Apple has changed its development process for iOS 28 and macOS 28, extending each coding stage from four weeks to six and shortening the convergence period from four weeks to two, according to Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. The adjustment gives engineers more time to explore ideas before features must be locked and could let Apple move more quickly on feature development under new CEO John Ternus.
iOS 28 and macOS 28: New development timeline
Apple separates development of each year’s operating systems into three major stages. Under the previous cadence each stage consisted of four weeks of coding followed by a four-week convergence period to integrate features; the new schedule lengthens coding phases and compresses convergence windows to allow more time for experimentation earlier in the cycle.
Apple Support Community to close on November 20
Apple announced the long-running Apple Support Community discussion forums will permanently close on Friday, November 20. The forums are currently in a read-only state and no new posts are being accepted, leaving longtime members unable to post farewell messages.
iPhone Duo: 100,000+ apps optimized, some major apps still missing
Apple said more than 100,000 apps have been updated for the iPhone Duo to support both its inner and outer displays. Despite that volume, several high-profile apps have not yet been optimized, though additional updates continue to arrive each day. The Duo’s new form factor creates opportunities for new app layouts, games and utilities.
Hands-on: OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro, HomeView hub, and Apple TV
The new MacBook Pro with a PROLED XDR Display and touchscreen is now in customers’ hands. The display uses OLED technology, the machine is notably lighter than previous models, and the lighted Apple logo on the lid has returned. Reviews have also covered Apple’s newly launched HomeView smart home hub and the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K.
Retail subscription signup controversy
Electronics technician and consumer rights advocate Louis Rossmann shared YouTube videos alleging some Apple Store employees signed customers up for auto-renewing subscription trials, including Apple One, without informed consent. Apple has historically tracked a “services attach rate” for retail employees, a metric Rossmann says created pressure to enroll customers. Apple has removed the attach rate metric, saying it is less relevant during the holiday season when purchases are often gifts, though the change comes amid the recent publicity.
Software updates: iOS 27.2.1 and tvOS 27.2.1
Apple released iOS 27.2.1 this week with a number of security updates and other unspecified bug fixes. tvOS 27.2.1 also rolled out, bringing Siri AI to 2nd- and 3rd-generation Apple TV 4K boxes. Larger 27.3 updates remain in early beta testing ahead of public releases next month.
More app optimizations and software updates are continuing to arrive as Apple’s recent hardware launches settle into customers’ hands.
