Apple Promotes Final Cut Pro for Mac and iPad in New Ad
Apple today new ads focusing on Final Cut Pro 10.8, the latest version of the Apple-designed app for professional video editing. The first ad highlights Final Cut Pro for the Mac, while the second covers Final Cut Pro for iPad.
Both videos walk through the different features that are available in Final Cut Pro on the Mac and the iPad. The Mac video walks through different tools for adding effects and organizing footage, while the iPad ad shows off the touch-based gestures and Apple Pencil integration.
came out in June, Apple added Enhance Light and Color, an feature that improves color, color balance, contrast, and brightness in one step. Slo-Mo, another AI feature, blends the frames of video intelligently to provide higher-quality movement.
Apple also introduced Final Cut Camera, an app that can capture video from multiple iOS devices and feed it into Final Cut Pro for a multicam experience.
Tags: Apple Ads, Final Cut Pro
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Apple Studio Display Available for Record Low Price of $1,299.99 on Amazon
Amazon today has the Apple Studio Display for $1,299.99, down from $1,599.00, which is a match of the all-time low price on the monitor. This is the standard glass version of the Studio Display with the tilt adjustable stand, and Amazon also has a few other models on sale as well.
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$1,299.99, down from $1,599.00, but there isn't currently a sale on the tilt- and height-adjustable stand model. In regards to the VESA model, this is a match of the all-time low price on the display.
$299 OFF
Standard Glass Apple Studio Display for $1,299.99
$1,599.00, down from $1,899.00, which is a second-best price on the Studio Display with nano-texture glass.
The Studio Display features a 27-inch 5K retina display with a 5120 x 2880 resolution and up to 600 nits of brightness. Apple says that the standard display is engineered for "extremely low reflectivity," but for rooms where there is a lot of glare, Apple suggests the nano-texture glass option with even less reflectivity.
Apple Deals roundup.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Kuo: Folding All-Screen MacBook Delayed Until Late 2027 At the Earliest
Apple's rumored foldable MacBook won't arrive until the end of 2027 or 2028 at the earliest because of technical challenges, according to the latest prediction by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Concept by Astropad
Previous reports from display industry analyst Ross Young, Haitong analyst Jeff Pu, Korean website The Elec, and Kuo himself suggested that Apple is developing an all-display foldable laptop that will feature a 20.2-inch or an 18.8-inch screen.
When folded, the laptop was rumored to be a full-size on-screen keyboard that seamlessly integrates the typing experience into the display itself. When unfolded, the device was said to function as a standard monitor. Paired with an external keyboard, it would essentially transform into a large-screen desktop setup.
latest post on X (Twitter) claims that Apple has canceled the 20-inch design and has now settled on a display size of 18.8 inches.
iPad in 2025," said Kuo in his latest post. "But the current supply chain survey indicates that the foldable iPad has no visibility. This may also be because some call this foldable MacBook a foldable iPad."
foldable iPad and MacBook. Obviously the MacBook is already foldable, but Apple has reportedly been exploring an all-display MacBook form factor that has no standard keyboard.
Display analyst Ross Young said in July 2022 that Apple could bring some kind of foldable laptop to market in 2026 or 2027, and it remains unclear if such a device would be classified as a Mac, an iPad, or something in between.
May report, Haitong analyst Jeff Pu said Apple's first foldable devices would reach mass production in 2025 and 2026, following increasing evidence of foldable devices in Apple's supply chain. At the time, the analyst said Apple would likely release a large-screen foldable iPad or MacBook in that timeframe before launching a higher-volume foldable iPhone in late 2026.
second quarter of 2026 due to "display durability issues," reflecting Apple's intention to perfect a foldable design. It seems Apple is still in the prototyping stage of a foldable device. Would you be interested in such a product? Let us know in the comments.
Tags: Foldable MacBook, Ming-Chi Kuo
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Apple Card Turns 5, Still U.S. Only
Yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of the Apple Card, which saw an official release on August 20, 2019. The Apple Card is Apple's first and only Apple-branded credit card, made available in partnership with Goldman Sachs.
At launch, the Apple Card was only available in the United States, and today, five years later, it is still limited to the United States and has not expanded to additional countries. Just a month after the Apple Card's debut, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Apple was interested in expanding the Apple Card to multiple countries, but that it would take time due to various regulations around the world.
upcoming decoupling from Goldman Sachs.
Apple is planning to end its partnership with Goldman Sachs in 2025, and it will need to find a new Apple Card provider in the United States. Apple and Goldman Sachs ran into trouble with customer service issues for disputed Apple Card transactions, as well as complaints with wait times for Apple Savings account withdrawals.
being investigated by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau because of customer complaints, which led to a souring of the bank's relationship with Apple. Goldman Sachs now plans to get out of consumer banking entirely.
The Apple Card is a no-fee credit card with no annual fees, no international fees, no fees for making a late payment, and no fees for exceeding a credit limit. There aren't consumer protections like one might get with an American Express card, but there is deep integration with the Wallet app for tracking spending.
Apple Pay purchases, and 3 percent for Apple Pay purchases from the Apple Store. Daily Cash is sent to customers each day, hence the name.
Tag: Apple Card
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Google's Pixel AI Image Creation and Editing Tools Are Kind of Terrifying
Google last week introduced the Pixel 9 smartphone lineup, with a selection of new devices that are focused on AI. All of the Pixel 9 phones support Gemini AI, and Google has also added AI-based image generation and editing tools. Reviewers have been testing the new smartphone features, and the AI image generation is probably going to turn into a PR nightmare for Google based on what's come out so far.
Google introduced an AI image generation app for the Pixel phones, called Pixel Studio. It's designed to create stickers and images using text-based prompts, and it looks and sounds a lot like Apple's planned Image Playground. So far, reviewers have been able to create all manner of questionable images with Pixel Studio, ranging from a Nazi version of Spongebob to Elmo with an AK47.
Image via Digital Trends
Digital Trends had no trouble getting Pixel Studio to make images of beloved cartoon characters doing questionable activities. Guns, drugs, and alcohol were not off-limits, nor were offensive situations like school shootings. Pixel Studio did not generate these kinds of images unless asked, but that's most likely what people will immediately do with the feature rather than generating images of cute cats and bunnies.
Digital Trends was no longer able to get Pixel Studio to create cartoon characters using cocaine or dressed as German soldiers.
The Verge used it to add corpses, bombs, drugs, and disasters to images, and objects included in photos look so realistic that it's difficult to tell when an image has been edited. Google is able to do a pretty good job matching lighting and perspective to the original photo, and there are no watermarks or flags on social media. Google does add a metadata tag, but that's easy enough to eliminate with a screenshot.
Android Authority shared a post with Oreo pizza, a giraffe surfing, and kittens playing basketball, for example. As The Verge points out, you could always add a body to an image or create a picture of Elmo with a gun, but it would take some Photoshop skill and time to do so. With the Pixel phones, it takes just a thought and a few seconds to create that kind of image, and it's right there on the smartphone for anyone to use.
The Verge and Digital Trends, Google said that it designed its generative AI tools to "respect the intent of user prompts" which can lead to the creation of content "that may offend" when the user asks for it. But Google claims that there are "Terms of Service" on what content is not allowed, and that safeguards will be continually refined.
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App Store VP Departs As Apple Prepares for Organizational Changes
App Store vice president Matt Fischer is set to leave the company as Apple prepares for an App Store reorganization to deal with regulatory changes, reports Bloomberg.
Apple plans to split its App Store group into two teams, one that handles the App Store and a second team that oversees alternative app distribution. As of earlier this year, Apple has supported iOS app downloads from alternative app stores and from websites in the European Union, a change that the company had to make to comply with the Digital Markets Act.
Phil Schiller is changing the App Store's hierarchy.
Fischer joined Apple in 2003 to oversee iTunes marketing, but he has served as the vice president of the App Store since 2010. In an email to Apple employees today, Fischer said that he had been thinking about leaving Apple for some time, and the reorganization provided the right opportunity.
Tag: App Store
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PSA: There's New Character Bug That Can Cause iPhones to Crash
There is a new character bug that can result in a respring on the iPhone or iPad, reports TechCrunch. Typing "":: in the search field after swiping over to the App Library will cause the Springboard to reset, dropping you back at the iPhone's Lock Screen. A respring is not a full reset, and it only takes a few seconds for the iPhone to be functional again.
Typing the same characters into the Settings app search interface will cause the Settings app to crash, but putting it in a Spotlight search doesn't seem to impact anything. The respring seemed to only happen on devices running iOS 17 when we tested, but putting those characters into a search interface on a device running iOS 18 does result in some odd behavior, such as the characters disappearing and the Settings app crashing.
You can actually type in just "": and any other character to cause the respring to happen, so it's something related to the first three symbols in a four character sequence.
Character bugs have in the past spread though Messages and have allowed users to crash the iPhones of others, but this is a much more insignificant issue because the iPhone owner needs to manually type (or paste) the characters into a search interface. There does not appear to be a way to affect an iPhone through Messages or another texting platform.
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iPhone 15 Pro Max: One Year Review
It's been almost a year since the iPhone 15 models were released, so MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera decided to do a one-year check-in review on the iPhone 15 Pro Max to see how it's performed over the last 12 months.
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Unsurprisingly, Dan has seen some iPhone battery degradation, and it's dropped to 89 percent. That's with regular CarPlay usage, running betas, and standard day-to-day use. Even at 89 percent, the battery can still last for a full day without needing a charge.
As for the titanium chassis, it's held up well. There are a few nicks due to minor drops, but the display has seen a lot more damage with several scratches, some of which are deep.
The transition to USB-C has been a little tough just because there are still people with Lightning iPhones. If someone wants to borrow your charger, you may not have the right cable if you've switched to USB-C and they're still on Lightning.
iOS 18, and it's going to get a lot more useful in the future. You can set Control Center controls to the Action Button, and developers can make new controls for apps that you can use.
There's not too much to say about the triple-lens camera setup, which is great. The 5x zoom lens is excellent for taking portrait pictures of people, and it's been a solid improvement. Otherwise, the cameras are fantastic with a lot of focal length versatility thanks to the new zoom option.
iPhone 16 models. The A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro is incredibly fast and there's no way most people are even reaching the limits of its capabilities at this time, and Apple isn't adding too much more than an extra Capture Button and a slightly larger display in 2024. You can already use Apple Intelligence if you have an iPhone 15 Pro model, so there's not a lot to get out of a year-over-year upgrade.
iPhone 14 or earlier.
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Nomad Launches Stand One Max Qi2 Charging Hub for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods
Nomad today introduced its latest multi-device charger, debuting a new version of the Stand One Max with Qi2 support. Rather than continuing to use MagSafe, Nomad is transitioning to Qi2, the latest Qi charging standard that is able to charge iPhones at MagSafe speeds.
The Stand One Max can charge an iPhone at up to 15W, and we were able to test the charger out ahead of launch. An iPhone 15 Pro Max charged from 0 to 39 percent in an hour, which is essentially identical to MagSafe charging speeds.
The Stand One Max features an upright charging base for the iPhone with a small charging arm for the Apple Watch and a Qi-based platform for charging the AirPods. It's a compact design that takes up little room on a desk, and as with all Nomad products, it is well-made. Nomad had a prior version of the Stand One Max, but the new version moves the Apple Watch charger lower to allow for compatibility with the iPhone's StandBy mode.
The Stand One Max is crafted from solid metal and it has a shiny glass cover panel. It can be purchased in silver or carbide colors, and the close to 2 pound weight adds stability, as does the rubber bottom. An iPhone can be positioned on the magnetic base in portrait or landscape mode, so StandBy is supported. The angle of the charging base cannot be adjusted, but it is tilted back slightly for a comfortable viewing position on a desktop or nightstand.
In addition to charging a MagSafe-compatible iPhone at up to 15W, the Stand One Max has an Apple Watch fast charger so that it can charge the Series 7 or later at the fastest possible speed. The position of the Apple Watch charger allows for Night Stand mode to be used, which also wasn't possible with the prior iteration. The AirPods charger charges at 5W, and there is a small indentation to guide positioning.
The relocated position of the Apple Watch charger is convenient because it no longer prevents the iPhone from charging in landscape mode, and there is no loss of functionality. The AirPods charger is pushed back behind the Apple Watch charger, and the overall footprint is about the same. It is a better design than the prior Stand One Max, and it is less expensive with the transition to Qi2.
purchased from the Nomad website as of today.
Base One Max chargers this week, discounting them by 30 percent with the promo code BM130. The Base One Max has a flat charging base so it can charge non-MagSafe smartphones.
Tag: Nomad
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Amazon's New Accessory Sale Includes Deals on AirTag, Eufy SmartTrack, and Jackery Power Stations
Today we're tracking a big collection of discounts on Bluetooth trackers and portable power stations, including Apple's own AirTag, Anker's more affordable brand of Eufy SmartTrack accessories, and power stations from Jackery. All of these deals can be found on Amazon.
AirTag
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.
$24.99 and the 4 Pack of trackers for $79.99 on Amazon, down from $99.00. These are both solid second-best prices on the AirTag.
$4 OFF
AirTag 1 Pack for $24.99
$19 OFF
AirTag 4 Pack for $79.99
Eufy
$15.99 for one tracker and raise to $48.99 for a 4 Pack.
$4 OFF
SmartTrack Link 1 Pack for $15.99
$6 OFF
SmartTrack Link 2 Pack for $29.88
$21 OFF
SmartTrack Link 4 Pack for $48.99 (Prime members only)
$19.99, down from $29.99. Most of Eufy's trackers can be delivered between August 22 and August 27, and none of these deals require a coupon code in order to see the final sale prices.
$10 OFF
SmartTrack Card for $19.99
Jackery
Finally, Jackery has a large collection of discounts on its best portable power stations on Amazon this week, starting at $199.99 for the Explorer 100 Plus Power Station, down from $229.00. Most of these deals require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final deal price at checkout.
Explorer 100 Plus Power Station with Solar Panel - $199.99 with on-page coupon, down from $229.00
Solar Generator 240 with Mini Solar Panel - $269.00 with on-page coupon, down from $349.00
Explorer 1000 Power Station (version 2) - $629.00 with on-page coupon, down from $799.00
Explorer 2000 Pro Power Station - $1,499.00 with on-page coupon, down from $1,899.00
Explorer 3000 Pro Power Station - $2,499.00, down from $2,799.00
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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Amazon's New Accessory Sale Includes Deals on AirTag, Eufy SmartTrack, and Jackery Power Stations
Today we're tracking a big collection of discounts on Bluetooth trackers and portable power stations, including Apple's own AirTag, Anker's more affordable brand of Eufy SmartTrack accessories, and power stations from Jackery. All of these deals can be found on Amazon.
AirTag
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.
$24.99 and the 4 Pack of trackers for $79.99 on Amazon, down from $99.00. These are both solid second-best prices on the AirTag.
$4 OFF
AirTag 1 Pack for $24.99
$19 OFF
AirTag 4 Pack for $79.99
Eufy
$15.99 for one tracker and raise to $48.99 for a 4 Pack.
$4 OFF
SmartTrack Link 1 Pack for $15.99
$6 OFF
SmartTrack Link 2 Pack for $29.88
$21 OFF
SmartTrack Link 4 Pack for $48.99 (Prime members only)
$19.99, down from $29.99. Most of Eufy's trackers can be delivered between August 22 and August 27, and none of these deals require a coupon code in order to see the final sale prices.
$10 OFF
SmartTrack Card for $19.99
Jackery
Finally, Jackery has a large collection of discounts on its best portable power stations on Amazon this week, starting at $199.99 for the Explorer 100 Plus Power Station, down from $229.00. Most of these deals require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final deal price at checkout.
Explorer 100 Plus Power Station with Solar Panel - $199.99 with on-page coupon, down from $229.00
Solar Generator 240 with Mini Solar Panel - $269.00 with on-page coupon, down from $349.00
Explorer 1000 Power Station (version 2) - $629.00 with on-page coupon, down from $799.00
Explorer 2000 Pro Power Station - $1,499.00 with on-page coupon, down from $1,899.00
Explorer 3000 Pro Power Station - $2,499.00, down from $2,799.00
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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Amazon's New Accessory Sale Includes Deals on AirTag, Eufy SmartTrack, and Jackery Power Stations
Today we're tracking a big collection of discounts on Bluetooth trackers and portable power stations, including Apple's own AirTag, Anker's more affordable brand of Eufy SmartTrack accessories, and power stations from Jackery. All of these deals can be found on Amazon.
AirTag
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.
$24.99 and the 4 Pack of trackers for $79.99 on Amazon, down from $99.00. These are both solid second-best prices on the AirTag.
$4 OFF
AirTag 1 Pack for $24.99
$19 OFF
AirTag 4 Pack for $79.99
Eufy
$15.99 for one tracker and raise to $48.99 for a 4 Pack.
$4 OFF
SmartTrack Link 1 Pack for $15.99
$6 OFF
SmartTrack Link 2 Pack for $29.88
$21 OFF
SmartTrack Link 4 Pack for $48.99 (Prime members only)
$19.99, down from $29.99. Most of Eufy's trackers can be delivered between August 22 and August 27, and none of these deals require a coupon code in order to see the final sale prices.
$10 OFF
SmartTrack Card for $19.99
Jackery
Finally, Jackery has a large collection of discounts on its best portable power stations on Amazon this week, starting at $199.99 for the Explorer 100 Plus Power Station, down from $229.00. Most of these deals require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final deal price at checkout.
Explorer 100 Plus Power Station with Solar Panel - $199.99 with on-page coupon, down from $229.00
Solar Generator 240 with Mini Solar Panel - $269.00 with on-page coupon, down from $349.00
Explorer 1000 Power Station (version 2) - $629.00 with on-page coupon, down from $799.00
Explorer 2000 Pro Power Station - $1,499.00 with on-page coupon, down from $1,899.00
Explorer 3000 Pro Power Station - $2,499.00, down from $2,799.00
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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Report: iCloud Is the Most Popular Apple Subscription Service in the US
Paid iCloud storage overwhelmingly remains the most popular Apple service in the United States, according to a new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).
Nearly two-thirds of Apple customers in the United States opt for paid iCloud storage, surpassing other services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, and AppleCare in terms of user adoption. In comparison, Apple Music and Apple TV+ have achieved moderate penetration rates among Apple customers, with 42% and 32% adoption, respectively. AppleCare, the company's extended warranty service, sees even lower adoption, with only 17% of iPhone buyers opting for the additional coverage.
These other services, while significant contributors to Apple's Services revenue, operate in highly competitive markets, unlike the cloud storage market where no service is able to offer such a deeply integrated experience with Apple devices as iCloud. Many users opt for just one music service and multiple video subscriptions, which limits the growth potential for Apple's subscription offerings. As Apple's hardware sales growth slows, the company has increasingly turned to its services segment as a source of revenue.
Apple One, which offers three tiers: the Individual plan at $16.95 per month includes 50GB of iCloud storage, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade; the Family plan at $22.95 per month includes 200GB of iCloud storage and extends those services to up to six family members; and the Premier plan at $32.95 per month includes 2TB of iCloud storage and adds Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+.
Tags: CIRP, iCloud
Related Forum: Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+
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Apple's September Event: New Products to Expect Beyond the iPhone 16
Apple will hold its annual iPhone event next month, with some signs pointing to September 10 as the date that the company will announce its new flagship iPhone 16 lineup. But it's worth noting that there are a few more products expected to be unveiled as well.
Keep reading to learn everything we know about what else Apple is expected to announce at the event beyond the iPhone 16.
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple is expected to release a thinner version of the Apple Watch in 2024, but it likely won't look significantly different from current models, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Larger display sizes are anticipated, and Apple plans to continue offering two models.
The larger of the two standard Apple Watch casing sizes, the 45mm model, is expected to become the smallest option, while an all-new 49mm casing size, matching the current Apple Watch Ultra, is expected to be introduced as the new larger option.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also predicts that the 2024 Apple Watch Series 10 will feature a slimmer design with larger screens. Kuo expects the Series 10 to come in 45mm and 49mm sizes, an increase from the current 41mm and 45mm options.
The next-generation Apple Watch is expected to use resin-coated copper, which will allow for a thinner logic board and enhance durability and water resistance. A thinner logic board would create additional internal space for other components.
Previously, Mark Gurman mentioned that Apple was considering a magnetic band attachment system that could free up more space inside the Apple Watch, but his latest reports do not mention this feature. If implemented, the magnetic band system might make existing bands incompatible with new models.
indicates these may not be ready for launch. Apple is reportedly facing reliability issues with the hypertension feature, which could cause delays, and the sleep apnea detection relies on blood oxygen monitoring, a feature Apple has temporarily removed from the Apple Watch due to patent concerns.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
When Apple Watch Ultra 2 debuted last year, key new features included a 50% brighter display, a faster S9 chip, a "Double Tap" gesture for interacting with the watch without touching the screen, on-device Siri, and increased internal storage. This year's iteration could be much more modest, though.
postponed indefinitely.
roughly the same look as the original,." He has previously suggested a totally redesigned "Apple Watch X" with a thinner case and magnetic bands is coming, but this is likely to be a different model to the Ultra, and he said it would be released "in 2024 or 2025."
According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to have "almost no" new hardware upgrades compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. His phrasing would seem to suggest that the rumored blood pressure and sleep apnea detection features will be machine learning / software-based, relying on existing sensors. However, Mark Gurman says the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature a new processor that succeeds last year's S9 chip, and that this could "lay the groundwork for some AI enhancements down the road."
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 was expected to include improved health tracking capabilities such as blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection, aligning with the rumored features of the Apple Watch Series 10, but those features could be further out, as mentioned above.
low-energy OLED panel technology in new Apple Watch models to further reduce the power consumption of its always-on display. If that's the case, it's unlikely that Apple would use the technology in its latest Series model without also bringing it to its latest Apple Watch Ultra model.
Apple Watch SE 3
Apple's third-generation Apple Watch SE may feature significant changes according to recent reports. Research analyst David Hsieh suggests the new model will have a larger display, matching the Apple Watch Series 8 with 41mm and 45mm case sizes. This represents an increase from the current 40mm and 44mm options, potentially offering about 12% more screen area.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is likely to use rigid plastic instead of aluminum for the watch's body. This material change could lower production costs and appeal to parents buying for children. These updates indicate Apple's strategy to create a more accessible smartwatch option, balancing modern features with affordability and durability.
AirPods 4 (Possibly)
The fourth-generation AirPods are anticipated to launch in either September or October, with Apple planning to offer two versions at different price points, so there's a decent chance we could see them next month during Apple's iPhone 16 event. Both models will sport a redesigned look, featuring a USB-C port instead of the Lightning port, shorter stems similar to the AirPods Pro, an improved fit, and enhanced audio quality.
The higher-end version is expected to include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), introducing ANC at a more affordable price point for the first time. This version is also likely to feature a speaker in the charging case for Find My location tracking. While it will be less expensive than the AirPods Pro ($249), it won’t include features like silicone ear tips.
The next-generation AirPods are expected to inherit the H2 chip from the second-generation AirPods Pro. Currently, the second- and third-generation AirPods use the H1 chip. The H2 chip brings Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, which offers faster and more reliable connections with Bluetooth accessories, as well as improved power efficiency that can lead to longer battery life.
Apple claims that the H2 chip delivers an "exceptional acoustic experience" when paired with a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier in the AirPods Pro. This combination results in richer bass and clearer sound across a wider range of frequencies, thanks to computational audio enhancements enabled by the H2 chip. It's highly likely that similar improvements will be featured in the fourth-generation AirPods.
AirPods Max 2 (Possibly)
Apple could release second-generation AirPods Max at its September event, but like AirPods 4, these could appear later in October, with rumors only pointing to a "late 2024" release. The AirPods Max are currently the oldest model in Apple's AirPods lineup, having been released in December 2020. Over three years later, rumors have started to surface about a new-generation model expected to arrive later this year.
One significant change will be the replacement of the Lightning port with a USB-C port, aligning with European regulations and creating uniformity across Apple's AirPods lineup. As a result, the AirPods Max 2 will include a USB-C to USB-C charging cable instead of the previous Lightning to USB-C cable. Additionally, Apple will need to offer a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable so users can connect the AirPods Max 2 to devices with 3.5mm audio ports.
The Bluetooth 5.3 specification, already present in the AirPods Pro 2, iPhone 15 lineup, and the latest Apple Watch models, is almost certain to be included in the second-generation AirPods Max.
Apple is expected to release the new AirPods Max in fresh colors, though the exact shades are unknown. Currently, they are available in Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, and Pink, with interchangeable ear cushions for custom color combinations.
Although there are no specific rumors about the H2 chip in AirPods Max 2, it seems likely they will include it. The H2 chip, designed for Apple’s earbuds and headphones, enhances audio quality, improves battery life, and supports features like Personalized Volume and Conversation Awareness.
New iPhone Cases and Apple Watch Bands
As is typical of September Apple events, it's likely that new iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands will be released in a variety of fresh colors. The new cases and bands sometimes become available to order on Apple's online store just minutes after the event ends.
Notably, this year the larger of the two standard Apple Watch casing sizes in the Apple Watch Series models, the 45mm size, is expected to become the smallest option. An all-new 49mm casing size, matching the current Apple Watch Ultra, is expected to be introduced as the new larger option. Given that the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra is compatible with bands designed for the 45mm Apple Watch Series models, it is possible that Apple Watch bands could be compatible across both Series 10 models and the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time.
New Software for Apple Products
iOS 18 for the iPhone, iPadOS 18 for iPad, watchOS 11 for the Apple Watch, and tvOS 18 for the Apple TV are all expected to be released in September following several months of beta testing, and Apple will likely provide release dates for these software updates. Sometimes the updates are released within days of the event.
For all the details on the new software features you can expect, check out our dedicated roundups for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18.
This article, "Apple's September Event: New Products to Expect Beyond the iPhone 16" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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The iPhone 16 Is Getting an Action Button: Here's Everything It Will Do
Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models are widely expected to inherit the Action button first seen on last year's iPhone 15 Pro models. The Action button replaces the traditional Ring/Silent switch – a staple of the iPhone since it launched in 2007. For users unfamiliar with the Action button, here's a rundown of its functions – including some new features that iOS 18 will bring to the table for all iPhone models with an Action button.
The Action button replaces the single-function switch used to toggle between ring and silent, offering additional options so users can choose between quickly accessing the camera or flashlight, activate Voice Memos, Focus modes, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier. Users can also associate it with Shortcuts for more options.
iPhone 15 Pro: How to Customize the Action Button
iPhone 15 Pro: How to Assign Two Functions to the Action Button
A press-and-hold gesture with fine-tuned haptic feedback and visual cues in the Dynamic Island ensure the new Action button launches the intended action, which users can customize in Settings and assign to different actions.
Existing Action Button Functions
Here's what the Action button can be programmed to do:
Accessibility: Access to various accessibility settings, such as VoiceOver, Zoom, AssistiveTouch, Live Speech, and more.
Shortcuts: Open your favorite app, or run a shortcut created in or downloaded from the Shortcuts app, such as sending a message, playing a playlist, or controlling smart home devices.
Silent Mode: Like the Ring/Silent switch on existing iPhone models, toggle silent mode on or off, which will mute or unmute the ringer and alerts.
Camera: Take a photo, selfie, video, portrait, or portrait selfie with a single press of the Action button.
Flashlight: Turn on or off the flashlight on the back of the device.
Focus: Activate or deactivate a Focus mode.
Magnifier: Activate the Magnifier app to use the iPhone's camera as a magnifying glass to zoom in on small text or objects.
Translate: Launch the Translate app and start a conversation or text translation with a single press of the Action button.
Voice Memos: Start or stop recording a voice memo with the Voice Memos app.
New Action Button Functions Coming in iOS 18
iOS 18 allows the Action button to be assigned to one of the dozens of controls available in the new Control Center gallery, allowing the Action button to invoke Dark Mode, Airplane Mode, Personal Hotspot, and more.
Available Control Center actions in iOS 18 will include:
Calculator
Stopwatch
Alarm
Home
Timer
Dark Mode
Scan Code
Airplane Mode
Cellular Data
Personal Hotspot
Dark Mode
Quick Note
Remote
Wallet
Tap to Cash
Ping My Watch
These new options are in addition to the actions that were already available for the Action button on iOS 17, including Ring/Silent, Do Not Disturb, Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Magnifier, Translate, Shortcut, and Accessibility. Some of the new Control Center options were already possible with the Shortcut or Accessibility options.
dedicated article on the subject to learn more about what it will do. Apple is expected to announce the new iPhone 16 lineup next month.
Related Roundup: iPhone 16
Tag: Action Button
This article, "The iPhone 16 Is Getting an Action Button: Here's Everything It Will Do" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/21/iphone-16-everything-new-action-button-will-do/
The iPhone 16 Is Getting an Action Button: Here's Everything It Will Do
Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models are widely expected to inherit the Action button first seen on last year's iPhone 15 Pro models. The Action button replaces the traditional Ring/Silent switch – a staple of the iPhone since it launched in 2007. For users unfamiliar with the Action button, here's a rundown of its functions – including some new features that iOS 18 will bring to the table for all iPhone models with an Action button.
The Action button replaces the single-function switch used to toggle between ring and silent, offering additional options so users can choose between quickly accessing the camera or flashlight, activate Voice Memos, Focus modes, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier. Users can also associate it with Shortcuts for more options.
iPhone 15 Pro: How to Customize the Action Button
iPhone 15 Pro: How to Assign Two Functions to the Action Button
A press-and-hold gesture with fine-tuned haptic feedback and visual cues in the Dynamic Island ensure the new Action button launches the intended action, which users can customize in Settings and assign to different actions.
Existing Action Button Functions
Here's what the Action button can be programmed to do:
Accessibility: Access to various accessibility settings, such as VoiceOver, Zoom, AssistiveTouch, Live Speech, and more.
Shortcuts: Open your favorite app, or run a shortcut created in or downloaded from the Shortcuts app, such as sending a message, playing a playlist, or controlling smart home devices.
Silent Mode: Like the Ring/Silent switch on existing iPhone models, toggle silent mode on or off, which will mute or unmute the ringer and alerts.
Camera: Take a photo, selfie, video, portrait, or portrait selfie with a single press of the Action button.
Flashlight: Turn on or off the flashlight on the back of the device.
Focus: Activate or deactivate a Focus mode.
Magnifier: Activate the Magnifier app to use the iPhone's camera as a magnifying glass to zoom in on small text or objects.
Translate: Launch the Translate app and start a conversation or text translation with a single press of the Action button.
Voice Memos: Start or stop recording a voice memo with the Voice Memos app.
New Action Button Functions Coming in iOS 18
iOS 18 allows the Action button to be assigned to one of the dozens of controls available in the new Control Center gallery, allowing the Action button to invoke Dark Mode, Airplane Mode, Personal Hotspot, and more.
Available Control Center actions in iOS 18 will include:
Calculator
Stopwatch
Alarm
Home
Timer
Dark Mode
Scan Code
Airplane Mode
Cellular Data
Personal Hotspot
Dark Mode
Quick Note
Remote
Wallet
Tap to Cash
Ping My Watch
These new options are in addition to the actions that were already available for the Action button on iOS 17, including Ring/Silent, Do Not Disturb, Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Magnifier, Translate, Shortcut, and Accessibility. Some of the new Control Center options were already possible with the Shortcut or Accessibility options.
dedicated article on the subject to learn more about what it will do. Apple is expected to announce the new iPhone 16 lineup next month.
Related Roundup: iPhone 16
Tag: Action Button
This article, "The iPhone 16 Is Getting an Action Button: Here's Everything It Will Do" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/21/iphone-16-everything-new-action-button-will-do/
UK Antitrust Watchdog Closes Apple App Store Investigation, Case to Be Reconsidered Under New Digital Rules Regime
The UK's Competition and Market Authority (CMA) today announced it had closed an investigation into Apple's App Store policies, as it expects to consider the concerns under a new digital markets competition regime which is expected to come into force later this year.
Originally initiated in March 2021, the CMA's investigation set out to determine whether or not Apple has a dominant position in connection with the distribution of apps on Apple devices in the UK – and, if so, whether Apple imposes unfair or anti-competitive terms on developers using the App Store, such as by charging a 30% commission on transactions.
The watchdog opened a similar probe into Google, which it believed breached UK competition law by making app developers use its own billing system for in-app purchases. The CMA now says it has closed the Competition Act cases into Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store on the grounds of administrative priorities and has not taken any decisions as to whether the Competition Act 1998 has been infringed.
Despite both investigations being closed, the competition regulator says it may use new powers given to it via the UK's new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act to address its concerns "more holistically" with a view to boosting competition in the app market. From the CMA's press release:
In light of recent developments, in particular the passing in May of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA), the CMA has assessed its existing Competition Act investigation into Google's Play Store and its parallel case into Apple's App Store rules against its administrative priorities and decided to close these cases at this point. Should Apple or Google each or both be designated as having 'strategic market status' in connection with any digital activities in the mobile sector, the CMA will be able to use its new powers to consider the range of issues raised by parties more holistically than it otherwise could under these specific Competition Act investigations. This will also enable the CMA to consider what, if any, interventions may be needed following any designation.
Published in January 2024, the new digital markets competition regime paper gives the CMA the ability to impose requirements on the conduct of firms in digital markets where those firms have been designated as having Strategic Market Status (SMS) – and to impose significant fines against firms if those requirements are breached.
Tags: App Store, Apple Antitrust, United Kingdom
This article, "UK Antitrust Watchdog Closes Apple App Store Investigation, Case to Be Reconsidered Under New Digital Rules Regime" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iPhone Photography Awards Highlight Best Images of 2024
Every year, the iPhone Photography Awards (IPPA) selects the best photographs captured with an iPhone, and the 2024 award winners were announced today. Many of this year's winning images were taken with Apple's most recent iPhone 15 models.
The grand prize image features a boy at an aquarium, with the photo shot in black and white using an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The first place image includes a group of swimmers at a lifeguard camp from an iPhone 11 Pro Pro Max, while the second place image features children in Cambodia shot on an iPhone 15 Pro.
There are also winners across a number of categories, including abstract, animals, architecture, children, cityscape, landscape, lifestyle, nature, people, portrait, series, still life, travel, and other. All of the winning images can be viewed on the IPPA website.
iPad users worldwide, and images can be edited with iOS apps. It is worth noting that it costs money to send in a photo, but Apple devices are provided as prizes.
This article, "iPhone Photography Awards Highlight Best Images of 2024" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Major 'National Public Data' Leak Worse Than Expected With Passwords Stored in Plain Text
Earlier this month, data broker National Public Data (NPD) announced that there had been a major data breach that saw hackers obtain millions of names, email addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and mailing addresses stored in its database. NPD is a company that does employee background checks, aggregating public data from numerous sources and selling it.
NPD's security was clearly lacking to allow for the breach in the first place, but a new report from KrebsOnSecurity suggests that an NPD sister site made an even more grievous error, hosting an easily accessible plaintext archive with usernames and passwords.
RecordsCheck.net, a site affiliated with NPD that hosts much of the same information, had a "members.zip" file that was downloadable until yesterday. It had source code and plain text usernames and passwords for RecordsCheck users, including logins belonging to NPD's founder, Salvatore Verini. The logins that were made available through RecordsCheck allowed access to the same data that was available via NPD.
After being alerted by KrebsOnSecurity, RecordsCheck removed the file, and NPD is shutting down the site, according to Verini. He told the KrebsOnSecurity that the file had an "old version of the site with non-working code and passwords."
that are available to see if your information was leaked in the NPD breach, and it is advisable to lock down your credit.
were leaked, as were 272 million social security numbers. A lawsuit has since been filed against NPD.
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Apple Now Gives Customers 45 Days to Extend AppleCare+ Coverage After Expiration
Apple in August increased the period in which customers can extend their AppleCare+ coverage after it expires. Apple used to allow coverage to be extended for 30 days after the end of the original AppleCare+ plan, but that has now changed to 45 days.
The AppleCare+ extension support document says that customers have 45 days to sign up for a new AppleCare+ plan after existing coverage expires, with options for extending plans by 24 months, 36 months, monthly, or on an annual basis until canceled.
AppleCare+ plans can be extended for 45 days after expiration in Australia, Austria Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In China, there is still a 30-day limit.
iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch is eligible for updated coverage that renews monthly or annually, while upfront AppleCare+ plans for Mac can be enrolled in a new coverage plan that renews on an annual basis.
Apple's support website to see if their devices are eligible. Apple does not guarantee that AppleCare+ can be renewed, and it does not alert customers when AppleCare+ is expiring unless required by law.
on Apple's website.
Tag: AppleCare
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