Apple is once again planning to cut the interest rate of its Apple Card high-yield savings account, with the new rate set to go live on Friday, October 11.
The Apple Card savings account's annual percentage yield (APR) will drop to 4.10 percent, down from 4.25 percent. This is the third cut that Apple has made this year, and the second in the last few weeks.
Back in late September, Apple lowered the APY from 4.4 percent to 4.25 percent, and rates dropped from 4.5 percent to 4.4 percent in April.
At 4.10 percent, the Apple savings account APY will be below 4.15 APY that it launched with back in April 2023. Savings account interest rates fluctuate with changes made by the Federal Reserve, and when rates are lowered, banks cut their APYs. There was a notable rate cut of 50 basis points in September, and today, Federal Reserve policymakers suggested that more cuts are on the horizon.
Several other high-yield savings accounts from companies like Discover, American Express, and Capital One also now have a 4.10 APY.
Apple partners with Goldman Sachs for the Apple savings account. It is available for Apple Card holders, and can be managed through the iPhone Wallet app much like the Apple Card. The Apple savings account is designed to allow Apple Card users to earn interest on their Daily Cash balance, and on funds transferred from bank accounts or Apple Cash balances.
Earlier this month, Apple decreased the Apple Card APR range, and it is now at 18.74 percent to 28.99 percent, down from 19.24 percent to 29.49 percent.
Though smart rings with health capabilities have been growing in popularity, Apple has no plans to join the smart ring market, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. While Apple explored the idea, there is no active development of a ring going on at this time, and Apple has no plans to launch a ring.
Samsung's Galaxy Ring
Smart rings on the market from companies like Oura measure heart rate, track body temperature, and have sleep tracking capabilities, all of which are functions of the Apple Watch. If Apple released a smart ring, it would have the same feature set of the Apple Watch, and it would likely cannibalize Apple Watch sales.
Back in February, Gurman said that Apple's industrial team had suggested that Apple work on a smart ring, with the device possibly serving as a lower-cost alternative to the Apple Watch. Apple executives apparently weren't interested, and active development didn't happen.
Gurman's report followed a February rumor from Korean site Electronic Times, which said that Apple was "speeding up development" of a smart ring that could be used for health tracking. The site claimed that Apple was weighing the idea of a smart ring as an expansion of its wearables lineup, but those rumors may have been spurred by Samsung's Galaxy Ring.
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Ring in July alongside new foldable smart phones. Designed to work only with Galaxy devices, the Galaxy Ring tracks movement, sleep, heart rate, and respiratory rate, providing users with a daily sleep score and an energy score.
New devices from Samsung can spur rumors about Apple products because the two companies typically compete in the same markets, but there are some instances where Apple has not followed in Samsung's footsteps. Samsung has had foldable smartphones for years now, and Apple still seems to have no concrete plans for a foldable iPhone.
There have been Apple patents for ring-like devices, and those patents have also led to "iRing" rumors, but Apple patents all kinds of strange things that never make it to launch.
Gurman is a reliable source for information on Apple's future plans, but there are some who still seem to think an Apple ring is coming. CCS Insight told CNBCjust this week that Apple might launch a "connected ring" to rival Samsung by 2026.
Rather than launching a ring, Apple may instead lower the price of the Apple Watch. The next-generation Apple Watch SE that's slated for 2025 is expected to include a plastic casing that could bring lower costs and more appeal to customers looking for something cheap and durable, either for themselves or for their children.
Starting with iOS 18, Apple said event tickets in the Wallet app on the iPhone are able to offer an all-new design that displays key information, and Ticketmaster today announced that it will be the first ticketing company to roll out this enhanced experience.
The redesigned tickets will include more relevant information about an event, such as a map of the venue, parking details, recommended Apple Music playlists, local forecasts from the Weather app, and quick access to location sharing. In addition, venues and sports teams can add links to their app or website to the ticket.
Ticketmaster said the first event that will offer its redesigned tickets in the Wallet app will be Los Angeles FC's upcoming match against the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium on Saturday, October 19. iPhone users who have updated their device to iOS 18 or later can add their tickets to the Wallet app through the Ticketmaster or LAFC apps.
Ticketmaster said the Miami Heat will be the next team to debut the new ticket experience, but it did not say when, and the new tickets will roll out more widely in 2025.
In a social media post today, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Apple will be making a donation of an undisclosed amount to Hurricane Milton relief efforts.
"Our hearts go out to all of those impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Milton," said Cook. "To everyone still in harm's way, please stay safe. Apple will be making a donation to help with relief efforts on the ground."
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida late Wednesday. The storm, and many tornadoes that resulted from it, caused catastrophic damage, flooding, and loss of life across many areas of Florida.
Apple has donated to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts in the past.
Apple today stopped signing iOS 18.0, preventing iPhone users who have upgraded to iOS 18.0.1 from downgrading to iOS 18. Apple released iOS 18.0.1 a week ago on October 3.
It is not unusual for Apple to stop signing older versions of iOS within a week or two after a new version of iOS is released. When Apple stops signing an update, it can no longer be installed on an iPhone due to a server-side software verification check that happens before new software is installed, so those who have upgraded to the latest version of iOS 18 cannot downgrade to iOS 18.0.
Apple prevents downgrading to older versions of iOS to encourage iPhone users to keep their operating systems up to date with the latest security fixes. iPhone 16 users who have upgraded to iOS 18.0.1 can no longer install any older software, but iPhone 15 and earlier users have the option of downgrading to iOS 17.7, which is also still signed.
The iOS 18.0.1 update addressed bugs with the touch screen, Camera, and Messages app, plus it fixed two vulnerabilities.
Apple in 2023 hosted a "Global Police Summit" to help police agencies around the world better take advantage of Apple products for police work like surveillance, reports Forbes. The meeting was held in October 2023 at Apple Park, and it preceded the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference. As many as 50 police department employees from seven countries attended the events.
At the event, police agencies shared their "successes, innovations, and lessons learned," according to an email about it, while Apple engineers did presentations on products and features that benefit law enforcement such as "CarPlay, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via Satellite, Vision Pro and more."
LAPD chief information officer John McMahon told Forbes that it was one of the most useful conferences he'd attended. "I've never been part of an engagement that was so collaborative," he said. A New Zealand police department shared an experience creating an app for storing and accessing police data connected to the National Intelligence Database, as one example of what was demonstrated at the conference.
While Apple has refused to unlock iPhones at law enforcement request and has fought public battles to avoid adding backdoors to its products, Apple does respond to some legal requests from governments and law enforcement, and law enforcement agencies are a business like any other that can purchase Apple products for police work.
Electronic Frontier Foundation analyst Matthew Guariglia told Forbes that Apple has kept the product meetings and conferences quiet because the company is aware that they do not align with pro-privacy marketing. "They want to get the reputation that they protect users' data and they will do so at the expense of their relationship with law enforcement, and at the same time recognizing that creating tech for law enforcement is a multi-billion-dollar industry," he said.
Gary Oldham, who oversaw Apple's worldwide strategy for public safety and emergency services until August of this year, spoke with Forbes and said that he had worked to grow Apple's public safety market share in multiple target markets around the world. Oldham specifically worked with police agencies in California to "deepen Apple tech use." Several police departments in California are testing using the Vision Pro for surveillance work. In Western Australia, the police force uses Siri through CarPlay to access police data and send updates about incidents.
Oldham did not provide a reason why he left Apple in August, and Apple did not hold a Global Police Summit in 2024.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Apple today introduced Submerged, the first scripted short film designed for Apple Immersive Video on the Vision Pro headset. The 17-minute movie is set in World War II, and it follows a group of sailors that are struggling to survive a deadly torpedo attack.
Submerged was directed by Austrian filmmaker Edward Berger, who also directed 2022 movie All Quiet on the Western Front. Apple shared a behind the scenes video on the making of Submerged, showing off the full-scale 23-ton submarine set that was used for filming.
Submerged, like other Apple Immersive Video content, features high-resolution 3D video that's meant to be viewed on the Vision Pro, and it is meant to make the wearer feel like they are part of the action. Spatial Audio is included for a more immersive experience.
"Apple Immersive Video allows Apple Vision Pro users around the world to experience the next generation of sports, documentaries, and music performances. With Submerged, an immersive film from visionary director Edward Berger, we're excited to premiere the next generation of narrative filmmaking," said Tor Myhren, Apple's vice president of Marketing Communications. "Vision Pro places you in the middle of the story -- inside a densely packed submarine, shoulder to shoulder with its crew. That deep sense of immersion just wasn't possible before, and we can't wait to see how it inspires filmmakers to push the boundaries of visual storytelling."
In addition to introducing Submerged, Apple also highlighted additional Apple Immersive Video content coming in the next few months.
Next Friday, Apple plans to release an immersive short film featuring the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, and in November, Apple will team up with The Weeknd for an immersive music experience celebrating his new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow.
In December, Apple will release the next episode of its Adventure series. "Ice Dive" will follow freediver Ant Williams as he attempts his best record for the longest distance dive under ice with a single breath. Adventure will continue in early 2025 in Majorca, Spain, with sport climber Kai Lightner.
A new series called Concert for One will also come before the end of 2024, and it will feature intimate performances from some of the world's biggest artists. The first episode will feature British singer-songwriter RAYE.
The next episode of the Elevated series will come in early 2025, and it will feature a crisp autumn in New England, with an aerial journey along winding coastlines and rivers.
Apple Vision Pro is available in Australia, Canada, China mainland, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the U.K., and the U.S. All Apple Immersive Video is available at no additional cost and it can be viewed in the Apple TV app in most countries. In China, the video content can be watched in the Migu Video and Tencent Video apps.
Apple last week released iOS 18.0.1, and we recommend installing the update soon, as it includes some important bug fixes and security patches.
Below, we outline what is new in iOS 18.0.1.
Bug Fixes
iOS 18.0.1 fixes display and camera bugs on iPhone 16 models, and a few other issues, according to Apple's release notes for the update:
- Touch screen may be temporarily unresponsive in certain circumstances on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models - Camera may freeze when recording macro mode video on the Ultra Wide camera in 4K with HDR turned off on iPhone 16 Pro models - Messages may unexpectedly quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face - Performance may be impacted due to an issue with memory allocation on some iPhone models
Security Patches
iOS 18.0.1 patches a few security vulnerabilities involving the Messages and Passwords apps, according to Apple's security notes for the update:
Media Session Available for: iPhone 16 (all models)
Impact: Audio messages in Messages may be able to capture a few seconds of audio before the microphone indicator is activated
Description: This issue was addressed with improved checks.
CVE-2024-44207: Michael Jimenez and an anonymous researcher
Passwords Available for: iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
Impact: A user's saved passwords may be read aloud by VoiceOver
Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved validation.
CVE-2024-44204: Bistrit Dahal
Compatible iPhones
To install iOS 18.0.1, open the Settings app and select General → Software Update.
The update is compatible with the following iPhone models:
The Apple Watch SE starts at $249, providing an accessible, low-cost option for those interested in owning an Apple smartwatch. The company also now offers the Apple Watch Series 10, which starts at $399, so what exactly do you get by spending an additional $150 and is it worth it? Our comparison helps to answer the question of which of these two Apple Watch models is best for you.
Apple announced the second-generation Apple Watch SE in 2022 alongside the now-discontinued Apple Watch Series 8. The Apple Watch Series 10 launched two years later in 2024. The Apple Watch SE is designed to be a low-cost option that still offers many of the Apple Watch features that have made the device so popular over the years, while the Apple Watch Series 10 offers a more feature-rich experience with additional health monitoring capabilities.
Both the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 10 feature Crash Detection, water resistance, an optical heart sensor, up to 18 hours of battery life, and more, but there are significant differences between the two devices. Our comparison helps to answer the question of which of these two Apple Watch models is best for you.
Apple Watch SE (second generation, 2022)
Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)
Same design as Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and 6
Refined design with a thinner casing, display with more rounded edges and a wider aspect ratio, and front glass that extends further over the sides for a higher screen-to-body ratio
Aluminum casing
Aluminum or titanium casing
Ion-X glass front
Ion-X glass (aluminum) or sapphire crystal (titanium) front
Color-matched nylon composite back case
Metal back with larger charging coil and integrated antenna
40mm or 44mm case size
42mm or 46mm case size with edge-to-edge display
40mm: 1.57-inch display 44mm: 1.78-inch display
42mm: 1.89-inch display 46mm: 2.04-inch display
Retina display
LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display (faster refresh rate in always-on mode, enabling a live ticking seconds hand on select watch faces)
Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)
40mm: 324 by 394 pixels with 759 sq mm display area 44mm: 368 by 448 pixels with 977 sq mm display area
41mm: 374x446 pixels 989 sq mm display area 46mm: 416x496 pixels 1,220 sq mm display area
Up to 1,000 nits of brightness
Up to 2,000 nits of brightness
Display can get dimmer in dark rooms and at night (down to 1 nit of brightness)
S8 chip (based on A13 Bionic chip)
S10 chip (based on A15 Bionic chip: 60% more transistors, 30% faster)
Neural Engine
4-core Neural Engine (up to twice as fast)
Siri processed in the cloud via internet connection
Siri processed on-device for requests that do not need information from the internet, resulting in quicker and more reliable responses
Dictation
25% more accurate dictation
Siri can access health and fitness data
Second-generation optical heart sensor
Third-generation optical heart sensor
Blood oxygen sensor and Blood Oxygen app (outside the U.S. only)
Sleep apnea notifications
Electrical heart sensor and ECG app
Body and water temperature sensor
Depth gauge to 6m
Depth app
Oceanic+ app for snorkelling (available on the App Store)
Microphone
Microphone with voice isolation
Single, elongated speaker hole
Redesigned speaker with individual holes
Speaker
Speaker with media playback
Cycle tracking
Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Precision Finding for iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, providing distance and direction, as well as visual, haptic, and audio guidance to a misplaced iPhone
HomePod integration (when a user gets within four meters of a playing HomePod, the Apple Watch launches Now Playing to control playback. If nothing is playing, media suggestions appear at the top of the Smart Stack.)
Fast charging (0–80% in about 30 minutes)
Double Tap gesture to stop a timer, play and pause music, snooze an alarm, answer and end a phone call, take a photo with the Camera Remote, open the Smart Stack, and scroll through widgets in the stack, all without touching the display
32GB storage
64GB storage
Available in anodized Silver, Starlight, Midnight finishes
Aluminum: Available in anodized Silver and Rose Gold, and polished Jet Black finishes Titanium: Available in polished Silver (matches previous stainless steel casing, Apple Watch Hermès only), Gold, Slate, and Natural finishes
Starts at $249
Starts at $399 (aluminum) or $699 (titanium)
The Apple Watch Series 10 is a relatively minor improvement over the previous Series 9 model, offering a thinner design and an improved display. Yet compared to the Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a considerably more feature-rich device with advanced capabilities.
With its larger display, additional health monitoring features, and range of colors and finishes, the Apple Watch Series 10 will be the model of choice for those who want more out of their smartwatch. If you feel that the always-on display, added health monitoring features (such as ECG and sleep apnea notifications), or fast charging would be particularly useful to you, or simply like a specific casing and color combination not available with the Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Series 10 will be the best model for you. It's also worth noting that the Apple Watch SE is now over two years old, while the Series 10 has only just come out, so the latter is likely to be more future proof.
If you are on a budget and are not particularly attracted to the additional features of the Series 10, the Apple Watch SE is still a compelling option. As it shares many key features with the Apple Watch Series 10, many customers will be happy choosing the more inexpensive model, unless you particularly value features such as the larger, always-on display or advanced health monitoring and can justify the added cost.
The Apple Watch SE is an ideal device for kids and senior citizens who do not have an iPhone thanks to Family Setup, but it is also the go-to model for most customers who are new to the Apple Watch and those who are upgrading from a Series 4 or older due to its competitive pricing and generous feature set, allowing users to get a balanced Apple Watch experience at a low price.
The batteries inside the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus use an innovative type of adhesive that can be loosened with low-voltage electrical current from a 9V battery, USB-C charger, or another power source. While this change does not apply to iPhone 16 Pro models, it has now been rumored for iPhone 17 Pro models next year.
iPhone 16 Pro battery
According to a blog post today from the leaker known as Majin Bu, who has a hit-or-miss track record with Apple rumors, the electrical battery removal process will be extended to all four iPhone 17 models launching next year, including the iPhone 17, tentatively-named iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The leaker shared a photo of the new adhesive in four different sizes, which may correspond with the four iPhone 17 models.
In the meantime, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max batteries still have stretch-release adhesive pull tabs, like many previous iPhone models.
While no other sources have corroborated this rumor yet, the electrical battery removal process expanding to all four iPhone 17 models at least sounds like a reasonable possibility. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September.
From the information I have been able to get, it looks like the entire iPhone 17 series will feature new battery adhesives and will use electrically induced adhesive peel technology.
Full Article: https://t.co/A3y6Z103sspic.twitter.com/r13FYGRs4q
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) October 10, 2024
Amazon today has introduced a new all-time low price on the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6, available for $349.99, down from $499.00. This price is available in all four colors on Amazon, and we're also tracking low prices on the 256GB model and the 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.
In regards to the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 6, this beats the previous record low price by about $30. The 256GB Wi-Fi tablet is available for $499.99, down from $649.00, which is another best-ever price on the miniature tablet.
Apple launched this version of the iPad mini back in 2021, and we're expecting the next generation of iPad mini to debut next month. Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.
Apple often releases new Macs in the fall, but we are still waiting for official confirmation that the company has similar plans this year. We're approaching the middle of October now, and if Apple plans to announce new Macs before the holidays, recent history suggests it will happen this month. Here's what we know so far.
As of writing this, it's been 220 days since Apple released a new Mac, the last being M3 versions of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, both of which arrived in March. Prior to that, in October 2023, Apple released 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chip options, alongside a 24-inch M3 iMac.
Elsewhere in the lineup, the Mac Studio and Mac Pro haven't been updated since June 2023, when Apple introduced M2-based variants of both machines. That leaves the M2 Mac mini, which hasn't seen an update since January 2023, over 600 days ago.
Another October Event Likely
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently claimed that Apple is planning a Mac-related event towards the end of October, with the company intending to launch new M4-based Macs as soon as Friday, November 1. Going on past years, that's a good bet. Apple has often held a second annual fall event where the focus is usually on new Macs and iPads. While that didn't happen in 2022, there were October events in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2023.
Notably, Apple's next quarterly earnings conference call will be held on Thursday, October 31. Compare that to last year's earnings call on Thursday, November 2, which came just two days after its "Scary Fast" Mac-focused event on Monday, October 30, the day before Halloween. It's also worth remembering that Apple uncharacteristically scheduled its spooky-themed Mac event for 8.00 p.m. ET / 5.00 p.m. PT, which meant it wasn't for the morning or lunchtime US crowd.
So, what can we reasonably expect this time around?
14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro
New MacBook Pro models are due, and Gurman reports that next month Apple will launch a new M4 version of its low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, as well as higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. Indeed, Apple appears to have been victim to a brazen Russian leak of the low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, which may come with three Thunderbolt 4 ports (up from two TB3 ports) and a minimum of 16GB of RAM instead of 8GB. It could also support up to two external displays with the lid open, up from one display in the previous model. It may even be available in a Space Black color option, currently exclusive to Apple's 14-inch and 16-inch models with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.
Mac Mini, iMac
Gurman reports that Apple is planning to unveil a redesigned Mac mini with both M4 and M4 Pro chip options at its October event, with a launch to follow in early November. Along with M4 and M4 Pro chips, the next-generation Mac mini will be slimmed down, and it could be around the size of the Apple TV. The new Mac mini will retain its aluminum casing and, while comparable in size to the Apple TV, it is expected to be taller. Apple has tested Mac mini prototypes featuring five USB-C ports, alongside a power cable and HDMI port. USB-A ports are not anticipated to be included in the upcoming model. To accommodate Apple Intelligence, the new Mac mini models may include 16GB of Unified Memory as standard, rather than 8GB.
Meanwhile, the 24-inch iMac is also expected to be updated in November with a next-generation M4 chip. The M4 iMac could also start with 16GB RAM instead of 8GB, perhaps to better support Apple Intelligence features. Notably, all of the M4 Macs that have been spotted in developer logs have featured either 16GB or 32GB RAM. Apple last redesigned the iMac in 2021, and there are no signs that a new look is on the horizon.
MacBook Air, Mac Studio, Mac Pro
It's worth repeating that Apple this year has already updated the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air. These M3-based updates were released in March, so there is little chance that they will be superseded by newer models before the end of 2024. According to Gurman, the company is expected to introduce M4-powered 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models in the first half of 2025.
Mac power users may need to wait a bit longer for high-end desktop updates. While new Mac Studio and Mac Pro models with M4 chips are in development, Gurman says they are slated for later releases. The Mac Studio is anticipated around mid-2025, with the Mac Pro following towards the end of next year. The Mac Studio will be equipped with a variation of the M4 processor, which could be an M4 Ultra or Max chip. The current Mac Studio comes in both M2 Max and M2 Ultra variants.
As for the Mac Pro, it will be equipped with the highest-end version of the M4 chip, which is codenamed "Hidra," according to Gurman. Based on the description of the chip, it could be positioned as an "Ultra" or "Extreme" chip. Apple has been designing a new, more powerful chip for the Mac Pro due to criticism that the M2 Ultra chip was not powerful enough for the high-end machine. The M4 will be built on the same 3nm process as the M3 chips, but Apple supplier TSMC will likely use an improved process that boosts performance and power efficiency. The Mac Pro could also support up to 512GB Unified Memory, up from the current 192GB limit.
M4 Chip
With new MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac updates expected in the next few weeks, the transition to Apple's M4 chip is gathering pace across its Mac lineup. Like the M3, the M4 is built on a 3nm process, but with enhancements from Apple supplier TSMC for improved performance and power efficiency. The M4 also includes an improved Neural Engine that fuels accelerated AI workloads. Apple says it is the company's most powerful Neural Engine ever, capable of 38 trillion operations per second, so there's plenty of scope for faster compute speeds.
In fact, new benchmarks for one of the upcoming M4 models recently surfaced on Geekbench, giving us some insight into how an M4 Mac will perform compared to the M4 iPad Pro and prior-generation M3 Macs. The M4 chip showing up on Geekbench is the standard M4, and it will be used in the iMac, Mac mini, and 14-inch MacBook Pro models.
The "Mac16,1" model that was benchmarked features a 10-core CPU, achieving a single-core score of 3864 and a multi-core score of 15288. In comparison, the base M4 iPad Pro, with its 9-core CPU, scored 3647 for single-core and 13135 for multi-core performance. Depending on the storage capacity, iPad Pro models are equipped with either a 9-core or 10-core CPU, with the 10-core versions reaching multi-core scores around 14500 on Geekbench.
When comparing the M4 chip to the previous M3 chip (which has an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU), single-core performance has improved by 26.7 percent, while multi-core performance is up by 30.6 percent. For example, the M3 iMac has a single-core score of 3048 and a multi-core score of 11708.
Apple has stated that the M4 chip in the iPad Pro is up to 25 percent faster than the M3, and performance in Macs with the base M4 chip will be similar or even better. Keep in mind that these are just benchmark results, so actual scores may vary when the devices are officially released. We are also expecting to see M4 Pro and M4 Max chips for the higher-end MacBook Pro and Mac mini models, and benchmark results for those machines have not yet surfaced.
Amazon has announced that Apple TV+ will be available as an add-on subscription through Prime Video in the United States later this month. Prime members will be able to subscribe to Apple TV+ for $9.99 per month directly within the Prime Video app.
The partnership potentially allows Apple's streaming service to reach a wider audience through Amazon's popular Prime Video platform, thereby avoiding the need to download additional apps or navigate separate billing systems. Subscribers will have access to Apple TV+'s full catalog of original content, including hit shows like "Severance," "Ted Lasso," and "The Morning Show," as well as films and live sports events.
Mike Hopkins, senior VP of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, described the move as part of Amazon's strategy to expand Prime Video's offerings and allow customers to "personalize their streaming experience within a single app." Apple's senior VP of services Eddy Cue was also quoted in Amazon's press release:
"We want to make Apple TV+ and its award-winning library of series and films from the world's greatest storytellers available to as many viewers as possible. We're thrilled that Prime Video will now offer Apple TV+, giving viewers an incredible breadth of viewing options."
The arrangement mirrors Apple's own strategy of offering third-party video subscriptions through its Apple TV Channels feature, though Prime Video is not currently available as an Apple TV Channel.
While Apple TV+ is already accessible on various platforms, including smart TVs and streaming devices, this partnership may simplify the subscription process for Prime Video users who were previously unfamiliar with how to access Apple TV+.
The companies have not disclosed specific details about their business arrangement, but it's clearly mutually beneficial. Apple gains increased visibility and potential subscriber growth, while Amazon enhances its content offerings within the Prime Video ecosystem.
With iOS 18.1, Apple plans to introduce the first Apple Intelligence features, but we're only getting a small sample of the functionality that's going to be rolling out over the next year. Writing Tools, summaries, and smart replies are coming, but more exciting AI options like Image Playground won't be available until later.
This guide includes what's not coming in iOS 18.1, along with current rumors on when we can expect those features. For a feature list of what you can expect to see in iOS 18.1, check out our iOS 18.1 Apple Intelligence guide.
Image Playground
Image Playground will let you generate cartoon-style images using any phrase. It'll be a standalone app, but it will also be integrated into Messages and Notes. In the Notes app, Image Playground can be used to generate an image based on what you've written.
In Messages and in the Image Playground app itself, you can make up whatever you want, even using pictures of your friends and contacts to inspire images. Apple is sticking to non-realistic styles for these, so you won't get anything photorealistic that can be mistaken for real.
Genmoji
Genmoji is similar to Image Playground, but it's a feature that lets you generate any emoji that you want. Right now, you're limited to the emoji characters defined by the Unicode Consortium, but that'll change with Genmoji.
You can design all kinds of things, just like you can with Image Playground. Want a dog eating pancakes? No problem. An alligator skateboarding? The Genmoji feature will be able to create it. As with Image Playground, you can base Genmoji on photos of your friends. Genmoji that you create can be used just like emoji, but people you send them to will need to have iOS 18 for the Genmoji to display properly.
Image Wand
Image Wand is an Image Playground-based feature coming to the Notes app. You can use it to insert images into your Notes based on context. On the iPad, you can draw a crude graphic and have Image Wand whip up something nice to accompany your notes.
Priority Notifications
Priority notifications will show up at the top of your notification stack, so you can get to what's most important first.
Mail
In the Mail app, Apple is adding a feature that will sort your incoming messages into categories automatically for better management of things like newsletters and purchase emails.
Siri
Some initial Siri updates are coming in iOS 18.1, such as Siri's new glow that encompasses the edges of the display, but a lot of the more advanced functionality isn't going to be available until later.
Apple is working on onscreen awareness, personal context, and the ability to take more actions in and across apps.
Onscreen awareness will let Siri take actions when you ask something about what's on your display. If you're looking at a photo and want to message it to your friend Eric, you'll be able to tell Siri to "Send this picture to Eric," and Siri will understand and do it.
Personal context will let Siri do more with your personal data like emails and messages. This is an on-device feature, and it will let Siri learn more about you, who you're communicating with, and how you use your device. Personal context will let you do things like ask Siri to find a specific message, or remind you when you took a photo that you're looking for.
The Siri option to take more actions in and across apps will drastically improve what Siri is capable of. You'll be able to move files from one app to another and control app functions with Siri that you never could before. It'll work in third-party apps as well as Apple's own apps.
ChatGPT Integration
Apple is adding a feature that will let Siri hand complex queries off to OpenAI's ChatGPT, but this won't be available in iOS 18.1.
Additional Languages
Apple Intelligence is available in U.S. English only as of now, but support for additional languages will be coming in the future.
When to Expect More Apple Intelligence Features
More Apple Intelligence features will come in iOS 18.2, iOS 18.3, and iOS 18.4.
We'll get iOS 18.2 before the end of 2024, and it is expected to include Image Playground, Genmoji, and ChatGPT Siri integration.
In January or so, we'll get iOS 18.3, which could potentially have some new Siri features.
iOS 18.4, which isn't expected until around March 2025, will have the bulk of the Siri Apple Intelligence features. We're also expecting to see Apple roll out support for additional languages in 2025.
iOS 18.1 Launch Date
iOS 18.1 is expected to see a release on Monday, October 28. Apple plans to release Apple Intelligence in a beta capacity, and the feature set will continue to be refined over time.
Apple plans to release an updated Magic Keyboard for new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models at some point "early next year," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air will adopt "some" of the new features that were added to the latest Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, which was released in May. That means potential features for the next iPad Air version of the accessory include a thinner and lighter design with an aluminum palm rest, a larger glass trackpad, and a row of function keys with shortcuts for things like display brightness and volume.
Here is the excerpt from his report earlier this month:
The new iPad Air models — codenamed J607 and J637 — will focus on internal improvements. Apple also is preparing an updated version of its Magic Keyboard accessory, codenamed R307 and R308, for both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions of the new Air. These will bring some of the features of the iPad Pro keyboard down-market.
Apple released the current iPad Air models with the M2 chip in May.
Both Samsung and Apple have come out with new top-of-the-line tablet options this year, with Apple introducing the M4 iPad Pro back in May and Samsung debuting the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra earlier this month. Given the similarities between the two, we thought we'd see how Apple's high-end iPad Pro compares to Samsung's best Galaxy Tab.
In terms of design, Apple makes the iPad Pro in 11-inch and 13-inch size options, while Samsung's tablets are bigger at 12.4 (S10+) and 14.6 inches (Ultra). The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra looks a lot like the iPad Pro with slim bezels, a thin design, and rounded squircle corners. Like Apple, Samsung is using OLED display technology, and there is a new anti-reflective coating this year, but it's not quite as good at cutting down on glare as Apple's nano-texture display.
Samsung added a lot of Galaxy AI features to the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, and some of them are similar to what Apple will bring with Apple Intelligence in iPadOS 18.1. There's a Note Assist option that can auto format notes with headers, bullet points, and paragraphs, which is useful if you just want to write, and Galaxy AI can also provide summaries of notes and voice recording summaries. Those summaries also extend to the web browser for quick summaries of long articles.
In Samsung's image app, you can sketch an object onto a photo and AI will create a more realistic version of what you sketched, adding it in to your picture, plus you can use portrait studio to change the look of your images. There's also built-in access to the Google Gemini chatbot, and with Circle to Search, you can circle anything on your screen to get more information about it.
Year over year, Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is a lot like the S9 Ultra, but with AI features. Samsung is advertising an 18 percent increase in CPU performance and a 28 percent increase in GPU performance, but it doesn't come close to M4 chip performance.
Samsung's tablets come with the S Pen, and there are optional Book Cover Keyboards, but the keyboard isn't as premium or as nice as Apple's latest Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. The trackpad just doesn't come close, and you might be better off with the keyboard that doesn't have trackpad functionality. Samsung does still come out ahead at multitasking and it's simpler to use multiple apps on the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra than on the iPad Pro, plus there's DeX for a desktop-like experience.
Pricing on the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra starts at $1,200, while the 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,300. Which do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below.
The Home Depot has finally caved and started rolling out the ability to pay with Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay payment methods at some of its U.S. stores in recent weeks, according to a photo shared by the blog Appleosophy.
The home improvement retailer has not officially announced that it accepts Apple Pay, so it is unclear which stores offer it. In a social media post earlier this year, the company said it was "evaluating a number of new payment methods, including a number of mobile payments," but it had yet to make any "permanent decisions."
The Home Depot was one of the largest remaining Apple Pay holdouts since it dropped support for the service in 2015. Another was Texas-based grocery store chain H-E-B, which is also gradually starting to accept Apple Pay this month.
In a press release this week, H-E-B said it will begin rolling out the ability to pay with Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods at all of its stores throughout October. The company's other chains Central Market and Joe V's Smart Shop already began accepting Apple Pay earlier this year, and now it will be accepted in actual H-E-B stores.
iPhone 16 Pro battery
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