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.
The new macOS Catalina beta can be downloaded using the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences after installing the proper software from the Developer Center.
macOS Catalina 10.15.4 includes Screen Time Communication Limits, a feature first brought to the iPhone in the iOS 13.3 update, and it brings a new Head Pointer Accessibility option that allows the cursor to be controlled with head movements using the Mac's camera.
References to AMD processors have also been discovered in the macOS 10.15.4 beta, leading to speculation that Apple is working on AMD-based Macs, but these references could simply be for internal testing rather than evidence of an AMD Mac.
Though not directly related to macOS Catalina 10.15.4, Apple is adding a new universal purchase option for macOS and iOS apps, which will allow Apple device users to purchase one app that works across multiple platforms.
Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS and iPadOS 13.4 updates to developers, two weeks after the release of the first betas and two weeks after the release of iOS and iPadOS 13.3.1.
iOS and iPadOS 13.4 can be downloaded from the Apple Developer center or over the air once the proper developer profile has been installed. On the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max, Apple requires the beta to be installed over the air using the configuration profile.
iOS and iPadOS 13.4 are major updates, bringing several major new features to the iPhone and the iPad. There's a new toolbar in the Mail app that's available when viewing an email, featuring a more logical design to address complaints about the Mail layout in iOS 13.
The update design moves the reply icon away from the delete icon, making it much harder to accidentally delete an email, and it re-adds Folder and Flag icons.
iCloud Folder Sharing, designed to let users share folders in iCloud Drive with other people, is available as of iOS 13.4. iCloud Folder Sharing was first announced at WWDC last year, but it has taken Apple several months to implement it. The feature shows real-time updates so file changes will sync across the devices of all people with access to a specific folder.
There are nine new Memoji and Animoji stickers included in the update, featuring emoji-style poses like shocked face, face with hearts, eyes rolling, and more.
There are hints of a new CarKey API in iOS 13.4, which would allow the iPhone to be used to lock, unlock, and start a car that has NFC capabilities. This functionality hasn't been announced by Apple as of yet, but it will iPhone owners to use their devices in lieu of a car key. Sharing features will also be available for assigning keys to friends and family members.
Though not an iOS specific feature, Apple with iOS 13.4, macOS 10.15.4, tvOS 13.4, and Xcode 11.4 is allowing developers to create apps with universal purchase support, which means Apple device users will be able to purchase one app that works across multiple platforms.
There are new controls for calls and third-party navigation apps in CarPlay, along with keyboard shortcuts for the Photos app, changes to location requests for apps requesting user location, a new Shazam Shortcuts action, options for remapping hardware keys of a keyboard connected to the iPad, and more.
Qualcomm this week introduced the Snapdragon X60, its third-generation 5G modem for mobile devices. The company says the first 5G smartphones featuring the X60 are expected to launch early next year.
Built on a 5nm process, the X60 packs higher power efficiency into a smaller footprint compared to its 7nm-based predecessor, the Snapdragon X55. In the context of an iPhone, this could allow for longer battery life and more room inside the device for a larger battery or additional components.
Smartphones with the X60 will also be able to aggregate data from both mmWave and sub-6GHz bands simultaneously to achieve an optimal combination of high-speed and low-latency network coverage.
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
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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.
The main benefit of the unified Office app is that it requires only a single download with a much smaller file size, but it does have a few unique features, including camera integration for easily converting photos of documents and tables into Word and Excel files. The app also has a new Actions pane that supports a number of common tasks like signing PDFs and scanning QR codes.
Microsoft explains some of the benefits of the new Office app in a blog post:
The Office app delivers several key benefits including:
- Combining Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in a way that simplifies the experience with fewer apps to download or switch between. It requires far less phone storage than installing individual apps while maintaining virtually all the capabilities of the existing mobile apps people already know and use.
- Integrating our Lens technology to unlock the power of the camera with capabilities like converting images into editable Word and Excel documents, scanning PDFs, and capturing whiteboards with automatic digital enhancements to make the content easier to read.
- Adding new functionality for common tasks people often encounter when working on a phone—things like making quick notes, signing PDFs, scanning QR codes, and transferring files between devices.
The new Microsoft Office app is available on the App Store for the iPhone and on the Google Play Store for Android. Microsoft says the app will be optimized to support the iPad soon. The app is free to use, even without signing in, but an Office 365 subscription starting at $6.99 per month is required to unlock premium features.
B&H Photo has a new sale going on this week aimed at discounts on select "pro" models of the Mac, including MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and iMac. The discounts include a few lowest-ever prices, so be sure to browse them all below before the sales expire on February 22.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with B&H Photo. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
16-inch MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro sales are aimed only at the 16-inch model, and include a lowest-ever price on the entry-level 512GB configuration at $2,099.00 ($300 off). This is the best price on this MacBook Pro that we've tracked to date, and we haven't seen a sale like this in a few weeks, so be sure to visit B&H Photo soon if you've been waiting for a fresh discount on the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
There are quite a few iMac models on sale this week at B&H Photo, including a mix of custom configurations and Apple's base configurations. The models we've listed below match the current best prices seen online, although none have hit lowest-ever prices. Head to B&H Photo to see the full sale.
Lastly, B&H Photo has some sales on the latest Mac Pro, offering $500 off select models. Prices start at $5,499.00 for the model with 32GB DDR4 RAM, a 256GB NVMe SSD, and the Intel Xeon Eight Core processor, and increase to as much as $23,099.00 for 192GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, and the Intel Xeon 28-core processor. A total of 21 Mac Pro models are being discounted during this event, so head to B&H Photo to check out the full list.
Head to our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more discounts on Apple products and related accessories.
A key new feature on the Mac is support for Dark Mode on macOS Mojave and later. Photoshop already has a dark user interface on the Mac, but now system dialogs like the File menu will also be dark based on the systemwide appearance selected in System Preferences > General.
The desktop app has also received Content-Aware Fill improvements. Now, you can make multiple selections and apply multiple fills without leaving the workspace. You can use the new "apply" button to iterate your fills before committing, and click "OK" only when you are finished, according to Adobe.
Adobe says it has also improved the output quality and performance of Lens Blur on the desktop, and made performance improvements, claiming that clicking interactions like panning and zooming are smoother and more responsive.
On the iPad, the headline new feature is the Object Selection tool, which can automatically find the object within a selected area for you based on Adobe Sensei machine learning.
Adobe explains:
The Object Selection tool is designed to give you speed, but also more control over the selection process on more complex images. For example, it is the right tool if you have images with multiple objects, or when selecting a part of an object, or if you want this part but not that part, or need to isolate more than one object in an image. With the Object Selection tool, you draw a rectangular region or even a crude lasso around the area you want to select, and the tool automatically finds and selects the primary objects inside the defined region.
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.
Apple has updated its website to indicate that it will reopen 10 more stores across China, following closures due to the coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan.
The stores, listed below, will reopen on February 19 for limited business hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time until further notice, as noted by iMore.
Apple reopened all five of its retail stores in the Beijing area on February 14, operating on similar limited hours.
Apple has yet to announce reopening dates for its other stores in mainland China, which remain listed as closed on its website due to the viral outbreak. Apple began working toward re-opening its corporate offices and contact centers in the country last week.
Reports suggest ongoing delays from the coronavirus outbreak in China will likely impact iPhone production, in particular its upcoming low-cost iPhone, and inventories of existing models could remain low until April or longer.
The coronavirus has infected more than 75,000 people, and there have been at least 1,870 deaths, primarily in China.
The popular endless runner game for iOS, Alto's Odyssey, is now available on macOS computers via the Mac App Store.
Originally set to debut in summer 2017, Alto's Odyssey is the followup to the original 2015 game Alto's Adventure and while it's a standalone game, it retains the endless runner mechanic that the original was known for while introducing new features, controls, and a new desert location. Both games feature a "one-touch trick system" that players use to control the main character to chain together combos and complete various goals.
Join Alto and his friends and set off on an endless sandboarding journey to discover its secrets.
Soar above windswept dunes, traverse thrilling canyons, and explore long-hidden temples in a fantastical place far from home.
Along the way, you’ll grind across vines, bounce atop hot air balloons, ride towering rock walls, and escape mischievous lemurs – all while uncovering the desert’s many mysteries.
In addition to the game's release on Mac, a simultaneous update has been pushed out to the game on iOS, tvOS, and iPadOS, so that any progress in the game on those platforms will sync with the Mac installation, allowing users to switch between devices and continue where they left off seamlessly.
The release of Alto's Odyssey on Mac mirrors the staggered release of the original Alto's Adventure across Apple platforms, with a Mac launch following mobile versions of the game.
Alto's Odyssey for macOS is available to download for $9.99 on the Mac App Store. Alto's Odyssey for iOS and tvOS is available for $4.99 on the App Store.
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.
Google today updated its Gmail app for iOS to add support for Siri Shortcuts.
With Siri Shortcuts, Gmail users can create a shortcut that will allow them to send an email using a Siri voice command. Sending an email is the only capability that Google has included at this time.
Siri Shortcuts is a feature that Apple first introduced in iOS 12, so it has taken Google several months to implement support.
The shortcut for sending an email can be set up within the Settings section of the Gmail app or in the Shortcuts app. Gmail can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Foldable smartphones are the latest device trend, and companies that include Motorola and Samsung have released new foldable smartphones over the course of the last few weeks.
The first foldable smartphone from Samsung, the Galaxy Fold, had major durability issues that caused its launch to be delayed. Samsung's newest foldable device, the Galaxy Z Flip, seems to be faring a bit better so far, but there are some complaints about the build quality and problems with the display. The same is true of Motorola's latest smartphone, the RAZR.
Motorola RAZR foldable smartphone, image via Ray Wong
Over the weekend, YouTuber JerryRigEverything tested the durability of the Galaxy Z Flip's display, which is made of a bendable "Ultra Thin Glass" for the first time rather than the plastic material used for the Galaxy Fold.
The testing suggests that the display of the Galaxy Z Flip scratches like plastic and isn't resistant to scratching or other damage. A fingernail on the display was able to make a permanent dent, which is concerning for a smartphone that costs $1,380.
In response to that video, Samsung told CNBC in a statement that the display should be "handled with care" and that it has the same protective layer used in the Galaxy Fold, which perhaps explains some of the scratching.
Another Samsung Galaxy Z Flip user on Twitter got his smartphone, opened the box, opened the phone, and then had it crack right down the middle. He suggests that it could have been due to cold weather.
Cracking at the fold was a problem that plagued the Galaxy Fold, and Samsung does warn against pressing hard on the screen and making sure there's nothing on the screen when it's folded closed, but a crack down the middle right out of the box is unexpected behavior.
The $1,500 Motorola RAZR, another foldable smartphone that came out in February, is also seeing durability issues. Ray Wong from Input over the weekend said that the site's Motorola RAZR has a display that's peeling apart just a week after it was purchased.
I'm too scared to even fold up the phone now because the more I close it the wider the spread gets. There's a long streak across the top of the bubble and at first glance, you might mistake it for a scratch. It's not a scratch; there's no physical damage on the surface of the lamination. It's literally the pixels splitting from the two layers.
The damage is more than just cosmetic - the touchscreen is broken and the warping on the surface makes touches and taps unresponsive. Wong isn't sure what caused the damage, but as with the Galaxy Z Flip crack, he speculates that it could be related to cold temperatures.
There have been a few rumors suggesting Apple is working on foldable display technology, but given the super high price points of foldable displays and the ongoing durability issues that have impacted every foldable smartphone to date, Apple may be planning to hold off on a foldable iPhone.
Apple in early February shared a patent for a foldable device with movable flaps to prevent the display from creasing, and that's the latest that we've heard about an Apple device with foldable display technology.
Interestingly, Apple has also separately patented a self-heating display for a foldable device to prevent damage in cold weather, which seems to be a significant issue for foldable devices at the current time.
Of course, Apple patents a lot of technologies that don't ever come to fruition, so whether or not these patents and other related patents hint at Apple's work on a foldable iPhone remains to be seen. At the current time, there are no rumors indicating a folding iPhone is something that we can expect to see in the near future, and certainly not in 2020. The 2020 iPhone lineup will be similar to the 2019 iPhone lineup, though Apple is planning to implement new technologies like 5G connectivity and 3D cameras.
Apple today released watchOS 6.1.3, the fifth update to the watchOS 6 operating system designed to run on modern Apple Watch models. watchOS 6.1.3 comes three weeks after the release of watchOS 6.1.2.
watchOS 6.1.3 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update.
To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone.
The watchOS 6.1.3 update includes important bug fixes, addressing an issue that could prevent the irregular heart rhythm notification feature from working properly for Apple Watch owners in Iceland.
Apple has also released watchOS 5.3.5 for Apple Watch models not able to run watchOS 6 due to the use of an older iPhone.
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with B&H Photo. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
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.
