MacRumors

Apple plans to release several higher-end devices with Mini-LED displays in 2021, including a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro in the first quarter, a new 16-inch MacBook Pro in the second quarter, and a new 27-inch iMac in the second half of the year, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst at Chinese research firm GF Securities.

This timeframe lines up with one shared by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who recently said that Apple suppliers are slated to begin mass production of related components between the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, suggesting that the majority if not all of the Mini-LED devices will be released next year.

A few months ago, Kuo said that Apple plans to release six Mini-LED products by the end of 2021, including 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, a 27-inch iMac Pro, a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a 10.2-inch iPad, and a 7.9-inch ‌iPad‌ mini. The analyst said these displays will allow for thinner and lighter product designs, while offering many of the same benefits of OLED displays used on the latest iPhones, including improved contrast and dynamic range.

Switching to Mini-LED displays will also allow Apple to distance itself from the Samsung-dominated OLED display market, according to research firm TrendForce, which also expects a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display to launch in 2021.

Apple is reportedly investing over $300 million in new Taiwanese factory that is expected to produce Mini-LED and Micro-LED displays for future devices.

Apple will use a Lightning port instead of USB-C in the upcoming "iPhone 12," but it will be the last major series of Apple's flagship phones to do so, with models set to combine wireless charging and a port-less Smart Connector system for data transfer and syncing in the iPhone "13 series" next year.

The above claim comes from occasional Apple leaker and Twitter user "Fudge" (@choco_bit), who last month shared alleged leaked iPhone 12 images showing a revised rear camera array with LiDAR scanner, a smaller front notch, and Home screen widgets.

Fudge claims that Apple has tested iPhone prototypes with USB-C ports, but that these models "won't be making it to production." Instead, Apple will stick with Lightning for one more year before replacing the port with a ‌Smart Connector‌.

Claims of port-less future iPhones aren't new. Apple designers are said to ultimately be aiming to remove most of the external ports and buttons on the iPhone for a clean, streamlined device with fewer points of potential hardware failure.

Indeed, if wireless charging technology improves in the interim, Apple could potentially get rid of wired charging all together – and rumors do indicate Apple will release an iPhone without a Lightning port in 2021.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the highest-end iPhone model coming in 2021 will offer a "completely wireless experience." Charging would, presumably, be done all wirelessly through charging accessories, Qi-based or otherwise. (Whether the 2021 iPhone would be Apple's so-called "iPhone 13" series or an "S"-style revision of this year's upcoming "iPhone 12" is unknown.)

The addition of a ‌Smart Connector‌, however, is a separate rumor. The use of a ‌Smart Connector‌ could conceivably complete the transition to a totally wireless system for iPhone, with everyday charging and data transfer occurring over induction and wireless, and the ‌Smart Connector‌ providing a way to attach accessories and cover restore and recovery needs via special adapters.

Apple introduced the ‌Smart Connector‌ with the 2015 iPad Pro and updated it for the 2018 redesign. It lies flush with the bezel and has three pins providing power, data, and grounding. It's not impermeable though, which is something that Apple would need to work on to maintain its iPhone water resistance rating.

All of this could of course be irrelevant in the event that Apple surprises everyone and launches an iPhone with USB-C this year, suggesting that's where its future lies for now. Given the course and aim of Apple's iPhone development, that seems unlikely, but we won't know for sure until September or October, when Apple is expected to launch its latest flagship lineup.

Rumors have suggested Apple will complete its transition to an all-OLED iPhone lineup in 2020 with one new 5.4-inch device, two 6.1-inch models, and one 6.7-inch handset. The 6.7-inch ‌iPhone‌ and one 6.1-inch model are thought to be higher-end OLED devices with triple-lens cameras, while the 5.4 and 6.1-inch models will be lower-end iPhones with dual-lens cameras and a more affordable price tag.

In an internal memo last week, obtained by MacRumors, Apple has indicated that it will assist its third-party repair partners around the world with COVID-19-related expenses, such as cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment.

All eligible Apple Authorized Service Providers will receive a subsidy from Apple by way of increased payouts for each completed repair. The subsidy is retroactive and the length it is offered will depend on stay-at-home guidelines in each country. Service providers are encouraged to contact their Apple representatives for more details.

To find an Apple Authorized Service Provider in your local area, visit the Get Support page on Apple's website and follow the steps to initiate a repair.

Apple is set to start reopening its retail stores in Japan this week after having been closed for months because of the global health crisis.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notes that Apple's website says stores in Fukuoka and Nagoya Sakae will reopen on May 27. Reopening dates for the country's eight other Apple stores have not yet been posted.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has lifted the country's nationwide state of emergency, ending restrictions in the remaining areas where the order was still in effect, one week ahead of schedule.

Apple has reopened stores in Australia, Germany, Austria, South Korea, Switzerland and some stores in Italy, the U.S., and Canada.

The company is taking safety measures as it gradually re-opens stores across the globe. These include temperature checks conducted at the door, limited occupancy, and a renewed emphasis on one-to-one service. As an alternative to entering some physical stores, customers can also expect to see curb-side pickup and drop off options.

Apple is reportedly looking to integrate light sensors in a new model of AirPods in the next couple of years, according to a new report today, suggesting their use could be part of rumored upcoming health monitoring features in the true wireless earbuds. In a paywalled article, DigiTimes reports that ASE Technology could be involved in manufacturing the sensors:

Apple is expected to incorporate ambient light sensors (ALS) in next-generation AirPods devices in the coming 1-2 years, and Taiwan's ASE Technology may handle the backend process for the new component, as it has moved to purchase more packaging machines, according to industry sources.

The preview of the report doesn't specify what function the ambient light sensors would provide, but another DigiTimes report today suggests they'd be a component part of biometric measurements:

ASE Technology is poised to apply its SESUB (semiconductor embedded in substrate)-based SiP packaging technology to next-generation TWS (true wireless stereo) earphones to be rolled out by Apple, after being contracted to handle high-end mmWave AiP (antenna in package) process for 5G iPhones and tablets, according to industry sources.

ASE has combined SiP with embedded AI design for TWS gears, allowing the devices to monitor heart rates, step counts and health conditions and even to conduct intelligent translation and detect head motions, the sources added.

‌DigiTimes‌' sources often provide reliable information, but the site has a mixed track record when it comes to interpreting that information and accurately deciphering Apple's plans. Still, it's conceivable that the sensors could be related to rumored health monitoring features like heart rate and/or blood oxygen saturation from the ear.

Clip-on finger pulse oximeters work by shining red and infrared light through the blood vessels and a light detector measures the volume of blood oxygen based on the amount of light that passes through the finger. These sensors can also be used to measure pulse rate.

In hospitals, ear-based clip-on pulse oximeters work on the same principle and shine light through the earlobe. Part of the light is absorbed by the skin and the part not absorbed reaches the light sensor on the other side.

It's unclear whether Apple could achieve a similar function without redesigning the way AirPods and AirPods Pro sit in the ear. As things stand, a more likely candidate for the technology would be Apple's fitness-oriented earphones: Powerbeats Pro sport an over ear design similar to Freewavz's true wireless earphones, which feature integrated pulse oximeters for measuring blood oxygen and heart rate.

Early last year, DigiTimes claimed that Apple would release next-generation AirPods with "health monitoring features" in the first half of 2019. While Apple launched second-generation AirPods in March 2019, health monitoring smarts were conspicuously absent.

‌DigiTimes‌ receives a flood of data from the Asian supply chain, some of which it claims pertains to prototypes or test products that never make it to market or change significantly before launch, skewing its accuracy. Given that caveat, it's possible Apple held back the health monitoring features for a future AirPods model. We certainly know Apple has explored how it might incorporate health monitoring features into future AirPods.

One Apple patent describes an earbud-based fitness monitoring system which integrates an advanced biometric sensor that can detect physiological metrics including temperature, heart rate, perspiration levels and more, through skin contact and via built-in motion sensors.

Blood oxygen monitoring is useful for measuring fitness and recovery, but it can also reveal health conditions like sleep apnea and other issues. Apple is expected to activate the feature in a future Apple Watch model, and CEO Tim Cook has highlighted Apple's interest in health as a major focus that may actually end up being "Apple's greatest contribution to mankind."

Over the past few hours, a number of MacRumors readers have reported seeing dozens or even hundreds of pending app updates showing in the App Store on their iOS devices, including for many apps that were already recently updated by the users. In many cases, the dates listed on these new app updates extend back as far as ten days.

Apple has not shared any information as to why updates for these already up-to-date apps are being reissued, but some users suspect it may be related to the recent "This app is no longer shared with you" issue that was preventing some users from launching certain apps unless they are offloaded or deleted and then reinstalled.

It's possible there was an issue with an expired certificate or other credential related to app sharing, and Apple has had to reissue these updates to include a valid certificate on each of the affected apps in order to fix the issue.

So if you're seeing an unusual number of app updates available in the ‌App Store‌, you're not alone.

The team behind the "unc0ver" jailbreaking tool for iOS has released version 5.0.0 of its software that claims to have the ability to jailbreak "every signed iOS version on every device" using a zero-day kernel vulnerability by Pwn20wnd, a renowned iOS hacker. The announcement comes just days after it was announced that the tool would soon launch.

The unc0ver website highlights how the tool has been tested extensively across a range of iOS devices on several different software versions. The site also mentions that the jailbreaking tool is compatible across all devices running between iOS 11.0 and iOS 13.5.

As for security, unc0ver's website says it utilizes "native system sandbox exceptions" so that "security remains intact while enabling access to jailbreak files."

Before the release of unc0ver's jailbreak tool, the only way to jailbreak devices up to the ‌iPhone‌ 8 and ‌iPhone‌ X was by using the "checkra1n" tool.

Unc0ver's latest jailbreaking tool can be downloaded now from its website.

In this week's App Recap, we've highlighted three apps that are worth checking out. We've also compiled a list of apps that received major updates this week.

Apps to Check Out

• Voice Dream Reader (iOS, $9.99) - Voice Dream reader, a text-to-speech app featured in the Today section of the App Store, has been one of the most popular accessibility apps since its launch eight years ago. The app supports the reading of PDF files, Web articles, plain text files, and more. Upon purchasing the app, users are welcomed with both 36 built in iOS voices in 27 languages and one premium Acapela voice, and over 200 other premium voices are available through in-app purchases. Voice Dream Reader also features several tools such as bookmarking, text highlighting, and annotations. There are several different reading styles that can also be customized to the likings of the user such as contrast, font size, auto-scrolling, and more. Outside of the accessibility space, the app's reading style can also be set to one of several unique settings.
• SmartGym: Gym & Home Workouts (iOS, Free) - SmartGym, a popular fitness app, is being updated soon with several new features. The app lets users create and manage workout routines, view over 250 pre-installed exercises, view many pre-made workouts tailored to the interests of the user, and more. In addition, the standalone Apple Watch app can be used for tracking the health data of the user. It's worth noting that the free version of the app only provides access to two routines, 10 histories, and two measures. To access unlimited routines, measurements, and histories, users have the option to subscribe to monthly or yearly plans, which start at $4.99 and $29.99 respectively. The app's update will feature a new Smart Trainer feature which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create personalized workouts for the user, plus additional exercises, a new design, and more.
• BIAS FX 2 (iOS, Free) - BIAS FX 2, the successor to the popular Guitar Amp and Effects app BIAS FX, was recently released with an updated library of amps and effects. The updated library features new versions of pedals, HD studio rack effects, and effect modelers, which gives users a multitude of options when creating their own unique sound. In addition, the Looper feature was introduced as part of the update, which is a songwriting tool that allows users to practice and record directly from an iOS device. The app is free to download, but additional effects require in-app purchases.

App Updates

• Copilot (iOS) - Subscription based finance and budgeting app Copilot this week announced support for importing Apple Card data directly into its app. Apple Card users are now able to take advantage of Copilot's budgeting and transaction monitoring tools without having to copy over the data manually into the app.
  
• Google - Google this week updated its Google Search app with Dark Mode support. It is also worth noting that users still running iOS 12 can utilize the feature by enabling the setting within the app.
• Photoshop (iPad) - Adobe this week updated its Photoshop app with two new features. Curves allows users to adjust several aspects of an image while preserving its quality. Users with an Apple Pencil will also notice new pressure sensitivity adjustments that allows for more precision when using brush-based tools.
• Twitter - Twitter this week announced that it has starting testing new settings that allow users to control who can reply to a tweet. Users can select everyone, people you follow, and only people you mention as options for who can reply to a specific tweet. The feature is currently being tested within a small number of users globally, and Twitter plans to roll the feature out to all users should testing prove successful.
  
  

  Testing, testing... A new way to have a convo with exactly who you want. We’re starting with a small % globally, so keep your 👀 out to see it in action. pic.twitter.com/pV53mvjAVT — Twitter (@Twitter) May 20, 2020

  Reply if there’s a better app — Twitter (@Twitter) May 20, 2020

Apple today shared a new "The Next Generation" ad that showcases Apple TV+ content for kids.

"Original series and films to inspire the next generation of dreamers, explorers, and believers. All on ‌Apple TV‌+," the video description says.

The ad features the ‌Apple TV‌+ kids shows "Ghost Writer," "Helpsters," "Snoopy in Space," and the short-film "Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth."

The ad is part of Apple's drive to increase ‌Apple TV‌+ subscriptions amid heated competition from other rival streaming services, such as Disney+ and Netflix, which have a wealth of content aimed at children. Earlier this week, it rumors suggested Apple is considering buying some older shows, in addition to its original productions, to make the ‌Apple TV‌+ library more competitive.

‌Apple TV‌+ provides original movies and TV shows for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, plus there's a free year of service for those who have recently purchased an Apple device. For those who don't qualify for the free year, Apple offers a one-week free trial. Check out our step-by-step instructions for getting up and running from various devices.

It was another big week for rumors this week, with a flurry of reports about Apple's augmented reality glasses, the iPhone 12, and Apple's "AirPods Studio" over-ear headphones. This week also saw the release of iOS 13.5, bringing a number of health-related updates to Apple's mobile devices.

Other topics of interest this week included our look at Comply's replacement foam ear tips for the AirPods Pro, and some signs that existing supplies of the HomePod may be shrinking, suggesting we may be getting closer to the release of an update or a rumored lower-cost model. Read on below and click on the video above for a full recap of this week's biggest stories!

'Apple Glass' Rumored to Start at $499, Support Prescription Lenses, and More

Following last week's rumor from Ming-Chi Kuo about Apple's augmented reality glasses potentially launching in 2022, we've seen a flurry of new rumors led by a massive report from Jon Prosser sharing quite a few details he's heard about them.

Prosser says the glasses will be called "Apple Glass" and will start at $499, with prescription lenses available for an additional cost. In line with previous rumors, he says Apple Glass will rely on a paired iPhone for most of its functionality, allowing the glasses themselves to be as slim and light as possible.

According to Prosser's sources, Apple's original plans involved unveiling Apple Glass at the annual ‌iPhone‌ event in September or October, but restrictions on in-person gatherings could push the debut back to a March 2021 event. A second report from DigiTimes offers a similar timeline, indicating that "small-volume production" could begin in the first half of next year, with a launch sometime later in the year.

Apple Releases iPadOS and iOS 13.5 With Exposure Notification API, Face ID Mask Updates, Group FaceTime Changes and More

Apple this week released iOS 13.5, a major health-related update that brings many features related to the ongoing public health crisis. Most notably, it delivers the COVID-19 Exposure Notification API that will let public health entities build apps to alert users if they've been in close proximity to someone who later tests positive for the virus.

iOS 13.5 also makes it easier to unlock a Face ID device while wearing a mask, bringing up the passcode entry screen more quickly when a mask is detected. And for those users spending more time on Group FaceTime, Apple has added an option to turn off the Automatic Prominence feature that enlarges the tile of whoever is speaking. Finally, there's a new feature that lets your Medical ID information be automatically shared with first responders when placing an emergency call.

There's also an iPadOS 13.5 update with a subset of the iPhone features, as well as a watchOS 6.2.5 update that brings the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications to Saudi Arabia and adds new Pride watch faces.

iPhone 12 May Not Come With EarPods in the Box, Apple to Introduce AirPods Promotion in Second Half of 2020

According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's iPhone 12 lineup later this year may not include EarPods wired earphones in the box. While Apple has included wired earphones since the original iPhone in 2007, many users these days don't use the included earphones, instead opting for their own preferred wired or wireless accessories.

Given the popularity of Apple's wireless AirPods lineup, the move would likely increase demand for those accessories, and Kuo says Apple will likely offer a "special AirPods promotion" late in the year, although he doesn't specify what that promotion might be.

In other iPhone 12 news, an extensive report from display analyst Ross Young outlines his expectations for all four iPhone 12 models, ranging from a 2340x1080 5.4-inch display on the smallest one to a 2778x1284 display on the largest 6.7-inch model.

And finally, this week saw perhaps our first significant part leak for the iPhone 12 in the form of the main logic board. The part in question appears to have been manufactured in October 2019, which would make it a relatively early prototype, so we'll have to see if that's what ends up in one of the final phone designs.

Smaller, Lower-Priced HomePod Appears Increasingly Closer to Launching

Apple is rumored to have a smaller, lower-priced HomePod on deck for later this year, and there are increasing signs that the new model could be on the horizon.

In addition to Best Buy offering the HomePod on sale for $199.99 this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notes that Apple employees are now able to purchase up to 10 HomePods at a 50 percent discount, up from a limit of two. The larger purchase limit could be part of Apple's efforts to clear out inventory of the current HomePod ahead of the new model.

Finally, the HomePod was listed as "sold out" on Apple's online store in the United States last week, although only briefly.

Hands-On With Comply's Foam Tips for AirPods Pro

Apple's AirPods Pro ship with silicone tips that fit inside the ears, but people who prefer the tighter or more comfortable fit of foam have been modding their earbuds to add a foam layer. That's no longer necessary, as well-known earphone tips company Comply is now shipping its foam tips that are compatible with AirPods Pro.

We picked up a pair of the new Comply Foam Tips for ‌AirPods Pro, which come as a set of three pairs for $25,‌ and tested them out in our latest YouTube video to see how they fit and whether they're an improvement over the silicone tips that the ‌AirPods Pro‌ ship with.

Apple's 'AirPods Studio' Over-Ear Headphones Have Reportedly Kicked Off Production

We've been hearing quite a bit recently about Apple's long-rumored over-ear headphones, said to be called "AirPods Studio," and it looks like a launch may be coming in the relatively near future.

Rumors have generally suggested a summer or fall launch for ‌AirPods Studio‌, with a report earlier this week claiming that suppliers in Vietnam will begin shipments to Apple in June or July, but a new report from DigiTimes indicates that production on the new headphones is already underway.

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!

An app bug is causing some iOS users to be unable to open their apps, with affected iPhone and iPad users seeing the message "This app is no longer shared with you" when attempting to access an app.

There are multiple complaints about the issue on the MacRumors forums and on Twitter from users who are running into problems. A MacRumors reader describes the issue:

Is anyone else experiencing widespread app crashes? I am suddenly being informed that "this app is no longer shared with you" from several iOS apps. When I follow the prompt to the app's App Store page, the only option is to "open" which then just puts me back into the same loop.

Dozens of Twitter complaints suggest the issue is affecting people running both iOS 13.4.1 and iOS 13.5, and it's not clear what's causing the problem as not everyone appears to be affected. Some users have had the problem occur after updating apps in the last day.

There have been complaints about many apps including YouTube, Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, LastPass, and more. We updated the WhatsApp app an iPhone on iOS 13.5 prior to writing this article and immediately got the error message.

How to Fix 'This App is No Longer Shared'

People impacted by the issue have been able to fix their apps by deleting the app that's not working and reinstalling it. Offloading the app rather than deleting it will also fix the problem. The benefit of Offloading an app is that you won't lose any data, and you can pick up right where you left off.

To offload, go to Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage -> Scroll down to the App with the problem -> Tap on the App Name -> Tap on Offload App

Apple's creative "Bounce" ad designed to highlight the AirPods took top honors in the 99th annual ADC (Art Director's Club) awards for advertising, earning the "Best of Discipline" award along with two Gold Cube awards in the craft in video and branded content categories.

Released in June 2019, the ad features a bored man who pulls his AirPods off of their wireless charging pad and then pops outside to bounce over street items that are bouncy like a trampoline. The song "I Learnt Some Jazz Today" plays in the background while he bounces throughout town.

The ad was created by Apple's longtime advertising partner TBWA\Media Arts Lab, and the One Club website where awards are announced has a behind the scenes video that gives some insight into how it was filmed. All of the physical bouncing was done in camera with various props, with a city set built in an airport hangar.

Apple content won other awards too. Apple's AirPods Pro ads on Apple Stores worldwide earned a Silver Cube award, the opening theme for "The Morning Show" won a Bronze Cube award, and the "Snowbrawl" video won a Bronze Cube award.

Cobra Mobile's "Towers of Everland" has launched on Apple Arcade for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac. The game is described as combining elements of exploration, combat, and RPG into an adventure quest.

Welcome to the Towers of Everland, where exploration, combat and RPG elements merge to create an amazing experience that delivers true adventure within an unfolding journey that will keep you coming back for more!

Are you brave enough to conquer all the Towers? With endless variation, no two games are ever the same!

On your epic journey, test your skills in battle against the hordes of fiendish monsters you encounter along the way!

Amass weapons and armor from hundreds of unique pieces as your legendary adventure progresses. What weapons you truly master is up to you!

Help rebuild and revitalize the Great City. Uncover the power of the Guilds and craft wondrous new weapons and armor to better challenge all enemies who stand before you!

"Towers of Everland" is available on the App Store and Mac App Store with an ‌Apple Arcade‌ subscription. The service provides iPhone, ‌iPad‌, ‌Apple TV‌, and Mac users with access to over 100 games with no in-app purchases or ads for $4.99 per month.