MacRumors.com needs your permission to enable desktop notifications when new articles are published. X

New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Resubscribe Now Close

HomePod Launches in Japan and Taiwan [Updated]

Friday August 23, 2019 4:30 am PDT by Juli Clover
Update: On schedule, the HomePod has now launched in Japan and Taiwan.

Original story follows.


Apple's HomePod is set to launch in Japan and Taiwan next week, on Friday, August 23, Apple announced today. Ahead of the launch, Apple is accepting pre-orders through its online stores in Japan and Taiwan.


The HomePod is available for ¥32,800 in Japan and NT$9,900 in Taiwan, which is $10 to $15 higher than the price in the U.S. When the HomePod first launched in the United States in 2018, it was priced at $349, but the price was lowered to $299 in April of this year.

Apple announced plans to expand the HomePod to Japan and Taiwan earlier this summer, and added support for the new countries in the 12.4 software made available for the HomePod in late July.

Apple now sells the HomePod in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, China, and Hong Kong, along with Taiwan and Japan.

Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral)
Show Full Article
148 comments

Apple Debuts New iCloud.com Beta Site With Fresh Look, Reminders App

Thursday August 22, 2019 6:45 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Ahead of the launch of iOS 13, iPadOS, and macOS Catalina, Apple has updated its iCloud.com beta site with a fresh look and a new Reminders app (via Federico Vittici).

The beta version of iCloud.com has a plain white interface with smaller icons, and rather than a Settings app, there's now an "Account Settings" section.


Most of the beta iCloud apps are identical to the iCloud apps available through the standard iCloud.com website, with Mail, Contacts, Photos, Notes, iCloud Drive, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Find Friends, and Find iPhone unchanged.


There is a new Reminders app on beta.iCloud.com though, which mirrors the iOS Reminders app and allows iCloud users to create, view, and manage their tasks.

The new version of iCloud.com will likely go live following the launch of iOS 13 and Apple's other new software this fall.

Show Full Article
76 comments

Bose Announces AirPlay 2-Equipped Portable Home Speaker

Thursday August 22, 2019 1:59 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Bose today announced the launch of a new speaker, the Bose Portable Home Speaker, which is designed to work with Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol.

The Bluetooth-enabled Portable Home Speaker is designed to be compact, and it's got a rather HomePod-like design with a cylindrical body that features speaker mesh at the bottom and an aluminum shell at the top to deliver 360 degree sound. It measures in at 7.5 inches high and 4 inches across.


The Portable Home Speaker has a handle so you can move it from room to room, and it weighs just 2.3 pounds. There's also a built-in battery with 12 hours of battery life, so it can go where you go. It has an IPX4 water resistance rating, so it can survive minor spills and splashes of rain.

Bose says that the Portable Home Speaker delivers deeper bass than any other portable speaker in its size. With Bluetooth, you can stream music from your phone or tablet while on the go, and while at home, you can use AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa.


With AirPlay 2 support, you can play any music you like from an iOS device, and it can be paired up with other AirPlay 2-enabled speakers for a whole home audio experience. You can also pair it up with other Bose products using the Bose Music app.

Buttons on the top of the Portable Home Speaker allow manual control over power, volume, play/pause, and skipping tracks, plus there is a proprietary privacy-focused "mic-off" feature that disables power to the microphone so you can make sure you're not being recorded.


Inside, the speaker features three passive radiators, a high-excursion driver, and what Bose says is a proprietary deflector to distribute "clear, lifelike sound evenly in every direction."

Bose's new Portable Home Speaker is priced at $349, which is what Apple used to charge for the HomePod before dropping the price down to $299 earlier this year. It will be available for purchase starting on September 19.

Show Full Article
63 comments

Law Firm Capitalizes on Reports Apple's iPhones Exceeded Radiofrequency Radiation Safety Levels in Some Tests

Thursday August 22, 2019 10:35 am PDT by Juli Clover
A report yesterday from The Chicago Tribune suggested Apple's iPhones were emitting radiofrequency radiation beyond federal safety limits following independent lab testing, and now, a law firm is capitalizing on that report and has announced the launch of an investigation into the claims.

Fegan Scott, a Chicago-based law firm, has not yet levied a lawsuit against Apple, and it's not clear what "investigation" will be conducted. Beth Fegan, a managing partner, said that "this could be the Chernobyl of the cell phone industry, cover-up and all."

"If we found that produce sold in grocery stores contained twice the levels of pesticides as the law allows, we would be up in arms, demanding the products be pulled from the shelf - this is no different," said Beth Fegan, managing partner of Fegan Scott. "In this case, we know the cell phone radiation is dangerous, but the terrifying part is that we don't know how dangerous, especially to kids' brain development."
Fegan went on to claim that research suggests that cell phone manufacturers "knew or should have known" that radiation levels were well above claims, despite no evidence.
The fact that the Chicago Tribune can convene a group of experts and develop such convincing findings shows that the phone manufacturers may be intentionally hiding what they know about radiation output.
The Chicago Tribune's investigation contracted an accredited lab to test several smartphones according to federal guidelines. The testing facility found that some of Apple's iPhones emitted radiofrequency radiation beyond the legal safety limits, and in some cases, double what Apple reported to federal regulators.

The iPhone 7 was the worst performer, measuring well over the federal radiofrequency radiation limits across multiple tests, but higher than expected levels were also detected from the iPhone X and the iPhone 8. Smartphones from other companies like Motorola and Samsung were also tested with similar over-limit results.

Apple told The Chicago Tribune that testing had not been conducted properly and was not "in accordance with procedures necessary to properly assess the iPhone models." Apple also said that it re-tested the smartphones and confirmed its devices meet all exposure guidelines.
"All iPhone models, including iPhone 7, are fully certified by the FCC and in every other country where iPhone is sold," the statement said. "After careful review and subsequent validation of all iPhone models tested in the (Tribune) report, we confirmed we are in compliance and meet all applicable ... exposure guidelines and limits."
In response to the report, the United States Federal Communications Commission said that it will be doing its own retesting of smartphones in the coming months.

Fegan Scott provides no other details on the upcoming investigation or what testing will be done to verify the claims made by both The Chicago Tribune and Apple and other cell phone manufacturers. Those interested in learning more, says the law firm, can send an email with contact information.

Show Full Article
141 comments

Android 10 Announced as Google Drops Dessert-Inspired Names

Thursday August 22, 2019 8:21 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Google today announced its next major version of Android will be named Android 10, as the company has decided to move past dessert-inspired names for the operating system like Ice Cream Sandwich, Lollipop, and Marshmallow.

Android's new logo

Android's naming scheme is now consistent with iOS. Android is only on version 10 though, compared to iOS 13, because Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, and KitKat were all considered version 4.0 through version 4.4.4 releases between 2011 and 2014. Android also launched over a year after the original iPhone.

Until now, Android 10 was expected to be named Android Q, but there are few well-known desserts that start with that letter, perhaps contributing to Google's decision to switch to a numbered scheme. Google also admitted that the dessert names "weren't always understood by everyone in the global community."

Google has also revamped the Android logo for the first time since 2014 and shared a video to unveil the new branding:


The final beta of Android 10 was seeded earlier this month. The update will be publicly released in the third quarter.

Tags: Google, Android
Show Full Article
163 comments

2019 iPhones Said to Have Improved Shatter Resistance, Multi-Angle Face ID That Works Flat on Tables

Thursday August 22, 2019 5:03 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Debby Wu have shared expectations for Apple's fall product lineup and beyond, revealing new details plus existing rumors about upcoming iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, HomePod, and AirPods models.


Starting with the iPhone, the report claims the widely rumored triple-lens rear camera system on the higher-end models will enable a larger field of view for capturing ultra-wide-angle photos and videos, in addition to improving low-light photos. New editing tools while recording video are also expected.

The high-end iPhones will look nearly identical to the current models from the front, but at least some colors on the back will have a new matte finish, according to the report. Interestingly, he adds that the new iPhones should better withstand drops due to an unspecified "new shatter-resistance technology."

The report claims a new multi-angle Face ID sensor that captures a wider field of view will enable users to unlock the next iPhones more easily, even when the devices are laying flat on a table for example.

Other features outlined for 2019 iPhones include "dramatically enhanced" water resistance and faster A13 processors with a new co-processor known internally as "AMX" or "matrix." As for the next iPhone XR, the report corroborates rumors of it gaining a dual-lens rear camera and a new green color option.

As for the iPad, the report claims both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be refreshed in 2019 with improved cameras and faster processors. The report also backs the rumor of a 10.2-inch iPad launching later this year.

Turning to the Apple Watch, this year's changes are said to be "more muted," revolving around watchOS 6 and new case finishes. Last week, iHelpBR's Filipe Espósito discovered new titanium and ceramic 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch models based on hidden assets in the watchOS 6 beta.

The report concludes that Apple plans to launch a new 16-inch MacBook Pro with slim bezels later this year, as well as new AirPods with water resistance and noise cancelation and a cheaper HomePod with reduced tweeters as early as 2020.


Tuesday, September 10 is the widely predicted date of Apple's traditional iPhone event, just under three weeks away.

Related Roundups: iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, watchOS 5, watchOS 6, iPad, HomePod, AirPods 2, 2019 iPhones
Tags: bloomberg.com, Mark Gurman, AirPods Guide
Buyer's Guide: 11" iPad Pro (Neutral), MacBook Pro (Buy Now), Apple Watch (Caution), 12.9" iPad Pro (Neutral), iPad (Don't Buy), HomePod (Neutral), AirPods (Buy Now)
Show Full Article
208 comments

Powerbeats Pro in Ivory, Moss, and Navy Now Available for Pre-order

Thursday August 22, 2019 1:31 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple this morning started accepting pre-orders for its Powerbeats Pro wireless headphones in Ivory, Moss, and Navy on its online Apple Store.


Apple is currently quoting shipping times of 5 to 7 business days for the Ivory and Navy headphones, which loosely corresponds with Apple's plan to make the new Powerbeats Pro colors available in retail stores from August 30. The Moss color currently ships in 1 to 2 weeks. The new colors are also available to order at the Beats By Dre website, which is quoting the same shipping times.

Apple started selling Powerbeats Pro in May after introducing them in April, but the black color was the only one available at launch. Apple said that it would make the other colors available at a later date.


Powerbeats Pro are a wire-free version of Apple's popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds. Like the AirPods, Powerbeats Pro feature a dedicated charging case that offers 24 hours of battery life and an H1 chip for fast connectivity to your devices, device switching, and Hey Siri support.


Apple's Powerbeats Pro are priced at $249.95 in the United States. For more on the Powerbeats Pro features, make sure to check out our guide.

Tag: Powerbeats Pro Guide
Show Full Article
49 comments

Apple Shares Details on Cleaning and Protecting Your Apple Card in New Support Document

Wednesday August 21, 2019 2:01 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple this morning shared a new Apple Card support document, which covers proper cleaning and storage methods to maintain the card's signature white finish.

If the Apple Card gets dirty, Apple recommends gently wiping it with a soft, damp microfiber cloth. A soft microfiber cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol can also be used for stain removal.


Apple says that household cleaners, abrasives, solvents, ammonia, aerosol sprays and compressed air must be avoided, and warns that some fabrics, such as leather and denim, have the potential to cause permanent discoloration.

Due to the multi-layer coating process that gives the titanium card its white finish, Apple has detailed rules for proper storage.

The Apple Card should be stored in a wallet, pocket, or bag constructed from soft materials, and it should not touch another credit card because doing so could cause scratching.

Apple also warns against putting the Apple Card near magnets because doing so could cause the magnetic strip to become demagnetized, and Apple also says that the Apple Card should not be put in a pocket or bag that contains loose change, keys, or other potentially abrasive objects.

Apple's full list of instructions for the Apple Card can be found in the support document. Additional Apple Card details are located in our Apple Card guide.

Tag: Apple Card Guide
Show Full Article
380 comments

Chicago Tribune Claims iPhone Radiofrequency Radiation Levels Measured Higher Than Legal Safety Limit in Tests

Wednesday August 21, 2019 12:28 pm PDT by Juli Clover
The Chicago Tribune recently launched an investigation into the radiofrequency radiation levels output by popular smartphones, and found that some of Apple's iPhones are allegedly emitting radiofrequency radiation that exceeds safety limits.

According to the newspaper, it contracted an accredited lab to test several smartphones according to federal guidelines. iPhones were secured below clear liquid formulated to simulate human tissue while probes measured the radiofrequency radiation the liquid absorbed.


Several iPhones measured over the legal safety limits in the tests, but the worst performer was the iPhone 7. Its radiofrequency radiation exposure was over the legal limit and more than double what Apple reported to federal regulators.

The iPhone X was slightly over limits in some tests, as was the iPhone 8, while the 8 Plus stayed within the legal range. iPhones were tested twice after Apple provided feedback on the testing method. The modified test "added steps intended to activate sensors designed to reduce the phones' power."

In these modified tests, where a reporter held the iPhone to activate the sensors in question, the iPhone 8 was under the 5mm limit, but the iPhone 7 models were not. Apple disputed the results found by The Chicago Tribune and said that the lab did not test the iPhones in the same way that Apple does, though Apple would not specify what was done wrong in the testing. Apple also said the modified testing had been done wrong.


Apple officials declined to be interviewed, and asked The Chicago Tribune to submit questions in writing, which were not responded to ahead of publication. Apple later shared a statement that again said the testing was inaccurate "due to the test setup not being in accordance with procedures necessary to properly assess the iPhone models."
"All iPhone models, including iPhone 7, are fully certified by the FCC and in every other country where iPhone is sold," the statement said. "After careful review and subsequent validation of all iPhone models tested in the (Tribune) report, we confirmed we are in compliance and meet all applicable ... exposure guidelines and limits."
The FCC, meanwhile, said that it is going to be doing its own testing over the next couple of months.
"We take seriously any claims on non-compliance with the RF (radiofrequency) exposure standards and will be obtaining and testing the subject phones for compliance with FCC rules," agency spokesman Neil Grace said.
Smartphones from Samsung, Motorola, and Vivo were also tested, and most of these also demonstrated radiofrequency radiation levels that exceed FCC guidelines in The Chicago Tribune's testing.

Both the FCC and smartphone manufacturers test all new smartphones before they're able to be released to the market, making sure devices comply with exposure standards for radiofrequency radiation. The Chicago Tribune claims that this is problematic because just one phone needs to pass and manufacturers are allowed to select the testing lab.

While tests can be conducted from up to 25mm away, The Chicago Tribune used the distance that manufacturers choose for their own tests. In Apple's case, that's 5mm. A second test was also done at 2mm to simulate the way most people carry their phones.

It's worth noting that testing was done in a way to simulate the worst possible exposure conditions.
The phone was now operating at full power, creating what was essentially a worst-case scenario in terms of radiofrequency radiation exposure. Typically, Moulton said, consumers do not experience exposure like this. But it could happen, he said, in limited situations, such as someone talking continuously in an area with a weak connection.
The Chicago Tribune says that its testing was not meant to rank phone models for safety, and in the limited testing, only 11 models were examined. In many cases, just one device was tested, and even then, the paper says it's not known whether the cellphones found to be above the limits even have the potential to cause harm.

Apple tells customers worried about radiofrequency radiation exposure to use a hands-free option, and on some iPhone models, such as the iPhone 4 and 4s, Apple has recommended carrying the devices at least 10mm away from the body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below tested levels. Apple made a similar suggestion with the iPhone 7 when submitting documentation to the FCC, but allegedly did not go on to inform customers about the 5mm distance recommendation.

The FCC plans to do additional testing on smartphones to follow up, which should give more insight into the safety of smartphones. For more on the testing procedures and the results, The Chicago Tribune's full report goes into much more detail and is well worth reading for those who are concerned.

Show Full Article
179 comments

Samsung Created a Bunch of Pro-Green Bubble GIFs to Get Back at iPhone Users Who Prefer Blue Chat Bubbles

Wednesday August 21, 2019 11:44 am PDT by Juli Clover
Samsung today debuted a bunch of GIFs that are meant to serve as comebacks for Android users who are maligned for their green text bubbles.

As iPhone owners know, iMessages on an iPhone are denoted with a blue chat bubble, while SMS text messages from other devices such as Samsung devices are green. That lets iPhone users know who has an iPhone and who doesn't.


iOS users often prefer texting other iOS users over Android users because SMS messages lack many of the capabilities available to iMessage users. If you've ever been in a group text with a bunch of iPhone users and one Android user, for example, you've probably run into bugs and other limitations.


iPhone users' preference for blue bubbles sometimes leads to Android users being teased or left out of conversations. Samsung's solution is, as The Verge points out, apparently a series of GIFs shared on Giphy that Android users can send to the iPhone users who make fun of them for green bubbles.


All of the GIFs feature weird animated green chat bubbles that range from creepy to bizarre. There's "Deal With It" green bubble lettering, a unicorn that stabs a blue chat bubble and turns it green, a green chat bubble with huge muscles showing off, an iguana that turns a green bubble blue, and more.


In many of the GIFs, green bubbles are seen as defeating or conquering blue bubbles in some way, suggesting SMS texts are superior to iMessage texts. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Samsung made more than 20 GIFs that are on Giphy for Android users to take advantage of, and according to The Verge, Samsung is reaching out to Instagram meme pages to ask them to share the GIFs plus the hashtag #GreenDontCare.

Tags: Samsung, Messages
Show Full Article
224 comments

Apple Seeds Eighth Betas of iOS 13 and iPadOS to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

Wednesday August 21, 2019 10:06 am PDT by Juli Clover
Apple today seeded the eighth betas of iOS 13 and iPadOS to developers for testing purposes, a week after releasing the seventh betas and two months after unveiling the new operating system at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

Registered developers will need to download the profile for the iOS 13 and iPadOS betas from Apple's Developer Center. This beta, like earlier betas, can be downloaded over-the-air once the proper profile has been installed.


Apple split iOS 13 and iPadOS into separate updates in 2019, one designed for iPhone and one designed for iPad. iPadOS is identical to iOS 13 in almost every way, though there are some iPad-specific features such as new multitasking capabilities. For the most part, the two operating systems share the same features.

iOS 13 is a huge update with a long list of new features. Perhaps the most noticeable outward-facing change is a systemwide Dark Mode that changes the entire look of the operating system from light to dark, darkening everything from system elements to apps.


Apple overhauled the Photos app, introducing a new Photos tab that curates your entire Photos library and shows you a selection of highlights organized by day, month, or year, and there are revamped Photo editing tools.


For the first time, you can edit video right in the Photos app, cropping, rotating, applying filters, and adjusting lighting and color. There's a new High-Key Mono lighting effect, and for Portrait Lighting in general, intensity can be adjusted.

There's a less obtrusive volume HUD, a new Find My app that combines Find My iPhone and Find My Friends and lets you track your devices even with they don't have an LTE or WiFi connection.


A Sign In with Apple feature gives you a convenient and data safe way to sign into apps and websites, providing an alternative to Facebook and Google sign in options. Apple's even able to generate single-use randomized email addresses so you don't have to give your real info to apps and websites. Sign in with Apple requires developers to support the feature, so it won't be widely available until iOS 13 launches.


Maps features a new street-level "Look Around" mode and a Collections feature for making lists of places, Reminders has been entirely overhauled to make it more functional, there's a profile option in Messages along with new Memoji and Animoji stickers, and Siri has a new voice.


CarPlay in iOS 13 has been overhauled with a new look, multiple sets of AirPods (or Powerbeats Pro) can be connected to the same phone so you can share music with a friend, Siri on HomePod can detect multiple voices for multi-user support, and HomePod also supports Handoff.


There are a ton of additional new features and changes coming in iOS 13, and for a full rundown of what you can expect, you should check out our iOS 13 roundup.

Each new beta brings new features and changes to iOS 13, and the seventh beta added tweaks to Find My, an option for deleting Message attachments, changes to the Dark Mode wording, new options for mail received by blocked senders, and more.

Related Roundups: iOS 13, iPadOS
Show Full Article
151 comments

Case Maker Expecting Smaller Apple Pencil for Upcoming 2019 iPhones

Wednesday August 21, 2019 9:33 am PDT by Juli Clover
At least one case maker is expecting Apple Pencil support for the upcoming 2019 iPhones, despite no solid rumors suggesting the new devices will work with the Apple Pencil.

Case site Mobile Fun is, as of this morning, stocking an "iPhone 11 Pro" case from Olixar with a built-in mini Apple Pencil holder. The case maker seems to believe Apple is designing a smaller version of the Apple Pencil that will work with at least the larger 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max successor.


The case in question is a rendering, not a real case, and it therefore doesn't offer concrete evidence that Apple is planning to introduce Apple Pencil support for the 2019 iPhone lineup. It's not even clear if Olixar has actually manufactured these cases, especially because the Apple Pencil sleeve on the back doesn't look functional. From the accessory's description:
Crafted from premium genuine leather, this exquisite grey case from Olixar for the iPhone 11 Pro provides stunning style and prestigious protection for your phone in a slim and sleek package, with the added convenience of an Apple Pencil sleeve.
There have been some rumors and analyst predictions hinting at Apple Pencil support, but thus far we've heard nothing from a reliable source.

Were Apple indeed developing a miniature version of the Apple Pencil that works with the 2019 iPhone, it's likely we would have heard more about it by this point given the detailed rumors we've heard about other aspects of the 2019 iPhone lineup.

That said, Korean site The Investor said in 2017 that Apple would introduce Apple Pencil support for iPhone as soon as 2019, and recently, Citi Research listed the Apple Pencil as one prospective feature for the new devices.

One reliable source, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, has said that Apple Pencil support is a possibility for a future iPhone, but that was in 2018 and he has made no further mention about Apple Pencil support in the 2019 device lineup.

Many times, early case designs for upcoming iPhones are accurate because there's a lot of money in being first to design a case for a new device, but in this situation, Olixar may just be aiming to draw eyes to its brand name using a case rendering for a feature that's interesting, but likely not coming.

For details on all of the features we do expect in the 2019 iPhone lineup, such as triple-lens cameras, bilateral wireless charging, larger batteries, and more, make sure to check out our 2019 iPhone roundup.

Related Roundup: 2019 iPhones
Show Full Article
121 comments