Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from July, 2023

Video: 15 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Need to Know About

Along with major additions like StandBy mode, Live Voicemail, Contact Posters, and NameDrop, there are dozens if not hundreds of smaller, lesser known features that Apple is adding in iOS 17 . Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. In our latest YouTube video, we rounded up a list of 15 features in ‌iOS 17‌ that you might not know about, from changes to Visual Look Up to AirTag sharing to new functionality in Messages, Reminders, and Photos . It can be hard to keep up with what's been added in ‌iOS 17‌, but we're dedicated to making sure you don't miss any ‌iOS 17‌ changes. Make sure to watch the video up above to see the features in action, and for even more on what's new in ‌iOS 17‌, we have a comprehensive iOS 17 roundup that outlines all of the changes coming in the update. Related Roundups: iOS 17 , iPadOS 17 Related Forums: iOS 17 , iPadOS 17 This article, " Video: 15 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Need to Know About " first

Deals: Amazon Takes $30 Off Nearly Every Apple Watch SE Model, Available From $219

Today we're tracking a few deals on the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE, which is available for $219.00 on Amazon, down from $249.00. Along with this model, Amazon has low prices on nearly every other configuration of the 2022 Apple Watch SE, including cellular models. 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. For the 40mm GPS model, you can get all three colors at this price: Starlight Aluminum, Silver Aluminum, and Midnight Aluminum. Additionally, each color has both S/M and M/L sizes in stock and on sale, with delivery dates as soon as August 2 for many models. Overall, this is a solid second-best price. $30 OFF Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS) for $219.00 The 44mm GPS model is on sale for $249.00 , down from $279.00. Like the smaller model, this one is available in all three colors and various band sizes with a delivery date around August 1-5 for the fastes

Twitter Finally Turns to 'X' on Apple's App Store

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has updated its official app on Apple's App Store to conform with the new branding that was announced last weekend by billionaire owner Elon Musk. Instead of "Let's talk" – Twitter's original tagline – "Blaze your glory!" is the curious subtitle on X's iOS App Store listing, which describes the app as "the trusted digital town square for everyone." The new logo and name are meant to reflect Musk's longstanding intention to transform the social media network into an "everything app" similar to China's WeChat. The rebranding process that has taken place over the last week has been piecemeal to say the least, with various aspects of the platform's online experience still containing vestigial references to Twitter. The app icon was replaced earlier last week, but the app's name change is believed to have taken longer than usual because Apple dithered on

Apple Acknowledges Screen Time Bug, Promises Further Improvements

Apple has acknowledged a bug with its parental controls feature Screen Time on the iPhone and iPad, and promises it will take additional steps to remedy the situation, according to a report this weekend from The Wall Street Journal . Screen Time provides parents with settings to remotely manage a child's device, allowing them to restrict device usage to certain times, set time limits for apps, and block inappropriate content. However, some parents have complained that Screen Time settings sometimes reset or fail to sync across all devices within a Family Sharing group. "We are aware that some users may be experiencing an issue where Screen Time settings are unexpectedly reset," an Apple spokesperson said, in a statement shared with The Wall Street Journal . "We take these reports very seriously and we have been, and will continue, making updates to improve the situation." Apple already fixed an issue with Screen Time settings failing to stick with iOS 16.

iPhone 15 Pro Rumor Recap: 12 New Features and Changes Expected

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 lineup in September. As usual, many new features have been rumored for the Pro and Pro Max models, including a USB-C port, A17 Bionic chip, titanium frame, Action button, and more. Below, we have recapped 12 new features and changes rumored for the iPhone 15 Pro models. A17 Bionic chip: iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to be equipped with Apple's next-generation A17 Bionic chip , manufactured based on TSMC's 3nm process for continued performance and efficiency improvements. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to have an A16 Bionic chip. Titanium frame: Like the Apple Watch Ultra, the iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to have a titanium frame instead of stainless steel. Ultra-thin bezels: Similar to recent Apple Watch models, the iPhone 15 Pro is rumored to have ultra-thin curved bezels around the display . USB-C port: iPhone 15 Pro models will feature a USB-C port with support for at least USB 3.2 or

Apple Watch SE 3: New Model Not Expected to Launch Until Next Year

Apple has no plans to release a third-generation Apple Watch SE this year, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman . In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the Apple Watch SE will remain on a two-year upgrade cycle, so the third-generation model can be expected to be released in September 2024. This means that the second-generation Apple Watch SE should remain a safe buy for customers considering purchasing one, as the device is not expected to be upgraded for over a year still and has plenty of time remaining in its lifecycle. Previous generations of the Apple Watch SE launched in September 2020 and September 2022, as outlined in the MacRumors Buyer's Guide . Priced starting at $249, the Apple Watch SE is the most affordable Apple Watch, but it lacks some features available on higher-end Apple Watch models, including the ECG app, Blood Oxygen app, an always-on display, and wrist temperature tracking. It also has thicker bezels and smaller case size options compa

iPhone 15 Pro Said to Be 'Easier to Repair' Like iPhone 14 and 14 Plus

Following in the footsteps of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have a redesigned chassis that makes the devices "easier to repair," according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman . This change could result in the iPhone 15 Pro models having removable back glass. With the chassis redesign, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus became the first iPhone models that can be opened from both the front and back sides of the device since the iPhone 4S in 2011. The internal redesign did not extend to the iPhone 14 Pro models, which can still only be opened from the display side, at least for authorized repairs. Removable back glass would likely lead to significantly lower repair fees for iPhone 15 Pro models with cracked back glass for customers without AppleCare+ coverage. Apple's out-of-warranty fees for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus with back glass damage range from $169 to $199, compared to $499 to $549 for iPhone 14 Pro mod

Top Stories: iPhone 15 Pro Rumors, iOS 17 Beta 4, Vision Pro Developer Kit, and More

The next iPhone launch is rapidly approaching, and rumors are continuing to fly about what to expect for the next-generation models. Plus, we're expecting some fresh Mac updates not too long after that. This week also saw the fourth betas of iOS 17 and related operating system updates as Apple works toward an official release alongside the new iPhones in September, while developers will soon be able to get their hands on Vision Pro headsets to help them design their apps, so read on for all the details on the biggest stories from the past week! iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Options Potentially Revealed Following in the footsteps of the Apple Watch Ultra , iPhone 15 Pro models are rumored to feature a customizable Action button that can be assigned to various system functions. In the fourth beta of iOS 17 made available to developers this week, MacRumors contributor Steve Moser discovered potential Action button options for the ‌iPhone‌ buried in the code, including F

iOS 17: Nine New Features Available in Safari

With every update to the iOS operating system, Apple adds new features to the built-in apps like Safari. In iOS 17 , Safari gains new privacy functionality, improvements to search, updated Siri integration, and more. This guide highlights all of the ‌iOS 17‌ Safari feature additions. Profiles In ‌iOS 17‌, Apple expands on Tab Groups with a Profile feature that is designed to let you separate your browsing for different use cases. You can create a "Work" profile and a "Personal" profile, for example, so all of your work-related browsing is kept separate from your personal browsing. Each profile has separate cookies, browsing history, extensions, and website data. You can turn off cookies and pop-ups on one profile, for instance, leaving them on for another profile. Profiles also have separate Favorites and Tab Groups. Profiles can be set up by following these instructions: Open up the Settings app. Scroll down to Safari. Tap on New Profile. Select

Apple Invites Developers to Vision Pro Coding Labs, Reveals Top-Secret Rules for Tester Kits

Earlier this week, Apple started accepting applications for one-day Vision Pro developer labs in Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. These coding labs will allow developers to test and optimize their apps on visionOS, and Apple employees will be available to help with setup and troubleshooting. Apple has since started emailing the first developers invited to attend these labs, which will begin next week and continue into August in the chosen cities. Cupertino on Monday! pic.twitter.com/jmwcudDj4r — Adam Watters (@AdamWatters) July 27, 2023 "In these self-directed coding and design labs, you'll be able to test and optimize your apps on visionOS," Apple's website says. "Bring your Mac, code, and everything you need to modify, build, run, and test your app on Vision Pro." Apple Developer Program members who are at least 18 years old can apply to attend one of the labs. Developers must have a new visionOS app in active develo

Best Apple Deals of the Week: Lowest Prices of the Year Hit AirTag 4-Pack ($84.99), MagSafe Charger ($28.99), and More Apple Accessories

This week we saw a group of Apple's first party accessories hit solid discounts on Amazon and Woot, including the year's best prices on the MagSafe Charger and AirTag 4-Pack. You'll also find low prices on the M1 MacBook Air, 10.9-inch iPad, and Anker products. 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. Apple Accessories What's the deal? Save on Apple's first party accessories Where can I get it? Amazon and Woot Where can I find the original deal? Right here $10 OFF MagSafe Charger for $28.99 $15 OFF MagSafe Battery Pack for $84.00 $14 OFF AirTag 4-Pack for $84.99 $40 OFF Apple Pencil 2 for $89.00 This week saw a big focus on solid discounts on Apple's first party accessory lineup, and all of these sales are still available. At Woot, you can get the MagSafe Charger for $28.99, down f

Apple Developers Required to Justify Use of Some APIs in Latest Move to Boost Privacy

In an effort to bolster user privacy, developers will need to justify their use of certain Apple APIs before their apps can be listed on the App Store , according to a new article on the Apple developer website spotted by 9to5Mac . The Apple Developer website now lists some APIs as "Required Reason APIs," meaning that developers have to clarify why they are using them in their privacy manifest. Some commonly used APIs, such as UserDefaults, which stores user preferences, now fall under the Required Reason category. With the launch of watchOS 10 , iOS 17 , iPadOS 17 , tvOS 17, and macOS Sonoma later this year, developers will receive a warning if they submit apps using a Required Reason API without specifying its usage. From spring 2024, any apps using these APIs without a legitimate justification will be rejected in the review process. Apple explains that main reason for this change is to curb fingerprinting, a method used to track users across different apps and web

Google's New Anti-Stalking Measure Will Alert Android Users About Unknown AirTags

Back in May, Google announced plans to introduce a new safety feature that would alert Android users about nearby unknown Bluetooth trackers, including AirTags , preventing people from being stalked with tracking accessories. The tracking alert functionality is rolling out starting today . Android smartphones will provide automatic alerts if an unknown Bluetooth tracker is separated from its owner and traveling with the smartphone user. The notification can be tapped to view a map of where the tracker was last seen, and using a "Play sound" function will cause the tracker to make noise. If an unknown tracker is detected nearby, Google will provide device information such as serial number or the last four digits of the phone number from the registered owner, along with details on how to physically disable the tracker. There is also a manual scan feature in the Safety & Emergency section of the Settings app on compatible Android devices. At the current time, unknown

Apple Suppliers Reportedly Gearing Up for New Macs Later This Year

Apple's supply chain is gearing up for the launch of new iPhone and Mac models later this year, according to a preview of an upcoming DigiTimes report. "Semiconductor backend houses, such as leading OSAT ASE Technology Holdings (ASEH) and test interface specialist CHPT, are expected to see sales growths in the third quarter of 2023, as Apple's supply chain gears up preparations for the upcoming launch of new iPhones and Mac devices, according to industry sources," the preview reads. Earlier this month, Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman said the first Macs with the M3 chip could launch as early as October , so it would make sense for Apple's supply chain to be gearing up for the devices in the third quarter. Gurman said the first Macs with the M3 chip will likely be the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 24-inch iMac, and the Mac mini and 15-inch MacBook Air should also be updated with the M3 chip eventually. Apple has yet to announce the M3 chip, wh

Review: Aqara's U100 Smart Lock Offers Home Key Support, Fingerprint Unlocking and More

Smart home accessory maker Aqara recently released the HomeKit-enabled Smart Lock U100 with support for Apple's Home Key feature. Home Key is an iOS 15 feature that's still in the process of being adopted by smart home manufacturers, so it's relatively new. Home Key adds a digital key for the Aqara lock to the Wallet app on the iPhone and the Apple Watch, allowing it to be unlocked using NFC just by bringing the device close to the lock. There are also multiple other modes of entry for the Aqara lock, including a keypad and a fingerprint reader. Note that this is a Matter-enabled product, so in addition to working with HomeKit , it also works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Aqara's products are designed to use a hub, similar to how the Philips Hue system works. The USB-A Aqara E1 Hub I tested with connects to your ‌HomeKit‌ setup, and Aqara products, including the U100, connect to the hub using Zigbee. So technically, this is "Matter over Zigbee," bu

iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Options Potentially Revealed in iOS 17 Code: Flashlight, Shortcuts, Voice Memos, and More

Apple released the fourth beta of iOS 17 to developers yesterday, and among the changes in the latest beta are some new code snippets that potentially hint at functionality for the rumored Action button on the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max. The Action button, which could be similar to the Apple Watch Ultra 's Action button but with more phone-focused options, is expected to be a new physical button on the next-generation Pro iPhone models that replaces the Ring/Silent switch. The Action button would allow users to quickly access various functions and settings without necessarily unlocking the device or navigating to an app. According to the code found in ‌iOS 17‌ beta 4, the Action button could have nine different options that users can customize and assign to different actions. While the code only lists feature names related to the Action button, we can infer what most of them will be able to do: Accessibility: This option would presumably let users acc

Deals: Anker's Latest Sales Include $200 Off the Eufy SmartDrop Package Box, Plus More Discounts on Charging Accessories

Anker is back this week with a fresh collection of discounts on both Amazon and on Anker's own website . A highlight this time around is the Eufy Security SmartDrop Package Box, which is down to $199.99 on Amazon, from $399.99. 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. The SmartDrop Package Box lets you secure your deliveries from thieves and notifies you when a new package has been placed inside. Today's price is a match of the previous all-time low price, which we haven't tracked for a few months now. $200 OFF Eufy SmartDrop Package Box Besides the SmartDrop Package Box there are a few other Anker accessories on sale today, both on Amazon and on Anker's website. On the Anker website , you'll find both individual deals on charging accessories as well as a few bundle offers. Shoppers should note that for both websites, most of t

15-Inch MacBook Air Demand Reportedly 'Weaker Than Expected' So Far

Initial customer demand for the new 15-inch MacBook Air has been "weaker than expected," according to a DigiTimes report citing sources within Apple's supply chain. The report claims that 15-inch MacBook Air shipment volume in July has been 50% less than originally estimated amid a broader downturn in the notebook market. As a result of this "poor start," the report claims that some Apple suppliers have requested a reduction in 15-inch MacBook Air shipments. Launched at WWDC last month , the 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299 and has the same design and M2 chip as the 13-inch model, but with a larger display and two extra speakers. It is the first time that Apple has offered a 15-inch display for the MacBook Air, which was previously only available in 13-inch and discontinued 11-inch size options. It's unclear if 15-inch MacBook Air demand has met Apple's own internal expectations so far. Apple is set to report its third quarter earnings resul