This digest compiles the latest from Apple Insider.
Today’s Apple Insider Roundup
Smartphone buyers are more loyal than ever, but they still switch to iPhone
Smartphone buyers are becoming increasingly loyal to their chosen platform, whether that’s Apple’s iPhone or Google’s Android.
The increased loyalty also means that smartphone buyers are less likely to switch from Android to iPhone and vice versa. That’s according to new research that found that of those who do switch, Android users are more likely to buy iPhones than the other way around.
However, switching does still happen. And Android phone owners are still more than willing to switch to iPhones despite their increased loyalty.
iPhone stops shooting solo with remote control in Blackmagic Camera
Blackmagic Design’s Blackmagic Camera app for iPhone further enhances professional workflows with Apple Watch control, deeper ATEM integration, and new hardware support.
The update shifts the camera app beyond standalone recording by tying the iPhone into coordinated production environments. Remote monitoring from Apple Watch, control through Blackmagic’s ProDock, and support for dedicated focus and zoom hardware position the device as part of a larger, managed camera system rather than a self-contained tool.
The changes arrive as iPhone video continues to gain traction in production environments. However, the update shows Blackmagic focusing less on casual creators and more on integrating the iPhone into its existing broadcast ecosystem.
How to get 10% off Apple AirPods and more when you recycle old devices
Apple is running a promotion that offers a 10% discount on AirPods and other accessories when customers recycle their old devices, including very old iPhones and iPads.
The deal, which runs from today through May 26, is only valid at physical Apple Stores. Those who don’t have an Apple Store within traveling distance are, unfortunately, out of luck.
Apple also notes that customers must recycle their old hardware and buy their new accessory at the same time.
Apple Immersive Video documentary pilot died in microlight aircraft crash
Apple invited paraplegic Claire Lomas to fly a plane while being filmed for an Apple Vision Pro immersive video, but she then suffered fatal injuries in an accident upon landing.
In 2024, Apple was making one of the first of its “Adventure” immersive videos for the then-new Apple Vision Pro, featuring spectacular feats such as Parkour running in Paris. According to Bloomberg, Lomas was being filmed flying a converted microlight over the Jordan desert when she crashed after landing.
BBC News reported back in 2025 that Lomas had been invited to film there by an unnamed documentary maker, now revealed to be Apple and London’s Atlantic Studios. Lomas had flown this type of microlight before, but the BBC says it went off a road after landing and crashed into a rock.
Apple is using a record-high 30% recycled material across its entire product line
Apple has released its latest annual environmental report with new milestones achieved, including 100% recycled cobalt in batteries, 100% recycled rare earth elements in magnets, and more.
Its 2025 annual environmental report was a tale of the company being under pressure to reach its 2030 target despite the new energy requirements of AI. But for 2026, the company can now point to multiple milestones it has reached, specifically:
- 30% recycled materials across all devices
New iOS 27 Apple Intelligence features could boost Safari, Wallet, and more
Apple will add at least four new iPhone Apple Intelligence features to Safari, Wallet, and more when it announces iOS 27 this June.
That’s according to a new report, which cites code discovered on Apple’s backend servers. The new features are yet to be confirmed by Apple, but could bring additional functionality to a beleaguered Apple Intelligence feature set.
Apple isn’t expected to announce the iOS 27 update until its June 2026 WWDC event.
Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible
First iPhone 18 Pro variable aperture camera component is now in production
A key part for the regularly rumored variable aperture camera in the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max has reportedly now entered manufacturing, on schedule for production of the whole system.
A variable aperture will be one of the most significant improvements Apple has made to the iPhone’s camera system, bringing it another feature that’s previously been confined to standalone cameras. Now according to ET News, the supply chain has revealed that it’s coming, and that it is now in production.
Specifically, China’s Sunny Optical firm is reported to have started production of an actuator. This is the mechanism that moves the lens components, letting it increase or decrease the amount of light being received by the sensor.
Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely
How to download and install older macOS versions on compatible Macs
If you’ve ever have to wipe the drive of a very old Mac, you know you need an old macOS to get it running again. Beyond Restore, Apple only grudgingly allows downloads, but others are trying to make it easier.
Apple does rather prefer you to use only the latest version of macOS, but it’s not as if it charges you to do so. Eventually you might need to buy a new Mac, so there is some financial upside for the company, but most of the time, the reason to stay up to date is security.
If you’re looking for an older macOS version then you know this already, but you also know that the Mac you’re working on will not run macOS Tahoe. In which case, your job is this:
End of today’s Apple Insider roundup.
