Review: Six Months With the iPhone 15 Pro

It's been a bit over six months since the iPhone 15 lineup came out in September, and MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has been using an iPhone 15 Pro Max sans case since launch. Over on our YouTube channel, Dan did a long term review to demo how his phone has held up and his thoughts on the Action button, battery life, and camera features.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.

The ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ and Pro Max are Apple's first iPhones with a titanium shell instead of a stainless steel or aluminum shell, and titanium is supposed to be more durable. After suffering from several drops without a case, Dan's iPhone is scuffed and chipped, but there are no scratches. As for the screen, it has a minor scratch or two.

Battery health is at 98 percent and 174 cycles, and there have been some fluctuations in battery life with software updates. It's a little hard to get a solid read on battery because of day-to-day differences in usage.

Home Screen or open up the Camera app. Apple is rumored to be adding a dedicated Capture button for the camera with the iPhone 16 models, so the Action button might get less useful at that point for those who use it for the camera.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15 Pro

Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 Pro (Neutral)

This article, "Review: Six Months With the iPhone 15 Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/10/iphone-15-pro-six-month-review/

Apple Watch Series 9 Drops to New Low Price of $295 on Amazon

Amazon today has discounted the 41mm GPS Apple Watch Series 9 down to $295.20, from $399.00. This price is only available in the (PRODUCT)RED color, and it's a limited time deal at Amazon so be sure to check out the sale before it's fully claimed.

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 a new all-time low price on this model of the Series 9, beating previous low prices by about $5. Unfortunately, there aren't really any notable Apple Watch deals besides this sale, so you'll need to be sure the 41mm case size with the M/L Sport Band will fit your wrist.

$104 OFF

Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm GPS) for $295.20

Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

This article, "Apple Watch Series 9 Drops to New Low Price of $295 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/10/apple-watch-series-9-295/

iOS 18 May Feature All-New 'Safari Browsing Assistant'

iOS 18 will feature an all-new Safari browsing assistant, according to backend code on Apple's servers discovered by Nicolás Álvarez. MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris confirmed that the code exists, but no further details are known at this time.

It is possible that the browsing assistant will be one of the several new generative AI features that are rumored to be coming to the iPhone with iOS 18. Apple is set to unveil the software update during its WWDC keynote on June 10.

Related Roundup: iOS 18

This article, "iOS 18 May Feature All-New 'Safari Browsing Assistant'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/10/ios-18-safari-browsing-assistant-rumor/

Apple Now Assembles 14% of iPhones in India

Apple now produces as much as 14% of its iPhones in India, indicating the company's accelerating efforts to diversify beyond China (via Bloomberg).

The figure accounts for $14 billion of assembled iPhones in the country, or about 1 in 7 of the company's flagship devices, a doubling of production compared to the last fiscal year. Models assembled in India include the iPhone 12 through to the latest iPhone 15, excluding premium Pro and Pro Max models.

Apple has been setting up ‌‌iPhone‌‌ manufacturing hubs in India ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi began promoting his "Made in India" initiative, which requires that 30% of products sold by foreign companies be manufactured or produced within the country.

The Indian government says the growth in manufacturing has created 150,000 direct jobs at Apple's suppliers. That's a boon for Modi's administration, which has enticed foreign companies like Apple with financial incentives to realize its ambition for the country to become a global manufacturing hub.

Bloomberg's sources. The remaining devices were produced by Wistron.

plummeting, due to the meteoric rise of local vendors such as Huawei and a government ban on the use of iPhones in state workplaces.

Tags: China, Bloomberg, India

This article, "Apple Now Assembles 14% of iPhones in India" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/10/apple-assembles-more-iphones-in-india/

TSMC's Next-Generation Chip Technology for Apple Silicon on Schedule

Apple chipmaker TSMC is making progress toward manufacturing 2nm and 1.4nm chips that are likely destined for future generations of Apple silicon, DigiTimes reports.

The manufacturing time frames for mass production of 2nm and 1.4nm chips have now apparently been determined: Trial production of the 2nm node will begin at in the second half of 2024, with small-scale production ramping up in the second quarter of 2025. Notably, TSMC's new plant in Arizona will also join 2nm production efforts. In 2027, facilities in Taiwan will start to shift toward production of 1.4nm chips.

TSMC's first 1.4nm node is officially called "A14" and will follow its "N2" 2nm chips. N2 is scheduled for mass production in late 2025, to be followed by an enhanced "N2P" node in late 2026.

3nm node with the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max, and Apple is likely to follow suit with the chipmaker's upcoming nodes. Apple's most advanced chip designs have historically appeared in the iPhone before making their way to the iPad and Mac lineups. With all of the latest information, here's how the ‌iPhone‌'s chip technology is expected to look going forward:

‌iPhone‌ XR and XS (2018): A12 Bionic (7nm, N7)

‌iPhone‌ 11 lineup (2019): A13 Bionic (7nm, N7P)

‌iPhone‌ 12 lineup (2020): A14 Bionic (5nm, N5)

iPhone 13 Pro (2021): A15 Bionic (5nm, N5P)

iPhone 14 Pro (2022): A16 Bionic (4nm, N4P)

‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ (2023): A17 Pro (‌3nm‌, N3B)

iPhone 16 Pro (2024): "A18" (‌3nm‌, N3E)

"‌iPhone‌ 17 Pro" (2025): "A19" (2nm, N2)

"‌iPhone‌ 18 Pro" (2026): "A20" (2nm, N2P)

"‌iPhone‌ 19 Pro" (2027): "A21" (1.4nm, A14)

M1 series of Apple silicon chips is based on the A14 Bionic and uses TSMC's N5 node, while the M2 and M3 series use N5P and N3B, respectively. The Apple Watch's S4 and S5 chips use N7, the S6, S7, and S8 chips use N7P, and the latest S9 chip uses N4P.

demonstrated prototype 2nm chips to Apple ahead of their expected introduction in 2025.

Tags: TSMC, DigiTimes, Apple Silicon

This article, "TSMC's Next-Generation Chip Technology for Apple Silicon on Schedule" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/10/next-gen-chip-tech-for-apple-silicon-on-schedule/

iPhone 16 Plus Rumored to Come in These 7 Colors

Apple's iPhone 16 Plus may come in seven colors that either build upon the existing five colors in the standard iPhone 15 lineup or recast them in a new finish, based on a new rumor out of China.

According to the Weibo-based leaker Fixed focus digital, Apple's upcoming larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus model will come in the following colors, compared to the colors currently available for the iPhone 15 Plus:

iPhone 15 Plus (2023)

iPhone 16 Plus (2024)

Blue

Blue

Pink

Pink

Yellow

Yellow

Green

Green

Black

Black

–

White

–

Purple

The leaker did not provide any more context beyond the model name, so it is unclear if the alleged color options are exclusive in whole or in part to the iPhone 16 Plus, or whether they are set to be available across both the iPhone 16 and its larger equivalent. Given that the two models are expected to be identical apart from their size difference, the latter possibility seems most likely.

This is the first rumor we have received about potential colors for the standard iPhone 16 models, and the leaker has an unproven track record for accurate leaks, so the colors given await corroboration from other sources before we can consider them to be correct.

rumors suggest they could come in new "space black" and "rose" titanium colors. The Blue Titanium color that iPhone 15 Pro models are currently available in will allegedly 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 Natural and White Titanium colors are also rumored to 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.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16

Tag: Fixed Focus Digital

This article, "iPhone 16 Plus Rumored to Come in These 7 Colors" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/10/iphone-16-plus-rumored-to-come-in-these-7-colors/

New Mid-Cycle iPhone 15 Color Looking Increasingly Unlikely This Year

Apple's usual strategy of introducing a new mid-cycle iPhone color in the spring is unlikely to be replicated for the iPhone 15 this year, if a new rumor out of Asia is anything to go by.

Apple usually introduces new ‌iPhone‌ color options in the spring to boost sales midway through the device's product cycle, keeping the device top-of-mind for consumers at a time when the next iPhone launch is still another six months away.

Apple has used the tactic frequently in recent years. In 2017 and 2018, it released red mid-cycle versions of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 lines, respectively. Then in 2021, Apple added a purple color to the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini models for the spring season in late April.

new yellow color. Each new color launch has been accompanied by a significant ad campaign to attract new customers and upgraders who did not make a purchase when the latest iPhone series was originally launched in the fall. This year could be different, however.

Instant Digital, there is no new spring color scheme on the cards for the iPhone 15. It's also worth noting that Apple has already launched several iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands in refreshed color options. The refreshed accessories arrived when Apple released the new MacBook Air in early March. In previous years, such a move has often been accompanied by a new iPhone color.

pushed the release of new iPads into May, and Apple is not expected to hold a launch event to announce the devices, but the debut of a new iPhone color could always come separately in the form of a press release, which Apple has opted for in the past.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15

Tag: Instant Digital

Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 (Neutral)

Related Forum: iPhone

This article, "New Mid-Cycle iPhone 15 Color Looking Increasingly Unlikely This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/10/iphone-15-new-spring-color-unlikely/

Beeper App That Created Workaround for iMessage on Android Acquired by WordPress Owner Automattic

Automattic, the company behind popular web management system WordPress, has purchased Beeper and will absorb Beeper's 27 employees. Beeper made headlines back in December for Beeper Mini, an app that brought iMessage to Android devices.

Beeper Mini used reverse engineered iMessage protocols and encryption, taking advantage of Apple's own iMessage servers to let Android users send "blue bubble" texts to iPhone users without an Apple ID. The app supported all iMessage functionality, including read receipts, typing indictors, reactions, and end-to-end encryption.

blocked the Beeper Mini app. Beeper tried workarounds, but after suggesting Android users acquire a jailbroken ‌iPhone‌ to get the service to work, the company gave up on the idea.

met with Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky. Beeper Mini was ultimately mentioned in the DoJ's antitrust filing against Apple, with the DoJ suggesting it was a "fix" for the broken Android to ‌iPhone‌ cross-platform messaging issue.

Automattic does not plan to revive Beeper Mini, but is instead taking on Beeper, a universal chat app available for Android, iOS, and desktop devices. Beeper is able to integrate with multiple chat networks with a universal inbox, though it does not currently work with iMessage.

announcing the acquisition by Automattic, Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky said that Beeper is "cautiously optimistic about the future" because the DoJ has "sued Apple for blocking Beeper Mini's access to iMessage."

This article, "Beeper App That Created Workaround for iMessage on Android Acquired by WordPress Owner Automattic" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/beeper-app-automattic-acquisition/

Teens Love iPhone and Apple Watch, But Not Apple Music and Apple TV+

The iPhone continues to be overwhelmingly popular with teens, according to Piper Sandler's biannual teen survey. 85 percent of U.S. teens surveyed own an ‌iPhone‌, and 86 percent plan to purchase an ‌iPhone‌ as their next smartphone.

While the ‌iPhone‌ is still the most popular smartphone among teens, ownership is down from the October 2023 survey where 87 percent of teens owned an ‌iPhone‌ and 88 percent planned to purchase one.

Both the 85% iPhone ownership and 86% intention to purchase an iPhone metrics are near record highs for our survey but down from record levels in 2021. We believe the elevated penetration and purchase intention are important given the mature premium smartphone market. Additionally, trends towards premium tier phones are encouraging as the company continues to introduce new iPhones proving the overall stickiness of the product portfolio. Finally, positive trends in services could follow, as the install base for Apple hardware continues to grow.

Apple's dominance in the teen market is of particular interest right now because it is one metric that the U.S. Department of Justice is targeting in its antitrust lawsuit against Apple.

The DoJ has suggested that Apple's ownership of the U.S. smartphone market causes "social stigma, exclusion, and blame" for non-iPhone users, with "green bubble" chats and issues between ‌iPhone‌ and Android message users cited as a specific example. The DoJ claims that this is "particularly powerful" for teenagers, and that "social pressure" causes teens to switch to the ‌iPhone‌.

The antitrust lawsuit also suggests that Apple's marketshare among "key demographics" like "younger audiences" is an issue that gives Apple too much power over the smartphone ecosystem.

As for the Apple Watch, 34 percent of teens reported using an Apple Watch, with no change from last fall. Intent to buy an Apple Watch was up three percent, however, with 13 percent of teens planning to buy one in the next six months. Only 39.4 percent of teens said they own a smart watch, so teens are also overwhelmingly preferring the Apple Watch to other smart watch brands. The Apple Watch was the top watch brand, with Rolex and Casio coming in second and third, respectively.

Apple Music. Apple TV+ is not popular with teen audiences, and less than five percent of teens said they watch it on a daily basis. Comparatively, over 30 percent of teens watch Netflix regularly, and close to 30 percent watch YouTube.

Apple Pay was the most popular payment platform with 44 percent of teens using it in the last month, but Cash app and Venmo are preferred for peer-to-peer money transfers.

Tag: Teen Survey

This article, "Teens Love iPhone and Apple Watch, But Not Apple Music and Apple TV+" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/iphone-teen-survey-spring-2024/

Apple Vision Pro Owners Complain of Headaches, Neck Issues and Black Eyes

Some Apple Vision Pro owners have been dealing with health issues related to the wearing of the headset, according to a report from MarketWatch. The site spoke to Vision Pro owners experiencing headaches and neck pain, among other issues.

Emily Olman, marketing chief of Hopscotch Interactive, said she got two "superdark black eyes" after wearing the Vision Pro for the first time, likely caused by the weight on the cheeks. Ian Beacraft, CEO of consulting firm Signal, told MarketWatch that he had pain at the base of his skull and his upper back.

also been complaints about the Vision Pro on Reddit from users experiencing ongoing headaches, eye strain, and pain from the weight of the device. Some users have had luck with modified straps and third-party products, and other people have no issue with the headset and the default band options.

MarketWatch to its user guidelines. Apple recommends taking a break from the headset every 20 to 30 minutes during the acclimation period, and to stop using the headset when feeling unwell. Apple does not recommend that people experiencing eye strain, headache, or pain continue to use the device.

This article, "Apple Vision Pro Owners Complain of Headaches, Neck Issues and Black Eyes" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/vision-pro-owner-pain-complaints/

Apple Planning to Open Large Office in Miami

Apple is leasing 45,000 square feet of space in an office building in Miami, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The company already has a smaller office space in the Miami area, but is planning to upgrade.

Apple's current Miami location is focused on advertising and Latin America. The upgraded office is located at The Plaza Coral Gables, south of Miami, and it is under construction.

Multiple tech companies have been expanding to South Florida, including Amazon and Microsoft. Apple is also planning to open a new retail store at the Miami Worldcenter in the heart of the city.

This article, "Apple Planning to Open Large Office in Miami" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/apple-office-space-miami/

Apple Releases visionOS 1.1.2 With Bug Fixes

Apple today released visionOS 1.1.2, a minor update to the ‌visionOS‌ operating system that came out alongside the Vision Pro in February. ‌visionOS‌ 1.1.2 comes a month after the launch of visionOS 1.1.

‌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, the update introduces unspecified bug fixes and is recommended for all users.

visionOS 1.2 update is already being beta tested, and we're also expecting to see ‌visionOS‌ 2 introduced in June with a whole new feature set.

Related Roundup: visionOS

Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

This article, "Apple Releases visionOS 1.1.2 With Bug Fixes" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/apple-releases-visionos-1-1-2/

Apple Vision Pro CT Scans Showcase Internal Differences to Meta Quest

The unique internal design of the Apple Vision Pro compared to its direct rivals was today revealed in CT scans performed by Lumafield.

Lumafield used its Neptune industrial CT scanner and Voyager analysis software to conduct non-destructive teardowns of the ‌Apple Vision Pro‌, Meta Quest Pro, and Meta Quest 3. The study began by examining the internal design and layout of the headsets, noting the ‌Apple Vision Pro‌'s emphasis on efficient use of space.

The Vision Pro's components are arranged in a manner that maximizes internal space without compromising the exterior, featuring a flexible PCB ribbon and electronics positioned at various angles. This contrasts with the Meta Quest Pro and Quest 3, which utilize a more traditional approach by stacking primary elements on a single plane.

An examination of the sensors across the devices reveals the Vision Pro's advanced use of eye and hand tracking technologies for UI navigation, involving a variety of sensors such as LiDAR and IR cameras. The Meta Quest devices, on the other hand, incorporate handheld controllers and an experimental version of hand tracking.

Thermal management strategies also vary significantly between the headsets. The Quest Pro's uses a combination of basic active and passive cooling, while the Vision Pro features micro-blowers. Battery design and placement further differentiate the headsets, with the Vision Pro opting for an external battery pack to prioritize performance, while the Meta Quest models integrate the battery within the headset for user convenience.

Lumafield's website for more information and to interact with its CT scans of Apple's Vision Pro headset.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro

Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)

Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

This article, "Apple Vision Pro CT Scans Showcase Internal Differences to Meta Quest" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/apple-vision-pro-ct-scans/

When to Expect a New Apple TV to Launch

It has been nearly a year and a half since the current Apple TV was released, so the device is becoming due for a hardware upgrade. Below, we recap rumors about the next Apple TV, including potential features and launch timing.

The current model is the third-generation Apple TV 4K, announced in October 2022. Key new features compared to the previous model from 2021 include a faster A15 Bionic chip, a larger 128GB storage option, a slightly thinner and lighter design, HDR10+ support, a USB-C port on the Siri Remote, lower pricing, and more.

Launch Timing

In January 2023, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that a new Apple TV would be released in the first half of 2024. If that timeframe remains accurate, a new Apple TV would be released by the end of June. If so, the device could be announced in a press release on Apple's website, or unveiled during the WWDC keynote on June 10.

Gurman has not commented on the next Apple TV in recent months, and his report was published nearly 15 months ago, so it is unclear if the device remains on track to launch in the first half of 2024 or if Apple's plans have changed.

Announcement dates for recent Apple TV models:

Third-generation Apple TV 4K: October 2022

Second-generation Apple TV 4K: April 2021

First-generation Apple TV 4K: September 2017

Apple TV HD: September 2015

Rumors

Faster Chip

The next Apple TV will be equipped with a faster processor compared to the current model, according to Gurman's report last year. It's unclear which chip will power the device, but possibilities include the A16 Bionic chip that debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro models or the A17 Pro chip that debuted in the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Lower Price

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the next Apple TV to be "more affordable" than the current model. He said a "sub-$100 price" would be the "sweet spot" for the Apple TV, but exact pricing for the next model remains to be seen.

Both the second-generation (2010) and third-generation (2012) versions of the Apple TV were priced at $99 in the U.S. at launch, and Apple eventually lowered the price of the third-generation model to $69, so there is precedent for a sub-$100 Apple TV that would better compete with low-priced streaming devices sold by Google, Amazon, and Roku.

In the U.S., the current Apple TV starts at $129 with 64GB of storage, and a 128GB model with an added Ethernet port is available for $149.

Similar Design

The new Apple TV will have the same external design as the current model, Gurman said.

having a more compact design that is around 12% thinner and around 50% lighter than the previous model.

Apple TV With Camera

A future Apple TV could have a built-in camera for FaceTime and other video calling apps, Gurman said in his Power On newsletter a few days ago.

tvOS 17 added a FaceTime app to the Apple TV, allowing for users to have video calls by using the rear camera on a connected iPhone or iPad. If the Apple TV gained a built-in camera, users would no longer need to rely on an external device.

Related Roundup: Apple TV

Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Caution)

Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

This article, "When to Expect a New Apple TV to Launch" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/when-to-expect-a-new-apple-tv/

Apple's 15-Inch M3 MacBook Air Drops to New Low Prices at $150 Off on Best Buy

Best Buy is on a roll this week when it comes to MacBook discounts, starting with 15-inch M2 MacBook Air and M3 MacBook Pro discounts over the weekend and then introducing new record low prices on the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air yesterday. Today, the retailer is again introducing new all-time low prices on an Apple notebook, this time on the new 15-inch M3 MacBook Air.

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.

My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, which start at $49.99 per year. This membership grants you access to exclusive deals like these, as well as free two-day shipping, extended 60-day return window on most products, and more. While members can get $150 off these notebooks, non-members can still get a solid $100 markdown on the same models.

Note: You will need a My Best Buy Plus/Total membership to see this low price.

$150 OFF

15-inch M3 MacBook Air (256GB) for $1,149.00

$150 OFF

15-inch M3 MacBook Air (8GB/512GB) for $1,349.00

$150 OFF

15-inch M3 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB) for $1,549.00

$1,149.00, down from $1,299.00. The 8GB RAM/512GB SSD model is available for $1,349.00, down from $1,499.00, and the 16GB RAM/512GB SSD model is available for $1,549.00, down from $1,699.00.

These computers just debuted in March 2024, featuring faster M3 chips, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina displays, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, six-speaker sound system, two USB-C ports, a MagSafe charging port, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

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 Deals

This article, "Apple's 15-Inch M3 MacBook Air Drops to New Low Prices at $150 Off on Best Buy" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/15-inch-m3-macbook-air-150-off/

Apple Highlights How Business Can Use Vision Pro

Apple today highlighted the Vision Pro headset's enterprise use-cases, such as customizable workspaces, collaboration on 3D designs, delivering specialized employee training, and guiding remote fieldwork.

Apple explained how the Vision Pro can enhance business productivity, featuring integration with widely used applications like SAP Analytics Cloud and Microsoft 365 in a spatial computing context. For example, SAP Analytics Cloud on the Vision Pro allows users to interact with their data in three-dimensional space, offering insights that were previously unattainable in a flat, two-dimensional interface. Similarly, Microsoft 365 apps have been optimized for the headset, providing users with a unique, distraction-free workspace that leverages the infinite canvas of spatial computing for multitasking and collaboration.

Porsche Race Engineer app as an example of this.

Training and simulation represent another area where the Vision Pro could make a substantial impact. By enabling realistic, immersive training experiences, companies like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines can improve technical maintenance and operations without the need for costly physical prototypes or taking equipment offline for training purposes. The Engine Shop app, for instance, allows KLM technicians to train on engine models in full fidelity within their own space, streamlining the training process and reducing the likelihood of errors. Similarly, Resolve's app for building engineers enhances the planning and execution of maintenance work by overlaying detailed schematics and 3D models onto the physical world.

full press release for more information.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro

Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)

Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

This article, "Apple Highlights How Business Can Use Vision Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/how-business-can-use-vision-pro/

Apple Arcade Adding These New Games in May

Apple today revealed three new games coming to Apple Arcade on May 2, including retro 2D pixelated platforming game A Slight Chance of Sawblades+, rogue-like game Dicey Dungeons+, and match-three puzzle game Summer Pop+. All games available on Apple Arcade are ad-free and do not offer in-app purchases.

Apple Arcade gained three new games on the iPhone and iPad last week, including Sega's Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop. The service recently added new games on the Vision Pro headset too, including endless runner Alto's Odyssey: The Lost City, hand-drawn adventure game Gibbon: Beyond the Trees, and physics-based puzzler Spire Blast. Apple Arcade game Crossy Road Castle will also be expanding to the Vision Pro on April 25.

received its first price increase last year, with U.S. pricing rising from $4.99 to $6.99 per month.

Tag: Apple Arcade

This article, "Apple Arcade Adding These New Games in May" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/apple-arcade-games-coming-may-2024/

Get the AirPods Pro 2 With USB-C for $189 on Amazon

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C/MagSafe Charging Case have hit $189.00 on Amazon, down from $249.00. We haven't seen this deal since Amazon's Big Spring Sale last month, and right now the AirPods Pro 2 have an estimated arrival date between April 11 and 14.

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.

$89.00 right now, down from $129.00.

$60 OFF

AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) for $189.00

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 Deals

This article, "Get the AirPods Pro 2 With USB-C for $189 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/get-the-airpods-pro-2-amazon/

Apple Event for New iPads Still Considered 'Unlikely' Following Delays

Apple is "unlikely" to hold an event to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, according to sources cited by Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman already said Apple was not planning to hold an event for the new iPads, but he made this claim back in early March, before it was reported that the devices were postponed due to manufacturing delays. With the new iPads now expected to launch in early May, DigiTimes believes Apple is still not planning to hold an event.

MacBook Air models with the M3 chip in early March. Gurman believes Apple will announce the new iPads by the second week of May, barring any further delays due to production challenges.

Gurman said two factors contributing to the new iPads being delayed were Apple still finishing iPadOS software development for the new iPads, and advanced manufacturing techniques for the OLED displays that the devices will use.

A recap of the iPad-related products that Apple is expected to announce:

Two new iPad Pro models with the M3 chip, OLED displays, a thinner enclosure, thinner bezels, a matte screen option, a landscape-oriented front camera, other design changes, and possibly MagSafe wireless charging.

Two new iPad Air models with the M2 chip and a landscape-oriented front camera, including a first-ever 12.9-inch iPad Air.

A new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro with an aluminum enclosure, larger trackpad, and other design tweaks.

A new Apple Pencil, which may have a new "squeeze" gesture for certain actions and support visionOS eventually.

It has been nearly 18 months since Apple last released new iPads, so customers have been waiting a long time for updated models to launch. 2023 was the first year in which Apple did not release any new iPads in the device's history.

Related Roundups: iPad Air , iPad Pro

Tag: DigiTimes

Buyer's Guide: iPad Air (Don't Buy), 11" iPad Pro (Don't Buy), 12.9" iPad Pro (Don't Buy)

Related Forum: iPad

This article, "Apple Event for New iPads Still Considered 'Unlikely' Following Delays" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/apple-event-for-new-ipads-still-unlikely/

Next Apple Watch Could Feature More Power Efficient OLED Display

Apple plans to use new low-energy OLED panel technology in the next Apple Watch to further reduce the power consumption of its always-on display, claims a new report out of Korea.

According to The Elec, Apple will adopt new low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) technology for its upcoming Apple Watch, which is scheduled to be released in the second half of this year.

LPTO TFT is a method of applying oxide on the driving TFT and the switching transistors behind each pixel. Switching transistors control the voltage applied to the liquid crystal cells, allowing precise control of the amount of light that passes through each pixel.

Existing Apple Watch OLED displays use LPTO TFT in only a few switching transistors, and rely on low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) technology for the majority of transistors as well as the driving TFT.

Using oxide instead of LTPS for the driving TFT and more of the switching transistors means that oxide alone is responsible for the current running through the majority of transistors that connect directly to the OLED pixel. In the new LTPO OLED application, increased use of oxide means lower leakage current and more stable operation at low refresh rates, resulting in overall power savings.

The downside is that the technique means more complication in the manufacturing of the TFT substrates. According to the report, LG Display is expected to take the lead in the development of the new LPTO OLED technology. Meanwhile, Samsung is participating in a development project that should see it join Apple's LPTO OLED supply chain in time for next year's Apple Watch.

This has led to industry speculation that Apple is planning to expand the use of LPTO OLED technology to other products such as the iPhone. The current iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus use LTPS panels, while Apple's iPhone 15 Pro models use the more advanced LTPO panels, which support variable refresh rates.

Seven Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 17

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 9

Tag: The Elec

Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

This article, "Next Apple Watch Could Feature More Power Efficient OLED Display" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/09/2024-apple-watch-more-power-efficient-display/