OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2
Chinese company OnePlus is debuting new earbuds today, with a feature set that pits them against the AirPods Pro. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 look and sound a lot like Apple's AirPods, and while they lack some of the Apple-esque magic integration, they're more affordable at $179.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
Design wise, the OnePlus earbuds resemble the AirPods Pro, featuring an in-ear silicone design and a stem. The stem is silver, though, and unlike Samsung's recent Galaxy Buds3 Pro, you won't mistake these for the AirPods Pro due to the unique case design of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. Fit is close to the AirPods Pro because of the silicone tips, and they're comfortable to wear. Squeeze gestures can be used on the stem to play/pause music, skip tracks, replay a track, and adjust volume.
The case has an oval shape that's wider and more rounded than the AirPods Pro case, plus it's covered in a faux leather material that gives it a more distinct look.
Apple may have added a USB-C case to the AirPods Pro 2 in 2023, but the initial launch was in 2022, so it's no surprise that other companies are starting to surpass the AirPods Pro in terms of sound quality. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 have better out-of-the-box sound than the AirPods Pro, even though there's no option for adjusting EQ.
There's a solid balance between bass and higher frequencies with full sound and good separation of tracks. Sound is crisp, and the high-end notes are clear. there are two DACs per earbud, one that's focused on the tweeter and the other on the woofer, which is what gives that balanced sound.
The Active Noise Cancellation works well, and it's on par with ANC from other high-end earbuds. The ANC is adaptive and can adjust based on your surroundings, so ambient sounds can come through when you need them to. The ANC isn't as standout as the sound quality, but it's more than adequate.
iPhone. As for the microphones, call quality is solid.
OnePlus sells Android-based devices, so these earbuds are designed for Android smartphones rather than the iPhone. You're not going to get the useful AirPods features like quick connect and automatic device swapping, and that's a major downside. You also won't get spatial audio unless these are paired with a Google Pixel phone that supports the feature.
Tag: OnePlus
This article, "OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/20/oneplus-buds-pro-3-vs-airpods-pro-2/
Apple Seeds Seventh Beta of tvOS 18 to Developers
Apple today seeded the seventh beta of the upcoming tvOS 18 refresh to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming a week after the sixth beta came out.
Registered developers are able to download the tvOS 18 update by opting in to the beta through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A registered developer account is required.
tvOS 18 adds an InSight feature to the TV app, and it is able to provide real-time information about actors, music, and more in Apple TV+ shows and music. Enhanced Dialogue has been refined with machine learning and computational audio so it is better able to boost vocal clarity over background noise and music, plus it is now available on built-in TV speakers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth devices.
Subtitles will now show up automatically when relevant, such as when the TV's volume is muted, a show or movie is rewound, or when the language of a show doesn't match the device language.
FaceTime calls through an iPhone or iPad.
Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater
This article, "Apple Seeds Seventh Beta of tvOS 18 to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/20/apple-seeds-tvos-18-beta-7/
Apple's Custom 5G Modem Could 'Change the Way iPhone Looks and Works' in the Long Term
Apple is investing billions of dollars into developing an in-house cellular modem, but the project is not expected to yield immediate improvements for users, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.
In last week's "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that, unlike the transition to Apple silicon, the company's first custom modem will not offer noticeable benefits for users. Individuals within Apple apparently "acknowledge that customers don't really care who makes the modem in their phone" and "it's hard to tell how big the benefits will be in the near term."
iPhone looks and works."
Down the road, there are plans for Apple to fold its modem design into a new wireless chip that handles Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access. That would create a single connectivity component, potentially improving reliability and battery life.
Tags: Apple 5G Modem, Bloomberg, Mark Gurman
This article, "Apple's Custom 5G Modem Could 'Change the Way iPhone Looks and Works' in the Long Term" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/20/apple-custom-modem-could-change-way-iphone-works/
Amazon Discounts Entire M2/M3 MacBook Air Lineup With Up to $250 Off and All-Time Low Prices
Amazon is back this week with a big sale across the MacBook Air lineup, including both the M2 and M3 MacBook Air models. You can find many of the same deals being matched at Best Buy, and you won't need a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership in order to see the discounts this time around.
13-Inch M2 MacBook Air
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.
Starting with the M2 MacBook Air, Amazon is offering $200 off both models of the 2022 notebook. Prices start at $799.00 for the 256GB M2 MacBook Air in all colors, and increase to $999.00 for the 512GB MacBook Air in Midnight. In regards to the former model, this is a match of the all-time low price for this MacBook Air.
$200 OFF
13-inch M2 MacBook Air (256GB) for $799.00
$200 OFF
13-inch M2 MacBook Air (512GB) for $999.00
13-Inch M3 MacBook Air
For the newer models, Amazon is taking $250 off the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air with multiple all-time low prices. You can get the 256GB 13-inch M3 MacBook Air for $849.00 in every color, down from $1,099.00. Both 512GB models are on sale as well with best-ever prices.
$250 OFF
13-inch M3 MacBook Air (256GB) for $849.00
$250 OFF
13-inch M3 MacBook Air (8GB/512GB) for $1,049.00
$250 OFF
13-inch M3 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB) for $1,249.00
15-Inch M3 MacBook Air
Finally, Amazon also has the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air for $249-$250 off every model. These start at $1,049.99 for the 256GB 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, down from $1,299.00, and again include both 512GB models. Overall, every 15-inch M3 MacBook Air deal from Amazon this week represents all-time low prices on each model, and two of them will require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final deal price at checkout.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
$249 OFF
15-inch M3 MacBook Air (256GB) for $1,049.99
$249 OFF
15-inch M3 MacBook Air (8GB/512GB) for $1,249.99
$250 OFF
15-inch M3 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB) for $1,449.00
Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Amazon Discounts Entire M2/M3 MacBook Air Lineup With Up to $250 Off and All-Time Low Prices" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/20/amazon-entire-macbook-air-discounts/
Apple Music Offering Free Three-Month Trial for a Limited Time
Apple is offering an extended three-month free Apple Music trial for new users over the summer, provided they haven't been a subscriber to the streaming service before.
Apple Music typically offers a one-month free trial for new subscribers since it was shortened from three months in 2022, so this deal is worth grabbing if you are curious about the service.
Note that this offer is for new subscribers only. If you are not currently a subscriber to Apple Music, and you have never previously subscribed to Apple Music or Apple One, or had access to Apple Music through a Family plan, you are eligible for this offer.
Engadget spotted the offer, which is running until September 23. After the trial ends, the service will automatically renew for $11 per month, so it's a good idea to set a reminder in case you don't want to continue paying for access.
Tag: Apple Music
This article, "Apple Music Offering Free Three-Month Trial for a Limited Time" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/20/apple-music-free-three-month-trial/
New iPhone 16 Thermal Design High on Buyers' Wishlist, Survey Suggests
A recent survey conducted by SellCell suggests that a significant majority of iPhone users are planning to upgrade to the upcoming iPhone 16 series, with many expressing a preference for a better thermal design to prevent overheating issues.
The survey, which polled over 2,000 US-based iPhone owners (1,000 males and 1,000 females), found that 61.9% of respondents plan to purchase an iPhone 16 model upon release.
Competitive pricing emerged as the most crucial factor, with 30.9% of respondents citing it as the primary influence on their decision to upgrade. But it was improved heat management that turned out to be another key area of interest, with 26.8% of users hoping for better thermal performance to prevent overheating issues.
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max were released last September, some customers began to experience an issue with the devices overheating. Apple eventually mitigated the problem with an iOS 17 update, but iPhone 16 models are expected to be equipped with a new thermal design to address potential overheating.
The SellCell survey also revealed significant interest in Apple Intelligence capabilities for the iPhone 16. A striking 82.1% of respondents expressed willingness to wait up to a month after release for the AI features to be fully implemented. Apple plans to release Apple Intelligence features in an iOS 18.1 update that is expected to arrive in October.
iPhone 16 Pro models will have slightly bigger displays.
However, there was a notable gender divide on the issue of display size. The majority of men (62.1%) were in favor of larger displays, while women are more evenly split, with 47.8% expressing interest in bigger screens. Some female respondents cited concerns about handling and holding larger devices comfortably.
For those who said they won't be buying the iPhone 16, most people (34.2%) cited the expense as the reason, closely followed by people who won't invest because they are keeping their existing phone (34.1%).
iPhone 16 Launch Is Less Than One Month Out – Here's Everything We Know
Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
Tag: SellCell
This article, "New iPhone 16 Thermal Design High on Buyers' Wishlist, Survey Suggests" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/20/iphone-16-pre-launch-survey-overheating/
macOS Sequoia Has New FaceTime Backgrounds Showcasing Apple Park
Apple in the second beta of macOS Sequoia 15.1 has added a set of new backgrounds for FaceTime calls that showcase features of Apple Park.
There are nine backgrounds in all, featuring iconic locations around the company's circular headquarters in Cupertino, California, which should be familiar to anyone who has watched a recent Apple event.
For example, one shows Apple Park's rainbow arch, based on the company's rainbow apple logo and erected as a tribute to its late co-founder Steve Jobs, who helped conceptualize the spaceship-like design of the main building on the campus prior to his death.
In macOS Sequoia, there are other new built-in backgrounds that can be used for FaceTime and other video calls to blur out and hide what's behind you. These include different color gradients and the ability to use photos from your photo library.
Elsewhere, FaceTime has also gained the ability to preview what you're going to share in a video call when using screen sharing. Video calling apps will now give you a small preview of what will be shared before you okay the sharing process, which is useful to double check that you're not sharing information you don't want everyone to see.
Will My Mac Run macOS Sequoia?
Apple Intelligence into a separate set of betas because these features will not be available in the initial launch version of macOS Sequoia.
Related Roundup: macOS Sequoia
Tag: FaceTime
Related Forum: macOS Sequoia
This article, "macOS Sequoia Has New FaceTime Backgrounds Showcasing Apple Park" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/20/macos-sequoia-new-facetime-backgrounds/
iPhone 16 Pro Models to Be Assembled in India for the First Time
Apple is making the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max in India for the first time this year as it looks to diversify production beyond China, according to Bloomberg.
Tear-off tab packaging for iPhone 16 Pro (Image source: Weibo)
iPhone Pro models in India for the last couple of years, and has now decided to manufacture the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models in India.
Initially, the iPhone 16 Pro models will be imported into the country, but Apple will start local assembly for both the domestic market and exports shortly after launch in mid-September, once the new product introduction (NPI) process is complete.
Training is said to be already underway for thousands of workers at Foxconn's factory in southern Tamil Nadu state as it rushes to produce the iPhone 16 Pro models as close to the global launch as possible.
iPhone 15 models ready on launch day, with locally made iPhone 15 Plus models becoming available shortly after.
Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro
Tag: India
This article, "iPhone 16 Pro Models to Be Assembled in India for the First Time" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/20/iphone-16-pro-assembled-india-first-time/
Apple's 512GB 14-Inch MacBook Pro Gets Massive $500 Discount, Priced at $1,499
Today we're tracking a new all-time low price on the 512GB M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, which has hit $1,499.00 at Best Buy and Amazon, down from $1,999.00. This beats the previous low price by $100, and is available to all Best Buy shoppers without the need of a membership.
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.
$2,099.00 ($300 off) and the 1TB M3 Max for $2,899.00 ($300 off).
$500 OFF
14-inch MacBook Pro (512GB M3 Pro) for $1,499.00
$1,999.00 at Best Buy and Amazon, down from $2,499.00.
$500 OFF
16-inch MacBook Pro (512GB M3 Pro) for $1,999.00
Apple Deals roundup.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Apple's 512GB 14-Inch MacBook Pro Gets Massive $500 Discount, Priced at $1,499" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/19/apples-14-inch-macbook-pro-discount/
Apple Re-Releases iOS 17.6.1 With Advanced Data Protection Bug Fix
Apple today released an updated version of iOS 17.6.1, with the new software coming a week and a half after the launch of the original iOS 17.6.1 update. The new version has a build number of 21G101, up from 21G93.
iOS 17.6.1 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
According to Apple's release notes, the iOS 17.6.1 update addresses an issue that could prevent the enabling or disabling of Advanced Data Protection. It is not clear what is different between the new version of the software and the original version.
This update includes important bug fixes and addresses an issue that prevents enabling or disabling Advanced Data Protection.
The Advanced Data Protection bug impacted a small number of users. Those who tried to turn Advanced Data Protection on and weren't able to get it enabled saw an error message and it was clear it wasn't active. Affected users who tried to turn it off saw it disabled in the interface, though it was actually still active for iCloud data.
iPhone users who had the bug that prevented Advanced Data Protection from properly turning off will see a notification that asks them to confirm the decision to turn the feature off after installing iOS 17.6.1. Apple says that the few users who experienced this bug had an expected level of security or more, in the situation where ADP did not turn off as expected.
Related Roundups: iOS 17, iPadOS 17
Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17
This article, "Apple Re-Releases iOS 17.6.1 With Advanced Data Protection Bug Fix" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/19/apple-re-releases-ios-17-6-1/
Apple Releases watchOS 10.6 With Apple Fitness+ Bug Fix
Apple today released watchOS 10.6.1, a minor update to the watchOS 10 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 10.6 is comes three weeks after watchOS 10.6, which was another bug fix update.
watchOS 10.6.1 can be downloaded for free through the Apple Watch app on an iPhone running iOS 17 or later by opening it up and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.
Related Roundups: watchOS 10, watchOS 11
Related Forum: Apple Watch
This article, "Apple Releases watchOS 10.6 With Apple Fitness+ Bug Fix" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/19/apple-releases-watchos-10-6/
iOS 18: Switch Out Camera and Flashlight Buttons on Lock Screen
In iOS 18, currently in beta, Apple is allowing iPhone users to replace the flashlight and camera buttons on the Lock Screen with something more useful, or to make them disappear entirely.
The dedicated flashlight and camera shortcuts you see at the bottom of your iPhone's Lock Screen were introduced in their current form with the release of iOS 11 alongside the iPhone X in 2018, and the two icons have since been a staple, non-customizable feature.
But that's all set to change this September with the launch of iOS 18. The Lock Screen buttons on your iPhone can now be replaced with any Control Center option. This includes system features like Dark Mode, Airplane Mode, Accessibility options, Calculator, and Translate, as well as Shortcuts – making the functional possibilities endless.
How to Install the Third iOS 18 Public Beta
The change in iOS 18 is part of a broader Control Center redesign, significantly expanding the quick access potential from the Lock Screen. Apple has also opened up this functionality to third-party apps, allowing their icons to be added to the Control Center and, by extension, the Lock Screen buttons.
To maintain user privacy and data security, certain options may require Face ID or Touch ID authentication before granting access from the Lock Screen. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected even with this increased accessibility.
The following steps explain how to switch up your Lock Screen buttons in iOS 18:
Press and hold on the Lock Screen after authenticating.
Tap Customize.
Tap Lock Screen.
From there, tap the "-" icon to remove apps that are assigned to those buttons. The Flashlight and Camera apps are the default, so they will need to be removed.
Next, tap the "+" button and choose a new control to add from the scrolling menu of options.
Repeat for the second Lock Screen button if desired.
Tap Done in the top-right corner to finish.
Don't forget that if you replace the camera button or remove it completely, you can still easily access the Camera app from the Lock Screen by swiping left across the screen.
This article, "iOS 18: Switch Out Camera and Flashlight Buttons on Lock Screen" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/customize-iphone-lock-screen-buttons/
Apple Pay to Support U.S. National Park Foundation This Week
Apple today announced it will donate $10 to the National Park Foundation for every purchase made in the U.S. using Apple Pay on Apple.com, in the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Store, up to a maximum of $1 million.
Apple has supported the National Park Foundation with this annual charitable initiative since 2017. This year, the program runs from today through August 25.
Apple Maps, Apple Podcasts, and other apps. In addition, on August 25, Apple Watch users can unlock a special national parks award in the Fitness app by recording a workout of 20 minutes or more with any app that adds workouts to the Health app.
Tim Cook is a national parks enthusiast, commenting "Every time I visit a national park, I'm struck by their extraordinary beauty and incredibly rich history. We're proud to partner with the National Park Foundation to help preserve these natural treasures that inspire so many people. Their important work helps ensure that future generations will be able to experience that same sense of awe, wonder, and reverence for the planet we call home."
Tag: Apple Pay
This article, "Apple Pay to Support U.S. National Park Foundation This Week" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/19/apple-pay-to-support-national-park-foundation/
First Plans for Apple's Tabletop Robot Spotted in Supply Chain
Apple's rumored tabletop robot has been spotted in its global supply chain for the first time, Taiwan's United Daily News reports.
Apple has apparently chosen Hongzhun to play a critical role in the development of the forthcoming device. Specifically, the supplier will be responsible for developing key mechanical components and casings for the tabletop robot. Once the product moves into mass production, Hongzhun will be tasked with producing the mechanical parts on a large scale. Hongzhun is a subsidiary of Foxconn, a longstanding manufacturing partner of Apple.
At its most recent shareholders' meeting, Hongzhun announced its intention to invest in emerging technologies such as robotics and AI, signaling a move away from its traditional focus on producing casings for laptops and game consoles. Hongzhun has prior experience in assembling Foxconn's own "FoxBot" robot.
by Bloomberg as a desktop device that combines an iPad-like display with a robotic arm. It is designed to serve as a central hub in Apple's smart home ecosystem, integrating with other Apple products and services like Siri, and run a variant of iPadOS. It could be introduced as soon as 2026, with an estimated price tag of approximately $1,000.
Tags: Apple Robot, Foxconn
This article, "First Plans for Apple's Tabletop Robot Spotted in Supply Chain" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/19/apple-robot-spotted-in-supply-chain/
Get the 9th Gen iPad For New Record Low Price of $199
Amazon today has a new all-time low price on Apple's 9th generation 64GB Wi-Fi iPad, available for just $199.00, down from $329.00. This sale beats the previous low price by about $30, and it's available in both colors right now on Amazon.
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.
$349.99 on Amazon, down from $479.00. This is another new record low price on the previous generation tablet. If you prefer shopping at Best Buy, you'll also find many of these deals being matched at that retailer this week.
$130 OFF
9th Gen iPad (64GB Wi-Fi) for $199.00
Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Get the 9th Gen iPad For New Record Low Price of $199" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/19/9th-gen-ipad-new-record-low/
Gurman: AirPods 4 Still Launching This Year in Two Variants
Apple still plans to refresh its entry-level and mid-tier AirPods later this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reiterated his previous reporting by saying that Apple intends to release two versions at different price points, replacing the current second-generation and third-generation models.
AirPods Pro, along with an updated fit and enhanced audio quality.
The higher-end version is expected to include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), making ANC available at a lower price point for the first time and no longer exclusive to AirPods Pro.
previous reporting.
AirPods Lineup to Get These Updates in 2024
AirPods Max. It's been almost four years since Apple introduced its premium over-ear headphones. You can learn more about everything we know about the second-generation model we're expecting – and when – in our recent AirPods rumor roundup.
Related Roundup: AirPods 3
Tag: Mark Gurman
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: AirPods
This article, "Gurman: AirPods 4 Still Launching This Year in Two Variants" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/19/gurman-airpods-4-this-year/
Bronze-Like iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Be Called 'Desert Titanium'
The new bronze-like color rumored to be replacing Blue Titanium in Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 Pro lineup may be called "Desert Titanium," according to the leaker known as "Majin Bu."
Concept render of new iPhone 16 Pro color.
Bu referenced the name on Sunday in a post on X (Twitter) in which they shared an image of camera lens rings purportedly destined for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models.
rose or rose-gold, and bronze-like. Back in February, Bu said that the "Desert Titanium" will be similar to the Gold color option offered on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, but "deeper and heavier."
Alleged camera lens rings for iPhone 16 Pro models
The iPhone 16 Pro will introduce "Desert Titanium" as a new color option, replacing the iPhone 15 Pro's "Blue Titanium". It will be available alongside White, Black, and Natural Titanium. This year's Black Titanium is expected to be darker, while Natural Titanium will have a more pronounced gray finish.
rumor suggests that Apple is using an improved process for finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.
Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro
Tag: Majin Bu
This article, "Bronze-Like iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Be Called 'Desert Titanium'" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/19/iphone-16-pro-color-desert-titanium/
Get Up to $600 Off Apple's M2 iPad Pro With New Record Low Prices
Best Buy is back this week with big discounts on the M2 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, providing up to $600 off select models. A My Best Buy Plus/Total membership is not required to see these discounts.
You'll find both Wi-Fi and cellular tablets on sale at Best Buy, with a particular focus on the larger capacity 1TB and 2TB models. All deals listed below represent record low prices on each iPad Pro model, and many of them can currently only be found at Best Buy.
UP TO $600 OFF
M2 iPad Pro at Best Buy
read about which one works best for you in our Buyer's Guide.
11-Inch iPad Pro
Wi-Fi
1TB Wi-Fi for $1,099.00 ($400 off)
2TB Wi-Fi for $1,499.00 ($400 off)
Cellular
512GB Cellular for $899.00 ($400 off)
1TB Cellular for $1,199.00 ($500 off)
2TB Cellular for $1,599.00 ($500 off)
12.9-Inch iPad Pro
Wi-Fi
1TB Wi-Fi for $1,299.00 ($500 off)
2TB Wi-Fi for $1,699.00 ($500 off)
Cellular
256GB Cellular for $999.00 ($400 off)
512GB Cellular for $1,099.00 ($500 off)
1TB Cellular for $1,399.00 ($600 off)
2TB Cellular for $1,799.00 ($600 off)
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Get Up to $600 Off Apple's M2 iPad Pro With New Record Low Prices" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
iOS 18: What's New With the Maps App
Almost all of Apple's built-in apps are getting new features in iOS 18, and that includes the Maps app. The Maps app isn't getting any fun new AI additions, but Apple does have some useful changes in store.
Hiking Trails
Apple added topographic maps to the Apple Watch last year, and now detailed topographic maps are also coming to the iPhone. The Maps app features detailed trail networks and hikes, including all 63 U.S. national parks.
You can do a search for "hikes" or "hiking routes" in the Maps app to see nearby trail options, with Apple including hike length, elevation, ratings, and other details.
Hikes can be filtered by length, route type (loop, point to point, or out and back), and elevation, and can be saved for offline access.
You can zoom into hiking areas to see specific trails, or search for trails. If you tap on a trail, Apple has information that includes length, highest point, lowest point, and distance. You can also see a full overview of the trail's path and get lengths for each section.
Trails and hikes are separate entities in the Maps app. A search for hikes essentially brings you to the general area where specific trails are located, and you can zoom in with the Maps app to find the trail you want to take.
Custom Routes
Apple Maps supports custom routes in iOS 18, so you can plan out a specific hiking route that you want to take. At a trailhead, you can tap on the "Create a Custom Route" option to initiate the custom routing experience.
From there, you tap on the map to begin setting points for your route, and the Maps app will provide length and elevation details. You can also have the Maps app finish a route automatically by tapping on the Reverse, Out and Back, or Close Loop options.
For hikes and trails, the Maps app will not let you create an unsafe route that does not stick to existing trails, so it's difficult to make a dangerous map out into the middle of nowhere.
Route creation is not limited to hikes and trails. You can add a pinned spot to a map, tap on the "More" option and choose Create Custom Route.
Search Here
Apple made it easier to search in locations you might be thinking of visiting or those you want to explore by adding a "Search here" button. If you look up a place, such as San Diego, and then tap on search, it'll search in the area that's on your screen rather at your physical location.
If you search for something and then pan around the map, the search will update reliably in the new location. When you zoom in, you'll see a dedicated "Search here" button that gives you more control over where you want to search.
Saving Favorites
If you find a favorite hike, trail, or custom route, you can save it to your Library to save it for later. To do so, find the relevant hike and then tap on the "Add to Library" button.
You can rename hikes and add specific information that you might want to revisit later, as well as download the route for offline usage.
Tapping on the "+" button when viewing any location on the map, including a hike, will also add that location to the library.
Favorites are stored in the Maps app and can be accessed by tapping on your profile picture and choosing the Library section.
Library
All saved content from the Maps app including locations, routes, guides, and pins are stored in the new Library section of the Maps app rather than in separate sections as in iOS 17.
The Library also shows all of your Recently Added content.
Notes
You can tap on any place in the Maps app and select the Add a Note option from the menu. From there, you can make a note about what you want to remember about a location.
Notes are private and are kept on-device. They are only visible to the note creator.
Read More
Additional information on new features that Apple has added in iOS 18 can be found in our iOS 18 roundup.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
This article, "iOS 18: What's New With the Maps App" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple is Opening Up the iPhone's NFC Chip: What You Need to Know
With the launch of iOS 18.1 this fall, Apple will allow third-party developers to support NFC contactless transactions for payments and more. Right now, the NFC chip is locked down, and it's primarily only used for Apple Pay, but a number of new capabilities will be coming when Apple expands access to NFC.
NFC Capabilities in Third-Party Apps
With NFC access, banks will be able to offer direct contactless payment options that serve as an alternative to Apple Pay, but it app developers will be able to do more, too. Some ways Apple says NFC can be used:
Contactless payments in stores
Car keys
Closed-loop transit cards
Corporate badges
Student IDs
Government IDs (coming in the future)
Home keys
Hotel keys
Merchant loyalty and reward cards
Event tickets
Security Protections
Apple is creating several new APIs that will power the contactless transactions. The APIs will use the Secure Enclave in the iPhone, with sensitive information stored directly on device.
Developers will have to request access to the NFC and Secure Enclave entitlement, sign a commercial agreement with Apple, and pay associated fees. Apple plans to make sure that only authorized developers who meet regulatory and industry requirements and commit to Apple's security and privacy standards can get access to the APIs.
Default Contactless App Options
Once these features go live, iPhone users can open up the app and then hold the iPhone near an NFC terminal to make a payment. So if you want to pay at a store using your bank's NFC payment service, you'd open your bank app and then double-click the side button on the iPhone to initiate a transaction.
Third-party apps will also be able to be set as default contactless apps in the iPhone's Settings app.
Face ID or Touch ID.
Apple Pay and Apple Wallet
The NFC APIs are separate from Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, which is why you will need to open up a third-party app to use its NFC capabilities.
Available Countries
Apple's NFC and Secure Enclave APIs are coming to developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States.
Support will come to additional locations in the future.
already opened up the NFC chip in the European Economic Area.
iOS 18.1 Launch Date
The new APIs will launch in iOS 18.1, which is an update that Apple is testing at the current time. iOS 18.1 will likely be released a few weeks after iOS 18, and we are expecting to see it sometime in October.
Tag: NFC
This article, "Apple is Opening Up the iPhone's NFC Chip: What You Need to Know" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums