MacRumors


Apple has started advising iPhone 5 owners to update to iOS 10.3.4 before November 3, otherwise several key functions like iCloud and the App Store will no longer work on their device because of a time rollover issue.

Apple iPhone 5 white
Back in July, Apple released updated versions of iOS for older iPhones and iPads models, including the ‌iPhone‌ 5, to address an issue that could impact GPS location performance and lead to the system date and time being incorrect. The GPS time rollover issue began affecting GPS-enabled products from other manufacturers on April 6, 2019, but Apple's affected devices aren't impacted by the problem until just before midnight UTC on November 3, 2019.

For ‌iPhone‌ 5 and the fourth-generation iPad with Wi-Fi and Cellular, the 10.3.4 update is required to maintain accurate GPS location and to continue to use functions that rely on correct date and time including ‌App Store‌, ‌iCloud‌, email, and web browsing. An iOS 9.3.6 update is available for the also-affected ‌iPhone‌ 4s and cellular models of the original iPad mini, the ‌iPad‌ 2, and the ‌iPad‌ 3.

From Apple's support document:

Starting just before 12:00 a.m. UTC on November 3, 2019, iPhone 5 will require an iOS update to maintain accurate GPS location and to continue to use functions that rely on correct date and time including App Store, iCloud, email, and web browsing. This is due to the GPS time rollover issue that began affecting GPS-enabled products from other manufacturers on April 6, 2019. Affected Apple devices are not impacted until just before 12:00 a.m. UTC on November 3, 2019.

If ‌iPhone‌ 5 models in particular are not updated by November 3, 2019, Apple says users will have to back up and restore using a Mac or PC in order to update, because over-the-air software updates and ‌iCloud‌ Backup will not work.

If you have an ‌iPhone‌ 5, check to make sure your device has updated successfully by following these steps.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your ‌iPhone‌ 5.
  2. Tap General -> About.
  3. Look for the number next to Software Version.

The updated software version should be 10.3.4.

Related Forum: iPhone

"AirPods Pro" will come in as many as eight colors, including White, Black, and a new Midnight Green finish to match iPhone 11 Pro models, according to a Chinese-language report from the Economic Daily News.

airpods pro midnight green black concept

AirPods Pro concept via EverythingApplePro

Google's machine translation of the report is not easy to decipher, so the source of the information is unclear. Eight colors would certainly be a lot, although it is not out of the question given that Apple has made Beats headphones like the Solo3 available in over a dozen colors over the years.

AirPods b298@3xThe report also backs rumors that the AirPods Pro will feature active noise cancellation and water resistance. Last month, in the iOS 13.2 beta filesystem, MacRumors discovered an icon depicting never-before-seen, in-ear AirPods with rubber ear tips that would presumably help to block out ambient noise.

Apple plans to release the AirPods Pro in time for the holiday shopping season this year, according to the Economic Daily News, with the report claiming the earphones could be unveiled as early as next week.

This is not the first time the Economic Daily News has reported that Apple plans to release new AirPods in a black color, as the publication made the same claim back in February. A month later, Apple released second-generation AirPods with Hey Siri support, up to 50 percent more talk time, and an optional wireless charging case, but the black color was nowhere to be seen.

However, it is worth noting that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple originally planned to release the second-generation AirPods in 2018, but they were delayed, so it is possible the black color was always intended to be for these third-generation AirPods with noise cancellation and water resistance.

Indian blog MySmartPrice also said black AirPods were in the works back in February, claiming they would feature a matte finish with improved grip. Combined with last week's Economic Daily News report claiming that the AirPods Pro will sport a new metal design, perhaps the earphones and their charging case will look similar to the back glass of iPhone 11 Pro models, complete with matching colors.

Leaked photos, knockoffs, and accessories all point towards the AirPods Pro charging case being wider to accommodate the ear tips.

airpods 3 leak 1
As higher-end earphones, the AirPods Pro will likely have improved sound. Last week's Economic Daily News report also claimed that the AirPods Pro will feature multiple listening modes, suggesting they could have the same Transparency feature as the new Beats Solo Pro, which turns on the external microphones so the wearer can hear outside noise without pausing music playback.

Unsurprisingly, higher-end AirPods would likely have a higher price tag than the current AirPods. Economic Daily News estimates pricing may start at around $259, which would be $100 more than the current AirPods with a wired charging case. However, supply chain reports are usually guessing about pricing.

Apple typically unveils redesigned products during its keynotes, but an October event is looking unlikely this year, so possibilities include Apple announcing the AirPods Pro with a press release, hosting an unprecedented November event, or waiting to unveil them at its typical March event next year.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Related Forum: AirPods

October is rapidly drawing to a close, and while time has run out for Apple to announce a media event for this month, there are still a number of known and rumored product launches in the works. This week saw fresh rumors about the so-called "AirPods Pro," the 16-inch MacBook Pro, and the Mac Pro.

Looking further ahead, we're continuing to hear about the "iPhone SE 2" for early next year, while this week also saw the 18th anniversary of the iPod's introduction.

Accessory Maker Releases 'AirPods Pro' Cases Matching Rumored Noise-Cancelling Design

While it looks unlikely that Apple will be hosting an October event this year, rumors suggest at least a few new products are still on the horizon, including the so-called "AirPods Pro."

airpods pro cases
MacRumors already discovered an icon of in-ear AirPods with rubber ear tips, lending credence to rumors that Apple is planning to release higher-end AirPods with active noise cancellation and improved water resistance, and last week a Chinese report claimed they will sport a new design and be released by the end of October, perhaps via press release.

At least one accessory maker is already capitalizing on the rumors with a few cases for the "AirPods Pro," with the product images depicting a wider charging case as previously leaked.

16-Inch MacBook Pro Said to Launch by End of October With Ultra-Slim Bezels and Scissor Keyboard

Last week, Apple effectively leaked the long-rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro itself by way of an icon discovered in the macOS Catalina 10.15.1 beta. The icon, created earlier this month, depicts a slightly larger MacBook Pro with slimmer bezels around the display.

15 vs 16 macbook pro icon

15-inch MacBook Pro icon on left, possible 16-inch MacBook Pro icon on right

And now this week, hit-or-miss industry website DigiTimes has a fresh claim that the 16-inch MacBook Pro will be released by the end of October, noting that Quanta Computer has already begun volume shipments of the notebook to Apple. It won't be long before we know if this rumor will pan out.

New Mac Pro Nearing Release as Apple Advises Technicians How to Place Computer in DFU Mode

Apple previewed an all-new Mac Pro at WWDC in June, and said the computer will be available to order this fall, but it has yet to specify a release date.

2019 mac pro side front view
This week, however, Apple updated its Mac Configuration Utility for authorized technicians with an option for the new Mac Pro, and our source believes this likely signals an imminent release.

The new ‌Mac Pro‌ is a powerhouse, with up to 28-core Intel Xeon processors, up to 1.5TB of ECC RAM, and up to a 4TB SSD. A new design includes a stainless steel frame with smooth handles and an aluminum housing that lifts off for 360-degree access to the entire system. Pricing will start at $5,999.

Camera Comparison: iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. Pixel 4 XL

Both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and Google's Pixel 4 XL have high-end camera systems, so we decided to compare the camera quality of the two devices to see if one has an edge over the other.

pixel4iphone11cameracomparison
Given how advanced smartphone cameras have become, the two devices both perform well, but there are some advantages to each that we discuss.

Subscribe to MacRumors on YouTube for new Apple-related videos every week!

iPhone SE 2 Rumors Continue to Mount as LG Reportedly in Talks to Supply LCDs for Device

Rumors are coming in fast and heavy about the so-called iPhone SE 2, with a report this week claiming that LG is in talks with Apple to supply LCD displays for the device, expected to launch in early 2020.

iphone se and iphone 8
In a research note this week, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone SE 2 will feature an upgraded antenna design for improved wireless transmission. Kuo previously said the device will resemble the iPhone 8, including a 4.7-inch display and Touch ID, but with a faster A13 Bionic chip and 3GB of RAM.

The budget device isn't necessarily going to be named the iPhone SE 2, especially given it sounds like it will be a larger device. Other names speculated include the iPhone 8s and iPhone 9.

iPod Turns 18: Here's What People Thought in 2001

This week marked the 18th anniversary of Steve Jobs unveiling the original iPod. While the iMac started Apple's renaissance in 1998, it was the launch of the iPod in 2001 that truly set Apple on a path towards becoming the world's most valuable company.

ipod say hello
While many people were thrilled about the iPod, others were not so impressed. We've rounded up a sample of some comments about the iPod from the MacRumors forums, The New York Times, and elsewhere on the day the device was announced.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

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

With the release of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, Apple introduced a number of new text editing taps and gestures that can be performed on both iPhones and iPads. These taps and gestures make it quicker and easier to do things like select text, copy and paste, undo and redo edits, and move the cursor around the screen.

iphone
They do take some getting used to though, especially if you're a veteran of the text editing taps and gestures that have been available in iOS for a while. That's why we've compiled the following list to help you get to grips with them until they become second nature. Keep reading for the full rundown.

How to Move the Cursor Around the Editing Window

Moving the cursor works similarly to how it did in earlier versions of iOS, but Apple has tweaked it to improve its behavior. For example, it's now a lot better at snapping to lines and between words as you move it around. You can also now tap and hold the cursor and it will get bigger on the screen so you can see it more easily. Here's how it works.

text

  1. Start typing some text in an app that supports it.
  2. Touch and hold the cursor until it gets bigger.
  3. Drag the cursor to the desired location.
  4. Remove your finger from the screen.

How to Move the Cursor With the Virtual Trackpad

You can turn the onscreen keyboard into a virtual trackpad that allows you to quickly move the cursor through the text without taking your finger off the display. Note that the way this works on your device depends on whether it has 3D Touch (iPhone 6s and later) Haptic Touch (‌iPhone‌ XR, ‌iPhone‌ 11, ‌iPhone‌ 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max) or a long press (all iPad models).

virtual trackpad on iphone 11

  1. On an ‌iPad‌ or ‌Haptic Touch‌ device, press and hold on the spacebar. On a device with ‌3D Touch‌, press and hold anywhere on the keyboard.
  2. Drag your finger over the blanked-out keyboard to move the cursor through the text to the desired location.

Note that on an ‌iPad‌, you can also touch the keyboard with two fingers and move your fingers around to relocate the cursor.

How to Select Text

When you select text using one of the methods described below, a contextual edit menu will appear above the selection, providing you with fast access to cut, copy, and paste, as well as formatting, Look Up, Share, and other options depending on the app you're using.

text

  • To select a word, double tap it. Alternatively, tap and hold it until you feel the haptic feedback.

text

  • Triple tap any word within a sentence and the whole sentence will be selected.

text

  • Quadruple tap a word to select the paragraph in which it appears.

How to Use Intelligent Selection

Intelligent selection is a new feature that lets you quickly select phone numbers, addresses, or email addresses while editing text. Bear in mind that the feature doesn't work when you're simply viewing text – you must be in an editing app for intelligent selection to be available.

text
Simply double tap anywhere on the contact information to select it all in one go. Note that intelligent selection is limited to a single line, so if an address uses hard returns to go over two or more lines, it will only select the line that you tapped on. (Note: The address in the example is a single line that runs on.)

How to Adjust a Text Selection

When you've selected a word or sentence, you can adjust the selection using the anchor points on either end.

text
Simply press and hold your finger on the left or right anchor point, then drag it to make the selection larger or smaller.

How to Cut, Copy, and Paste Using Gestures

In iOS 12 and earlier, you had to select text and then use the contextual editing menu bar to cut, copy or paste it. In iOS 13, you can use gestures instead. First, select some text, then do one of the following:

  1. To copy, pinch with three fingers.
    text

  2. To cut, perform the copy gesture twice until the text disappears, ready to be pasted from the clipboard.
  3. To paste some text that you've just copied or cut, pinch out with three fingers until the text appears again.
    text

How to Display the Clipboard Bar

Have you noticed the menu bar that appears briefly whenever you perform one of the cut, copy or paste gestures described above? That's the clipboard bar, which offers you an alternative way to cut, copy, and paste text as well as undo and redo edits.

text
You can reveal the clipboard bar anytime you like when editing text. Simply select some text, then tap and hold the screen using three fingers.

How to Undo and Redo Edits Using Gestures

  1. Make sure you're in text editing mode (unless you have a physical keyboard connected, the onscreen keyboard will be showing).
    text

  2. To undo an edit, perform a three finger swipe leftwards across the editing area.
  3. To redo an edit, perform a three finger swipe rightwards across the editing area.

How to Scroll Through Text Faster

If you're editing a particularly long piece of text like a document or a threaded email, you can scroll a lot faster by grabbing the scroll bar directly.

text
When the scroll bar is visible, press and hold it with your finger and move it up and down the edge of the screen to move rapidly through the text.

Related Forum: iOS 13

New images of the rumored AirPods Pro appeared on SlashLeaks this evening. The new images don't reveal anything new, but do show what appears to be an assembled AirPods Pro charging case in higher quality images than have previously leaked.

airpods pro charging case
Previously leaked images were of lower quality showing the plastic enclosures of the upcoming AirPods. The original leaks were initially dismissed until icons matching the design were found a recent iOS 13.2 Beta release.

Multiple reports have suggested that the new higher end AirPods could be launching imminently. These new AirPods are expected to have noise canceling technology as well as a higher price tag than the current AirPods. Some retailers have even started selling cases for the new design.

Update: The Weibo account these images originated from are reported to claim these are fake/knockoffs of the new AirPods, but regardless, the design is still believed to be representative.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Related Forum: AirPods

Apple this afternoon shared a new "Privacy on iPhone" ad on its YouTube channel, highlighting the company's support of customer privacy.

The spot is a simple overview of a city that zooms across office buildings, homes, and more, before centering on a girl with an iPhone 11 Pro Max, all while a voice over talks about the importance of privacy.

Right now, there is more private information on your phone than in your home. Think about that. So many details about your life right in your pocket. This makes privacy more important now than ever.

Your location, your messages, your heart rate after a run. These are private things. Personal things. And they should belong to you. Simple as that.

The video ends with the tagline "Privacy. That's ‌iPhone‌," and in the video description, Apple says that privacy should be simple and straightforward.

We believe your privacy should never be something you have to question. It should be simple, straightforward, and understood.

Apple has uploaded several other privacy-focused videos in the "Privacy on ‌iPhone‌" series, including several that have a comedic tone. This most recent video is is more serious, focusing on Apple's core privacy beliefs.

Apple has long said that it believes privacy is a "fundamental human right," and the company makes efforts to minimize customer data collection. Apple's privacy policies are available on its dedicated privacy website.

Google earlier this month unveiled the Pixelbook Go, a new premium Chromebook that's similar to a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro, but Chrome OS.

In our latest video, we went hands-on with the Pixelbook Go to see how it measures up to Apple's ‌MacBook Air‌ (the two have similar price points) and whether or not it can serve as a ‌MacBook Air‌ replacement.


Design wise, the Pixelbook Go looks rather similar to a MacBook featuring a lightweight chassis, a large trackpad, a 13-inch display with slim side bezels and a thicker top/bottom bezel, a keyboard with speaker grilles at each side, and a similar hinge mechanism.

A G logo at the top and a wavy, bumpy textured feel at the bottom sets it apart from the ‌MacBook Air‌. Like Apple's MacBooks, the Pixelbook Go offers a simple, clean design.

pixelbookmacbookair1
Pricing on the Pixelbook Go starts at $649 for an Core M3 processor and 64GB of storage, but we tested the upgraded Core i5 model with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage, which is priced at $849. That's the model most similar to the entry-level ‌MacBook Air‌, which comes with a 1.6GHz Core i5 processor, 128GB of storage, and 8GB RAM for $1,100.

The Pixelbook Go is cheaper than the ‌MacBook Air‌, but there are some areas where it is definitely lacking in comparison. When it comes to the display, for example, it's adequate, but the HD quality just doesn't measure up to the ‌MacBook Air‌'s Retina display. There is an upgraded version of the Pixelbook Go with a 4K display, but that machine is priced at $1,400.

One area where the Pixelbook Go shines is its keyboard. The keyboard doesn't look too different from a MacBook keyboard, but it's super quiet thanks to Google's Hush Keys feature, satisfying to type on, and has the perfect amount of key travel. There are also custom keys, including a key for activating Google Assistant. There are speakers located to each side of the keyboard, and the sound quality is solid. The speakers are a touch louder than the ‌MacBook Air‌'s speakers at maximum volume, but the ‌MacBook Air‌ wins out when it comes to sound quality.

pixelbookmacbookair2
There's a MacBook Air-style trackpad on the Pixelbook Go, but MacBook competitors often have a hard time replicating the feel of Apple's trackpad, and the Pixelbook Go is no exception. There's a physical trackpad button that feels clunky and outdated compared to Apple's Haptic Trackpad.

The Pixelbook Go offers up to 12 hours of battery life, which is the same claim that Apple makes about the ‌MacBook Air‌. In practice, we see around five to eight hours of battery life from the ‌MacBook Air‌ depending on usage, and the Pixelbook Go has been hitting around eight hours.

There are two USB-C ports on Pixelbook Go (one on each side) along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is the same general port setup the ‌MacBook Air‌ offers, though the ‌MacBook Air‌ supports Thunderbolt 3.

What really sets the Pixelbook Go apart from the ‌MacBook Air‌ is the operating system. While the ‌MacBook Air‌ runs the full version of macOS, the Pixelbook Go uses Chrome OS. Chrome OS is a Linux-based OS that supports Chrome apps and some Android titles, but it is in general more limited in scope than macOS.

pixelbookmacbookair3
Chrome OS is designed for everyday tasks like browsing the web, creating documents, taking notes, and sending emails rather than more specialized tasks like photo and video editing. Technically, most people who buy something like an entry-level ‌MacBook Air‌ are probably primarily using it for the same purposes, but you do have a bit more flexibility with macOS.

The option to download Android apps has made Chrome OS more useful over the course of the last several years, and there are, for example, apps for photo and video editing, though we wouldn't recommend them for regular full-time usage.

All in all, for most people, the upgrade to the ‌MacBook Air‌ over the Pixelbook Go may be worth the price differential given the better screen quality and the option to use macOS, though it's still much cheaper than the ‌MacBook Air‌ when it comes to the entry-level $649 option. The Pixelbook Go is one of Google's nicest Chromebooks in terms of design, hardware, and the complete Google experience, so it is likely the better choice for those who prefer a Google ecosystem.

What do you think of the Pixelbook Go? Would you use it over a ‌MacBook Air‌? Let us know in the comments.

Tags: Chrome, Google

Apple plans to use a low-power backplane technology called LTPO for future iPhones, according to Korean website The Elec. The backplane is responsible for turning individual pixels on and off on the display.

series 5 ltpo
From the report:

Apple, meanwhile, is moving to more widely apply LTPO panels to its iPhones. This means it needs to find ways to work together with Samsung Display, which is holding its own in terms of both technological prowess and production capacity in the small and mid-sized OLED sector.

LTPO, or low-temperature polycrystalline oxide, has an Oxide TFT structure that uses up to 15 percent less power than LTPS, or low-temperature polysilicon, the backplane technology that Apple currently uses. Naturally, that could contribute to longer battery life on future iPhones.

Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 models already feature LTPO displays. Apple's website says the technology enables Series 5 models to have the same up-to-18-hour battery life as Series 4 models despite having an always-on display:

The low temperature poly-silicon and oxide display features a reinvented pixel architecture that lets the screen refresh rate dip from 60Hz to a power-sipping 1Hz when the watch is inactive. A new low-power driver, ultra-efficient power management, and a new ambient light sensor work together so the display can stay always on with up to 18 hours of battery life.

Apple's transition to OLED started small with the original Apple Watch in 2015, followed by the iPhone X in 2017, so it would not be surprising if LTPO expands from the Watch to the ‌iPhone‌ as early as next year.

Related Forum: iPhone

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Southern Straps to give MacRumors readers a chance to win one of the company's brown leather Apple Watch bands.

southernstrapsband1
Southern Straps has a whole range of high-quality leather and nylon Apple Watch bands, including the brown leather band, which is made from a single piece of full-grain Italian leather. The leather hasn't been sanded, buffed, or snuffed, which gives it an attractive, unblemished finish.

southernstraps2
Southern Straps uses vegetable dye to create a rich, long lasting color that's achieved without using harmful chemicals, and the band is hand stitched with durable waxed cord in the company's San Francisco factory.

southernstraps3
The brown leather Apple Watch band fits all Apple Watch models and is available in 44mm, 42mm, 40mm, and 38mm sizes. The bands are also designed to fit most wrists from 14cm to 25cm. Southern Straps can be ordered with black, silver, or gold lugs to match the different colors of the Apple Watch casing.

southernstraps4
Southern Straps offers a two-year warranty on all of its leather bands, offering a guarantee against wear and tear. The brown leather Apple Watch band is priced at $85 from Southern Straps, but we have five to give away to MacRumors readers.

southernstraps6
To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

The contest will run from today (October 25) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on November 1. The winners will be chosen randomly on November 1 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.

Apple has been meeting with United Airlines over upgrades for United's terminal at the San Francisco International airport, according to a Bloomberg article and multiple tweets from attendees at United's meeting with the media in Chicago.

United has been talking with Apple about potential design ideas for its customer waiting areas at the San Francisco airport, where Apple is known to be one of United's biggest customers thanks to all of the Apple employees that regularly fly out of SFO.

unitedplane
The plan is for Apple to help United reconfigure areas in the airport, though what that specifically means is unclear. Linda Jojo, executive vice president of United Airlines Holdings, mentioned spots Apple employees specifically visited as a hint to what might see a redesign.

"The Apple team in San Francisco has been in our baggage hold areas, customer service and the lobbies," she said. "I'm being deliberately vague," she added.

Earlier this year, United Airlines accidentally revealed that Apple is its biggest customer in San Francisco, spending $150 million on airline tickets each year and purchasing an average of 50 business class seats on flights to Shanghai on a daily basis.

Eve, known for its line of HomeKit-enabled smart home products, recently came out with an accessory called the Eve Extend, which is a Bluetooth range extender that's designed to work with existing Eve products.

Many of Eve's HomeKit devices work over Bluetooth, and while that often works fine, in larger homes, Bluetooth connectivity can be problematic because it can be limited in range. Bluetooth products need to be within range of an iPhone to be controlled, so for situations where Bluetooth connections are spotty, Eve came out with the Extend.

eveextend
Not every household is going to need the Eve Extend, and it is a product that is specifically designed to work with existing Eve devices so it's a little bit more niche, but something worth exploring for those who have invested in the Eve ecosystem.

Eve has multiple Bluetooth products, so the Eve Extend, which costs $50, works with devices like the Eve Aqua, Eve Motion, Eve Flare, Eve Door, Eve Room (new model), Eve Energy, Eve Weather, Eve Degree, and Eve Button. Eve says it works with all Bluetooth Eve accessories with the exception of the 2015 Thermo and the 2015 Eve Room.

eveextenddesign2
Eve Extend is a small square-shaped white plastic box that can be placed in a central location in the home to add WiFi connectivity to Bluetooth-enabled Eve accessories, allowing them to be controlled from anywhere. You can also use multiple Eve Extend boxes if a home is particularly large.

eveextendports
The Eve Extend needs constant power to work, and it comes with a micro-USB cable and a power adapter. I wasn't much of a fan of the Eve Extend's cord and I would have preferred a built-in plug for the device.

eveextendinhand
Since Eve Extend uses a cord and power adapter (I just plugged it into an iPad adapter), it can go anywhere in the house that it needs to go. If, for example, you have an outdoor Eve product that's often out of range such as the Eve Aqua, you can put the Eve Extend close to the outdoors, improving connectivity.

The Eve Extend is simple to set up, connecting to either a 2.4 or 5GHz WiFi network. Like other ‌HomeKit‌ products, it can be added to your setup by scanning the ‌HomeKit‌ QR code with your ‌iPhone‌.

eveextendcable
I didn't have issues setting up the Eve Extend, but I did come across some reviews from people who haven't been able to use it with Google WiFi systems, so there may be some setup problems that should be investigated prior to purchase.

The Eve Extend runs in the background so there's no need to control it, and it's not available in the Home app. You can access it in the Eve app, which also needs to be downloaded to set it up.

In the Eve app, you can see the accessories that are connected to the device and also add additional Eve accessories that you purchase after setting up the Eve Extend. Other than setting it up and assigning accessories, once something is connected to the Eve Extend, nothing else needs to be done.

eveappeveextend
Eve has always had one of the more comprehensive ‌HomeKit‌ apps on the market, and the app was recently improved following the launch of iOS 13. There's Dark Mode support and a redesigned navigation bar that makes it easier to get to all of your favorite devices. Eve's app is my go to for seeing all of my ‌HomeKit‌ products at a glance, even those that aren't Eve devices.

eveappdarkmode
Eve Extend can connect to up to eight devices, and in my testing, it successfully extended the available Bluetooth range of each Bluetooth Eve accessory. I don't have a super large home and the Eve products I have are concentrated in my office, but to test it out I moved them to other areas of the house that are further away.

In addition to longer range, response times also seemed a bit quicker, with the Eve Flare responding faster to color changes and the Eve Room responding more quickly to Siri requests for room temperature.

Bottom Line

Eve Extend is expensive at $50 so it's not a perfect solution, but it is an ideal way to make Bluetooth Eve accessories that you've already purchased available reliably from day to day.

If you have an Eve setup and have run into connectivity issues due to the limitations of Bluetooth, the Eve Extend will solve the problem by allowing those devices to connect to WiFi for access anywhere.

It's worth noting that devices like newer ‌iPad‌, Apple TV, and HomePod models are able to serve as a Home hub and perform a similar function relaying Bluetooth commands, so there's a chance you won't need the Eve Extend even with an extensive Bluetooth setup.

This is a device that's specifically designed for people who are having current issues with their Eve devices and want a simple solution that does not involve purchasing an additional Apple product.

How to Buy

The Eve Extend can be purchased from the Eve website or from Amazon for $49.99.

Tag: Eve

eBay is finishing off its Friday Drops sales event this October with a new all-time-low price on Apple's latest AirPods With Charging Case, priced at $125.00, down from an original price of $159.00. At $34 off, this is the lowest price we've tracked on the 2019 AirPods, which have typically hit sale prices between $139.00 and $144.00.

airpodsincaseNote: 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.

You can head to eBay today to purchase the low-priced AirPods, which are in brand new condition and include free shipping. Shoppers should note that this is not the version of the AirPods with a Wireless Charging Case, and can only be charged through a USB-to-Lightning cable (which is included in the box).

Anyone looking for the 2019 AirPods with Wireless Charging Case can still get that pair at a discount as well, thanks to an ongoing $30 off sale on Amazon. This version of the AirPods is priced at $169.00, down from $199.00, and as of yet we have not seen a better deal on the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case.

The eBay offer on the AirPods with Charging Case is expected to sell out fast, so be sure to head to eBay soon if you're interested. Our full Deals Roundup is also a great place to visit for even more Apple-related sales and offers.

Update 12:00 p.m. PT: eBay's AirPods offer appears to have already expired.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

Amazon has an ongoing discount on Apple's 2019 MacBook Air this week, offering up to $199 off the latest models. You'll find both the 128GB and 256GB storage options on sale, with discounts that represent the lowest-ever prices on all models seen.

macbook air 2019Note: 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.

All colors in both models are seeing discounts on Amazon. We've rounded up every sale in the list below, so be sure to head to Amazon before the sale expires.

2019 MacBook Air ($199 Off)

Apple refreshed the MacBook Air this past July with a lower price tag, an updated display with True Tone, some minor SSD changes, and a new butterfly keyboard that uses the same updated materials as the 2019 MacBook Pro. The MacBook Air continues to be equipped with a Retina display with slimmer black bezels that better match the slimmer bezels of the MacBook Pro.

For more information on the best Apple-related sales, head to our full Deals Roundup.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

Prior to delivering the keynote address at the Ceres sustainability gala in New York City this week, Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke briefly with GQ about the company's environmental efforts, iPhone trade-ins, and more.

iphone trade in
Apple has heavily promoted its iPhone trade-in program at its retail stores and on its website over the last year, and Cook said the increased emphasis has been effective, noting that a third or more of customers that visit its retail stores end up trading in an older device for a newer one.

"This year we've really moved the dial on getting the consumer to think about trade-in," he said. "We were up to a third or more of the people that come into our stores that are trading in, and this number is trending up."

Apple's estimated trade-in values currently range from up to $100 for the iPhone 6s to up to $600 for the iPhone XS Max in the United States, with values varying in other countries. The credit can be applied towards your next Apple Store purchase or paid out in the form of an Apple Store gift card.

When asked whether Apple had a plan to encourage more third-party accessory makers to be more sustainable, Cook suggested that Apple is considering introducing some kind of sticker or label that indicates a particular product meets certain environmental standards, be it an iPhone case or a charging cable.

"[…] That is something we're talking about," he said. "I don't want to pre-announce it."

An eco-friendly badge would likely only apply to Apple-certified accessories that license hardware like the Lightning connector through the MFi Program.

Apple received an award from Ceres this week for its sustainability initiatives, including all of its retail stores, offices, data centers, and other facilities being powered by 100 percent renewable energy since 2018. Apple also has a recycling robot named Daisy that is capable of disassembling 200 iPhones per hour.

Apple has a more ambitious, long-term goal to create a fully closed-loop supply chain, in which it would be able to stop mining raw materials and instead build new products entirely with recycled materials. Cook said he is "not worried" about Apple eventually figuring out ways to achieve that feat.

Apple Arcade has received another weekly refresh, with five more games added to the service across iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.

The new titles include neo-classic side-scrolling action platformer "Fallen Knight" by FairPlay Studios, barnyard game "Hogwash" by Bossa Studios, the hypnotic getaway "Lifelike: Chapter One" by Kunabi Brother, puzzler "Tales of Memo" by Tendays Studio, and roleplaying folktale "Yaga" by Versus Evil.

fallen knight apple arcade
"Hogwash," "Tales of Memo," and "Yaga" have also been added to Apple Arcade on the Mac, while "ChuChu Rocket! Universe" and "LEGO Brawls" have been extended to the Mac after debuting on iOS last month.


Apple Arcade now has 89 games available for iOS and tvOS, and 81 on macOS, as Apple closes in on its promise of over 100 games.

Apple Arcade is Apple's new subscription-based gaming service, providing iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac users with access to dozens of premium games for $4.99 per month, with no in-app purchases or ads. The service launched in late September with a one-month free trial available.

MacRumors has partnered with accessory maker Targus to offer our readers 15 percent off sitewide on the company's website. The exclusive deal has kicked off this week, and will run through November 30, 2019, providing our readers with a month of savings on laptop bags, backpacks, docks, and mobile accessories.

targus oct 2019Note: 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 claim the discount, head to Targus and add an item into your cart. In the final checkout screen, enter the coupon code MACRUMORS15 in the field at the top right of the screen. This will take 15 percent off your order total, so it can be used on multiple items at once, but it is not valid on clearance products or open box items. It also can't be combined with other discount offers.

Below we've collected a few ideas for accessories you can use the new code on, so check them out and be sure to head to Targus before the end of November to take advantage of the sale.

Targus 15% Off Sitewide Sale

Additionally, our readers can get the same 15 percent discount on Targus' sister site, SENA Cases. This site focuses on premium leather cases for iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.

You'll find the same discount code process on SENA Cases as on Targus, so shop around on the website, add a few items to your cart, and then enter MACRUMORS15 during the checkout screen. This will net you 15 percent off your order total.

sena october 2019
SENA Cases has a few accessories that are up for pre-order with a 15 percent discount as well, so anywhere you see this offer you won't be able to stack our exclusive coupon code on top of the existing discount.

Otherwise, you can shop around for cases for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, the newest iPads, the Apple Watch, and 11-inch to 13-inch Mac notebooks.

Be sure to check out both 15 percent discounts on Targus and SENA Cases before the sales expire on November 30, and then head to our full Deals Roundup for a full recap of the latest Apple-related bargains.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

Apple Watch Series 5 models are now available to purchase at Apple Stores and select resellers in Brazil, Korea, and Thailand, with both Wi-Fi-only and cellular models released today following pre-orders.

applewatchseries5
Pricing starts at R$3,999 in Brazil, ₩539,000 in Korea, and ฿14,400 in Thailand.

Carriers:

  • Brazil: Claro and Vivo

  • Korea: KT, SK Telecom, and LG U+

  • Thailand: AIS, dtac, and TrueMove

Apple has also started selling the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max in Korean stores as of today.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10

Creating a macOS installer on a bootable USB drive provides a convenient way of installing a fresh copy of macOS on multiple Macs, and also allows you to perform a clean installation quickly and easily.

Catalina
If you tried to run your installer recently and unexpectedly received an error that it is damaged and can't be used, then don't worry – keep reading for a simple and straightforward way to fix it.

Why is my macOS Installer Damaged?

If you tried to use a macOS installer in the last few days or weeks, you may have been met with an error message saying something like "This copy of the Install macOS Mojave.app application is damaged, and can’t be used to install macOS."

installer
As Apple explains in a newly published support document, the likely reason for the "damaged" error message is an expired certificate. Happily though, the fix is very simple.

How to Fix a Damaged macOS Installer

To fix the damaged installer, you should just download the installer again. Doing so will also ensure that you have all of the macOS updates that have been released since you made the original installer, meaning you won't have to update macOS immediately after the initial installation is complete.

You can find the latest official download links below for the last six versions of Apple's Mac operating system, all of which contain a new certificate that has not expired:

To learn how to perform a clean installation of macOS using the bootable USB drive method, click one of the following links: macOS Catalina, macOS Mojave, macOS Sierra.