Amazon Discounts 10th Gen iPad to All-Time Low Price of $299
Following in the footsteps of a discount on the 9th generation iPad yesterday, Amazon today has an all-time low price on the 10th generation iPad. You can get the 64GB Wi-Fi tablet for $299.00 in Blue and Silver, down from $349.00.
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.
Amazon provides an estimated September 10 - 12 delivery estimate for most orders placed in the United States. Right now we're only tracking record low prices on the 64GB Wi-Fi model, but you can find a few solid second-best prices on the other configurations as well.
$50 OFF
iPad (64GB Wi-Fi) for $299.00
This iPad launched in October 2022 and was completely redesigned compared to the 9th generation model. It features a larger 10.9-inch display, USB-C port, A14 Bionic chip, 12-megapixel camera, Touch ID, and more.
Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Amazon Discounts 10th Gen iPad to All-Time Low Price of $299
Following in the footsteps of a discount on the 9th generation iPad yesterday, Amazon today has an all-time low price on the 10th generation iPad. You can get the 64GB Wi-Fi tablet for $299.00 in Blue and Silver, down from $349.00.
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.
Amazon provides an estimated September 10 - 12 delivery estimate for most orders placed in the United States. Right now we're only tracking record low prices on the 64GB Wi-Fi model, but you can find a few solid second-best prices on the other configurations as well.
$50 OFF
iPad (64GB Wi-Fi) for $299.00
This iPad launched in October 2022 and was completely redesigned compared to the 9th generation model. It features a larger 10.9-inch display, USB-C port, A14 Bionic chip, 12-megapixel camera, Touch ID, and more.
Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Philips Hue Line Gains New Play HDMI Sync Box 8K
Philips Hue parent company Signify today announced two new products for Hue lighting setups, a new HDMI Sync Box and a new pendant light, as well as new software-based features.
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K is a successor to the current Hue Play Sync Box that came out in 2019. It is designed to connect to your TV, serving as an interface between the TV and connected set-top boxes, gaming systems, and more. The Sync Box is able to detect content, matching the color of connected Hue lights to what's on the TV.
HDMI 2.1 support has been a major missing feature on the current Sync Box, but the new model adds HDMI 2.1 for use with the PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and other devices that can take advantage of the standard. It supports resolutions up to 8K and refresh rates up to 60Hz for video content and 120Hz for console gaming.
Up to 10 color-capable Hue lights can be synced to the Sync Box, with what's on the screen determining the color. Brightness and intensity can be controlled in the Philips Hue app.
The Philips Hue Ensis light, a new pendant light, can be purchased in the United States as of today. Available in black or white, it is equipped with two lights that can be controlled individually, and it supports both white shades and color. It offers both a downlight and an upper light for different activities.
Along with the new products, Signify is updating the Philips Hue app with four new effects, Cosmos, Underwater, Enchant, and Sunbeam. These animated effects can be used with select Hue lights. There are also now options for changing brightness, speed, and base color, adding more versatility to effect options.
The Hue app is gaining a Do Not Disturb option, which prevents motion sensors from changing the active scene when motion is detected, and the starting and stopping of mimic presence and timers via Hue switches.
Later this year, the Philips Hue app will support the integration of multiple Bridges, so they will no longer need to be set up and viewed separately. Multiple Bridges will be able to be added to a single home, with a unified view that encompasses all of the products in the home.
Prospective Hue customers will soon be able to use the new AR feature in the app to explore Hue lights before making a purchase. Lights can be viewed in actual spaces, and the app can demo realistic lighting environments to provide insight into how a light will look in real life. This feature is set to lauch in fall 2024.
HomeKit. Routines can be set up for arming and disarming the Secure system based on a daily schedule, and there is a new Battery Saver option for Battery Cameras.
Philips Hue website and from Best Buy as of today. It is priced at $350. The Philips Hue Ensis can be purchased from the Hue website and it is priced at $480.
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PayPal Debit Card Now Supports Apple Wallet With Up to 5% Cash Back
PayPal today announced that the PayPal Debit Card can now be added to the Apple Wallet app and used with Apple Pay in stores and online.
"Whether in-store, online or in-apps, PayPal debit card cardholders will be able to enjoy the convenience and security that Apple Pay brings to their everyday lives," said Apple's services chief Eddy Cue, in PayPal's press release.
PayPal Debit Card cardholders can now select a monthly category of spending, such as groceries or clothing, and receive 5% cash back on up to $1,000 in purchases in that category per month.
Tag: PayPal
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Apple Watch Ultra 3: Everything We Know So Far
The Apple Watch Ultra 3, likely to be announced on September 9 at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event alongside the iPhone 16, is expected to offer fewer upgrades compared to its predecessor. Keep reading to learn what the rumored changes are.
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. Unfortunately, the next version of the device is unlikely to reach those lofty heights. Here's what the rumors say.
Display Technology
several years, but the project was scrapped in 2024 and there are no current plans for a microLED Apple Watch in the near future.
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.
Design
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently said that this year's third-generation Apple Watch Ultra will have "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."
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 Features
blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection, aligning with the rumored features of the Apple Watch Series 10 / X.
The blood pressure monitoring featuring will let users know if their blood pressure is trending upward, and will provide an option for users to note what they were doing when hypertension occurred. Specific blood pressure numbers will not be provided, though. Meanwhile, sleep apnea detection will use sleep history and breathing patterns to estimate whether someone suffers from sleep apnea, with the watch suggesting that users contact a doctor if so.
reportedly encountered significant challenges. The hypertension detection feature has proven to be insufficiently reliable during testing, raising concerns about its integration into the refreshed design, which may delay its release until the following year.
Similarly, the sleep apnea detection feature faces issues as it depends on blood oxygen saturation measurements. Currently, Apple Watches in the United States cannot measure blood oxygen saturation due to a legal dispute with Masimo. This dispute could potentially be resolved by September, or Apple might argue that the blood oxygen sensor serves purposes unrelated to blood oxygen levels. Alternatively, Apple could announce the sleep apnea detection feature and delay its release until a resolution is achieved.
Hardware Updates
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. 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, Bloomberg reporter 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."
Colors
Apple currently offers the Apple Watch Ultra 2, released in September 2023, in the same natural titanium color as the first-generation model. Prior to launch of the second-generation model, some rumors suggested Apple could release a new darker color option. It didn't happen.
dark ceramic back that was never launched. Moreover, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in 2023 said it was "theoretically" possible the finish could be released for a later model. Previously, the high-end Edition model of the Apple Watch Series 7 was available with a Space Black titanium case. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that if production yields meet expectations, a new dark/black case color option could be made available.
watchOS 11
watchOS 11, the latest version of the Apple Watch operating system. Apple previewed the software during WWDC in June, and users can expect a range of updates and improvements, such as additional Smart Stack widgets, Check In for Messages and workouts, a Vitals app to view key health metrics, a Translate app, a new Apple Pay feature called Tap to Cash, training load for workouts, additional workout types, more customizable Activity rings, and more.
Related Roundup: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch Ultra (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: Apple Watch
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Apple Could Still Pull the Plug on Its Much-Maligned FineWoven Cases
Last September, Apple stopped selling genuine leather accessories in favor of a more environmentally friendly "FineWoven" material, but it did not go down well with customers, and dwindling stock leading up to Apple's iPhone 16 event on September 9 has many people wondering if Apple is about to pull the plug on FineWoven for good.
The company describes FineWoven as "luxurious and durable microtwill," and sells FineWoven iPhone cases at $59, MagSafe Wallets at $59, AirTag holders at $35, and Apple Watch bands at $99. However, many customers consider FineWoven products to be subpar compared to the leather Apple cases they replaced, with various claims that the fabric is prone to scratches, stains, and discoloration.
halt production of FiveWoven accessories over durability concerns, although the leaker did not discount the possibility of one more round of FineWoven products, possibly in a season of new colors. However, FineWoven accessories in new color options were absent from Apple's spring refresh.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, stock of iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands in the material is now at an all-time low. That generally means that Apple is either getting ready to kill off FineWoven or plans to update the lineup with different colors and support for new iPhone and Apple Watch models. Will you miss Apple's FineWoven accessories if Apple does discontinue them? Let us know in the comments.
Tag: FineWoven
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Apple to Launch 'Find My' Network in South Korea Next Spring
Apple has announced it will introduce its popular 'Find My' network to South Korea in the spring of 2025. The launch will bring the full range of Apple's location-based Find My services to South Korean customers for the first time, enabling them to keep track of devices, belongings, and loved ones.
With the Find My app, users will be able to to locate their iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices, as well as AirTag-connected personal items and third-party Find My compatible trackers, while maintaining strong privacy protections.
One of the main features of the Find My network is its ability to pinpoint lost devices on a map, providing users with step-by-step directions to retrieve their misplaced items. The app also allows users to trigger a sound on their lost Apple devices, making it easier to locate them when in close proximity.
iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro, who can take advantage of the Precision Finding capability to navigate directly to their friends' exact locations.
iPhone" app was launched in 2009 alongside iPhone OS 3. "Find My Mac" was added to OS X 10.7 Lion in 2011, while "Find My Friends" was released in October 2011. With the release of iOS 13 and macOS 10.15 Catalina, the functionality of Find My iPhone, Find My Mac, and Find My Friends was unified into the app we know today as Find My.
Tags: Find My, South Korea
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Apple Releases First Firmware Update for Beats Studio Buds +
Apple today released new firmware for the Beats Studio Buds +, marking the first firmware update to the earbuds since their 2023 launch.
There is no word on what the new firmware includes in terms of features or bug fixes, and Apple does not provide release notes.
The Beats Studio Buds + are Apple's mid-range Beats earbuds, featuring Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, microphones, battery life, and more. The earbuds come in several colors, including a unique transparent design that shows the internals.
Find My integration, and Siri support, but automatic switching between devices is not available.
iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi.
Tag: Beats
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Apple Releases First Firmware Update for Beats Studio Buds +
Apple today released new firmware for the Beats Studio Buds +, marking the first firmware update to the earbuds since their 2023 launch.
There is no word on what the new firmware includes in terms of features or bug fixes, and Apple does not provide release notes.
The Beats Studio Buds + are Apple's mid-range Beats earbuds, featuring Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, microphones, battery life, and more. The earbuds come in several colors, including a unique transparent design that shows the internals.
Find My integration, and Siri support, but automatic switching between devices is not available.
iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi.
Tag: Beats
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When to Expect iOS 18 on Your iPhone as Beta Testing Wraps Up
iOS 18 has been in beta testing for nearly three months, and the software update should finally be widely released later this month.
Below, we outline when to expect iOS 18 to be available on all compatible iPhones.
iOS 18: Beta Testing Wraps Up
In his Power On newsletter last weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said iOS 18 beta 8 will likely be the final developer beta version for the update. This is a reasonable prediction, as previous updates like iOS 17, iOS 16, and iOS 15 each had a total of eight developer betas. iOS 12 was the last update with at least nine developer betas.
iPhone 16 event on September 9. Apple considers a Release Candidate to be a "near final" version of an upcoming iOS update.
iOS 18: Release Timing
Apple will likely announce a release date for iOS 18 during its September 9 event. The update is most likely to be released on Monday, September 16, but Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18 are also possibilities.
said Apple has already been installing iOS 18 on iPhone 16 models at factories. Those devices will likely be released on Friday, September 20.
iOS 18: Compatible iPhones
iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 is:
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
iOS 18 will be available in the Settings app under General → Software Update.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
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Apple Music Introduces Five New 'Find Your Mood' Stations
Apple Music today introduced five new mood stations that allow you to shuffle through songs fitting for a certain mood. The stations are available to Apple Music subscribers worldwide in the Music app under Home → Find Your Mood.
Apple says the mood stations are personalized based on your Apple Music listening history, and they are always updating with new songs.
The new stations:
Feel Good: Happy music with a positive vibe
Energy: Upbeat music to get you moving
Relax: Music that helps you find peace in the moment
Focus: Music to help you lock-in to the task at hand
Feeling Blue: Moody music that helps you lean into feeling down
"Love" and "Heartbreak" stations that launched earlier this year.
Tag: Apple Music
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Beats Teases New Powerbeats Pro 2 Coming Next Year
Beats today teased that new Powerbeats Pro 2 are coming next year, but it did not share a specific release date for the wireless headphones.
MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani can be seen wearing the Powerbeats Pro 2 in a clip shared on social media platforms like Instagram and X. They look similar to the existing Powerbeats Pro released in 2019, but have a more vertical, slimmer design. Beats did not reveal any new features or other specific details about the Powerbeats Pro 2 at this time.
Powerbeats Pro are a sportier, fitness-focused version of AirPods Pro with built-in, adjustable ear hooks for a secure fit. Key features of the current Powerbeats Pro include the H1 chip that debuted in the AirPods 2, IPX4-rated sweat and water resistance, up to nine hours of battery life, and silicone ear tips with four size options.
Built for Shohei Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/78Vz7ondq5
— Beats by Dre (@beatsbydre) September 4, 2024
While we do not know what to expect from the Powerbeats Pro 2 at this time, plausible upgrades based on other Beats headphones models released over the past two years include improved sound, longer battery life, a USB-C charging case, and improved cross-platform compatibility with Android features like Find My Device.
Tags: Beats, Powerbeats Pro
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iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 16: 30+ Upgrades to Expect
After over a year of reports, there are now 20 specific rumors about the features and improvements set to be offered by the two non-Pro iPhone 16 models upon their announcement next week.
While the upgrades that the iPhone 16 offers over the iPhone 15 will likely be at the center of Apple's marketing strategy later this year, many users are on two-year upgrade cycles, so the features introduced on both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 will stack up. All of the changes the iPhone 16 models are expected to feature compared to their two direct forerunners are listed below, using information from a range of reliable sources that we have previously covered, here on MacRumors. We will continue to update this article as more rumors emerge prior to Apple's "It's Glowtime" event on Monday, September 9.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 16, but to learn about how we are expecting the iPhone 14 Pro to improve on the iPhone 16 Pro, see our other comparison article.
Design
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to largely carry over the design of their predecessors. As a result, the iPhone 16 will be a relatively significant evolution over the iPhone 14, featuring slightly rounded edges, a frosted glass back, and a vertical rear camera arrangement to facilitate spatial video capture. Other important design changes are expected to include the removal of the mute switch in favor of the Action button introduced on last year's Pro models and the introduction of an all-new "Capture" button.
iPhone 14
iPhone 16
Aluminum chassis with squared-off edges
Aluminum chassis with contoured edges
Glossy glass back
Color-infused frosted glass back
"Notch" TrueDepth camera array
Dynamic Island
Diagonally arranged rear camera array
Vertically arranged rear camera array to support spatial video capture
Ring/Silent switch
Action Button
"Capture Button" to trigger photography and videography features
Lightning port
USB-C port
Displays
For iPhone 14 users, the iPhone 16 will offer many of the display upgrades that came to the previous generation, as well as a more efficient OLED panel thanks to micro-lens technology.
iPhone 14
iPhone 16
More efficient OLED display with brighter micro-lens technology
800 nits max brightness (typical)
1,000 nits max brightness (typical)
1,200 nits peak brightness (HDR)
1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR)
2,000 nits peak brightness (outdoor)
Cameras
The iPhone 15 introduced a major camera upgrade for Apple's standard smartphone lineup, bringing over the 48-megapixel camera of the iPhone 14 Pro. With a number of other improvements such as spatial video capture, the iPhone 16 should be a significant camera upgrade over the iPhone 14.
iPhone 14
iPhone 16
12-megapixel main camera with ƒ/1.5 aperture
48-megapixel main camera with ƒ/1.6 aperture
0.5x and 1x optical zoom options
0.5x, 1x, and 2x optical zoom options
24- and 48-megapixel super-high-resolution photos
Smart HDR 4
Smart HDR 5
Portrait mode with Focus and Depth Control
Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control
Night mode and Night mode portraits
Improved Night mode and Night mode portraits
Spatial video capture
Chip, Memory, and Connectivity
With the iPhone 16 models rumored to receive the same A18 chip as the Pro models to support Apple Intelligence, the new models could offer a major performance improvement over the iPhone 14, which features the A15 Bionic chip first introduced in 2021. The 2GB of additional memory and the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip are also due to be notable upgrades.
iPhone 14
iPhone 16
A15 Bionic chip (TSMC's "N5P" enhanced 5nm process)
A18 chip (TSMC's "N3E" enhanced 3nm process)
16-core Neural Engine
Enhanced neural Engine with "significantly" more cores to support Apple Intelligence
6GB memory
8GB memory (+33%)
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
First-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip (connects from 3x further away)
Precision Finding for Find My friends
Batteries and Charging
The iPhone 16 models could receive some major improvements in battery technology and charging, sporting denser batteries and faster charging capabilities. It is worth noting that the iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to feature a smaller battery than its predecessors, but it is not clear how this will affect actual battery life.
iPhone 14
iPhone 16
Single-layer battery technology
Stacked battery technology for increased energy density and prolonged lifespan
iPhone 14: 3,279 mAh battery
iPhone 14 Plus: 4,325 mAh battery
iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh battery
iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006 mAh battery
Up to 27W wired charging
Up to 40W wired charging (48% faster)
15W charging via MagSafe
20W charging via MagSafe (33% faster)
Setting to prevent charging above 80%
Battery manufacture date, first use, and cycle count information in Settings
Other Features and Changes
The iPhone 16 will be the first standard-line iPhone to support Apple Intelligence, Apple's upcoming artificial intelligence system, thanks to the more powerful Neural Engine in the A18 chip. The device is also rumored to tout upgraded microphones and new color options.
iPhone 14
iPhone 16
Support for Apple Intelligence
Microphone
Upgraded microphone with improved signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance
Improved audio quality on phone calls
Available in Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED, Blue, Purple, and Yellow
Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Black, and White
Will It Be Worth Upgrading?
The iPhone 15 was a fairly significant upgrade over the iPhone 14 in 2023, introducing a more modern design with the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port, and a 48-megapixel camera. The iPhone 16 will build on these upgrades, offering the Capture and Action buttons, Apple Intelligence, and spatial video capture. With over 30 upgrades rumored to be in store, many current iPhone 14 users will find upgrading to an iPhone 16 model worthwhile, if not essential.
Release Date
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to be announced at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event on Monday, September 9. Pre-orders are likely to open on Friday, September 13, with launch following one week later on Friday, September 20. For more information about the iPhone 16 models, see our comprehensive roundup.
Related Roundups: iPhone 14, iPhone 16
Related Forum: iPhone
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Bluetooth 6 Launches, Could Enhance iPhone's Precision Finding Feature
The latest version of Bluetooth was released this week, and it includes a new feature that could benefit the Find My app across Apple devices.
Bluetooth 6.0 introduces "Channel Sounding," a feature that will bring "true distance awareness" to billions of Bluetooth devices and accessories. The organization behind Bluetooth promises that this technology will achieve "centimeter-level accuracy over considerable distances," making it easier and quicker for users to locate lost items.
Apple already offers a Precision Finding feature in the Find My app that leverages Ultra Wideband technology to help users pinpoint the specific location of select accessories. The feature is available on the iPhone 11 and newer, and currently it can be used to find an AirTag or a second-generation AirPods Pro charging case.
Apple could use both Bluetooth 6.0 and Ultra Wideband technologies in unison to improve Precision Finding. Bluetooth 6.0 also paves the way for Precision Finding-like location accuracy for devices that are not equipped with Ultra Wideband chips, such as the Apple TV's Siri Remote and devices released by other companies.
Tag: Bluetooth
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You Can Get $130 Off Every 9th Gen iPad, Starting at Just $199
You can still get Apple's 64GB Wi-Fi 9th generation iPad for the all-time low price of $199.00 this week on Amazon, down from $329.00. Shipping dates have slipped into mid-September, but Prime members can still get the tablet as soon as September 10.
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, another $130 discount and record low price.
$130 OFF
iPad (64GB Wi-Fi) for $199.00
$130 OFF
iPad (256GB Wi-Fi) for $349.99
$329.99, and the 256GB cellular iPad is on sale for $479.99. Both of these deals represent $130 discounts on each model.
Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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AirPods 4 Rumors: Everything We Know So Far
Apple introduced the third-generation AirPods almost three years ago. An all new model is now slated to launch at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event on September 9 with a range of improvements and new features.
Many of the changes and improvements introduced with the third-generation AirPods originated on the first-generation AirPods Pro. As such, it seems likely that many of the upgrades coming to the fourth-generation AirPods will be shaped by the second-generation AirPods Pro. Our best indications so far about what to expect come from a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman published last year.
Two Models
Apple is rumored to be working on two versions of the fourth-generation AirPods targeting different price points. The company is apparently aiming to replace both the third-generation AirPods and the lower-priced second-generation AirPods that it continues to sell. Currently, there is little difference between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 beyond their designs.
Two features that have been limited to the AirPods Pro so far will purportedly come to the higher-end version of the AirPods: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a speaker in the charging case that can play a sound for easy location.
Design Changes
The next-generation AirPods are rumored to feature an updated design, looking like a cross between the current AirPods and the AirPods Pro, with slightly shorter stems. Fit is expected to be improved, but it is still unclear if Apple will add silicone ear tips.
H2 Chip
One of the key aspects the next-generation AirPods are likely to bring over from the second-generation AirPods Pro is the H2 chip. Both the second- and third-generation AirPods feature the H1 chip.
Apple says the H2 chip provides an "exceptional acoustic experience" when paired with a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier in the AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro offer richer bass and clearer sound across a wider range of frequencies partly due to the computational audio improvements facilitated by the H2 chip, so similar enhancements seem highly likely to come to the fourth-generation AirPods.
There could also be improvements to Personalized Spatial Audio, faster pairing and device switching, and persistent battery information thanks to the H2 chip.
Bluetooth 5.3
In the AirPods Pro, the H2 chip is accompanied by Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Many of Apple's products now feature Bluetooth 5.3, so the fourth-generation AirPods are highly likely to receive this upgrade. Bluetooth 5.3 offers faster and more reliable connectivity with Bluetooth accessories, as well as improved power efficiency, which can contribute to longer battery life.
Longer Battery Life
The H2 chip is more power efficient than the H1 chip in the second- and third-generation AirPods. In the AirPods Pro, the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3 provide an additional hour and a half of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled compared to the previous generation. Applied to the standard AirPods, this could translate to a battery life increase from five hours to around six and a half hours.
Improved Audio Quality
The fourth-generation AirPods Pro are expected to offer improved audio quality compared to their predecessors, perhaps enabled by the design tweaks or improved computational audio thanks to the H2 chip.
Volume Controls
It is also possible that the AirPods could gain touch-based volume controls like the AirPods Pro. To turn the volume up or down, users simply place their thumb on the stem of either AirPod and use their index finger to swipe up or down on the small touch control area.
That being said, Apple could regard on-device volume controls as a high-end feature reserved for the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, meaning that the fourth-generation AirPods could still miss out on this feature.
Find My Improvements
The MagSafe Charging Case is also likely to get several improvements to integrate more deeply with Find My. The second-generation AirPods Pro introduced two key features in this area: The U1 chip for Precision Tracking and a built-in speaker.
Currently, your iPhone or iPad can help guide you to their location in the Find My app, but this is a limited experience on the current model, simply indicating whether or not they are nearby. The U1 chip would allow your iPhone to show an arrow pointing in the specific direction of your AirPods, an approximate distance telling you how far away they are, and even a message saying if they are located on a different floor.
Similarly, you can currently play a sound on your AirPods to help you find them, but this is played through the earbuds. If the earbuds are inside the charging case, it is likely the sound will be quite muffled. With the latest generation AirPods Pro, Apple added a speaker to the charging case itself, allowing users to more clearly hear a location alert from their AirPods, and even locate the case when it is separate from the earbuds. An identical speaker is expected to come to the high-end version of the standard AirPods in their next iteration.
It is also worth noting that the lanyard loop on the AirPods Pro doubles as an antenna for the U1 chip, so this small feature could also be coming to the next-generation AirPods if they do offer Precision Tracking.
Apple Watch Charger Compatibility
The third-generation AirPods can charge via MagSafe, a Qi wireless charger, or a Lightning cable. With its latest AirPods Pro model, Apple added the ability to use an Apple Watch charger as an additional charging method.
Apple does not seem to regard charging technologies as "Pro"-exclusive features, so, as a basic utility, it seems likely that this added charging method will come to the fourth-generation AirPods to provide even more versatility.
Hearing Aid Functionality
In a software update coming later next year, Apple will apparently add hearing aid functionality, allowing AirPods to serve as an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing alternative to traditional hearing aids. The FDA in 2022 approved OTC hearing aid options, paving the way for Apple to market the AirPods for hearing loss. Apple also allegedly plans to offer hearing tests that would tell AirPods users if they are experiencing hearing loss.
USB-C Port
Like the most recent iPhone models and the USB-C AirPods Pro, the fourth-generation AirPods are expected to include a USB-C port for charging.
Release Date
The fourth-generation AirPods are widely expected to be announced at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event on Monday, September 9 alongside the iPhone 16 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the third-generation Apple Watch SE. Third-generation AirPods Pro are also in the works, but they are not expected to launch until a later date.
Related Roundup: AirPods 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: AirPods
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Spotify Globally Rolls Out 'Daylist' Playlists That Adapt to Your Listening Habits Throughout the Day
Spotify is globally rolling out "Daylist," a personalized playlist that adapts and evolves to your listening habits as you go about your day.
Available to both free and paying users, the playlist has actually been available in English-speaking markets since September of last year, and expanded to 65 more countries in March. Today, the company is adding support for 14 additional languages, making Daylist accessible to all markets in which Spotify is available.
TechCrunch, Daylist is now available in Arabic, Catalan, French (Canada), French (France), German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Mexico), and Turkish.
use this link if you're on the web. According to Spotify, the playlist uses data from "niche music and microgenres" that users listen to at certain times of the day to suggest tracks and update itself. Graphics for the Daylist also adapt throughout the day.
Individual Daylist playlists can also be saved by tapping the three dot menu, selecting "Add to Playlist", and then tapping "New Playlist." Daylists also include a built-in sharing feature designed for social media that comes with a ready-made screenshot, personalized sticker, or customizable sharecard.
Tag: Spotify
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Instagram Now Lets Users Leave Comments on Ephemeral Stories
Instagram has announced support for leaving comments on Stories, the ephemeral posts that have become almost as popular as regular Instagram posts.
Previously, the only option was to send a private reply, which appeared as a direct message visible solely to the Story's creator. Now, Instagram has introduced a more public option: Comments. These comments are visible to other users, unlike the private replies.
However, the ability to comment comes with restrictions. Only mutual followers (meaning people who follow the Story creator and are followed back by them) can leave comments. Instagram says the new feature aims to offer a more open way to engage with Stories, while still maintaining the original private messaging option for those who prefer one-on-one interactions.
Like the Stories themselves, comments posted about them are temporary and last for up to 24 hours. Users have the option to turn comments on or off when sharing Stories, but Instagram has not said whether they are archived along with a Story when it reaches its end of life.
Last month, Instagram added support for adding text and additional images to photo and carousel posts, which can now include up to 20 photos and videos. It also recently introduced a feature for adding a song to an Instagram profile.
Tag: Instagram
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https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/04/instagram-now-lets-you-comment-stories/
Instagram Now Lets Users Leave Comments on Ephemeral Stories
Instagram has announced support for leaving comments on Stories, the ephemeral posts that have become almost as popular as regular Instagram posts.
Previously, the only option was to send a private reply, which appeared as a direct message visible solely to the Story's creator. Now, Instagram has introduced a more public option: Comments. These comments are visible to other users, unlike the private replies.
However, the ability to comment comes with restrictions. Only mutual followers (meaning people who follow the Story creator and are followed back by them) can leave comments. Instagram says the new feature aims to offer a more open way to engage with Stories, while still maintaining the original private messaging option for those who prefer one-on-one interactions.
Like the Stories themselves, comments posted about them are temporary and last for up to 24 hours. Users have the option to turn comments on or off when sharing Stories, but Instagram has not said whether they are archived along with a Story when it reaches its end of life.
Last month, Instagram added support for adding text and additional images to photo and carousel posts, which can now include up to 20 photos and videos. It also recently introduced a feature for adding a song to an Instagram profile.
Tag: Instagram
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https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/04/instagram-now-lets-you-comment-stories/
iPhone 16 Apple Silicone Cases Have No Cutout for New Capture Button
Apple is introducing a new camera-based "Capture" button on at least some iPhone 16 models this year, and a new rumor claims that Apple's own silicone cases will have a design that is specially made so as not to impede the use of the capacitive button's multiple functions.
Several rumors have suggested that the iPhone 16 models are going to have an all-new button that's designed to make it easier to capture photos when the devices are held in landscape mode. Apple plans to put the button on the right side of the iPhone, in the space where the mmWave antenna is on iPhones that are sold in the United States.
support for multiple gestures and the ability to respond to pressure. In a new post on X (Twitter), Chinese leaker DuanRui shared an image of unofficial third-party silicone cases with an opening in the expected location of the Capture button.
In machine-translated comment on the image, DuanRui noted that "the official protective case of Apple's iPhone 16 series will not have this opening and will be made into an integrated design, which will not affect the normal use of this capacitive button."
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman last week suggested that there is a possibility that it will only be available on the Pro models.
据说，苹果 iPhone 16 系列官方保护壳，没有这个开孔，会做成一体式设计，还不会影响这颗电容式按键正常使用。 pic.twitter.com/uSkaQqwXFe
— DuanRui段锐 (@duanrui1205) September 4, 2024
Along with a Capture Button, the iPhone 16 models will feature slightly bigger displays on the Pro devices, a new A18 chip that supports Apple Intelligence, and 8GB RAM for all models, which is necessary to power Apple's AI models. For more on what's expected to be revealed at Apple's upcoming "It's Glowtime" event on September 9, make sure to check out our iPhone 16 roundup.
Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
Tag: DuanRui
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