Apple Adds These 12 Macs to Vintage and Obsolete Products Lists

Apple today added three Mac models to its vintage products list, and moved an additional nine Mac models from the vintage list to its obsolete products list.
The following Macs are now classified as vintage:
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, 2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
The following Macs are now classified as obsolete:
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, 2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015)
iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015)
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
Apple considers a device to be "vintage" once more than five years have passed since the company stopped distributing it for sale. Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers can continue to offer repairs for vintage products for up to two additional years, but only if Apple still has repair parts available for the device.
Tag: Vintage and Obsolete Apple Products
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iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are Apple's newest iPhones and follow last year's iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, but how different are the two latest models, and what exactly does a "Pro" device offer?
Last year, the biggest new differences between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro were the titanium frame, A17 Pro chip, and Action button. With iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, both devices share new features like the A18 chip with support for Apple Intelligence, faster charging, stronger Ceramic Shield front glass, revamped Photographic Styles, the Camera Control, and Wi-Fi 7, but Apple's "Pro" and non-Pro iPhone models are still fairly different devices.
Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these two iPhone models is best for you, and serves as a way to clearly see what additional features and upgrades the iPhone 16 Pro brings to the table.
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Pro
Anodized aluminum frame with color-infused glass
Blasted titanium frame
iPhone 16: 6.1-inch display
iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7-inch display
iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3-inch display
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
Thinner borders around the display
ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz
Always-on display
More power efficient display
Available in Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine finishes
Available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium finishes
A18 chip
A18 Pro chip
"Advanced" dual-camera system
"Pro" triple camera system
48-megapixel Fusion main camera with ƒ/1.6 aperture
48-megapixel Fusion main camera with ƒ/1.78 aperture and larger sensor
12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera with ƒ/2.2 aperture
48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera with ƒ/2.2 aperture
Macro photography
48-megapixel macro photography
Support for new JPEG-XL format
Depth mapping for AR and portrait photography, allowing for more accurate background and subject separation, more realistic bokeh, and better AR experiences.
4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps, with playback speed controls
4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, 100 fps (Fusion) or 120 fps (Fusion)
1080p Dolby Vision video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
1080p Dolby Vision video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, or 120 fps (Fusion)
ProRes video recording up to 4K at up to 120 fps with external recording
Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps
Slo-mo video support for 1080p up to 240 fps and 4K Dolby Vision up to 120 fps (Fusion)
Studio-quality four-mic array
12-megapixel Telephoto camera with ƒ/2.8 aperture
0.5x, 1x, and 2x optical zoom
0.5x, 1x, 2x, and 5x optical zoom
Sensor-shift optical image stabilization
Second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization
True Tone flash
Adaptive True Tone flash
LiDAR scanner
Night mode portraits
Apple ProRAW
Shoot and instantly transfer 48-megapixel ProRAW images to Mac via USB 3
Record video directly to an external drive
ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (60 fps with external recording)
Log video recording
Academy Color Encoding System
USB 2 transfer speeds (up to 480Mb/s)
USB 3 transfer speeds (up to 10Gb/s, 20x faster)
DisplayPort support for up to 4K HDR video output
iPhone 16: Up to 22 hours of battery life
iPhone 16 Plus: Up to 27 hours of battery life
iPhone 16 Pro: Up to 27 hours of battery life
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 33 hours of battery life
128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options (no 128GB on Pro Max)
iPhone 16: Starts at $799
iPhone 16 Plus: Starts at $899
iPhone 16 Pro: Starts at $999
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Starts at $1,199
The iPhone 16 Pro offers a large number of upgrades over the standard iPhone 16. With just $200 difference to obtain a display with ProMotion and always-on functionality, a telephoto camera, and longer battery life, many customers will be able to justify getting the iPhone 16 Pro over the iPhone 16. Other differences, such as a titanium frame, slightly larger display sizes, the A18 Pro chip, and a 1TB storage option are notable, but most significant are perhaps the devices' fundamentally different rear camera setups. The iPhone 16 Pro unlocks many additional camera features, such as ProRAW and 48-megapixel macro photography, and benefits from an entire additional camera in the form of the 5x telephoto for a additional optical focal length option. Due to the scale and breadth of the iPhone 16 Pro's improvements and features, many customers will be happy to opt for the high-end model.
Dynamic Island, and a 48-megapixel Fusion camera, at a lower price point. With a generous roster of advanced features, most customers will be happy with the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus, especially those who want a lighter device, do not care for the "Pro" rear camera setup or features like ProMotion and the always-on display, or cannot justify the $200 to upgrade to the high-end model. The iPhone 16 is a very well designed and balanced device, especially for average customers and those coming from a much older model.
Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Buy Now), iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)
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Beats Studio Pro Now Available in Matte White as Amazon Exclusive

The Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones debuted a little over a year ago, and since that time we've seen a few additional colors released including three neutral colors in collaboration with Kim Kardashian just last month, and now there's a new Matte White version that debuted as an Amazon exclusive earlier this month.
Apple's Beats brand is known for its celebrity partnerships, and this release is no exception as the latest Studio Pro color was highlighted over the weekend in a tweet featuring Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Similar to the Kim Kardashian colors, the Beats Studio Pro in Matte White come with a color-matched nylon case, whereas the original four colors all come with a black nylon case.
Fall means a whole season of @JoshAllenQB. Keep your game-day focus with Beats Studio Pro, now available in Matte White exclusively at @amazon. pic.twitter.com/0YjiOtiXbN
— Beats by Dre (@beatsbydre) September 22, 2024
The Beats Studio Pro headphones are officially priced at $349.99, but they are frequently available at significant discounts and the new Matte White color is already on sale for $100 off at $249.95, joining the original four colors at this discounted price. The Beats x Kim colors are currently priced at $349.99, but they too have seen occasional discounts.
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Tags: Beats, Beats Studio Pro
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Apple's 14-Inch M3 MacBook Pro Drops to Record Low $1,199 Price for Best Buy Members

Best Buy has a collection of big discounts on the M3 MacBook Pro this week, including the match of an all-time low price on the entry-level M3 512GB 14-inch MacBook Pro at $1,199.00 for My Best Buy Plus and Total members, down from $1,599.00.
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Across the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro lineup you'll find $300-$400 off every model on Best Buy, with Amazon matching some of the deals. In regards to the Best Buy discounts, some of these deals requires a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, while all of the others are available to every customer.
Note: This deal is available only to My Best Buy Plus/Total members.
$400 OFF
M3 MacBook Pro (512GB) for $1,199.00
If you're shopping for the 16-inch M3 MacBook Pro, you'll find $500 off every model across Best Buy and Amazon. Across the board these are all second-best prices on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but at $500 off they're still great deals for anyone in the market for the notebook this week.
14-inch MacBook Pro
M3 512GB - $1,199.00 ($400 off) [My Best Buy members only]
M3, 8GB, 1TB - $1,499.00 ($300 off) [matched at Amazon]
M3, 16GB, 1TB - $1,699.00 ($300 off) [matched at Amazon]
M3 Pro 512GB - $1,649.00 ($350 off)
M3 Pro 1TB - $2,099.00 ($300 off)
M3 Max 1TB - $2,799.00 ($400 off) [My Best Buy members only]
16-inch MacBook Pro
M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB - $1,999.00 ($500 off) [matched at Amazon]
M3 Pro, 36GB RAM, 512GB - $2,399.00 ($500 off) [matched at Amazon]
M3 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB - $2,999.00 ($500 off) [matched at Amazon]
M3 Max, 48GB RAM, 1TB - $3,499.00 ($500 off) [matched at Amazon]
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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iOS 18: How to Lock and Hide iPhone Apps

In iOS 17, Apple doesn't offer a system-level method for individually locking sensitive apps like Photos behind Face ID. There is a Shortcut action that provides rudimentary protection, but it's not infallible. Thankfully, iOS 18 includes a dedicated option to lock and even hide individual apps even when the iPhone itself is already unlocked.
This is useful because it means you can unlock your iPhone and hand it to someone for them to look at something, knowing they won't be able to open the apps you have locked. If someone using your iPhone tries to open an app that you have manually locked using the method described below, they will see a popup informing them that it can't be accessed without secondary authentication via Face ID (or Touch ID on the iPhone SE).
Stolen Device Protection is active, entering a passcode to unlock an app is not an option, so even if your iPhone is stolen and the thief knows your passcode, they still won't be able to open the app. However, if Stolen Device Protection is not enabled, a passcode prompt appears that can be used to unlock the app after three failed Face ID attempts.
It's worth noting that not all apps can be locked. Apple does not provide the lock option for apps like Maps, Clock, Calculator, and Settings. Otherwise, almost every other app can be locked, including third-party apps. Here's how it's done.
On your Home Screen, press and hold on the icon for the app that you want to lock.
Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID).
Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID) to confirm.
Note that you can't use Siri with a locked app, and Spotlight search and any notification previews will not show content from the app.
How to Lock and Hide Apps
When you lock a third-party app using the above method, you have the option to hide it as well – but you cannot hide system apps like Safari or Photos. When enabled, the app icon and name is removed from the Home Screen, and it will not show up in searches, although it may still appear in the Settings app.
An obscured folder for hidden apps is also created in your App Library, which is accessed by swiping left to the end of your Home Screen pages. However, you will not get app notifications or incoming calls from a hidden third-party app.
How to Unlock and Unhide Apps
To unlock an app that you previously locked, simply long press on the app's icon and choose the "Don't Require Face ID" option. As long as you have Stolen Device Protection enabled, turning the lock on and off requires a Face ID scan, so it can't be turned off without your knowledge.
To unhide a locked third-party app, swipe through to the App Library and tap the obscured Hidden folder at the bottom. You will be required to perform a Face ID scan to reveal its contents. After that, you can access any hidden apps contained within it.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
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Shazam App Now Supports Music Haptics in iOS 18

Apple-owned Shazam has released an updated version of the app that supports the new Music Haptics feature in iOS 18.
With the feature turned on, the iPhone's Taptic Engine will tap and vibrate to match the audio of a song playing in Apple Music, Apple Music Classical, and now Shazam, as long as the device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.
Music Haptics is supported on the iPhone 12 series and later, excluding the third-generation iPhone SE, on iOS 18 and later. The feature can be turned on in the Settings app under Accessibility ➝ Music Haptics.
acquired Shazam in 2018, and has been gradually bringing the app into closer alignment with Apple Music ever since, offering trials to the streaming service through the app and the ability to sync Shazams directly to Apple Music. Note that Music Haptics don't work in Shazam for songs linked via Spotify.
App Store for free. Even if you don't have Shazam installed on your iPhone, iOS 18 supports Music Recognition, which is an optional button that can be added to Control Center.
Tag: Shazam
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iOS 18 Touchscreen Issues Reported by Some iPhone Users

Some users of iPhones running iOS 18 are reporting intermittent touchscreen responsiveness issues, with some devices seemingly ignoring taps and swipes. The problem appears to be affecting various models, including the new iPhone 16 series, as well as older devices dating back to the iPhone 14.
Users on Reddit have reported unresponsive areas on the screen, resulting in missed taps, ignored swipes, and difficulty scrolling or pressing buttons. This behavior is said to be particularly noticeable when interacting with the virtual keyboard, potentially leading to typing errors.
9to5Mac was first to highlight the issue. However, while initially it was thought to be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models, additional user reports indicate that the problem is more widespread and likely software-related. The root cause appears to be an overly sensitive touch rejection algorithm in iOS 18, designed to ignore accidental touches.
Given that inadvertent contact with the screen edges can trigger the system to temporarily ignore all new touches, the thinner bezels on the new iPhone 16 models may have exacerbated the problem, making it easier for users to unintentionally trigger the rejection mechanism when gripping their devices.
The issue seems to occur only when devices are unlocked and in use. Some users have reported particular problems around the new Camera Control button, although it's unclear if this is directly related or a separate issue.
posted on Mastodon by user Khaos Tian shows how the problem can be intentionally triggered, providing further evidence that it is software-based. Assuming that is the case, it's likely that Apple can address the problem through a future update, but it has yet to comment on the matter.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
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iPhone 17 Air: Everything We Know About Apple's Slim iPhone

In 2025, Apple is expected to discontinue the iPhone "Plus" device in its iPhone 17 lineup to make way for an iPhone "Air" – although it may not actually be called this when the device debuts in the fall of next year. Even though the iPhone 16 series has only just launched, when you consider that we learned about larger displays on the iPhone 16 Pro models way back in May 2023, rumors about a two-generations-away iPhone isn't all that unusual so far ahead of time.
While we continue to acclimatize to the new iPhone 16 series, here's a compilation of everything we have heard from reputable sources so far about Apple's so-called iPhone 17 "Air."
iPhone 17 Air: Rumors So Far
About the Name
Apple's rumored slimmer iPhone 17, previously referred to as the iPhone 17 "Slim," could be positioned as an iPhone "Air" to boost sales, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. There has been uncertainty in recent months about the intention of the so-called iPhone 17 "Slim" and its rumored position in the lineup. YouTuber Jon Prosser was first to suggest that the device could be positioned as an "iPhone Air." Now, Gurman seems to support this idea. Replacing the iPhone "Plus," which, like the "mini" models before it, has not sold well, the iPhone 17 "Air" will represent a new approach to the fourth model in Apple's iPhone lineup, offering a device with a substantially thinner design that sits between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. Gurman has compared the device to the original MacBook Air from 2008, which sat between the regular MacBook and MacBook Pro in the lineup.
Thinner Design
According to The Information, Apple's all-new iPhone 17 model next year will have a "significantly thinner" design with an aluminum chassis, rather than a titanium casing like Apple's Pro models. The news outlet also claims that the device will feature a narrower Dynamic Island (potentially due to Apple's adoption of a smaller "metalens" for the Face ID system) although this specific claim has since been contested. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the handset to have a titanium frame, but with a lower percentage of titanium than used for the iPhone 15 Pro models. Internally code-named D23, the device's redesign has been described as a major one equivalent to the iPhone X.
Smaller Display
The first details about the size of the device's display arrived courtesy of Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu, who said it would be 6.6 inches. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has since corroborated Pu's claim. However, according to Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young, it will feature a 6.55-inch display. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch display. Apple is still said to be testing different designs for the slimmer phone, so the display size could always change between now and the device's launch.
ProMotion Support
Apple intends to expand ProMotion to the entire lineup in 2025, including the iPhone 17 "Air," allowing all iPhone 17 models to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video content when necessary. Previously, only "Pro" models in Apple's iPhone lineup have supported ProMotion. Notably, ProMotion would also enable the display on the iPhone 17 "Air" to ramp down to a more power-efficient refresh rate as low as 1Hz, allowing for an always-on display that can show the Lock Screen's clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper even when the device is locked.
Relocated Cameras
The Information claimed that the iPhone 17 "Slim" or "Air" will have cameras in locations we haven't seen before on an iPhone. According to a May report, the rear cameras could be moved to the "top center" of the device. Some Android phones like Google's Pixel 8 Pro have rear cameras in a top-center position, but Apple's iPhone camera system has occupied the top-left corner ever since the 2007 model. To add to the intrigue, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the device will have only one camera, as opposed to two or three.
Anti-Reflective Coating
All iPhone 17 models will feature an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple's Ceramic Shield found on iPhone 15 models, according to Chinese Weibo leaker Instant Digital. The outer glass on the iPhone 17 series is said to have a "super-hard anti-reflective layer" that is "more scratch-resistant." It's not clear whether Apple is planning to adopt the Gorilla Glass Armor that Samsung uses in its Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the description of Corning's latest technology matches the rumor.
ProMotion Technology
According to The Elec, all iPhone 17 models will feature OLED displays with low-power backplane technology, bringing ProMotion to Apple's non-Pro iPhone models for the first time. ProMotion allows the display to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video content when required. ProMotion also allows the display to ramp down to a more power-efficient refresh rate as low as 1Hz, which is why the iPhone 16 Pro screens feature an always-on capability that shows the Lock Screen's clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper even when the device is locked.
Improved Selfie Camera
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the entire iPhone 17 lineup will feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens. The iPhone 14 and 15 feature a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with five plastic lens elements, and this year's iPhone 16 lineup features the same hardware. The upgraded resolution on the iPhone 17 will allow photos to maintain their quality even when cropped or zoomed in, while the larger number of pixels will capture finer details. The upgrade to a six-element lens should also slightly enhance image quality.
Internal Upgrades
Haitong analyst Jeff Pu claims the iPhone 17 "Slim" or "Air" will feature 8GB of RAM, compared to 6GB of RAM on the iPhone 15 Plus. It's worth noting that all iPhone 16 models are fitted with 8GB of RAM – a hardware requirement of on-device Apple Intelligence. According to The Information, the device will also be equipped with Apple's A19 chip, which is likely to be based on an optimized version of TSMC's 3nm process, possibly N3P or N3X. The device may also be one of the first to use an Apple-made 5G modem.
Higher Price
The Information reported that the slimmer iPhone 17 could have a higher price tag than the Pro Max model, which currently starts at $1,199, despite suggestions that it will not be as feature-rich as Apple's top-tier Max. The cool factor of a completely new thinner design is expected to entice customers nonetheless. Gurman believes that the design of the iPhone 17 "Air" will "just be a step toward something better" since Apple will eventually want to "squeeze the power of a Pro model into this smaller design." However, he does not expect this to occur before 2027 at the earliest.
Related Roundup: iPhone 17
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Amazon Takes $49 Off Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black, Available From $749.99

Amazon today is taking $49 off a collection of new Apple Watch Ultra 2 models in Black, including models with the Black Titanium Milanese Loop. These are the first discounts on the Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 that we've tracked on Amazon.
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$749.99, down from $799.00. Amazon also has the model with the Black Ocean Band at the same price, as well as two sizes of the model with the Black Titanium Milanese Loop for $849.99, down from $899.00.
$49 OFF
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Black) for $749.99
We've collected every model of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black on sale below. These discounts do not require any coupons this time around, and most of the watches have an estimated delivery date between September 24 and September 27, although the Milanese Loop models are beginning to slip into October.
Black Titanium with Dark Green Alpine Loop (Small) - $749.99
Black Titanium with Dark Green Alpine Loop (Large) - $749.99
Black Titanium with Black Ocean Band - $749.99
Black Titanium with Black Titanium Milanese Loop (Medium) - $849.99
Black Titanium with Black Titanium Milanese Loop (Large) - $849.99
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Apple Begins Selling Refurbished AirPods Pro 2 With USB-C Case in U.S.

Apple today began selling refurbished second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case on its online store in the U.S. for $209, compared to $249 brand new.
Apple updated the AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case in September 2023. Other changes at the time included improved IP54-rated dust resistance for both the earbuds and the case, and lossless audio with Apple's Vision Pro headset.
Apple says all of its refurbished products undergo "full functionality testing" and are "put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection."
for $189.99 in the U.S., which is a much better deal than Apple's refurbished store is offering for the earbuds.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon.
Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Tag: Apple Refurbished Products
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods
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Testing Apple's New AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
Alongside the iPhone 16 models, Apple launched its next-generation flagship AirPods, the AirPods 4. There's a new design and for the first time, Active Noise Cancellation, so we thought we'd check them out to see how they compare to the prior-generation AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro 2.
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There are two versions of the AirPods this time around, an entry-level $129 model, and a $179 model that also includes Active Noise Cancellation. ANC has previously been exclusive to the AirPods Pro and the AirPods Max, and this is the first time that Apple's used it in an open-ear headphone design and in a device at the sub-$200 price point.
Apple tweaked the design of the AirPods, introducing a shape that's supposed to fit more ears. The revamp took into account millions of scans of different ears to get a more comfortable, snug fit for people. In practice, the design isn't that much different, but if you have had trouble keeping AirPods secured in your ears, you might have luck with the new shape.
ANC typically comes in headphones or earbuds that have some kind of seal with the ear canal, but that's not the case here. Apple did not add silicone tips like it has for the AirPods Pro 2, so the ANC isn't going to cut out sound quite as well as earbuds where you get a seal. That said, the ANC is pretty decent at cutting down on annoying ambient noise like ACs, the drone of an airplane engine, and similar sounds.
Apple upgraded both models with the same H2 chip that's used in the AirPods Pro 2, and it's an upgrade over the H1 that was in the AirPods 3. Sound quality is about on par with the AirPods Pro 2 as a result, and the feature set is the same in terms of support for spatial audio, Voice Isolation, Personalized Volume, Transparency in the ANC version, and other functions. If you're coming from AirPods 3 and upgrading to AirPods 4, you'll definitely notice the boost in sound quality.
tiny. Cutting case size sacrificed MagSafe charging though, so while the $179 model supports Qi-based wireless charging, it does not have a magnet inside. The more affordable model doesn't have wireless charging at all. The button at the back for pairing and setup is gone, but there's actually a hidden button at the front for these features.
Battery life has actually gone down compared to the AirPods 3. You'll get up to five hours of listening time with a single charge instead of six hours, and a little less with ANC turned on. There's still 30 hours of total listening time with the case, even though it's smaller than before.
Find My, so if you misplace your AirPods, you can get the case to play a sound so you can find them. This isn't a feature of the cheaper version, but it still has general Find My connectivity so you can locate it on a map.
Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods
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Top Stories: iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia Out Now, iPhone 16 Launch, and More

It was another busy week in the Apple universe, bookended by the release of iOS 18 and other major operating system updates on Monday and the launch of all of the brand-new hardware on Friday.
In addition to taking thorough looks at iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, the iPhone 16, and more, we're also keeping an eye out for more updates coming from Apple, which could arrive as soon as next month with another event of some kind, so read on below for all the details!
Apple Releases iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 With Home Screen Customization, App Locking, Passwords App, and More
A week after its big September event, Apple officially released iOS 18 and related major operating system updates to the public on Monday. There are a ton of new features and changes in the release, so be sure to check out our list of ten things to do first after updating as well as our ultimate mega guide that brings together all of our coverage of what's new and our quick video overview of the major highlights.
One significant piece of iOS 18 has yet to debut, however, and that's the suite of Apple Intelligence features Apple has been promoting since WWDC in June. The first of these AI-driven features will be appearing in iOS 18.1 and related updates next month, with more to follow in subsequent updates.
Apple has pulled the iPadOS 18 update for those models after a number of users reported failed installations that bricked their devices. We're still awaiting a revised version of the update that avoids the issue.
Apple Launches macOS Sequoia With iPhone Mirroring, Passwords App, Window Tiling Updates and More
Apple doesn't always release the new versions of iOS and macOS simultaneously, but that was the case this year as macOS Sequoia also made its debut on Monday.
Highlights of macOS Sequoia include an iPhone Mirroring feature that lets you interact with your iPhone from your Mac while your phone stays locked and across the room or in a bag, a new Passwords app, and improved window tiling for multitasking, but also make sure to browse through our full guide covering 50 macOS Sequoia features that are worth checking out.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Orders Start Arriving to Customers
All of Apple's new products, including the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and tweaked versions of other Apple Watch models and AirPods Max, are now officially available as of Friday, September 20. We've started to go hands-on with Apple's latest hardware, beginning with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Early media reviews of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models have been relatively positive, although many of the updates are fairly iterative and more powerful Apple Intelligence features these devices have been optimized for aren't coming until later.
Apple Watch Series 10 Reviews: Solid Upgrade With an Unexpectedly 'Mind-Blowing' Feature
Media reviews of the Apple Watch Series 10 have also been shared ahead of the official launch, with reviewers appreciating the thinner design and larger displays.
Other feature highlights include new casing materials and finishes, sleep apnea detection (also available for the Series 9 and Ultra 2), the ability to play audio through the watch's speaker, and surprisingly good voice isolation that ensures you can be heard when taking phone or FaceTime calls on your watch in noisy environments.
AirPods 4 Reviews: 'An Almost-Perfect AirPods Pro Alternative'
Two new AirPods 4 models are also incoming, including one entry-level model and one with active noise cancellation and an upgraded case offering wireless charging and a speaker for Find My support.
Early reviews of the AirPods 4 have praised the sound quality and comfort improvements, the active noise cancellation despite a lack of silicone tips to seal in the ear canal, and the slimmer case. Overall, many feel they are an excellent alternative to the AirPods Pro for those looking to spend a bit less or who prefer the open-ear design.
M4 Macs and iPad Updates Expected at Upcoming Apple Event
We're still coming down from this month's event, but rumors are already looking toward what's coming in the future, and that includes a potentially substantial follow-up event for October where we may see a number of M4-based Macs and one or more iPad updates.
The Mac mini may be the star of the show with a rumored redesign that will shrink it to around the size of an Apple TV but still offer as many as five USB-C ports and other connectivity options. A new iPad mini is also expected at the event, and while an 11th-generation iPad has also seemed likely, a new report suggests the timing may not be quite right for it just yet.
MacRumors Newsletter
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Tag: Top Stories
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iPhone 16 Pro Max: Review and Unboxing
Happy iPhone 16 launch day! iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are now in the hands of customers around the world. We took a look at the iPhone 16 already, and now we're back with an unboxing and quick review of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, Apple's higher-end flagship devices.
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Unboxing a new iPhone got a little more boring this year, because for the first time, Apple's removed the stickers from the box. No more stickers and no more charger - there's just an iPhone and a cable in there.
Early leaks of the new "Desert" titanium shade made it look rather unappealing, but in person, the color is a soft, subtle gold with a darker shade on the casing and a lighter shade at the back. It's not ugly at all, and there's even a bit of pink in there so in some light, it's close to a rose gold. We've also got a white titanium iPhone 16 Pro, and it's fine. It's like the white titanium from last year, and there's not much more to say about it. The Pro colors are undeniably boring, especially compared to the lovely teal, pink, and ultramarine shades Apple used for the iPhone 16 models.
iPhone 15 Pro models. If you've got an even earlier iPhone, it's a big difference. The 16 Pro Max definitely feels a little larger in the hand, and the 16 Pro is closer to a Goldilocks size.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have the same feature set this year with the exception of display size and battery life. You'll get the most battery out of the 16 Pro Max because a bigger casing allows for a bigger battery, but there are improvements to both models.
There's a new Camera Control button on the right side of all the iPhones, and it's used for opening the Camera app to take photos and videos. A quick double press takes a photo, and a press and then a press and hold captures video, which is convenient. It's easier to use in landscape mode than portrait mode, and all those gestures for adjusting settings do take some time to get used to.
We've got some demo images in our video, and also, we've shot this entire review using the 16 Pro and Pro Max so you can check out the video quality. These models support 4K 120fps recording, and you can adjust frame rate in post. Apple added an Audio Mix feature for customizing sound in video too, and we've used that here as well. You can block out sound around the person you're recording or direct all noise forward like in a movie, and Audio Mix is also customizable with a slider control.
For your photos, there are new Photographic Styles that you can customize to get the perfect look for all of your images. You can use a new dial pad to go dramatic or subtle, and your personalized style can be applied in real time, in editing, to all photos, or just to one.
Apple added a new 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera so you'll get better lighting in those wide shots or when taking macro photos, and the 5X zoom is now on both models. We're going to be doing a deep dive into the camera next week, so stay tuned for that.
If you're coming from a newer iPhone, you're probably not going to notice much in terms of speed improvements with the new A18 Pro chip, because most of what you do on an iPhone isn't stressing the processor. It'll make a difference for Apple Intelligence, but of course unless you install the iOS 18.1 beta, no Apple Intelligence features are available to use yet.
Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)
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Apple Shares Full iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Repair Manuals

Following today's launch of the new iPhone 16 models, Apple has shared repair manuals for the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The repair manuals provide technical instructions on replacing genuine Apple parts in the iPhone 16 models, and Apple says the information is intended for "individual technicians" that have the "knowledge, experience, and tools" that are necessary to repair electronic devices.
Apple has support documents on the tools that are required for various repairs, and while the iPhone 16 tools aren't yet available on Apple's Self Service Repair website, they'll likely be added soon.
iPhone models, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are easier to repair. Apple is using an electric battery removal process, and the steps for accessing a battery to replace it are outlined in a separate support document. Per Apple's instructions, a 9-volt battery and 9-volt battery clips can be applied to the iPhone 16 battery to remove the adhesive that holds it in place.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, Apple is using standard adhesive tabs that need to be carefully pulled to release the battery.
Apple's instructions for all of the battery repairs include expensive equipment like an iPhone battery press to put a replacement battery back in place. The cost of the tools required for device repair and the cost of genuine components make self repair almost as expensive as getting a repair from an Apple retail location or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, so these manuals are really aimed at independent repair shops rather than individual consumers.
made other changes to the iPhone 16 models this year to improve repairability, enabling on-device configuration for the Face ID camera, allowing LiDAR Scanner repair, and offering support for swapping the TrueDepth camera modules between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models.
are device teardowns. The iPhone 16 Pro, for example, has a metal casing for the battery, a change made for thermal reasons, and both Pro models have new casing structure that improves heat dissipation.
Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Buy Now), iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)
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Apple Working to Fix iPadOS 18 Issue With M4 iPad Pro Models

In an internal memo shared with Apple Authorized Service Providers this week, Apple has acknowledged an issue with installing iPadOS 18 on iPad Pro models with the M4 chip. We first reported on this issue earlier this week.
The memo, obtained by MacRumors, states that a "small number" of these iPad Pro models are unable to power on after a customer attempted to install iPadOS 18 on the device. Apple is working to resolve the issue, and it has made iPadOS 18 unavailable on affected iPad Pro models in the meantime, according to the memo.
Apple has advised technicians to attempt a force restart of a customer's iPad Pro model, if the device has experienced this issue.
Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)
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iPhone 17 and 'iPhone 17 Air' Rumored to Feature 120Hz ProMotion Displays

We don't mean to take away from the excitement of the iPhone 16 launch today, but there are more rumors to share about next year's iPhone 17 lineup.
Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants today informed MacRumors that the standard iPhone 17 and a slimmer model that we are calling the "iPhone 17 Air" will both feature ProMotion, meaning that each device's display would be able to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video content when necessary.
ProMotion would also allow the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air displays to ramp down to a more power-efficient refresh rate. iPhone 13 Pro models can ramp down to 10Hz, while iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 16 Pro models can go as low as 1Hz, allowing for an always-on display that shows various Lock Screen elements even when the device is locked. It is unclear if the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air would ramp down to 10Hz or 1Hz.
The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus still have 60Hz displays.
would feature larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively.
Related Roundup: iPhone 17
Tag: Ross Young
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Under-Display Face ID Rumored to Finally Debut on iPhone 17 Pro

While the iPhone 16 series just began arriving to customers today, there are already rumors about the next-generation iPhone 17 series.
In a post shared on social media platform X on Thursday, display industry analyst Ross Young said he believes that next year's iPhone 17 Pro will feature under-display Face ID. This change would presumably extend to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
would feature larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively. If he says the iPhone 17 Pro will have under-screen Face ID, there is a good chance it will.
both iPhone 17 Pro models would feature under-display Face ID, but he said the devices would still have a hole in the screen for the front camera. He does not expect both under-display Face ID and an under-display front camera until the iPhone 19 Pro models in three years from now.
With under-display Face ID, the iPhone 17 Pro models could have only a single hole at the top of the display, similar to recent Android smartphones from Samsung and Google. However, no specific design changes have been rumored yet.
Another unanswered question: Will the Dynamic Island live on with under-display Face ID?
Related Roundup: iPhone 17
Tags: Face ID, Ross Young
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iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: How to Use All the New Features

Apple's iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max launched today in markets around the world. If you're the new owner of one of Apple's latest models, then keep reading. Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone or completely new to the devices, this article will help you get the most out your iPhone 16.
With the first round of pre-ordered devices now being delivered to customers and availability in stores, MacRumors has put together the following series of dedicated iPhone 16 how-to articles explaining all the new features that can be found on Apple's newest models.
All iPhone 16 Models
iPhone 16 Camera Control: Everything You Need to Know
How to Adjust Camera Control Button Pressure
How to Disable Camera Control Clean Preview Mode
How to Disable Camera Control Light Press Adjustments
How to Use the Camera Control Button as a QR Code Scanner
How to Use the Camera Control Button as a Magnifier
How to Disable the Camera Control Button
How to Customize the Action Button
Adapt Your Shots in Real-Time With New Photographic Styles
How to Hard Reset or Force Restart All iPhone 16 Models
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
How to Use 5x Optical Zoom
Using the New ProRAW Shooting Formats
How to Shoot 4K Video at 120 fps to Slow Down Reality
iOS 18
All iPhone 16 models come with iOS 18 pre-installed. During the iOS 18 beta testing process from June to September, MacRumors wrote a series of in-depth feature guides highlighting every major new addition, plus how tos that walk you through using the new features. Be sure to refer to our ultimate walkthrough, and check out our AirPods Pro 2 new features roundup, to get yourself up to speed.
Ultimate iOS 18 Walkthrough: Guides and How Tos for New Features
Six New Features iOS 18 Brings to the AirPods Pro
Forgot to Pre-order?
Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Buy Now), iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)
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Best Apple Deals of the Week: M2 iPad Air Hits New Low Prices, Plus Our Exclusive 20% Discount at Anker

This week's best deals includes our exclusive discount at Anker, offering 20% off nearly everything on the retailer's website. Other than the Anker deals, you can also find big discounts on M2 iPad Air, AirPods, and early Prime Day deals at 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.
Anker
What's the deal? Take 20% off Anker accessories
Where can I get it? Anker
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
EXCLUSIVE 20% OFF
Anker Sitewide Sale
in our original post.
iPad Air
What's the deal? Take up to $79 off M2 iPad Air
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
$69 OFF
11-inch M2 iPad Air (256GB Wi-Fi) for $629.99
$79 OFF
13-inch M2 iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) for $719.99
New record low prices hit Apple's M2 iPad Air this week, with the highlight being the 128GB Wi-Fi 13-inch iPad Air for $719.99, down from $799.99. All of the tablets in this sale require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final deal price on Amazon.
AirPods
What's the deal? Take up to $59 off AirPods
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$40 OFF
AirPods 2 for $89.00
$59 OFF
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) for $189.99
Apple just released the new AirPods 4, but if you want to save money and purchase an older model there are still some great discounts available on Amazon. The AirPods 2 is on sale for $89.00 and the AirPods Pro 2 is on sale for $189.99, both of which represent solid second-best prices on each accessory.
iPad
What's the deal? Take up to $130 off 9th gen iPads
Where can I get it? Best Buy
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
$130 OFF
iPad (64GB Wi-Fi) for $199.99
$130 OFF
iPad (256GB Wi-Fi) for $349.99
Best Buy still has steep discounts on the 9th generation iPad as we head into the weekend, including the 64GB Wi-Fi tablet for just $199.99, down from $329.99. You can also find a $130 discount on the 256GB Wi-Fi model.
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days
What's the deal? Save with early Prime Day deals
Where can I get it? Amazon
Where can I find the original deal? Right here
EARLY DEALS
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days
Amazon announced that Prime Day is returning October 8-9, and you can already find a few very early discounts this week. These sales are mainly focused on Amazon branded products like Fire TVs and Fire tablets, but it'll keep expanding to include more items as October 8 grows closer.
Apple Deals roundup.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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iPhone 16 Pro Teardown Video Reveals Metal-Enclosed Battery and More

YouTube channel REWA Technology today shared an iPhone 16 Pro teardown video, offering a first look inside of the device following its release.
Notably, the video reveals that the smaller iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with a metal-enclosed battery, confirming a rumor from last year. The battery has a capacity of 3,582 mAh, which matches the figure that surfaced earlier this week in a Brazilian regulatory filing. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro has a 3,274 mAh battery.
easily loosened with low-voltage electrical current, such as from a 9V battery. TechCrunch said this change applies to the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, but not to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The teardown video did not test the low-voltage removal process on the iPhone 16 Pro, but it does reveal that the device's battery still has adhesive pull tabs, which suggests that the new process might indeed be limited to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Meanwhile, a separate teardown video appears to show that the iPhone 16 Pro Max still has a battery enclosed in black foil instead of metal.
Apple announced that all four iPhone 16 models feature internal design changes for improved heat dissipation. In the teardown video, the iPhone 16 Pro's chassis appears to have a larger thermal sheet compared to the iPhone 15 Pro. Metal-enclosed batteries could also contribute to the heat dissipation improvements.
The video also reveals that the iPhone 16 Pro has a slightly more compact logic board compared to the one in the iPhone 15 Pro, and a few other changes.
Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro
Tag: Teardown
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)
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