Last month, VMware announced the next major version of its virtualization software for Mac, Fusion 12, and as of today, the update is now available.
As we noted last month, Fusion 12 includes a number of updates and improvements, such as eGPU compatibility, support for container-based applications built with Kubernetes, DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.1 support, improved security for the sandbox rendering engine, improved accessibility controls, and more.
Fusion 12 has also been optimized for macOS Big Sur, with both host and guest support for Apple's upcoming release. On systems running macOS Catalina, Fusion 12 will continue to run with kernel extensions as it has in the past, but on macOS Big Sur, Fusion will take advantage of Apple's APIs to run virtual machines and containers.
With the launch of Fusion 12, VMware is also restructuring its licensing to bring it in line with Workstation 16, Fusion's sister software for Windows and Linux. The basic level of Fusion is now known as Fusion 12 Player and is free for personal use for the first time. A commercial license is priced at $149, with a $79 upgrade license available. Discounted education pricing will also be available, although many of those users will qualify for free personal licensing.
Fusion 12 Pro, aimed at developers and IT professionals rather than typical consumer and business users, offers some additional features and a license to run on up to three machines. Notably, this is a cross-platform license that allows for any combination of three machines using Fusion 12 or Workstation 16 across Mac, Windows, and Linux. Fusion 12 Pro is priced at $199, or $99 as an upgrade.
In order to keep up with Apple's advancing technologies, Fusion 12 requires macOS Catalina or Big Sur. For users with systems still on macOS Mojave, a Fusion 12 license key will be valid to activate Fusion 11.5.6 on those machines.
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As Apple prepares to unveil its new iPhone 12 lineup next month, Microsoft has launched the $1,400 Surface Duo, a foldable smartphone that offers two displays and is quite different from anything Apple has to offer.
We've checked out a few foldable smartphones like Samsung's Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip, so we thought we'd also take a look at the Surface Duo because foldable smartphones offer interesting new technology that we might eventually see from Apple.
Unlike the Galaxy Fold that offers a single foldable display with the display technology covering the hinge, Microsoft has embraced the foldable design with two separate screens connected by a visible hinge, which is smart because Microsoft's Surface Duo isn't going to have the durability and creasing issues that have been seen with Samsung's devices.
The Surface Duo is well built and a lot of attention was paid to the design of the hinge, which is no surprise given the price point. The Surface Duo and the hinge in particular feel high quality, and this is a foldable smartphone that resembles a premium, futuristic device. Even with two 5.6-inch screens (8.1 inches combined), the Surface Duo is surprisingly thin, but it's the hinge that stands out.
Microsoft did a solid job with the build quality of the Surface Duo, but the device's design is the best part about it because the software doesn't measure up. Microsoft uses Google-designed Android software, and the lack of integration between hardware and software hinder the user experience and it feels unfinished.
The Surface Duo is running a Microsoft-skinned version of Android 10. It offers the Android 10 features and some add-ons designed by Microsoft for the dual screen, but the operating system doesn't feel optimized for this two screen form factor. Microsoft and Google can improve the software over time with updates, of course, but at release, it's not ideal.
Despite the poor software, the Surface Duo offers some notable usage benefits when it comes to productivity. Specific apps can be set up to launch at the same time with App Groups, so you can pair up OneNote and Outlook, a web browser and YouTube, and so on, which is ideal for multitasking, though some apps can also be opened across both screens for doing things like writing an email on one screen while also browsing through your inbox on the other. This feature isn't optimized for all apps though, which is a major downside.
There are several Surface Duo usage modes. Book mode, as the name suggests, is when both screens are opened up like a book. Single Screen Mode lets one of the screens be flipped behind the other for a more traditional smartphone feel, while Compose Mode lets the Surface Duo be flipped into a laptop-like clamshell orientation. There's also a tent mode with the two sides positioned down into a tent shape for watching media content.
For most usage, the Single Screen Mode that has one display stacked on top of the other feels most comfortable because most people aren't going to want to take a photo or chat with someone using a book-like form factor, but it can be useful to have the option to fold out another screen to get work done.
When it comes to specs, the Surface Duo is running year-old tech with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chip, and it's limited to an 11-megapixel camera that's just not impressive when every other smartphone manufacturer is focusing on camera quality. It also has thick bezels that smartphone makers are moving away from, which is worth noting.
Overall, the Surface Duo brings innovation in the smartphone space and we're interested to see where Microsoft's technology goes in the future, but given the $1,400 price point, the software issues, and the overall usability, this is not a device that's suitable for most people and not one that we'd recommend.
There have been some rumors suggesting Apple is exploring a foldable iPhone, and Apple has filed a few patents for foldable smartphone technology, but it's still unclear if this is technology that's going to stick around and if an Apple foldable iPhone will ever come out of the prototyping stage. We don't know when Apple might release a foldable iPhone if one is indeed in the works, but it's definitely not coming in the immediate future.
The new 3A283 firmware that Apple released for the AirPods Pro today appears to introduce support for Spatial Audio, a new feature coming to the higher-end AirPods with iOS 14.
Multiple reports on Twitter and the MacRumors forums indicate that the firmware update adds a "Spatial Audio" option to the Control Center, which can be activated to enable the feature. Note that using Spatial Audio requires the iOS 14 update to be installed.
Early reports from the MacRumors forums suggest Spatial Audio is functional and working with Apple TV+ content. Several people who have tested the feature have been impressed, calling the audio "immersive," "mind-blowing" and "trippy." From a MacRumors reader with Spatial Audio working:
Just tried out spatial audio on my iPad. Very cool! The illusion of the audio coming from the iPad is so convincing that I actually thought at first that the sound was coming from my iPad’s speakers. Had to take an AirPod out of my ear to confirm I was really hearing it from the AirPods themselves. I would really like to learn more about whatever dark magic Apple is using to pull off this illusion!
Introduced at WWDC and coming in iOS 14, Spatial Audio brings movie theater-like sound to the earbuds. Spatial audio uses dynamic head tracking to create immersive sound anywhere in space by applying directional audio filters and subtle frequency adjustments.
Spatial audio uses the gyroscope and accelerometer in the AirPods Pro and iPhone to track the motion of your head and your iPhone's position, comparing the motion data, and then remapping the sound field so that it stays anchored to your device even as your head moves.
Today's update also appears to enable the feature that allows for automatic switching between devices, which is available for AirPods and AirPods Pro. Automatic switching will connect the AirPods to any Apple device signed associated with your iCloud when you activate audio on that device and are actively using it.
Apple today released new 3A283 firmware updates for the second-generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro. The second-generation AirPods are being updated from the 2D15 firmware they were previously running, while the AirPods Pros are being updated from the 2D27 firmware they had installed previously.
Apple does not provide details on what's included in refreshed firmware so we don't know what's included, but we are awaiting new firmware to support iOS 14 features such as automatic device switching and spatial audio for the AirPods Pro.
There's no standard way to upgrade the firmware of the AirPods, with the new firmware installed over-the-air while the AirPods are connected to an iOS device. Putting the AirPods in the case, connecting the AirPods to a power source, and then pairing the AirPods to an iPhone or an iPad should force the update after a short period of time.
You can check your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware by following these steps:
Connect your AirPods or AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap About.
Tap AirPods.
Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."
It has been several months since Apple released new firmware updates for the AirPods and the AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro firmware updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and feature tweaks, and if we find notable changes after the firmware updates are installed, we'll add new details to this article.
iPhone 12 models will not support a 120Hz refresh rate due to battery life considerations, reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today. Kuo expects the feature to debut on 2021 iPhones with lower-power LTPO display technology.
In a research note obtained by MacRumors, Kuo added that the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 will feature a slightly narrower notch to adequately display information in the top-left and top-right corners like the time and signal strength. The rest of the lineup, including two 6.1-inch models and one 6.7-inch model, is said to have the same notch size as iPhone 11 models.
The entire iPhone 12 lineup will support 5G, according to Kuo, with two versions of each model set to be available. This will include both sub-6GHz-only and sub-6GHz-plus-mmWave versions of the 5.4-inch iPhone 12, 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Max, 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, and 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max, with shipments of the sub-6GHz-only versions beginning first.
Kuo expects tomorrow's Apple event to be focused on new Apple Watch and iPad Air models. He expects the new Apple Watch models to have a similar form factor as the Series 5, with a key new feature being blood oxygen sensing. Kuo believes the Apple Watch will not receive a significant redesign until the second half of 2021 at the earliest.
Mixed-record leaker Jon Prosser has today revealed supposedly design-accurate renders of Apple's long-awaited AirTags, via a new video on YouTube channel Front Page Tech.
Apple has been believed to be working on a Tile-like Bluetooth tracking device that is designed to be attached to items like keys and wallets for tracking purposes, letting users locate them directly in the Find My app.
Prosser's 3D renders have apparently been closely based on videos and images of "actual AirTags." He claims to have not posted the original videos to protect his supply-chain sources.
There is no logo on the front of the device, and all product information is etched into a polished silver metal disc on the rear. The final product is reportedly "just a tad larger than a bottle cap." The design is not far from the design envisioned by many concept artists.
The device has no mounting system built-in. Prosser says that a "keychain that has a little leather pouch on it that you can just slip your AirTag into" will be sold separately. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has similarly said in the past that AirTags will be available with a small leather case.
Prosser went on to say that the ultra-wideband U1 chip will facilitate much of the AirTag's functionality, and it will be coming to "most if not all of their products in the future," with the plan seemingly being to make the U1 chip "part of their entire ecosystem." The U1 chip premiered in iPhone 11 models last year, but beyond improved AirDrop, much of its utility has yet to be realized.
Prosser stated that it is "likely" that AirTags will be unveiled alongside the HomePod mini tomorrow. Both products are "technically ready," and "in terms of production schedule, they are done, and could possibly be announced." Previous leaks have suggested that AirTags are already in full production, so an announcement tomorrow does not seem to be out of the question. Prosser said he did not have information about retail pricing.
He also reinforced claims that the iPhone 12 and AirPods Studio will not appear at Apple's event tomorrow, with the focus instead residing on the Apple Watch Series 6, iPad Air 4, and iPad 8.
Last week, Prosser leaked a range of information about Apple's expected lower-cost Apple Watch, which is also alleged to arrive at Apple's event tomorrow.
It is worth noting that Prosser inaccurately claimed that new Apple Watch and iPad models would be announced via press release on Tuesday of last week, but on other occasions, he has shared accurate information about Apple's product release plans.
Prosser said he plans to make similar renders to show off the design of AirPods Studio in the immediate future.
The new GEN2 HyperDrive USB-C hubs offer twice the speed of Hyper's previous-generation hubs, with 4K 60Hz display compatibility, 10 Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 data transfer speeds, 300 MB/s MicroSD/SD 4.0 slots, and up to 100W power delivery to a host computer.
The GEN2 hubs raised over $1.5 million through crowdfunding earlier this year, but they are all now available for general purchase with the 6-port version priced at $99.99, the 12-port version at $149.99, and the new 18-port version at $199.99.
The 18-port version includes two USB-A 10 Gbps ports, one USB-A port with 18W QuickCharge support, two USB 2.0 ports, one USB-C 10 Gbps port, a USB-C Power Delivery port with 100W charging power for connecting to the host computer, two 4K 60Hz HDR HDMI ports, one DisplayPort 4K 60Hz port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, SD and Micro SD UHS-II card readers, digital coaxial and optical Toslink audio, a 3.5mm audio jack, a VGA port, and a DC power port for driving the hub.
All three of the HyperDrive GEN2 hubs are available now through HyperShop and other retailers such as B&H Photo.
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.
Amazon has a handful of notable MacBook Pro and MacBook Air deals today, all centering upon the latest 2020 updates of each Apple notebook.
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.
Starting with the MacBook Air, you can get the 256GB model for $899.99, down from $999.00. Likewise, the 512GB model is on sale for $1,199.99, down from $1,299.00. These $99 discounts are among the best deals that we've ever tracked for the 2020 MacBook Air, which in recent weeks has only been seeing markdowns of around $50.
The 256GB MacBook Air is on sale in Gold, Silver, and Space Gray, while the 512GB model is only available in Space Gray and Gold at its sale price. Both notebooks are in stock now and ready to ship, with free delivery options estimated to arrive around Sunday, September 20 for most users in the United States.
Next, the 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2020 is also seeing a discount on Amazon. You can get the model with a 2.0GHz 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD for $1,599.99, down from $1,799.00. This sale is only visible after a $99.01 discount is applied at the checkout screen, making it the best price that we've tracked on this model of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro.
You can find even more discounts on other MacBooks by visiting our Best Deals guide for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. In this guide we track the steepest discounts for the newest MacBook models every week, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often if you're shopping for a new Apple notebook.
Gurman, who has a very strong track record, reiterated that this Tuesday's event will be focused on the introduction of new Apple Watch Series 6 and iPad Air models, adding that Apple does not plan to introduce its rumored iPhone 12 lineup until October.
In line with rumors, the report claims that Apple Watch Series 6 models will come in the same 40mm and 44mm size options as Series 5 models, with the addition of blood oxygen (spO2) monitoring as the health features of the device continue to expand. A new lower-end Apple Watch model will also be announced at the event, according to Gurman.
Gurman also expects a new iPad Air model to be introduced with a similar all-screen design as the iPad Pro. As a mid-range device, the new iPad Air will apparently not feature Apple's latest A-series processor or a ProMotion display.
Amid reports Monday morning that Oracle has won the battle with Microsoft to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations, China's state-run English TV channel is claiming that no sale with any U.S. buyer will go ahead (via Reuters).
ByteDance will not sell TikTok's U.S. operations to Oracle Corp ORCL.N or Microsoft Corp MSFT.O and will not give the source code for the video platform to any U.S. buyers, China's state-run English television channel CGTN reported on Monday, citing sources.
People familiar with the matter told Reuters that ByteDance abandoned the sale of TikTok in the United States and decided to pursue a partnership with Oracle in hopes of avoiding a U.S. ban while appeasing the Chinese government.
ByteDance declined to comment on CGTN’s report.
A source also told the South China Morning Post that the tech upstart has decided not to sell or transfer the source code behind its popular video app.
The development follows a report from The Wall Street Journal on Sunday evening that claimed database software and cloud systems giant Oracle had closed the deal moments after Microsoft announced it had been rejected. The deal reportedly stopped short of an outright acquisition of all assets and intellectual property, with TikTok considering Oracle as a "trusted tech partner" instead.
In a blog post following the news, Microsoft wrote:
"ByteDance let us know today they would not be selling TikTok's US operations to Microsoft. We are confident our proposal would have been good for TikTok’s users while protecting national security interests. To do this, we would have made significant changes to ensure the service met the highest standards for security, privacy, online safety, and combatting disinformation, and we made these principles clear in our August statement. We look forward to seeing how the service evolves in these important areas."
Microsoft was originally regarded as the frontrunner in acquisition talks with TikTok's China-based parent company, ByteDance, and provided a formal proposal that would have involved the purchase of TikTok's operations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Bloomberg on Monday cited sources claiming that terms being discussed between ByteDance and Oracle were "still evolving," but that one of the options being explored could see Oracle take a stake in a newly formed U.S. business while serving as TikTok's U.S. technology partner and housing the video app's data in Oracle's cloud servers.
Offers from both parties reportedly valued the U.S. business at about $25 billion, but that was said to be before Chinese officials weighed in with new rules imposing limits on technology exports.
Any deal would still need to be reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a U.S. government group chaired by the Treasury Secretary that studies corporate mergers for national security reasons.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order in mid-August demanding that ByteDance sell its U.S. operations within 90 days. Trump required ByteDance to announce its plan for the sale of TikTok in the U.S. by September 20 and complete a deal by November 12. The U.S. government will ban the Chinese video app by September 29 on national security grounds if it fails to submit its plan. TikTok unsuccessfully sued against the ban order in late August.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers last month seized a shipment of OnePlus Buds earphones at JFK Airport apparently believing they were counterfeit Apple AirPods, reports The Verge.
CBP tweeted last night that its officers had "recently seized 2,000 counterfeit Apple AirPods from Hong Kong, valued at $398K had they been genuine."
The tweet also linked out to an official press release that praises CBP officers for "protecting the American public from various dangers on a daily basis," adding "the interceptions of these counterfeit earbuds is a direct reflection of the vigilance and commitment to mission success by our CBP officers daily."
Based on the accompanying photos, however, the seized products are actually legitimate OnePlus Buds, as clearly described on the earphones' boxing. Whether the 2,000 seized units were all OnePlus Buds isn't immediately clear, but given that the CBP tweeted "That's not an [Apple emoji]" in direct reference to the OnePlus boxes suggests this is all an embarrassing mistake.
In addition, and as noted by The Verge, the CBP's valuation suggests they have been mistaken for AirPods, because at $79 each, 2,000 OnePlus Buds would be worth $158,000, not $398,000. According to the CBP press release, which makes no mention of the OnePlus branding, the units originated from Hong Kong and were headed to Nevada, but were seized at JFK on August 31.
To be fair, the OnePlus Buds bear a strong resemblance to Apple's stick-like earphones, and there's no doubt that the market is awash with AirPods knockoffs. But OnePlus is a well-known brand, and there's no shortage of other legitimate brands that "pay homage" to the form factor and iconic aesthetic of Apple's AirPods with their own true wireless earphone offerings.
Whether the seizure was indeed the result of a cock-up or just poor communication on CBP's part, OnePlus has clearly seen the funny side: Its official USA Twitter account replied to the CBP tweet with "Hey, Give those back!" accompanied by an upside down smiley emoji.
SoftBank is nearing a deal to sell its Arm Holdings to Nvidia, the world's largest graphics chipmaker, reports The Wall Street Journal.
According to those familiar with the matter, a cash-and-stock deal between the two companies could occur early next week and would be valued at over $40 billion, which could potentially be the largest deal ever in the semiconductor industry. SoftBank initially acquired Arm for $32 billion four years ago.
The two companies have reportedly been in talks for weeks over a possible deal, and if completed, scrutiny may arise among antitrust regulars since Nvidia itself is currently a customer of Arm. Companies that utilize Arm technology would also not be in favor of a deal without explicit assurances that Arm's instruction set will continue to be available for equal licensing opportunities.
SoftBank allegedly approached Apple to see if it was interested in the purchase of Arm, but Apple hadn't planned to pursue a bid due to Arm's licensing requirements and possible regulatory concerns.
Apple licenses technology from Arm for its A-series chips used in its iPhones and iPads, and the company is planning to transition to Arm-based chips in its Mac lineup later this year. A potential sale to Nvidia would not likely have a major impact on Apple or Apple's licensing of Arm technology.
Update: Nvidia has confirmed it will be acquiring Arm from SoftBank in a deal valued at $40 billion.
Both Amazon and Staples are now offering the AirPods Pro for $199.00, down from $249.00. This $50 discount is among the best prices that we've ever tracked for a new pair of AirPods Pro.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon and Staples. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
At Staples, the AirPods Pro are available for free shipping with an expected delivery date of Wednesday, September 16. You can also choose to pick up the AirPods Pro in stores. The $50 savings will expire on Saturday, September 19, or while supplies last, and it's likely that Staples will run out of stock at this price before that date.
Amazon will deliver the AirPods Pro in as little as two days, arriving on Tuesday, September 15. There is no set end date for the Amazon deal, but it will likely be matching the low price until Staples runs out of stock.
We track sales for every model of the AirPods in our Best AirPods Deals guide, so be sure to bookmark that page while you shop around for the wireless headphones. Additionally, our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
Update 8:23 a.m.: Amazon is now matching Staples' price on the AirPods Pro.
Update 9/14: You can also get a bundle with the AirPods Pro and AppleCare+ at $218.00, down from around $278.00 on Amazon.
Proven leaker known as "L0vetodream" has today shared a range of information about the upcoming Apple Watch Series 6, charging features, and product release dates.
In a series of tweets teased earlier today, the leaker explained that the Apple Watch Series 6 would come in a new, unspecified color.
The iPhone 12 has been repeatedly rumored by a variety of reliable sources to be arriving in a new blue color. In what may be a mere coincidence, Apple is also using an all-blue color scheme for its Tuesday event. Although the leaker does not say what new color is coming to the Apple Watch, it seems likely that it will be blue to match the new iPhone 12 models.
The leaker's other information was far more ambiguous, stating that an unspecified Apple product will have fast-charging functionality. Considering that WatchOS 7 has new sleep-tracking capabilities, thereby reducing the amount of time the watch is available to charge, and the other leaked color information for the Apple Watch Series 6, it would make sense for fast-charging to come to the new Apple Watches.
A further tweet suggested that new Apple devices will be available from Tuesday, September 15; the same day as the Apple event. Again, this may refer to the Apple Watch Series 6 or perhaps other devices likely to be unveiled during the event, such as the iPad Air 4.
While Apple often leaves a gap between the initial announcement, pre-order, and release, it occasionally makes products available to purchase on the day of the announcement. Whatever the exact devices the tweet is referring to may be, the leaker alleges that they will be available to order on Tuesday.
The leaker also said that a new device will be arriving for $569 to $599. This approximate price range probably corresponds to the upcoming iPad Air 4, which is also expected to be announced next week.
Earlier this month, L0vetodream said that there will be "no watch this month," but this seems unlikely given the large number of reports that Tuesday's event will focus on new Apple Watch and iPad models. This makes it even more difficult to decrypt the exact meaning behind the leaker's tweets and determine which products they are referring to.
Apple's fall event takes place on Tuesday, and will likely see a range of new product reveals, such as the Apple Watch Series 6, iPad Air 4, and possibly more.
Just a day after strings in Apple's own Apple Music app for Android suggested that the company's upcoming subscription bundle will indeed be called "Apple One," Apple acted to register a number of domain names for the term. The move further indicates that Apple One is likely to be the marketing name for the bundles rather than a placeholder.
While Apple will likely not end up using many of the domain names, it is typical for the company to secure numerous variations in order to ensure that others do not have control of them.
Among the "Apple One" domain names registered by Apple yesterday:
appleone.audio
appleone.blog
appleone.chat
appleone.cloud
appleone.club
appleone.community
appleone.film
appleone.guide
appleone.host
appleone.space
appleone.tech
appleone.website
Full contact information on the domain registrations is redacted for privacy, but given the significant batch of domains and the fact that all of them are pointing to Apple's nameservers, there is essentially no doubt that Apple is responsible for the registrations.
Apple has been able to register a number of less common versions of Apple One domains, but it does not yet control several of the most popular ones such as appleone.com and appleone.net. Both of those domains have been registered by others for well over a decade, and it remains to be seen if Apple will make an attempt to acquire them.
Apple may have some difficulty with appleone.com, which is the home of a fairly large employment agency, while appleone.net is currently parked and listed as available for sale.
The Apple One bundles, which could appear as soon as Tuesday's event or else alongside new iPhones next month, will involve several tiers of Apple's existing services offered at a slight discount. A basic package is expected to offer Apple Music and Apple TV+, while a second tier will also include Apple Arcade. A third bundle tier will include all of the aforementioned services along with Apple News+.
There will also be a higher-end tier that includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and iCloud storage, and there may also be a new fitness-oriented service that offers virtual fitness classes.
Update 8:10 a.m.: Additional subscription bundle references such as "Cancel Apple One" and "Keep Apple One" have been discovered in localization files for the Manage Subscriptions screen in iOS 14 by 9to5Mac.
It's almost here! Apple's annual September event is right around the corner, although it will certainly look a little different this year and might not include one of the major products we expect to see each year at this time.
This week also saw new rumors about iPhone 12 launch plans, new developments in the dispute between Apple and Epic Games, and a rumor about the chip destined for the first Apple Silicon-based Mac.
Read on below for all of the details on next Tuesday's event and more!
Apple Announces Digital-Only Event Set to Be Held September 15
While September is the traditional time for Apple's iPhone event, reliable sources are indicating that we will NOT be seeing the introduction of the iPhone 12 lineup at next week's event. Instead, the event with a tagline of "Time Flies" will be largely focused on new Apple Watch and iPad models. Check out our complete look at what we expect to see at the event for more details.
DigiTimes: 6.1-inch iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro to Launch First
If the iPhone 12 isn't coming at next week's event, when can we expect it? Apple has said the new iPhones will be launching "a few weeks later" than usual, so another event in early October seems likely.
But even then, word is that the four new iPhone 12 models will see a staggered launch due to supply constraints. Most reports have suggested the 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch iPhone 12 models would launch first, with the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro models coming a bit later, but a new report claims that it will be the two 6.1-inch models (one regular and one Pro) launching first.
One of the key features of the iPhone 12 lineup will be 5G support, but not all models will have the same types of 5G support, so check out our guide to mmWave vs. Sub-6GHz 5G to learn about the differences.
Epic Games Asks Court to Allow Fortnite Back on the App Store
For its part, Apple says that the situation is of Epic's own making, and Apple has filed a countersuit for breach of contract damages. Apple says Epic engaged in "willful, brazen, and unlawful conduct" in what amounts to "nothing more than a basic disagreement over money."
A previous rumor claimed that the first Apple Silicon Mac will be a revived 12-inch MacBook sporting battery life of 15-20 hours and based on TSMC's latest 5-nanometer chip process for maximum efficiency.
Images of Apple Watch Prototype in iPod Nano-Style Security Case Shared Online
Apple is famous for disguising its prototype devices to make it more difficult to identify them, and some new photos reveal the lengths Apple went to in hiding the Apple Watch before its debut.
The photos reveal the Apple Watch hidden inside a protective case that resembles an iPod nano, which is fitting considering that in the days before the Apple Watch, some iPod nano owners took to wearing their devices as wristwatches using third-party cases.
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.
Some last minute leaks have come in ahead of Tuesday's event, confirming which devices we can expect to see Apple unveil, and which features those devices might offer.
AirPods and iOS 14
Apple introduced a new version of the AirPods Pro firmware that supports spatial audio for the first time. Spatial audio is an iOS 14 feature that enables a stereo surround-style experience on iPhone and iPad. The release of the firmware right before the event suggests that we will likely see the Gold Master of iOS 14 tomorrow with a public release coming a week later.
Other Rumors
According to often-accurate analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the event will not include new iPhones, and will instead focus on new Apple Watch and iPad Air models. Kuo believes the new Apple Watch models will have a similar form factor to the Series 5, with the key new feature being blood oxygen sensing.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has shared similar expectations, and he too expects Tuesday's event to focus on the Apple Watch Series 6 and the iPad Air, while the new iPhone 12 models will come in October. Gurman is expecting blood oxygen monitoring for the Apple Watch Series 6, along with a new lower-end Apple Watch model and an all-screen iPad Air.
Both the Apple Watch Series 6 and the new low-cost Apple Watch (which some are calling "Apple Watch SE") are expected to come in 40 and 44mm size options with GPS and LTE models available.
Jon Prosser, who has a mixed record when it comes to leaks, this morning shared details about Apple's long-awaited AirTags and the smaller HomePod that Apple is working on. Prosser says it is "likely" that AirTags will be unveiled alongside the HomePod mini at Apple's event tomorrow. Both products are "technically ready," and "in terms of production schedule, they are done, and could possibly be announced."
In addition, proven leaker known as "L0vetodream" has said that the Apple Watch Series 6 would come in a new, unspecified color and perhaps have fast-charging functionality. Given that the iPhone 12 has been repeatedly rumored by a variety of reliable sources to be arriving in a new blue color, it seems likely that the new color will be blue to match.
We may also see a new 8th-generation low-cost iPad tomorrow, according to leaker Evan Blass. The updated tablet is expected to feature an A12X chip and it will continue to offer a Lightning port.
Make sure to read on below for more of what we expect to see.
Apple is holding a digital-only fall event on Tuesday, September 15, but this year's event may be different from other September events we've had in the past because we might not see iPhone announcements.
Current rumors indicate Apple's September 15 event, which features the tagline "Time Flies," will focus on the Apple Watch Series 6 and new iPads, with a second iPhone-focused event coming in October. We've rounded up everything we know about the products that Apple might announce at the event so you know what to expect when Tuesday rolls around.
Apple One
Since originally publishing this article, we've uncovered evidence that Apple has started registering "Apple One" domain names. Apple One is a rumored services bundle coming from Apple.
The bundle would allow customers to subscribe to several different Apple services in a discounted package. These packages could include Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud, and Apple News+. Apple is also rumored to be launching a fitness subscription service as well. If Apple introduces Apple One at Tuesday's event, it could introduce this new fitness service as well, which would also potentially be available in the Apple One bundles.
The service would offer virtual fitness and workout classes via an app for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple releases iterative updates to the Apple Watch each year, and this year's Apple Watch Series 6 is expected to feature the same design as the Apple Watch Series 5, with no external design changes that we know of at this time.
It could feature a new system-on-a-chip that will bring performance and battery life improvements, along with better water resistance and improved wireless transmission for faster WiFi and cellular speeds. A battery said to be for the Series 6 has leaked and it features 303.8mAh, which is not a huge improvement over the current 296mAh battery in the Series 5, so any battery life gains are likely to come from efficiency improvements.
Right now, rumors suggest the biggest feature we'll see in the Series 6 is blood oxygen monitoring, which would let the Apple Watch detect and monitor the oxygen levels in the blood.
Normal blood oxygen is between 95 and 100 percent, and when blood oxygen levels drop below that, it can be indicative of a serious health problem that needs immediate medical attention.
According to code for the Apple Watch found in iOS 14, the Apple Watch will provide notifications when blood oxygen levels drop below a healthy threshold, so Apple Watch owners can get quick help when affected by a respiratory or cardiac problem. The feature is of immediate interest in the pandemic because the virus can cause oxygen levels to drop and people experiencing reduced oxygen intake need emergency assistance.
Along with blood oxygen levels, there have been loose rumors about mental health capabilities that would let the Apple Watch Series 6 detect panic attacks or high levels of stress, with the watch then providing breathing exercises to help calm people down. If rumors are accurate, such a feature could take into account blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing rate, and other data to determine stress level.
Alongside the Apple Watch Series 6, we could see a new lower-cost Apple Watch option that replaces the Series 3. One rumor suggests that the new low-cost Apple Watch will be a modified Series 4 in 40 and 44mm size options with features like the ECG app and always-on display removed to keep the price more affordable.
The information about a new lower-cost watch comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who often shares reliable info about Apple's plans, while the detail about a modified Series 4 comes from leaker Jon Prosser, who has a mixed track record when it comes to leaks.
Rumors about the next-generation iPad Air are exciting because it looks like this could be the first Apple device that features Touch ID that's available outside of the standard Home button.
The iPad Air is said to feature an all-display design much like the iPad Pro, with a 10.8 to 11-inch screen size. Instead of featuring a notch, rumors have suggested the iPad Air will feature Touch ID, either under the display or built into the Side button of the device.
We don't typically get as much information about iPad rumors as we do about iPhone rumors, so it's still unclear which Touch ID method we can expect, if Touch ID is indeed planned for the iPad Air.
Like the iPad Pro, the next-generation iPad Air could feature a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, which would allow for charging with USB-C cables, and Apple may release a Magic Keyboard alongside it.
Other iPad Air rumors suggest it will feature a Smart Connector (for the aforementioned Magic Keyboard), four stereo speakers, and an A14 chip.
Many of the rumors about the new iPad Air have made it unclear if the information pertains to the iPad Air or the low-cost iPad, so it's not clear where the more affordable iPad stands. Apple could also be planning a low-cost iPad refresh, but iPad rumors have been confusing enough that we aren't quite sure what to expect.
Apple's September 15 event is supposedly going to focus on the iPad and the Apple Watch rather than the iPhone, which is hard to believe because we've had a September iPhone event for years now, but everything is different this year because of the ongoing health crisis.
iPhones aren't coming out until October because of production delays, so the word is Apple wants to announce the iPhones closer to their October launch date rather than in September when customers have to wait more than a month to get their hands on the new devices. We're getting a September event with the iPad and Apple Watch (and maybe some extras), and there will presumably be a second October event for the iPhone.
In case that info is wrong and we do get iPhone announcements at the September 15 event, here's what to expect:
Apple is releasing a total of four iPhones in 2020, adding one extra to the 2019 lineup. There will be two lower-cost affordable iPhones and two more expensive Pro models. The lower-cost iPhones will come in 5.4 and 6.1-inch sizes, and the pricier Pro models will come in 6.1 and 6.7-inch sizes.
The 5.4-inch iPhone will be the smallest iPhone that Apple has introduced since the 2016 iPhone SE, while the 6.7-inch iPhone will be the biggest iPhone released to date.
We have part leaks, renderings, schematics, and a lot more detail on what to expect from the new iPhone 12 models over in our full iPhone 12 roundup, which is a must read for those who are interested in what's coming.
All four iPhones are expected to feature edge-to-edge displays and Face ID with notches, but this year, they're all going to have OLED displays with Apple doing away with LCD. There were rumors about smaller notches, but it doesn't look like Apple is shrinking the notch design with this year's iPhones.
The Pro models might also have 120Hz ProMotion displays, also an iPad Pro feature, but rumors are mixed on this point and it's not clear if Apple has worked out battery life issues caused by higher display refresh rates.
Design wise, Apple is expected to introduce some changes. Rather than the rounded edges that we've had since the launch of the iPhone 6, the iPhone 12 lineup is expected to feature a design with a flat-edge frame similar to the iPad Pro or the iPhone 4. The Pro models will have a stainless steel frame while the lower-end models will have an aluminum frame, and all four will have glass fronts and backs.
A rumored navy blue color might replace the midnight green in the Pro models, and the more affordable iPhones could also get some new color options.
The more expensive iPhones will have three-camera setups and at least one of the Pro models will have a LiDAR Scanner like the iPad Pro, though it's possible both models will have LiDAR sensors. LiDAR Scanners will bring new AR and photographic capabilities. The more affordable iPhones will feature dual-lens camera setups much like the iPhone 11.
The three-lens camera setups could come with an improved telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and improved Smart HDR for better low-light performance. Better image stabilization could also be coming to the ultra wide-angle lenses, and new camera modes might let the Pro models shoot 4K videos at 120 and 240 frames per second.
All of the 2020 iPhones will have 5G modem chips, but there are two kinds of 5G, and it looks like the iPhone 12 Pro models will be the only ones to support the fastest 5G, which is mmWave 5G. mmWave 5G is short range and will be used in cities and urban areas, while Sub-6GHz 5G is slower than mmWave but longer range and more appropriate for widespread use. For more on the differences between mmWave and Sub-6GHz 5G, make sure to read our guide.
Apple will equip all of this year's iPhones with a faster, more efficient 5-nanometer A14 chip, which will bring performance and efficiency improvements for speedier operation and perhaps longer battery life to compensate for the 5G battery drain. As for RAM, the Pro models are expected to get 6GB RAM, while the iPhone 12 models could have 4GB RAM.
Because 5G modem chips are so expensive, Apple is looking to cut costs. Rumors suggest the iPhone 12 models won't ship with a power adapter or EarPods in the box, but Apple will offer a 20W power adapter that can be purchased separately.
Other Possibilities
AirTags
Japanese site Mac Otakara believes that Apple's long-rumored AirTags are finally going to launch this fall. The site said alongside new iPhones, so we might not see the AirTags at this event, but it's a possibility.
AirTags are Tile-like Bluetooth tracking devices meant to be attached to items like keys, wallets, cameras, and odds and ends that are valuable and easily lost. With AirTags, these items can be tracked right in the Find My app right alongside iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
We don't know what AirTags will look like but based on images found in iOS, they could be small, circular tags with built-in Bluetooth and ultra-wideband support. Ultra-wideband is notable because iPhones with a U1 chip will be able to better track positioning with more accuracy than Bluetooth alone. If keys are lost down the couch cushion, as an example, the iPhone will be able to locate them right away.
AirTags may attach to items with rings or adhesive, and there are mixed rumors on charging. There might be a built-in rechargeable battery that works with an Apple Watch-style charging puck or a replaceable CR2032 battery.
Anything lost will show up on the Find My map with an associated address, and when the iPhone is close by a lost item, Apple may offer up an augmented reality map with specific positioning to make it easier to find what's missing. AirTags will also be able to play a sound when close to an iPhone.
iOS 13 introduced a feature that lets Apple products communicate with one another when offline, so a lost iPhone can ping off of someone else's iPhone that it comes into contact with even when there's no cellular or WiFi connection. This same feature is expected to be coming to the AirTags, and it will let millions of iPhones all around the world track lost items, giving Apple's trackers a leg up over other trackers on the market.
For more on AirTags, we have a guide that outlines all of the rumored features that we know so far.
AirPods Studio
Apple is working on high-end over-ear headphones that could be called the "AirPods Studio," and the new headphones could launch at Apple's fall event as they're expected to come out before the end of 2020.
AirPods Studio will be the third product in Apple's AirPods lineup, with Apple planning to sell the headphones alongside the AirPods and the AirPods Pro. Like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Studio will feature Active Noise Cancellation to minimize ambient noise.
Other features may include equalizer adjustments available through an iOS or Mac device, and head and neck detection, which would work similarly to the ear detection in the AirPods but would be able to tell if the headphones are on the head or around the neck.
An orientation feature will allow the AirPods Studio to detect the left and right ears for routing audio channels, and there will be no right or wrong side for wearing the headphones.
Bloomberg believes Apple is working on two designs for the AirPods Studio. One is a higher-end premium version and one is fitness-focused and made from more breathable and lighter weight materials.
Both versions are expected to include magnetic ear cups and headband padding that can be swapped out for a customizable look, similar to Apple Watch bands. We don't know what the AirPods Studio will cost, but rumors predict the new headphones will cost about $349.
Apple's original HomePod hasn't sold well even with price cuts due to its high price point in comparison to competing products like the Amazon Echo and Google Home, so Apple is working on a smaller, more affordable version that could launch this year.
We don't know a whole lot about this smaller, cheaper HomePod, but it's expected to feature the same general HomePod form factor, just shrunken down, and Apple could remove some of the tweeters (dropping from seven to two) to cut the price.
Wireless Charging Mat
Apple nixed its AirPower charging mat in March 2019, but behind the scenes, work has continued on some kind of wireless charging product. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who often shares accurate insight into Apple's plans, says that Apple is working on a "small wireless charging mat."
We don't really know any other reliable information about the charging mat that's in development, but presumably it won't be on the scale of the AirPower, which rumors say failed because of issues with overheating and interference.
First Apple Silicon Mac
Apple in June officially announced its work on its own Arm-based Apple Silicon chips designed for Macs, which will be similar to the A-series chips that are used in iOS devices. These chips are designed in-house by Apple and will lead to higher-performance and more efficient Macs that have deeper integration between hardware and software.
Apple will be ditching Intel chips in favor of its Apple Silicon chips and Apple is planning to transition the entire Mac lineup to Apple Silicon hardware. That transition starts in 2020, and Apple has promised to release the first Arm-based Mac before the end of the year.
There is no official word on which Mac will be the first to get an Apple Silicon chip, but rumors have suggested it will be the MacBook Pro, which could perhaps come in a new 14-inch variant to replace the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro. The MacBook Air and a new 24-inch iMac are also expected to be some of the first Macs to be updated with Apple Silicon chips, and there have even been rumors about a new 12-inch MacBook with Apple's chip technology.
Whichever Mac is released with an Apple Silicon chip, it's coming sometime in the fall of 2020. We could perhaps see it announced at Apple's September 15 event, but it may be a bit early for Apple to debut the new Mac, so it's not a sure thing.
We have a lot more information on the Apple Silicon chips and what the transition away from Intel will look like in our Apple Silicon guide.
Event Coverage
Apple will live stream its September 15 event on the Apple Events website, YouTube, and in the Apple TV app on the Apple TV. For those unable to watch, MacRumors will provide live coverage here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
Apple's iPhone 12 lineup is set to launch at some point in October, and ahead of the debut of the new iPhones, leaks have been picking up. We've seen a few components such as a display unit and a logic board, but a new video today allegedly features the chassis of the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro.
Shared by EverythingApplePro, the iPhone shell appears similar to dummy iPhone units that have been floating around on the internet since July.
Here it is! Official iPhone 12 Pro chassis leak. Confirms mostly same camera with new LiDAR placement, flat sides, magnet cutouts & smart connector-like 5G antenna? This seems to confirm the 6.1 Pro model will get LiDAR too. October can't come soon enough. pic.twitter.com/YifSX7SWxh
— EverythingApplePro (@EveryApplePro) September 11, 2020
This appears to be the Pro model due to the three-lens camera setup at the rear, and if accurate, the body suggests the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro could feature a LiDAR Scanner. There have been some rumors that have suggested Apple might limit the LiDAR Scanner to the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro, but that may not be the case.
Apple already introduced a LiDAR Scanner in the 2020 iPad Pro, introducing enhanced augmented reality capabilities. In the iPhone, this could also translate to new photographic capabilities. There's an area on the right side that could perhaps be related to the 5G antenna, and the SIM tray has been moved underneath the volume button on the left side. The overall design has iPad Pro-like flat sides, a departure from the rounded look that Apple has used since the iPhone 6.
Though not depicted in the chassis leak, other rumors today have indicated that Apple's 2020 iPhone lineup may not get 120Hz display support. There were mixed rumors on the subject, and now several leakers have suggested that the 2020 iPhone models have gone into mass production without the upgraded 120Hz display.
Apple is set to hold an event on Tuesday, September 15, but current rumors indicate that event will see Apple unveil new Apple Watch models and new iPads rather than new iPhones. If that information is accurate, Apple could instead debut new iPhones at a second event set to be held in October, which would be closer to the projected launch date for the new devices.
Apple typically releases new iPhones in September, but production on this year's devices has been delayed and Apple confirmed in July that the 2020 iPhone lineup is going to launch later than expected.
Along with the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, Apple is also expected to release a larger 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max, a 5.4-inch standard iPhone 12, and a 6.1-inch iPhone 12 model, with the latter two being the more affordable models that are replacements for the existing iPhone 11. For more on everything rumored for the iPhone 12 lineup, make sure to check out our iPhone 12 roundup.
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