Gurman: Apple Working on On-Device LLM for Generative AI Features
Apple is developing its own large language model (LLM) that runs on-device to prioritize speed and privacy, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.
Writing in his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that Apple's LLM underpins upcoming generative AI features. "All indications" apparently suggests that it will run entirely on-device, rather than via the cloud like most existing AI services.
reported that Apple was in discussions with Google to integrate its Gemini AI engine into the iPhone as part of iOS 18. The main advantages of on-device processing will be quicker response times and superior privacy compared to cloud-based solutions.
Tags: Bloomberg, Artificial Intelligence, Mark Gurman
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Apple Likely Planning to Skip M3 Mac Mini for M4 Refresh in Late 2024
Apple is likely to skip an M3 version of the Mac mini in favor of a bigger update with M4 chips toward the end of the year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that he does not expect Apple to refresh the Mac mini with M3 chips. Apple last updated the Mac mini with the M2 and M2 Pro chips in January 2023. Other new features included two extra Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI 2.1 port for M2 Pro configurations, Wi-Fi 6E support with a compatible router, and Bluetooth 5.3.
between the end of 2024 and early 2025." Now, he has clarified that with new Mac minis arriving as soon as the end of the year, there is not sufficient "room for M3 models to come out before then, so it's probably safe to say that those Mac desktops will skip the M3 generation."
iMac skipped the M2 chip entirely, holding off until a bigger performance bump with the M3 chip late last year. With the M4 chip series, the Mac mini should get a significant CPU performance improvement compared to the existing models with the M2 series. The M4 chips are also rumored to have a faster Neural Engine for artificial intelligence tasks.
Related Roundup: Mac mini
Tags: Bloomberg, Mark Gurman, M4 Macs
Buyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Neutral)
Related Forum: Mac mini
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Best Buy's Big iPad Sale Has $100 Off iPad Mini, iPad Air, and More
Best Buy is back with a new sale on Apple iPads, including some of the best prices we've ever seen on iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air. Additionally, we're still tracking a great deal on the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air, which is $150 off right now at Best Buy.
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.
10th Gen iPad
$349.00, which is an all-time low price at $100 off. You'll find every model of the 10th generation iPad on sale at a record low price during this sale. This includes all Wi-Fi and cellular tablets, in all colors.
$100 OFF
64GB Wi-Fi iPad for $349.00
$100 OFF
256GB Wi-Fi iPad for $499.00
$100 OFF
64GB Cellular iPad for $499.00
$100 OFF
256GB Cellular iPad for $649.00
iPad Mini
$399.99 for the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini.
$100 OFF
64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini for $399.99
$100 OFF
256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini for $549.99
$100 OFF
64GB Cellular iPad mini for $549.99
$100 OFF
256GB Cellular iPad mini for $699.99
iPad Air
$499.99 for the 64GB Wi-Fi tablet.
$100 OFF
64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $499.99
$100 OFF
256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $649.99
$100 OFF
64GB Cellular iPad Air for $649.99
$100 OFF
256GB Cellular iPad Air for $799.99
13-inch M2 MacBook Air
available for $150 off this weekend at Best Buy. The 256GB model is on sale for $849.00 and the 512GB model is available for $1,049.00. These deals beat the previous prices by about $50, and you don't need to be a My Best Buy Plus or Total member to get them.
$150 OFF
13-inch M2 MacBook Air (256GB) for $849.00
$150 OFF
13-inch M2 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,049.00
Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Top Stories: Nintendo Emulators on App Store, Two New iOS 17 Features, and More
It was a big week for retro gaming fans, as iPhone users are starting to reap the rewards of Apple's recent change to allow retro game emulators on the App Store.
This week also saw a new iOS 17.5 beta that will support web-based app distribution in the EU, the debut of the first hotels to allow for direct AirPlay streaming to room TVs, a fresh rumor about the impending iPad Air update, and more details on the sequence of Apple's M4-based Mac updates starting later this year, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
Delta Game Emulator Now Available From App Store on iPhone
A few weeks after Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to allow retro game console emulator apps, the popular Nintendo emulator Delta is now available in the App Store. Delta can emulate games released for many older Nintendo consoles, including the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, and all Game Boy models.
We published an article explaining key facts about emulators in the App Store and the legality of downloading games.
New iOS 17.5 Beta Lets EU iPhone Users Download Apps Directly From Websites
Starting with the second beta of iOS 17.5, released this week, large developers in the EU can now distribute apps directly on the web instead of through the App Store or an alternative app marketplace.
To be eligible for this new Web Distribution feature, Apple says a developer must meet several requirements, including having an app that had more than one million annual installs on iOS in the EU in the prior calendar year.
iOS 17's New AirPlay Feature for Hotel Room TVs Begins Rolling Out
Apple has announced that AirPlay is now available at around 60 hotels operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
At hotels that offer the feature, guests can scan a unique QR code on their room's TV to establish an AirPlay connection, allowing them to wirelessly stream content from their iPhone or iPad. For example, they could stream Apple TV+ or Netflix shows, listen to music on Apple Music or Spotify, play games on Apple Arcade, or work out with Apple Fitness+.
iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: 30 Rumored Upgrades Compared
While the iPhone 16 lineup is still months away from being announced, there are already many rumors about the four devices that have been circulating for months.
If you own an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max model, and will be considering upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro family, check out our new comparison chart that outlines over 30 rumored new features and changes for the iPhone 16 Pro models, and if you're an iPhone 15 or 15 Plus user, we're tracking over 15 changes expected for the iPhone 16 models.
12.9-Inch iPad Air Now Rumored to Feature Mini-LED Display
The rumored 12.9-inch iPad Air that is expected to be announced in May will be equipped with a mini-LED display like the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro, according to info shared this week by Ross Young, CEO of research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants.
The existing 10.9-inch iPad Air is equipped with a standard LCD panel, and the move to mini-LED technology for the 12.9-inch model would provide increased brightness for HDR content, deeper blacks, and more.
M4 Macs Are Expected to Launch in This Order Starting Later This Year
In his Power On newsletter this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman outlined the order in which he expects Macs with the M4 family of chips to be released.
Gurman said the entire Mac lineup will be updated with the M4 chip or higher-end variants, starting with the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini between late 2024 and early 2025, followed by the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro between the spring and end of 2025.
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.
top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
Tag: Top Stories
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Apple's M4 MacBook Pro Lineup: What to Expect
Apple is planning to refresh the MacBook Pro with M4 chips starting in late 2024, and this guide aggregates everything that we know about Apple's M4 MacBook Pro plans.
M4 Update
Apple built the M3 chip on a new 3-nanometer process, and we are not expecting a node change for the M4. It too will be a 3-nanometer chip, but Apple supplier TSMC could introduce updates that make it more efficient and faster.
improve performance for AI functionality, and rumors suggest that the M4 (and the A18 chips for iPhone) will have an upgraded Neural Engine with "significantly" more cores.
The M3 chips all have a 16-core Neural Engine, and Apple has not increased the Neural Engine cores for several years.
Entry-Level 14-Inch MacBook Pro
With the M3 chip launch last year, Apple did away with the 13-inch MacBook Pro. It's been replaced with the 14-inch MacBook Pro, which Apple now offers with three different chip options.
The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro has an M3 chip and a $1,599 starting price, and this is the model that will get the standard M4 chip. The current M3 chip has an 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, and the M4 could be similar.
Higher-End 14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Models
For customers who want a more "pro" machine, the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are set to be refreshed with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, which are more powerful versions of the faster M4 chip.
The current M3 Pro has up to a 12-core CPU and up to an 18-core GPU, while the M3 Max has up to a 16-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU. CPU and GPU improvements for the M4 Pro and M4 Max aren't yet known.
Design Changes?
There are no rumors of a design change for the MacBook Pro at this time, and we're not quite due for one. Apple last updated the MacBook Pro design in 2021 with the transition to Apple silicon. In recent history, Apple has redesigned the MacBook in 2012, 2016, and 2021, so following that pattern, we'll see the next design tweak in 2025 or 2026.
This year's M-series update will likely be limited to the MacBook Pro's internals.
Launch Date
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro could get an M4 chip in late 2024, while the timeline for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro refresh is estimated at late 2024 to early 2025.
We could see the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max variants come out all at once like the M3 chip lineup, or Apple could space them out across several months.
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 Now Available on Apple's Refurbished Store in U.S.
Apple today began selling certified refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2 models in the U.S. for the first time since the device was released in September.
As of writing, refurbished Ultra 2 models with the Blue, Orange, or White Ocean Band are available for $679, compared to $799 brand new.
Blood Oxygen app is deactivated on the refurbished models, due to a legal battle with medical technology company Masimo. Last year, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) banned Apple from importing and selling Apple Watch models with blood oxygen sensing after it ruled that the feature infringed on Masimo's patents. Apple is appealing the decision, and could re-enable the Blood Oxygen app with a watchOS update if it is overturned.
in the U.K. and China earlier this week, and the Blood Oxygen app remains functional outside of the U.S. currently.
Related Roundup: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Tag: Apple Refurbished Products
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch Ultra (Neutral)
Related Forum: Apple Watch
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Apple Pulls WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Threads From App Store in China Following Order
Apple on late Thursday into Friday removed the popular messaging and social media apps WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Threads from its App Store in China at the request of the Chinese government, The Wall Street Journal reported.
In a statement shared with several media outlets, Apple said China's national internet regulator ordered the removal of the apps from the App Store in the country due to unspecified "national security concerns." Apple said it is "obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree."
related to VPNs, news, and more.
Tags: App Store, China
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European Regulators Will Soon Approve Apple's Plan to Open Up Tap-to-Pay to Banks and Payment Providers
As part of the changes introduced in Europe in iOS 17.4, Apple gave third-party payment apps and banks direct access to the NFC chip, allowing for non-Apple Pay tap-to-pay payment options. The European Commission is set to approve Apple's plan to open up tap-and-go mobile payments "as soon as next month," according to Reuters.
With NFC access, third-party banks and payment apps can offer contactless payments directly on the iPhone without having to use the Wallet app or Apple Pay. This feature is available in the European Economic Area, and it lets EU users set a default non-Apple wallet app and default contactless payment provider that activates at tap-to-pay terminals or when the iPhone's side button is pressed twice.
The European Economic Area (EEA) is the only area where Apple has opened up NFC access, and developers in other countries cannot access the iPhone's NFC chip for tap-to-pay purposes. Customers will be able to use NFC-enabled apps from their banks and other payment providers with no involvement from Apple.
Apple has long limited the NFC chip in the iPhone and other Apple devices to Apple Pay payments, which has prevented banks and other financial services from providing their customers with direct contactless payment solutions on the iPhone.
in January, and Apple made the change in order to address antitrust charges it was facing from the European Commission (EC). The EC has accused Apple of limiting competition by preventing rival mobile wallets from accessing the NFC chip, and Apple's decision to open it up will prevent fines and other penalties.
Tags: European Union, European Commission, NFC, Europe
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The MacRumors Show: AI Macs With M4 Chips
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the latest AI consumer technology and Apple's rumored plans to bring major AI-focused hardware enhancements to the Mac later this year.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
Humane's AI Pin and its widely acknowledged deficiencies, such as its limited utility, subpar camera performance, and steep price point. We also take a look at the Rabbit R1, another AI device that prompts us to question the necessity of such hardware when similar functionalities could potentially be achieved with existing smartphones.
M4-series custom silicon chips starting this year, featuring more powerful Neural Engines with more cores to support AI processes. These chips are likely based on the advancements coming to the iPhone 16 lineup's A18 chip, hinting that iPhone-exclusive AI features could later come to the Mac.
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!
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 chat with Matthew Cassinelli, one of the minds behind Workflow, discuss Apple Shortcuts and potential improvements and AI features coming to the app in iOS 18.
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.
@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 Show
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MacRumors Giveaway: Win an iPhone 15 Pro From GRID Studio
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with GRID Studio to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a 256GB iPhone 15 Pro. GRID Studio is a company dedicated to taking old, retired Apple devices and giving them new life in the form of art.
To celebrate Earth Day, GRID Studio is hosting a special deal on one of its most popular products, offering the GRID 4 for just $99. The GRID 4 features a disassembled iPhone 4, with all of the components skillfully arranged to give a look back at Apple's history.
The iPhone 4 is one of Apple's most notable designs, because it introduced the first major design update after the original iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPhone 3GS. It featured an all-new look with squared edges that felt decidedly modern at the time, and it is an aesthetic that Apple returned to starting with the iPhone 12.
GRID's iPhone 4 piece includes the iPhone 4 internals, ranging from the logic board with Apple A4 chip and PowerVR GPU to the iconic Home button. Components are labeled and arranged in a logical way so you can tell what's what. GRID's art makes a great gift for any Apple enthusiast, and there are many other disassembled iPhone options ranging from the original iPhone to the iPhone X.
In addition to the sale on the iPhone 4, GRID is discounting all of its products by 15 percent. GRID customers who spend over $30 this week can get a special Earth Day Eco Tee for just $9.99, with the shirt featuring a recycling logo made up of a ton of tiny Apple devices.
We have one 256GB iPhone 15 Pro to give away to a MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.
U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
GRID Studio Giveaway
The contest will run from today (April 19) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on April 26. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after April 26 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
Tag: Giveaway
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PlayStation, GameCube, Wii, and SEGA Emulator for iPhone and Apple TV Coming to App Store
The lead developer of the multi-emulator app Provenance has told iMore that his team is working towards releasing the app on the App Store, but he did not provide a timeframe. Provenance is a frontend for many existing emulators, and it would allow iPhone users to emulate games released for a wide variety of classic game consoles, including the original PlayStation, GameCube, Wii, SEGA Genesis, Atari 2600, and others.
Apple has so far approved emulators on the App Store for older Nintendo consoles and the Commodore 64. For example, Riley Testut's popular Delta emulator is now in the App Store in many countries, and it can emulate games released for the Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo 64, and Nintendo DS. Provenance would bring the first Sony, SEGA, and Atari emulators to the App Store if approved.
Provenance has been in development since 2016, and it can already be sideloaded on the iPhone and the Apple TV outside of the App Store.
allow "retro game console emulator apps" on the App Store for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices. Earlier this week, Apple told us that emulators that can load games (ROMs) are permitted on the App Store, so long as the apps are emulating "retro console games" only.
ruled that emulators are legal, downloading copyrighted ROMs is typically against the law in the country. On its customer support website for the U.S., Nintendo says that downloading pirated copies of its games is illegal.
Tags: App Store, Emulator
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Best Apple Deals of the Week: Get $60 Off Apple Watch SE, Plus Discounts on Anker and Jackery Accessories
This week's best Apple deals include low prices on AirPods and Apple Watch SE, as well as great deals on Anker, Jackery, and Samsung products.
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.
AirPods Pro 2
What's the deal? Get $60 off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and more audio deals
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$40 OFF
AirPods 2 for $89.00
$60 OFF
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) for $189.00
Amazon returned this week with a low price on the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C, available for $189.00, down from $249.00. You can also get the AirPods 2 for $89.00 on Amazon, down from $129.00.
Best Buy has even more deals on headphones and earbuds this week, including savings on JBL, Samsung, and Sony products.
JBL Endurance Peak 3 Earbuds - $79.95, down from $99.99
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE - $89.99, down from $99.99
Sony WHCH720N Headphones - $129.99, down from $149.99
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro - $189.99, down from $229.99
Beats Studio Pro - $199.99, down from $349.99
Sony WF1000XM5 Earbuds - $279.99, down from $299.99
Sony WH1000XM4 Over-the-Ear Headphones - $279.99, down from $349.99
Apple Watch SE
What's the deal? Get $60 off Apple Watch SE
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$60 OFF
Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS) for $189.00
$60 OFF
Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS) for $219.00
Amazon is taking $60 off the Apple Watch SE this week, including both GPS and cellular models. Prices start at just $189.00 for the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE and $219.00 for the 44mm GPS model.
Anker and Jackery
What's the deal? Save on Anker and Jackery accessories
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$25 OFF
20,000 mAh Prime Power Bank with Smart Digital Display for $109.99
$40 OFF
Portable Power Station with Smart Display + Retractable Light for $109.99
$37 OFF
Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Cube for $112.46
visit our original post to see everything, as well as the quick list below for some highlights.
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
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
Prime Power Bank 20,000 mAh with 100W Charging Base - $159.99 with on-page coupon, down from $184.99
3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Cube - $112.46 with on-page coupon, down from $149.99
100W 3-Port USB-C Charger - $53.95, down from $74.99
Samsung
What's the deal? Get up to $700 off Samsung monitors
Where can I get it? Samsung
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$700 OFF
27-inch ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor for $899.99
$300 OFF
27-inch Smart Monitor M8 for $399.99
our original post.
Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16: 15+ Rumored Upgrades Compared
After over a year of reports, there are now more than a dozen specific rumors about the features and improvements set to be offered by the two non-Pro iPhone 16 models later in 2024.
All of the changes the iPhone 16 models are expected to feature compared to their direct forerunners are listed below, using information from a range of reliable sources that we have previously covered. We will update this article as more rumors emerge in the coming months.
iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, but to learn about how we are expecting the iPhone 16 Pro to improve on the iPhone 15 Pro, see our other comparison article.
Design
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to largely carry over the design of their predecessors, meaning that they will have the same dimensions. The most noticeable alteration that will denote the new models is said to be a vertical rear camera arrangement to facilitate spatial video capture, but the removal of the mute switch in favor of the Action button introduced on last year's Pro models and the introduction of an all-new "Capture" button will also be important changes.
iPhone 15
iPhone 16
Diagonally arranged rear camera array
Vertically arranged rear camera array to support spatial video capture
Ring/Silent switch
Action Button
"Capture Button" to trigger photography and videography features
iPhone 15: 171g weight
iPhone 15 Plus: 201g weight
iPhone 16: 173g weight (+1%)
iPhone 16 Plus: 203g weight (+1%)
Chip, Memory, and Connectivity
The iPhone 16 models are rumored to benefit from a moderate improvement in processing power thanks to an all-new A18 chip with a more powerful Neural Engine to support exclusive generative AI capabilities. We are also expecting 33% more memory and Wi-Fi 6E support.
iPhone 15
iPhone 16
A16 Bionic chip (TSMC's "N4P" enhanced 5nm process)
A18 chip (TSMC's "N3E" enhanced 3nm process)
16-core Neural Engine
Enhanced Neural Engine with "significantly" more cores to support new AI features
6GB memory
8GB memory (+33%)
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
Batteries and Charging
The iPhone 16 models could receive some major improvements in battery technology and charging, sporting denser batteries and faster charging capabilities. It is worth noting that the iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to feature a smaller battery than its predecessor, but it is not clear how this will affect actual battery life.
iPhone 15
iPhone 16
Single-layer battery technology
Stacked battery technology for increased energy density and prolonged lifespan
iPhone 15: 3,349 mAh battery
iPhone 15 Plus: 4,383 mAh battery
iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh battery (+6%)
iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006 mAh battery (-9%)
Up to 27W wired charging
Up to 40W wired charging (48% faster)
15W charging via MagSafe
20W charging via MagSafe (33% faster)
Other Features and Changes
The iPhone 16 models are likely to receive several camera enhancements, such as spatial video capture for the Apple Vision Pro. While many of Apple's devices are rumored to receive a series of new AI-based features via software updates later this year, the iPhone 16 models are expected to take these further with exclusive capabilities facilitated by a more powerful Neural Engine in the A18 chip and an upgraded microphone for voice commands.
iPhone 15
iPhone 16
More efficient OLED display with brighter micro-lens technology
Spatial video capture
Upcoming support for new AI features in iOS 18
Upcoming support for new AI features in iOS 18, plus a suite of device-exclusive AI features
Microphone
Upgraded microphone with improved signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance, designed to support new AI features
Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, and Black
Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, Black, White, and Purple
Release Date
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to launch in the fall. Apple usually hosts an event every September to unveil new iPhone models, with launch following just over a week later. For more information about the iPhone 16 models, see our comprehensive roundup.
Will It Be Worth Upgrading?
The iPhone 15 was a significant upgrade over 2023's iPhone 14, introducing a new design with a the Dynamic Island, a 48-megapixel camera, a USB-C port, and more. The iPhone 16's upgrades will likely not be as substantial as those offered by its predecessor. As a result, most iPhone 15 users will have little reason to upgrade, but some who would appreciate AI features, improved performance, spatial video capture, and a dedicated button for photography and videography features may find it worthwhile.
Related Roundups: iPhone 15, iPhone 16
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPhone
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macOS 15 Rumored to Feature Revamped Calculator App
Apple will debut a major revamp of the Calculator app in macOS 15 later this year, according to AppleInsider.
The overhauled version of the Calculator app for Mac will reportedly feature:
An enhanced unit conversion system located in the main user interface, including for currency conversion with up-to-date exchange rates.
"Math Notes" to allow the Notes app to communicate with the Calculator app in mathematical notation, also coming to iOS 18.
A history tape in the sidebar to show previous calculations, likely accessible via a dedicated button on the top left, which also provides options to toggle between all three calculator views: Basic, scientific, and programmer.
Adjustable window size across all three calculator views, with buttons that enlarge and change shape as needed.
iPhone counterpart in iOS 18, featuring rounded buttons. macOS 15 is almost certain to be previewed alongside iOS 18 and Apple's other major software updates at WWDC on June 10, followed by official release in the fall.
Tag: AppleInsider
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Best Buy Launches Apple Vision Pro App for Previewing Tech Products
Best Buy today announced the launch of a new "Envision" app designed for the Apple Vision Pro headset. Envision is designed to allow Best Buy customers to explore different products and see how those products look in their own living spaces.
According to Best Buy, the Envision app is meant to help consumers plan their "ultimate home technology setup." 3D models of Best Buy products are included, so users can see them from all angles and get an idea of the space they take up. The app includes big screen TVs, large and small appliances, computers, furniture, fitness equipment, and more.
There are hundreds of items to scroll through and preview, along with access to product ratings and pricing. Listings can be opened up in Safari on the Vision Pro to make purchases on the Best Buy website.
from the Vision Pro App Store.
Tag: Best Buy
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Alleged HomePod Display Component Again Shown Off in Photo
Another image of an alleged screen component designed for a HomePod with a display was today shared by Kosutami, a source that has in the past shown off HomePod components and abandoned Apple prototypes.
The image shows a circular, glossy glass piece that would be located at the top of a HomePod that has the same design as the current standard size HomePod. The component would replace the current touch/waveform interface, and in the past, Kosutami has suggested that the LCD display is slightly curved.
New picture of the (might be upcoming one) HomePod with display.
Glossy, sick, just imagine.#Apple #appleinternal (B720) pic.twitter.com/xMTULXpGw0
— Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) April 18, 2024
There have been rumors about a HomePod with a display since 2021, and Apple actually seems to have several products in the works. The simplest is the HomePod that Kosutami and other leakers have referenced, which seems to be just a traditional speaker with a glass touchscreen. The display will show information from Apple Music like the song that's playing, and it will allow for SharePlay and other features.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said that Apple is working on a HomePod speaker with an iPad-like display and a built-in camera, and also a HomePod with a screen mounted on a robotic arm. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in 2023 that Apple would release a HomePod with a 7-inch display at some point in 2024, though it doesn't look like that's happening at this point.
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Mac Desk Accessories Worth Checking Out
Every year or two, MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera shares a desk tour featuring the Mac-centric products that he uses to record and edit his videos for the site. Today, Dan is sharing an updated 2024 desk video, highlighting desk accessories that might be worth checking out for your own setup.
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Uplift Desk - Dan uses an Uplift Standing desk, priced starting at $569. Uplift makes all kinds of accessories for its desks, from drawers to hammocks. Dan has a motion board for increasing movement, microphone arm, and headphone holder.
Alti Wireless Charging Desk Mat - The $130 Alti Wireless Charging Desk Mat has a built-in Qi wireless charger that works with the iPhone and AirPods, plus it has a hideaway space for documents.
Gather Monitor Stand - Gather has a selection of Monitor Stands that raise up a display and also offer handy storage for a MacBook. Pricing starts at around $269, and there are add-on accessories for an additional fee.
Iodyne Pro Data - This one is for video editors and those who need a lot of storage that's well-protected. The 12TB Pro Data from Iodyne is priced at $4,450 and goes up from there.
Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse - There are a lot of options for peripherals, but Apple's Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse are classics.
Nomad Stand One Max - For charging the iPhone and Apple Watch, Nomad's Stand One Max delivers quick charging speeds and aesthetics. It's not cheap at $180, though.
Lab22 Headphone Stand - For over-ear headphones like the AirPods Max, the $85 Lab22 Headphone Stand keeps them up and out of the way when not in use.
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Apple Store in Downtown Montréal Reportedly Moving to 125-Year-Old Heritage Building
Apple is preparing to move its retail store on Saint-Catherine Street in Montréal, Québec, according to Canadian newspaper La Presse.
The current Apple Sainte-Catherine store
The report cites three sources who said Apple will be opening a new retail store in a 125-year-old heritage building located at 1255 Saint-Catherine Street, which would be less than 100 meters away from the company's current store on the street. Apple's contractors are said to be in the process of completing major renovations to the building, which has been vacant for a few years after clothing retailer Ardene left the space.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman last year reported that Apple was considering relocating its Saint-Catherine store. At the time, he said Apple aimed to open the new store in February 2025, but the timeframe could change. La Presse reported that Apple's current space on the street is already listed as available for lease online. Apple has not publicly announced any plans to relocate the store, and it did not respond to our inquiry.
1255 Sainte-Catherine Street (Image Credit: LoopNet)
Apple's existing two-floor store on Sainte-Catherine Street first opened in 2008 in Montréal's downtown Ville-Marie area. The store will be temporarily closed for one day on Tuesday, April 23, for reasons unclear, according to Apple's website.
relocated its store at the Square One shopping mall in Mississauga, Ontario, just west of Toronto, as it continues to modernize its Canadian retail fleet.
Thanks, Kevin!
Tag: Apple Store
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12.9-Inch iPad Air Now Rumored to Feature Mini-LED Display
The rumored 12.9-inch iPad Air that is expected to be announced in May will be equipped with a mini-LED display like the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro model, according to Ross Young, CEO of research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. The existing 10.9-inch iPad Air is equipped with a traditional LCD panel, and the switch to mini-LED would allow for increased brightness for HDR content, deeper blacks, and more.
Young revealed this information in a post shared on social media platform X today.
Related Roundup: iPad Air
Tag: Ross Young
Buyer's Guide: iPad Air (Don't Buy)
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Should Apple Kill Siri and Start Over?
Few features have promised to revolutionize the way we interact with our Apple devices as much as Siri, the company's ubiquitous virtual assistant. Launched in 2011, Siri was introduced as heralding a new era in human-computer interaction, offering an intuitive voice-controlled interface for accessing information, scheduling appointments, sending messages, and much more. The vision was grand: A personal assistant in your pocket, capable of understanding and acting upon a wide array of voice commands with ease and accuracy. So what happened?
Enthusiasm for Siri has undeniably waned in the intervening years. Despite regular updates and improvements from Apple, Siri has struggled to keep pace with its advancing rivals, and in an era of generative AI chatbots and large language models, Siri's failings have only been magnified. Issues ranging from misinterpreted commands to limited contextual understanding have not only hindered Siri's usability but have also led to an almost universal perception of the virtual assistant as a source of user frustration rather than assistance. This persistent underperformance begs the question: Is it time for Apple to kill Siri and start over?
Siri's Birth Pangs
Siri's conceptual roots at Apple can be traced back to the company's early exploration of human-computer interaction. Thirty years ago, Apple commissioned a group of employees to create a video showing how in the future humans might interact with computers using spoken language. The video, known as "Knowledge Navigator," featured a professor chatting with a virtual assistant to perform everyday tasks and academic research. In one of the tasks, the professor asks the assistant to search for a five-year-old publication. The assistant pulls up an article dated 2006, suggesting the video is supposed to be set in September 2011.
The video was criticized at the time for being an unrealistic portrayal of the capacities of a virtual assistant in the foreseeable future. Yet the demonstration inspired developers Adam Cheyer, Dag Kittlaus, and Tom Gruber, who began AI research on virtual assistants at SRI International, a DARPA-funded research laboratory in Menlo Park, California. Their work would result in a spin-out called Siri, named by Kittlaus after a co-worker in Norway. (Siri is short for Sigrid, which has its origins in Old Norse for words meaning "victory" and "beautiful".)
In February 2010, Kittlaus launched Siri as an app on Apple's App Store. Steve Jobs soon began playing with the app and was impressed with how it allowed the user to search the internet by voice. A few weeks later, Apple acquired the start-up. Siri's AI backend was in place, while its voice recognition technology would be supplied by Nuance Communications. Apple subsequently released its Siri virtual assistant (in beta) for the iPhone 4S in October 2011, just one month later than the fictional future in which Knowledge Navigator had been originally envisioned.
Fiction vs. Reality
Apple marketed Siri as more than just a tool — it was your intelligent assistant ready to help with a variety of tasks. Whether setting reminders, sending texts, making phone calls, or finding information online, Siri aimed to streamline it all with a simple voice command. There was nothing like it at the time and the initial results were impressive, but the underlying promise was that Siri would not only understand you but also learn from you, becoming more efficient and personalized over time.
Regular iOS updates in the intervening years have worked towards making Siri more effective and realizing its original promise. Whenever a new iOS feature comes along, Apple usually ensures that it works with Siri, and these days it can be used to identify songs, get driving directions, send money via Apple Pay, and control HomeKit products, to name just a few of its skills. In 2021, Apple announced that Siri would work offline by default – whenever possible, it would process user requests on-device, with the same quality of server-based speech recognition.
However, even now, the assistant that was supposed to understand context and grow with the user still faces significant challenges with context, understanding, and integration, regardless of whether it pings Apple's servers or processes requests locally. Many Apple device owners often say it struggles with even basic commands. Indeed, many users believe that, at least in some areas, Siri's abilities have gotten worse over time, especially since the release of iOS 17.
It is astounding how bad it is. Even things that used to work fine like asking Siri to send a text message now don’t seem to work consistently anymore. Sometimes she asks me if I want to use the phone number or email, and other times it just tries to call the person. Sigh.
— Joseph Bella (@jbella) March 20, 2024
Michael Tsai's blog has done a good job of recording users' more recent frustrations with Siri. Here are just a handful of serial issues some users have recently reported:
Setting timers instead of alarms.
Bungling music requests (even for purchases that Siri has local access to).
Delayed responses over fast data connections.
Nonsense responses to conversion requests.
Creating notes instead of reminders.
Acknowledging requests without acting on them.
Overwrought punctuation when dictating.
Inability to consistently control smart devices.
The list could go on. But has Siri really gotten more stupid? Could most issues be put down to fringe use cases, or over-expectations in a brave new world of chatbots powered by immensely resource-heavy large-language models? Consider what Walt Mossberg said in 2016, writing for The Verge:
Before Apple bought it, Siri was on the road to being a robust digital assistant that could do many things, and integrate with many services — even though it was being built by a startup with limited funds and people. After Apple bought Siri, the giant company seemed to treat it as a backwater, restricting it to doing only a few, slowly increasing number of tasks, like telling you the weather, sports scores, movie and restaurant listings, and controlling the device's functions.
Many users would agree that very little has changed in the past eight years.
AI Hopes on the Horizon
Apple's next major software update, iOS 18, is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri that will assist users in their daily lives. "Generative AI" is the key term here. The concept surged in popularity in late 2022, when OpenAI released its ChatGPT chatbot that can reply to questions and prompts with unnervingly nuanced human-like responses. The company has since expanded into generative AI tools for images and videos.
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." Rumors suggest that improvements could come in the form of better natural conversation capabilities (potentially aided by an improved iPhone microphone) and improved user personalization. The new functionality is expected to be available across devices, so Siri may retain conversation information from one device to another. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, 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.
not planning to debut its own generative AI chatbot. Apple has reportedly held discussions with companies such as Google, OpenAI, and Baidu about potential generative AI partnerships, but Apple's first set of new AI features in iOS 18 will not rely on cloud servers at all, according to Gurman.
Move Over Siri?
Whether or not a groundbreaking incarnation of Apple's virtual assistant is on the cards, given the persistent issues that have tarnished Siri's reputation, could a new name and branding help Apple distance itself from past failures?
Josh Johnson's blunt assessment echoes a common sentiment: "I honestly think Apple should kill the Siri brand. I'm not sure it can recover from the universal understanding that it’s just not good." He suggests the introduction of an LLM-powered assistant under a new name, proposing a fresh start to overcome the negative associations that currently plague Siri.
Ty Belisle supports a drastic transformation, noting, "I've thought they should make a very bold 'Siri 2.0' announcement, but it's true the name Siri is so spoiled that they should ditch it." He also points out the practical benefits of a new name, such as reducing accidental activations — a problem that shorter names like "Siri" often face.
John Gruber's perspective underscores the importance of first impressions and the long-term effects of Siri's underwhelming performance: "First impressions really matter, but in Siri's case, it's over a decade of lived experience." If Apple has significantly improved its voice technology, he argues, it should be introduced under a new brand to signify a clean break from the past.
jokes. A new name and persona for the assistant could potentially revitalize its image, but Apple would have to ensure that any new product lives up to its promises, otherwise another misstep could be potentially disastrous.
Tag: Siri
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