Tech Talk

The iPhone 15 Pro models will feature a "buttonless design" thanks to additional Taptic Engines, according to multiple corroborated reports, so what do we know about the change so far? Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was first to report that the volume and power buttons on this year's two high-end iPhone models will adopt a solid-state design, similar to the ‌iPhone‌ 7's home button, replacing a mechanical button design that physically depresses. Apple uses a similar method for its Mac trackpads, which do not physically move and simply mimic the feeling of being pressed with small vibrations. The new iPhones will reportedly feature additional Taptic Engines on the internal left and right sides to provide physical feedback to users, making it seem as though they are pressing real buttons. The change means that the number of Taptic Engines in each ‌iPhone‌ will increase from one to three. Barclays subsequently appeared to corroborate Kuo's report , saying that

Amazon today has a collection of Apple Watches at all-time low prices, including both the Apple Watch Series 8 and 2022 Apple Watch SE. Some of these devices are seeing stock dwindling, so be sure to check out the sales soon if you're shopping for an Apple Watch. Apple Watch Series 8 Amazon today has a new all-time low price on the 41mm GPS Apple Watch Series 8, available for $329.00 in (PRODUCT)RED Aluminum, down from $399.00. This beats the previous record low price by about $20 and as of writing it's only available in one color and one M/L band size. 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. $70 OFF Apple Watch S8 (41mm GPS) for $329.00 Apple Watch SE For the 2022 Apple Watch SE, we're tracking all-time low prices on the cellular models of the wearable. You'll find the 40mm cellular model for $269.00 , down from $29

iOS 17 is set to be introduced at the WWDC 2023 event, and this roundup aggregates everything that we've learned about the update so far. Source: TechRadar

Apple has discussed selling a new top-of-the-line iPhone alongside the Pro and Pro Max models in 2024 at the earliest, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman . Based on this timeframe, the device would be part of the iPhone 16 lineup or later. "But instead of renaming the Pro Max 'the Ultra,' Apple could add an even higher-end iPhone above both Pro models," said Gurman, in his newsletter today. "Internally, the company has discussed doing just that — potentially in time for the 2024 iPhone release." Gurman said it's currently unclear how the new high-end model would differ from the Pro and Pro Max, but he speculated that the device could feature additional camera improvements, a faster chip, and a larger display. He also speculated that the device could have a portless design without Lightning or USB-C. Tags: Bloomberg , Mark Gurman , iPhone 16 This article, " Gurman: Apple Considering New High-End iPhone Alongside Pro and Pro Max " f

A new version of the Mac Studio with the " M2 Ultra" chip is unlikely to arrive in the near future, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman . In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that since the upcoming Apple silicon Mac Pro is "very similar functionality to the ‌Mac Studio‌," Apple may wait until the release of M3- or M4-series chips to update the machine, or simply never refresh the device at all: I wouldn't anticipate the introduction of a Mac Studio in the near future. The upcoming Mac Pro is very similar in functionality to the Mac Studio — and adds the M2 Ultra chip rather than the M1 Ultra. So it wouldn't make sense for Apple to offer an M2 Ultra Mac Studio and M2 Ultra Mac Pro at the same time. It's more likely that Apple either never updates the Mac Studio or holds off until the M3 or M4 generation. At that point, the company may be able to better differentiate the Mac Studio from the Mac Pro.

Online retailer TigerDirect has slashed pricing on the M1 iPad Air in several colors, offering the base 64GB configuration for just $313.99 in Purple and Pink . Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with TigerDirect. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. That's a savings of 48% compared to Apple's normal $599.00 pricing, and is by far the lowest price we've ever tracked for these current-generation models. Both models are listed as in stock and should ship the next business day. 48% OFF 64GB Wi-Fi M1 iPad Air for $313.99 For those who prefer cellular connectivity, the 64GB M1 iPad Air is similarly discounted to $391.99 from $749.00 in Purple and Pink . The Starlight color option is also listed at this price but described as "available for pre-order" and thus not in stock for immediate shipping. The Starlight model also requires a $9.99 shipping fee, whereas the other colo

This week saw the launch of the final product from Apple's January hardware announcements, with the second-generation HomePod making its way into customers' hands. Other news and rumors this week included signs of an interim iOS 16.3.1 bug fix update in the works as we await a fresh round of beta testing for a more significant iOS 16.4 update, a report on the potential dangers of using AirTags to track your pets, and Apple's earnings release for the December quarter, so read on for all the details on these stories and more! New HomePod Reviews Offer Hands-On Look at Sound Quality and More Apple's second-generation HomePod became available on Friday , several weeks after its unveiling and the start of pre-orders. Ahead of the launch, the first reviews of the smart speaker were shared by select media publications and YouTube channels , offering a hands-on look at the device. Priced at $299, the new HomePod features a virtually identical design as the full-size

Today is the official launch day for the second-generation HomePod that was introduced in January, and we picked one up to compare it to the original ‌HomePod‌ that Apple discontinued in 2021. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Design wise, the second-generation ‌HomePod‌ looks a lot like the first-generation model, featuring the same rounded design and acoustic mesh fabric. It's ever so slightly shorter, and the main external change is the swap to a new recessed edge-to-edge touch display. The display makes a notable aesthetic difference as it feels more integrated into the speaker, but it has the same general function as the display on the original ‌HomePod‌. It lights up and changes with Siri requests, and various tap gestures can be used for play/pause, volume adjustments, and swapping songs. With the S7 chip (which is an Apple Watch SoC), ‌Siri‌ activates quicker on the new ‌HomePod‌ model, but you probably won't notice much else in term

After years of discussions with local authorities, Apple Pay in South Korea has been approved by the financial regulator, paving the way for the mobile payment system to launch in the first half of this year (via The Korea Herald ). "Having taken into consideration relevant rules and regulations and their interpretations, we confirm that credit card companies can push for the introduction of the Apple Pay service as they have obeyed necessary procedures," the Financial Services Commission (FSC) said in a release. The FSC emphasized that credit card firms should not transfer fees arising from the use of ‌Apple Pay‌ to customers or shops, while calling for measures to ensure customer protection from such risks as the theft of personal information. Market watchers initially expected the service to be launched late last year. But according to the report, experts now say that ‌Apple Pay‌ could be launched in the middle of the first half of this year. Initial discussions o

Popular memory and Mac accessory retailer OWC today introduced a new sale on its Thunderbolt docks , which is set to last through February 9. In this sale you'll find up to $50 off select Thunderbolt docks. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with OWC. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. In total, there are four docks on sale. Starting with the OWC Thunderbolt Hub , this is the cheapest of all the docks on sale and it has 4x Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports, 1x USB 3.2 (10Gb/s) Type-A port, and supports 60W of charging to a connected laptop. It's $99.99 , which is $30 in savings. $30 OFF OWC Thunderbolt Hub for $99.99 Next up is the OWC Thunderbolt Dock with 11 ports, including 4x Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports, 3x USB 3.2 (10Gb/s) Type-A ports, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A port, 1 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 SD Card reader, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, and 96W of charging to a connected laptop. It's $199.99 , which is

Apple appears to be preparing an iOS 16.3.1 update for the iPhone, based on evidence of the software in our website's analytics logs this week. It's unclear when the update will be released, but it will likely be available at some point in February. The same logs have accurately foreshadowed the release of several previous updates, including iOS 16.0.3 and iOS 16.1.1 most recently, so they have proven to be a reliable indicator of Apple's upcoming software releases. Minor updates like iOS 16.3.1 are typically focused on bug fixes, stability improvements, and security patches. In the meantime, the wait continues for the first beta of iOS 16.4, which will likely be a more significant update with some new features. Previously-announced iOS features that have still yet to launch include Apple Pay Later for financing purchases, an Apple Card savings account option for Daily Cash, opt-in web push notifications via Safari, and more, but it's unclear if any of these fea

United States Senator Michael Bennet today penned a letter to the chief executives of Apple and Google demanding that they ban Chinese-owned TikTok from their app stores on national security grounds (via The New York Times ). Bennet, a Democrat of Colorado and member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, sent the letter to Apple's Tim Cook and Google's Sundar Pichai, saying that no company subject to "Chinese Communist Party dictates should have the power to accumulate such extensive data on the American people or curate content to nearly a third of our population." "TikTok's vast influence and aggressive data collection pose a specific threat to US national security because of its parent company's obligations under Chinese law," wrote Bennet. "Article 7 of China's National Intelligence Law decrees that 'any organization or citizen shall support, assist, and cooperate with state intelligence work.' Article 14 provides Chinese st

All Apple Watch models include a stock Calculator app that offers a couple of handy features for working out how much you should tip when eating out and how much each person in a group owes if you're splitting the bill. The two functions can be used together, but if it's just yourself dining out then you can just leave the People field set to 1. The steps below show you how it works. Note: If you see a standard percentage (%) button where the TIP button should be, you can change the calculator layout to replace it. Simply go to Settings -> Calculator and select Tip Function instead of Per cent . How to Use the Split Bill and Tip Calculator Functions on Apple Watch Launch the Calculator app on your Apple Watch. Enter the total amount of the bill. Tap the TIP button in the top-right corner, just left of the divide button. With the Tip field highlighted in green, turn your watch's Digital Crown to change the percentage. To split the bill between a group o

Amazon is kicking off February with a fresh discount on the Apple Watch Series 8. You can get the 41mm GPS (PRODUCT)RED Aluminum version of the wearable for $349.00 , down from $399.00. 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. Only the M/L band size is on sale at this price, which is a match of the all-time low price on this version of the Apple Watch Series 8. As of writing, Amazon estimates free delivery to arrive between February 15 and 18. $50 OFF Apple Watch S8 (41mm GPS) for $349.00 If you're shopping for a cellular model, Amazon also has the 45mm cellular Apple Watch Series 8 for $479.00 , down from $529.00. This one is available in three colors, with delivery estimates as soon as February 5 for the Midnight Aluminum model. $50 OFF Apple Watch S8 (45mm Cellular) for $479.00 The Apple Watch Series 8 features an Always-On display th

Apple today launched the new MLS Season Pass, with the new subscription service available to Major League Soccer fans in more than 100 countries and regions. Available in the Apple TV app, the MLS Season Pass can be accessed on Apple devices, Smart TVs, consoles, set-top boxes, and on the web with the tv.apple.com website. You don't need an Apple TV+ subscription to purchase the MLS Season Pass, but it's cheaper if you have one. Non-TV+ subscribers can pay $14.99 per month or $99 per season, whereas TV+ subscribers pay $12.99 per month or $79 per season. MLS season ticket holders automatically get access to the MLS Season Pass on ‌Apple TV‌. The Season Pass includes every live MLS regular-season match, the playoffs, and the Leagues Cup, with no blackouts. There is also a free selection of pre-season on-demand content to get fans hyped up for the new season. The MLS 2023 regular season begins on February 25, with the 2022 MLS Cup champions Los Angeles FC to face of

Apple's second-generation HomePod will start arriving to customers and launch in stores this Friday. Ahead of time, the first reviews of the smart speaker have been shared by select media publications and YouTube channels. Priced at $299, the new HomePod features a virtually identical design as the full-size HomePod that Apple discontinued in March 2021, but with two fewer tweeters and two fewer microphones. The Siri-powered speaker is also equipped with a four-inch high-excursion woofer, an S7 chip for computational audio, and a U1 chip for handing off music from an iPhone. The speaker supports Matter for smart home accessories and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. A new sensor in the HomePod can measure temperature and humidity in indoor environments, and this feature was also enabled on the existing HomePod mini with a recent software update . Sound Recognition will also be coming to the new HomePod with a software update this spring, allowing the speaker to listen for smok

Flight tracker apps are a popular way to keep tabs on planes in the sky, because when you're preparing to fly or when someone you know is on board a flight, you can use them to check that things are still on schedule. But if you have an iPhone , you don't need to download and install a third-party app to track a flight – it's a handy built-in feature of the operating system. The ability to track flights in iOS is thanks to the data detectors that Apple has integrated into the system for quite a few years now. Data detectors recognize things like times, dates and addresses, and in the right context, turns these into tappable links. Here's how it works. Track Flights in Messages If someone sends you a flight number (U2502, say) in Messages, you should be able to tap the underlined number to get a real-time view of the flight's progress plotted on a map. You also get the option to learn more by tapping Preview Flight, which will give you information like depa

Nothing's Phone (1) did not get an official U.S. release when it launched in July 2022 , but that is set to change for the second version of the company's popular transparent Android handset, according to CEO and co-founder Carl Pei. Speaking to Inverse , Pei said that the U.K.-based company will make the U.S. market its number one priority for the Phone (2), which is set to be released later this year. "We're developing a smartphone that's more premium than the Nothing Phone (1) and software will be a big focus area for us," said Pei. "When you make a smartphone for the U.S. you need to work with the carriers on certification and adapting some of their features into your OS. We didn't have the resources for that before and now we do." Nothing has sold over 1 million products globally, with its Ear (1) earbuds selling 600,000 units and the Phone (1) reaching 500,000 shipments. According to Pei, about one-third of its Earbuds (1) sales come

Apple is continuing on with its Apple TV+ ad campaign starring actor Timothée Chalamet, today sharing a new spot where Chalamet praises Apple's taste and laments that the TV+ streaming service is "missing someone" while staring at a portrait of himself. Chalamet uses an iPad to longingly look through various ‌Apple TV+‌ shows and movies, naming the high-profile actors and actresses that star in the TV+ content. "Alright Apple, clearly you have taste," says Chalamet, and the spot eventually ends with him asking Apple to "talk." The ad is similar to a "Call Me" spot that Apple shared earlier in January, where Chalamet expressed his desire to star in an ‌Apple TV+‌ show. Apple's ad campaign is clearly leading up to announcement of an ‌Apple TV+‌ series or movie starring Chalamet, as the company did something similar with Jon Hamm before he was announced as a cast member of "The Morning Show." Tags: Apple Ads , Apple TV Sho

Numerous models of Apple's 2022 iPad Air have hit all-time low prices today on Amazon, with prices starting at $499.99 for the 64GB model. In total, you'll find up to $99 off these tablets, with record low prices available for nearly every version of the latest iPad Air. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. The 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air is available in four total colors at $499.99 on Amazon, which is down from $599.00. As of writing, shipping on this version of the tablet is delayed, with the earliest available for delivery around February 16. Given this is an all-time low price, you can lock in this deal today ahead of those slightly delayed arrival dates. $99 OFF 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $499.99 Secondly, the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air has hit $649.99 on Amazon, down from $749.00. This is another record low price, and it's available in three c