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 well known for transforming old, discarded Apple devices into displayable artwork.
GRID Studio deconstructs Apple devices and artfully arranges the components underneath a glass frame. Each part is labeled and accompanied by relevant historical details. GRID Studio's most iconic piece is the GRID 1, priced at $400.
iPhone from 2007, highlighting the parts that made up an important part of Apple's history. The iconic original iPhone casing is positioned next to the power button, headphone socket, speaker, logic board, ear piece, and other components, and this is before the days where Apple started making its own chips so there are some unique components to see.
iPod fans will be interested in the $120 GRID iPod Photo, which originally came out in 2004, and was the first iPod featuring a color display. It has the same classic click wheel design, but with a 220x176 LCD display. This model is a fun part of Apple's past because it was the first iPod that really supported storing and showing off photos.
Most of GRID Studio's pieces are designed to be hung on the wall, but there are also a selection of products that can be displayed on a shelf or tabletop. The $99 GRID 3GS Wooden Tabletop Frame has an attractive wood backing and acrylic cover that can be hung on the wall or displayed upright on a table with a support rod.
The iPhone 3GS followed the iPhone 3G, and that "S" was meant to represent speed. It had a processor that was twice as fast, and was Apple's first foray into really focusing on blazing fast performance. The GRID 3GS features the classic pre-iPhone 4 design, and it looks great in the wooden frame.
hosting a summer sale that will last until July 17, and various GRID pieces are available at up to 50 percent off.
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 (June 28) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on July 5. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after July 5 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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Report: Apple Planning to Debut New Battery Replacement Method With iPhone 16
Apple is working on technology to simplify iPhone battery replacement that could debut later this year, The Information reports.
Alleged iPhone 16 Pro battery with new metal casing.
The move comes in response to a new EU law requiring smartphone manufacturers to ensure batteries can be replaced by owners using easily accessible tools by 2025. According to sources involved in the iPhone's manufacturing process, Apple is exploring the use of electrically induced adhesive debonding technology to achieve this.
The current method of replacing an iPhone battery is challenging and involves removing adhesive strips with tweezers. If these strips break during the process, additional steps involving heat or solvents are necessary to dislodge the adhesive. After removing the old battery, a tray and specialized machine are required to install a new one securely.
iPhone 16 Pro battery with a metal casing leaked earlier this year. By applying a low voltage of electricity, the new battery can be quickly dislodged from the chassis. Despite this advancement, consumers will still need to open the iPhone themselves, which remains complicated due to the use of adhesives and screws to keep the iPhone's display in place and retain water resistance.
iPhone 16 model later this year and could be extended to all versions of the iPhone 17 next year. Apple is expected to continue recommending that users seek professional assistance for battery replacements, given the complexities and potential risks associated with the procedure.
iPhone 15 meets the criteria for 1,000 charges, but earlier models do not meet the 500-charge requirement.
Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 17
Tag: The Information
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Apple Store Down in UK, Canada, and Other Countries Ahead of Vision Pro Pre-Orders
Apple's online store is down in Germany, France, Australia, the UK, and Canada, as the company makes preparatory changes to its website ahead of Apple Vision Pro pre-orders in these regions.
Pre-orders begin at 5.00 a.m. Pacific Time, or the following local times:
Australia – 10:00 pm AEST
Canada – 5.00 a.m. PT
France – 2.00 p.m.
Germany – 2.00 p.m.
United Kingdom – 1.00 p.m.
Apple Vision Pro will launch in the above countries on July 12.
Apple Store to try it out and thoroughly research its capabilities before making a purchase.
Ming-Chi Kuo. However, Apple is said to be already working on a new version of the Apple Vision Pro for 2025 that will be priced more affordably.
Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
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Apple Vision Pro Launches in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore
Apple's Vision Pro spatial computing headset today arrived at Apple Store locations across China mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. The launches mark the first time the Vision Pro has been officially available outside of the United States, where the device has been on sale since February.
Consumer interest in the $3,499 headset has reportedly waned at home, where sales are said to have slowed in the five months since its launch. Apple Vision Pro is set to launch in the United Kingdom and Canada on July 12.
The headset will also launch on the same day in Australia, France, and Germany, as part of a staggered release in additional markets, which may be just what the company needs to reinvigorate enthusiasm for the device.
Reviews for the device have been mixed overall. For the most part, users have been impressed with the hardware and the technology introduced by the Vision Pro, but there are questions about the actual function of the device, the intuitiveness of the gesture-based control, the weight and comfort, and VR in general.
visionOS 2, the first major update to the Vision Pro's operating system. visionOS 2 includes several new features and changes, including a redesigned Photos app with SharePlay support, the ability to turn existing 2D photos into spatial photos, a larger ultra-wide version of Mac Virtual Display that is equivalent to two 4K monitors side by side, plus support for a physical mouse.
Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
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Samsung to Begin Rolling Out Hotel Room TVs With AirPlay Support for iPhone and iPad
Samsung today announced that it will be rolling out AirPlay support for its series of hotel room TVs, allowing iPhone and iPad users to wirelessly stream videos, music, photos, and more from their device to the TV in their room.
The feature allows you to scan a unique QR code on the hotel room TV to establish an AirPlay connection, allowing you to wirelessly stream content from your iPhone or iPad. After the pairing process, your device will also automatically be connected to the hotel's Wi-Fi network. The device must be updated to iOS 17.3 or iPadOS 17.3 or later.
AirPlay on hotel room TVs works with apps and services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade for games, Apple Fitness+ for workouts, and much more.
Samsung said no personal info is ever stored or saved for this AirPlay feature, and the paired device is automatically removed when you check out of the hotel.
launched earlier this year on LG hotel room TVs at select IHG Hotels & Resorts properties in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with more locations to follow.
Tags: Samsung, AirPlay
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Hands-On With the iPad Pro's Nano-Texture Glass - Is It Worth the Upgrade?
The M4 iPad Pro models that Apple released earlier this year have a display upgrade option that allows you to purchase nano-texture display glass, which is supposed to cut down on glare.
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We've already reviewed the iPad Pro, but we thought we'd revisit the nano-texture glass upgrade to see if it's worth the purchase price.
First introduced with the Pro Display XDR, nano-texture glass is etched at a nanometer scale, which is meant to preserve image quality while scattering ambient light to cut down on glare. It is the most matte display type that Apple makes, and Apple claims that it is useful for high-end, color-managed workflows or demanding ambient lighting environments.
iPad with nano-texture as an option, and it's previously been reserved for the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. Nano-texture is a premium feature, so it costs an additional $100 over the standard glass. It's also only available on 1TB or 2TB iPad Pro models, so you do need to shell out at least $1,600 to get it on the 1TB 11-inch iPad Pro.
Apple Pencil, but if that's a factor for you, you're better off checking out something like Astropad's Rock Paper Pencil.
While nano-texture does a good job cutting down on glare, it does impact the contrast and crispness of the display, so it is serving a specific purpose for select workflows where mitigating light is important.
As with the nano-texture versions of Apple's displays, the nano-texture iPad Pro requires some special care. Apple recommends only cleaning it with the polishing cloth that's included in the box as other cleaning cloths can cause damage.
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Best Buy's 'Member Deals Days' Sale Introduces Low Prices on MacBooks and Much More Exclusively for Members
Best Buy has opened up a new "Member Deals Days" sale, featuring thousands of discounts available exclusively to My Best Buy Plus and Total members. New deals will appear every day of the event, which ends this Sunday, June 30.
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available starting at $49.99 per year, and offer free two-day shipping, an extended 60-day return window on most products, exclusive access to certain sales like Member Deals Days, and more.
EXCLUSIVE SALE
Best Buy Member Deals Days
$849.00 and the 512GB model for $1,049.00, both of which are $150 off original prices and solid second-best discounts.
$2,149.00, down from $2,499.00, and the 12-Core M3 Pro/36GB RAM/512GB model for $2,499.00, down from $2,899.00. These are both all-time low prices on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, and although Best Buy has more MacBook Pro discounts during its new sale, these are the best you'll find.
Member Deals Days sale has many discounts other than Apple products, including TVs, video games, PCs, headphones, home appliances, and more. Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Verizon International Roaming Outage Affecting Customers Worldwide
There appears to be an ongoing outage with Verizon international roaming across multiple countries, with Verizon U.S. customers abroad complaining about the issue on social networks and Verizon's Community Forums.
Customers traveling abroad have been without service since late Wednesday for hours at a time, with many losing cellular, text, and data. That has left many users unable to call the Verizon hotline or access online chat help without a Wi-Fi network.
Tag: Verizon
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Random Apple Pay Charges Affecting iPhone Users in Hungary
Apple Pay is malfunctioning in Hungary, according to reports from several Hungarian news sites. Apple device owners are seeing surprise, unexpected charges without making purchases.
Some users are seeing multiple mistaken transactions, and it is a problem that appears to be affecting most banks in Hungary. Impacted users are being charged small amounts several times in a row. One user saw almost $1,500 USD pulled from his account across 74 rapid fire transactions.
Raiffeisen Bank's website says that Apple is working to resolve the problem.
We inform our customers that due to a technical problem with an external partner, the bank cards of some of our customers may have been incorrectly charged by the Apple App Store. Our colleagues have contacted Apple officials, the problem is being resolved.
Some of the charges appear to be linked to subscriptions that were canceled previously, and some of the amounts match prior transactions. Some customers have been able to have their banks block their cards, preventing further charges.
(Thanks, Lorinc!)
Tags: Hungary, Apple Pay
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Apple Says iPhones Will Better Support Third-Party Displays and Batteries Later This Year
Apple today published a lengthy whitepaper that highlights the company's approach to device repairability and longevity. In the document, Apple revealed that iPhones will better support third-party displays and batteries later in 2024.
First, Apple said True Tone will work with third-party iPhone displays later this year:
True Tone requires precise calibration to function properly, and it is not possible to engage a default calibration for third-party displays, which can result in unexpected behavior. For this reason, Apple disables the True Tone feature when third-party displays are used, but enables all other aspects of the display. In an effort to offer more complete support for third-party parts, starting later in 2024, Apple will allow consumers to activate True Tone with third-party parts to the best performance that can be provided.
True Tone automatically adapts the color of the display to match the light in your environment.
Currently, battery health metrics such as maximum capacity and cycle count are not presented to consumers whose devices have third-party batteries. This is because the accuracy of these metrics cannot be verified by Apple. In fact, an Apple internal analysis has found that some third-party batteries sold as new are actually secondhand, with battery health metrics manipulated to appear as new. In an effort to improve support for third-party batteries, starting later in 2024, Apple will display battery health metrics with a notification stating that Apple cannot verify the information presented.
Apple said the third-party battery metrics are not guaranteed to be accurate.
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Apple Highlights Accessories With 'Colors That Pop' From Nimble, Belkin, and More
Apple recently created a new section of its online store showcasing accessories with "Colors That Pop," and this week Nimble and Belkin have launched new products as part of this colorful lineup. You can find this section by visiting Apple's accessories page and scrolling down a bit.
Starting with Nimble, there's a new USB-C charging collection available online, and it's the company's first set of products released on Apple.com and in Apple retail stores. This collection includes a portable charger and various USB-C cables, all of which you can find below.
PowerKnit FLEX USB-A to USB-C Cable - $19.95
PowerKnit Travel Kit 2-Pack USB-C to USB-C Cables - $29.95
PowerKnit Travel Kit 3-Pack USB-C Cables (multiple connectors) - $39.95
PowerKnit FLEX 3-Pack USB-C to USB-C Cables - $59.95
CHAMP 10K Portable Charger - $79.95
product release includes two new MagSafe-compatible portable batteries, both available on Apple.com. First is the BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank 5K, which comes in a range of colors and can fast charge iPhone 12 models and later up to 15W with Qi2 when the battery pack is plugged in and up to 7.5W when using it wirelessly.
In total, the power bank provides up to 16 hours of additional battery life, comes with a USB-C port, and includes a USB-C to USB-C cable. This one is priced at $59.95 on Belkin's website and on Apple.com.
BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank 10K can fast charge iPhone 12 models and later up to 15W with Qi2, or up to 20W with the integrated USB-C cable. It can provide up to 35 hours of additional battery life, comes in just one color (black), and is priced at $99.95.
iPhone 15, AirPods, MacBook Air, AirTag, and more.
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iOS 18 to Bring These 5 New Features to AirPods Pro
Apple's upcoming iOS 18 software update is packed with features for supported iPhones, but it also promises to make your AirPods Pro experience better with a handful of sophisticated new capabilities that draw from machine learning improvements and AI enhancements.
The following five AirPods Pro features are expected to arrive later this year, when iOS 18 is released to the general public in the fall.
Head Gestures
Apple is set to add new head gestures that allow users to control AirPods Pro handsfree and without saying a word. With the new gestures, you can nod your head up and down, or shake it left to right, in order to answer or decline a call. Siri Interactions will also allow users to answer or dismiss calls, interact with messages, manage notifications, and more — all without speaking.
Voice Isolation
Apple's iPhones include a calling feature that can make your voice clearer to the person you're speaking to when on a call, even when you're in a busy environment. Apple in iOS 18 is adding Voice Isolation to the AirPods Pro so that they also cut down on loud background sounds.
When you're on a call, the mics on AirPods Pro usually pick up a wide range of sounds in the environment, like wind around the caller. But with Voice Isolation, machine learning will distinguish these sounds, block out any ambient noise, and prioritize your voice so that it comes through clearly.
Personalized Spatial Audio for Gaming
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking will be available for gaming across AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max — delivering the immersive audio customers have come to love when listening to music, or watching movies and shows.
Apple says that when using AirPods Pro, gamers will have the best wireless audio latency it has ever delivered for mobile gaming. AirPods Pro users will also enjoy improved voice quality, including 16-bit, 48kHz audio, when chatting with teammates and other players. Game developers will also be able to incorporate spatial audio into their games for a more immersive audio experience.
Granular Adaptive Audio Control
Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro have an Adaptive Audio feature called Adaptive Noise Control, which adjusts sound and active noise cancelation in response to changes in your environment.
Right now, Adaptive Audio is an all or nothing setting, but that's set to change in iOS 18. Apple has added a "Customize Adaptive Audio" menu that lets you adjust the setting to allow for more or less noise.
Hearing Aid Mode
March report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. AirPods Pro already offer a Conversation Boost feature, which boosts the volume and clarity of people directly in front of the wearer, but so far Apple has not advertised the earbuds as a hearing aid device.
Related Roundups: AirPods Pro, iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Neutral)
Related Forums: AirPods, iOS 18, iPadOS 18
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Google Scraps Continuous Scrolling in Search Results
Google is reportedly scrapping continuous scrolling of search results on desktop and mobile, with the company returning to the old method of dividing results into several pages (via The Verge).
Google introduced continuous scrolling on mobile and desktop in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The change was reminiscent of a social media feed, although Google's version was never quite the "infinite scroll" that social network users will be familiar with. Search has typically returned the equivalent of six pages of results in a single scroll, before offering users a "More results" button that keeps the scroll going.
Google originally claimed that continuous scroll would make browsing results quicker and easier, although some users likely missed how the old pagination system often acted as a natural breaker that allowed them to consider whether they had all the information they needed.
Search Engine Land that continuous scroll would be removed from desktop search results from June 25, while the feature will be removed from mobile results "in the coming months." Google said that the change is needed to allow it to serve search results faster, instead of automatically loading results that users haven't explicitly requested.
Tag: Google
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iOS 18: Podcasts App Now Shows Chapter Segments When Scrubbing
In iOS 18, Apple's Podcasts app now shows chapter segments of a podcast when you scrub through a currently playing episode, making it easier to browse through the audio content.
Image credit: Reddit user Wristnut
As spotted by Redditor "Wristnut," navigating the timeline across the chapter segments shows the chapter name above the line. Note that this behavior appears in the Podcasts app proper, and it is not currently reproducible on the Lock Screen media controls in iOS 18 beta 2.
While the ability to scrub through chapter segments is new, chapters themselves are not. Some podcast listeners may not be familiar with them because creators have to manually add chapters, and many shows have not adopted them. Creators must specify chapters in the header of an MP4 file or by modifying the ID3 tags of MP3 or AAC files using third-party tools.
When creators do support chapters, listeners can find them by swiping up on the Now Playing screen on iOS and iPadOS or by clicking the Chapters button located in the top-right corner of the Podcasts app for macOS. Creators can also provide chapter-specific artwork that is displayed on the Now Playing screen and on the Lock Screen on iOS and iPadOS, providing a timely visual supplement to the podcast.
Apple Podcasts supports chapters for MP4, MP3, and AAC files, whether they are available from the directory or manually added to the Library via an RSS feed. Some of the tools used to add chapters include Ferrite on iOS and iPadOS, Forecast by Overcast, Podcasts Chapters on macOS, and Vizzy on the web.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Tag: Apple Podcasts
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
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iCloud 'Keep Downloaded' Option Included in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia
In iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, Apple has added a new "Keep Downloaded" option when browsing items in iCloud, allowing users to designate which files and folders should remain permanently available locally on their device.
In previous versions of iOS and macOS, users had limited control over which files and folders were kept offline. iCloud's automatic management system would offload files from the device to free up space, potentially removing files that you might want to keep available at all times.
Apple offered no straightforward way to prevent this – until now. In macOS Sequoia, when browsing iCloud Drive in Finder, right-clicking a file or folder reveals the new "Keep Downloaded" option. When enabled, the cloud symbol next to the item is opaque instead of transparent, indicating that it will remain on the device.
In iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, the same option can be found in the Files app when a file or folder is long pressed to bring up the contextual menu. Users can now explicitly mark files to remain on their device, regardless of how much storage they take up.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia
Tag: iCloud
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+
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Alleged First Look at Apple Watch X / Series 10 With 2-Inch Display
Apple is rumored to be planning a revamp of the Apple Watch for the device's tenth anniversary, and 91mobiles claims to have sourced CAD renders of the Apple Watch Series 10 or "Apple Watch X" from industry insiders.
The site claims that the renders are of the "larger" model featuring a 2-inch display. The current Apple Watch Series 9 has a 1.7-inch display, while the Apple Watch Ultra has a display size of 1.93-inches, so this would be the biggest screen on an Apple Watch so far.
That said, its dimensions are said to measure roughly 46 x 39.7 x 11.6mm, which would make it bigger overall than the Series 9 but smaller than the Ultra. Otherwise, the renders suggest a design similar to the Series 9, with a Digital Crown and Side button, and a square display.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said a significantly overhauled "Apple Watch X" would launch in either 2024 or 2025, to mark the tenth anniversary of the device. The original Apple Watch was announced in September 2014 and released in April 2015.
Bloomberg reporter also said it would potentially have a magnetic band attachment system, although there's no evidence of that in the renders.
Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 9
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
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iOS 18 RCS Support Rolling Out to Beta Users
With the second beta of iOS 18 that came out yesterday, Apple added an RCS toggle, but RCS messaging was not working at that time. RCS support appears to now be rolling out, based on reports from iOS 18 users.
Some testers who have iOS 18 installed have confirmed that they are able to send RCS messages to Android users, with RCS features available. Texts that are RCS-based instead of SMS/MMS-based are denoted with an RCS label.
Y’all…! pic.twitter.com/6NDjmH3WdH
— Snazzy Labs (@SnazzyLabs) June 25, 2024
RCS, or Rich Communication Services, allows iPhone and Android users to exchange higher quality photos and videos, audio messages, and larger file sizes. Features like read receipts and real-time typing indicators are supported too, with a full list of what's new available below.
Support for higher resolution photos and videos.
Support for larger file sizes and file sharing.
Audio messages.
Cross-platform emoji reactions.
Real-time typing indicators.
Read receipts.
Ability to send messages over cellular or Wi-Fi (SMS is cellular only). There is no cost to send an RCS message over Wi-Fi.
Improved group chats.
RCS messages can be enabled in the Messages section of the Settings app, and are toggled on by default. At the current time, RCS messaging is only available to those in the United States who have a carrier that supports RCS. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon users running iOS 18 should have the RCS toggle available, but those with MVNOs and smaller carriers will not be able to use the feature yet.
Not all iOS 18 users with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon are seeing RCS enabled, so it appears that Apple is rolling out support.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
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OpenAI's ChatGPT App for Mac Now Available to All Users
The ChatGPT app for Mac is now available to all users, OpenAI announced today. The app first came out in mid-May, but it saw a slow rollout that was limited to ChatGPT Plus subscribers until now.
OpenAI says that the ChatGPT Mac app is meant to make it easier for users to access ChatGPT and to ask questions about email, screenshots, websites, and content on the Mac. With the ChatGPT app installed, you can press Option + Space on the keyboard to bring up a chat interface for asking ChatGPT a question.
There's a built-in Voice Mode for having voice conversations with ChatGPT, a search feature for looking through past conversations, and more. With the wider rollout, no subscription plan is necessary for using ChatGPT on the Mac. OpenAI has made the latest version of ChatGPT, GPT-4o, available for free, but for a limited number of requests.
The ChatGPT desktop app for macOS is now available for all users.
Get faster access to ChatGPT to chat about email, screenshots, and anything on your screen with the Option + Space shortcut: https://t.co/2rEx3PmMqg pic.twitter.com/x9sT8AnjDm
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) June 25, 2024
Apple has established a partnership with OpenAI that will see ChatGPT integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. With user permission, Apple's built-in Siri personal assistant can hand complicated requests over to ChatGPT, relaying the information to the user.
Tags: ChatGPT, OpenAI
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Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max and More
Apple today released new firmware update for several products, including the Lightning and USB-C versions of the AirPods Pro 2, the first-generation AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max, the second and third-generation AirPods, the Beats Fit Pro, and the PowerBeats Pro.
The second-generation AirPods Pro models, the PowerBeats Pro, and the Beats Fit Pro now have firmware version 6F8, up from 6F7, while the other models have firmware version 6A326, up from 6A321.
Apple does not often provide details on what features might be included in the refreshed firmware beyond "bug fixes and other improvements," so it is unclear what's new in the update.
Apple doesn't offer instructions on how to upgrade AirPods software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air while the AirPods are connected to an iOS device. Putting the AirPods or Beats in the case, connecting to a power source, and then pairing the AirPods or Beats to an iOS device or Mac should force the update.
You can check your AirPods firmware by following these steps:
Connect your AirPods to your iOS device.
Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap About.
Tap AirPods.
Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."
Related Roundups: AirPods 3, AirPods Max, AirPods Pro
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Don't Buy), AirPods Max (Caution), AirPods Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods
This article, "Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 2 Available for Low Prices on Amazon
Amazon this week has a collection of discounts on the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 2, providing near all-time low prices on both of these wearables.
Apple Watch SE
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$189.00 today on Amazon, down from $249.00. This is just $10 higher compared to the all-time low price on the wearable. This deal is available in all three aluminum color options, and only Amazon has the discount.
$60 OFF
Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS) for $189.00
$60 OFF
Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS) for $219.00
$219.00 on Amazon, down from $279.00. This is another near all-time low price that's just $10 away from the lowest price on the Apple Watch SE, and it's also available in all three aluminum colors.
This model of the Apple Watch SE launched in September 2022 and remains Apple's most affordable Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE lacks some of the upgraded features you'll find in some Series 9 or Ultra 2 models, like temperature sensing and ECG functionality, but it will otherwise provide you with all key Apple Watch features, and at the cheapest price possible.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
$714.00 on Amazon, down from $799.00. While this is the only model at $714.00, Amazon also has a bigger collection of Ultra 2 models at $719.00, a solid second-best price.
$85 OFF
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Indigo Alpine Loop) for $714.00
$80 OFF
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Blue Ocean Band) for $719.00
Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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https://www.macrumors.com/2024/06/25/apple-watch-se-ultra-2-amazon/