Intrigue at Apple!

In a dizzying string of revelations, several key Apple executives headed for the exit this week. First, the company’s AI chief stepped down. Then the lead human interface designer jumped ship for Meta. And just a day later, Apple announced the retirement of its top legal and environmental leaders.

What a week!

All that C-suite chaos might sound like bad news for Apple. And some of the departing Apple leaders do leave outsize legacies.

But there’s at least one silver lining. Lots of folks in the user-interface design world think the company’s headed for a software renaissance, thanks to the promotion of a veteran Apple designer (going back to the Steve Jobs era) who’s revered for sweating the details.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Did you hear the one about Apple going back to Intel chips? It’s no joke!
iOS 26.2 should arrive next week. Here’s what to expect from the update. (We put together a video showing all the new features, too.)
Here’s a quick weekend project: Update your iPhone’s Contact Poster so you make a great impression every time you call friends and colleagues.
This one will likely make old-school Mac fans’ heads explode, but the Finder might need a new name.
Music fans should definitely scope out these drool-worthy audio setups.
And finally, don’t miss excellent deals on MacBook Airs, a return to Black Friday lows on AirPods 4 with ANC, and lots of great new offers (and loads of price drops) from Cult of Mac Deals.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Featured stories

The real reason Meta poached Apple's UI design chief

Spoiler alert: It wasn't Liquid Glass. Meta hired Alan Dye away from Apple due to his overlooked work creating a next-gen platform.

Plus, more on Alan Dye’s departure:

Meet Apple's new UI chief, the man Steve Jobs called 'Margaret'

Meet Steve Lemay, the new head of user interface design at Apple, and learn why Steve Jobs called him "Margaret."

Plus: Designers sound positively giddy about Apple's new UI chief

Woah! Two more high-profile execs set to leave Apple.

Right after UI chief Alan Dye quit Apple, two more executives are poised to leave the company. Next out the door are Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president

Apple replaces AI chief, taps ex-Googler to fix Apple Intelligence

Apple's AI chief is out after a string of failures. Learn about the new leadership for the company's critical AI development efforts.

How-tos

How to find your music stats with Apple Music Replay 2025

Apple Music Replay is where you find your most-played songs, artists and albums from 2025. Here's how to find it.

Make calls more personal: Your guide to creating custom iPhone Contact Posters

Contact Posters let you customize how your contact card looks to other people when you call them from your iPhone.

Master AirDrop: Your ultimate guide to seamless file sharing on iPhone, iPad and Mac

If you want to know the fastest and easiest way to send someone photos, videos, files and so, so much more, you should know how to AirDrop.

How to stop your AirPods from switching between devices

If you’re trying to listen to podcasts or music on your phone, it can be annoying when your AirPods keep switching to other devices.

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News

What to expect from iOS 26.2 when it launches next week

Apple released iOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 release candidates, signaling an upcoming final version. Discover the changes now.

Apple fans really want a red iPhone 17

Apple fans want a red iPhone 17 Pro, according to many responses to a recent X.com post from Apple marketing honcho Greg Joswiak.

The real reason Apple turned to Intel chips again

After a break, Apple and Intel are patching things up, and Intel-made chips could soon be back in Macs. Here's why.

macOS Finder needs a name that reflects what it actually does

The macOS Finder name is an outdated anachronism. There's a far better alternative for Apple's file management tool.

Deals

M4 MacBook Air price slashed: Fantastic deal takes 25% off Apple's slim laptop

The M4 MacBook Air is Apple’s best notebook for most people. It’s already affordable, and a deal knocks up to 25% off the price.

Plus, more deals on Apple gear:

A new iCloud alternative just dropped an 8TB lifetime subscription

FileLu gives you permanent storage instead of monthly fees. The lifetime plan gives you up to 8TB, accessible via desktop, mobile and browser.

Plus, more software and services from Cult of Mac Deals:

iPhone full again? This $35.99 photo backup stick fixes it instantly.

The Photo Backup Stick Omega Universal packs 64GB of storage and tips for USB-C, Lightning and micro USB.

Plus, more gear from Cult of Mac Deals:

Reviews and recommendations

10 must-have accessories to supercharge your iPhone 17 Pro Max

If you have Apple's best iPhone, you should consider the best iPhone 17 Pro Max accessories to make the most of the powerful handset.

Plus: My favorite wireless earbuds for less than $100

Tiny snap-on iPhone game controller is always ready to play [Review]

The Abxylute M4 game controller is pocket-size, but clip it to your iPhone to add all the buttons and sticks needed for gaming.

Setups

These go to 11: Rock out to a dozen killer audio setups

In the world of workstation audio, many computer setups go for bigger sound -- but only some do it in smarter ways.