: 9to5Mac
⚖️ Court Blocks OpenAI/Jony Ive From Using "io" Branding
The United States District Court for the Northern District of California has granted a preliminary injunction requested by iyO, preventing OpenAI and Jony Ive's new hardware venture from using the "io" branding. The trademark dispute centers on iyO's existing audio technology brand, which the court found could be confused with the OpenAI/Ive product name.
This is a significant setback for the high-profile collaboration between OpenAI and Ive, Apple's legendary former design chief. The venture will need to either rebrand or fight the case in court — potentially delaying the product's launch timeline.
Source: 9to5Mac
💡 Quick Tips
Tip #1: Fix an iPhone That Won't Turn On After Dying
Related to today's top story — if your iPhone 17, 17 Pro, or Air refuses to restart after the battery dies:
- Plug it into a wall charger (not a computer USB port) for at least 15 minutes
- Perform a force restart: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side Button for up to 20 seconds
- If it still won't respond, try a different cable and charger — sometimes the issue is actually just a faulty charging accessory
Tip #2: Use Your iPhone to Identify Bird Songs
Spring is here! You can use free apps like Merlin Bird ID to identify birds singing near you. Simply open the app, tap "Sound ID," and hold your phone toward the bird. It uses AI to identify species in real-time — a surprisingly delightful use of your iPhone's microphone.