Apple's iPhone 11 was the most in-demand smartphone during the first quarter of 2020, even as the world weathered a global pandemic, according to new research shared today by research firm Omdia.
Apple shipped an estimated 19.5 million iPhone 11 models during the quarter, thanks to the more affordable price tag of the device along with its robust feature set.
"For more than five years--even amid shifting conditions in the wireless market and the global economy--one thing has remained consistent in the smartphone business: Apple has taken either the first or second rank in Omdia's global model shipment ranking," said Jusy Hong, director of smartphone research at Omdia. "Apple's success is the result of its strategy to offer relatively few models. This has allowed the company to focus its efforts on a small number of products that appeal to a broad selection of consumers and sell in extremely high volumes."
Samsung's Galaxy A51 was the second most popular smartphone with 6.8 million units shipped, followed by the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and Note 8 Pro, with 6.6 and 6.1 million units shipped, respectively.
Apple's iPhone XR, which was the best-selling smartphone in the year-ago quarter, took the fourth spot with 4.7 million units shipped. The iPhone XR was more popular than the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, though it's worth noting that those two smartphones were counted individually rather than together.
Apple shipped an estimated 4.2 million iPhone 11 Pro Max models and an estimated 3.8 million iPhone 11 Pro models, for a combined total of 8 million smartphones shipped. Had those been counted as a combined total, the two models would have placed second in the shipment rankings.
Omdia is a research firm that was established following the merger of the research division of Informa Tech and the IHS Markit technology research portfolio.
Apple is planning to approximately 100 more retail stores in the United States this week in states that include California, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and more.
Apple first began reopening stores in the United States on May 11, and right around 25 stores have opened up at the current time. Many of the Apple Stores that will be reopening starting tomorrow will be limited to store pickups and repairs.
In the Bay Area where Apple is located, for example, stores that include Apple Burlingame, Apple Corte Madera, Apple Hillsdale, and Apple Union Square, the flagship San Francisco location, are reopening, but only for pickups and repairs.
Customers will not be allowed in the store, as local guidelines state that non-essential stores with a sidewalk storefront are only able to provide curbside pickup of orders at this time. Stores located in malls are not able to open up as of yet, so retail locations like Valley Fair will remain closed. In other areas, though, stores will be able to reopen for customers.
Apple in a statement to 9to5Mac said that it is committed to reopening its stores "in a very thoughtful manner."
This week we'll return to serving customers in many US locations. For customer safety and convenience, most stores will offer curbside or storefront service only, where we provide online order pick-up and Genius Bar appointments. Others will be open for walk-in customers and we encourage everyone to check their local store webpage for more information about hours at their preferred location. Customers can also visit apple.com for support by phone or chat.
We are committed to reopening our stores in a very thoughtful manner with the health and safety of our customers and teams as our top priority, and we look forward to seeing our customers again soon.
Apple Store employees across the United States have been preparing for the store openings over the course of the last week, and were trained on new procedures for handling products and interacting with customers over the weekend.
9to5Mac has a full list of the stores that are set to reopen this week, and details on whether customers are able to enter the store or if the location is limited to pickups.
Arizona (In-store Service & Sales):
- Arrowhead (Glendale) - Chandler Fashion Center (Chandler) - La Encantada (Tucson) - SanTan Village (Gilbert) - Scottsdale Fashion Square (Scottsdale) - Scottsdale Quarter (Scottsdale)
California (In-store Service & Sales):
- Carlsbad (Carlsbad) - Fashion Valley (San Diego) - North County (Escondido) - Otay Ranch (Chula Vista) - State Street (Santa Barbara) - UTC (San Diego)
California (Storefront Service & Sales):
- 4th Street (Berkeley) - Apple Park Visitor Center (Cupertino) - Bay Street (Emeryville) - Broadway Plaza (Walnut Creek) - Burlingame (Burlingame) - Chestnut Street (San Francisco) - Corte Madera (Corte Madera) - El Paseo Village (Palm Desert) - Fashion Island (Newport Beach) - Infinite Loop (Cupertino) - Irvine Spectrum Center (Irvine) - Los Gatos (Los Gatos) - Palo Alto (Palo Alto) - Promenade Temecula (Temecula) - Stanford (Palo Alto) - Union Square (San Francisco) - Victoria Gardens (Rancho Cucamonga)
California (Curbside Service & Sales):
- Brea Mall (Brea) - Hillsdale (San Mateo) - Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo) - Santa Rosa Plaza (Santa Rosa) - South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa) - The Oaks (Thousand Oaks)
Florida (In-store Service & Sales):
- Aventura (Aventura) - Boca Raton (Boca Raton) - Brickell City Centre (Miami) - Coconut Point (Estero) - Dadeland (Miami) - Lincoln Road (Miami Beach) - The Falls (Miami) - The Galleria (Fort Lauderdale) - The Gardens Mall (Palm Beach Gardens) - Waterside Shops (Naples) - Wellington Green (Wellington)
- Country Club Plaza (Kansas City) - Saint Louis Galleria (St. Louis) - West County (St. Louis)
Nevada (In-store Service & Sales):
- Summerlin (Las Vegas) - Summit Sierra (Reno) - Town Square (Las Vegas)
New Mexico (Storefront Service & Sales):
- ABQ Uptown (Albuquerque)
New York (Curbside Service & Sales):
- Eastview (Victor)
Ohio (Storefront Service & Sales):
- Crocker Park (Westlake) - Easton Town Center (Columbus) - Eton (Woodmere) - Kenwood Towne Centre (Cincinnati) - Polaris Fashion Place (Columbus) - Summit Mall (Akron) - The Greene (Beavercreek)
Oregon (Storefront Service & Sales):
- Pioneer Place (Portland)
Pennsylvania (Storefront Service & Sales):
- Shadyside (Pittsburgh)
South Carolina (In-store Service & Sales):
- Haywood Mall (Greenville)
Tennessee (Storefront Service & Sales):
- Cool Springs Galleria (Franklin) - West Town Mall (Knoxville)
Texas (In-store Service & Sales):
- Barton Creek (Austin) - Baybrook (Friendswood) - Domain Northside (Austin) - First Colony Mall (Sugar Land) - Highland Village (Houston) - Houston Galleria (Houston) - La Cantera (San Antonio) - Memorial City (Houston) - North Star (San Antonio) - The Woodlands (The Woodlands) - Willowbrook Mall (Houston)
Texas (Storefront Service & Sales):
- Cielo Vista Mall (El Paso) - Knox Street (Dallas) - NorthPark Center (Dallas) - Galleria Dallas (Dallas) - Southlake Town Square (Southlake) - University Park Village (Fort Worth)
Utah (Storefront Service & Sales):
- City Creek Center (Salt Lake City) - Fashion Place (Murray) - Station Park (Farmington)
Virginia (In-store Service & Sales):
- Lynnhaven Mall (Virginia Beach) - MacArthur Center (Norfolk)
On Friday, an App Store bug surfaced that caused newly updated apps to fail to open when tapped, with users receiving a message stating "This app is no longer shared with you."
The problem affected dozens of apps that had received updates, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok, and others. There was no fix at the time except for offloading an affected app and then re-downloading it, which was a hassle to do for every impacted app.
On Sunday morning, iPhone and iPad owners began noticing dozens of pending app updates in the App Store, including for many apps that had already been updated. The updates extended back as far as 10 days and appeared to have been released to address the bug causing apps to fail to open.
Apple today confirmed to TechCrunch that the "No Longer Shared" bug has been addressed and fixed for all affected customers, but did not provide details on what the problem was.
Customers who had apps that would not open should be able to use them again after downloading the relevant updates from the App Store. Apps can be updated by opening the App Store, tapping on your profile picture, swiping down to refresh, and then tapping the "Update All" option.
Despite Apple's focus on diversifying its suppliers for various components in its products, Samsung Display is expected to still provide nearly 80 percent of the OLED displays used in this year's "iPhone 12" lineup, according to a preview of a DigiTimes report that will be published in full tomorrow.
Samsung Display has obtained nearly 80% of the overall panel orders for Apple's next-generation iPhone series tentatively dubbed iPhone 12 slated for launch later this year, according to industry sources. LG Display and BOE are other panel suppliers for the upcoming iPhones.
Samsung was the exclusive display supplier for Apple's first OLED iPhone, the iPhone X back in 2017. LG came on board the following year as a second supplier, and BOE is now reportedly entering Apple's supply chain for the 2020 phones as Apple goes all-OLED in its flagship lineup for the first time.
Apple is widely rumored to be launching four new iPhone models in the usual September or October timeframe, although supply constraints and delays in production ramp-up may lead to a somewhat staggered release as we've seen in recent years.
Of the four new models coming this year, rumors have indicated that Samsung will supply the displays for three models: the 5.4-inch entry-level iPhone 12 and 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch "iPhone 12 Pro" models. The fourth new model, a 6.1-inch iPhone 12 with similar specs to the entry-level model, is where BOE and LG are said to be supplying displays.
Update May 27: The full report is now available, with DigiTimes repeating many of the display specs that have previously been rumored. Samsung is reportedly planning to ship 30-35 million displays for the 5.4-inch model and 15-20 million displays for each of the high-end 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models.
As previous sources have indicated, LG Display and BOE are expected to split the display supplies for the low-end 6.1-inch model, with LG supplying the vast majority with 18-23 million panels while BOE provides just two million.
The Society for Information Display today announced its selections for the 26th Annual Display Industry Awards, and Apple has once again taken one of the top spots, this time with its Pro Display XDR that debuted last year alongside the revamped Mac Pro.
The Pro Display XDR was one of three display products named "Displays of the Year," alongside Samsung's foldable display and BOE's dual-cell LCD panel that offers improved contrast ratio, minimum brightness, and color depth compared to traditional LCDs.
Pro Display XDR from Apple With its massive 32-inch LCD panel, 6K Retina resolution, and over 20 million pixels, Apple Pro Display XDR sets a new bar for the capabilities of a professional display. Designed for pro users who rely on color accuracy and true-to-life image reproduction, such as photographers, video editors, 3D animators and colorists, Pro Display XDR delivers the most comprehensive set of features ever offered on a display in its price range, paving the way for pros in every role across a workflow to unlock their creativity. Featuring P3 wide color and 10-bit color depth, Pro Display XDR is expertly calibrated at the factory to ensure billions of colors can be reproduced with exceptional accuracy. And features such as built-in reference modes make it easy to match the viewing requirements of content creation workflows. With 1000 nits of full-screen sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and an Apple-designed backlight system for optimized light shaping, Pro Display XDR sets a new industry standard for incredible reference-quality imaging at a fraction of the size, weight, and cost of traditional reference monitors.
While Apple has positioned the $5000+ Pro Display XDR as competing against reference monitors which can cost several times that amount, some professionals have argued it falls short of that standard. The Pro Display XDR does, however, perform well for its price point, with strong color accuracy, gamut coverage, and sustained brightness.
Anker today has a new Gold Box deal on Amazon, with 10 discounts across portable batteries, Lightning and USB-C cables, and wall chargers. In total, you can save up to 37 percent off of these accessories, and all of the discounts will expire later tonight.
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.
Apple plans to release several higher-end devices with Mini-LED displays in 2021, including a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro in the first quarter, a new 16-inch MacBook Pro in the second quarter, and a new 27-inch iMac in the second half of the year, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst at Chinese research firm GF Securities.
This timeframe lines up with one shared by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who recently said that Apple suppliers are slated to begin mass production of related components between the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, suggesting that the majority if not all of the Mini-LED devices will be released next year.
A few months ago, Kuo said that Apple plans to release six Mini-LED products by the end of 2021, including 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, a 27-inch iMac Pro, a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a 10.2-inch iPad, and a 7.9-inch iPad mini. The analyst said these displays will allow for thinner and lighter product designs, while offering many of the same benefits of OLED displays used on the latest iPhones, including improved contrast and dynamic range.
Switching to Mini-LED displays will also allow Apple to distance itself from the Samsung-dominated OLED display market, according to research firm TrendForce, which also expects a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display to launch in 2021.
Apple lost its top spot to Huawei in the Chinese tablet market in the first quarter of 2020 as the health crisis battered local sales, according to a new report today (via South China Morning Post).
China's tablet shipments plunged 30 per cent in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, based on data from research firm IDC. Huawei was the only brand to see positive year-on-year growth, up 4.3 per cent in the quarter ended March 31 to 1.5 million units.
The Chinese electronics giant's success saw it topple Apple as the top tablet brand for the quarter, with a 40.2 percent share of China's market compared to 31.5 percent for Apple.
Xiaomi, Microsoft and Lenovo all saw their sales slump in the same quarter, according to IDC, accounting for 5.5 percent, 3.2 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively.
In March, Nikkeireported that iPad stocks were running low in China because parents were buying them to help with e-learning at home in response to school closures. Local labor shortages had also reportedly seen suppliers struggle to meet production demands, amid government-imposed lockdown restrictions.
Typically that would be positive news for Apple, but with suppliers severely affected by the global health crisis, the company was unable to keep iPad stocks plentiful to meet the increased demand.
Apple will use a Lightning port instead of USB-C in the upcoming "iPhone 12," but it will be the last major series of Apple's flagship phones to do so, with models set to combine wireless charging and a port-less Smart Connector system for data transfer and syncing in the iPhone "13 series" next year.
The above claim comes from occasional Apple leaker and Twitter user "Fudge" (@choco_bit), who last month shared alleged leaked iPhone 12 images showing a revised rear camera array with LiDAR scanner, a smaller front notch, and Home screen widgets.
Fudge claims that Apple has tested iPhone prototypes with USB-C ports, but that these models "won't be making it to production." Instead, Apple will stick with Lightning for one more year before replacing the port with a Smart Connector.
Shame the USB-c prototype iPhone 12's arent making it to production. 1 more year of lightning 🥳😭
Oh well, at least smart connector on 13 series
— Fudge (@choco_bit) May 25, 2020
Claims of port-less future iPhones aren't new. Apple designers are said to ultimately be aiming to remove most of the external ports and buttons on the iPhone for a clean, streamlined device with fewer points of potential hardware failure.
Indeed, if wireless charging technology improves in the interim, Apple could potentially get rid of wired charging all together – and rumors do indicate Apple will release an iPhone without a Lightning port in 2021.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the highest-end iPhone model coming in 2021 will offer a "completely wireless experience." Charging would, presumably, be done all wirelessly through charging accessories, Qi-based or otherwise. (Whether the 2021 iPhone would be Apple's so-called "iPhone 13" series or an "S"-style revision of this year's upcoming "iPhone 12" is unknown.)
The addition of a Smart Connector, however, is a separate rumor. The use of a Smart Connector could conceivably complete the transition to a totally wireless system for iPhone, with everyday charging and data transfer occurring over induction and wireless, and the Smart Connector providing a way to attach accessories and cover restore and recovery needs via special adapters.
for clarification, smart connector thing on 13 series wont be the intended way to charge. Youll be expected to go wireless charging mainly. D6x series (iphone 13 series) hasnt really begun proper development yet so iphone magsafe more of a plan atm. Portless is coming either way
— Fudge (@choco_bit) May 26, 2020
Apple introduced the Smart Connector with the 2015 iPad Pro and updated it for the 2018 redesign. It lies flush with the bezel and has three pins providing power, data, and grounding. It's not impermeable though, which is something that Apple would need to work on to maintain its iPhone water resistance rating.
All of this could of course be irrelevant in the event that Apple surprises everyone and launches an iPhone with USB-C this year, suggesting that's where its future lies for now. Given the course and aim of Apple's iPhone development, that seems unlikely, but we won't know for sure until September or October, when Apple is expected to launch its latest flagship lineup.
Rumors have suggested Apple will complete its transition to an all-OLED iPhone lineup in 2020 with one new 5.4-inch device, two 6.1-inch models, and one 6.7-inch handset. The 6.7-inch iPhone and one 6.1-inch model are thought to be higher-end OLED devices with triple-lens cameras, while the 5.4 and 6.1-inch models will be lower-end iPhones with dual-lens cameras and a more affordable price tag.
In an internal memo last week, obtained by MacRumors, Apple has indicated that it will assist its third-party repair partners around the world with COVID-19-related expenses, such as cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment.
All eligible Apple Authorized Service Providers will receive a subsidy from Apple by way of increased payouts for each completed repair. The subsidy is retroactive and the length it is offered will depend on stay-at-home guidelines in each country. Service providers are encouraged to contact their Apple representatives for more details.
To find an Apple Authorized Service Provider in your local area, visit the Get Support page on Apple's website and follow the steps to initiate a repair.
The latest update focuses on improving the viewing of media. For example GIFs can now be paused and videos play inline with the feed, so users no longer have to tap them in order to see what's going on at a glance.
Users can also save and share GIFs, while sharing in general has been streamlined and improved within the app. For example, sharing the video file for Reddit videos now automatically merges the video and audio stream.
In addition, users can now share a comment or a post as an image by tapping Share as Image, which will stitch together as many screens as necessary. The option also supports sharing image posts, which is useful for posts that would benefit from having the title merged with the image for context.
Apollo's latest update also adds iPadOS 13.4 cursor support, and plays nice with the new Reddit awards system and Reddit Polls.
Elsewhere, there are five new app icons to check out, bug fixes, improvements to viewing comments, and more.
Apollo is available for iPhone and iPad on the App Store [Direct Link] as a free download without ads, with optional in-app purchases available to unlock enhanced features such as multiple accounts, gestures, Touch ID or Face ID authentication, and GIF scrubbing.
Apple is set to start reopening its retail stores in Japan this week after having been closed for months because of the global health crisis.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notes that Apple's website says stores in Fukuoka and Nagoya Sakae will reopen on May 27. Reopening dates for the country's eight other Apple stores have not yet been posted.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has lifted the country's nationwide state of emergency, ending restrictions in the remaining areas where the order was still in effect, one week ahead of schedule.
Apple has reopened stores in Australia, Germany, Austria, South Korea, Switzerland and some stores in Italy, the U.S., and Canada.
The company is taking safety measures as it gradually re-opens stores across the globe. These include temperature checks conducted at the door, limited occupancy, and a renewed emphasis on one-to-one service. As an alternative to entering some physical stores, customers can also expect to see curb-side pickup and drop off options.
Apple is reportedly looking to integrate light sensors in a new model of AirPods in the next couple of years, according to a new report today, suggesting their use could be part of rumored upcoming health monitoring features in the true wireless earbuds. In a paywalled article, DigiTimes reports that ASE Technology could be involved in manufacturing the sensors:
Apple is expected to incorporate ambient light sensors (ALS) in next-generation AirPods devices in the coming 1-2 years, and Taiwan's ASE Technology may handle the backend process for the new component, as it has moved to purchase more packaging machines, according to industry sources.
The preview of the report doesn't specify what function the ambient light sensors would provide, but anotherDigiTimes report today suggests they'd be a component part of biometric measurements:
ASE Technology is poised to apply its SESUB (semiconductor embedded in substrate)-based SiP packaging technology to next-generation TWS (true wireless stereo) earphones to be rolled out by Apple, after being contracted to handle high-end mmWave AiP (antenna in package) process for 5G iPhones and tablets, according to industry sources.
ASE has combined SiP with embedded AI design for TWS gears, allowing the devices to monitor heart rates, step counts and health conditions and even to conduct intelligent translation and detect head motions, the sources added.
DigiTimes' sources often provide reliable information, but the site has a mixed track record when it comes to interpreting that information and accurately deciphering Apple's plans. Still, it's conceivable that the sensors could be related to rumored health monitoring features like heart rate and/or blood oxygen saturation from the ear.
Clip-on finger pulse oximeters work by shining red and infrared light through the blood vessels and a light detector measures the volume of blood oxygen based on the amount of light that passes through the finger. These sensors can also be used to measure pulse rate.
In hospitals, ear-based clip-on pulse oximeters work on the same principle and shine light through the earlobe. Part of the light is absorbed by the skin and the part not absorbed reaches the light sensor on the other side.
It's unclear whether Apple could achieve a similar function without redesigning the way AirPods and AirPods Pro sit in the ear. As things stand, a more likely candidate for the technology would be Apple's fitness-oriented earphones: Powerbeats Pro sport an over ear design similar to Freewavz's true wireless earphones, which feature integrated pulse oximeters for measuring blood oxygen and heart rate.
Early last year, DigiTimes claimed that Apple would release next-generation AirPods with "health monitoring features" in the first half of 2019. While Apple launched second-generation AirPods in March 2019, health monitoring smarts were conspicuously absent.
DigiTimes receives a flood of data from the Asian supply chain, some of which it claims pertains to prototypes or test products that never make it to market or change significantly before launch, skewing its accuracy. Given that caveat, it's possible Apple held back the health monitoring features for a future AirPods model. We certainly know Apple has explored how it might incorporate health monitoring features into future AirPods.
One Apple patent describes an earbud-based fitness monitoring system which integrates an advanced biometric sensor that can detect physiological metrics including temperature, heart rate, perspiration levels and more, through skin contact and via built-in motion sensors.
Blood oxygen monitoring is useful for measuring fitness and recovery, but it can also reveal health conditions like sleep apnea and other issues. Apple is expected to activate the feature in a future Apple Watch model, and CEO Tim Cook has highlighted Apple's interest in health as a major focus that may actually end up being "Apple's greatest contribution to mankind."
Over the past few hours, a number of MacRumors readers have reported seeing dozens or even hundreds of pending app updates showing in the App Store on their iOS devices, including for many apps that were already recently updated by the users. In many cases, the dates listed on these new app updates extend back as far as ten days.
Apple has not shared any information as to why updates for these already up-to-date apps are being reissued, but some users suspect it may be related to the recent "This app is no longer shared with you" issue that was preventing some users from launching certain apps unless they are offloaded or deleted and then reinstalled.
It's possible there was an issue with an expired certificate or other credential related to app sharing, and Apple has had to reissue these updates to include a valid certificate on each of the affected apps in order to fix the issue.
So if you're seeing an unusual number of app updates available in the App Store, you're not alone.
The team behind the "unc0ver" jailbreaking tool for iOS has released version 5.0.0 of its software that claims to have the ability to jailbreak "every signed iOS version on every device" using a zero-day kernel vulnerability by Pwn20wnd, a renowned iOS hacker. The announcement comes just days after it was announced that the tool would soon launch. The unc0ver website highlights how the tool has been tested extensively across a range of iOS devices on several different software versions. The site also mentions that the jailbreaking tool is compatible across all devices running between iOS 11.0 and iOS 13.5.
As for security, unc0ver's website says it utilizes "native system sandbox exceptions" so that "security remains intact while enabling access to jailbreak files."
Before the release of unc0ver's jailbreak tool, the only way to jailbreak devices up to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X was by using the "checkra1n" tool.
Unc0ver's latest jailbreaking tool can be downloaded now from its website.
In this week's App Recap, we've highlighted three apps that are worth checking out. We've also compiled a list of apps that received major updates this week.
Apps to Check Out
Voice Dream Reader (iOS, $9.99) - Voice Dream reader, a text-to-speech app featured in the Today section of the App Store, has been one of the most popular accessibility apps since its launch eight years ago. The app supports the reading of PDF files, Web articles, plain text files, and more. Upon purchasing the app, users are welcomed with both 36 built in iOS voices in 27 languages and one premium Acapela voice, and over 200 other premium voices are available through in-app purchases. Voice Dream Reader also features several tools such as bookmarking, text highlighting, and annotations. There are several different reading styles that can also be customized to the likings of the user such as contrast, font size, auto-scrolling, and more. Outside of the accessibility space, the app's reading style can also be set to one of several unique settings.
SmartGym: Gym & Home Workouts (iOS, Free) - SmartGym, a popular fitness app, is being updated soon with several new features. The app lets users create and manage workout routines, view over 250 pre-installed exercises, view many pre-made workouts tailored to the interests of the user, and more. In addition, the standalone Apple Watch app can be used for tracking the health data of the user. It's worth noting that the free version of the app only provides access to two routines, 10 histories, and two measures. To access unlimited routines, measurements, and histories, users have the option to subscribe to monthly or yearly plans, which start at $4.99 and $29.99 respectively. The app's update will feature a new Smart Trainer feature which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create personalized workouts for the user, plus additional exercises, a new design, and more.
BIAS FX 2 (iOS, Free) - BIAS FX 2, the successor to the popular Guitar Amp and Effects app BIAS FX, was recently released with an updated library of amps and effects. The updated library features new versions of pedals, HD studio rack effects, and effect modelers, which gives users a multitude of options when creating their own unique sound. In addition, the Looper feature was introduced as part of the update, which is a songwriting tool that allows users to practice and record directly from an iOS device. The app is free to download, but additional effects require in-app purchases.
App Updates
Copilot (iOS) - Subscription based finance and budgeting app Copilot this week announced support for importing Apple Card data directly into its app. Apple Card users are now able to take advantage of Copilot's budgeting and transaction monitoring tools without having to copy over the data manually into the app.
Google - Google this week updated its Google Search app with Dark Mode support. It is also worth noting that users still running iOS 12 can utilize the feature by enabling the setting within the app.
Photoshop (iPad) - Adobe this week updated its Photoshop app with two new features. Curves allows users to adjust several aspects of an image while preserving its quality. Users with an Apple Pencil will also notice new pressure sensitivity adjustments that allows for more precision when using brush-based tools.
Twitter - Twitter this week announced that it has starting testing new settings that allow users to control who can reply to a tweet. Users can select everyone, people you follow, and only people you mention as options for who can reply to a specific tweet. The feature is currently being tested within a small number of users globally, and Twitter plans to roll the feature out to all users should testing prove successful.
Testing, testing...
A new way to have a convo with exactly who you want. We’re starting with a small % globally, so keep your 👀 out to see it in action. pic.twitter.com/pV53mvjAVT
— Twitter (@Twitter) May 20, 2020
Reply if there’s a better app
— Twitter (@Twitter) May 20, 2020
"Original series and films to inspire the next generation of dreamers, explorers, and believers. All on Apple TV+," the video description says.
The ad features the Apple TV+ kids shows "Ghost Writer," "Helpsters," "Snoopy in Space," and the short-film "Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth."
The ad is part of Apple's drive to increase Apple TV+ subscriptions amid heated competition from other rival streaming services, such as Disney+ and Netflix, which have a wealth of content aimed at children. Earlier this week, it rumors suggested Apple is considering buying some older shows, in addition to its original productions, to make the Apple TV+ library more competitive.
Apple TV+ provides original movies and TV shows for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, plus there's a free year of service for those who have recently purchased an Apple device. For those who don't qualify for the free year, Apple offers a one-week free trial. Check out our step-by-step instructions for getting up and running from various devices.
It was another big week for rumors this week, with a flurry of reports about Apple's augmented reality glasses, the iPhone 12, and Apple's "AirPods Studio" over-ear headphones. This week also saw the release of iOS 13.5, bringing a number of health-related updates to Apple's mobile devices.
Other topics of interest this week included our look at Comply's replacement foam ear tips for the AirPods Pro, and some signs that existing supplies of the HomePod may be shrinking, suggesting we may be getting closer to the release of an update or a rumored lower-cost model. Read on below and click on the video above for a full recap of this week's biggest stories!
'Apple Glass' Rumored to Start at $499, Support Prescription Lenses, and More
Following last week's rumor from Ming-Chi Kuo about Apple's augmented reality glasses potentially launching in 2022, we've seen a flurry of new rumors led by a massive report from Jon Prosser sharing quite a few details he's heard about them.
Prosser says the glasses will be called "Apple Glass" and will start at $499, with prescription lenses available for an additional cost. In line with previous rumors, he says Apple Glass will rely on a paired iPhone for most of its functionality, allowing the glasses themselves to be as slim and light as possible.
According to Prosser's sources, Apple's original plans involved unveiling Apple Glass at the annual iPhone event in September or October, but restrictions on in-person gatherings could push the debut back to a March 2021 event. A second report from DigiTimes offers a similar timeline, indicating that "small-volume production" could begin in the first half of next year, with a launch sometime later in the year.
Apple Releases iPadOS and iOS 13.5 With Exposure Notification API, Face ID Mask Updates, Group FaceTime Changes and More
Apple this week released iOS 13.5, a major health-related update that brings many features related to the ongoing public health crisis. Most notably, it delivers the COVID-19 Exposure Notification API that will let public health entities build apps to alert users if they've been in close proximity to someone who later tests positive for the virus.
iOS 13.5 also makes it easier to unlock a Face ID device while wearing a mask, bringing up the passcode entry screen more quickly when a mask is detected. And for those users spending more time on Group FaceTime, Apple has added an option to turn off the Automatic Prominence feature that enlarges the tile of whoever is speaking. Finally, there's a new feature that lets your Medical ID information be automatically shared with first responders when placing an emergency call.
There's also an iPadOS 13.5 update with a subset of the iPhone features, as well as a watchOS 6.2.5 update that brings the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications to Saudi Arabia and adds new Pride watch faces.
iPhone 12 May Not Come With EarPods in the Box, Apple to Introduce AirPods Promotion in Second Half of 2020
According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's iPhone 12 lineup later this year may not include EarPods wired earphones in the box. While Apple has included wired earphones since the original iPhone in 2007, many users these days don't use the included earphones, instead opting for their own preferred wired or wireless accessories.
Given the popularity of Apple's wireless AirPods lineup, the move would likely increase demand for those accessories, and Kuo says Apple will likely offer a "special AirPods promotion" late in the year, although he doesn't specify what that promotion might be.
In other iPhone 12 news, an extensive report from display analyst Ross Young outlines his expectations for all four iPhone 12 models, ranging from a 2340x1080 5.4-inch display on the smallest one to a 2778x1284 display on the largest 6.7-inch model.
And finally, this week saw perhaps our first significant part leak for the iPhone 12 in the form of the main logic board. The part in question appears to have been manufactured in October 2019, which would make it a relatively early prototype, so we'll have to see if that's what ends up in one of the final phone designs.
Smaller, Lower-Priced HomePod Appears Increasingly Closer to Launching
In addition to Best Buy offering the HomePod on sale for $199.99 this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notes that Apple employees are now able to purchase up to 10 HomePods at a 50 percent discount, up from a limit of two. The larger purchase limit could be part of Apple's efforts to clear out inventory of the current HomePod ahead of the new model.
Finally, the HomePod was listed as "sold out" on Apple's online store in the United States last week, although only briefly.
Hands-On With Comply's Foam Tips for AirPods Pro
Apple's AirPods Pro ship with silicone tips that fit inside the ears, but people who prefer the tighter or more comfortable fit of foam have been modding their earbuds to add a foam layer. That's no longer necessary, as well-known earphone tips company Comply is now shipping its foam tips that are compatible with AirPods Pro.
We picked up a pair of the new Comply Foam Tips for AirPods Pro, which come as a set of three pairs for $25, and tested them out in our latest YouTube video to see how they fit and whether they're an improvement over the silicone tips that the AirPods Pro ship with.
Apple's 'AirPods Studio' Over-Ear Headphones Have Reportedly Kicked Off Production
We've been hearing quite a bit recently about Apple's long-rumored over-ear headphones, said to be called "AirPods Studio," and it looks like a launch may be coming in the relatively near future.
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.
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.
Former Apple intern 
