MacRumors

We're just one week away from WWDC 2021, which kicks off next Monday, June 7 and runs through Friday, June 11. Apple's annual developers conference will be an all-digital affair for the second year in a row due to public health measures, but it will still be an exciting week, with Apple expected to unveil iOS 15 and other new software updates.

Ahead of WWDC, we've put together five steps to prepare for the conference.

1. Set Siri Reminders

During the course of WWDC, there are a few presentations that have broader appeal:

• Keynote on Monday, June 7 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple is expected to unveil iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15, and there is always a chance of a hardware surprise or two, with a new MacBook Pro rumored.
• Platforms State of the Union on Monday, June 7 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time: Apple will provide a deeper dive into the new developer tools, technologies, and advances across its software platforms.
• Apple Design Awards on Thursday, June 10 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time: The awards celebrate the creative artistry, craftsmanship, and technical achievement of Apple developers, according to Apple.

One handy way to remember these dates and times is to set Siri reminders using an iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, HomePod, or other Apple device. For example: "Hey Siri, remind me to watch the WWDC Keynote on June 7 at 10 a.m."

Find out when the WWDC Keynote takes place in time zones around the world.

2. Download the Apple Developer App

Available on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, the free Apple Developer app is central to the WWDC experience, complete with a full schedule once available. Beginning June 8, session videos will be posted to the app each day, providing a deep dive into new features and frameworks being added across Apple's software platforms. The WWDC Keynote will also be available in the app with on-demand playback after the conclusion of the live stream.

New for WWDC 2021, "Pavilions" will provide an easy way for developers to explore relevant sessions, labs, and special activities for a given topic, like SwiftUI. Pavilions will be found exclusively within the Apple Developer app.

The Apple Developer app can be downloaded from the App Store, and many of the resources are available to the general public for free.

Other helpful resources include the Apple Developer website and the Apple Developer Forums.

3. Join the Apple Developer Program

In line with previous years, Apple will likely seed the first betas of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15 to registered developers for testing within an hour or two after the WWDC Keynote concludes.

Those interested in installing the betas on their devices on an official basis will need to sign up for an Apple Developer Program membership, which costs $99 per year in the United States. Individuals who are 18 years or older or have reached the equivalent age of majority in their country can enroll in the Apple Developer Program, even if they do not plan on distributing any apps on the App Store.

It's important to keep in mind that Apple's beta software typically has some bugs or other issues that may affect performance or usability to some extent. For this reason, it's always recommended that beta software be installed on a secondary device that isn't relied on for daily use. It's equally important to back up your devices to a Mac or iCloud before installing beta software to avoid the risk of data loss.

Those who do not want to pay for an Apple Developer Program membership can join Apple's free Beta Software Program, but the first public betas of major new software versions are typically not released until late June or early July.

4. Sign Up for Digital Lounges

Apple will be hosting Digital Lounges at WWDC 2021. Apple Developer Program or WWDC 2021 Swift Student Challenge winners will be able to join Apple engineers and designers throughout the week as they host text-based Q&As and special activities related to developer tools, SwiftUI, accessibility, and machine learning, according to Apple.

Sign-ups open tomorrow, June 1, with limited availability on a first come, first served basis. Visit the Digital Lounges page for more details.

5. Follow MacRumors

Stay tuned to MacRumors.com for complete coverage of WWDC week, including a live blog of the Keynote. If you are unable to watch the stream, be sure to follow @MacRumorsLive on Twitter, where we'll be live tweeting the Keynote as well. Also follow MacRumors on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and RSS for WWDC news, videos, and more.

Our in-depth WWDC roundup is also a helpful resource, and worth adding to your browser's bookmark bar for the next few weeks.

Apple plans to adopt OLED display technology in "some" iPad models next year, following the recent adoption of mini-LED technology in its highest-end 12.9-inch iPad Pro, according to a report from Korea's ETNews.

The report, citing industry sources, claims that Apple will use OLED displays instead of LCDs in some ‌iPad‌ models starting in 2022. The report doesn't specify which ‌iPad‌ models would make the switch from LCD to OLED technology, but credible Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that the mid-range iPad Air will be updated with an OLED display next year at a minimum.

Apple currently uses OLED displays for higher-end iPhones and all Apple Watch models, while the remaining product families continue to use LCD technology. OLED displays in Apple products are currently supplied by Samsung and LG, and ETNews believes that the two suppliers will also provide OLED displays for future iPads.

Last month, Apple introduced a brand new 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ with mini-LED technology, which, compared to LCD, offers deeper blacks, improved contrast, and higher brightness. Apple is expected to continue the adoption of mini-LED display technology with new models of the MacBook Pro as early as this year.

Apple supplier Global Lighting Technologies will begin shipments of keyboard-related components for next-generation MacBook Pro models in the third quarter of 2021, according to DigiTimes, which cited industry sources.

The industry sources indicated that Apple is likely to release new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with mini-LED displays in the second half of 2021, followed by more devices with mini-LED backlighting in 2022.

Apple is rumored to be planning new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, each with a mini-LED display and an improved iteration of the M1 chip. The notebooks are expected to feature a new design with a flatter top and bottom and more ports, including the return of an HDMI port, SD card slot, and a magnetic power cable. Rumors also suggest the Touch Bar will be retired in favor of physical Fn keys.

In line with the new iPad Pro, mini-LED backlighting would allow for higher brightness and improved contrast ratio on the new MacBook Pro models.

Multiple sources have claimed that the new MacBook Pro models will be introduced in the second half of 2021, but leaker Jon Prosser recently suggested that at least one new MacBook Pro model will be announced at WWDC next week.

This post has been updated following publication of the full DigiTimes story.

While announcing its latest chips yesterday, Intel launched another aggressive public attack on Mac devices, focusing on the experience of gaming (via PC Gamer).

Intel yesterday announced two new 11th Generation H-series laptop processors, featuring clock speeds up to 5GHz, Intel Wi-Fi 6/6E, and 1080p gameplay on popular titles, in high-volume, thin designs. Following the announcement, the company took the opportunity to launch another broadside against Apple.

In a press call with Intel's chief performance strategist Ryan Shrout about the new chips, Intel outlined an argument claiming that it is the supposedly poor gaming experience on Mac devices that makes Intel-based Windows devices superior. Intel derided Apple's M1 chip and boasted that most popular video games do not run on macOS.

The company highlighted a poor gaming experience on the Mac when using an emulator or virtual machine, showing a video of the game "Valheim" running poorly in Parallels on a Mac.

Intel further evidenced its claims with a chart showing an Intel-based 16-inch MacBook Pro, using a Core i9 9980HK processor with a AMD Radeon Pro 5600M, compared to a PC with a Core i5 11400H processor with a GeForce RTX 3060. The Intel-branded PC did better in each of the company's selected tests. This led to the claim that Intel-based PCs offer a "better gaming experience than 100% of Mac laptops."

The company then argued that there is a significant overlap between creators and gamers, suggesting that a large proportion of the Mac user base is not sufficiently accommodated for due to limited gaming options on their system.

Intel now appears to be making gaming a key buttress in its argument to persuade customers that its chips in Windows machines present a much better option for consumers than Macs with Apple silicon.

PC Gamer's Alan Dexter asked Shrout during the call if Intel was "burning its bridges with Apple." Shrout responded that "Apple has been very public about moving to its own silicon" and that "it is now a competitor," justifying the company's aggressive marketing campaign.

Since the debut of Apple's ‌M1‌ chip, Intel has launched an aggressive marketing campaign to disparage Apple's custom silicon and commend its own processors, including highly selective benchmarks, a range of video ads, and a heavily biased website.

Apple has published its annual supplier responsibility report, which outlines the progress it and its suppliers are making towards improving the rights of workers, furthering environmental protection goals, the response to the global health crisis, and more.

The report contains detailed information ranging from how Apple addresses reports of violations within its supply chain to how the company has assisted its suppliers in handling the challenges throughout the past year. The company's senior vice president of operations, Sabih Khan, opens the report by extending a special thanks to Apple employees, partners, and suppliers worldwide for their resilience throughout the past year.

I want to start with a message of gratitude to our teams and to the global network of Apple suppliers. You set an example of care for one another's health, innovating through every challenge, and helping bring technology to our users at a time when we've never relied on it more.

Regarding labor and human rights, Apple says that since 2008, more than 21.5 million workers have been taught their rights from suppliers and that more than 55,000 supplier employees have been interviewed as part of regular supplier assessments. Apple also says that it has found no evidence of forced labor within its supply chain.

Focusing on environmental goals, Apple says that it's working hard and in close cooperation with suppliers to ensure that they meet the goal of being fully carbon neutral by 2030. Apple provides a few environmental statistics, including the fact that it's saved more than 41 billion gallons of water since 2013 thanks to its Clean Water Program. In addition, in 2020, the company diverted more than 400,000 metric tons of waste from landfills and more than 1.65 million metrics tons of waste from landfills since 2015.

The full report can be found on Apple's website.

Apple is planning to expand its global retail presence by opening more physical stores (via Bloomberg).

Despite inner cities struggling with an accelerating shift to online sales, Apple is planning to open more retail stores. The company currently operates 511 Apple stores globally, of which over 100 are in Europe.

Apple's senior vice president of retail and people, Deirdre O'Brien, confirmed the intention to expand to Germany's Funke Mediengruppe:

On our online site people can learn a lot about the products; in a store they can touch them and get a feel for them. We intend to add more stores.

While it is not yet clear if the expansion is set to be concentrated on a particular region, O'Brien's comments to the German publisher may suggest that Europe will be a focal point.

Apple's newest store is Apple Via del Corso in Rome, which opened just last week, and the company is also in the process of building its second store in Berlin.

Moreover, O'Brien remarked that Apple will "undoubtedly" add to its international design infrastructure, as seen with the company's plan to build a one-billion Euro chip design center in Munich within the next three years.

Samsung has begun production of LTPO displays for the upcoming iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, which will support a high refresh rate of 120Hz, while LG has begun production of LTPS displays for the lower-end models of the 2021 iPhone lineup, according to a new report from The Elec.

Apple was widely rumored to introduce its ProMotion technology, which first debuted in the 2017 iPad Pro, to its iPhone 12 lineup this year. ProMotion allows the display to have a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, compared to the current maximum of 60Hz. However, despite the avalanche of rumors leading up to the 2020 iPhone launch, Apple decided not to include a 120Hz display for the iPhones.

Looking towards the iPhone 13 expected in the second half of this year, Apple is planning to introduce a 120Hz display for the highest-end models of the lineup, according to credible Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The Elec reports that Samsung and LG have independently kick-started OLED production for the upcoming iPhone lineup ahead of schedule, at the behest of Apple. Due to the global health crisis last year, the iPhone 12 was severely delayed, and Apple is looking to mitigate any potential delays for the 2021 iPhones.

This is a month faster than for the iPhone 12 last year. Apple launched iPhone 12 later than usual due to problems with procuring components for the phones from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Samsung Display began production for the OLED panels to be used in iPhone 13 mid-month. LG Display began production recently, people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Samsung began organic material deposition a week earlier than LG. For the module process, where the panel is finished, Samsung’s started around ten days earlier than LG.

The iPhone 13 is rumored to include several new features alongside a 120Hz display for the higher-end models. According to current rumors, the new lineup will feature a smaller notch, with a slightly thicker overall design and larger camera bumps. You can catch up on the latest iPhone 13 rumors and leaks using our guide.

Despite leaving the company in 2019, Apple's former chief design officer, Jony Ive, helped design the new 24-inch iMac, according to an excerpt from Wired's review of the new desktop computer.

Jony Ive famously left Apple in 2019 to form his own independent design company, which would have Apple as one of its clients. During his tenure at Apple, Ive oversaw the development and design of revolutionary products, including the iPhone, iPad, iPod, MacBook, and the ‌iMac‌.

Apple confirmed to Wired that Ive did indeed work on the new ‌iMac‌ but stopped short of confirming or denying whether his own firm, LoveFrom, aided Apple in designing the computer after he left the company.

But Apple has another reason to reference this old campaign. Jony Ive was involved in the design of this new iMac, despite having left Apple back in 2019. Hardware design is a long process, so perhaps it’s not surprising that Ive’s fingerprints are all over this new desktop. But, interestingly, Apple would not confirm or deny if he worked on the 2021 iMac after he left the company – just that he had worked on it.

The 24-inch ‌iMac‌ is the first redesign to the ‌iMac‌ in years, featuring a significantly thinner design, the M1 Apple silicon chip, and comes in seven vibrant colors. Learn more about the 24-inch ‌iMac‌ using our guide.

Yesterday we posted about Memorial Day deals on Apple devices like the MacBook Pro and Apple Watch, and now we're tracking even more deals, this time specifically on third-party accessories. This includes sales on popular Apple-related accessories like Anker's portable batteries, Nomad's leather products, Speck iPhone cases, and much more.

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.

Nomad

Nomad is giving our readers an exclusive 20 percent off discount code for Memorial Day this year, and the code MACRUMORS can be applied to any in-stock products sitewide. It will last through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Nomad sells a wide variety of accessories for Apple products, including iPhone and iPad cases, Apple Watch bands, AirTag holders, and more.

Nimble

At Nimble, you can take 30 percent off your entire order when using the exclusive promo code MACRUMORS30 on the retailer's website. Nimble is known for its wireless chargers and portable batteries, all of which are made from environmentally friendly materials.

Nimble's wireless chargers start at $49.99 for the Apollo Wireless Pad, and at $24.99 for the Champ Lite Portable Charger. The company also sells the Disc Case for iPhone, which is made from 100% recycled compact discs.

Anker

Anker this week has a collection of discounts on a power adapter, wireless charger, and a pair of Eufy's robot vacuums.

• PowerPort Atom USB-C Power Adapter - $20.39, down from $23.99
• PowerWave 2-in-1 Stand - $34.39 with code ANKERB95, down from $42.99
• Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac - $169.99, down from $249.99
• Eufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid - $249.99, down from $369.99

Hyper

Hyper is offering 30 percent off select accessories on its website with the code MEMORIAL30 this weekend.

This includes USB-C hubs, portable batteries, and tech sanitizers. Hyper's Memorial Day sale will last through Monday.

JBL

JBL has a Memorial Day sale that's taking between 15 and 60 percent off home loudspeakers, soundbars, and other audio equipment.

This includes a collection of JBL's subwoofers, like the SUB 550P 10-inch powered subwoofer for $199.99, down from $599.95.

Speck

Speck's Memorial Day sale is taking 25 percent off sitewide, with some exclusions like select iPad cases. There's a limit of five items per customer, and this sale will end on May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Speck offers a wide array of cases for the iPhone, Samsung phones, MacBook, AirPods, Apple Watch, iPod touch, and more. You can also shop screen protectors and portable batteries at 25 percent off during this event.

Twelve South

At Twelve South, you can save up to 50 percent on a collection of the company's best travel accessories. This includes cases for your iPad, like the BookBook Case at $10 off and BookBook Cover at $10 off.

Other devices on sale include the AirFly (up to $15 off), PlugBug Duo ($30 off), TimePorter ($5 off), and SuitCase for MacBook ($10-$20 off). All of Twelve South's discounts will stay live through Memorial Day.

ZAGG/Mophie

ZAGG is offering up to 70% off select items this weekend, with solid markdowns on Mophie power banks, iPhone battery cases, and more. This sale covers items across the ZAGG family of brands, including Mophie, Braven, Invisible Shield, and iFrogz.

• Mophie Powerstation All-in-One - $99.95, down from $139.95
• Mophie Powerstation Plus XL - $59.95, down from $99.95
• Mophie Juice Pack Access for iPhone 11 - $29.95, down from $79.95

Other Sales

• Ring - Save up to 20 percent on Ring Alarms
• Best Buy - Save on home appliances
• Belkin - Save on charging accessories
• Satechi - Get 15 percent off with code MDW15 or 20 percent off over $100 with MDW20

Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.

WWDC is quickly approaching, and that means rumors are starting to ramp up including the possibility that we might see the long-rumored MacBook Pro redesign at the keynote. This week also saw rumors about future updates to the AirPods and AirPods Pro, as well as a redesigned Mac mini.

In other news, Apple has released iOS 14.6 with new features like Apple Card Family and podcast subscriptions as it prepares to launch Apple Music support for lossless audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos next month. We also took a look at the mini-LED display on the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, so read on for the details on these stories and more!

New MacBook Pro Models Coming at WWDC, Suggests Leaker

Apple this week shared its WWDC 2021 schedule, starting with a virtual keynote on Monday, June 7 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The annual developers conference typically has a software focus, with Apple expected to introduce iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15.

That said, there is always the chance of a hardware announcement or two. According to leaker Jon Prosser, Apple plans to introduce at least one new MacBook Pro model at WWDC, as the company continues its transition from Intel processors to custom Apple silicon.

Apple Releases iOS 14.6 With Apple Card Family, Podcast Subscriptions, and More

iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6 are now available, adding support for new Apple Card Family and Apple Podcasts Subscriptions features. Apple Card holders will be able to combine credit limits and form one co-owned account starting in July.

We've put together a list of everything new in iOS 14.6. Apple has also released macOS 11.4 this week with an important security fix, along with watchOS 7.5 and tvOS 14.6.

AirPods Pro 2 With Fitness Tracking Coming in 2022, AirPods 3 With 'Pro' Design to Launch Later This Year

Apple is preparing to launch third-generation AirPods this year, and plans to release second-generation AirPods Pro next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The next AirPods should look more like the current AirPods Pro with shorter stems, while the 2022 AirPods Pro are rumored to lose their stems entirely and feature some new motion sensors for fitness tracking.

Gurman also says Apple is continuing to work on its device that combines the functions of a HomePod and Apple TV with a screen for FaceTime calls. Finally, he says that while Apple isn't yet working on an update to its high-end AirPods Max headphones, it is considering offering them in new colors.

See the Dramatic Improvement Mini-LED Brings to the M1 iPad Pro's Display

One of the headline new features of the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the Liquid Retina XDR display, which has a mini-LED backlighting system for higher brightness, improved contrast ratio, and deeper blacks.

On our YouTube channel, we shared a video comparing the displays on the new iPad Pro and the previous-generation model, providing a closer look at the dramatic improvements offered by the mini-LED technology.

High-End Mac Mini Said to Feature Thinner Design With 'Plexiglass' Top and More

Apple is rumored to be working on a higher-end Mac mini powered by an improved iteration of the M1 chip, and leaker Jon Prosser this week claimed that the computer will feature a thinner design with a plexiglass top, similar to the original Apple TV box from 2007.

Renders offer a closer look at what the new Mac mini could look like, and reveal other potential new features, including a magnetic power port, in line with the new iMac.

Samsung Pokes Fun at iPhone 12 Pro Max's Lack of 100x Digital Zoom in New Ad

Your phone upgrade "shouldn't be a downgrade," according to Samsung's latest ad, which mocks the iPhone 12 Pro Max camera's lack of 100x zoom, a feature available on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

It's worth noting that 100x zoom on the Galaxy S21 Ultra refers to digital zoom, meaning some blurriness is to be expected when zooming in significantly. In terms of optical zoom, which preserves image quality, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers up to 2.5x zoom and the Galaxy S21 Ultra has up to 10x zoom.

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.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Apple today informed podcast creators that use the Apple Podcasts platform that the rollout of Podcasts Subscriptions and channels will be delayed until June to make sure that the "best experience" is being provided to creators and listeners.

We're writing to provide an update on the availability of Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels. We've been delighted by the response to last month's announcement and it's exciting to see the hundreds of new subscriptions and channels submitted from creators across the globe every day.

To ensure we are delivering the best experience for creators and listeners, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels will now launch in June. We will communicate further updates on availability, and best practices to help you prepare your subscriptions and channels, through this newsletter.

Over the last few weeks, some creators have experienced delays in the availability of their content and access to Apple Podcasts Connect. We've addressed these disruptions and encourage creators experiencing any issues to contact us.

We've also heard from listeners and made adjustments based on their feedback with iOS 14.6, which was released on Monday. We will introduce additional enhancements to Library in the coming weeks.

Apple first announced ‌Apple Podcasts‌ Subscriptions at its April event. Podcast creators will be able to offer paid subscriptions with access to exclusive content, ad-free listening, and other perks.

Support for Podcasts Subscriptions and channels was added in iOS 14.6, but no subscription offerings have rolled out at this time.

Prior to the launch of iOS 14.6 and Podcasts Subscriptions, Apple overhauled the Podcasts app with iOS 14.5, and users have been very unhappy with the update. There have been a number of complaints about the usability of the app, which Apple began to address in iOS 14.6, and the email sent out to creators today confirms that further improvements for users are in the works.

Apple did not provide a specific date on when Podcasts Subscriptions might officially launch.

In our latest YouTube video, MacRumors videographer Dan goes hands-on with the new 12.9-inch 2021 M1 iPad Pro and compares it to the 2020 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ to answer the question "Is it worth upgrading?"

Compared to the 2020 ‌iPad Pro‌, the 2021 model features an upgraded ‌M1‌ chip that's faster, a new Center Stage option powered by an Ultra Wide front-facing camera, a much improved mini-LED display that has much better contrast and blacker blacks, and a Thunderbolt port that improves connectivity with peripherals.

Make sure to check out the video to see what Dan thought and whether it's worth upgrading at this point in time, and watch to the end to see a Magic Keyboard comparison.

For a full rundown on all of the differences between the 2020 and the 2021 ‌iPad Pro‌ models, we have an in-depth iPad Pro Buyer's Guide that's designed to help you decide whether to make a purchase, plus there's also a version that compares the 2021 iPad Pro to the more affordable iPad Air.

Apple was interested in purchasing rap-battle music platform Verzuz prior to when it was acquired by video network Triller, reports Bloomberg.

Apple offered Verzuz an acquisition price that was lower than the price that Triller paid. Apple decided not to enter into a bidding war for Verzuz.

Verzuz started out as an Instagram Live series created by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland during the pandemic, with the series debuting in March 2020. Verzuz pits two artists against one another in a friendly competition.

Apple Music began showing Verzuz episodes in July 2020 at the same time as they were portrayed on Instagram Live. Triller purchased the rights to Verzuz in March 2021, and Verzuz is now streamed in the Triller app instead of through ‌Apple Music‌.

Verzuz has featured Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, John Legend, DJ Nice, Snoop Dog, DMX, Brandy, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Ludaris, Nelly, and others.

We're only a few days away from Memorial Day in the United States on Monday, May 31, and numerous retailers have opened up major discounts on Apple products as we head into the long weekend. Below you'll find markdowns on Apple's AirPods, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, and more.

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.

AirPods Max

We're tracking a few record low prices on the AirPods Max this week on Amazon, which has a few colors at $519.99, down from $549.00. Amazon's prices have been fluctuating frequently on the AirPods Max, so the $519.99 price tag may change soon.

AirPods Max prices have been steadily dropping for the past few months, but we haven't seen any particularly steep discounts above the $50 range yet. However, if you're in the market for Apple's high-end over-ear headphones, Amazon's sale this week is the best you'll find online for a new pair.

AirPods

We're also tracking deals on the regular AirPods models, with up to $52 off these Bluetooth headphones.

• AirPods Pro - $197.00, down from $249.00 ($52 off)
• AirPods with Charging Case - $119.99, down from $159.00 ($39 off)
• AirPods with Wireless Charging Case - $149.99, down from $199.00 ($49 off)

M1 MacBook Pro

Amazon is marking down both models of the M1 MacBook Pro to record low prices this week, starting at $1,099.99 for the 256GB notebook. That's $199 off the original price and now the best deal we've ever tracked, and the same goes for the 512GB device as well.

• M1 256GB - $1,099.99, down from $1,299.00 ($199 off, lowest ever)
• M1 512GB - $1,299.99, down from $1,499.00 ($199 off, lowest ever)

M1 MacBook Air

Similarly, Amazon has Apple's M1 MacBook Air at up to $149 off for Memorial Day. You can get the entry level 256GB model for just $899.99, down from $999.00. Both of the deals listed below will be seen after an automatic coupon is applied at the checkout screen.

• M1 256GB - $899.99 with automatic checkout coupon, down from $999.00 ($99 off, lowest ever)
• M1 512GB - $1,099.99 with automatic checkout coupon, down from $1,249.00 ($149 off, lowest ever)

M1 Mac mini

The M1 512GB Mac mini is being discounted to $799.99 on Amazon, down from $899.00. This is another deal that won't be seen until you head to the checkout screen on Amazon, where an automatic coupon worth $29.01 is applied. To date, this is the lowest price we've ever tracked on this version of the Mac mini.

MagSafe

We're tracking a few ongoing discounts on Apple's MagSafe accessories, offering up to $16 off these devices.

• MagSafe Duo Charger - $112.45, down from $129.00
• MagSafe Charger - $34.00, down from $39.00

11-Inch iPad Pro

For the 11-inch iPad Pro, we're tracking a pair of discounts across both recent generations of the tablet. You can get the 2020 128GB Wi-Fi model for the lowest-ever price of $649.99 ($149 off), and the more recent 2021 128GB Wi-Fi model for $749.00 ($50 off). Both of these sales are on Amazon.

• 128GB Wi-Fi (2020) - $649.99, down from $799.00 ($149 off, lowest ever) [matched at Best Buy]
• 128GB Wi-Fi (2021) - $749.00, down from $799.00 ($50 off, lowest ever)

12.9-Inch iPad Pro

In regards to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, we're only tracking sales on the previous generation 2020 model. Amazon is hosting one sale, on the 256GB Wi-Fi model ($199 off), while B&H Photo has the 512GB Wi-Fi tablet at $150 off, and both represent record low prices.

• 256GB Wi-Fi (2020) - $899.99, down from $1,099.00 ($199 off, lowest ever)
• 512GB Wi-Fi (2020) - $1,149.00, down from $1,299.00 ($150 off, lowest price)

iPad Air

You can save up to $50 on Apple's newest iPad Air at Amazon, with best ever prices found on the cellular models. We're also seeing matching prices at a few retailers, including both B&H Photo and Best Buy.

• 64GB Wi-Fi - $549.99, down from $599.00 ($49 off) [matched at B&H]
• 256GB Wi-Fi - $699.00, down from $749.00 ($50 off) [matched at B&H]
• 64GB Cellular - $679.99, down from $729.00 ($49 off, lowest ever) [matched at Best Buy]
• 256GB Cellular - $829.99, down from $879.00 ($49 off, lowest ever) [matched at Best Buy]

Apple Watch Series 6

To close out our collection of Apple Memorial Day deals, Best Buy is offering a huge assortment of Apple Watch Series 6 models at all-time low prices. You'll find 40mm GPS models at $329.00 and 44mm GPS models at $359.00, both $70 off original prices.

40mm GPS

• Space Gray Aluminum with Black Sport Band - $329.00, down from $399.00 ($70 off, lowest ever)
• Silver Aluminum with White Sport Band - $329.00, down from $399.00 ($70 off, lowest ever)
• Gold Aluminum with Pink Sand Sport Band - $329.00, down from $399.00 ($70 off, lowest ever)
• Blue Aluminum with Deep Navy Sport Band - $329.00, down from $399.00 ($70 off, lowest ever)
• (Product)RED Aluminum with RED Sport Band - $329.00, down from $399.00 ($70 off) [matched at Amazon]

44mm GPS

• Space Gray Aluminum with Black Sport Band - $359.00, down from $429.00 ($70 off, lowest ever)
• Silver Aluminum with White Sport Band - $359.00, down from $429.00 ($70 off, lowest ever)
• Gold Aluminum with Pink Sand Sport Band - $359.00, down from $429.00 ($70 off, lowest ever)
• Blue Aluminum with Deep Navy Sport Band - $359.00, down from $429.00 ($70 off, lowest ever)
• (Product)RED Aluminum with RED Sport Band - $359.00, down from $429.00 ($70 off, lowest ever) [matched at Amazon]

Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with MAXOAK to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a Bluetti AC200P 2000Wh Portable Power Station, a Bluetti AC50S 500Wh Portable Power Station, or a Bluetti AC30 300Wh Backup Battery, all of which are fantastic to have on hand for camping, RV use, off-grid living, power outages, emergencies, and more.

Priced at $1,599 after a $100 discount from Amazon, the Bluetti AC200P is just about one of the biggest and most powerful portable power stations you can get.

The AC200P features a 2000Wh battery that supports a maximum of 2000W continuous power draw, which means it can be used with a wide range of appliances. It works with refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, small air conditioners, grills, CPAP machines, heaters, and more. Many portable power stations are not able to support high-powered appliances, so this is a good choice if you need to run something that draws a lot of power.

At 60 pounds, the Bluetti AC200P is hefty, but the two handles at the side make it easier to carry. There are six AC outlets, a 12V/25A RV port, two built-in wireless charging pads that support up to 15W, a 60W USB-C port, four USB-A ports, one 12V/10A car port, and two 12V/3A ports, which means it has all of the ports you could possibly need for charging up all of your devices and powering appliances. MAXOAK says that up to 17 devices can be powered simultaneously.

Ports are all covered to protect them from the elements or small fingers, and there's an LCD display that shows charge level, current, voltage, temperature, and charging status. A power button lets you turn the AC200P off when not in use to conserve charge. The AC200P can be charged up with an AC adapter, car, or by a solar panel, with charging times varying on method used.

The Bluetti AC200P is designed to work for more than 3,500 charging cycles, and a built-in fan keeps the AC200P cool when it's charging up devices. It is designed to activate only when it's hotter than 113 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it stays quiet when used for things like CPAP machines. MAXOAK says there is a built-in Eco mode that can prevent up to 50 percent of wasted electricity cost so each charge lasts longer.

MAXOAK also makes a range of smaller portable power stations that are included in the giveaway. The 500Wh Bluetti AC50S is priced at $400 and supports devices up to 300W, so it's ideal for smaller appliances and electronics. It features two AC ports, four USB-A ports, a 45W USB-C ports, two 12V/3A ports, a 12V/10A car port, and a 10W wireless charging pad.

There's a built-in LCD display that provides information on charging status, and it weighs just 13.6 pounds, so it's much more portable than the pricier AC200P.

For those looking for something even smaller, MAXOAK makes the Bluetti AC30 300Wh (96,000mAh) backup battery, which is priced at $200. This smaller power station is ideal for charging up a whole group of iPhones or iPads, but it can also power small appliances. It includes a 15W wireless charging spot, a USB-C port, two USB-A ports, two AC ports, and a 12V DC port for car powered devices.

MAXOAK is giving away one grand prize that includes the Bluetti AC200P 2000Wh Portable Power Station. Three second prize winners will receive Bluetti AC50S 500Wh Portable Power Station, and three third prize winners will receive a Bluetti AC30 300Wh Backup Battery.

To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. 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 28) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on June 4. The winners will be chosen randomly on June 4 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.

The Chipolo ONE Spot is the first Find My-compatible accessory that's a direct AirTag competitor, offering AirTag-like tracking capabilities for your valuable items. The ONE Spot is slightly more affordable than the ‌AirTag‌ at $28 for one and $90 for four (vs $29 for one ‌AirTag‌ and $99 for four) and it has a couple benefits that make it a worthy ‌AirTag‌ alternative.

Like the ‌AirTag‌, the ONE Spot is a small, circular tag that's about 1.5 inches in diameter, so similar in size to a silver dollar. It's bigger than an ‌AirTag‌, and about as thick, but it's a uniform thickness, whereas the ‌AirTag‌ has a protruding bottom where the battery is housed.

Since it's the same thickness, you can't put the ONE Spot in places an ‌AirTag‌ can't go, such as a wallet, so there's no real difference in design functionality.

The Chipolo ONE Spot is made from a lightweight plastic, and it is not as well made as the ‌AirTag‌. The ‌AirTag‌ has a premium design with a shiny plastic cap and a silver bottom complete with Apple logo, while the ONE Spot is made from a simple black plastic material.

Apple's ‌AirTag‌ is heavier than the ONE Spot and holding both, there's no comparison - the ‌AirTag‌ is much nicer. Those concerned with aesthetics will want to opt for the ‌AirTag‌, but I'm not of the opinion that an item tracking tag needs to stand out.

Given their popularity, AirTags are going to be immediately noticeable when attached to an item, and for some people, that's a plus. AirTags can be engraved and are designed to be seen. Those who want something more unassuming will prefer the Chipolo ONE Spot, which blends in better and is less well known.

Both the ONE Spot and the AirTags share similar base designs, but the ONE Spot boasts a built-in hole that can be attached to a keyring, strap, or another accessory. The ‌AirTag‌ does not have any native way to attach to items and needs a holder of some kind if you want to put it on keys, a pet, the outside of a bag, or similar places.

Chipolo has used the ONE Spot's built-in hole as a feature that sets it apart from the ‌AirTag‌ because there are no additional accessories needed to use it, which is a plus. When you buy an ‌AirTag‌, if you want to attach it to something, you need to spend at least $5 to find a case, and oftentimes more. Apple's own ‌AirTag‌ cases are priced starting at $29, which is the same price as an ‌AirTag‌.

To test the ‌AirTag‌ and Chipolo ONE Spot tracking abilities, I tucked both into a suitcase and then checked that suitcase on a recent flight, watching the journey from departure airport to plane to destination airport, and then tracking them at a hotel while I was away.

During this test, I noticed no discernible difference between the two item trackers. Each time I checked, both showed up right in the Items tab in the Find My app at the same time, and locations were updated at about the same intervals based on the iOS devices that were nearby. I did notice that the ‌AirTag‌ seemed to update a bit more frequently, but it was a difference of just a couple of minutes every time that I checked.

There was no difference in the distance that they seemed to be trackable at and there was no clear difference in the intervals in which their location was updated when away from me. Functionality was identical, and if I had done a blind test where I hadn't known which was the ‌AirTag‌ and which was the ONE Spot in the ‌Find My‌ app, I would not have been able to tell which was which.

The ‌AirTag‌ and the ONE Spot seem to offer the same basic functionality, and can be tracked in the ‌Find My‌ app alongside Apple devices. Both of these use Apple's ‌Find My‌ network, so if either the ‌AirTag‌ or the ONE Spot become lost and are out of your range, they will ping other nearby Apple devices to provide an updated location. There are more than 1.65 billion active Apple devices around the world, which makes Apple's ‌Find My‌ network a valuable feature.

The core feature set between the ONE Spot and ‌AirTag‌ is largely the same, but there are a few things worth highlighting that are standout options on each accessory. The ‌AirTag‌ is easier to set up, because you just hold it near an iPhone and it connects right away. With the Chipolo, I held it near my iPhone and was then instructed to press on it (there's a built-in button function). It wasn't difficult, but it was an extra bit of friction.

Chipolo's ONE Spot and AirTags both have an identical Lost Mode that lets you leave a phone number or email address for contact purposes and get a notification if a lost item is found. This feature also lets you play a sound, and it's worth noting that the ONE Spot is easier to hear. I don't think that one is louder than the other in a direct sound comparison, but when tucked away in a bag or couch cushion, the ONE Spot is not as muffled.

I used an iPhone app to test decibel level, and while I'm not sure how accurate an iPhone app is, the ‌AirTag‌ came in at 86 decibels max and the ONE Spot was 83 decibels max, but again, the ONE Spot was easier to hear when covered up. The ‌AirTag‌'s sound also stops after a few seconds, while the ONE Spot's sound lasts longer, so it easily wins in a direct sound comparison.

Both the ‌AirTag‌ and the ONE Spot use CR2032 batteries that are designed to last for about a year and that are replaceable, so there's little difference there. The ‌AirTag‌ is, however, more water resistant, which makes it better in situations where it might be exposed to liquids or to the elements.

There's one other main difference between the two item trackers, and that's Precision Finding. Apple added a Precision Finding feature that uses the U1 chip in the ‌AirTag‌ when paired with an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 model, with the option designed to make it easier to track down an item that's lost nearby by pointing you in the right direction.

This is kind of a hit or miss feature that doesn't always work as you might expect it to work, but it's definitely nice to have, especially when an item like a set of keys is lost indoors. There is no equivalent feature on the ONE Spot because it doesn't have an Ultra Wideband chip, but even if it did, Apple doesn't let yet third-party companies access the U1 chip in the iPhone (though this is coming).

Bottom Line

When it comes to key functionality, the ‌AirTag‌ and the ONE Spot are basically identical. Both integrate into the ‌Find My‌ app and take advantage of the ‌Find My‌ Accessory Network to make lost items easier to locate.

The ONE Spot wins out when it comes to attachment points and sound thanks to its built-in hole for a keyring or strap and its speaker that isn't as easily muffled.

The ‌AirTag‌ wins out when it comes to aesthetic design, setup, indoor item location, and water resistance, so both have their pros and their cons. You're going to get the same general performance with either of these item tracking tags, and it just comes down to the add-on features that are most important to you.

Both the ‌AirTag‌ and the ONE Spot are recommendable and perform well, and the ONE Spot is definitely a solid alternative to the ‌AirTag‌ if you're looking for a simpler design that's more utilitarian. It's also worth noting that if you're buying in bulk, you can save about $10 going with the ONE Spot over Apple's AirTags.

How to Buy

The Chipolo ONE Spot can be purchased from the Chipolo website. A single Chipolo ONE Spot costs $28, while a pack of four is available for $90. Preorders placed now will ship out in August.

Note: Chipolo provided MacRumors with a ONE Spot for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.