ThinkSecret notes that Apple is currently working on a minor Panther version to be released with new hardware after the consumer release of Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) reaches Gold Master.
As ThinkSecret reports -- this is typical behavior -- as each new Mac from Apple which is released comes bundled with a slightly updated version of the operating system. These minor updates/tweaks simply provide support for whatever new hardware or configurations are provided in the new machines.
They speculate, however, that this new version may herald a new release in the near future. The new iMacs and upcoming PowerBooks are (presumably) excluded as they should ship prior to Panther's consumer release. Our Buyer's Guide lists iBooks as the next consumer model due for an update, as it is is approaching the end of its release cycle.
The Xserve is also approaching time for a revision, with many expectations for a G5 release. However, while not specified by ThinkSecret, the implication seems to be that Tachyon is a version of Panther Client, not Server.
Updated: Tachyon is the name of Apple's new Developer's tools, casting doubt that a new Panther update would share the same name.
An anonymous report clarifies some of Apple's Codename categories:
Sub-particles = Developer Tools
Colors (Green/Pink/etc) = Jaguar updates
Lord of the Rings characters (Smeagol/Deagol/etc) = G5-enabling system updates.
Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
In his Powe...
Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models.
"All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
"Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today.
"I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching.
In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
