Gadgets / MacRumors
Apple's 2023 developer conference is now official, and it's taking place the week of June 59 as expected. As was the case last year, it will be a mostly virtual event with a small in-person component on keynote day for members of the press and select developers and students who win a random lottery. This week also saw the release of iOS 16.4 and associated updates, as well as launches of Apple Music Classical and Apple Pay Later. Meanwhile, we heard fresh rumors about Apple's long-rumored AR/VR
Hardware prototyping consultant Ken Pillonel has added wires and a USB-C connector to a set of AirPods, bypassing the need for its charging case. Repair site iFixit has given all versions of the AirPods and AirPods Pro a score of zero out of 10 for repairability. They are not designed to be serviced or repaired because no internal components can be accessed without damage to the device, making them a disposable item, especially since their three batteries degrade over time. Pillonel's latest ton
Apple this week announced the official dates for the 34th annual Worldwide Developers Conference, with the annual WWDC keynote event set to take place on Monday, June 5. The keynote is where Apple unveils new versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, and sometimes, we get hardware announcements. Rumors this year suggest there are at least three new devices that are set to be unveiled in the middle of the year, and Apple could use WWDC to show them off. 15-inch MacBook Air We've heard multiple r
The UK's Competition and Market Authority (CMA) will not be looking into Apple's policies on mobile browsers and cloud gaming services after Apple won an appeal that will force the UK regulators drop the investigation, reports Reuters . The CMA in November launched an investigation into the cloud gaming and mobile browser restrictions put in place by both Apple and Google, suggesting that the two companies were holding back innovation and increasing costs for web developers, cloud gaming service
Hulu yesterday began rolling out an updated interface design on the Fire TV, Apple TV , Roku, and other compatible set-top boxes. The revamped look includes a vertical navigation sidebar on the left side of the display, making it easier to get to TV shows, movies, sports, saved content, settings, and more. Hulu confirmed to TechCrunch that it has started providing the sidebar design to some users, and it will continue going out over the next few weeks. Apple TV users should start seeing it as of
Apple plans to remove the Keynote Live feature in a future version of its Keynote app, according to a new support document . The feature allows for a presentation to be played over the internet in the Keynote app on the Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Apple recommends using screen sharing to share a Keynote presentation in apps such as FaceTime, Zoom, and WebEx, with steps outlined in the document. Apple updated the Keynote app for both iOS and macOS this week with Apple Pencil hover support , the abilit
Deals this week centered around all-time low prices on Apple's newest AirPods, including the AirPods Pro 2 ($194.99) and AirPods 3 ($134.99), along with a few sales on MagSafe chargers and iPads. Additionally, Satechi's sitewide sale ends today and marks a great opportunity to save 20 percent on chargers, cables, docks, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the s
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show , we discuss WWDC 2023 and whether Apple's long-awaited mixed-reality headset will emerge at the event. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos Earlier this week, Apple announced that 2023's WWDC will take place between June 5 and June 9. Apple is believed to have recently shown off the headset to its top 100 executives in a polished, glitzy, and exciting event at the Steve Jobs Theater ahead of the device's expected announcement at
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have seen a consistent discount to $199.99 over the past few months, but Verizon today has introduced a new all-time low price on the headphones: $194.99 , down from $249.99. This beats the previous record low price we tracked very briefly last holiday season, and only Verizon has the deal. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. You d
General Motors (GM) will phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its vehicles starting this year, shifting to a built-in infotainment system co-developed with Google (via Reuters ). GM owns Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC in the United States. It will stop offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, which goes on sale this summer. The company plans to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its combustion models, which are expected to be p
Today is World Backup Day, an annual event created to protect your devices from data loss and data theft by reminding you to back everything up to an external storage device. Of course, various retailers are marking the special day with deals on digital storage solutions, and we're rounding up the best sales below. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Sa
Specialist jeweler De Billas Lux has caused a stir among timepiece collectors by offering a custom Apple Watch Ultra model with an anodized blue titanium case . The Digital Crown is anodized in gold, and the Action button, while retaining an International Orange outline, has also been given an anodized blue finish. Inside the custom box is a gold-plated link bracelet to boot. According to a video on its Watch Plating Pros YouTube channel , De Billas is able to create a range of unique colors for
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users will be able to customize the sensitivity of the solid-state buttons on their device, thanks to a new sensitivity toggle in Settings. That's according to details provided by a hitherto reliable source that shared additional details on the MacRumors forums . Earlier this week, the same anonymous tipster revealed that the iPhone 15 Pro models will use a new ultra-low energy chip allowing the new volume, power, and Action solid-state buttons to remain funct
Apple has been embroiled in a patent dispute with VirnetX for well over a decade, and the company today won an appeals verdict that could ultimately save it from having to pay VirnetX $502.8 million in patent infringement fees. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Court on Thursday confirmed a ruling by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office invalidating a pair of patents that VirnetX used in its patent infringement lawsuit against Apple, according to Reuters . Apple in 2020 was ordered to pa
Netflix this week brought its more affordable ad-supported plan to the Apple TV , which means subscribers who have the cheaper plan can now watch content through their set-top boxes from Apple. When Netflix launched its ad-supported plan back in November , it did not work on the Apple TV. Netflix at the time said that support for the plan would be coming soon, with access to Netflix on the Apple TV limited to the more expensive Basic, Standard, and Premium plans. As noted by TechCrunch , a Reddi
Apple today updated its Pages , Numbers , and Keynote apps for iPad with Apple Pencil hover support. Apple says this feature makes it easy to navigate, write, sketch, and illustrate with greater precision on the latest 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The latest iPad Pro models can detect the second-generation Apple Pencil while it hovers up to 12mm above the display, allowing users to preview their drawing before they make it. And for the Scribble feature, which converts handwriting to text on t
Apple today released the first beta of macOS Ventura 13.4 to its public beta testing group, allowing the general public to try out the software ahead of its official launch. The macOS Ventura 13.4 public beta comes two days after Apple provided the software to developers. Public beta testers can download the macOS 13.3 Ventura update from the Software Update section of the System Preferences app after installing the proper profile from Apple's beta software website . There is no word as of yet o
Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5 updates to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test out the software head of its official launch. The public betas come two days after Apple provided the betas to developers . Those who have signed up their accounts for Apple's free beta testing program can enable the beta by opening up the Settings app, going to General, selecting Software Update, tapping on Beta Updates, and selecting the iOS 16 Public Beta opt
Apple today added refurbished Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2 models to its online store in the United States, offering the latest Apple Watches at a discounted price for the first time. The Apple Watch Series 8 is available starting at $339 for the 41mm GPS model, which is $60 off of the original price. The 45mm GPS model is priced at $359 , a $70 discount off of the original price, and the total available discount goes up to $80 for the highest-end 45mm option. The Apple Watch SE is
Apple is developing a MacBook Air with a 13.4-inch OLED display, according to Ross Young , CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. The new model would have a slightly smaller display compared to the existing MacBook Air with a 13.6-inch LCD panel. In a tweet shared with paid subscribers today, Young added that the MacBook Pro is unlikely to adopt an OLED display until 2026, when Apple's supply chain is expected to have sufficient notebook-optimized OLED display production capacity. Until then,
With the Apple Music Classical app and an Apple Pay Later early access program now available, the list of previously-announced iOS features that have yet to launch is beginning to shrink. However, there are still a few features we are waiting for. Below, we have recapped three more iOS features that are expected to launch in 2023, including an Apple Card savings account for Daily Cash, iMessage Contact Key Verification for enhanced messaging security, and the next generation of CarPlay. iMessage
A few weeks ago we shared a deal on the 2021 10.2-inch iPad on Amazon, but stock quickly disappeared. Amazon is back today with fresh markdowns on even more models of the 2021 iPad, including the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad, available for $269.00 , down from $329.00, which is an overall second-best price for this tablet. 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. Despite being a second-
Apple has again pushed back mass production of its mixed-reality headset and the device may not appear at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said. Apple headset concept by David Lewis and Marcus Kane In a tweet , Kuo explained that Apple isn't very optimistic about whether the headset will be able to create an iPhone moment. As a result, the company has chosen to delay the device's mass production schedule to the middle to the end of the third q
Samsung Display is developing a 13.3-inch OLED panel for a future MacBook Air model amid plans to switch several of Apple's product lines to the display technology, The Elec reports. LG Display is apparently developing OLED displays for both of the next-generation iPad Pro models in 11- and 13-inch sizes , and lacks sufficient production capacity for the MacBook Air, leading Apple to choose Samsung for the device instead. Samsung Display is also purportedly developing an 11-inch OLED panel for a
With Apple's rumored mixed reality headset potentially being unveiled on June 5 during Tim Cook's opening WWDC keynote address, established leaker Sonny Dickson has shared clearer images on Twitter of the only leaked components we have seen for the device thus far. The high-resolution pictures provide close-ups of ribbon cables shaped in such a way as to resemble a goggles enclosure that surrounds the eyes, indicating that they are used to connect display components on a surrounding circuit boar
Netflix is working to extend its nascent video game platform to TVs and part of the plan involves allowing subscribers to use their iPhone as a controller, reports Bloomberg . According to the report, app developer Steve Moser shared code he discovered hidden within Netflix's iOS mobile app that contains references to games played on TVs, including one line which reads A game on your TV needs a controller to play. Do you want to use this phone as a game controller? Netflix launched its gaming pl
The periscope camera lens that will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be solely supplied by Largan, according to the latest note by Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Rumors about the iPhone getting a periscope lens have been circulating since early 2020, when Kuo first mentioned the possibility. The analyst initially said that a periscope lens would be an iPhone 14 Pro feature, but more recently he has said the lens type will exclusively debut in the iPhone 15 Pro Max , a prediction
Apple today released an iTunes 12.12.8 update for Windows, with the software introducing security improvements and support for new devices. This is the first update to iTunes since iTunes 12.12.7, which came out in December 2022. The ew devices that Apple mentions in the launch notes for the update likely pertain to the HomePod , which was released in January 2023. Apple at the time also introduced new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models and refreshed versions of the Mac mini . iTunes for Windows
Apple today announced the WWDC 2023 event , which is set to be held from June 5 to June 9. Alongside the announcement, Apple began accepting submissions for the annual Swift Student Challenge , which tasks students with creating an innovative coding project using Apple's Swift Playgrounds app. Submissions are open starting today, with Apple to accept projects through April 19 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Entrants must be at least 13 years old (in the U.S.) and need to be registered as a member of
WWDC 2023 will be held online from Monday, June 5 through Friday, June 9 , but there will also be an in-person component. Like last year, randomly selected developers and students will be able to attend Apple Park on the Monday to watch the WWDC keynote video, meet some of the teams at Apple, enjoy evening activities, and more. Below, we have outlined how to request to attend the special allday event, who is eligible to attend, and other important details. How to Request to Attend To request to
Apple today announced that its 34th annual Worldwide Developers Conference will take place from Monday, June 5 to Friday, June 9. Like WWDC 2020, 2021, and 2022, WWDC 2023 will be an online event for the most part, and it will be open to all developers at no cost. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Apple will provide online sessions and labs, which will allow developers to learn about the new features and software that will be announced at WWDC. There will also be a trad
B&H Photo and Amazon today are discounting Apple's 2023 MacBook Pros, including both 14-inch and 16-inch models. Most of the deals shared below are matching previous record low prices, with B&H Photo having the majority of the sales this time around. 14-Inch MacBook Pro Starting with the 10-Core M2 Pro, 512GB 14-inch MacBook Pro, this model is on sale for $1,899.00 [ Amazon / B&H Photo ], down from $1,999.00. At $100 off, this is actually a second-best price on this version of the MacBook Pro, a
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models are rumored to feature a customizable Action button like the Apple Watch Ultra, according to a MacRumors forum member who leaked accurate details about the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro models last year. The source claimed the Action button will replace the Ring/Silent switch that has been included on every iPhone model since 2007. They did not explain how the Action button will work, but it will presumably be customizable like it is on the Apple Watc
Apple's Beats by Dre brand is launching a new collaboration with graphic artist Verdy and the Tokyo-based Girls Don't Cry project, featuring custom-designed Beats Flex earphones in a distinctive blue and red theme with a detachable heart charm on the cable. The collaboration includes an ad campaign featuring model Jasmine Daniels, who appears in a Girls Don't Cry-inspired bedroom listening to Koteri's Something I Need. Im really happy to work on the Beats Flex earphones because it's my wife's fa
Apple is opening its fifth retail store in South Korea this Friday, and the company has enlisted K-pop girl band NewJeans to woo the country's users, reports Bloomberg . K-pop girl band NewJeans The new store will be located in the central Gangnam district of Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, and in a promotional event on Wednesday, Apple set up a pop-up studio inside the new store where visitors could listen to an exclusive version of NewJean's hit song OMG recorded in spatial audio. The
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will use a new ultra-low energy microprocessor allowing certain features like the new capacitive solid-state buttons to remain functional even when the handset is powered off or the battery has run out, according to a source that shared details on the MacRumors forums . CAD-based render of new solid-state buttons on iPhone 15 Pro models The source of this rumor is the same forum member that shared accurate details about the Dynamic Island last year before the iPhone
Autodesk today announced that the updated AutoCAD 2024 and AutoCad LT 2024 software for macOS is able to run natively on Apple silicon Macs for the first time. Optimized for both Apple silicon Macs and Intel Macs, the updated AutoCAD software will bring performance improvements to those who have M1 and M2 series Macs. Autodesk says that the native Apple silicon support can increase performance by up to two times compared to the non-optimized 2023 software. AutoCAD for Mac 2024 and AutoCAD LT for
Eve Systems today announced the launch of its updated Matter-enabled Eve Energy smart plug, which is its first out-of-the-box Matter-compatible device. Eve previously released a beta firmware update to add Matter to some existing Eve accessories, but as of today, it is possible to buy the Eve Energy with Matter integration. The Matter-equipped Eve Energy is available in North America, Europe, and the UK starting today. The Matter-enabled Eve Motion and Eve Door and Window are set to launch in st
Amazon has slashed its pricing on the version of the Apple Studio Display with nano-texture glass to $1,499.99 , down from its regular price of $1,899.00. 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 $399 discount on the nano-texture Apple Studio Display is the steepest we've ever seen and is available only with the basic tilt-adjustable stand. $399 OFF Nano-Texture Apple
With the iOS 16.5 beta , Apple is working to improve Siri 's functionality, and there is a new option to start a screen recording with the voice assistant. As noted by 9to5Mac , you can now say Hey Siri, start a screen recording to use the Screen Record feature. Using this command will cause the iPhone 's screen to be automatically video recorded until you tap in to turn it off or activate Siri and say Stop the screen recording. Note that the wording of the screen recording command needs to be f
The iOS 16.5 beta that Apple seeded to developers today doesn't appear to have many features as of yet, but one change has been made to the Apple News app. To go along with its push into sports content, Apple has added a new Sports tab to the app. Apple has positioned the Sports tab in Apple News right in the middle of the bottom navigation bar, putting it between Today and News+ on the left, and Audio and Following on the right. To make room for the Sports tab, Apple has combined the Following
Apple today seeded the first beta of macOS Ventura 13.4 to developers for testing purposes, with the beta one day after the release of macOS Ventura 13.3 . Registered developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center and after the appropriate profile is installed, with the betas available through the Software Update mechanism in System Settings. There is no word yet on what's included in macOS Ventura 13.4, but we'll update this article if anything new is discovered. Related Ro
Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a day after the launch of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 . Registered developers can opt in to the betas by opening up the Settings app, going to Software Update, tapping on the Beta Updates option and toggling on the iOS 16 Developer Beta. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta. We don't yet know wh
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 16.5 update to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming a day after the launch of tvOS 16.4. Registered developers are able to download the tvOS 16.5 update by downloading a profile on the Apple TV using Xcode. tvOS updates are usually minor, focusing on internal bug fixes and improvements rather than notable outward-facing changes. There is no word as of yet what's included in the tvOS 16.5 update, but we'll update this article
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming watchOS 9.5 update to developers for testing purposes, with the software update coming a day after the release of watchOS 9.4. To install the watchOS 9.5 update, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center. Once installed, watchOS 9.5 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update. To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 p
The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 is the first HomeKit Secure Video smart doorbell that can operate via battery power alone, and comes as the first full-featured HomeKit Secure Video smart doorbell in many regions around the world. Beyond HomeKit Secure Video, the Doorbell G4 offers a wide range of features and capabilities, including 1080p video recording, a 162-degree wide-angle lens, two-way audio communication, motion detection, night vision capabilities, weather resistance, support for microSD ca
Apple cancelled its planned AirPower accessory four years ago this week , but a similar solution is said to remain on the company's long-term roadmap. Announced at the iPhone X event in 2017, AirPower was a wireless charging mat designed to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods case simultaneously, regardless of each device's position on the mat. Apple said the accessory would be available in 2018, but it never launched and was ultimately cancelled in a rare move by Apple. After much effort
Apple today officially launched the much anticipated Apple Music Classical app on the iPhone , allowing Apple Music subscribers to download and access an app dedicated just to classical music. We went hands-on with the new app to give MacRumors readers a closer look. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Design wise, the app is similar to Apple Music, but it is entirely dedicated to classical titles. The Browse section, for example, is broken down into Composers, Genres, Pe
Apple today announced that it will begin inviting andomly selected users to use a prerelease version of Apple Pay Later via the Wallet app and an email sent to their Apple ID. Apple Pay Later is available in the U.S. and requires iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4. Apple Pay Later will be expanded to all eligible iPhone users over the age of 18 in the U.S. in the coming months, according to Apple. Announced at WWDC 2022 last June, Apple Pay Later is a uy now, pay later financing option that lets qualify
Following the launch of Apple Music Classical, the first TV ad for the classical music streaming service has been released. The 30-second video features pianist Alice Sara Ott and conductor Karina Canellakis performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1. Apple Music Classical is now available to download on the App Store around the world. Apple highlighted the launch with a press release today. Apple Music Classical is a dedicated app that is great for classical experts as well as anyone who is ne