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How to Resolve iMessage Activation Problems in iOS 26, as per Apple

Calendar glitch that complicated the search for specific terms or the issue of some users being unable to download Apple Intelligence has presented a few challenges for Apple to resolve. Nevertheless, it appears yet another glitch has emerged, and this one is even more significant.

This glitch is connected to iMessage, which is Apple’s exclusive instant messaging platform for iPhone users, and it has sparked a number of discussions about the significance of blue bubbles versus green bubbles. However, this particular glitch is related to the phone number used to register for iMessage.

As per Apple’s support documents, it seems certain individuals have encountered a problem where they cannot activate iMessage with their phone number. This effectively prevents them from utilizing iMessage, isolating them from Apple’s enhanced privacy features that are inherently integrated into the iPhone.

What’s going on?

Apple Plans to Announce Q4 2025 Financial Outcomes on October 30

Apple is preparing to announce its Q4 2025 financial results on Thursday, October 30, offering investors an overview of the performance of its latest iPhone and Apple Watch devices. This announcement will also mark the end of Apple’s fiscal year. The quarterly results conference call is set for 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET, with a webcast available for interested parties.

In the same quarter last year, Apple posted unprecedented earnings, revealing $95 billion in revenue and a net income of $14.74 billion. Importantly, iPhone revenue rose by 5.5% compared to Q4 2023, while other product segments displayed mixed results: Mac revenue increased by 1.71%, iPads grew by 7.87%, Services saw an uplift of 11.91%, and Wearables, Home, and Accessories experienced a decline of 3%.

A key element impacting the upcoming results is the influence of tariffs. During the Q3 2025 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook mentioned that Apple expected a $1.1 billion rise in expenses due to tariffs, based on the assumption that global tariff rates remain unchanged and no new tariffs are introduced.

Moreover, the sales success of the newly released iPhones will be critical, as this quarter’s results will capture their first sales phase. Analysts and investors are eagerly waiting for these numbers to assess Apple’s market standing and financial well-being.

As the date nears, 9to5Mac will offer extensive coverage of the results and major insights from the conference call.

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Audio-Technica’s Premium Headphones Now Offered for Below $30 on Amazon

Alternatives to AirPods Pro boasting impressive battery longevity, for example.

If you’re seeking a quality pair of headphones without exceeding your budget, pay attention. For a short while, the Audio-Technica ATH-AVC200 SonicPro Over-Ear Headphones are marked down to only $30 on Amazon — originally $40. They encapsulate all the distinctive features that Audio-Technica is known for, including a modern aesthetic, paired with exceptional sound quality that would satisfy audiophiles everywhere. A brief glance at the top budget headphones or the finest on-ear headphones reveals that most aren’t as affordable even when discounted.

What sets them apart? Aside from the price, they come equipped with 40mm drivers that deliver crisp, impactful sound with accuracy in mid to low frequencies. Additionally, the frequency response range of 20Hz to 22,000Hz signifies their capability to effectively reproduce and enhance sound. That’s music to an audiophile’s ears, and for others, just know they provide a harmoniously balanced audio experience. They are wired, not wireless, so remember that you will require a 3.5mm or 1/8-inch port — which some newer smartphones lack. The contoured earpads and adjustable headband assist in achieving a comfortable fit, ensuring they don’t become uncomfortable on your head or ears during extended listening periods.

Additional advantages of Audio-Technica’s headphones

Without revisiting the list of features, it’s worth noting the number of people who have reviewed and appreciate these headphones. While it’s unwise to rely solely on Amazon ratings, the ATH-AVC200 headphones have more than 2,200 reviews as of this writing, boasting an average rating of 4.2 stars. Numerous customers have commented on the exceptional sound quality offered at a budget-friendly price, with many mentioning they utilize this pair for audio and voice recording, which typically requires high-fidelity gear.

With over-ear headphones like these, numerous features warrant consideration, but comfort is consistently a top priority. The headband, cups, and other components will rest against your head and ears. If the band lacks adequate cushioning, and the ear cups induce discomfort, you’re in for an uncomfortable experience. Fortunately, that’s not the case here.

The contoured earpads also function to create a seal around your ears for an enhanced listening experience. While it’s not active noise cancellation, it significantly improves the overall experience, particularly if user feedback is to be trusted. Ultimately, that $30 price point is quite reasonable for the value provided with the <

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9to5Mac Daily: October 2, 2025 – News on Fresh Product Speculations and Vision Pro Progress

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Everyday Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest news is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily offers a streamlined way to get up to speed on the most significant stories connected to Apple and its ecosystem. This daily podcast caters to those who wish to remain informed without wading through countless articles or news outlets.

**Podcast Accessibility**

9to5Mac Daily is available on a variety of platforms, making it easy for listeners to access it through their favorite app. You can locate it on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Tailored RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications

**Daily Episodes and Topics**

Fresh episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are produced each weekday, providing listeners with prompt updates on Apple news. The podcast delves into a variety of subjects, ranging from product launches and software updates to market trends. By subscribing, you guarantee that new episodes are sent straight to your device as soon as they release.

**Sponsorship and Offerings**

The podcast is backed by Calory Ai, a calorie counter and tracker application for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The app has been thoroughly updated with new features in iOS 26, making it a handy tool for health-conscious individuals.

**Subscriber Advantages**

Listeners can back the podcast by subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus. This subscription provides access to several perks, including:

– Versions of each episode without advertisements
– Additional content that offers deeper insights into the discussed stories

**Interaction and Comments**

9to5Mac Daily promotes listener interaction. You can convey your opinions by emailing the team at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Furthermore, listeners are encouraged to rate the podcast on platforms such as [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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OpenAI’s Sora Secures Third Place on the App Store

OpenAI is presently featuring two applications in the App Store’s top 3, although it remains behind Gemini, largely due to the ongoing success of Google’s Nano Banana image model. Here’s why that is significant.

On September 30, OpenAI launched Sora, a social application fueled by a much-anticipated updated version of its initial generative video model. Even though it is invite-only, the app has been gaining significant traction, recording 56,000 downloads in the US on its launch day and 108,000 on its second day, as reported by AppFigures.

The download figures for the first day, noted by TechCrunch, place Sora’s introduction “on par with xAI’s Grok launch,” yet still behind ChatGPT and Gemini, which achieved 81,000 and 80,000 downloads on their debut days, respectively.

### What AI Fatigue?

In spite of persistent claims and hot takes asserting that “regular people don’t care about AI,” the ongoing success of Gemini at the App Store’s summit, with OpenAI closely trailing behind with two apps, implies a different narrative.

Interestingly, two of the current top 3 applications in the App Store heavily depend on multimodality, moving beyond the text-first strategy of ChatGPT, which indicates that typical users may be more inclined to engage with image and video-oriented AI features instead of models focused primarily on text. At least when they’re on their phones.

Regardless, while Elon Musk takes legal action against Apple and OpenAI due to the apparent lack of enthusiasm from users regarding Grok, Google and OpenAI appear to be connecting with users more effortlessly.

Gemini continues to attract attention for its capacity to produce images that closely align with references, while Sora’s combination of social features and hyper-realistic video creation is likely to propel both its momentum and the (very real) increasing controversy surrounding trademark infringement and AI slop.

Have you had a chance to use Sora? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Samsung Aims to Launch China’s Leading Android Privacy Feature Worldwide

leaks concerning what Samsung’s forthcoming flagship device, the Galaxy S26, might include. While it appears that Samsung will not be incorporating silicone-carbide batteries just yet, the upcoming version of Samsung’s operating system, One UI 8.5, could introduce one of the most outstanding privacy features the company provides to a broader array of its devices globally. Presently, this feature is exclusively available in China.

The feature in question is referred to as Privacy Protection, and from what we’ve observed of One UI 8.5 thus far, it seems the feature might extend to Galaxy devices outside of China as well. Although the title of the feature may not elicit significant excitement, Privacy Protection serves as a comprehensive solution for safeguarding your sensitive information when sharing pictures with others.

As per a leak reported by SamMobile, Privacy Protection has the capability to obscure and delete sensitive details in images when you prefer not to share them with others. The feature does not activate automatically, but it is accessible through the sharing menu.

A significant enhancement for Android privacy

Apple TV+ Leading Global Films and Series in September: Findings from JustWatch

### Apple TV+’s September Film Rankings

Each month, JustWatch determines the most-viewed titles among its users, offering a glimpse into the trending offerings on Apple TV+ across the globe. In September, Apple TV+ introduced two notable premieres that swiftly rose to the forefront of the rankings. Particularly, *The Gorge* claimed the third spot, sustaining its appeal after receiving an Emmy nomination in August. Furthermore, *Palmer* reappeared in the rankings, while *Echo Valley*, *CODA*, and *Fly Me To The Moon* filled out the lower end of the list. Here’s the complete Top 10 films:

1. [Highest 2 Lowest](https://apple.co/4kzlZLc)
2. [All of You](https://apple.co/4mQg71I)
3. [The Gorge](https://apple.co/3SxMT9Z)
4. [Killers of the Flower Moon](https://apple.co/4mrcxuF)
5. [The Family Plan](https://apple.co/44N85zG)
6. [Napoleon](https://apple.co/3GwPn61)
7. [Palmer](https://apple.co/3GaKxvj)
8. [Fountain of Youth](https://apple.co/3Ztnli4)
9. [Tetris](https://apple.co/3I6SbaA)
10. [Wolfs](https://apple.co/44TSjlF)

### Apple TV+’s September Series Rankings

In spite of a remarkable Emmy achievement, *The Studio* only moved up from seventh position in August to third place in September, falling behind *Foundation* and *Slow Horses*, the latter enjoying a much-anticipated season 5 launch. In comparison to the last month, *Smoke*, *Murderbot*, and *Stick* were excluded, while *Ted Lasso*, *Silo*, and *The Morning Show* made a comeback in the rankings. Here’s the full Top 10 series list:

1. [Slow Horses](https://apple.co/4l0Op0G)
2. [Foundation](https://apple.co/4kXH8yt)
3. [The Studio](https://apple.co/3H0ycKh)
4. [Invasion](https://apple.co/3ZZzBah)
5. [Chief of War](https://apple.co/4kw2tyH)
6. [The Morning Show](https://apple.co/44YhOUn)
7. [Severance](https://apple.co/4mI15ey)
8. [Platonic](https://apple.co/4kvSoSt)
9. [Silo](https://apple.co/4ns8SgJ)
10. [Ted Lasso](https://apple.co/4mNvk3R)

Apple TV+ is offered at $12.99 per month and showcases popular programs and films such as [Severance](https://apple.co/4mI15ey), [The Studio](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-studio/umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52&at=1000l3cFK), [The Morning Show](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-morning-show/umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m&at=1000l3cFK), [Shrinking](https://tv.apple.com/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs&at=1000l3cFK), and

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Amazon Basics’ Latest $27 Microphone Looks Similar to Razer Design

When it comes to audio quality, the Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone provides a remarkable performance for its $27 price, based on customer feedback. In fact, its quality is reported to be so impressive that it could easily be mistaken for a product from Razer. The sizable 14 mm diaphragm affords it greater sensitivity, allowing the microphone to capture more detail and subtlety in your voice compared to many budget microphones that feature smaller diaphragms. The cardioid pickup pattern effectively isolates your voice and diminishes background noise, making this an excellent choice for creators operating in non-soundproof environments.

According to user testimonials, the vocal output from the microphone is presented with clarity and resonance. While it isn’t a professional studio microphone, it performs significantly better than what the $27 price tag might imply for home streaming, podcasting, or video conferencing. Latency is minimal, aided by its plug-and-play USB Type-A connection; the one-tap mute feature is convenient during unforeseen interruptions. Overall, the audio quality is robust for anyone transitioning from basic microphones on budget gaming headsets, integrated laptop mics, or even the small mic located at the bottom of your smartphone.

Impressive performance on a budget

If you seek an economical microphone that strikes a balance between cost, convenience, and functionality, the Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone is highly recommended. Priced at just $27, it exceeds expectations with sound clarity comparable to more premium models. It boasts a large diaphragm, cardioid pickup pattern, and plug-and-play USB capabilities. While it isn’t meant to substitute professional studio equipment, emerging creators, students in online classes, or professionals needing improved call quality while working from home will find it advantageous.

With the inclusion of the one-touch mute button and dependable low-latency performance, this microphone becomes a well-equipped device that offers great value — especially for under $30. While audiophiles and recording artists may still prefer to invest in high-end gear, the Amazon Basics mic demonstrates that you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve quality sound during your next work call or gaming session with friends.

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16 Videos Showcasing the Enhanced Features of OpenAI’s Sora 2 Model

**The Emergence of Sora 2: A New Chapter in AI Video Creation**

The introduction of Sora 2, OpenAI’s newest AI video creation tool, has revolutionized the digital landscape, revealing both the imaginative potential and the associated risks of cutting-edge AI technologies. With its capacity to produce highly lifelike videos, Sora 2 has unlocked a myriad of opportunities for content producers while also eliciting worries regarding the dissemination of false information and the moral considerations surrounding AI-generated media.

**Igniting Imagination with Sora 2**

The functionalities of Sora 2 have ignited a surge of novel and engaging content. From comical unboxings of futuristic devices like the foldable iPhone and Apple Glasses to fanciful scenarios such as a gorilla preparing street food in Delhi, the tool has empowered creators to actualize their most daring visions. The platform’s ability to depict intricate scenes with detailed elements and soundscapes introduces a degree of realism that was previously unreachable.

**The Negative Aspect: Misinformation and Ethical Challenges**

Nonetheless, the strength of Sora 2 is not devoid of its downsides. The tool’s capacity to fabricate believable fake news segments has become a significant area of concern. Videos showcasing invented incidents, like Sam Altman purportedly stealing GPUs or proclaiming GPT-6 as AGI, underscore how effortlessly misinformation can be propagated. The existence of a permanent Sora watermark acts as a deterrent, but the threat of deception remains substantial, especially for viewers who are not familiar with AI-generated material.

**Exploring the Ethical Terrain**

The ethical ramifications of Sora 2’s capabilities stretch beyond misinformation. The tool’s power to produce copyrighted material, including scenes from beloved series like Rick & Morty, raises issues surrounding intellectual property laws and the limits of artistic freedom. As AI continues to advance, it becomes ever more important to establish standards and policies to regulate its application.

**A Peek into the Future**

In spite of the hurdles, Sora 2 marks a significant advancement in AI technology, providing a preview of the future of content development. Its capability to maintain character and scene continuity throughout various shots and to create sophisticated sound effects illustrates the potential for AI to transform the entertainment sector.

**Final Thoughts**

As Sora 2 continues to gather momentum, it is vital for users, developers, and regulators to collaboratively work towards utilizing its capabilities in a responsible manner. By nurturing an atmosphere of innovation and ethical awareness, we can ensure that tools like Sora 2 positively impact society, leading to a future where AI enhances human creativity and comprehension. For those keen to try its features, the Sora app is accessible for free download on the Apple App Store.

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