New Apple Vision Pro Strap Discovered as ‘Dual Knit Band’ in Leaked Code

### Upcoming Dual Knit Band for Apple Vision Pro: Insights

Earlier this year, *Bloomberg* disclosed that Apple was developing a revamped strap for the Apple Vision Pro headset, as part of a wider range of improvements for the initial generation model. Recent leaks have unveiled further specifics regarding this new strap, provisionally called the “Dual Knit Band.”

#### Possibly a Combination of the Two Current Bands

Findings from *MacRumors* indicate that references in Apple’s backend suggest the Dual Knit Band may amalgamate elements from the current straps: the Dual Loop and the Solo Knit. The Dual Loop is a more straightforward choice that features a top strap for enhanced support, while the Solo Knit is often showcased in Apple’s promotional materials.

A description of the Dual Knit Band proposes it will include an upper band that rests atop the head, along with a lower band that secures behind the head. This configuration aims to improve comfort and stability for users during prolonged utilization of the Vision Pro headset.

Mark Gurman from *Bloomberg*, who initially covered the new band in July, has also supported these assertions. He noted that although the new band is an exciting advancement, it would be preferable for Apple to provide it at no cost to existing Vision Pro users, considering the headset’s high price.

#### Design and Comfort Factors

While the precise design of the Dual Knit Band remains unrevealed, the name suggests that the upper strap may incorporate the same ribbed knit material utilized in the Solo Knit. This could enhance comfort for users who struggle with the headset’s weight during extended use, even when employing the current Dual Loop strap.

As anticipation grows for the launch of the Dual Knit Band, current owners of the Apple Vision Pro are keen to know what improvements it will introduce to their experience.

#### Final Thoughts

The Dual Knit Band symbolizes Apple’s dedication to advancing user comfort and functionality with the Vision Pro headset. As more details emerge, it will be fascinating to observe how this new accessory influences the overall user experience.

Do you possess an Apple Vision Pro? What are your hopes for the Dual Knit Band? Share your opinions in the comments.

Taylor Swift Reigns Supreme on Apple Music Charts with Latest Album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’

**The Life of a Showgirl: Taylor Swift’s New Album Rules Apple Music Charts**

Just under 24 hours post-release, Taylor Swift’s newest album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, has made a significant impact on the music landscape. Both the explicit and clean editions of the album have witnessed all their tracks ascend to the summit of Apple Music’s Top Songs chart in the US, demonstrating Swift’s lasting appeal and the excitement surrounding her latest creation.

### No Shock, Yet Remarkable

Swift’s album launch followed swiftly after its reveal, sparking considerable excitement among fans and music analysts alike. The simultaneous release—one explicit and the other clean—serves a wide-ranging audience, enabling listeners to select according to their tastes. While the rankings of the songs on the charts differ from the album’s original tracklist, this variation sheds light on which tracks might rise as favorites among fans.

At present, the explicit version of *The Life of a Showgirl* sits atop Apple Music’s list of top albums, while the clean version is positioned at number 7. Furthermore, Swift is at the forefront of the Top Video chart, showcasing a blend of fresh and classic video clips, promotional content, and interviews that further captivate her audience.

The album’s launch has also been bolstered by the iOS 26 Apple Music update, which features an attractive animation applied to the album’s title, attire, and accessories on the cover, adding a layer of thrill for fans engaging with the album through the service.

### Stream Now

Fans eager to dive into *The Life of a Showgirl* can do so on Apple Music, which necessitates an active subscription. New users can benefit from a promotional offer, gaining the first month free with a monthly charge of $10.99.

### Accessory Promotions on Amazon

As the album continues to build momentum, fans might also want to check out accessory promotions linked to Swift’s music and merchandise on sites like Amazon.

In summary, Taylor Swift’s *The Life of a Showgirl* not only reinforces her position as a prominent artist in the music domain but also highlights the evolving landscape of music consumption in the digital era. What are your thoughts on the new album? Feel free to share your views in the comments.

WhatsApp Unveils Option for Users to Reserve @ Handles Ahead of Username Support Release

### WhatsApp to Finally Align with Rivals on Usernames

Since its inception in 2009, WhatsApp has mainly depended on users’ phone numbers for account setup and contact linking. This method has set it apart from competitors like Telegram, which has offered username support as an alternative identification method for some time. However, WhatsApp is poised to launch a username feature, enabling users to establish unique identifiers that do not solely rely on phone numbers.

#### The Launch of Username Support

In June, reports from WABetaInfo indicated that WhatsApp was developing a way to integrate usernames into its platform. The code found in a TestFlight build suggested that the app was creating protocols for how usernames would operate. Important guidelines include:

– Usernames must not start with “www.” to avoid confusion with official websites.
– Each username is required to include at least one letter, forbidding usernames made entirely of numbers or symbols.
– Permitted characters consist of lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods, and underscores, ensuring a uniform format across all usernames.

#### Username Reservation Mechanism

Recently, WABetaInfo discovered a new feature within WhatsApp’s settings that allows users to claim their desired usernames in advance of the official launch. This forward-thinking step enables users to secure their chosen handles, reducing the likelihood of impersonation and guaranteeing that they can preserve their identity on the platform.

#### Upcoming Rollout and Anticipations

Although Meta, WhatsApp’s parent organization, has not yet made an official announcement regarding the username feature, the introduction of the name-reservation mechanism implies that the rollout may happen soon. Users are urged to stay attentive to updates as the feature moves through its development phases.

In conclusion, WhatsApp’s imminent username support signals a major transformation in how users can identify themselves on the platform, bringing it closer to competitors and improving user experience.

Wired Performs Blind Test Evaluating AirPods Max Against Five Rival Headphones

**Blindfolded Headphone Comparison: An Evaluation of Apple’s AirPods Max and Their Rivals**

When four expert music producers were blindfolded and assigned the task of listening to the same track through six different headphones, including Apple’s AirPods Max, the findings were fascinating. This experiment, carried out by *Wired*, sought to evaluate the performance of an assortment of premium headphones in a controlled setting.

### The Configuration

In 2020, Apple’s AirPods Max were celebrated as top-notch headphones. Yet, five years later, the absence of notable updates, apart from a transition to USB-C and new color variations, has enabled competitors to close the gap. To analyze this, *Wired* brought in four audio professionals—Isabel Gracefield, Ian Lambden, Steph Marziano, and Mike Kintish—who are all seasoned sound engineers and music producers.

To guarantee an impartial evaluation, the producers were blindfolded and forbidden from manipulating the headphones during the assessment. They listened to “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, a hugely popular track, streamed at Spotify Premium’s 320 Kbps. Active noise cancellation (ANC) was activated on all headphones, although some testers expressed concerns.

### The Contenders

The headphones evaluated included:

– Apple AirPods Max
– Sony WH-1000XM6
– Soundcore Space One Pro
– Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen)
– Nothing Headphone (1)
– Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

Each pair was given a letter (A, B, C, D, E, F) for identification, allowing the testers to navigate between them seamlessly.

### Summary of Results

While the full results are elaborated in *Wired’s* article, the AirPods Max performed well against their competitors, with at least one reviewer placing them at the top. The headphones received acclaim for their efficient active noise cancellation and clarity in vocal reproduction while delivering a well-rounded sound across instruments. Nonetheless, their weight was pointed out as a possible disadvantage.

### Final Thoughts

This blindfolded headphone comparison offered valuable insights into the performance of the AirPods Max in relation to other premium headphones. Although results may differ with various tracks, the experiment underscored the strengths and weaknesses of each model. For anyone contemplating high-end headphones, this test acts as a valuable reference point.

For more comprehensive findings and insights, refer to the complete article on *Wired*.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Might Be the Ultimate ‘Max’ Version Boasting the Biggest Screen

When consumers opt for the Pro Max variant of the iPhone, it is frequently for one primary reason: screen size. However, this year’s iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the final ‘Max’ version to genuinely provide the largest iPhone display. Here’s the explanation.

## ‘Max’ May Not Represent the Largest When Foldable iPhone Displays Emerge

Typically, the term “max” suggests something that cannot be exceeded. There is nothing more “max” than max.

Naturally, Apple has taken its own path with definitions since the introduction of the first M1 Ultra chip, going beyond the M1 “Max.” Next year, all indications suggest a similar scenario unfolding within the iPhone range.

Apple is projected to unveil an iPhone 18 Pro Max, but it will not actually feature the largest iPhone screen. This is because we are also expecting an iPhone Fold. Or perhaps Apple will refer to it as the iPhone “Ultra”?

The iPhone Fold will mark Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone. Speculations indicate it will possess a 5.5-inch outer display—small by contemporary iPhone standards. Yet, when that display is unfolded, its 7.8-inch size will easily claim the title for the largest iPhone screen.

Details about the iPhone 18 Pro Max are still scarce, but thus far, there haven’t been any hints of a change in screen size. Apple just upgraded the Pro Max size last year, making it improbable to do so again in 2026. Assuming consistency with the existing model, here’s what we can anticipate:

– iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
– iPhone Fold: 7.8-inch inner display

## Deciding Between iPhone 18 Pro Max and Fold

For the first time, Apple’s iPhone series will feature a model with a screen larger than the Pro Max. This may create a dilemma for traditional Pro Max users. If you desire the largest iPhone available, does that imply selecting the Fold?

For power users and early adopters, perhaps. However, I believe many others will continue with their reliable Pro Max size—at least for one more year. The Fold will introduce a completely new iPhone form factor, providing a combination of iPhone and iPad mini in one device.

Not everyone will be inclined to gamble on something new and unfamiliar, particularly at the rumored price point exceeding $2,000. Nevertheless, regardless of the iPhone Fold’s potential popularity—or lack thereof—it feels peculiar to state that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the last ‘Max’ model with the largest iPhone screen.

If you typically use an iPhone Pro Max, do you think you’ll transition to the Fold? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.

## Top iPhone Accessories

Apple Unveils New Immersive ‘Elevated’ Episode for Apple Vision Pro to Honor Fall

Apple has recently introduced an engaging short film called “Maine,” a part of its Elevated series, crafted specifically for the Apple Vision Pro. This comes after the success of the inaugural episode, “Hawai’i,” which premiered last year. Both episodes run for around six minutes and feature breathtaking aerial shots of their unique settings.

The newest episode, “Maine,” is narrated by Oscar-winning actor Tim Robbins, famed for his performances in films like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Mystic River.” The film allows viewers to glide over Maine’s beautiful autumn scenery, showcasing rugged coastlines, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant forests painted in fall hues of orange, crimson, and gold.

Apple revealed the launch of “Maine” through a post on X, along with a trailer that emphasizes the stunning visuals audiences can anticipate. The Elevated series is offered exclusively on the Apple Vision Pro, which enriches the immersive experience through its state-of-the-art technology.

In addition to the Elevated series, Apple TV+ provides a range of popular shows and movies for a subscription cost of $12.99 monthly, including popular titles like “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” and “Silo.”

For those keen on delving into the immersive realm of Elevated, “Maine” and its predecessor “Hawai’i” offer a mesmerizing insight into the splendor of nature, all while accompanied by the calming narration of Tim Robbins.