Image credit: Accessory leaker Sonny Dickson
Over the last few months, Apple has been experimenting with different camera bump designs for the standard iPhone 16 models, all of which have featured a vertical camera arrangement.
The latest prototype features the same arrangement with two separate camera rings for the Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, housed within a pill-shaped raised surface, suggesting Apple has drawn inspiration from older iPhone models, such as the iPhone X. The microphone sits next to the lenses, while the camera flash is located on the back of the device outside of the bump.
With the vertical camera layout, Apple is expected to bring spatial video recording to the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models. Current iPhone 15 models have a diagonal camera arrangement and are not able to capture spatial video, a feature that is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models and the Vision Pro headset.
How to Record Spatial Video on iPhone 15 Pro
In addition to the updated camera bump design, recent iPhone 16 prototypes have also featured an Action Button similar to the one used on iPhone 15 Pro, and a pressure-sensitive Capture button for shooting horizontal video that sits flush with the frame of the device. Indeed, an opening for the Capture button can be seen in the latest cases.
The existence of cases at this early stage does not necessarily confirm that Apple has settled on this design for the iPhone 16. Third-party case makers also often base their initial case designs for upcoming iPhones on leaks and rumors, so the images may not be true representations. That said, the recent consistent trickle of leaks suggest Apple now has this year’s iPhone 16 design nailed down.
Apple is expected to launch its iPhone 16 series sometime in September. For additional details on Apple’s next-generation 2024 smartphones, check out our dedicated rumor roundups for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro.Related Roundup: iPhone 16Tag: Sonny DicksonThis article, "First iPhone 16 Cases Outline New Rear Vertical Camera Bump" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple’s original plan was to rely on different OLED display suppliers for the upcoming iPad Pro models, with Samsung Display exclusively producing ~11-inch panels and LG Display responsible for the required ~13-inch panels.
The division of labor was reportedly due to changes in Apple’s demand outlook for OLED iPad Pro models, as well as the unstable production capacity and yield of the two suppliers, which are both still getting to grips with Apple’s requirement for new panel technologies.
Early reports suggested the new models could arrive as soon as this month. However, according to Korean news site hankooki.com, Samsung has recently faced poor yields of the ~11-inch OLED panels, and it has been unable to meet Apple’s order quantity. The shortfall has led Apple to transfer some orders for the smaller panel to LG Display. The latter is subsequently expected to increase its order by hundreds of thousands of units going into next month.
Given the reallocation, LG Display is now likely to supply 60% of the panels for the upcoming iPad Pro models. The company has invested millions of dollars into its sixth-generation small- and medium-sized OLED production line, and has now passed Apple’s quality control standards for the larger panels, enabling it to take up the slack from Samsung.
Apple earlier this month ordered an initial 8.5 million OLED display panels from the South Korean suppliers. Apple’s latest shipments forecast is said to have been a decrease from the 10 million units that were projected for 2024 last year.
Apple is rumored to be aiming for “unrivaled” display quality with the new iPad Pro models, which will use a tandem OLED structure. The tandem structure is a method of stacking two layers of OLED light-emitting layers. It is superior to the luminance (screen brightness) and lifespan of a single OLED structure with one light-emitting layer. The iPhone currently uses a single stack OLED display with one light-emitting layer.
Apple will now introduce new iPad Pro models alongside new iPad Air models in early May, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Apple is apparently working to “finish software for the new devices,” and the iPad Pro models also need “complex new manufacturing techniques,” which Gurman says has contributed to the delay.Related Roundup: iPad ProBuyer’s Guide: 11″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy), 12.9″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "iPad Pro Delays Could Be Down to Poor OLED Panel Production Yields" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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According to news aggregator account “yeux1122” on the Naver blog, the new process will make the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max look more polished than the iPhone 15 Pro models, which have a brushed finish.
The improved manufacturing process will allegedly result in a glossy appearance that is more akin to the heavily polished stainless steel material used in previous Pro iPhones. However, the new titanium finish will be less prone to scratches compared to stainless steel.
The brushed finish on iPhone 15 Pro models is considerably less reflective than the finish of previous Pro iPhones. It is less prone to fingerprints and also reduces scratch visibility. Apart from looks though, Apple’s use of a titanium frame for its iPhone 15 Pro devices also cut down the weight of the devices. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are approximately nine percent lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
In addition, the titanium frame and aluminum substructure also provides better heat dissipation than any previous-generation Pro models with stainless steel frames, according to Apple.
A rumor earlier this week claimed that the iPhone 16 Pro models will come in new “space black” and “rose” titanium colors. The “rose” is a gold shade, while “space black” could replace the black titanium option. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 16 series in the fall.Related Roundup: iPhone 16 ProTag: NaverThis article, "iPhone 16 Pro Models Could Feature New Polished Titanium Finish" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Apple has launched repair tools for both independent repair shops and consumers, but repair components must be purchased directly from Apple. Components must be paired with a device serial number after being installed, which prevents unauthorized repairs that use third-party components. The bill states that companies cannot reduce the performance of a device or display misleading warnings for parts that are not properly paired.
According to repair site iFixit, Oregon’s Right to Repair law is the strongest that has been passed to date. It does have consumer protections, such as requiring independent repair shops to have a “valid and unexpired certification” ensuring the person doing the repair has the “technical capabilities and competence necessary” to make a successful fix.
The elimination of the parts pairing restriction will allow independent repair shops to make more repairs without having to rely solely on components from Apple.
In addition to preventing manufacturers from requiring components to be free from pairing restrictions, the law requires companies to make parts, tools, documentation, and software available for smartphones produced in 2021 or later. For other electronics like computers, it is applicable to devices produced in 2015 and later.
Apple did not support Oregon’s Right to Repair bill, and the company has said that it will result in safety and security issues for consumers. Apple will need to comply with the parts pairing portion of the bill for products made after January 1, 2025.This article, "Oregon's New Right to Repair Law Bans 'Parts Pairing' Restrictions" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>Prior to the launch of the app, signing up for Amazon One had to be done in a physical location with an Amazon One device. The app lets customers create a profile, take a photo of their palm, and add a payment method. Finishing sign-up will still require an initial interaction with an Amazon One machine.
Amazon One can be used for payment, entry to venues, age verification, and loyalty rewards. The service uses generative AI to match a camera phone photo of a person’s palm to near-infrared imagery from an Amazon One scanner.
The AI system is able to pair palm and vein imagery to create a unique, numerical vector representation that is used for identity matching. Amazon says that it is 99.99 percent accurate.
Palm images taken with the app are encrypted and sent to a secure Amazon One domain in the AWS cloud. Amazon says the service is convenient for consumers and businesses, and that it sees many repeat users at Whole Foods. Amazon One can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]Tag: AmazonThis article, "Amazon's New App Lets You Scan Your Palm to Pay at Whole Foods, Panera Bread and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The plaintiffs alleged that Apple curbed competition in the mobile peer-to-peer payment market with its App Store guidelines. No option for cryptocurrency has supposedly caused Venmo and Cash App to raise prices for transactions and services due to “no competitive check.” A payment app that is based on decentralized cryptocurrency technology would let iPhone users “send payments to each other without any intermediary at all.”
According to the lawsuit, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, and other payment providers agreed to an App Store guideline that does not allow for cryptocurrency transactions, which constitutes an “unlawful agreement.” Apple asked for the case to be thrown out because the plaintiffs were not able to demonstrate illegal app rules or business agreements, and the judge agreed.
Apple’s App Store rules allow cryptocurrency wallets that store virtual currency, and apps can facilitate cryptocurrency transactions on an approved exchange in countries where the app has licensing and permission to operate a crypto exchange.
The judge overseeing the case called it “speculative” and said it “suffers from several fatal problems.” The plaintiffs have been given 21 days to submit an amended complaint, but the judge does not believe the case can be saved.Tags: App Store, Apple Antitrust, CryptocurrencyThis article, "Judge Tosses Out Cryptocurrency Apple Antitrust Lawsuit Filed by Venmo Customers" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Apple is working on updates to both the iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The iPad Pro models will get OLED display technology and the new M3 chips, while the iPad Air will come in the standard 10.9-inch size and a larger 12.9-inch size.
According to Gurman, Apple’s suppliers are ramping up production of the new iPads at the current time. Apple initially planned to launch the iPads in March or early April, but is apparently working to “finish software for the new devices.” The OLED iPad Pro models also need “complex new manufacturing techniques,” which Gurman says has contributed to the delay.Related Roundups: iPad Air , iPad ProBuyer’s Guide: iPad Air (Don’t Buy), 11″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy), 12.9″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "Apple to Launch New iPad Pro and iPad Air Models in May" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Aude joined Apple as an iOS software engineer in 2016, shortly after graduating college. He worked on optimizing battery performance, making him “privy to information regarding dozens of Apple’s most sensitive projects,” according to the complaint.
Leaks
The lawsuit alleges that over a five-year period, Aude used his Apple-issued work iPhone to leak information about more than a half-dozen Apple products and policies, including its then-unannounced Journal app and Vision Pro headset, product development policies, strategies for regulatory compliance, employee headcounts, and more.
In April 2023, for example, Apple alleges that Aude leaked a list of finalized features for the iPhone’s Journal app to a journalist at The Wall Street Journal on a phone call. That same month, The Wall Street Journal’s Aaron Tilley published a report titled “Apple Plans iPhone Journaling App in Expansion of Health Initiatives.”
Using the encrypted messaging app Signal, Aude is said to have sent “over 1,400” messages to the same journalist, who Aude referred to as “Homeboy.” He is also accused of sending “over 10,000 text messages” to another journalist at the website The Information, and he allegedly traveled “across the continent” to meet with her.
Other leaks relate to the Vision Pro and other hardware:As another example, an October 2020 screenshot on Mr. Aude’s Apple-issued work iPhone shows that he disclosed Apple’s development of products within the spatial computing space to a non-Apple employee. Mr. Aude made this disclosure even though Apple’s development efforts were confidential and not known to the public. Over the following months, Mr. Aude disclosed additional Apple confidential information—including information concerning unannounced products, and hardware information.Apple believes that Aude’s actions were “extensive and purposeful,” with Aude allegedly admitting that he leaked information so he could “kill” products and features with which he took issue. The company alleges that his wrongful disclosures resulted in at least five news articles discussing the company’s confidential and proprietary information. Apple says these public revelations impeded its ability to “surprise and delight” with its latest products.
Apple Finds Out
Apple said it learned of Aude’s wrongful disclosures in late 2023, and the company fired him for his alleged misconduct in December of that year.
In a November 2023 interview, Apple alleges that Aude denied leaking confidential information to anyone. However, during that interview, Apple alleges that Aude went to the bathroom and deleted “significant amounts of evidence” from his work iPhone, including the Signal app that he used to communicate with “Homeboy.”
During a follow-up interview in December 2023, Apple alleges that Aude admitted to some of his wrongful disclosures, but claims he only provided “narrow admissions limited to the information he had not been able to destroy.”
Apple attempted to resolve this matter out of court, but it said Aude was uncooperative:Apple does not bring suit against its former employees lightly. As a result of Mr. Aude’s willful destruction of evidence, however, Apple cannot know the universe of what he disclosed to whom and when. Before filing this lawsuit, Apple reached out to Mr. Aude to potentially resolve this matter. Over a month ago, Apple contacted Mr. Aude to understand the full scope of his leaks and ask for his full cooperation in resolving this matter without litigation. Mr. Aude, however, did not commit to cooperating.Aude has also allegedly refused to divest of the restricted Apple stock units that he received as part of his compensation package.
Apple said that Aude poses an “ongoing threat” to the company due to his “long and extensive history of disclosing it to third parties intentionally and without authorization, his continued relationships with individuals at other technology companies, and journalists, and his attempts to conceal his misconduct.”
Apple is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial, and it is also seeking other legal remedies.
The full complaint can be viewed in this PDF file.Tag: Apple LawsuitsThis article, "Apple Sues Former Employee for Leaking iPhone's Journal App and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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There are 50 Distinguished Winners who will be invited to Cupertino for a three-day Apple Park event that will include the keynote meetup and two additional days of opportunities to interface with Apple engineers.
just won the swift student challenge as a distinguished winner!!! OMG WOW#swiftstudentchallenge pic.twitter.com/pANVZuFSKU
— rapha (@raphadevelops) March 28, 2024
Those who are not selected as Distinguished Winners can enter Apple’s lottery for a chance to be able to be selected to go to the Apple Park keynote event. Apple is inviting developers and students to apply, but because space is limited, selections are made through a random process. Lottery winners will be notified on Thursday, April 4.
How to Sign Up to Attend Apple’s Special Event
Swift Student Challenge winners who are not picked to go to the Apple Park event can follow along with Apple’s announcements on the Apple Developer website, the Apple Developer app, and YouTube. Winners will also be eligible to enter to attend future WWDC events for the next two years.
Lottery winners selected for Apple’s event will need to fund their own travel to Cupertino, California, purchasing plane tickets and hotel accommodations.
Apple’s annual Swift Student Challenge tasks students with creating an innovative coding project using the Swift Playgrounds app. Projects are judged based on technical accomplishment, creativity of ideas, and the content of the written responses that explain the project.
In addition to being eligible to attend the WWDC 2024 special event, Swift Student Challenge winners also receive a one year membership in the Apple Developer Program and exclusive merchandise. This year’s winners are receiving free AirPods Max headphones.
WWDC 2024 is set to take place from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14.Related Roundup: WWDC 2024Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "Apple Notifying WWDC 2024 Swift Student Challenge Winners" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Apple in February said that the MLS Playoffs were recorded in 8K 3D with a 180-degree field of view and Spatial Audio, giving viewers the opportunity to feel “every heart-pounding moment” of the playoffs.
As Jason Snell from Six Colors points out, Apple’s video is being released 110 days after the 2023 MLS Cup Final, which is quite the wait. The video is also just five minutes long.
The MLS documentary is set to premiere on the Vision Pro at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time or 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time tonight.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProBuyer’s Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "Apple Immersive Video Featuring 2023 MLS Playoffs Coming to Vision Pro Tonight" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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In an email shared by Parker Ortolani on Threads this week, the company said the iPhone 15 Pro version of the keyboard will begin shipping to customers worldwide by April 15. And on the Clicks website, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max versions of the keyboard are estimated to ship by April 30 and in May, respectively.
Clicks started shipping the iPhone 14 Pro version of the keyboard in February, and this is the only model that has arrived to customers so far. The keyboard was first announced in early January, ahead of the annual CES tech conference.
Inspired by the once-popular BlackBerry smartphone, Clicks is both a physical keyboard and a case for the iPhone. The keyboard connects to the iPhone’s USB-C or Lightning port, and it features dedicated keys for emoji and dictation, backlit keys, and a pass-through charging port. Wireless charging is still supported through the case.
One advantage of using a physical keyboard with an iPhone is a full-screen experience, as the on-screen keyboard does not appear. There are also keyboard shortcuts, such as CMD-H to return to the Home Screen and CMD-Space to open Spotlight.
The obvious downsides of the keyboard are the added size and weight, but there is a niche market of physical keyboard fans who are willing to put up with these compromises to have an old-school BlackBerry-like typing experience.
Clicks was co-founded by well-known tech personalities “MrMobile” and “CrackBerry Kevin.” The keyboard starts at $139 in the U.S., and it is offered in London Sky and BumbleBee color options. It has silicone on the front, and vegan leather on the back. The keyboard is currently sold out, with the company accepting reservations for future availability.This article, "BlackBerry-Like 'Clicks' Keyboard Shipping for More iPhone Models Soon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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In an email shared by Parker Ortolani on Threads this week, the company said the iPhone 15 Pro version of the keyboard will begin shipping to customers worldwide by April 15. And on the Clicks website, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max versions of the keyboard are estimated to ship by April 30 and in May, respectively.
Clicks started shipping the iPhone 14 Pro version of the keyboard in February, and this is the only model that has arrived to customers so far. The keyboard was first announced in early January, ahead of the annual CES tech conference.
Inspired by the once-popular BlackBerry smartphone, Clicks is both a physical keyboard and a case for the iPhone. The keyboard connects to the iPhone’s USB-C or Lightning port, and it features dedicated keys for emoji and dictation, backlit keys, and a pass-through charging port. Wireless charging is still supported through the case.
One advantage of using a physical keyboard with an iPhone is a full-screen experience, as the on-screen keyboard does not appear. There are also keyboard shortcuts, such as CMD-H to return to the Home Screen and CMD-Space to open Spotlight.
The obvious downsides of the keyboard are the added size and weight, but there is a niche market of physical keyboard fans who are willing to put up with these compromises to have an old-school BlackBerry-like typing experience.
Clicks was co-founded by well-known tech personalities “MrMobile” and “CrackBerry Kevin.” The keyboard starts at $139 in the U.S., and it is offered in London Sky and BumbleBee color options. It has silicone on the front, and vegan leather on the back. The keyboard is currently sold out, with the company accepting reservations for future availability.This article, "BlackBerry-Like 'Clicks' Keyboard Shipping for More iPhone Models Soon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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In an email shared by Parker Ortolani on Threads this week, the company said the iPhone 15 Pro version of the keyboard will begin shipping to customers worldwide by April 15. And on the Clicks website, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max versions of the keyboard are estimated to ship by April 30 and in May, respectively.
Clicks started shipping the iPhone 14 Pro version of the keyboard in February, and this is the only model that has arrived to customers so far. The keyboard was first announced in early January, ahead of the annual CES tech conference.
Inspired by the once-popular BlackBerry smartphone, Clicks is both a physical keyboard and a case for the iPhone. The keyboard connects to the iPhone’s USB-C or Lightning port, and it features dedicated keys for emoji and dictation, backlit keys, and a pass-through charging port. Wireless charging is still supported through the case.
One advantage of using a physical keyboard with an iPhone is a full-screen experience, as the on-screen keyboard does not appear. There are also keyboard shortcuts, such as CMD-H to return to the Home Screen and CMD-Space to open Spotlight.
The obvious downsides of the keyboard are the added size and weight, but there is a niche market of physical keyboard fans who are willing to put up with these compromises to have an old-school BlackBerry-like typing experience.
Clicks was co-founded by well-known tech personalities “MrMobile” and “CrackBerry Kevin.” The keyboard starts at $139 in the U.S., and it is offered in London Sky and BumbleBee color options. It has silicone on the front, and vegan leather on the back. The keyboard is currently sold out, with the company accepting reservations for future availability.This article, "BlackBerry-Like 'Clicks' Keyboard Shipping for More iPhone Models Soon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The theory comes from Max Tech’s Vadim Yuryev, who outlined his thinking in a post on X earlier today. Citing a post from @techanalye1 which suggests the M3 Max chip no longer features the UltraFusion interconnect, Yuryev postulated that the as-yet-unreleased “M3 Ultra” chip will not be able to comprise two Max chips in a single package. This means that the M3 Ultra is likely to be a standalone chip for the first time.
This would enable Apple to make specific customizations to the M3 Ultra to make it more suitable for intense workflows. For example, the company could omit efficiency cores entirely in favor of an all-performance core design, as well as add even more GPU cores. At minimum, a single M3 Ultra chip designed in this way would be almost certain to offer better performance scaling than the M2 Ultra did compared to the M2 Max, since there would no longer be efficiency losses over the UltraFusion interconnect.
Furthermore, Yuryev speculated that the M3 Ultra could feature its own UltraFusion interconnect, allowing two M3 Ultra dies to be combined in a single package for double the performance in a hypothetical “M3 Extreme” chip. This would enable superior performance scaling compared to packaging four M3 Max dies and open the possibility of even higher amounts of unified memory.
Little is currently known about the M3 Ultra chip, but a report in January suggested that it will be fabricated using TSMC’s N3E node, just like the A18 chip that is expected to debut in the iPhone 16 lineup later in the year. This means it would be Apple’s first N3E chip. The M3 Ultra is rumored to launch in a refreshed Mac Studio model in mid-2024.Tag: Apple SiliconThis article, "M3 Max Chip Has Hidden Change That Could Affect Future 'M3 Ultra' Chip" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
If you only need one AirTag, Amazon has the 1-Pack for $24.00, which is a solid second-best price on the Bluetooth tracker. Delivery dates for the AirTag 4-Pack are estimated between this Saturday, March 30 and Tuesday, April 2, while the 1-Pack dates have stretched into mid-April.
$24 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $74.99
AirTag provides a way to keep track of your items in the iOS Find My app, allowing you to play a sound on the built-in speaker to find something locally or with precision finding when it’s farther away. Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Amazon Discounts AirTag 4-Pack to $74.99 ($24 Off)" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Qi2 is a next-generation wireless charging technology designed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and based on MagSafe. MagSafe was first introduced on the iPhone 12 and offers speeds of up to 15W. Third-party wireless chargers without MagSafe certification have been limited to maximum speeds of 7.5W, but Qi2 can reach the full 15W.
Last year, Apple enabled 15W speeds with Qi2 wireless chargers on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 via iOS 17.2. The iPhone 15 lineup already supported Qi2 upon launch, leaving the iPhone 12 as the only iPhone model with MagSafe without the faster charging capability when using Qi2 accessories.
Citing reader reports and its own tests, Macworld claims that the iPhone 12 is able to charge at 15W when using a Qi2 wireless charger after an update to iOS 17.4. When using a Qi2 charger, the device now displays the animation that only appears when 15W charging is active and tests with the Anker Qi2 MagGo Wireless Charger demonstrated charging speeds in line with MagSafe.
Apple openly stated that iOS 17.2 brought Qi2 support to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, but it did not make any such claim about iOS 17.4 and the iPhone 12. This may be because the iPhone 12’s wireless charging technology was built around the original Qi standard and MagSafe before Qi2 was finalized.Tag: Qi2Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "iOS 17.4 Seemingly Brings Qi2 Wireless Charging Support to iPhone 12" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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According to Alpha Biz (via DigiTimes), Apple executives have adjusted the launch schedule for the foldable iPhone from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027 following issues with the acquisition of parts, including foldable displays that meet its high standards.
Apple is still in the early stages of developing two foldable smartphones, according to The Information. The report said that the two iPhone prototypes fold widthwise like a clamshell. More recently, Samsung Securities claimed that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will feature a 6-inch external display and an 8-inch main display.
Meanwhile, Korean outlet The Elec last month reported that Apple is also considering launching a 7- to 8-inch device that could ultimately replace the 8.3-inch iPad mini.
Despite the rumors, however, there is increasing skepticism among analysts over whether Apple will abandon its foldable phone in the near term because the company is concerned that existing foldable technology has not yet matured in such a way that would enable it to realize the kind of next-generation application its engineers and designers have in mind.
Only last month a Chinese rumor claimed that Apple had suspended its development of a foldable iPhone after supplier displays failed to pass the company’s own stringent testing standards. Apple is said to have been testing rival foldable phones since 2016 as part of its research and development process into foldable devices.
In one cited case, one of the latest folding panels made by Samsung reportedly “broke down after a few days” under Apple’s rigorous internal testing, which allegedly caused Apple to put the entire project on ice for the foreseeable future.
The company is seemingly struggling to eliminate the crease that forms in the middle of a display due to repeated folding, and is still working out a design for a hinge that allows the display to lie totally flat, without a bump or dip in the middle. Apple has also been looking at filling panels with polymer materials such as silicone or acrylate to reduce light reflection issues.Tag: Foldable iPhoneThis article, "Foldable iPhone Could Arrive in 2027 or Be Postponed Indefinitely" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Maps shows photo highlights and reviews that summarize what people like about a location. A restaurant’s food items can be identified using AI, and Google Maps will also provide cost, potential availability, and whether or not it caters to dietary restrictions.
Google says that it will now be easier to discover helpful recommendation lists from top sites and the Google Maps community in select cities in the U.S. and Canada. To use the feature, search for a city and swipe to see curated lists of recommendations from people familiar with the city. There are also Trending, Top, and Gems lists that highlight popular locations to visit when traveling. The feature is available in 40 cities this week, with more coming in the future.
To go along with the change to recommendations, Google is adding new customization tools for creating lists in Maps. Google Maps users can choose the order that places appear in their created lists to rank them, and there are options to link content from social channels. Google says that the list updates will be rolling out on Android and iOS later this month.
Finally, Google Maps users can expect to see a refreshed design that includes a cleaner home screen with fewer tabs and new pin colors that make it easier to find places on the map.This article, "Google Maps Gains New AI Tools, Updated Recommendation Lists and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Though Schiller transitioned from marketing chief to “Apple Fellow” in 2020 to take a step back from Apple and spend more time on personal projects and friends, he is reportedly working close to 80 hours a week.
Schiller is known for responding to emails almost immediately, and answering phone calls at all hours. He testified during the Epic v. Apple lawsuit to ardently defend the App Store, and he is involved in Apple’s EU messaging as well. Schiller joined in on Apple PR calls with members of the media when the iOS 17.4 changes were announced, and he spent time explaining how the DMA will impact user privacy and security in Europe.
When Apple terminated the Epic Games developer account in March to prevent it from creating an alternate app marketplace, it was Schiller who sent an email to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney to suggest that the account had been shut down because of Epic’s criticism of Apple’s DMA compliance. Schiller’s email did not go over well with the European Commission, and Apple ultimately reversed its decision.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook defers to Schiller when it comes to App Store matters. Schiller joined Apple back in 1987, left in 1993, and returned in 1997 when Steve Jobs came back to Apple. He has been at the forefront of some of Apple’s biggest product launches, developing marketing strategies for everything from the iPod to the Mac.
He was one of the main supporters of adding third-party apps to the iPhone, working to convince Jobs to launch the App Store in 2008. Known as a Jobs “mini-me,” Schiller has reportedly kept Jobs’ philosophy alive at Apple. Under his watch, human review has remained a key part of the App Store, and the App Store has grown into a major revenue stream for Apple.
More on Schiller can be read in The Wall Street Journal’s full profile.Tag: Phil SchillerThis article, "Apple's Phil Schiller Works 80 Hours a Week Overseeing App Store" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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“The iOS 18 update is expected to be the most ambitious overhaul of the iPhone’s software in its history, according to people working on the upgrade,” wrote Gurman, in a report focused on WWDC 2024. Apple recently said that its annual developers conference will run from June 10 through June 14, and iOS 18 will be a key announcement.
iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and many apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also expected to introduce a more customizable Home Screen and other user interface design changes, new features in apps like Apple Maps and Freeform, additional accessibility features, and more.
Smarter Siri and Generative AI
iOS 18 is rumored to have new generative AI features for Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and more, according to sources such as Gurman and The Information’s Wayne Ma.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly teased that the company is working on generative AI, and plans to share details “later this year,” and Apple’s marketing chief Greg Joswiak also hinted at AI this week in a social media post about WWDC 2024.
Generative AI surged in popularity in late 2022, when OpenAI released ChatGPT, a chatbot that can respond to questions and other text prompts. The company has also expanded into generative AI tools for images and videos. Other companies like Google and Microsoft have also pushed into the generative AI space, and the technology is quickly evolving.
iOS 18 is not expected to include Apple’s own ChatGPT-like chatbot. Instead, Apple has reportedly held discussions with companies such as OpenAI, Google, and China’s Baidu about potential generative AI partnerships, which could lead to other chatbots being integrated into iOS 18, although Apple’s exact plans are unclear.
Some generative AI features might be exclusive to iPhone 16 Pro models, which are rumored to have a Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores.
More Customizable Home Screen
iOS 18 will feature a “more customizable” Home Screen, according to Gurman.
MacRumors exclusively reported that iOS 18 will finally allow users to place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen grid. This means that users will be able to create blank spaces, columns, and rows between app icons. This basic feature has long been available on Android smartphones, and now Apple is bringing it to the iPhone.
iPhone users can already customize the Home Screen with apps such as Shortcuts and Widgetsmith, which can be used to create “blank” app icons and widgets, but Apple’s official solution will be much more convenient.
We expect iOS 18 to include additional customization options beyond icon arrangement, as part of the biggest Home Screen revamp in years.
New Apple Maps Features
MacRumors recently revealed two potential new Apple Maps features coming with iOS 18: custom routes and topographic maps.
With the custom routes feature, Apple Maps users would be able to choose specific roads to travel on while navigating, for reasons such as familiarity or scenic views. This feature is expected to be available in the U.S. only at launch. Google Maps already allows users to create custom routes on the web, and then view them on an iPhone.
Topographic maps first debuted on the Apple Watch last year with watchOS 10, and code suggests that the feature will be expanded to the iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro with iOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2. These maps include details such as trails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest for hiking and other outdoor uses.
RCS Support in Messages App
In November, Apple announced that it would support the cross-platform messaging standard RCS in the Messages app on the iPhone starting “later” in 2024, so it will likely be an iOS 18 feature based on that timeframe.
RCS support should result in the following improvements to the default messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices:
Higher-resolution photos and videos
Audio messages
Typing indicators
Read receipts
Wi-Fi messaging between iPhones and Android devices
Improved group chats, including the ability for iPhone users to leave a conversation that includes Android users
These modern features are already available for iPhone-to-iPhone conversations with blue bubbles, via iMessage, and many of the features are also available in third-party messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. RCS support on the iPhone will extend the features to green bubbles in the Messages app.
Design Changes
Apple plans to update the design of the iOS user interface as “early as this year,” according to Gurman. He previously said that iOS 18 would have “major new features and designs,” but he has yet to provide any specific details.
More Rumors
iOS 18 may have new accessibility features tied to VoiceOver, Live Speech, and Text Size.
AirPods Pro are expected to get a new hearing aid mode with iOS 18.
iOS 18 may have an updated Freeform app with a new “Scenes” feature.
“Apple ID” is expected to be rebranded to “Apple Account” starting with iOS 18.
iOS 18 is rumored to be compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17.For additional information, read our iOS 18 roundup.Related Roundup: iOS 18This article, "What to Expect From iOS 18 as 'Biggest' Update in iPhone's History" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
The $70 Snap+ Wireless Charging Vent Mount is designed for use in the car. It is able to attach to a vehicle’s vents, and it comes with a 30W USB-C car adapter and USB-C cable. A MagSafe-compatible iPhone is able to attach to the charger magnetically, and it will charge at 15W.
Mophie’s Snap+ Wireless Charging Vent Mount is available today, and two other products are coming in April. The $130 Snap+ 3-in-1 Wireless Charge Stand has an upright 15W Qi2 charging pad that works in landscape or portrait mode, plus it can be tilted to an ideal viewing angle.
There’s also an Apple Watch charging puck that can fast charge compatible Apple Watch models at 7.5W, and a 5W charging platform at the bottom that is designed to work with AirPods. All three devices can charge at one time.
Mophie’s $70 Snap+ Powerstation Mini with Stand is a charging stand that comes with a 5,000mAh internal battery for charging the iPhone while on the go. Like Mophie’s other Qi2 products, it is able to charge an iPhone at up to 15W. The Powerstation Mini and 3-in-1 Charge Stand will launch on April 30.
Qi2 products from Mophie and other manufacturers are compatible with the iPhone 13 models, iPhone 14 models, and iPhone 15 models. Older iPhones do not support Qi2 charging speeds.Tags: Mophie, Qi2This article, "Mophie Launches Qi2 Wireless Charger Lineup" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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First introduced with watchOS 10, topographic maps include trails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest, features that are of use for hiking and other outdoor activities where accurate navigation is essential.
Since debuting topographic maps, Apple has been expanding support throughout the United States, and this year, Apple may be ready to bring it to iOS, macOS, and visionOS.
Backend topographic maps code was introduced last year, but only watchOS 10 had the feature. The code was dormant on iOS and macOS at that time, but in the backend files for iOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2, the code is active, suggesting an expansion.
The possibility of topographic maps follows our report yesterday on another possible Apple Maps feature, support for custom routes. With custom routes, users will presumably be able to create their own routes without being limited to Apple’s pre-selected options.
iOS 18 will be introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 10, and it appears there will be quite a few new features for Apple Maps. For more details about the update, check out our iOS 18 roundup.
(Thanks, Nicolás!)Related Roundup: iOS 18This article, "Apple Watch Topographic Maps Could Expand to iPhone in iOS 18" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>Alto’s Odyssey: The Lost City on Apple Vision Pro
The titles coming to the Vision Pro tomorrow include popular endless runner game Alto’s Odyssey: The Lost City, hand-drawn adventure game Gibbon: Beyond the Trees, and physics-based puzzler Spire Blast. All three games are already available on Apple Arcade on other devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
“On March 28, players can soar above windswept dunes in a fantastical place far from home in Alto’s Odyssey: The Lost City, dive into an immersive jungle with a family of gibbons in the 2022 Apple Design Award winning Gibbon: Beyond the Trees, and collapse vibrant towers of all shapes and sizes that appear in their physical space in the fun physics-based puzzle game Spire Blast,” said Apple, in an email about the games.
Accessible through the App Store, Apple Arcade is a subscription-based service that provides access to hundreds of games across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Vision Pro, all free of ads and in-app purchases. The service received its first price increase last year, with U.S. pricing rising from $4.99 to $6.99 per month.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTag: Apple ArcadeBuyer’s Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "Vision Pro Getting More Apple Arcade Games, Including Alto's Odyssey" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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This is a new all-time low price on the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air, and it accompanies a similarly steep discount on the 15-inch model that we started tracking last week. In that sale, you can get the 15-inch 256GB M3 MacBook Air for $1,204.00, a $95 discount.
$100 OFF13-inch M3 MacBook Air (256GB) for $999.00
These MacBook Air models just launched earlier in the month, coming in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. Both of the new MacBook Air machines include the M3 chip and focus on internal upgrades. Apple did not change the design of the MacBook Air with the 2024 update, using the same design that was first introduced in 2022.
Because of these new MacBook Air models, we’re also tracking record low prices on previous generation models. Best Buy currently has both the 13-inch and 15-inch M2 MacBook Air at all-time low prices, with up to $300 off select computers.
Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we’ve been tracking over the past week.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Apple's New 13-Inch M3 MacBook Air Hits $999 Low Price on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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As noted by Toronto resident Andrew Escobar, it is still not possible to add a PRESTO card to the Apple Wallet app, so Express Mode is limited to credit and debit cards added to the Wallet app for now. Public documents related to recent TTC meetings suggest that the PRESTO card will gain Apple Wallet support later this year.
To set up a credit or debit card for use with Apple Pay, open the Wallet app on the iPhone, tap the plus sign in the top-right corner, and follow the on-screen instructions. To set a payment card as the default option for Express Mode, open the Settings app on the iPhone, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, tap Express Transit Card, and select a card.
Apple periodically updates a list of locations where Apple Pay’s Express Mode is available for transit on its iOS feature availability page.Related Roundup: Apple PayRelated Forum: Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+This article, "Apple Pay Express Mode Now Available at Toronto Subway Stations" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Last week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the new proprietary system, called “Presto,” will begin operation across the U.S. in April. Gurman first reported on the wireless system in October, describing it as a “proprietary pad-like device” upon which retail store staff can place a sealed iPhone box. The system wirelessly turns on the iPhone inside, updates its software to the latest available version, and then powers it off.
Presto features small lockers that can accommodate six iPhone boxes simultaneously. There are markings to ensure that boxes are correctly positioned for NFC depending on their size. Once correctly positioned, the iPhone will update within 15 to 30 minutes. iGen has now shared a still from a video showing two of the machines stacked one on top of the other:
Presto was developed by Apple’s Backstage Operations team, which designs tools for technicians and retail store employees. The company developed “Presto” as a way to avoid selling iPhones in retail stores with outdated software. For example, the iPhone 15 series shipped with iOS 17, but Apple subsequently released iOS 17.0.1 before the devices launched. The update was required to fix an issue that prevented the transfer of data directly from another iPhone during the initial setup process.
Apple apparently intends to have the technology in all U.S. retail stores by early summer. Retail locations outside the U.S. are also now receiving information about how Presto works. Tag: RetailThis article, "Here's What Apple Retail's New Machine to Update iPhones in the Box Looks Like" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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So far, Vision Pro has only been available through Apple, as head scans are required in order to ensure proper sizing of the light seal and head bands. Woot’s product listing does not offer a selection of sizes and does not specify what sizes of light seal and head bands are included, so it is unclear what customers will receive with their orders.
$150 OFFApple Vision Pro for $3,349.00
Despite the murkiness with the sizes, Woot’s discount today is notable as the very first sale we’ve ever seen from any major retailer for the Apple Vision Pro, which launched back in February. Woot says that this sale will last until it sells out, and there’s an estimated delivery date between April 8 and April 10.
Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Apple Vision Pro Gets First Discount ($150 Off) at Woot, But There's a Catch" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
The revised updates are available for all iPhone and iPad models that are compatible with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, but they can only be installed via the Finder app on macOS and the Apple Devices or iTunes apps on Windows at this time. Apple has not made the new builds available over the air in the Settings app on the iPhone and iPad.
It is unclear what changed between the builds, if anything, but any potential differences are likely very minor. For those curious, we have confirmed that the new builds do not contain any references to unreleased iPad models.
There have been sporadic reports on social media about iOS 17.4 and iOS 17.4.1 causing some iPhones to get stuck in a boot loop, so perhaps the new build will allow those devices to be properly restored, but this is merely speculation.
iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 were first released last week with bug fixes and security patches.
About an hour ago, Apple released a new version of iOS/iPadOS 17.4.1New build number: 21E237Old build number: 21E236
— Aaron (@aaronp613) March 27, 2024 Related Roundups: iOS 17, iPadOS 17Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17This article, "Apple Releases Revised Versions of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 With Updated Build Number" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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A report from China’s Academy of Information and Communications Technology showed that foreign brands shipped around 2.4 million smartphones last month. Given that Apple is the only overseas vendor with a meaningful market share, the company accounts for the vast majority of those shipments.
The decline in February marks the third consecutive month of lower iPhone shipments. Apple in January shipped some 5.5 million units in China, which is around 39% fewer handsets than the same time last year. In December, the company suffered a 30% year-on-year decline in the country.
Apple appears to be facing an uphill battle to reverse falling iPhone sales in China, with a 24% year-on-year decline in 2023 projected to deepen through 2024. Apple resellers in China have been increasingly dependent on discounts to shift iPhone 15 stock. The discounts followed Apple’s own rare price reductions on its website ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in February.
Apple’s efforts to counter the slump are also likely to be hampered by China’s decision last year to ban iPhones from the offices of multiple government agencies and state companies. China has a huge number of state-owned enterprises in power generation, seaport construction, mining, manufacturing, education, and investment markets.
Apple is also having to contend with strong interest in Huawei’s latest home-grown Mate 60 lineup, which was released in September just weeks before the iPhone 15 launched. Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro uses a new China-made 7-nanometer processor tailored for the local market, showcasing the kind of advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities that US sanctions were originally designed to prevent.
The overall Chinese smartphone market contracted by almost a third in February, according to research firm Canalys. Analysts still predict growth over the course of the year, but expect iPhone 15 sales to keep falling while local rivals continue to aggressively promote AI features in device marketing. CEO Tim Cook visited China earlier this month to Apple’s newest store in Shanghai and attend the China Development Forum in Beijing, where he said the country was “critical” to Apple.Tag: ChinaThis article, "Apple's iPhone Shipments in China Fell 33% Last Month" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Samsung Display, BOE, and Tianma have all been in discussions with Apple to supply the OLED panels, but today’s report claims that Samung has withdrawn from negotiations due to pricing problems, despite having an existing iPhone 14 OLED inventory to draw from.
Apple has reportedly been holding out for $25 per panel, but Samsung’s final offer was $30, which is lower than the two Chinese manufacturers. That leaves BOE and Tianma as potential suppliers, however Tianma has not yet met Apple’s stringent quality requirements, leaving BOE in pole position to win the majority of the orders, if not all of them.
The panel prices for the iPhone SE 4 are said to be a lot lower than suppliers charge for the OLED displays used in the iPhone 15, since the panels for the SE will use legacy parts identical to those used in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, so the suppliers won’t need to make new investments in R&D. Display manufacturers are believed to have been bidding to supply the panels since at least last August.
The fourth-generation iPhone SE is rumored to feature an iPhone 14-like design with a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID instead of Touch ID, a USB-C port, an Action button, and an all-screen look that does away with the Home Button.
Earlier this month, CAD renders of the device corroborated previous design rumors for the iPhone SE 4, which is expected to launch in 2025. Despite the rumored upgrades, the iPhone SE 4 may face faster depreciation than Apple’s higher-end models, according to one report.Related Roundup: iPhone SETags: OLED, BOEBuyer’s Guide: iPhone SE (Caution)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "6.1-Inch iPhone SE 4 OLED Panel Likely to Be Supplied by China's BOE" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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An attacker is able to cause the target’s iPhone, Apple Watch, or Mac to display system-level password change approval texts over and over again, with the hope that the person being targeted will mistakenly approve the request or get tired of the notifications and click on the accept button. If the request is approved, the attacker is able to change the Apple ID password and lock the Apple user out of their account.
Because the password requests target the Apple ID, they pop up on all of a user’s devices. The notifications render all linked Apple products unable to be used until the popups are dismissed one by one on each device. Twitter user Parth Patel recently shared his experience being targeted with the attack, and he says he could not use his devices until he clicked on “Don’t Allow” for more than 100 notifications.
When attackers are unable to get the person to click “Allow” on the password change notification, targets often get phone calls that seem to be coming from Apple. On these calls, the attacker claims to know that the victim is under attack, and attempts to get the one-time password that is sent to a user’s phone number when attempting a password change.
In Patel’s case, the attacker was using information leaked from a people search website, which included name, current address, past address, and phone number, giving the person attempting to access his account ample information to work from. The attacker happened to have his name wrong, and he also became suspicious because he was asked for a one-time code that Apple explicitly sends with a message confirming that Apple does not ask for those codes.
The attack seems to hinge on the perpetrator having access to the email address and phone number associated with an Apple ID.
KrebsOnSecurity looked into the issue, and found that attackers appear to be using Apple’s page for a forgotten Apple ID password. This page requires a user’s Apple ID email or phone number, and it has a CAPTCHA. When an email address is put in, the page displays the last two digits of the phone number associated with the Apple account, and filing in the missing digits and hitting submit sends a system alert.
It is not clear how the attackers are abusing the system to send multiple messages to Apple users, but it appears to be a bug that is being exploited. It is unlikely that Apple’s system is meant to be able to be used to send more than 100 requests, so presumably the rate limit is being bypassed.
Apple device owners targeted by this kind of attack should be sure to tap “Don’t Allow” on all requests, and should be aware that Apple does not make phone calls requesting one-time password reset codes.This article, "Warning: Apple Users Targeted in Advanced Phishing Attack Involving Password Reset Requests" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Apple Maps does not currently offer a way to input self-selected routes, with Maps users limited to Apple’s pre-selected options, but that may change in iOS 18. Apple has pushed an iOS 18 file to its maps back-end labeled “CustomRouteCreation.” While not much is revealed by the file except for the name, it does mention that this upcoming feature will be limited to the United States at launch.
Custom routes would allow users to set what specific roads they want to travel down, whether for scenic purposes or for the familiarity of a route. Route options beyond the default have been a highly requested Apple Maps feature for several years now, and other services like Google Maps allow users to create custom routes on a computer and then view them on an iOS device.
iOS 18 will be introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 10. For more details about the update, check out our iOS 18 roundup.
(Thanks, Nicolás!)Related Roundup: iOS 18This article, "Apple Maps May Gain Custom Routes With iOS 18" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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On Monday, June 10, Apple will host a keynote viewing party to let attendees watch the pre-recorded unveiling of new software updates. Apple also promises “exciting new programming,” an opportunity to meet with Apple experts, and other “special activities.”
At last year’s special event, developers and students were provided with refreshments in the morning, followed by the keynote event. The Platforms State of the Union followed, and there were two Apple Park tours to choose from. The day ended with the Apple Design Awards and an evening dinner.
Note that there will be a reception event at Apple’s Infinite Loop campus on Sunday, June 9, where attendees can pick up their badges early.
Prior to 2020, the Worldwide Developers Conference was an in-person event that was hosted in San Jose, California. Developers were required to pay $1,599 to purchase a ticket to attend, and space was limited. Starting in 2020, Apple turned WWDC into an online event open to all developers, but there have been small in-person events at Apple Park since 2022.
Lottery Selection
Apple is inviting a limited number of developers and students to Apple Park for the special event, and attendees will be selected through a lottery process.
Who is Eligible to Attend
Current Apple Developer Program or Apple Developer Enterprise Program members can ask to attend, as can Apple Entrepreneur Camp alumni and Swift Student Challenge winners from 2022 to 2024.
350 Swift Student Challenge winners are set to be announced on Thursday, March 28. 50 Distinguished Winners will receive an invite to a special three-day experience that includes the special event on June 10.
Both adults and children aged 13 to 17 can apply, but children will need to be accompanied by a legal guardian.
How to Register for Apple’s Special Event
Those eligible to enter the lottery can do so on Apple’s developer website through the special event request page. Apple is accepting requests to attend through 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, April 3.
Attendees chosen by the random selection process will be informed about their status by the end of the day on Thursday, April 4.
Costs
There is no cost to attend the special event at Apple Park, but Apple will not cover transportation. Out-of-state attendees will need to purchase plane tickets, accommodations at nearby hotels, and will need to find a way to get to Apple Park on the day of the event.
Media
In addition to inviting developers and students, Apple will likely extend invitations to select members of the media. Media invites for the Apple Park event have not yet gone out.
WWDC Details
WWDC 2024 will take place from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14. Developers who are not selected to attend can watch the June 10 keynote event on Apple’s website or on YouTube.
For those unable to watch the live stream, or who prefer to read a text version of the announcements, we’ll have live WWDC 2024 coverage both here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account, so make sure to follow.
Apple also plans to share all of the WWDC sessions and events in its Developer app and on a new Apple Developer YouTube channel.Related Roundup: WWDC 2024Tags: Apple Park, Apple Developer ProgramRelated Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "WWDC 2024 Will Include In-Person Special Event at Apple Park" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Recent reports indicated that Apple has considered licensing existing chatbots, such as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but Apple offering its own chatbot of some kind on iOS 18 had not been explicitly ruled out until now.
Gurman still expects AI to be a major focus at Apple’s just-announced WWDC 2024 developers conference. He reiterated that Apple plans to announce new AI features that “assist users in their daily lives,” but he did not provide any specific details. He has previously reported that generative AI will improve Siri’s ability to answer more complex questions, and allow the Messages app to auto-complete sentences. Other apps like Apple Music, Shortcuts, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are also expected to gain generative AI functionality.
Apple already promised that the company would share generative AI announcements later this year, and the company hinted at it again today. WWDC 2024 runs from June 10 through June 14, with video sessions to be shared on YouTube for the first time.
The first iOS 18 beta should be made available to developers following the WWDC keynote, and the update is expected to be released to all users in September.Related Roundup: iOS 18Tag: Mark GurmanThis article, "iOS 18 Reportedly Won't Feature Apple's Own ChatGPT-Like Chatbot" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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In a tweet, Joswiak said that the WWDC 2024 event is going to be “Absolutely Incredible,” and he deliberately capitalized the first two letters of each word, AI.
Mark your calendars for #WWDC24, June 10-14. It’s going to be Absolutely Incredible! pic.twitter.com/YIln5972ZD
— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) March 26, 2024
There have been multiple rumors suggesting that AI will be a major focus in iOS 18, macOS 15, and other operating system updates that are set to come out this year. Apple will add AI features to many of its built-in apps, and the company is in talk with Google and other companies about integrating an existing large language model (LLM) into iOS 18.
Over the course of the last few months, Apple executives have confirmed Apple’s work on AI, Apple CEO Tim Cook said in February that Apple plans to “break new ground” on generative AI in 2024. “We believe it will unlock transformative opportunities for our users,” said Cook.
Cook in November confirmed that Apple was “investing quite a bit” in AI, and during Apple’s most recent earnings call, he said that Apple was spending a “tremendous amount of time and effort” on AI, with details set to come out later in 2024.
WWDC 2024 is set to take place during the week of June 10, and it will begin with a keynote event that will see the unveiling of iOS 18 and other operating system updates.Related Roundups: iOS 18, WWDC 2024Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "Apple Hints at iOS 18 AI Announcements Coming at WWDC 2024" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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While Apple normally starts the Swift Student Challenge when WWDC dates are announced, the company launched the challenge early to give students more time to work on their projects.
Submissions were accepted from February 5 to February 25, and are now closed.
Apple is selecting 350 winners for the 2024 challenge, all of whom will be eligible to attend the June 10 WWDC Special Event at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. Winners will need to enter the lottery process to get a chance to attend.
Apple is also choosing 50 Distinguished Winners recognized for “outstanding submissions.” The Distinguished Winners will be invited to Cupertino for a three-day experience that will include the Special Event keynote viewing and other activities.
Swift Student Challenge winners will be informed via email if they’ve won later this week. Projects are judged based on technical accomplishment, creativity of ideas, and the content of written responses explaining the project.Related Roundup: WWDC 2024Tags: Swift, Swift PlaygroundsRelated Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "Apple to Announce 2024 Swift Student Challenge Winners on March 28" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Apple has seeded the new account with a selection of videos from WWDC 2023, and this gives us an idea of the kind of content that we can expect to see during the WWDC 2024 season.
Videos are organized into playlists by topic, making it easy to find content on the App Store, Swift, Spatial Computing, Safari, and more.
In the WWDC 2024 announcement, Apple said that developers can experience WWDC24 throughout the week on YouTube, referencing the new YouTube channel. Apple also plans to share content on the developer website and the Apple Developer app. Videos uploaded to YouTube will include all of the different video sessions that Apple holds on the latest software updates.
WWDC 2024 is set to kick off on Monday, June 10, and we are expecting to see iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, and more.
(Thanks, Dylan!)Related Roundup: WWDC 2024Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "Apple Launches New Developer YouTube Account to Share WWDC 2024 Videos" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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WWDC 2024 will include online sessions and labs so that developers can learn about new features and software set to be announced at WWDC.
Apple will hold a WWDC 2024 keynote event on Monday, June 10 to show off iOS 18, iPadOS 18, tvOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2. The keynote event will be available on the Apple Developer app, the Apple website, and YouTube, with Apple also planning to share videos and information all week long.
Though WWDC 2024 is an online event, Apple is once again planning a special event for select developers and students, which is set to take place on June 10 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. Attendees will be able to watch the keynote and State of the Union presentations at Apple Park, as well as meet Apple employees and attend the Apple Design Awards.
Current Apple Developer Program members, Apple Entrepreneur Camp alumni, prior Swift Student Challenge winners, and current Apple Developer Enterprise Program members can enter to attend the Apple Park event, with Apple choosing participants through a random lottery.
Apple normally holds a Swift Student Challenge when the WWDC dates are announced, but the challenge kicked off earlier this year. Winners will be announced on Thursday, March 28. Winners will be eligible to attend the special event at Apple Park, and 50 Distinguished Winners will be invited to Cupertino for a three-day experience.
Apple will provide developers with additional information about WWDC 2024 through email, the Apple Developer app, and the Apple Developer website.Related Roundup: WWDC 2024Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech IndustryThis article, "Apple Announces WWDC 2024 Event for June 10 to 14" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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You can also get the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE on sale right now, available for $219.00 on Amazon, down from $279.00. This is another near all-time low price that’s just $10 away from the lowest price on the Apple Watch SE, and it’s available in Silver and Starlight Aluminum options.
$60 OFFApple Watch SE (40mm GPS) for $189.00
$60 OFFApple Watch SE (44mm GPS) for $219.00
This model of the Apple Watch SE launched in September 2022 and remains Apple’s most affordable Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE lacks some of the upgraded features you’ll find in some Series 9 or Ultra 2 models, like temperature sensing and ECG functionality, but it will otherwise provide you with all key Apple Watch features, and at the cheapest price possible.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Get the 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE for Just $189 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Canva is an Australian online design company valued at $26 billion. Its platform offers user-friendly design tools aimed at non-professionals and has a user base of over 175 million people worldwide. The acquisition of the Affinity apps marks a change of strategy for Canva, targeting professional designers and creatives who have traditionally relied on Adobe’s suite of products.
Affinity’s software, encompassing photo editing, vector illustration, and desktop publishing tools, has been been lauded for its performance, affordability, and one-time purchase model – a stark contrast to Adobe’s subscription services. The apps have garnered a strong following among Mac users in particular.
The acquisition includes the transition of Serif’s 90-person team to Canva, ensuring continuity in the development and support of Affinity apps. Cliff Obrecht, Canva’s co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that Affinity’s portfolio is the “final piece in our jigsaw,” indicating how the apps are expected to complement Canva’s existing array of AI-powered design solutions and collaborative online workspaces.Tags: Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, Affinity PublisherThis article, "Canva Acquires Serif's Affinity Apps" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Tencent is one of the biggest multimedia companies in the world and its apps and services are ubiquitous in China. It owns Weibo, WeChat, QQ, WeBank, Tencent Pictures, and games such as Honor of Kings and PUBG.
Apple TV+ and many other entertainment services such as Disney+ are not available in China. “Without Tencent’s contribution, Apple would have faced a greater challenge in marketing the Vision Pro in China,” the report explains, calling the company’s move “critical” to the device’s success in the country.
Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the Vision Pro will launch in China this year. It is likely to be more expensive in China due to import taxes and could even be marketed under a different name due to a trademark dispute with Huawei.
Apple is also apparently seeking Chinese partners to help it launch and run Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+ in the country. The company has not launched any new services in China since iCloud in 2017 due to government restrictions.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTags: China, The InformationBuyer’s Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "'Critical' Chinese Apps Coming to Apple Vision Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Dickson showed off a third-party iPhone 16 Pro case that includes a cutout below the power button on the right edge, which is where the Capture button is expected to be located. It is unclear if the accessory maker has direct knowledge of the new button, or if it is simply aware of the rumor, but it is betting on the change happening.
MacRumors was first to report about Apple’s plans to add a Capture button to all iPhone 16 models launching later this year. The button reportedly provides quick access to various camera controls for capturing photos and video. Specifically, it was reported that users will be able to zoom in and out by swiping left and right on the button, focus on a subject with a light press, and start a video recording with a more forceful press.
The button’s touch sensitivity, and the fact it is expected to sit flush with the frame, explains why the case has a cutout for the button instead of covering it.
Image Credit: Sonny Dickson
The new button would be ideally positioned on the top edge of iPhone 16 models when recording horizontal video, providing users with an easy-to-reach shutter button. The volume buttons currently serve this purpose when the Camera app is open.
The location of the Capture button will require the mmWave 5G antenna window to be moved to the bottom-left edge on iPhone 16 models sold in the U.S., below the volume buttons. This antenna window does not exist in any other countries, as international models of the iPhone 12 through iPhone 15 are limited to sub-6 GHz 5G.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 16 series in September.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProTag: Sonny DicksonThis article, "iPhone 16: Accessory Maker Prepares for All-New Capture Button" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to get larger display sizes this year, according to multiple sources, while the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be the same size as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
The first images show the difference in size between the iPhone 16 Pro and last year’s iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro is said to have a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a 6.9-inch display. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, respectively.
Additional images give a better idea of button placement. Apple plans to replace the Mute Switch on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus with the Action button that was previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models. However, the images suggest the Action button will be larger than the one found on the current Pro devices.
It’s also worth noting the rumored redesigned rear camera bump on the iPhone 16 dummy. The pill-shaped bump houses the separate Wide and Ultrawide lenses on both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The microphone sits next to the lenses, while the camera flash is located on the back of the device outside of the bump.
In addition, all four iPhone 16 models are expected to feature an entirely new button that will be used for taking photos and videos. The so-called “Capture button” is located on the same side of the iPhone as the Power button, in the space currently occupied by the 5G mmWave antenna in the United States.
In the images, the Capture button appears to be almost flush with the iPhone 16 chassis, but rumors say it will be mechanical rather than capacitive. Either way, The Information says that the button will respond to pressure and touch. Apple believes the new button will be a major selling point for the iPhone 16 lineup, and it is being introduced to further push the iPhone as a camera alternative for shooting horizontal video.
Apple is expected to release the iPhone 16 lineup in September. For everything we know about the devices, see our dedicated iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro roundups.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProThis article, "iPhone 16 Dummy Models Showcase Design Changes, New Buttons" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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As of last year, Samsung TV owners have been able to download a Philips Hue Sync app that allows Samsung smart TVs to be linked to HomeKit-connected Hue bulbs and lighting products. With the integration, content played on Samsung TVs is synced to the lighting in the room.
When the feature launched, it was priced at $130 for Samsung TV owners, but starting this spring, there will be a lower-priced subscription option. Customers can choose to pay a monthly fee of $2.99 to use the Hue Sync app on up to three TVs, or a one-time fee to unlock it on a single TV. The Philips Hue Sync TV app is launching in Brazil, Hong Kong, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, so Samsung TV owners in those countries can use the functionality.
On compatible 2024 Samsung TV models, there is a new Music Mode option that allows the lights to react to the audio of what’s playing on TV rather than the content of the screen. It is compatible with any music played on the TV, and will also be coming to Samsung TVs made in 2022 and 2023 later this year.
For those without Samsung TVs, the $250 Hue Play HDMI Sync Box paired with a streaming device like an Apple TV is the only way to get TV content that’s synced to lights, so the Samsung TV app provides a simpler solution for those who have Samsung TVs.
The Philips Hue Sync TV app is available for Samsung Q60 series or higher QLED TVs that were made in 2022 or later.Tag: Philips HueThis article, "Philips Hue Sync TV App for Samsung TVs Gets Subscription Option and Music Mode" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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If the partnership does happen, Baidu would likely power some of iOS 18’s rumored generative AI features in China only. Generative AI models must receive approval from the Chinese government, and Baidu’s Ernie chatbot is permitted in the country. Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbots are not available in China.
Apple has reportedly held similar generative AI partnership discussions with Google and OpenAI for the U.S. market, and likely other countries.
Apple has repeatedly teased that it has generative AI announcements to share later this year, and this likely refers to iOS 18. The software update is rumored to include new generative AI features for a range of iPhone features and apps, including Siri, Spotlight, Apple Music, Health, Messages, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, Shortcuts, and more.
iOS 18 will be previewed at Apple’s developers conference WWDC in June, so we’re just a few months away from learning about the company’s plans.Related Roundup: iOS 18This article, "iOS 18 Rumor: Apple and Baidu 'Yet to Reach' Generative AI Partnership" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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According to a Weibo post shared by leaker ShrimpApplePro on X (Twitter), the Blue Titanium color that iPhone 15 Pro models are currently available in will be dropped from the iPhone 16 Pro lineup in favor of the new rose color. Meanwhile, “space black,” which is said to be similar to the iPhone 14 Pro color of the same name, will replace Black Titanium.
The rumor also claims that the Natural and White Titanium colors will be slightly different on the iPhone 16 Pro models. Natural Titanium is said to be returning, but with more of a gray tint to it. Meanwhile, White Titanium will appear more like a “silver white” color, which is also said to be similar to the silver version of the iPhone 14 Pro.
The Weibo user that is the source of the rumor has not previously been tracked by MacRumors. However, ShrimpApplePro claims that the account accurately predicted ahead of launch the Purple color that debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro.
Apple switched its “Pro” models from stainless steel to titanium with last year’s iPhone 15 Pro series. The iPhone 15 Pro comes in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium, but Apple surprised by not offering a gold option. Gold was available through the iPhone 5S to the iPhone 8, and then on the iPhone XS to the iPhone 14 Pro. Therefore the rumored new “rose” color could well be the titanium version of a gold-like shade.
Examples of rumored new iPhone 16 Pro color lineup
This is the second rumor we have heard about the iPhone 16 Pro’s color options. Last month, the leaker known as “Majin Bu” claimed that the Pro models would be available in “Desert Titanium” and “Titanium Gray” color options, and those names suggest there could be some overlap with today’s rumored rose color and the tweaked Natural Titanium.Related Roundup: iPhone 16 ProTag: ShrimpAppleProThis article, "iPhone 16 Pro Could Come in New 'Space Black' and 'Rose' Colors" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple plans to “vigorously defend” against the DoJ’s lawsuit, which seeks to fundamentally change the way that Apple operates. This will be a legal battle that spans multiple years, and we’ll keep this guide updated with the latest news as the case progresses.
DoJ’s Claims
The lawsuit that the DoJ filed against Apple is broad ranging, and rather than focusing on one or two issues, it aims to establish a long-running history of anti-competitive behavior. The DoJ tries to establish a pattern of business decisions that have suppressed competition, with the DoJ arguing that Apple has time and time again opted to “make its products worse for consumers to prevent competition from emerging.”
It is the opinion of the DoJ that Apple has gotten consumers “hooked” on its platform through these choices, making it unreasonably difficult for customers to switch to another smartphone brand. There is no allowance made for customer preference and the idea that people simply like their iPhones – the DoJ positions Apple as a monopolist that has manipulated people into sticking with its ecosystem by blocking competing apps, services, and products.
Suppressing Technologies
While the full lawsuit details a long list of ways Apple has allegedly harmed consumers, the DoJ cites five specific examples of Apple blocking technologies that it claims would decrease barriers to switching and give consumers a “higher-quality user experience on any smartphone.”
The DoJ is of the opinion that if Apple did not historically limit cloud gaming, digital wallets, and non-Apple Watch smartwatches, that people would freely choose to purchase less expensive alternative smartphones over the iPhone. The DoJ believes that Apple is not facing pressure from “innovative, cross-platform technologies” because Apple “makes other products worse” rather than making its own products better.
Super apps – The DoJ defines super apps as those that provide a user with “broad functionality” in a single app and have the benefit of providing a consistent user experience across devices. An example of a super app is WeChat, which is widely used in China for communicating, making payments, and more. The DoJ says that Apple has “denied users access to super apps” in the U.S., but it is worth noting that there is a cultural aspect to these apps, and they just haven’t caught on in the U.S. the way they have in China. Mini apps are often frequently referenced too, as Apple did have restrictions on apps offering mini games and other multi-app features (these restrictions were eliminated in iOS 17.4).
Cloud streaming – The DoJ suggests that Apple is suppressing cloud streaming games by preventing them from being available on the App Store. Cloud streaming apps have been usable on Safari, and as of iOS 17.4, Apple changed its rules to allow streaming game apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming to offer streaming games through a single App Store app. This argument is no longer entirely relevant, but the DoJ believes that by not allowing cloud gaming apps, Apple prevented consumers from buying cheaper phones. The idea here is that customers had to opt in to expensive iPhones to play “high-compute” games because they weren’t available to play using cloud services.
Messaging apps – The DoJ thinks that third-party apps should be able to send and receive SMS messages, rather than these messages being routed to the Messages app. This would let users switch phones without changing the way they communicate. The filing takes issue with the lack of an iMessage app for Android, Apple’s efforts to block the Beeper Mini app, green bubbles, and the adoption of RCS.
Smartwatches – Apple suppresses key functions of third-party smartwatches, preventing iPhone users from getting Apple Watch-like functionality from smartwatches with “better user interfaces and services.” The DoJ says that Apple locks customers in to the iPhone with the Apple Watch, because the Apple Watch can’t be used on other smartphones. A user who wants to switch from the iPhone must also purchase an Android-compatible smartwatch.
Digital Wallets – Apple does not let banking apps access NFC and provide digital payments services, and customers are not able to choose their “trusted banking apps” as their digital wallet. Apple also prevents developers from creating cross-platform wallets that would make it easier to switch from iPhone to Android, and alternative wallets could also be used for in-app purchases. The DoJ claims that the payments that banks make to Apple for using Apple Pay would otherwise be used for features and benefits for smartphone users.
Privacy and Security
The DoJ suggests that Apple justifies its anticompetitive conduct with privacy and security concerns.
Apple spends billions on marketing to promote “the self-serving premise that only Apple can safeguard consumers’ privacy and security interests.”
Apple selectively compromises privacy and security interests when it is in Apple’s financial interest. The examples used here include the lack of end-to-end encryption between Android and iPhone messages and the making Google the default browser engine when “more private options” are available.
The safe, secure experience on Mac is evidence that Apple’s control over app distribution and creation is “substantially more restrictive than necessary to protect user privacy and security.”
Apple makes the iPhone less secure if that helps it maintain monopoly power. The DoJ cites unencrypted text messages sent from iPhones to Android phones as an example. “If Apple wanted to,” it could let iPhone users send encrypted messages to Android users.
The App Store
The DoJ mentions Apple’s App Store policies and fees, but it is not the main focus of the lawsuit. While the DoJ was preparing its case, the Apple vs. Epic Games lawsuit took place, and Apple was found not to have a mobile gaming monopoly. That undoubtedly influenced the DoJ filing, but there is wording here
Apple uses App Store rules to “extract monopoly rents” from third-party developers.
Apple prohibits the creation and use of alternative app stores, and has arbitrary enforcement of its own App Store rules.
Developers are not able to offer web apps as an alternative to App Store apps because iPhone users “do not look for or know how to find web apps.”
Apple uses App Store rules and restrictions to penalize and restrict developers that threaten its monopoly. It does allow apps to use private APIs, and requires web browsers to use WebKit.
Apple’s efforts to restrict super apps and cloud streaming apps may have slowed the development of innovative apps related to education, artificial intelligence, and productivity. It has also kept app developers for creating features prohibited by Apple on other platforms.
iPhone Cost and Development
Apple inflates the price for buying and using iPhones.
Apple spent more than twice as much on stock buybacks and dividends as it did on research and development ($30B vs. $77B in fiscal 2023).
Apple slowed down innovation on iPhone to extract revenue from customers using subscriptions and cloud services.
Powerful, expensive hardware is unnecessary if consumers can play games through cloud streaming apps.
Services
Apple’s subscription services increase the cost of switching from the iPhone to another smartphone. The DoJ references Apple Arcade, Apple’s cloud storage, and Apple News+ because these are exclusive to the iPhone. This results in “significant frictions” for iPhone users who want to switch.
Apple uses its “rapidly expanding” role as a TV and movie producer to control content and affect the “flow of speech.”
“Green Bubbles” and iMessage
By using green bubbles, Apple “signals to users” that rival smartphones are lower quality because the experience of messaging non-iPhone users is worse. The DoJ says this is because conversations are not encrypted, videos are grainy, and users cannot edit messages or see typing indicators.
Non-iPhone users experience “social stigma, exclusion, and blame” for “breaking” chats with where other participants own iPhones. This is “particularly powerful” for teenagers, and “social pressure” causes teens to switch to iPhone.
While the DoJ’s comments on messaging largely ignore that Apple plans to bring feature parity with RCS, it says that won’t be enough because third-party apps still won’t be able to be set as the default app for SMS/RCS messages.
The DoJ speculates that because RCS improves over time, Apple might not support later versions of RCS, so cross-platform messages “could soon be broken on iPhones” after Apple adds RCS support later in 2024.
The DoJ references Beeper Mini, an app that gained access to Apple’s iMessage servers by exploiting fake credentials. The DoJ claims that it was a solution that “fixed” the broken cross-platform messaging experience. Apple made iPhone users less secure because it also supported end-to-end encryption.
CarPlay
Apple’s next-generation CarPlay forces an iPhone-centric experience by taking over “all of the screens, sensors, and gauges” in a car in order to use CarPlay features. The DoJ suggests Apple is leveraging the iPhone user base to exert power over American carmakers and restrict innovation, but Apple has so far not seen a lot of traction with CarPlay 2 and many car makers, such as Tesla and GM, are opting out of CarPlay.
Competitors
The DoJ claims that Apple is the reason that only Google and Samsung remain as meaningful competitors in the premium smartphone market.
The DoJ blames Apple’s market dominance for failed smartphones that include the Amazon Fire Phone and the Microsoft Windows Phone.
Other DoJ Claims
The iPod was successful because of the DoJ’s antitrust case against Microsoft because it allowed Apple to launch iTunes on Windows PCs. “Microsoft did not charge Apple a 30 percent fee for each song downloaded from the iTunes Store.”
The DoJ holds itself responsible for Apple’s success. U.S. vs. Microsoft “created new opportunities for innovation,” and without this case, Apple would have had more difficulty achieving success with the iPod and the subsequent iPhone.
Apple made smartphones other than the iPhone worse by stifling the growth of cloud gaming apps and interactive AI services.
The DoJ says that Apple copied the idea of a smartwatch from third-party developers.
The DoJ warns that Apple may “use its power to force its own users (and their data to become its next profitable product.”
DoJ’s Market Definition
The DoJ suggests that Apple violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, which says that it is illegal to acquire or maintain monopoly power “through improper means.” To make this argument, the DoJ needs to prove that Apple is a monopoly power in a relevant market, and that Apple used anticompetitive conduct to achieve and maintain that monopoly.
Sherman Act claims failed in Epic vs. Apple because Epic Games was not successful narrowing down the defined market in which Apple had a supposed monopoly. Epic Games argued that the relevant market was apps on Apple devices, but the court decided it was all digital mobile gaming transactions. Apple was not found to have a monopoly.
The DoJ is also using a narrowed market definition that may not hold up. It has created a “performance smartphone market” defined as a “more expensive segment of the broader smartphone market.” In this “performance market,” Apple’s U.S. market share by revenue is over 70 percent. In the “broader smartphone market” in the U.S., Apple has a 65 percent share.
It could be tough for the DoJ to prove that Apple has a monopoly with only a 65 percent share of the market. 70 percent market share is a more solid argument for a monopoly, but the case against Apple won’t be as strong as the case against Google. Google, for example, has a 90 percent share of the search engine market.
Apple claims that it operates in a global market, and that the market share that should be considered is the global market share. Apple only has around a 20 percent cut of the global market.
The DoJ also argues that Apple has a larger share “among key demographics” such as higher-income households and among young people.
What the DoJ Wants
The DoJ wants the court to find that Apple has acted unlawfully to monopolize or attempt to monopolize the U.S. smartphone market. It has asked for “relief as needed” to address anticompetitive harm and restore competitive conditions, and a ruling that prevents Apple from continuing to engage in anticompetitive practices.
According to the DoJ, Apple should be prevented from using its control of app distribution to undermine cross-platform technologies, that it should not be able to use private APIs to undermine cross-platform technologies like messaging and smartwatches, and that Apple should be prevented from using the terms and conditions of its contracts with developers, consumers, and accessory makers to maintain a monopoly.
Apple’s Response
Apple has an official statement on the DoJ’s lawsuit:At Apple, we innovate every day to make technology people love–designing products that work seamlessly together, protect people’s privacy and security, and create a magical experience for our users. This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple–where hardware, software, and services intersect. It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology. We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will vigorously defend against it.
Apple has also held media briefings and shared information on key facts in the lawsuit. Some highlights:
The DoJ has changed the scope of its case six times due to the results in Epic Games v. Apple and other lawsuits. Several theories were considered and had to be abandoned because of a lack of evidence.
Apple says that the lawsuit won’t be successful because it does not get the facts right. It would set a dangerous precedent for government interference in technology, and would make the iPhone less private, less secure, and more vulnerable to malware. The iPhone would not be able to operate as well with other Apple products, and user information would be put at risk.
Apple claims the DoJ wants to turn the iPhone into an Android, and that the case goes after the key features that make the iPhone experience unique.
Apple does not believe the lawsuit has a basis in antitrust law and seems to be suggesting that Apple has an obligation to design its products in a way that would help competitors.
In a recent ruling in the AliveCor v. Apple dispute, the court said that it cannot oversee technology and innovation, and it is not for the court to analyze algorithms.
The DoJ ignored changes to streaming game apps and plans to implement RCS, and Apple says that super apps have always been permitted.
Apple claims the DoJ is trying to fit Apple into the theories that were successful in the antitrust case against Microsoft 20 years back, but Apple does not agree with the parallels. Microsoft had a 95 percent share of the market, and Apple says that business decisions are made to provide consumers with maximum privacy and safety.
Apple says the DoJ misses that customers are loyal because they are satisfied with their devices and love Apple products.
Apple claims it spent three years looking at whether it made sense to make an Apple Watch for Android, but ultimately chose not to make one because it would be inferior and would have limits impacting privacy and security.
iMessage has not been designed for other platforms because Apple doesn’t have a way to verify that a third-party device has encryption and authentication procedures that meet its standards, and that security issues on third-party devices could expose the content of iPhone users’ messages, leading to fraud and spam issues.
Read the Full Lawsuit
What’s Next
Now that the DoJ has filed a lawsuit, Apple will have a 60-day period to respond. Apple plans to move to dismiss the complaint.
If that doesn’t happen, the case will move forward. There will be briefings, hearings, and a discovery period. It will be a few months before there are additional filings, and the entire legal process will span for multiple years. Apple says that it plans to vigorously fight the case.
Should the judge assigned to the case rule in the DoJ’s favor, there will be appeals and then remedies for the anticompetitive behavior will need to be determined.This article, "Apple vs. the U.S. Department of Justice: What You Need to Know" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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In a research note with Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities this week, Pu added that the A18 Pro chip will be equipped with a 6-core GPU, which would be equal to the A17 Pro chip in iPhone 15 Pro models.
Generative AI
iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for a range of iPhone features and apps, including Siri, Spotlight, Apple Music, Health, Messages, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, Shortcuts, and more. Apple has reportedly considered partnering with companies such as Google, OpenAI, and Baidu for at least some of these features.
iPhone 16 Pro models are rumored to feature an upgraded Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores, which could result in some of iOS 18’s generative AI features being exclusive to those models. Pu previously said the larger die size would be related to the Neural Engine, which could power on-device generative AI features.
Apple has used a 16-core Neural Engine since the iPhone 12 series. However, it has still improved the Neural Engine’s performance over the years, even when core counts have not changed. For example, Apple says the A17 Pro chip has up to a 2x faster Neural Engine compared to the one in the iPhone 14 Pro’s A16 Bionic chip.
Apple has promised to make generative AI announcements later this year. iOS 18 will be previewed at Apple’s developers conference WWDC in June, so we’re just a few months away from learning about the company’s plans.
6-Core GPU
With the A17 Pro chip, iPhone 15 Pro models have significantly improved graphics capabilities compared to previous models. Apple said the new 6-core GPU is up to 20% faster and also more power efficient than the 5-core GPU in the A16 Bionic chip. iPhone 15 Pro models also support hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for improved graphics rendering, which results in more realistic graphics in games.
Pu believes Apple will stick with a 6-core GPU for the A18 Pro chip, so graphics improvements may be more limited for iPhone 16 Pro models this year.
Wrap Up
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 series in September. For more details, read our iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro roundups.Related Roundup: iPhone 16 ProTag: Jeff PuThis article, "iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro Chip Rumored to Boost AI, Retain 6-Core GPU" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
In a support document, Apple said the updates patch an image-related security vulnerability that “may lead to arbitrary code execution.”
The full details:CoreMedia
Available for: iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
Impact: Processing an image may lead to arbitrary code execution
Description: An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved input validation.
CVE-2024-1580: Nick Galloway of Google Project Zero
WebRTC
Available for: iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
Impact: Processing an image may lead to arbitrary code execution
Description: An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved input validation.
CVE-2024-1580: Nick Galloway of Google Project ZeroTo update your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and tap General → Software Update.
Apple said it has patched the same vulnerability in macOS 14.4.1 and visionOS 1.1.1 as well.Related Roundups: iOS 17, iPadOS 17Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17This article, "Update Your iPhone Now: iOS 17.4.1 Includes These Security Fixes" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The website allows customers to compare the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max to the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Each comparison shows what new features someone with an older iPhone will get when upgrading to the iPhone 15 lineup. With the iPhone 11, for example, the iPhone 15 offers 4x better photo resolution, more base storage, Action and Cinematic mode for video, USB-C, a 60 percent faster GPU, 5G, and more.
The site highlights differences in display technology, design, sizing, connectivity, and more. Apple also provides details on the trade-in value of each older iPhone so customers know what kind of discount they can get when trading a device in with the purchase of a new iPhone.
To further soften the costs of upgrading, Apple advertises Apple Card Monthly Installments and carrier deals that can drop the price of the iPhone 15 to $0. Apple also details the ease of upgrading to a new device with features like Quick Start and eSIM.
Much of the smartphone market in the United States is saturated, and there are few new customers for Apple. Upgraders are an important market segment, and Apple is continually seeking ways to get customers to regularly purchase new iPhones to maintain sales momentum.This article, "Apple Outlines 'Reasons to Upgrade' Your iPhone on New Website" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Settings. There’s also a macOS 13.6.6 release for those who are still running macOS Ventura.
According to Apple’s release notes, the macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 update fixes an issue that could cause USB hubs connected to external displays not to be recognized. It also addresses an issue that could cause apps with Java to quit unexpectedly, and it fixes an issue that could cause Audio Unit plug-ins for professional music apps not to open.
All three of these bugs are notable issues that Mac users have been complaining about since the launch of macOS 14.4. Oracle warned users about the Java issue last week, letting customers know that Apple silicon Mac users relying on Java should hold off on updating to macOS 14.4 if possible, and there were a number of reports about problems with hubs and monitors from customers who had installed 14.4. This update provides bug fixes for your Mac, including:
– USB hubs connected to external displays may not be recognized
– Copy protected Audio Unit plug-ins designed for professional music apps may not open or pass validation
– Apps that include Java may quit unexpectedly
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222More on all of the features that are included in macOS Sonoma update can be found in our dedicated roundup. Related Roundup: macOS SonomaRelated Forum: macOS SonomaThis article, "Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 With Fix for USB Hub Bug" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Video Games
Sony’s PlayStation 5 Slim console launched last November and Best Buy and other retailers have been hosting solid deals on the hardware for a few weeks now. At Best Buy, you can get the PS5 Slim (Disc Edition) Spider-Man 2 Bundle for $449.99, down from its launch price of $499.99.
The PS5 Slim (Digital Edition) Spider-Man 2 Bundle is available for $399.99, down from $449.99. Sony increased the price of the Digital Edition by $50 at the launch of the new Slim consoles, so this deal effectively brings the price back down to the level of the original PS5 Digital Edition.
$50 OFFPS5 Slim Spider-Man 2 Bundle for $449.99
Both bundles also include the Spider-Man 2 game as a digital download, which is an extra value worth $69.99 when not on sale. You can also find video game gift cards on sale at Best Buy this week, as well as Nintendo Switch consoles and games.
PlayStation 5 Slim Console Digital Edition (Spider-Man 2 Bundle) – $399.99, down from $449.99
PlayStation 5 Slim Console Disc Edition (Spider-Man 2 Bundle) – $449.99, down from $499.99
Gaming gift cards – BOGO 15% off
Nintendo Switch consoles – Get up to $30 off Geek Squad refurbished devices
Nintendo Switch games – Get up to $35 off popular titlesiPad Air
Best Buy has every model of the 5th generation iPad Air on sale at an all-time low price right now, starting at $449.99 for the 64GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $599.00. These are $150 off across the board, and also include best-ever prices on both cellular models.
$150 OFF64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $449.99
$150 OFF256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $599.99
$150 OFF64GB Cellular iPad Air for $599.99
$150 OFF256GB Cellular iPad Air for $749.99iPad Mini
Best Buy has the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6 for $399.99 this week, down from $499.00, and the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini is available for $549.99, down from $649.00. Both of these are solid second-best prices on the iPad mini 6.
$99 OFF64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6 for $399.99
$99 OFF256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6 for $549.99MacBook Air
Best Buy has both the 13-inch and 15-inch M2 MacBook Air models on sale at all-time low prices right now. The steepest discounts can be found on the larger display model, with the 256GB M2 15-inch MacBook Air priced at $999.00, down from $1,299.00. You can also get the 512GB M2 model on sale at $1,199.00, down from $1,499.00.
$100 OFF13-inch M2 MacBook Air (256GB) for $899.00
$100 OFF13-inch M2 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,099.00
$300 OFF15-inch M2 MacBook Air (256GB) for $999.00
$300 OFF15-inch M2 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,199.00 If you’re on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Best Buy's New Sitewide Sale Has Record Low Prices on iPads and MacBooks, Plus $50 Off PlayStation 5" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Video Games
Sony’s PlayStation 5 Slim console launched last November and Best Buy and other retailers have been hosting solid deals on the hardware for a few weeks now. At Best Buy, you can get the PS5 Slim (Disc Edition) Spider-Man 2 Bundle for $449.99, down from its launch price of $499.99.
The PS5 Slim (Digital Edition) Spider-Man 2 Bundle is available for $399.99, down from $449.99. Sony increased the price of the Digital Edition by $50 at the launch of the new Slim consoles, so this deal effectively brings the price back down to the level of the original PS5 Digital Edition.
$50 OFFPS5 Slim Spider-Man 2 Bundle for $449.99
Both bundles also include the Spider-Man 2 game as a digital download, which is an extra value worth $69.99 when not on sale. You can also find video game gift cards on sale at Best Buy this week, as well as Nintendo Switch consoles and games.
PlayStation 5 Slim Console Digital Edition (Spider-Man 2 Bundle) – $399.99, down from $449.99
PlayStation 5 Slim Console Disc Edition (Spider-Man 2 Bundle) – $449.99, down from $499.99
Gaming gift cards – BOGO 15% off
Nintendo Switch consoles – Get up to $30 off Geek Squad refurbished devices
Nintendo Switch games – Get up to $35 off popular titlesiPad Air
Best Buy has every model of the 5th generation iPad Air on sale at an all-time low price right now, starting at $449.99 for the 64GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $599.00. These are $150 off across the board, and also include best-ever prices on both cellular models.
$150 OFF64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $449.99
$150 OFF256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $599.99
$150 OFF64GB Cellular iPad Air for $599.99
$150 OFF256GB Cellular iPad Air for $749.99iPad Mini
Best Buy has the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6 for $399.99 this week, down from $499.00, and the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini is available for $549.99, down from $649.00. Both of these are solid second-best prices on the iPad mini 6.
$99 OFF64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6 for $399.99
$99 OFF256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6 for $549.99MacBook Air
Best Buy has both the 13-inch and 15-inch M2 MacBook Air models on sale at all-time low prices right now. The steepest discounts can be found on the larger display model, with the 256GB M2 15-inch MacBook Air priced at $999.00, down from $1,299.00. You can also get the 512GB M2 model on sale at $1,199.00, down from $1,499.00.
$100 OFF13-inch M2 MacBook Air (256GB) for $899.00
$100 OFF13-inch M2 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,099.00
$300 OFF15-inch M2 MacBook Air (256GB) for $999.00
$300 OFF15-inch M2 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,199.00 If you’re on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Best Buy's New Sitewide Sale Has Record Low Prices on iPads and MacBooks, Plus $50 Off PlayStation 5" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple has internally tested a new Apple Pencil with visionOS support, according to a source familiar with the matter. This would allow the Apple Pencil to be used with drawing apps on the Vision Pro, such as Freeform and Pixelmator.
No specific details are known about visionOS support, but one possibility is that users would be able to draw with the Apple Pencil on a desk or another flat surface, and the drawing would appear in visionOS. This would essentially turn a person’s surroundings into a giant canvas, complete with pressure and tilt sensitivity.
A new Apple Pencil is rumored to launch alongside new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in April, but we have not confirmed if it will support visionOS.
Apple Pencil compatibility with the Vision Pro would also require updated software, but it is unclear which version might add support. The first beta of visionOS 1.2 will likely be made available to developers as early as this week, and Apple is expected to announce visionOS 2 at its annual developers conference WWDC in June.
As with any product that Apple develops, there is no guarantee that the company will move forward with releasing an Apple Pencil with visionOS support.Related Roundups: Apple Vision Pro, visionOSTag: Apple PencilBuyer’s Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forums: Apple Vision Pro, iPad AccessoriesThis article, "New Apple Pencil With Vision Pro Support in Testing Ahead of visionOS 2" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Apple has internally tested a new Apple Pencil with visionOS support, according to a source familiar with the matter. This would allow the Apple Pencil to be used with drawing apps on the Vision Pro, such as Freeform and Pixelmator.
No specific details are known about visionOS support, but one possibility is that users would be able to draw with the Apple Pencil on a desk or another flat surface, and the drawing would appear in visionOS. This would essentially turn a person’s surroundings into a giant canvas, complete with pressure and tilt sensitivity.
A new Apple Pencil is rumored to launch alongside new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in April, but we have not confirmed if it will support visionOS.
Apple Pencil compatibility with the Vision Pro would also require updated software, but it is unclear which version might add support. The first beta of visionOS 1.2 will likely be made available to developers as early as this week, and Apple is expected to announce visionOS 2 at its annual developers conference WWDC in June.
As with any product that Apple develops, there is no guarantee that the company will move forward with releasing an Apple Pencil with visionOS support.Related Roundups: Apple Vision Pro, visionOSTag: Apple PencilBuyer’s Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forums: Apple Vision Pro, iPad AccessoriesThis article, "New Apple Pencil With Vision Pro Support in Testing Ahead of visionOS 2" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Instant Digital reiterated the design change earlier today on Weibo with a simple accompanying 2D image. The post reveals that the entire TrueDepth camera array will move to the right side of the device, while the microphone will remain on the top and simply be centered.
Currently, the front-facing camera of both the iPad Air and iPad Pro resides on the top of the device, which means that the camera is positioned to the left when the device is being used in landscape, such as with a Magic Keyboard. Apple relocated the front-facing camera of the 10th-generation iPad to the side of the device to provide a better experience in landscape and the company has not launched a new iPad since then.
In January, code discovered in iOS 17.4 suggested the next iPad Pro’s TrueDepth camera array would be moved to the side of the device. “During Face ID setup, iPad needs to be in landscape with the camera at the top of the screen,” the code read.
Earlier this month, Instant Digital suggested that the switch to a landscape front-facing camera could also be made on the next-generation iPad Air. How Apple will achieve this switch to a landscape camera on the new iPad models is unclear, since the second-generation Apple Pencil connects to both the iPad Air and iPad Pro using an inductive magnetic charger located where it seems the camera will need to move to. Both the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models are expected to launch within weeks.Related Roundup: iPad ProTags: OLED iPad Pro, Instant DigitalBuyer’s Guide: 11″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy), 12.9″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "New iPad Pro Again Rumored to Feature Landscape Front-Facing Camera" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The Commission said on Monday that non-compliance investigations have been opened against Apple, Google, and Meta, under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The probe into Apple will look at whether the company allows developers to “steer” users away from its App Store, as well as its default web browser choice screen. Google’s rules on steering in Google Play and self-preferencing in Google searches are also being looked at, as is Meta’s “pay or consent model.”
The Commission has opened proceedings to assess whether the measures implemented by Alphabet and Apple in relation to their obligations pertaining to app stores are in breach of the DMA. Article 5(4) of the DMA requires gatekeepers to allow app developers to “steer” consumers to offers outside the gatekeepers’ app stores, free of charge.
The Commission is concerned that Alphabet’s and Apple’s measures may not be fully compliant as they impose various restrictions and limitations. These constrain, among other things, developers’ ability to freely communicate and promote offers and directly conclude contracts, including by imposing various charges.
[…]
The Commission has opened proceedings against Apple regarding their measures to comply with obligations to (i) enable end users to easily uninstall any software applications on iOS, (ii) easily change default settings on iOS and (iii) prompt users with choice screens which must effectively and easily allow them to select an alternative default service, such as a browser or search engine on their iPhones.
The Commission is concerned that Apple’s measures, including the design of the web browser choice screen, may be preventing users from truly exercising their choice of services within the Apple ecosystem, in contravention of Article 6(3) of the DMA.The Commission said it is also taking other investigatory steps to gather facts and information to clarify whether Apple’s new fee structure and other terms and conditions for alternative app stores and distribution of apps from the web (sideloading) may be defeating the purpose of its obligations under the DMA.
The Commission has also adopted five retention orders addressed to Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft, asking them to retain documents which might be used to assess their compliance with the DMA obligations. The Commission intends to conclude the proceedings opened today within 12 months.
In cases of infringement, the Commission can impose fines up to 10% of the company’s total worldwide turnover. Such fines can go up to 20% in case of repeated infringement under the DMA. The Commission also has the power to adopt “additional remedies” such as “obliging a gatekeeper to sell a business or parts of it,” or banning the company from acquisitions of additional services related to the non-compliance.
Apple earlier this month implemented several major changes to the way the App Store and apps operate in the EU in order to comply with the DMA. These changes are included in iOS 17.4, but are generally limited to countries that are in the European Union.Tags: European Union, European Commission, Apple AntitrustThis article, "EU Opens Non-Compliance Investigations into Apple, Meta, and Google" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Writing in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said the new proprietary system, called “Presto,” will begin rolling out widely across the U.S. in April, with Apple’s intention to have the technology in all U.S. retail stores by early summer.
Gurman first reported on the wireless system in October, describing it as a “proprietary pad-like device” on which retail store staff can place a sealed iPhone box. The system wirelessly turns on the iPhone inside, updates its software to the latest version available, and then powers it off.
Apple developed “Presto” as a way to avoid selling iPhones in retail stores with outdated software. For example, the iPhone 15 series shipped with iOS 17, but Apple subsequently released iOS 17.0.1 before the devices launched. The point update was required to fix an issue that prevented the transfer of data directly from another iPhone during the initial setup process.
That meant new iPhone 15 owners had to update the devices themselves as part of the setup process, or manually via the Settings app under General → Software Update if they opted to set up the device as new and transfer data later. Following the rollout of “Presto,” such a scenario will be avoidable, making the setup process more straightforward for end users.Tag: Mark GurmanThis article, "Apple Readying In-Box iPhone Software Update System for Retail Stores" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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While app icons will likely remain locked to an invisible grid system on the Home Screen, to ensure there is some uniformity, our sources say that users will be able to arrange icons more freely on iOS 18. For example, we expect that the update will introduce the ability to create blank spaces, rows, and columns between app icons.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman was first to report that the iPhone would get a “more customizable” Home Screen starting with iOS 18. It is already possible to customize the Home Screen and create blank app icons with apps such as Shortcuts and Widgetsmith, but Apple’s own personalization options will be more convenient and official.
iPhone users have already been able to customize the Lock Screen since iOS 16, and we expect the Home Screen to receive similar treatment with iOS 18. The update will introduce additional customization options for the Home Screen, according to our sources, and this could result in the biggest Home Screen revamp in several years.
Apple will announce iOS 18 at its annual developers conference WWDC in June. Other features and changes rumored for the update include new generative AI functionality for Siri and multiple apps, RCS support in the Messages app for improved messaging between iPhones and Android devices, design changes, and more.Related Roundup: iOS 18Tag: Home ScreenThis article, "Sources: iOS 18 Lets Users Customize Layout of Home Screen App Icons" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Apple will announce iOS 18 at its annual developers conference WWDC in June. Other features and changes rumored for the software update include new generative AI functionality for Siri and multiple apps, RCS support in the Messages app for improved messaging between iPhones and Android devices, design changes, and more.
With iOS 18, Gurman believes Apple will focus on new “AI tools that help manage your daily life” more than “ChatGPT-like generative AI features.”
Gurman reiterated that at least some Apple employees believe that iOS 18 will be the biggest software update in the iPhone’s history.
For more details about the update, check out our iOS 18 roundup and latest rumor recap.Related Roundup: iOS 18Tag: Mark GurmanThis article, "iOS 18 Rumored to Feature 'More Customizable' Home Screen" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Responding to a question from the press at the China Development Forum in Beijing, Cook confirmed that the Vision Pro will launch in the country in 2024. He added that Apple will continue to increase research and development investment in China. Earlier this week, Cook visited Apple’s new Jing’an store in Shanghai.
This is the first explicit confirmation of a specific country other than the United States that the Vision Pro will launch in this year. Apple says that the Vision Pro will launch in additional countries later in 2024, but the company has not provided a more specific timeframe or, until now, indicated exactly where the headset will become available. Last month, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he believed the Vision Pro would launch internationally before Apple’s annual developers conference WWDC, which typically takes place in the first week of June.
Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTags: China, Tim CookBuyer’s Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "Apple Vision Pro to Launch in China Later This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>The new Apple Square One via Kyle
The store’s first visitors were greeted with a round of applause from Apple’s team members. MacRumors reader Kyle attended the grand opening and shared photos with us, providing a first look at the curved glass facade and expansive interior.
On the positive side, the new store is much larger than Apple’s previous location in the mall, which was often overcrowded. The original store closed its doors for good on Thursday evening, after nearly 15 years of serving customers. Another plus is that the store is the first in Canada to offer a dedicated Apple Pickup station where customers can conveniently collect their online orders placed on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app.
Apple Pickup in the new Apple Square One via Kyle
On the negative side, the store lacks some of Apple’s latest retail design elements that were first introduced last year at the relocated Apple Tysons Corner in Virginia and all-new Apple Battersea in London, England, such as a Genius Bar with varied table and seating heights for improved accessibility, and an Apple Watch Studio for mixing and matching case and band combinations. Customers can still receive hardware support from a Genius at the store, and participate in free creative sessions through the Today at Apple program.
The new Apple Square One is the company’s fourth modern store in Canada, alongside Apple Fairview and Apple Eaton Centre in Toronto, and Apple Pacific Centre in Vancouver. All of Apple’s other stores in Canada have a classic design. A leaked document last year revealed that Apple has considered relocating its Sainte-Catherine store in Montréal, Québec as early as 2025, but the company has not publicly confirmed these plans.
“Come say hello,” says Apple, on the Apple Square One page. “We can’t wait to see you there.”Tag: Apple StoreThis article, "Apple's First Store in Canada With Dedicated Pickup Station Now Open" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with OWC. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
In regards to the 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock, this accessory features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, five USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, one Mini DisplayPort port, one gigabit Ethernet port, one S/PDIF digital audio output port, and one 3.5mm stereo audio input/output port. There are also two memory card slots for microSD and SD cards.
$180 OFFOWC 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock for $99.99
All of the devices listed below are in new condition at OWC, although the retailer does provide various item condition options for anyone who might want to save money by purchasing open box items. Be sure to visit OWC’s sale landing page to browse the full sale, which also features deals on cables, Mac accessories, keyboards, and headphones.
Docks and Hubs
Atlas Dual SD Card Reader – $79.99, down from $89.99
Thunderbolt Mini Dock – $109.99, down from $129.99
Thunderbolt Hub – $129.99, down from $149.99
14-Port Thunderbolt Dock – $99.99, down from $279.99
Thunderbolt Go Dock – $299.99, down from $349.99
External Drives and Enclosures
4TB Mercury Elite Pro External Storage – $99.99, down from $199.99
12TB Mercury Elite Pro External Storage – $199.99, down from $369.99
16TB Mercury Elite Pro External Storage – $249.99, down from $379.99
8TB Mercury Elite Pro RAID External Storage – $193.99, down from $394.99
24TB Mercury Elite Pro RAID External Storage – $399.99, down from $699.99
Memory
32GB Memory Upgrade Kit – $78.99, down from $89.98
64GB Memory Upgrade Kit – $154.99, down from $179.96
Miscellaneous
2M USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable – $3.98, down from $14.99
Matias Wireless Multi-Pairing Keyboard – $49.99, down from $69.00 Keep up with all of this week’s best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "OWC's 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac Hits Record Low $99.99 Price ($180 Off)" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Other news this week saw the release of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 updates with bug fixes, but we’re still awaiting an update to address some of the problems introduced in macOS 14.4 earlier this month. We’ve also been continuing to keep our eye on the iPhone 16 lineup due in September and upcoming AirPods updates, so read on for details on all of these stories!
iOS 18: Apple in Talks With Google to Bring Gemini AI Features to iPhone
Apple is in active discussions with Google to license some of its Gemini generative AI technology for the iPhone starting as early as iOS 18 later this year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Apple has also been talking to OpenAI and Baidu about their generative AI models.
iOS 18 is widely rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and a range of built-in Apple apps on the iPhone, including Messages, Apple Music, Health, Shortcuts, Pages, Keynote, Numbers, and others.
New iPads Likely to Begin Shipping in April
Apple’s new iPad Pro models with OLED displays will likely begin shipping to customers in April, according to Ross Young, CEO of display industry research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants.
Young expects Apple to announce new iPads in late March or early April. Alongside the new iPad Pro models, he also expects an updated 10.9-inch iPad Air and a first-ever 12.9-inch iPad Air to be released.
Apple Releases iOS 17.4.1 Update for iPhone
Apple this week released iOS 17.4.1 for the iPhone and iPadOS 17.4.1 for the iPad. The minor software updates includes bug fixes and security improvements, such as a fix for a QR code issue on the iPad.
We’re still waiting on the first beta of iOS 17.5 to be released as of the time this newsletter was sent out. That update is expected to introduce a new Web Distribution option for qualifying iPhone apps in the EU.
Every iPhone 16 Rumor We’ve Covered So Far
While the iPhone 16 series is still months away from being unveiled, there are already many rumored features and changes for the devices.
We’ve recently updated our list of every iPhone 16 rumor that we have covered so far, so be sure to check it out for the latest expectations. One recent rumor is even thinner bezels for the iPhone 16 models.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 series in September.
macOS Sonoma 14.4: Reasons Not to Update
Since Apple unveiled macOS Sonoma 14.4 earlier this month, the transition to the latest software update has not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported by users that significantly impact their daily workflow.
If you anticipate that any of these problems could significantly impact your daily operations or productivity, it may be prudent to delay updating to the latest version of macOS Sonoma until Apple addresses these concerns with a subsequent fix.
The MacRumors Show: Apple’s Four Upcoming AirPods Models
On the latest episode of The MacRumors Show podcast, our hosts Hartley Charlton and Dan Barbera discussed circulating rumors on four upcoming models of AirPods, including two variants of fourth-generation AirPods, a very minor refresh of the AirPods Max, and next-generation AirPods Pro.
Last week’s episode saw Dan and Harley discussing whether the next-generation iPad Air models will be a big enough upgrade for customers. Apple is expected to release a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air, but no major design changes are expected for the mid-range tablet. Key new features expected include the M2 chip and a landscape front camera.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we’ve covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top StoriesThis article, "Top Stories: iOS 18's Generative AI Features to Rely on Google?, Latest on New iPads, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
The M3 MacBook Air is a perfect all-around laptop, and the Air models are what we recommend for most people. In fact, the M3 MacBook Air is more machine than the average consumer likely even needs. For web browsing, sending emails, and other simple tasks, a more affordable M1 MacBook Air or M2 MacBook Air is more than enough, and the M1 MacBook Air is even available at a super low $650 price right now.
For photo editing, video editing, and tasks that require a little more power, even the base model M3 MacBook Air with 8GB Unified Memory is more than enough for many people. Upgrading the memory will give you a bit more leeway in terms of future proofing, and adding more storage is a good idea if you need space for file storage, games, and apps.
Compared to the M2 MacBook Air, the M3 has faster CPU and GPU speeds, hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for 3D rendering and games, Wi-Fi 6E support, and support for two displays in clamshell mode. If you need these options, or don’t mind shelling out a bit more money for a machine that will last longer, it’s worth getting the M3, but we also think the more affordable M1 and M2 MacBook Air models are perfectly great for many people.Related Roundup: MacBook AirBuyer’s Guide: 15″ MacBook Air (Buy Now), 13″ MacBook Air (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook AirThis article, "Review: Two Weeks With the M3 MacBook Air" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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MicroLED was too expensive and too complex for Apple to design, so Apple is now reorganizing its display engineering teams and laying off employees in the U.S. and Asia. Some of the displaced employees may be able to find other roles in the company, and others will be provided with severance.
Rumors that Apple had canceled plans for an Apple Watch with microLED first surfaced in February when supplier ams OSRAM said that a “cornerstone project” related to microLED had been canceled. Soon after, there were rumors that Apple had ended its relationship with Kulicke & Soffa, another company in the advanced display market.
Both analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Display Supply Chain Consultants confirmed that Apple had canceled work on a microLED Apple Watch after these rumors, but Gurman claimed that Apple was still working on the device. In a now-deleted tweet, Gurman said that ams OSRAM was “one supplier” on the project, and that there were several other suppliers Apple was working with. “I doubt it was canceled,” he wrote.
DigiTimes and ETNews also suggested that ams OSRAM was replaced due to a performance drop and that Apple had another supplier lined up, but it appears that information was incorrect.
MicroLED technology uses microscopic LEDs for individual pixels. It’s more energy efficient than traditional LED, offers improved contrast, and has faster response times. Colors are brighter and better, and there’s no risk of burn-in as there is with OLED. Apple is said to have abandoned the project because it was not economically viable.
Gurman claims that Apple will stick with OLED display technology for the Apple Watch “for now,” but that the company is “eyeing microLED for other projects down the road.” Apple is “identifying” potential new suppliers and processes for microLED, but it “won’t likely happen anytime soon.”Related Roundup: Apple Watch Ultra 2Tags: Bloomberg, Mark Gurman, microLED Apple WatchBuyer’s Guide: Apple Watch Ultra (Neutral)Related Forum: Apple WatchThis article, "Apple Drops Plans to Develop MicroLED Displays for Apple Watch" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This is the best price we’ve seen to date on the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, and it beats the previous record low price seen on Amazon by about $30. Amazon provides an estimated delivery date of Monday, March 25 for the fastest option and Wednesday, March 27 for free delivery.
$95 OFF15-inch M3 MacBook Air (256GB) for $1,204.00
This version of the 15-inch MacBook Air just launched earlier in the month, alongside updated models of the 13-inch size as well. Both of the new MacBook Air machines include the M3 chip and focus on internal upgrades. Apple did not change the design of the MacBook Air with the 2024 update, using the same design that was first introduced in 2022.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Amazon Takes $95 Off Apple's New 15-Inch M3 MacBook Air, Available for $1,204" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The business card is from 1983, and it has been authenticated by well-known memorabilia grading service PSA, according to the auction listing. It features Apple’s old six-color logo, and it lists the company’s former address of 10495 Bandley Drive, in Cupertino, California. Jobs is listed as the Chairman of Apple’s Board of Directors.
RR Auction believes this sale has set a new record-high price for a signed business card.
Jobs passed away in 2011 at the age of 56. Throughout his career, he was reluctant to sign autographs, so items with his signature on them often sell for large sums of money. Last year, for example, a check signed by Jobs sold for over $100,000 at auction.Tag: Steve JobsThis article, "Steve Jobs Signed Business Card Fetches Over $180,000 at Auction" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
The fourth-generation AirPods will reportedly feature a new design with a better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port. For the first time ever, Apple is also apparently planning to offer a higher-end version of the AirPods with active noise cancelation and a speaker in the charging case to play a sound for easy location via Find My.
The second-generation AirPods Max are expected to be a minor refresh, simply swapping the Lightning port of the current model for USB-C and adding Bluetooth 5.3 support. New color options are also a possibility, but it looks like Apple’s most premium audio device will continue to miss out on the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, improved Active Noise Cancellation, skin-detect sensors, sweat and water resistance, the ultra wideband chip, Precision Finding, and support for additional charging methods.
Both the fourth-generation AirPods and the second-generation AirPods Max are expected to launch in late 2024. Further in the future, Apple is expected to launch the third-generation AirPods Pro with an updated design that is focused on improved comfort and a faster chip.
The MacRumors Show is now on its own YouTube channel, so make sure you’re subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips going forward:
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel!
You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.
If you haven’t already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion about Apple’s upcoming iPad Air models, which are expected to be announced in just a matter of weeks.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Luke Miani, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Jon Prosser, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.Tag: The MacRumors ShowThis article, "The MacRumors Show: Apple's Four Upcoming AirPods Models" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
What’s the deal? Save sitewide during this Springtime Prime Day
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
SITEWIDE DEALSAmazon’s Big Spring Sale
Amazon this week kicked off the “Big Spring Sale,” which is set to run all weekend and end on Monday, March 25. Similar to past Prime Days, there are hundreds of deals to be discovered during this sitewide event, and many of the deals we’re highlighting in this post are from the Big Spring Sale. For more specific information, you can check out our original post.
AirPods Pro 2
What’s the deal? Get $60 off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$60 OFFAirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $189.00
Amazon has Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $189.00 during the Big Spring Sale, which is now a solid second-best price on the headphones. This model was briefly available for $179.99 this week, and it’s possible that price could come back before the event ends on Monday.
Jackery
What’s the deal? Get low prices on Jackery products
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$49 OFFJackery Explorer 100 Plus for $99.99
Another set of deals you can find during the Amazon Big Spring Sale are discounts on Jackery power stations, starting at just $99.99 for the Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station. You can find the full list of Jackery devices on sale below.
Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station – $99.99, down from $149.00
Solar Generator 300 Plus Portable Power Station – $449.00 with on-page coupon, down from $579.00
Expansion Battery Pack for 1000 Plus – $698.99, down from $799.00
Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station – $1,199.00, down from $1,899.00
Expansion Battery Pack for 2000 Plus – $1,199.00 with on-page coupon, down from $1,599.00
Anker
What’s the deal? Save on Anker portable speakers, batteries, and more
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$16 OFFSoundcore Motion 300 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker for $63.99
$50 OFFSoundcore Motion X600 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker for $149.98
In addition to all of the Jackery deals, you can still find quite a few Anker markdowns on Amazon right now. We’ve highlighted some of the best sales below, but be sure to read our original article for all of the best discounts.
Nano Portable Charger with Built-In Lightning Connector – $18.99, down from $29.99
Nano Power Bank with Built-In USB-C Cable – $34.99 with a Prime membership, down from $49.99
Prime Power Bank 20,000 mAh with 100W Charging Base – $157.24 with on-page coupon, down from $184.99
Portable Power Station with Smart Display + Retractable Light – $109.99 with on-page coupon, down from $149.99
SOLIX F1200 Portable Power Station – $749.00 with on-page coupon, down from $1,098.00
SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station – $1,399.00 with on-page coupon, down from $1,999.00
iMac
What’s the deal? Take up to $651 off M1 iMac
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$601 OFFM1 iMac (256GB) for $898.98
$651 OFFM1 iMac (512GB) for $1,048.97
Expercom this week introduced steep discounts on the M1 24-inch iMac on Amazon, offering up to $651 off select models. These deals are all-time low prices across the board and perfect for anyone who needs to upgrade from an Intel-based iMac and doesn’t necessarily need the newest M3 models.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Amazon's Prime Day 'Big Spring Sale' Ushers In Major Discounts on AirPods, M1 iMac, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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If these partnerships move forward, it is likely that Baidu would power some of Apple’s generative AI features in China, while other companies like Google or OpenAI would serve as partners in the U.S. and other countries. China requires generative AI models to receive local regulatory approval, and Baidu’s Ernie chatbot is on the approved list, but Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbots are not available in the country.
Apple has repeatedly teased that it has generative AI announcements to share later this year, and this likely refers to iOS 18. The software update is rumored to include new generative AI features for a range of iPhone features and apps, including Siri, Spotlight, Apple Music, Health, Messages, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, Shortcuts, and more.
iPhone 16 models are rumored to feature an upgraded Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores, which could result in some of iOS 18’s generative AI features being exclusive to those models. iPhone 15 models have a 16-core Neural Engine.
iOS 18 will be previewed at Apple’s developers conference WWDC in June, so we’re just a few months away from learning about these generative AI plans.Related Roundup: iOS 18This article, "Apple's Potential Partners for iOS 18 Generative AI Features Include Google, OpenAI, and Baidu" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Named “GoFetch,” the type of cyber attack described involves Data Memory-Dependent Prefetchers (DMPs), which try to predict what data the computer will need next and retrieve it in advance. This is meant to make processing faster, but it can unintentionally reveal information about what the computer is doing.
The paper finds that DMPs, especially the ones in Apple’s processors, pose a significant threat to the security provided by constant-time programming models, which are used to write programs so that they take the same amount of time to run, no matter what data they’re dealing with.
The constant-time programming model is meant to protect against side-channel attacks, or types of attacks where someone can gain sensitive information from a computer system without directly accessing it (by observing certain patterns, for example). The idea is that if all operations take the same amount of time, there’s less for an attacker to observe and exploit.
However, the paper finds that DMPs, particularly in Apple silicon, can leak information even if the program is designed not to reveal any patterns in how it accesses memory. The new research finds that the DMPs can sometimes confuse memory content, which causes it to treat the data as an address to perform memory access, which goes against the constant-time model.
The authors present GoFetch as a new type of attack that can exploit this vulnerability in DMPs to extract encryption keys from secure software. The attack works against some popular encryption algorithms that are thought to be resistant to side-channel attacks, including both traditional (e.g. OpenSSL Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange, Go RSA decryption) and post-quantum (e.g. CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium) cryptographic methods.
In an email to ArsTechnica, the authors explained:
Prefetchers usually look at addresses of accessed data (ignoring values of accessed data) and try to guess future addresses that might be useful. The DMP is different in this sense as in addition to addresses it also uses the data values in order to make predictions (predict addresses to go to and prefetch). In particular, if a data value “looks like” a pointer, it will be treated as an “address” (where in fact it’s actually not!) and the data from this “address” will be brought to the cache. The arrival of this address into the cache is visible, leaking over cache side channels.
Our attack exploits this fact. We cannot leak encryption keys directly, but what we can do is manipulate intermediate data inside the encryption algorithm to look like a pointer via a chosen input attack. The DMP then sees that the data value “looks like” an address, and brings the data from this “address” into the cache, which leaks the “address.” We don’t care about the data value being prefetched, but the fact that the intermediate data looked like an address is visible via a cache channel and is sufficient to reveal the secret key over time.In summary, the paper shows that the DMP feature in Apple silicon CPUs could be used to bypass security measures in cryptography software that were thought to protect against such leaks, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive information, such as a 2048-bit RSA key, in some cases in less than an hour.
According to the authors, the flaw in Apple’s chips cannot be patched directly. Instead, the attack vector can only be reduced by building defenses into third-party cryptographic software that could result in an extreme performance degradation when executing the cryptographic operations, particularly on the earlier M1 and M2 chips. The DMP on the M3, Apple’s latest chip, has a special bit that developers can invoke to disable it, but the researchers aren’t yet sure what kind of penalty will occur when this performance optimization is turned off.
As ArsTechnica notes, this isn’t the first time researchers have identified threats in Apple DMPs. Research documented in 2022 discovered one such threat in both the M1 and Apple’s A14 Bionic chip for iPhones, which resulted in the “Augury” attack. However, this attack was ultimately unable to extract the sensitive data when constant-time practices were used.
“GoFetch shows that the DMP is significantly more aggressive than previously thought and thus poses a much greater security risk,” the researchers claim on their website. “Specifically, we find that any value loaded from memory is a candidate for being dereferenced (literally!). This allows us to sidestep many of Augury’s limitations and demonstrate end-to-end attacks on real constant-time code.”Users concerned about the vulnerability are advised to check for GoFetch mitigation updates that become available in future macOS updates for any of the encryption protocols known to be vulnerable. Apple representatives declined to comment on the record when ArsTechnica asked about the research.Tags: Apple Security, Encryption, Apple SiliconThis article, "Apple Silicon Vulnerability Allows Hackers to Extract Encryption Keys" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
The MLS Season Pass allows access to every live Major League Soccer match, including Leagues Cup, All-Star games, and playoffs.
The offer is being promoted on Leo Messi’s Instagram account, and must be redeemed by April 5, 2024. One subscription is available per TV and Apple ID. Both new and qualified returning customers of MLS Season Pass can sign up.
The MLS Pass renews at your region’s price per month, so make sure to cancel it if you decide you do not want to commit.
An MLS Season Pass is available in the TV app on iPhones running iOS 16.2 or later, iPads running iPadOS 16.2 or later, Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD with tvOS 16.2 or later, macOS Ventura 13.1 or later, Apple Vision Pro, and on eligible smart TVs and streaming devices.Tag: Apple TV PlusThis article, "Lionel Messi Offering One Free Month of Apple's MLS Season Pass" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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According to an Apple Support document, a bug in iOS 17.4 impacted the camera on the 6th-generation iPad, 7th-generation iPad, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, preventing camera apps from being able to scan QR codes. Apple says that customers affected by this issue should update to iPadOS 17.4.1 to fix the problem.
Prior to iPadOS 17.4.1, Apple was suggesting that iPad users unable to scan QR codes with the Camera app and other third-party apps use the Code Scanner function in the Control Center.
Apple’s release notes did not mention the bug fix, perhaps due to the limited number of iPad models that are impacted. iPadOS 17.4.1 also added other unspecified bug fixes and security improvements.Related Roundups: iOS 17, iPadOS 17Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17This article, "iPadOS 17.4.1 Fixes QR Code Scanning Bug" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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visionOS updates can be installed by going to the Settings app on the Vision Pro, selecting the General section, and choosing Software Update. The Vision Pro headset will need to be removed to install new software, with a progress bar available on the front EyeSight display.
According to Apple’s release notes for the update, visionOS 1.1.1 introduces “important bug fixes and security updates.” The software is recommended for all users.Related Roundup: visionOSRelated Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "Apple Releases visionOS 1.1.1 With Bug Fixes" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. For customers who are still on iOS 16, Apple has also released an iOS 16.7.7 security update.
According to Apple’s release notes, the iOS 17.4.1 update includes important security updates and bug fixes.
Apple will likely begin testing iOS 17.5 in the near future, with betas expected to come out in the next two weeks.Related Roundups: iOS 17, iPadOS 17Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17This article, "Apple Releases iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 With Bug Fixes and Security Improvements" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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In a statement shared with MacRumors, Apple said the lawsuit is “wrong on the facts and the law,” and vowed to “vigorously defend” against it:At Apple, we innovate every day to make technology people love—designing products that work seamlessly together, protect people’s privacy and security, and create a magical experience for our users. This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple—where hardware, software, and services intersect. It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology. We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will vigorously defend against it.The Verge’s Lauren Feiner shared an overview of the Justice Department’s allegations against Apple:- Disrupting “super apps” that encompass many different programs and could degrade “iOS stickiness” and make it easier for iPhone users to switch to competing devices
– Blocking cloud-streaming apps for things like video games that would lower the need for superior hardware
– Suppressing the quality of messaging between the iPhone platform and competing mobile platforms like Android
– Limiting the functionality of third-party smartwatches with its iPhones and making it harder for Apple Watch users to switch from the iPhone due to compatibility issues
– Blocking third-party developers from creating competing digital wallets with tap-to-pay functionality for the iPhoneMore details to follow…Tags: Apple Lawsuits, Apple AntitrustThis article, "Apple Responds to Being Sued by U.S. Department of Justice" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
There are a few minor changes to the AirPods Pro 2 besides the addition of USB-C, including additional dust resistance and support for lossless audio with the Vision Pro headset. Amazon estimates a delivery window between March 23 and March 26 if ordered today.
$69 OFFAirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) for $179.99
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories. Additionally, we track sales for every model of the AirPods in our Best AirPods Deals guide, so be sure to bookmark that page while you shop around for the wireless headphones.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "AirPods Pro 2 With USB-C Hit New Record Low Price of $179.99 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Multiview lets users watch four different cable channels on-screen at the same time. The feature works from the “Home” tab, which includes stream options like “Top Picks for You” and “Watch in Multiview,” but it only works for sports events.
Subscribers on iPhone and iPad will need to update to version 8.11 or later to access Multivew. According to YouTube TV, “device and content restrictions apply” for Multiview, and it is limited to “pre-selected games only.”
Video Credit: Redditor _oh_jay
A Basic YouTube TV plan costs $72.99 a month, and there are various add-on packages available such as NBA League Pass, which is currently $49.99 for the entire season. YouTube TV said it plans to launch Multiview on Android in the coming months. Tag: YouTube TVThis article, "YouTube TV Gains Multiview Support on iPhone and iPad" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Today’s report follows the news earlier this week that Apple has been in talks with Google to integrate its Gemini AI engine into the iPhone as part of iOS 18.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has promised that the company will “break new ground” in AI this year, and iOS 18 is expected to play a big role. However, Apple’s internal work is said to be focused on smaller-scale AI features that operate on-device and do not require an internet connection.
To drive more powerful cloud-based generative AI features, such as the ability to create images and write essays based on single prompts, Apple is seeking a partner that has the necessary large-scale hardware infrastructure and compute capabilities already in place.
Siri is expected to take advantage of the artificial intelligence improvements that Apple plans to bring in iOS 18. One leaker has suggested that Apple is planning to use large-language models to entirely revamp Siri and turn it into the “ultimate virtual assistant.”
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says that one of the specific features Apple is developing is an improved interaction between Siri and the Messages app, which would let Siri auto-complete sentences more effectively and answer complex questions.
But with the likes of Nvidia and other AI companies continuing to reshape the technology landscape, some investors are reportedly concerned that Apple will fail to keep up with the pace of change, and may not see the “hypergrowth” expected of it unless the iPhone maker can boost its credibility by deploying generative AI features this year. Tags: Google, Apple GPT, OpenAIThis article, "Apple's iPhone AI Talks With Google and OpenAI Still Ongoing" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The game features two main Battle Royale maps, Verdansk and Rebirth Island, as well as cross-progression for players of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and the PC/console version of Call of Duty: Warzone.
Level up your weapons and XP no matter where you are. Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile supports shared progression with the console and PC versions of Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare III. Simply log in using your Activision ID, and most content acquired in Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone is seamlessly transferred and becomes continuously available between your games.For gamers playing on iPhone 15 Pro models and iPads with an M1 chip or later, the game includes a “Peak Graphics” mode that runs in 2K with improved textures, lighting, draw distance, ambient occlusion, and resolution caching.
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile requires iOS 16/iPadOS 16 or later, and has been available to pre-order on the App Store since November 2022, back when Activision was originally targeting a May 2023 release. More than 50 million players have pre-registered for the game already, according to MacRumors sister site TouchArcade.Tag: ActivisionThis article, "'Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile' Finally Launches on iPhone and iPad" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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While disputing a March 26 announcement, Gurman has not shared any specific claims of his own regarding an announcement or launch date for the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models that are in the works, recently pointing to a general time frame of “around the end of March or in April.”
Not true https://t.co/4vec7H4mk4
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) March 21, 2024
Gurman offered a bit more color on the timing in the most recent edition of his Power On newsletter, saying that the “variant of iPadOS 17.4” that will ship on the new iPad models won’t be ready until at least late this month, with it potentially taking “a couple weeks” to get the software installed on the initial shipments. That timing, Gurman says, will likely take things “deeper into next month” for a launch of the new iPads although an announcement could happen a bit sooner.
Alongside revamped iPad Pro models with OLED displays, Apple’s M3 chip, and additional enhancements, we’re also expecting updated iPad Air models including a new 12.9-inch size option. Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro and a new Apple Pencil.Related Roundups: iPad Air , iPad ProTag: Mark GurmanBuyer’s Guide: iPad Air (Don’t Buy), 11″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy), 12.9″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "Gurman: No iPad Announcement Planned for March 26" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>In the 30-second video ad, an iMessage notification appears on a girl’s iPhone 15 placed on a dining table, while she is in another room. Nosy family members attempt to unlock the device to read the message, but Face ID prevents them from doing so.
To prevent messages from being previewed on the Lock Screen without Face ID, open the Settings app, tap Notifications → Show Previews, and select When Unlocked.Tags: Apple Ads, Face IDThis article, "Apple Promotes Face ID in New iPhone 15 Ad Called 'Nice Try!'" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Apple is looking to hire a so-called “Briefing Experience Specialist” in all three countries. This is a sales position that will involve demonstrating the Vision Pro’s capabilities to business/enterprise customers, according to the job listing.
“You will design and deliver demonstrations that present the capabilities of the product and its revolutionary new technology,” the job listing says. “You will also showcase solutions, representative use cases, and transformative user workflows that inspire customer investment in the technology, the visionOS platform, and the product itself.”
Apple posted the same job listing for the Vision Pro in the U.K. last year, but the headset remains available in the U.S. only following its February 2 launch.
On its website, Apple says the Vision Pro will launch in more countries later this year, but the company has not provided a more specific timeframe, or indicated exactly where the headset will become available next. Last month, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he believed the Vision Pro would launch internationally before Apple’s annual developers conference WWDC, which typically takes place in the first week of June.
MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris recently obtained information that suggests Apple is preparing to expand the Vision Pro to Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the U.K. at a minimum, and the “Briefing Experience Specialist” job listings have now been posted in at least four of those countries.
Thanks, Alicia!Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProBuyer’s Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "Apple Posts Vision Pro Job Listings in Australia, China, and Japan Following UK Last Year" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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According to Canada’s Global News and the Winnipeg Free Press, UPS worker Orville Beltrano stole approximately 866 Apple devices from the warehouse where he had worked since 2013. Beltrano served as a supervisor at the location, and he was selling the products that he swiped on Kijiji.
Between September 2023 and January 2024, Beltrano deposited more than $232,000 in his bank accounts. He was fired by UPS on January 22, and arrested the same day. In his home and vehicle, investigators found $9,000 in cash, a Mac laptop, and jewelry valued at over $9,000.
Beltrano admitted to stealing Apple products and jewelry from UPS, and said that he used the money to purchase a home worth $680,000 and to pay off a $60,000 Audi hatchback purchased in 2021. He has been charged with theft over $5,000, theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and possession of the proceeds of crime.
The theft was discovered after UPS launched an investigation in December to determine why so many Apple devices were disappearing from the warehouse in Winnipeg. Surveillance cameras were installed, and Beltrano was found to be stealing products from pallets that were supposed to be shipped to Ontario. He allegedly stole more 120 iPhones in a single shift in January 2024.
Prosecutors have asked the court to approve the seizure of Beltrano’s house, cash, bank accounts, and vehicle.This article, "UPS Worker Accused of Stealing and Reselling Apple Products Worth Over $1 Million" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>In a 47-minute video, Noki walks through the process that he used to create the device. As Ars Technica points out, Noki went completed more than 29 complex steps, each of which was a major task on its own. He started out by measuring every single surface and angle of a Macintosh Plus, modeling it in AutoDesk Fusion 360, and then printing the parts, putting them together, filling gaps, sanding, and texturing.
He modified a 10-inch thrift store screen to have LED backlighting and a dimmer knob, he crafted a power assembly, built in connectors, speakers, and other hardware, and designed a Mini vMac emulator using Linux. The whole process is fascinating to watch.
The Mac Plus is the exact right size and texture, it supports 3.5-inch disks, it supports appropriate Apple keyboards and mice, and has every other detail you would expect from a real Mac. Printing the components took over 48 hours, and the whole project spanned 40 weeks.This article, "Check Out This Functional 3D Printed Macintosh" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Over the last several years, Apple officials have met with the DoJ multiple times, and the investigation has covered everything from iMessage to ad practices. Some of what the DoJ has looked into:
How the Apple Watch works better with iPhone than other smart watches do.
How Apple locks competitors out of iMessage.
How Apple blocks financial firms from offering tap-to-pay services similar to Apple Pay.
Whether Apple favors its own apps and services over those provided by third-party developers.
How Apple has blocked cloud gaming apps from the App Store.
How Apple restricts the iPhone’s location services from devices that compete with AirTag.
How App Tracking Transparency impacted the collection of advertising data.
In-app purchase fees collected by Apple.
Apple competitors like Tile, Beeper, Basecamp, Meta, and Spotify have had discussions with antitrust investigators to voice their complaints about Apple’s practices, as have big banks. According to Bloomberg, the DoJ plans to argue that Apple has used illegal practices to maintain a dominant market position, blocking competitors from hardware and software features on the iPhone.
Back in 2020, a United States House Judiciary Subcommittee investigation concluded that Apple, Meta, Google, and Amazon have the “kinds of monopolies” last seen in “the era of oil barons and railroad tycoons.” The subcommittee recommended new antitrust law, but the DoJ opted to target Google before going after Apple because Apple was embroiled in an antitrust lawsuit with Epic Games.
Apple in iOS 17.4 had to make sweeping changes to the way the App Store operates in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act, and it was also recently fined $2 billion in Europe for anti-competitive behavior against rival music services.Tag: Apple AntitrustThis article, "Apple Facing Imminent U.S. Antitrust Lawsuit" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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For games distributed through the Epic Games Store, Epic will collect a 12 percent share of revenue, which is the same fee that it charges on Windows and Mac machines. Apps will get 100 percent of the revenue they earn for the first six months, with Epic taking no cut, and there are no fees for apps that offer in-game purchases and use their own payment processing method.
A game sold through the Epic Games Store will need to pay both Epic’s 12 percent fee, and Apple’s 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee (CTF) for each “first annual” install after one million installs. Apps distributed through the App Store under Apple’s updated EU business terms will pay the CTF and a commission of 10 to 17 percent, down from the standard 15 to 30 percent cut that Apple takes.
App Store apps making under $1 million annually will pay 10 percent under the App Store Small Business Program, and that’s also the fee that Apple charges for subscriptions that customers keep for over a year. More successful apps earning over $1 million and new subscriptions are subject to a 17 percent fee. Note that Apple also charges an additional three percent fee for using the in-app purchase payment system, so developers who distribute through the App Store and use in-app purchases will pay 13 to 20 percent.
As an example, an app with fewer than one million downloads that is distributed through the App Store under the new business terms would pay the CTF and 10 percent fee, a total ultimately lower than the CTF + 12 percent fee that the Epic Games Store would collect.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has called Apple’s EU changes and fees a “devious new instance of Malicious Compliance” and has promised that Epic Games will continue to “argue to the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law” even as it prepares to launch the Epic Games Store.
The Epic Games Store is set to come to the iPhone in the European Union before the end of 2024. It will not be available in the United States and other countries.Tag: Epic GamesThis article, "Epic Games to Charge 12% Fee for App Sales From Alternative iPhone Store" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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For context, Apple was ordered to change its App Store rules in 2021 as part of the decision in the Epic Games case. The judge took issue with the anti-steering guidelines that kept apps from directing consumers to lower prices available outside of the App Store. Apple delayed implementing the changes while it attempted to appeal the ruling, but the appeal was not successful and Apple had to update its rules in January.
Developers are now allowed to include a single link in their app, with that link going to a website where customers can make a purchase without using the in-app purchase system. Apple is still collecting commission for purchases made this way, requiring developers to pay between 12 and 27 percent (three percent lower than the standard 15/30 fee).
Epic Games last week told the court that Apple has not complied with the order, and that the Cupertino company should be held in contempt of court. Epic Games said that Apple’s implementation makes links “commercially unusable” due to the fee and the “accompanying web of restrictions.”
Microsoft, Meta, X, and Match further complained that Apple is not allowing apps to include “even the most basic information” about alternative purchase options. Apple does not allow apps to let customers know about how to receive a discount by purchasing directly from a website, for example.
Meta said that it should be able to direct users to the web to pay for boosted posts to avoid Apple’s fee, and Microsoft complained that Apple’s rules limit options for providing subscriptions and discounts. X, formerly Twitter, said that Apple’s 27 percent fee eliminates incentives to include an external link, while Match claimed that the rules prevent price competition for digital transactions.
Apple in January claimed that it was in full compliance with the injunction, and that it has given developers a way to inform customers about alternative purchase mechanisms both in their apps and outside of their apps.
The amicus brief filed today supports Epic Games’ recent filing. Epic Games has asked the court to force Apple to bring its policies into compliance with the injunction, so it will be up to the court to decide whether Apple’s rule change does enough to satisfy the requirements of the initial judgment.Tags: App Store, Microsoft, Twitter, Epic Games, Epic Games vs. Apple, MetaThis article, "Meta, Microsoft, X and Match Join Epic Games in Protesting Fees for Non-App Store Purchase Links" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The leaker claimed that the next 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models will have 7.12mm and 7.08mm bezels, respectively, when excluding the metal edges of the devices. If these measurements are accurate, the bezels would be around 10% to 15% thinner than on previous iPad Pro models released between 2018 and 2022.
Other key new features rumored for the next iPad Pro models include Apple’s latest M3 chip, a thinner enclosure, a landscape front camera, rear camera design tweaks, and potentially MagSafe wireless charging. New accessories are also expected, including an updated Magic Keyboard with a partly-aluminum enclosure and an updated Apple Pencil.
“Instant Digital” has a mostly-accurate track record with Apple rumors over the past year. The account was correct about frosted rear glass on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the yellow color option for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, and more, but it incorrectly said the iPad Air would receive a hardware update last year.
The new iPad Pro models should be announced in late March or early April, according to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Tuesday, March 26 has been specifically rumored as a potential iPad Pro announcement date.
Apple is also expected to update the 10.9-inch iPad Air, and release an all-new 12.9-inch iPad Air.Related Roundup: iPad ProTag: Instant DigitalBuyer’s Guide: 11″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy), 12.9″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "New iPad Pro Rumored to Feature Thinner Bezels Than Previous Models" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
]]>Greg Joswiak talks with Brian Tong in a golf cart ride at Apple Park
The interview took place in a golf cart driving around Apple Park, with various employees hopping in and out to talk with Tong along the way.
The video provides an update on the “state of the iPhone,” with Joswiak and others discussing the device’s past, present, and future. Apple also once again hinted at AI-related announcements later this year, with the company widely expected to announce iOS 18 with new generative AI features at Apple’s developers conference WWDC in June.
The video is worth a watch if you are an iPhone enthusiast, or if you simply want to see Joswiak pretend to get hit by a golf cart.
Tags: Apple Park, Greg JoswiakThis article, "Apple Leadership Talks iPhone While Riding Golf Cart Around Apple Park" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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The page includes categories for the Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Vision Pro, Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod, displays like the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR, accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, and software.
There is also a search tool on the page that provides links to support documents and other relevant information based on the keywords entered.
The new page was earlier spotted by Japanese blog Mac Otakara, and it may be worth bookmarking for reference purposes.Tag: Apple SupportThis article, "Apple Launches All-in-One 'Manuals, Specs, and Downloads' Website" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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We’re focusing on the tech-related discounts during the Big Spring Sale, and in the first list below you can find all of the highlights of the electronics category for the event. You’ll also find specific deals on iPads and AirPods further down, as well as the best Anker and Jackery deals.
SITEWIDE DEALSAmazon’s Big Spring SaleSonos Devices – Up to 20% off
Anker – Up to 43% off
Fire TV Devices – Up to 40% off
Samsung Monitors – Up to 43% off
Bose Headphones and Speakers – Up to 17% off
Soundcore Headphones – Up to 50% off
Google Security Cameras and Doorbells – Up to 22% off
JBL Speakers – Up to 15% offApple
AirPods
Amazon has the AirPods 2 for $99.00, down from $129.00, and the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $189.00, down from $249.00. In regards to the latter deal, this is a match of the all-time low price and right now only Amazon has the deal.
$30 OFFAirPods 2 for $99.00
$60 OFFAirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $189.00Apple Pencil 2
The all-time low price on the Apple Pencil 2 has returned for the Big Spring Sale, available for $79.00 on Amazon, down from $129.00.
$50 OFFApple Pencil 2 for $79.00iPad
Both the 9th and 10th generation iPads are seeing all-time low prices on Amazon this week, starting at $249.00 for the 64GB Wi-Fi 9th gen tablet and reaching up to $100 off select models.
$80 OFF9th Gen iPad (64GB Wi-Fi) for $249.00
$100 OFF9th Gen iPad (256GB Wi-Fi) for $379.00
$100 OFF10th Gen iPad (64GB Wi-Fi) for $349.00
$100 OFF10th Gen iPad (256GB Wi-Fi) for $499.00iPad Air
For the iPad Air, you can get every Wi-Fi model on sale for a record low price on Amazon. These tablets are reaching up to $150 off original prices.
$150 OFFiPad Air (64GB Wi-Fi) for $449.00
$149 OFFiPad Air (256GB Wi-Fi) for $599.99Anker
Audio
Soundcore Motion 300 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – $63.99, down from $79.99
Soundcore Motion X600 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – $149.98, down from $199.99
Portable Batteries
Nano Portable Charger with Built-In Lightning Connector – $18.99, down from $29.99
Prime Power Bank 20,000 mAh with 100W Charging Base – $157.24 with on-page coupon, down from $184.99
Power Stations
Portable Power Station with Smart Display + Retractable Light – $109.99 with on-page coupon, down from $149.99
SOLIX F1200 Portable Power Station – $749.00 with on-page coupon, down from $1,098.00
SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station – $1,399.00 with on-page coupon, down from $1,999.00
Wall Chargers
20W USB-C Charger – $13.99, down from $16.99
65W 3-Port USB-C Charger – $33.99 with on-page coupon, down from $55.99
100W 3-Port USB-C Charger – $42.99, down from $74.99
6-in-1 Nano Charging Station – $45.99, down from $65.99
Prime 67W 3-Port Charger – $49.99, down from $65.99
Hubs
4-Port USB-C Hub – $15.99, down from $19.99
10-in-1 USB-C Hub – $75.00, down from $149.99Jackery
Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station – $99.99, down from $149.00
Solar Generator 300 Plus Portable Power Station – $449.00, down from $579.00
Expansion Battery Pack for 1000 Plus – $698.99, down from $799.00
Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station – $1,199.00, down from $1,899.00
Expansion Battery Pack for 2000 Plus – $1,199.00 with on-page coupon, down from $1,599.00 Keep up with all of this week’s best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.
Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Amazon's Prime Day 'Big Spring Sale' Debuts Big Discounts on Apple Devices, Anker Accessories, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Cook’s visit is timed with the upcoming grand opening of Apple’s new Jing’an store in Shanghai on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. local time.
Apple provided more details about the store in a recent press release.
“Located next to the landmark Jing’an Temple, Apple Jing’an is a must-see destination in Shanghai,” said Apple. “Approaching the store through a grove of maple trees that line the upper plaza, visitors are treated to a stunning view of the temple. As customers descend down the stairs, they pass by terracing, double-curved walls that extend forward in a circle to form amphitheater seating that will host Today at Apple sessions specially created for Apple Jing’an to celebrate the community and its creators.”
A custom wallpaper with a flower-like Apple logo is available for download for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the store’s page.
Those who attend the grand opening of Apple Jing’an will receive a custom tote bag, pin, and Apple logo sticker, according to Michael Steeber’s weekly newsletter about Apple’s retail stores. His newsletter provides a closer look at the store’s design.Tags: China, Tim Cook, Apple StoreThis article, "Tim Cook Visits China Ahead of New Apple Store Opening in Shanghai" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Cook’s visit is timed with the upcoming grand opening of Apple’s new Jing’an store in Shanghai on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. local time.
Apple provided more details about the store in a recent press release.
“Located next to the landmark Jing’an Temple, Apple Jing’an is a must-see destination in Shanghai,” said Apple. “Approaching the store through a grove of maple trees that line the upper plaza, visitors are treated to a stunning view of the temple. As customers descend down the stairs, they pass by terracing, double-curved walls that extend forward in a circle to form amphitheater seating that will host Today at Apple sessions specially created for Apple Jing’an to celebrate the community and its creators.”
A custom wallpaper with a flower-like Apple logo is available for download for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the store’s page.
Those who attend the grand opening of Apple Jing’an will receive a custom tote bag, pin, and Apple logo sticker, according to Michael Steeber’s weekly newsletter about Apple’s retail stores. His newsletter provides a closer look at the store’s design.Tags: China, Tim Cook, Apple StoreThis article, "Tim Cook Visits China Ahead of New Apple Store Opening in Shanghai" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
The Weibo user explained that the iPad Pro’s new matte display option will be offered in addition to the standard, glossy glass finish. It apparently features -4° to +29° of haze and may tout some kind of blue-light blocking technology to help protect the eyes. Matte screen protectors for the iPad have become extremely popular, so it is possible that Apple is trying to offer such an option at the point of purchase for those who want it.
It is not known if the matte display option will be “nano-texture” glass like on the Pro Display XDR and Studio Display, but it seems plausible. Nano-texture glass is effectively a matte finish that scatters light to minimize glare, which is ideal in environments with bright light sources. While matte screen coatings effectively reduce reflections, they also make the image slightly more dull and hazy. Nano-texture glass features an etched surface to help preserve image quality.
Nano-texture glass has only been offered on desktop displays so far. It is harder to clean owing to its textured surface that grips oil and debris more tightly, and Apple cautions that it should only be cleaned with a polishing cloth made with soft, non-abrasive material. It is not clear how a matte display on the iPad would hold up to fingerprints as a result.
The matte display option may also be available on the next-generation iPad Air models, but the leaker could not confirm if this will be the case. They added that new iPad models will be announced next week.
Earlier this week, Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 will feature an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple’s Ceramic Shield found on recent models. It is not apparent if this technology is related to the new matte display option for the iPad, but it is a possibility.
Instant Digital has a mixed track record in terms of revealing accurate information about Apple’s plans, but their claims are worth paying attention to. The source was first to report the iPhone 14’s Yellow spring refresh in 2023, Spatial Video capture on the iPhone 15 Pro, and the Apple Watch Series 9’s minor hardware update, as well as being the only source of the only rumor claiming that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would feature frosted back glass. However, they also made claims about several iOS 17 features and the release of a new iPad Air in October 2023 that did not pan out.Related Roundups: iPad Air , iPad ProTags: OLED iPad Pro, 2024 iPad Air, Instant DigitalBuyer’s Guide: iPad Air (Don’t Buy), 11″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy), 12.9″ iPad Pro (Don’t Buy)Related Forum: iPadThis article, "New iPad Pro Rumored to Have Matte Screen Option Like Studio Display's Nano-Texture Glass" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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In an interview with Reuters, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager said that Apple’s introduction of new fees was already being looked at as a potential attempt to dissuade developers from using alternative app stores.
“There are things that we take a keen interest in, for instance, if the new Apple fee structure will de facto not make it in any way attractive to use the benefits of the DMA. That kind of thing is what we will be investigating,” she told Reuters.Apple enabled alternative app stores in the EU earlier this month, allowing third-party app stores to offer a catalog of other developers’ apps as well as the marketplace developer’s own apps. Apple also has a new fee structure as part of the change that has already come under fire from several developers and EU associations.
Vestager also warned Apple and other companies against discouraging users from switching to other app marketplaces by disparaging them, saying this kind of behaviour could trigger an investigation. Apple has already claimed some of the DMA-enforced changes could expose users to security risks that they are otherwise protected against when using the App Store.
“I would think of it as unwise to say that the services are not safe to use, because that has nothing to do with the DMA,” said Vestager. “The DMA is there to open the market for other service providers to get to you and how your service provider of your operating system, how they will make sure that it is safe is for them to decide.”
“And of course, if we see or get the suspicion that this is in order to say that someone else are not doing their job of course, we might take initiatives to look into that,” she added.Vestager said feedback from developers was key to whether she would launch investigations into companies that must comply with the DMA. Asked whether she had received any comments from third parties, she said: “Quite a lot.”
Apple’s app ecosystem changes in the European Union went into effect with the launch of iOS 17.4 on March 6. Apple has since been tweaking the app ecosystem rules that it introduced based on developer feedback and discussions with regulators.
For example, third-party app stores are now able to offer apps directly from their own catalog, and developers will soon be able to distribute apps directly from their websites as long as they meet Apple’s requirements.
Apple says it is also working a solution that would prevent its 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee (CTF) from bankrupting developers if their free app goes viral.Tags: App Store, European Union, European Commission, Apple AntitrustThis article, "EU Antitrust Chief Warns Apple About App Store Fees and Safety Warnings" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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According to SisaJournal, Apple will use Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology to minimize the bezel at the bottom of the display. BRS achieves this by rolling up the internal copper wiring into a more compact package.
Apple reportedly plans to apply the borderless display technology to all four iPhone 16 models, which are due to be released in the second half of this year.
The company is said to have attempted to apply the technology to iPhones before, but previous attempts were curtailed due to heat issues. Apple’s reinvigorated efforts to adopt BRS are reportedly due to recent improvements in heat dissipation technology.
Last year, Apple reduced the bezels on iPhone 15 Pro models using low-injection pressure over-molding, or LIPO, to shrink the display border size to 1.5 millimeters (versus around 2.2 millimeters on iPhone 14 models).
Besides that, Apple has not significantly tweaked iPhone screen sizes since the introduction of the iPhone 12 models in 2020. However, that’s set to change with the 2024 iPhone 16 lineup. The iPhone 16 Pro models will have notably larger display sizes than the current iPhone 15 Pro models.
According to multiple sources, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature an increase in display size compared to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, measuring roughly 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. To be more precise, the iPhone 16 Pro will have a 6.27-inch display (159.31 mm), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature a 6.85-inch (174.06 mm) screen.
With the increase in display size, the dimensions of the iPhone’s body will also increase. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will be slightly taller than their predecessors, while also being somewhat wider. The larger form factor of the devices will give Apple more internal space for components. The iPhone 16 Pro models could get larger, longer-lasting batteries for example.
Every iPhone 16 Rumor We’ve Covered So Far
We are not expecting size changes for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, and these devices will be the same size as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. However, with the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus in 2025, Apple is expected to also bring the larger 6.27- and 6.86-inch display sizes to its two standard iPhone models.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProThis article, "iPhone 16 to Adopt Ultra-Thin Bezel Technology to Maximize Display" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple does share release notes for AirTag firmware updates, but the document has yet to be updated for the new release so there’s no word yet on what might be included in the update.
As is typical for AirTag updates, today’s firmware release will be rolling out on a staggered basis. One percent of users will get the update today, and then it will expand to 10 percent of users on March 26. On April 2, the update will expand to 25 percent of users, and then it will be available to all on April 9.
It is not possible to force an AirTag update, as it’s something that’s done over-the-air through a connected iPhone. To make sure the update happens, you can put your AirTag in range of your iPhone, but you have to wait for the firmware to roll out to your device. You can check your current AirTag firmware version through the Find My app, with instructions available in our how to.Tag: AirTagThis article, "Apple Rolling Out Updated Firmware for AirTags" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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To recap, there are three models in each of the 27-inch and 32-inch Clarity display lineups, with varying features. The base model in each is a fairly standard 4K display running at up to 60 Hz that can connect over USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort, and it includes a few extra USB-A ports on the rear to serve as a mini-hub for accessories that don’t demand too much in the way of power or data speeds.
The middle-tier model of each size adds a retractable 8-megapixel webcam at the top of the display, while the high-end models offer both the webcam and touchscreen support that works on Windows and Mac. For the 32-inch family, I’ve only tested the high-end Clarity Max Touch, but my observations should also apply to both the base Clarity Max and the mid-range Clarity Max Pro with the exception of those features that are exclusive to models at the higher end of the range.
Setup is quite easy, with a two-piece stand design that quickly goes together with a thumb screw and then clicks into the rear of the display. The stand is primarily made of silver aluminum, which offers sturdy support for the display with very little wobble. The stand offers both tilt and height adjustment, a welcome feature that costs extra on some displays such as the Apple Studio Display.
Rear ports
With USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort connectivity options, you have an array of choices depending on your setup and you can connect additional devices like an Apple TV or game console thanks to the multiple inputs.
I hooked the Clarity Max Touch up to my 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip and generally used it in a triple-display setup with the Alogic display as my main monitor, a 27-inch LG 5K UltraFine display off to the left as a secondary display, and the MacBook Pro with its built-in display off to the right as a third screen. I tested with both HDMI and USB-C connections and settled on USB-C for the more seamless operation it offered.
My typical desk setup has included a pair of the 5K UltraFine displays, so I’ve been a bit spoiled by the high pixel density that allows for true Retina quality plus the tight integration with macOS such as support for volume and brightness adjustment right from my Magic Keyboard.
With a lower 4K resolution on a larger 32-inch screen, running the Clarity Max Touch at a Retina size of 1920×1080 isn’t a feasible option, as content appears far too large on the screen, which means you’re going to want to run it at a higher scaled resolution. I used the 3360×1890 option in macOS for a while but ultimately settled on the maximum 3840×2160 resolution. Content is a bit on the small side, but the benefits of having a huge 4K desktop make it worth it for me.
Content certainly is not as sharp as on a Retina display, but when I run it as a full 4K desktop, the content is small enough on the screen that it’s not a major hindrance in my opinion. I’m not a high-level photo or video editor, so I’m not heavy into display calibration, but with testing only a few color profiles I was able to find one I was happy with. Depending on color profile, the display can pick up a bit of a pink tint as you move to more severe viewing angles, but as long as I was looking fairly straight-on as I normally would, I didn’t notice any color issues.
It’s worth noting that the Clarity Max lineup is one of the only display families I’m aware of to offer 32-inch glossy screens as opposed to the matte finishes more commonly found on this size of display. I’ve found the glossy screen on the Clarity Max Touch allows for good color reproduction, and while it can generate some glare depending on lighting angles, I already have a good desk arrangement that minimizes the issue so it hasn’t affected my use of the display.
The display does run at a maximum of only 60 Hz, so if you’re looking for higher refresh rates, you won’t find them here. But for my day-to-day usage that centers around web browsing and other productivity tasks, it’s perfectly fine. If you like portrait displays, the Clarity Max models easily rotate to vertical orientation and macOS makes it easy to adjust desktop rotation to match.
If you connect any of the Clarity Max displays to your laptop via USB-C, the display can provide up to 65 watts of passthrough power to keep your computer charged up. That’s enough for most of Apple’s laptops, although 16-inch MacBook Pro models and higher-end 14-inch models may be able to exceed that limit. But unless you’re doing really heavy work, the display’s power output should be sufficient for most users, even if it may not be able to recharge a depleted battery as quickly as a more powerful charger.
The 8-megapixel retractable webcam remains hidden within the body of the display while not in use, and it automatically rises whenever an app such as FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom is opened and the display’s webcam is selected in the app’s settings. The camera automatically retracts when the app is closed or a different camera is selected in the app’s settings.
Camera activated
My test unit did ship with a bug that prevented the webcam from retracting once the app requiring it was closed, but a simple firmware update fixed the issue for me and Alogic says units shipping now should come with that firmware pre-installed.
I found the camera quality to be solid, and even a step up from most integrated cameras I’ve seen in other displays, although it won’t be able to match the quality when using an iPhone via Continuity Camera or other higher-end standalone options. While the built-in camera does have some limitations for adjusting the field of view, there is a manual wheel on the rear of the camera housing that allows you to vertically adjust the angle of the camera within the housing to optimize it for your sitting position.
It’s worth noting that a motorized retractable webcam is a feature that introduces another place for potential failure in the device, but for privacy-minded folks, it’s a nice feature that guarantees the camera can’t be remotely activated without your knowledge.
Camera retracted
Power, volume, and on-screen display settings are controlled by a set of buttons on the bottom right edge of the display. It makes for a clean design, although it takes some time to get used to their location and which button does what. The five buttons all feel quite similar to the touch, so you need to make sure you’re hitting the right ones as you reach under the display.
Turning to the touchscreen functionality available only on the top-end Clarity Max Touch model, it’s essentially identical to the functionality I described in my review of the 27-inch model. It requires installation of several drivers and apps to control the Mac functionality, and while the apps do not offer a native macOS feel, they do support an impressive array of customizability options for the touchscreen feature.
Touch gesture setup
The UPDD Commander app lets you customize various touch options for defaults as well as on a per-app basis, with features like one-finger tap, press, drag, and edge swipe, two-finger tap, drag, pinch, rotate, edge swipe, three-finger tap and swipes, and five-finger pinch expand gestures all supported. The array of gestures can make for an iPad-like experience on a large display in front of you, but my arm does quickly tire if I try to do more than short bursts of touch activity. Some users may also be reluctant to get fingerprints and other smudges on their glossy display, although that wasn’t an issue for me with my occasional touchscreen usage and my lighting angles.
Touch gesture options
Beyond the basic gesture configuration, you can also tweak an array of other settings such as the time limit for a double tap interval, the minimum time for a press gesture versus a tap gesture, the radius around your touch point that the system will look for a clickable UI element, and more.
Additional touch settings
If you need precise control such as for drawing apps, you can use a non-capacitive active stylus (an Apple Pencil won’t work), and for those looking for an ergonomic display stand to bring the Clarity Max Touch into a better orientation for drawing, Alogic offers a Clarity Fold Stand sold separately for $200.
The touchscreen functionality doesn’t turn my Mac into a full touch experience, but I do sometimes find it convenient to just flick the screen to scroll long web pages, use a three-finger swipe to access Mission Control, or use the five-finger pinch expand gesture to get to my desktop. Pinch and rotation gestures are also helpful with some image manipulation tasks.
Wrap-up
The base Clarity Max model is priced at $999.99, while the Clarity Max Pro with retractable webcam is priced at $1,199.99 and the top-of-the-line Clarity Max Touch with webcam and touchscreen capabilities is priced at $1,399.99, but Alogic’s sale currently knocks 20% off of those prices with coupon code ALG20.
Overall, I’ve found the 32-inch Clarity Max Touch to be a solid display if your setup and workflows are compatible with a larger 4K display. The high-end model is on the pricier side of things, but it does come with some extras with the motorized retractable webcam and the touchscreen capabilities and the current sale brings the pricing down quite a bit. And if you don’t need one or both of those features, you can step down to one of the cheaper models.
With any of the three models, you get a large desktop canvas on a glossy display, quality construction, a clean design, good connectivity options, and the flexibility of tilt and height adjustments including the ability to swivel the display to a portrait orientation. I do miss the Retina sharpness of my 27-inch 5K LG UltraFine display and the tight macOS integration it offers, but the LG is one of only a few options to offer those features and not at a 32-inch size.
Note: Alogic provided MacRumors with the Clarity Max Touch display for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Alogic. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.Tag: AlogicThis article, "Review: Alogic's 32-Inch 4K Clarity Max Touch Display Offers a Large Desktop Canvas With Retractable Webcam and Touchscreen Capabilities" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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