MacRumors

Luxshare Precision, one of Apple's suppliers for devices like AirPods and Apple Watch, is going to be taking on more responsibility in the coming months as it prepares to begin assembling Apple's iPhones.

In a note to investors, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo this afternoon shared details on what Luxshare Precision will be working on this year.

The supplier is expected to enter the iPhone assembly business "in the long run" and earlier than market expectations to allow Apple to diversify its supply chain and cut down on the risk of supply shortages. Kuo believes Luxshare Precision will become a key ‌iPhone‌ case component supplier by the second half of 2021.

The key reason we make this prediction is because the new iPhone product cycle is shortened, so if Luxshare Precision can enter the iPhone assembly business, it is expected to reduce Apple's new iPhone development and supply risk. To ensure a smooth initial assembly business, we expect Luxshare Precision to start assembly from older iPhone models.

Luxshare Precision will start out assembling older ‌iPhone‌ models and will work closely with casing manufacturers to cut down on initial entry challenges. Luxshare Precision is said to have a unique vertical integration advantage because it also provides many ‌iPhone‌ parts and accessories to Apple.

Kuo says that he believes Luxshare Precision will also ship the new Apple Watch expected in the second half of 2020, which would be the Series 6 model. There are no details included about the device, but past rumors have suggested the new device could feature faster performance, improved water resistance, and better wireless transmission.

Rumors also indicate we can expect to see sleep tracking functionality introduced as one of the key capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 6.

Prior information from DigiTimes about the Apple Watch Series 6 suggested the device would be assembled by Foxconn and Compal Electronics while Luxshare Precision would assemble older Apple Watch models, so Kuo's information does conflict with what we've previously heard.

It's possible that Compal Electronics, Foxconn, and Luxshare Precision will all share orders for the Apple Watch Series 6 models.

According to Kuo, Apple's assembly orders in 2020 are "better than expected," which will benefit suppliers like Luxshare Precision "in the long term."

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming watchOS 6.2 update to developers, two weeks after seeding the first beta and two weeks after the release of watchOS 6.1.2 with bug fixes.

Once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Apple Developer Center, the new watchOS beta can be downloaded through the dedicated ‌‌Apple Watch‌‌ app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update.

To install the update, the ‌‌‌‌Apple Watch‌‌‌‌ needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it has to be in range of the ‌‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌‌.

watchOS 6.2 introduces Apple Watch App Store support for in-app purchases, which will allow developers to create and sell Apple Watch apps that offer in-app purchase options and subscriptions.

Code in iOS 13.4, the companion update to watchOS 6.2, suggests that both the ‌iPhone‌ and the Apple Watch will in the future have a “CarKey” feature that will let them be used in lieu of a car key to unlock NFC-capable vehicles. It’s not clear if this feature will be available when watchOS 6.2 launches, but it is in the works.

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming tvOS 13.4 update to developers for testing purposes, two weeks after seeding the first beta and two weeks after the release of tvOS 13.3.1.

Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models, the new tvOS 13.4 developer beta can be downloaded onto the ‌‌‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌‌‌ via a profile that's installed using Xcode.

tvOS updates are typically minor in scale, focusing on under-the-hood bug fixes and improvements rather than major outward-facing changes.

The tvOS 13.4 update introduces some minor design changes to streamline the look of the TV app interface, plus it introduces Family Sharing integration so users can access iTunes content purchased by family members without having to leave the app.

Apple is aiming to stop the sale of a new insider book called "App Store Confidential," written by former Apple employee Tom Sadowski who ran Apple's App Store business in Germany until November 2019.

After the book was published yesterday in Germany, Apple sent a cease and desist letter to both Sadowski and publisher Murmann Verlag, reports German news site Focus (via iMore).

Apple claims that the book reveals "business secrets" that are of "considerable economic value," but Sadowski denies the inclusion of proprietary information. Apple also says that Sadowski has violated his employment agreement.

Apple has demanded that Sadowski and his publisher stop selling the book, recall all copies in circulation, and destroy the manuscripts, which Sadowski does not plan to do.

In a statement, Apple said that it has "long supported a free press and supports authors of all kinds" but Sadowski violated employee agreements that should be "applied equally and fairly to all employees."

The book is available only in German and according to one site that read the book, EN24, Apple's allegations are "not entirely understandable" because the author "mostly reveals only the obvious." It's described as "just banal" and more of a field report than an in-depth business analysis, but Apple is notoriously secret so it's no surprise that it wants the book banned either way.

Arlo today announced that its Arlo Pro 3 smart home security camera system is now compatible with Apple's HomeKit platform.

A free firmware update is rolling out to Arlo Pro 3 systems with SmartHub model VMB4540 at this time, with support for other SmartHub models to follow. To update the firmware manually, open the Arlo app and tap Settings > My Devices > Arlo Pro 3 > Device Info > Firmware > Update.

HomeKit support allows the Arlo Pro 3 to show up in the Home app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, and enables the camera to be controlled with Siri voice commands using an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or HomePod.

Arlo Pro 3 features:

• 2K UHD image resolution
• 160-degree viewing angle
• Integrated siren and spotlight
• Color night vision
• Two-way full duplex for audio
• Magnetic mount for more flexible mounting solutions
• Weatherproof magnetic charging cable
• A free three-month trial to Arlo Smart included with purchase

Various configurations of the Arlo Pro 3 system are available on Amazon.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Parallels is offering shoppers a new "Premium Mac App Bundle" deal this week, including 10 apps at no extra cost if you buy or upgrade to Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac. There are two options for purchasing the bundle, including one for new users and one for users who already have a version of Parallels Desktop.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Parallels. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

The first bundle is priced at $49.99 and aimed at users upgrading from an existing version of Parallels. It includes the following apps: MindManager 12, 1Password Families (1 Year), Hype 4.0 Professional, Twist Unlimited (1 Year), Roxio Toast Titanium 18, Intego Mac Internet Security X9 (1 Year), Data Rescue 5, PDFpen, Parallels Desktop 15, Parallels Toolbox (1 Year), and Parallels Access (1 Year).

The second bundle is priced at $79.99 and is for shoppers new to Parallels, who need to purchase a new license for the software. This bundle includes all of the same apps mentioned above for the first bundle. For both bundles, you can choose to make a one-time purchase of the Parallels Desktop 15 software, or pay for a 1-year subscription, which includes various benefits like free upgrades, remote access, and more.

The Premium Mac App Bundle will be on sale through the end of February, so head to Parallels' website soon to find out more about it and place your order.

• Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac - Up to $79.99 value: Download and install Windows 10 on your Mac.
• Parallels Access - $20 value: Gain 24/7 access to your applications and files from anywhere.
• Parallels Toolbox - $20 value: A collection of various tools for CPU monitoring, taking screenshots, archiving files, and more.
• MindManager 12 for Mac - $200 value: Build flowcharts, concept maps, timelines, and diagrams.
• Twist - $300 value: A thread-based Slack alternative that aims to keep team communication organized.
• 1Password Families - $60 value: Secure your passwords, credit card information, and more in one place, available for up to five family members.
• Data Rescue 5 - $100 value: Recover your lost or deleted files.
• Hype 4.0 Professional - $100 value: Create animations to add to webpages, infographics, presentations, Apple Books, and more.
• Intego Mac Internet Security X9 - $50 value: Protect your Mac against malware and viruses.
• Roxio Toast Titanium 18 - $100 value: A complete digital media suite with CD and DVD burning, video editing, and more.
• PDFpen for Mac - $75 value: An all-purpose PDF editor with markup, edit, sign, and more.

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

There are a few sales happening today surrounding the iPad and related accessories. This includes discounts on the iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad Pro Smart Keyboard Folio, iPad mini 5, and more.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

To start, you can get the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $399.99, down from $499.00 on Amazon. This $99 off sale is the lowest price we've ever seen for this version of the iPad Air, and it's available in Gold and Silver.

Secondly, MacMall has an ongoing solid discount on the 64GB cellular 11-inch iPad Pro, available for $749.00, down from $949.00. That's a $200 discount on Apple's original price for the tablet, and it remains the lowest price that we've tracked for this model.

If you're shopping for the iPad mini 5, Amazon has the 256GB cellular model for $639.00, down from $679.00. Although this is only $40 off the original price, it is the lowest we've seen this model drop.

Amazon also has a notable accessory sale for iPad Pro users, with a discount on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro Smart Keyboard Folio. Today you can get the accessory for $169.99, down from $199.00 ($29 off, lowest ever). This keyboard is designed specifically for 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablets, and allows you full access to a QWERTY keyboard, along with display protection when it's folded.

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

As promised, Bose has begun rolling out a firmware update providing AirPlay 2 support for its range of Bose SoundTouch speakers.

Firmware update 24.0.7 works with the following models:

• SoundTouch 10
• SoundTouch 20 series III
• SoundTouch 30 series III
• SoundTouch SA-5 amplifier
• Wave SoundTouch music system IV
• SoundTouch 300 wireless sound bar system
• Lifestyle 550 home entertainment system
• Lifestyle 600 home entertainment system
• Lifestyle 650 home entertainment system

AirPlay 2 support is being rolled out as part of a free over-the-air software update via the Bose SoundTouch app for iPhone and iPad. Simply log into the SoundTouch app and accept the update when it appears.

AirPlay‌ 2 enables multi-room audio playback with other ‌AirPlay‌ 2 devices, such as the HomePod, Apple TV, and select speakers from Sonos, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, and others. ‌AirPlay‌ 2 devices also appear in the Home app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch and can be controlled with Siri voice commands.

The update also includes SiriusXM (SXM) stability improvements and access to additional SXM content. If you're an SXM user you will need to make sure you have updated to the latest version of the SoundTouch app and that you're using the most recent firmware for your Bose speaker. You’ll also need to add your SiriusXM account details again, even if you’ve connected in the past.

Although deployment of the firmware began on Tuesday, the update will roll out in phases, so some SoundTouch owners may not receive the update until February 25 at the latest.

Bose added AirPlay 2 to select BoseSmart speakers and sound bars last year.

(Thanks, Drew!)