Amazon this weekend is discounting a collection of Beats headphones and speakers, including an all-time low price on the Powerbeats Pro 2. You can get this new 2025 model for $199.95 in four colors, down from $249.99. This deal on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is being matched at Best Buy, along with a few other Beats deals.
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.
This sale also includes major discounts on products like the Beats Pill, which has hit $99.95 on Amazon, down from $149.95. This discount is available in five colors of the Bluetooth speaker.
Additionally, Amazon has the Beats Studio Buds+ for $99.95, down from $169.95. These have up to 9 hours of playback (up to 36 hours with charging case), USB-C, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance.
You'll also find a few steep discounts on over-ear headphones, like the Beats Studio Pro at $169.95, down from $349.99. Many of these deals are matches for the record low price on each pair of headphones.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Apple surprised us this week with the official launch of its more advanced "CarPlay Ultra" feature to provide greatly expanded functionality in cars, while the company also released iOS 18.5 and related operating system updates.
This week also saw Apple's annual announcement of upcoming accessibility features for its products while we looked ahead to what else is coming at WWDC next month, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
Apple's 'CarPlay Ultra' Experience Now Available
Nearly three years after Apple announced the next-generation version of CarPlay with deeper vehicle integration, CarPlay Ultra is finally here — if you can afford an Aston Martin. Many other brands, including new additions Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, are working on support, however, so availability should significantly expand over time.
CarPlay Ultra is designed to bring a consistent look and feel to the entire driving experience. It integrates more directly with the vehicle to provide information on all of the driver's screens, featuring real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster with options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and more. Drivers can choose to display information from the iPhone, such as maps and media, alongside information from the vehicle, such as advanced driver assistance systems and tire pressure.
Apple Releases iOS 18.5 With New Wallpaper, Screen Time Changes, Carrier Satellite Support for iPhone 13 and More
Related macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5, and visionOS 2.5 updates were also released this week, and we're expecting at least one more round of x.6 updates to the current major operating system versions as Apple prepares to unveil iOS 19 and friends at WWDC next month.
Apple Preparing to Launch Mind-Control Support for iPhones
It sounds like science fiction, but Apple is indeed working with neurotechnology startup Synchron to allow users with severe motor impairments to control their devices via neural signals detected by an implantable brain-computer device called the Stentrode.
The news comes as Apple has announced a wide range of new accessibility features coming to its products later this year. Based on previous patterns, most of these new and improved features will come with iOS 19 and related updates.
Top Five Announcements to Look Forward to at WWDC 2025
Time sure flies, and we're now less than a month away from the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference where Apple will introduce new software updates. Rumors are picking up ahead of the event, so we thought we'd highlight some of the updates that we're looking forward to learning more about.
WWDC 2025 will begin with a keynote event on June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will have a live stream available, but we'll also be providing coverage here on MacRumors.com and through the MacRumorsLive Twitter account for those who aren't able to watch.
Apple Acquisition Hints at Upgraded Calendar App on iOS 19 or Beyond
Apple acquired Canadian startup Mayday Labs in April 2024, according to a European Commission listing recently spotted by French blog MacGeneration.
Mayday Labs had developed an AI-powered calendar, task manager, and scheduling assistant for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The all-in-one app used AI to automatically schedule your events and tasks at ideal times, and it could learn your scheduling preferences and daily patterns over time to further optimize your calendar.
It would be reasonable to assume that some of Mayday's features and technologies could be added to Apple's Calendar app across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, under the Apple Intelligence umbrella.
Apple Music Gets New Transfer Tool to Make Switching From Spotify Easier
The feature is either in an expanded testing phase or it has started rolling out, and it is available in Australia and New Zealand according to an Apple Support document.
Apple is partnering with SongShift for the new Apple Music feature. SongShift is an app that transfers music playlists across streaming platforms, but by working with Apple, the functionality has been integrated directly in the Apple Music app.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
2027 will mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, and Apple is planning to celebrate with an all-new iPhone design. With the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, Apple unveiled the all-display iPhone X with no bezels at the top or the bottom for the camera or the Touch ID home button. It marked the debut of Face ID, and dictated the next decade of iPhone design.
For the "iPhone XX," Apple needs to do even better, and rumors suggest that the company has some big ideas that it's aiming for.
Apple wants to create an all-glass iPhone that doesn't have cutouts in the display, so there could be a high-end iPhone 19 Pro model that fulfills that requirement. Apple wants a true edge-to-edge display
Design
The 20th anniversary iPhone that Apple is planning for 2027 could feature a radical design, offering a display that has no visible frame or bezels. An early rumor suggests that Apple is aiming for a display that curves around all four edges of the device, for a borderless visual experience.
Apple wants a mostly glass iPhone with a curved display and no cutouts, which would necessitate under-display Face ID and an under-display camera.
An all-glass iPhone with a wraparound display that covers all four edges of the device would be less durable than current iPhone models that have titanium or aluminum frames, so Apple may need to come up with more durable glass before such a device is a possibility.
Battery
Apple is developing new battery technology that could make it into the 2027 iPhone models. Apple is looking into using pure silicon anode batteries, which are able to store more lithium ions per gram than current batteries, resulting in significant increases in battery life without major increases in battery size.
RAM
Apple could use advanced AI memory technology for the 2027 iPhone models. Apple is rumored to be considering Mobile High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), a type of DRAM that stacks memory chips vertically and connects them through tiny vertical interconnects to boost signal transmission speeds.
In smartphones, the technology would provide high data throughput while minimizing power consumption and the physical footprint of RAM dies.
Name
Technically, the 20th anniversary iPhone lineup would be the iPhone 19 lineup, but in 2017, Apple released a surprise "iPhone X" alongside the iPhone 8 models. This year, Apple could have similar plans for the high-end device, though what it might be called is unclear.
Apple could decide to call it the iPhone 20, like the decision it made for the iPhone X in 2017, or the company could stick with the iPhone 19 naming. Alternatively, the all-display device could have an entirely new name, like iPhone Ultra.
The iPhone that Apple has planned could be a replacement for the iPhone Pro models, or it could be sold alongside them. With plans for a foldable iPhone in 2026, though, it may not make sense to add yet another phone to the lineup.
Launch Date
The 20th anniversary iPhone would presumably come out in the fall of 2027.
Last week, we shared a list of iPhone safety tools that every iPhone owner should know about, from Emergency SOS and Medical ID to Safety Check and Check In. MacRumors readers had more suggestions on safety information we should highlight, so we have a follow-up.
You Don't Need a SIM to Call Emergency Services
If you have an iPhone with no SIM inside and no cellular service, you can still use it to call emergency services in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
When emergency services are dialed on a smartphone with no SIM, it will automatically connect to any carrier network that's available, no questions asked. If you have an old iPhone, it's worth keeping it charged up and available as a spare in case you ever need it in an emergency.
You'll see "SOS" or "SOS only" in the status bar if you're able to use an iPhone with no SIM for an emergency call.
You Don't Need Signal to Call Emergency Services
Likewise, if you have no signal and you're in an emergency situation, try dialing emergency services anyway. Even if your carrier doesn't have signal where you are, there could be another carrier that does, and you can automatically use that network.
If you see "SOS" or "SOS only" in the status bar on your iPhone, it means you don't have a signal with your carrier, but you can still use another carrier to make an emergency call. If your phone says No Service or Searching, there is no nearby cellular network to connect to for an emergency call.
If you're in a remote or rural area with no carrier signal from any carrier, you may be able to use Emergency SOS via satellite on an iPhone 14 or later model to place to get help in an emergency.
Your iPhone will let you know that a satellite connection is available whenever you're out of cellular or Wi-Fi range. Using Emergency SOS via Satellite typically requires a clear view of the sky for the iPhone to establish a connection.
Emergency Services and Your Location
When you place an emergency call, your iPhone is able to automatically relay your location to emergency services in the United States.
It does this through a feature called HELO, or Hybridized Emergency Location, which Apple has supported since 2015. HELO uses cell towers and on-device data points like GPS and Wi-Fi to estimate a 911 caller's location.
Location information is relayed through a software system provided by RapidSOS that 911 centers use, and it's how emergency personnel can find you when you call from an iPhone.
Wi-Fi Calling
If you're using Wi-Fi calling, you've probably been prompted to enter an Emergency Address. This is so you can be located if you're calling using a Wi-Fi connection. You'll want to make sure your Emergency Address is up to date if Wi-Fi calling is a feature that you use.
You can update your Emergency Address by going to the Settings app, navigating to the Apps section, choosing Phone, tapping on Wi-Fi calling, and then tapping on Update Emergency Address. Apple says you should update your address whenever you change your location.
911 calls will only be placed over Wi-Fi if a cellular network is unavailable, so it's not the default option. When Wi-Fi calling is available, you'll see Wi-Fi in the status bar.
You Can Text 911
In the United States and some other countries, you can text 911 if making a phone call isn't an option. To do so, open the Messages app, type in your emergency services number, and then type your emergency in the text message field.
When you text 911, your iPhone goes into an emergency mode for a 30 minute period, and to exit it, you'll need to restart.
Texting 911 is available on iPhones running iOS 13 or later, and you can also text on an Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later. Texting 911 requires a cellular connection.
You Can Send Video to 911
As of iOS 18, there is an option to share streaming video and recorded media with 911 operators during emergency calls. When you call 911, emergency dispatchers can send a request to share live video or photos over a secure connection.
The ability to share photos and video with emergency services is available thanks to Apple's partnerships with RapidSOS and Prepared.
Carrier Satellite Services vs. Apple Emergency SOS via Satellite
On the iPhone 14 and all later iPhone models, there is a built-in Apple-provided satellite connectivity feature that can be used for emergency situations, texting, and updating your location when Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity are not available.
Separately, some carriers also offer satellite connectivity, and this is distinct from Emergency SOS via Satellite. Apple and cellular carriers haven't done a great job making the distinction between Emergency SOS via Satellite and carrier-provided satellite services, so there can be some confusion.
To use Emergency SOS via Satellite, you need an iPhone 14 or later, and you need to use Apple's satellite services provided by Globalstar. Emergency SOS via Satellite is the default on your iPhone, and it will show up when you do not have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
With carrier services, what's available varies by carrier, and it comes into play if you have an older iPhone or are in an area where you can't get connectivity through one of Globalstar's satellites. Most carrier satellite services right now are provided through Starlink, and with Starlink, you can text over satellite, but not call.
If you have T-Mobile in the U.S., au in Japan, or One NZ in New Zealand, you have access to Starlink satellite connectivity. In an emergency, if Starlink is what you can connect to, you will need to text emergency services by typing 911 (or your local emergency number) in the Messages app. Starlink may support calls and data in the future, but it does not at the current time.
When you see mentions of Emergency SOS and satellite calls on iPhone in news stories, commercials, and other places, it is referencing the built-in satellite option available on the iPhone 14 and later.
Carrier satellite services are now supported on the iPhone 13 and later, so if you have an iPhone 13 model, you may be able to text emergency services using carrier satellite services when you have no signal, but you can't use Emergency SOS via Satellite.
Carrier satellite services may be included in some plans or could cost extra in some situations, and it varies from carrier to carrier.
Siri Health Integration
For a long time now, Apple has partnered with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline to direct customers who may be feeling down to the hotline to get help. If you tell Siri you're thinking of suicide, Siri will suggest that you call and will offer to dial for you.
Telling Siri you're depressed will prompt Siri to offer to call a friend, family member, or NHS.uk.
Siri also integrates with other services. If you've been sexually assaulted, Siri will offer to call the National Sexual Assault Hotline. If you've been abused, Siri will offer to call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline.
You can ask Siri to dial 911 (or your local emergency number) if you're not able to. In the U.S., Siri can also dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline.
Add More
Have another tip that you think we should share, safety-related or on another topic entirely? Let us know in the comments or send us an email here.
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with GRID Studio to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an Apple Watch Ultra 2. GRID Studio is known for taking non-operational Apple devices that would be cluttering up a landfill and turning them into stylish art for Apple fans.
GRID Studio takes apart iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple accessories, cleverly displaying each component to provide a look inside Apple's most iconic products. The pieces are arranged in a frame and accompanied by labels and little tidbits of Apple history.
The company is offering a flash sale this weekend, with up to 50 percent off a range of products. The GRID 1, featuring the well-known first-generation iPhone, for example, is available for $299, which is a $100 discount off of the typical price.
The original iPhone is one of Apple's most recognizable devices, and it is the ideal piece to get because it was such an important part of Apple's history. The GRID 1 features all of the internal components from the first iPhone, from the home button to the chassis.
For something more affordable, the GRID 6 Plus, featuring the iPhone 6 Plus, is just $99 during the sale. The iPhone 6 Plus was Apple's first larger-sized iPhone, sold alongside the iPhone 6. It is perhaps best known for being the subject of the major "bendgate" controversy because the chassis could become distorted in a pocket.
The GRID 13, available for $179, features Apple's more modern iPhone 13. The GRID 13 shows off the newer, flat-edged chassis that Apple introduced with the iPhone 12, a logic board with the A15 chip, and a range of components like the Taptic Engine and the TrueDepth camera system.
GRID Studio does accessories too, such as the Magic Mouse. A disassembled version of the Magic Mouse is on sale for $99, and it feature's Apple's love it or hate it mouse design.
We have an (assembled and functional) Apple Watch Ultra 2 from GRID Studio to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (May 16) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on May 23. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after May 23 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
Apple today clarified that it has not blocked Epic Games from updating the iOS Fortnite app in the European Union, but it is not planning to allow Epic Games to offer Fortnite in the United States App Store at the current time.
In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple said that Epic Games tied its U.S. App Store submission to the update that was also being submitted to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. Apple told Epic Games to resubmit the update without the U.S. component.
We asked that Epic Sweden resubmit the app update without including the US storefront of the App Store so as not to impact Fortnite in other geographies. We did not take any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces in the EC.
This morning, Epic Games claimed that Apple blocked its Fortnite submission worldwide. "Apple blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union," Epic Games said. The company went on to claim that Fortnite on iOS will be "offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it."
Given Apple's clarification, it sounds like Epic Games has decided to take Fortnite offline in the European Union rather than submitting an update that does not include Fortnite for the U.S. App Store. By tying the updates together and suggesting Apple is denying Fortnite's distribution worldwide, Epic Games could rally lawmakers and customers to push back at Apple's attempt to "block" Fortnite in the U.S.
Fortnite gets weekly updates, and the updates need to go out for all platforms at the same time. Apple didn't remove Fortnite from the iOS Epic Games Store in the European Union, but by denying the Fortnite submission, the EU version of the game won't get the update on time. Epic Games could remove the U.S. App Store version of Fortnite from its app submission in order to update the EU version and keep it functional, but it's not yet clear if Epic plans to do so.
Fortnite has been banned from the U.S. App Store since 2020, and Epic Games does not have a valid U.S. developer account. Last year, to distribute Fortnite in the European Union using an alternative app marketplace, Epic Games created a subsidiary, Epic Games Sweden. Because Epic Games has no U.S. developer account, the company used Epic Games Sweden to submit Fortnite to the U.S. App Store.
In the Epic Games vs. Apple lawsuit, Apple was at no point forced to allow Fortnite back in the App Store, and it was made clear that Apple does not have an obligation to distribute Fortnite.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said ahead of Apple's decision that he would be "very surprised" if Apple "decided to brave the geopolitical storm of blocking a major app from iOS," but the reality is that Fortnite hasn't been available through the iPhone and iPad App Store for the last five years.
Apple was recently ordered to change its App Store rules to allow developers to direct customers to purchase options outside of the App Store in the U.S., which is why Epic Games thought it would be able to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store, but Apple is upholding the ban. There is nothing in the order that changes the situation with Fortnite.
If you're having problems using your Apple Card, Apple Cash, Apple Pay, or the Wallet app, you're not alone. According to Apple's System Status page, there is an ongoing issue affecting these services.
Apple says that some users may be experiencing issues with Apple Card, Apple Cash, Apple Pay, or Wallet, and there are multiple complaints on social media sites about Apple Pay and other features not working.
The outage has been ongoing since 11:44 a.m. Eastern Time. We'll update this article when the services are back online.
Update 2:13 p.m. Eastern Time: Apple says the issues have been addressed.
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the long-awaited rollout of Apple CarPlay Ultra and Samsung's all-new S25 Edge, which is positioned to rival the iPhone 17 Air later this year.
Apple this week announced CarPlay Ultra, its next-generation CarPlay experience. CarPlay Ultra fully extends across all of the vehicle's displays, including the instrument cluster. It provides access to real-time vehicle data, supports iPhone widgets, theme options, instrument cluster display customizations, and introduces integrations for vehicle functions.
CarPlay Ultra is available first in new Aston Martin models in North America. Existing Aston Martin vehicles will also support CarPlay Ultra through forthcoming software updates. Looking ahead, Apple says it has secured commitments from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis to bring CarPlay Ultra to their vehicles in the coming year. Other automakers are expected to follow.
In other news, Samsung this week announced the Galaxy S25 Edge — a device clearly designed to undercut the iPhone 17 Air's expected appeal, with both smartphones aiming to be the thinnest in their respective ecosystems.
The Galaxy S25 Edge sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a titanium frame, and a remarkably slim 5.8mm profile, weighing in at just 163 grams. It features a dual-lens camera system, including a 200MP wide-angle sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, supported by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Samsung is also pushing its AI credentials with features like Drawing Assist and Audio Eraser.
In contrast, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be even thinner at just 5.5mm, making it Apple's slimmest iPhone ever. It is expected to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with ProMotion. Apple is said to be removing the ultra-wide camera entirely and opting for a single 48MP wide camera, removing the SIM card tray, and the secondary stereo speaker to save internal space. Other expected specifications include a 24MP front-facing camera, 12GB of RAM, and the A19 chip.
While the iPhone 17 Air may win the title of thinnest flagship, it could come with a major compromise: battery life. According to internal testing leaks, only 60–70% of users are expected to get through a full day on a single charge — a notable drop from the 80–90% seen with other recent iPhone models. Apple is reportedly using a higher-density battery and its custom C1 modem to squeeze as much efficiency as possible into the super-thin design.
To address this, Apple is reportedly developing a new USB-C battery case, designed to extend the iPhone 17 Air's runtime. The accessory could launch alongside the device to help mitigate negative perceptions around longevity. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about how the iPhone lineup is rumored to change after the release of the iPhone 17 lineup later this year, looking at what to expect in 2026, 2027, and beyond.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
This week's best deals include a big sitewide sale at Anker that's exclusive to MacRumors readers, a BOGO Apple Watch band sale at Woot, and a couple of solid discounts on iPhone charging stations and Jackery portable batteries at Amazon. We're also tracking sales at Verizon, T-Mobile, Samsung, and Logitech below.
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.
Charging Accessories at Amazon
What's the deal? Find great deals on iPhone charging stations and Jackery batteries
This week, we're tracking a handful of solid discounts on a collection of iPhone charging stations and portable power stations. Regarding the former accessories, you'll find up to $50 off charging stations from Twelve South and Belkin, with the Belkin devices requiring you to clip an on-page coupon.
For the Jackery accessories, there are big discounts on a trio of the company's portable power stations. We've listed all of these deals below.
Anker is still offering our readers an exclusive 20 percent off this month, and the code works on nearly every accessory sitewide. In order to get this deal, head to Anker's website and add an accessory to your cart, then enter the code Ankermacrumors2025 at checkout to see the discount.
Apple Watch Bands at Woot
What's the deal? Buy one Solo/Braided Loop on sale, get up to two free
Woot's BOGO sale on Apple Watch Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands is still happening this week, but it is poised to finally end later tonight. If enough stock still remains, Woot could extend the sale again, but now is your best chance to buy one Solo/Braided Loop at a huge discount and get up to two bands for free.
Verizon's summer kickoff is back with the carrier's "Red Hot Deal Days" event, offering great deals on iPhone Silicone Cases, iPad Smart Folio, charging accessories, smartphones, wearables, and much more.
Samsung
What's the deal? Save on monitors, storage solutions, and more
Samsung's discount event this week includes solid savings on a collection of monitors, like the 27-inch ViewFinity S9 Smart Monitor for $979.99 ($620 off). You'll also find a few sales on portable SSD devices, TVs, home appliances, and more.
Logitech
What's the deal? Get up to $150 off with select purchase amounts
Logitech is kicking off the summer season with a sale that provides $30 off orders worth $150 or more, $70 off orders worth $250 or more, and $150 off orders worth $450 or more.
T-Mobile
What's the deal? Get an iPhone 16 Pro at no cost when switching to T-Mobile
T-Mobile is enticing new customers to switch to the carrier with an offer that includes a new iPhone 16 Pro at no cost, plus up to $800 per line to help pay off your current phones from your existing carrier. With this deal, you don't need to trade-in your current device, and the offer is available to up to four people on the Experience Beyond plan.
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.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
The upcoming all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air could become the first Apple smartphone to adopt advanced battery technology, with Japanese supplier TDK preparing to ship its new generation of silicon-anode batteries by the end of June.
According to DigiTimes, TDK CEO Noboru Saito revealed in a recent interview that the Apple supplier has accelerated its production timeline, moving shipments forward from the originally planned September quarter. That may give smartphone makers enough time to use the cells in thinner models launching this year, he suggested.
"We've made good progress, and we're shipping them very soon," Saito said, adding that "some handset makers might be able to use the new battery in their product one generation early."
The timing could be soon enough for Apple's expected September launch of the iPhone 17 Air, which is rumored to measure just 5.5mm at its thinnest point, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
TDK's batteries use silicon for anodes instead of the traditional graphite, allowing them to pack 15% more energy into the same space compared to conventional rechargeable battery packs. This advancement could be key to maintaining adequate battery life in such a slim form factor.
Having said that, reports have been mixed regarding the iPhone 17 Air's potential battery performance. While The Information's Wayne Ma claimed the device will have "worse" battery life compared to previous iPhone models, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman offered a more optimistic outlook, stating that battery life would be "on par with current iPhones" thanks to hardware and software optimizations.
Further supporting the possibility of decent battery life, Kuo recently mentioned in a blog post that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a "high-density" battery, although he didn't elaborate.
The device is also rumored to incorporate Apple's power-efficient C1 modem and lack an Ultra Wide camera, potentially providing more internal space for a larger battery.
Looking further ahead, a recent report from ETNews has suggested that Apple could adopt advanced silicon battery technology for its 2027 iPhone, marking the 20th anniversary of the iconic device. The next-generation battery could theoretically use pure silicon anodes, which can store up to 10 times more lithium ions per gram than current materials.
TDK is already working on its fourth-generation silicon batteries, according to the company's CEO. "We plan to introduce fourth-generation silicon batteries sometime in the next fiscal year to widen our lead even further," said Saito, claiming that "mass-producing silicon batteries requires special know-how. It's not like you can do it by just putting the materials together."
The 6.6-inch iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the Plus model in Apple's 2025 lineup, and is likely to be announced in September, per Apple's typical fall release schedule.
Apple's Vision Pro headset has left many early adopters expressing dissatisfaction over its weight, limited use cases, and sparse software ecosystem, according to a new article from The Wall Street Journal.
In the year following the device's launch, user feedback suggests that it has failed to meet expectations for comfort, software support, and social acceptance. In interviews conducted by The Wall Street Journal, early buyers of the Vision Pro reported that the device now sits largely unused due to a range of practical issues. Dustin Fox, a real estate agent in Centreville, Virginia, said:
It's just collecting dust. I think I've probably used it four times in the last year.
It's way too heavy. I can't wear it for more than 20 or 30 minutes without it hurting my neck.
He explained that he was initially drawn to the device's novelty and potential productivity benefits, but found the physical experience of wearing the headset unsustainable for extended sessions. The Vision Pro weighs approximately 600 to 650 grams (1.3 to 1.4 pounds), depending on the light seal and headband configuration. This is considerably heavier than typical head-mounted consumer electronics, and the front-heavy distribution has become a recurring complaint.
Tovia Goldstein, a 24-year-old based in New York City, said that his experience watching content on the headset was also limited by discomfort and an insufficient number of apps to make it worthwhile.
After 60 minutes, you can't, you just have to throw it down. I wouldn't recommend anyone buying it, unless you're really rich and you don't know what to do with your money.
When he retrieves the device to investigate any new apps that have been added to the visionOS App Store, he noted the lengthy startup time as a deterrent, citing the need to connect the external battery and wait several minutes before the device is ready to use.
The Vision Pro debuted with high visibility, including a flagship store event in New York City attended by Apple CEO Tim Cook. In the weeks following the launch, users were spotted wearing the headset in public spaces such as malls, restaurants, and sports events, but several buyers said that public enthusiasm quickly diminished.
People were excited to be wearing it. Then it just died.
[...]
I feel total regret.
Fox said that he considered selling his Vision Pro, but resale values had fallen significantly below the original price.
Another early adopter, Anshel Sag, a technology analyst based in San Diego, used the Vision Pro for inflight entertainment but eventually abandoned it due to social discomfort and practicality issues.
I got pretty dirty looks from people. I don't need that.
It takes up like half of the volume of my carry-on.
The Vision Pro's travel case, sold separately for $199, is also large; it measures in at roughly 12 inches by 9 inches by 6.5 inches.
Anthony Racaniello, a media studio operator from Philadelphia, attempted to use the headset in the workplace and during air travel but experienced both social alienation and practical challenges. During one nearly six-hour flight, he said a flight attendant ignored him during beverage service.
You look like you have a sleep mask on. And people are going to treat you that way.
The best compliment I got was a light chuckle and "It looks like you're wearing ski goggles at work."
He later sold his Vision Pro for $1,900 — a 46% loss from the original purchase price — and said he did not miss it.
It's definitely a glimpse at the future. I just think it's a ways away from there. For now, you have to put on what feels like a 500-pound MacBook Pro, strap it to your face and have people laugh at you.
Yam Olisker, a 20-year-old YouTuber from Israel, flew to New York to purchase the Vision Pro at launch and obtained Tim Cook's signature on both his iPhone and the Vision Pro box.
This is the first time, ever, that I've thought an Apple product was just a bit early, or ahead of its time. I use it much less than I expected.
That being said, he does not regret the purchase and enjoys watching movies with his Vision Pro, especially 3D films like Metallica, which he said makes it feel "like you're at the concert." Nevertheless, the weight remains an issue, and he has to lie in bed to mitigate its effect when watching movies.
Although Apple's work on a substantially enhanced Vision Pro model has apparently stalled, there are strong indications that the company will release "an incremental update to the product with limited changes to its physical design," such as a chip upgrade, according to The Information. Corroborating this, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman have said that a more iterative second-generation Vision Pro is in active development, adding the M5 chip and little else.
This updated model is expected to reuse most of its components from the first-generation Vision Pro to offset the surplus inventory in Apple's supply chain. Gurman said the refreshed device could launch between fall 2025 and spring 2026.
Apple has been named the most valuable global brand for the fourth consecutive year, according to the 2025 edition of Kantar's BrandZ report, with its brand now valued at $1.29 trillion — a year-over-year increase of 28%.
The latest Kantar BrandZ Global Top 100 ranking assigns Apple the top position in a comprehensive analysis of brand performance, marking a continued upward trend for the company. Kantar's valuation methodology combines financial performance with brand perception, incorporating insights from over 4.5 million consumer interviews across 522 categories in 54 markets.
According to the report, Apple's dominance reflects sustained consumer trust, premium positioning, and successful diversification across hardware, software, and services. The company's brand value now constitutes approximately 12% of the total value of the BrandZ Global Top 100, which stands at $10.7 trillion in 2025.
Kantar also identifies Apple as representative of two of the fastest-growing categories in the ranking: consumer technology and luxury. According to the report, these sectors grew 46% and 45% respectively, outperforming categories such as finance, automotive, and telecoms. The report cites sustained demand for high-end devices like the iPhone Pro models and the Apple Watch Ultra as indicators of this dual-category positioning.
Apple's lead in the BrandZ ranking places it ahead of other major technology firms including Google (No. 2, $944.1 billion), Microsoft (No. 3, $884.8 billion), Amazon (No. 4, $866.1 billion), and Nvidia (No. 5, $509.4 billion).
Epic Games said today that Apple has blocked its attempt to bring Fortnite back to iOS devices, leaving the popular battle royale game unavailable on iPhones and iPads worldwide.
"Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union," Epic stated via its Fortnite account on X (Twitter). "Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it."
Apple banned the Epic Games developer account back in 2020 when Epic Games violated its App Store rules to add web-based purchases, kicking off a multi-year legal battle. Because the main Epic Games developer account continues to be banned, Epic submitted Fortnite to the U.S. App Store using an account from Epic Games Sweden, a subsidiary that Epic formed to create the Epic Games Store alternative app marketplace in the European Union.
The game was submitted for review on May 9, but after waiting over 120 hours without a response, Epic was forced to pull and resubmit its application to include the latest update.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has been vocal about his frustration with the situation, claiming that Apple has not been returning the company's calls and that the review process typically moves much faster.
Before submitting Fortnite to the U.S. App Store, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the company spoke with Apple about its plans – but never claimed Apple approved them. It remains unclear if Apple will allow Fortnite back, as the Epic v. Apple lawsuit confirmed that Apple has the right to ban Epic's account and isn't required to reinstate it.
It's the latest chapter in the ongoing legal battle between the two companies, which began in 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic implemented direct payment options that bypassed Apple's 30% commission.
The game had briefly returned to iOS devices in the EU via the Epic Games Store, but that version has now also gone offline.
Sony has announced its new WH-1000XM6 wireless noise-canceling headphones. The good news is that the company has brought back the foldable design that was absent from its predecessor, the WH-1000XM5. The bad news is that it's stuck with the same naming convention, which sounds less like headphones and more like a dot-matrix printer from the 70s.
The WH-1000XM6 headphones now happily fold up into a redesigned carrying case with a magnetic closure instead of a zipper, making it more compact and travel-friendly than the XM5's. Otherwise, the overall aesthetics remain largely unchanged, but Sony claims the new model delivers significantly improved noise cancellation, a better Ambient Sound (transparency) mode, and enhanced audio quality.
Powering the enhanced noise cancellation is Sony's new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, which works in conjunction with an expanded array of 12 microphones – 1.5 times more than the previous model. The company says this processor is seven times faster than its predecessor, allowing for more precise real-time noise adaptation.
Sony has also introduced several new software features, including Scene-based Listening, which automatically adjusts settings based on your activity and environment. The headphones also support LE Audio with Auracast for broadcast listening capabilities.
Battery life remains unchanged from the WH-1000XM5 at 30 hours, although Sony notes that a quick three-minute charge provides up to three hours of listening time. You can also charge this model and listen to your music at the same time.
Sony says it has collaborated with recording engineers from prestigious studios including Sterling Sound, Battery Studios, and Coast Mastering to fine-tune the improved sound profile.
It sounds promising. The only real downer seems to be the fact that Sony has priced these cans at $449.99 – $50 more than the previous model. Whether the improvements justify the price jump is the main question. These are unashamedly plastic headphones, after all. MacRumors should have a hands-on review of Sony's latest flagship headphones soon.
The WH-1000XM5's come in Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue, and are available to buy from the Sony website and all the major electronics retailers.
Apple has stopped signing the iPadOS 17.7.7 update that was released earlier this week for devices unable to run versions of iPadOS 18, meaning that users will not be able to install the update even if they see it available in Software Update. Affected devices include the sixth-generation iPad, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
The company has not provided a reason for unsigning the update, but there are a number of reports on the MacRumors forums, Reddit, and elsewhere from users who have experienced issues logging into apps after updating their devices.
I have an iPad 6th generation. After the latest update 17.7.7 I’ve been having problems with certain, but not all apps. Wikipedia, Duck Duck Go, Letterboxd and others. Every time I open them it’s like the first time and I have to sign up or do a tour of the app. I can’t seem to do anything about it. Any ideas?
Since updating my iPad to iPadOS 17.7.7 (build 21H433), all apps (such as YouTube, X, etc.) log me out every time I close them. This issue did not happen before the update.
I’ve already tried all of the following:
Checked that Screen Time and Restrictions are disabled.
Verified that no profiles or MDM configurations are installed.
Made sure Safari cookies and password saving are enabled.
Performed a full Reset All Settings.
Finally, I did a complete factory reset and set up the iPad as new (not from backup).
Even after all this, the problem persists. Every time I open an app, it behaves as if it were freshly installed and asks me to log in again.
Apple has presumably prevented users from updating to iPadOS 17.7.7 for the time being to address these issues and will release a new update once they have been fixed.
Update 1:35 pm May 16: Apple has now pulled iPadOS 17.7.7 entirely, meaning it will no longer show up in Software Update at all.
Microsoft today shared a new ad on YouTube with the tagline "we're faster than a Mac."
In the video, Microsoft says the top-end Windows PCs with Copilot+ branding are up to 58% faster than the previous-generation MacBook Air with the M3 chip, based on Cinebench 2024 multi-core CPU benchmark results. The ad is citing old figures that were reported on all the way back in May 2024, so take that as you will.
While the ad is using an older MacBook Air for comparison purposes, Microsoft's fine print does say some Copilot+ PCs are still faster than even the latest MacBook Air models with the M4 chip, based on the same Cinebench 2024 benchmark.
Some of the Copilot+ PCs that were tested include Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7x with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, Microsoft's Surface Laptop with the Snapdragon X Elite, and HP's OmniBook Ultra 14 with AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 375.
While it is true that some PC chips are faster than Apple silicon chips in certain tests, Apple said the M4 family of chips continues to offer industry-leading performance per watt. This impressive power efficiency results in the MacBook Air having fast performance, long battery life, and a thin and light design without an internal fan.
In the end, using Windows over macOS remains a dealbreaker for some customers regardless.
Amazon this week is providing record low prices on multiple models of the iPad mini 7, starting at $399.99 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. Colors on sale at this price include Purple, Space Gray, and Blue.
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.
Compared to past sales, this is a match of the best price we've ever tracked on the tablet. You can also get the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $699.00, which is another $99 discount and available in multiple colors.
These deals have been around for a few weeks now, and given that they are the last ones left in the iPad mini 7 lineup, they may soon disappear. This time around, we aren't tracking any deals on the 256GB Wi-Fi model, or any of the cellular tablets.
Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Apple today shared new videos that highlight the upcoming Accessibility features that the company plans to introduce with iOS 19 and macOS 16. Apple this week debuted a number of new Accessibility options that will be coming later this year to honor Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
The first video, uploaded to Apple's main YouTube channel, shows off the Magnifier on Mac feature. We saw this video Tuesday in Apple's newsroom post, but it's now easier to watch over on YouTube. In the spot, a woman uses an iPhone connected to her Mac in a classroom setting to zoom in on the chalkboard so she can better see the professor's notes and diagrams.
Magnifier on Mac uses the iPhone camera's zoom feature, beaming the feed to a Mac through Continuity Camera. There are options for creating multiple live session windows for tracking a presentation while also zooming in on a textbook, and each view can be customized with different brightness levels and color and contrast filters to suit individual needs. Magnifier on Mac is an extension of the existing Magnifier option on the iPhone, which allows the iPhone to be used to zoom in on text and detect objects.
Apple's second video was shared on the Apple Music YouTube channel, and it focuses on Music Haptics on iPhone. Introduced as part of iOS 18, Music Haptics provides taps, textures, and vibrations to the audio of music that's playing, so that users who are deaf or hard of hearing can experience songs.
In iOS 19, Apple plans to expand Music Haptics, adding new customization options. Users will be able to experience haptics for a whole song or for vocals only, and there will be settings to adjust the intensity of taps, textures, and vibrations.
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.
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.
