At the Samsung Developer Conference this week, Samsung showed off a new conceptual design for a foldable smartphone, which could be technology that the company works on after the Galaxy Fold.
Rather than folding from tablet sized to smartphone sized like the Galaxy Fold, the design Samsung showed off today features a smartphone-sized device that folds in half much like a flip phone, collapsing down into a smaller size.
The device is also pictured folded in half in a way that would allow one half of it to serve as a stand for the other half, with a cooking video used as an example of a use case.
Samsung says that it plans to continue to explore a "range of new form factors" in the foldable category following the launch of the Galaxy Fold.
The Galaxy Fold finally debuted in September, months after its early 2019 unveiling. Samsung initially planned to launch the device earlier, but had to shelve it due to major issues that impacted the durability and performance of the device.
Samsung has since fixed those early problems, though the Galaxy Fold still seems to be a niche, high-cost device that's prone to damage and rather delicate, as we discovered in our hands-on.
There are rumors that Apple is exploring foldable display technology for the iPhone, but so far, we've seen no concrete evidence that Apple is seriously pursuing a foldable design at this point in time.
Apple in April 2021 introduced the AirTag after years of rumors and speculation. The small circular tag is designed to be attached to items like keys and wallets to allow these accessories to be tracked using Bluetooth right alongside Apple devices in the Find My app.
AirTags Price
A single AirTag is priced at $29, and a package of four AirTags can be purchased for $99.
Third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy are also offering AirTags for sale, and there can sometimes be good deals available.
AirTags Design
The AirTag is a small, button-shaped tracking device with a glossy white front that can be customized with an engraving and a silver backing. AirTags are designed around the CR2032 batteries that are inside, and need additional accessories to attach to an item.
AirTag measures in at 1.26 inches in diameter, and it has a height of 0.31 inches, or 8mm. It weighs 0.39 ounces (11 grams).
AirTags Engraving
Each AirTag can be engraved with up to four letters or emoji characters, though there are some restrictions on multiple emoji due to size limitations. There are also limitations on some emoji strings and phrases due to Apple's content filtering.
You can't, for example, pair a horse emoji with the pile of poo emoji, nor can you use curse words.
AirTags Features
AirTags are added and managed in the Find My app under the "Items" tab. Like other Apple devices, each AirTag is displayed on a map in the Find My app so you can see its location. AirTags connect to your iOS and macOS devices over Bluetooth.
Apple added a U1 chip in each AirTag so you can see its precise location indoors or out if it's nearby, or its last known location if it is not. There are built-in speakers to play a sound to find a lost AirTag in the house, and you can either play a sound through the Find My app or ask Siri to find an AirTag with a sound.
If an AirTag is lost or stolen, the Find My network can help you find it. The Find My Network takes advantage of hundreds of millions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices to help you locate an AirTag, with the AirTag showing up on a map when it is located by someone else's device.
In Lost Mode, an AirTag will automatically send out a notification when it's detected by someone in the Find My network, and you can add your contact info so someone who finds your item can get in touch with you.
Apple is able to regularly update the AirTags firmware and has done so several times since the AirTags launched.
Precision Finding
iPhones with a U1 chip can take advantage of Precision Finding, a feature that lets you see specific instructions on how to get to your lost AirTag. Precision finding combines AR, sound, and haptic feedback to help you out. U1 chips are included in the iPhone 11 and later.
Returning a Lost AirTag
If you come across a lost AirTag, or if someone comes across your lost AirTag, it can be scanned with any smartphone that's equipped with NFC to bring up contact information.
This works on iPhones and Android devices, so if you find an item, give it a scan to locate the owner. If in Lost Mode, the AirTag will also relay its location back to the owner through the Find My network.
Separation Alerts
Apple in iOS 15 added Separation Alerts to the Find My app, which are designed to let you know if you leave an Apple device, a device attached to an AirTag, or a Find My-enabled third-party device behind.
You can set up Separation Alerts in the Find My app, so if you want to make sure your iPhone is always with you or that you don't leave the house without the keys, this is the feature to use.
AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 battery that is designed to last about a year before it needs to be replaced. The batteries are user replaceable, and to swap out a battery, you can press and twist on the back panel of the AirTag to pop it off. If your AirTag is low on battery life, you'll get a notification that the battery needs to be replaced.
AirTags Charging
There is no need or way to charge an AirTag because Apple designed them with user replaceable CR2032 batteries.
AirTags Range
Apple has not provided details the range of the AirTag, but the maximum Bluetooth range is around 100 meters, so an AirTag should be trackable at least to that distance. More experimentation will be necessary to find more specific range information.
AirTags Water Resistance
The AirTag features an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, which means it can withstand immersion in water up to one meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes in laboratory conditions. That means the AirTag will hold up well to liquid exposure from rain or accidental spills.
AirTags Setup
As with AirPods, setting up an AirTag can be done with a one-tap gesture after it's unboxed. Each AirTag can be customized with a name and an item description.
AirTag Ownership Limits
Each Apple ID can be associated with up to 16 AirTags, so you can keep track of 16 items at one time.
AirTags Privacy and Security
Each AirTag you own is linked to your Apple ID and no one else can track it. Location data and location history are not stored on the AirTag, and devices that relay the location of a lost AirTag stay anonymous and location data is encrypted every step of the way.
You may see where your lost AirTag is on a map if it's picked up by someone else's device, but you won't know the identity of the person that helps find it. Apple also does not see where AirTags are located because of the end-to-end encryption.
AirTags have unique Bluetooth identifiers that rotate frequently, a feature that ensures you're never tracked from place to place.
AirTags Stalking
Apple has built in security restrictions that are designed to prevent an AirTag for being used for unwanted and secretive tracking purposes.
If an AirTag that someone else owns is in your belongings and has been traveling with for you awhile, your iPhone will send you an alert about an AirTag being detected near you, which will prevent someone from tracking you with a planted AirTag. You will get an alert on an AirTag that's with you when you return to your home address or to a location that's frequently visited.
When this happens, you'll see a notification that says "AirTag Detected," which you can tap to disable the AirTag. If the AirTag is attached to an item you're borrowing, you can choose to turn off "AirTag Detected" notifications for one day. If it's an item from a family member, you can turn off Safety Alerts for those who are in your Family Sharing group.
AirTag Detected alerts are only triggered when an AirTag is separated from its owner, so you don't need to worry about friends or family members with nearby AirTags. An AirTag away from its owner for eight to 24 hours will play a sound to alert you to its presence, letting you know if someone has illicitly stuck an AirTag in your belongings.
There have been multiple news stories about AirTags being used for vehicle theft, stalking, and other nefarious purposes, which has led Apple to make several updates to how AirTags work to prevent criminals from taking advantage of them.
When setting up an AirTag, Apple will show warnings to thwart malicious use. The warning makes it clear that the AirTag is linked to an Apple ID, that using it to track people is a crime, and that law enforcement can request identifying information about the owner of the AirTag, which Apple will readily provide.
Since the AirTag's launch, Apple has added safety features that include Precision Finding and improved display alerts, and louder sounds that are designed to make AirTags more difficult to use for people-tracking purposes. Apple adjusted the tone sequence to use more of the loudest tones to make AirTags louder and easier to find.
Precision Finding - iPhone owners who have an device with a U1 chip and who receive an unwanted tracking alert can locate an unknown AirTag with precision, similar to the Precision Finding feature that's available to AirTag owners. The feature will provide the distance and direction to an unknown AirTag when it is in range, making it easier to locate.
Display alert with sound - When an AirTag separated from its owner plays a sound to alert those nearby, it also displays an alert on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch so that it can be tracked down by sound or Precision Finding if the feature is available. Apple says that this feature will help if the AirTag sound is hard to hear or if the speaker has been tampered with.
Updated unwanted tracking alerts - Apple updated its alert system to notify users earlier that an unknown AirTag or Find My network accessory may be traveling with them.
Sharing AirTags
It is possible for family members to share an AirTag as long as everyone in the family has iOS 17 or later installed. Apple added AirTag family sharing with the iOS 17 update, and you can "Share" any of your AirTags with family members using the Find My app.
Tracker Detect for Android
In December 2021, Apple released "Tracker Detect" in the Google Play Store, with the app designed to allow Android users to scan for AirTags and other Find My-enabled items.
With this app, Android users can make sure that no AirTags or Find My-enabled accessories are being used to track them. The app will locate any nearby AirTags, and Android users will be able to cause the AirTag or Find My-enabled accessory to play a sound so it can be located. The app also provides instructions on how to disable an AirTag by removing the battery.
Apple and Google worked together for an item tracking standard that allows unknown Bluetooth item trackers traveling with a person to send an alert regardless of the person's operating system. This means tracking alerts from unknown AirTags show up on iPhones and Android devices.
Traveling With AirTags
If you're planning to use an AirTag while traveling, there are certain limitations that you should be aware of. Precision Finding, for example, won't work in certain countries like Russia, Indonesia, and Argentina, with a list available in our AirTags travel guide.
Tracking Pets and Children
Apple designed AirTags to track items, and Apple does not recommend that they be used to track pets or children. For keeping tabs on children, Apple recommends an Apple Watch that uses Family Setup.
AirTag NFC Shortcuts
The built-in NFC chip in the AirTag can be used by Apple Shortcuts to trigger automations. Users can create a shortcut that triggers by tapping the top of an NFC-enabled iPhone on the white plastic side of the AirTag.
AirTags How Tos
Everything you need to know about using an AirTag is available in our list of how tos below.
Wondering how AirTags compare to popular item trackers for Tile? We have a detailed comparison guide that walks through the features of each product.
AirTag
Apple is working on a second-generation version of the AirTag, which is expected to launch in 2025, though it's not quite clear when we might see them. Apple is planning to hold an event on September 9, so it's possible they'll be introduced at that time. We have a guide that aggregates all of the rumors we've heard so far.
Guide Feedback
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Update: Sony has informed MacRumors that the Apple TV app is not rolling out to Apple TVs at this time and that the supposed image picturing the TV app on a Sony TV is not of a Sony television set. Our original article is below.
Apple has been expanding its Apple TV app to other platforms like the Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and the Roku, and as of today, the Apple TV app is also rolling out to recent Sony TV sets.
As noted by 9to5Mac, owners of some 2019 Sony TV sets can install a firmware upgrade that introduces the Apple TV app.
Image via 9to5Mac
It's not clear which Sony TVs are getting the Apple TV app, but it's likely the same TVs that support AirPlay 2, which includes the Sony Z9G series, the Sony A9G series, the Sony X950G Series, and the Sony X850G series.
The firmware update is being gradually released to Sony TV users, and is probably going to roll out to most prior to the November 1 launch of the Apple TV+ streaming service. The Apple TV app appears to be rolling out worldwide, as a user in Brazil received the update.
On smart TVs, Apple's TV app provides access to TV shows and movies bought through iTunes, Apple TV Channels, and, later this week, Apple TV+.
With the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, Apple introduced updated dual and triple-lens camera systems, respectively, and added quite a few new camera features that are worth knowing about.
In our latest YouTube video, we've highlighted all of the most useful camera features and functions included in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro for those who are coming from an older iPhone and want to know what's new.
When you take a photo with the telephoto or wide-angle camera on the iPhone 11 Pro or the wide-angle lens on the iPhone 11, there's a feature that automatically captures what's outside the frame using one of the other lenses, just in case you accidentally cut something out.
You can turn this on in the Camera section of the Settings app and take advantage of it when editing pictures in the Photos app. Any photo with a square icon and a star has more outside the frame that can be used when changing the crop of the photo. It's a bit of a niche feature, but it can come in handy for group shots, landscape images, architecture photos, and other situations where you might want to change the crop of the image after taking a picture.
Photos Outside the Frame doesn't work on all images all the time and you're not going to want to leave it on all the time because it disables another feature -- Deep Fusion.
Deep Fusion
When you upgrade to iOS 13.2, you'll get a new camera feature called Deep Fusion, which is something that works in the background and doesn't need to be turned on. Deep Fusion uses machine learning and the A13 chip in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro for pixel-by-pixel processing of photos, optimizing for texture, details, and noise reduction in each part of an image.
You're going to notice it most in photos of people and pets where fabric, hair, and other such textures are prominent. Deep Fusion is designed to work primarily on indoor photos and in situations where the lighting is kind of at a medium level - not too bright and not so dark that Night Mode is engaged. Deep Fusion is automatic and can't be turned on or off, but it does get disabled when you have Photos Outside the Frame turned on.
Night Mode
Night Mode is one of the key features in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro so you've heard of it and probably tried it out if you have one of the new iPhones, but there are a few little tips worth knowing.
Night Mode comes on automatically in situations with low lighting, and you know that it's activated when you see a yellow icon at the top of the iPhone's camera with a little moon icon and a number.
With Night Mode shots, Apple requires you to hold the camera steady for a few seconds while it takes multiple images of a scene to get the best possible lighting, so that number on the icon is the number of seconds that the shot will last.
Apple automatically selects the best exposure period based on the lighting conditions, but if you tap that moon icon, you can adjust the slider to the left to turn off Night Mode if desired or to the right to choose a longer exposure, which can slightly change the look of the photo.
In general, Apple's default settings are good and most people aren't going to need to adjust their Night Mode exposure times. Knowing how to turn Night Mode off is useful, though, as there are times that you might want to get a quick night time shot.
To get the best Night Mode shots, make sure to hold your iPhone as steady as possible for the recommended number of seconds, and choose a scene with a subject that isn't moving much.
Live Photos
In iOS 13 Apple will automatically group Live Photos in succession together, letting you watch them video style. If you have several Live Photos that you took at one time, you can press on the first of the bunch and it will show you the playback from all of the Live Photos that you took rather than just the few seconds from a single Live Photo.
You can also select all of the Live Photos that you took, tap on the Share icon (square with an arrow through it) and then choose to save that as a video.
This probably isn't a feature that you'll use too often, but it's nice to know that it's available if you've done something like take a bunch of photos of a pet or child and want to turn it into a little video instead.
These Live Photos changes are available on the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro, but can also be used on older iPhones running iOS 13.
Quick Take
The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro have a neat Quick Take feature that makes it easy to take a video without having to swap over into video mode. If you're shooting photos and decide to make a video instead, just hold down on the shutter button and it will start recording.
If you want to keep recording for more than a few seconds, keep holding and swipe over to the right side of the screen to continue the video in the video mode.
QuickTake videos are recorded at 1920 x 1440 resolution at 30 frames per second in the 4:3 aspect ratio. Videos are 1440 x 1440 resolution when using the square aspect ratio, and 1920 x 1080 in 16:9 aspect ratio.
Burst Mode
Holding down the shutter button is actually how Burst Mode works in older iPhones, so if you're missing Burst Mode, don't worry, there's still a method to use it.
Hold down the shutter button for Quick Take mode and then just swipe over to the left instead of the right to activate Burst Mode. Burst Mode takes multiple photos in quick succession and then lets you choose the best of the bunch.
Portrait Mode
When using Portrait Mode on the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, you're no longer limited to just one lens. On the iPhone XS and XS Max, only the telephoto lens worked with Portrait Mode, but with the new iPhones, Portrait Mode works with both the telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
To swap lenses, swipe over into Portrait Mode, and then tap on the little "2x" or "1x" icons on the left side of the screen to zoom in or out. Using 1x mode will let you fit more into the photo and it's perfect for scenes with multiple people or objects, while 2x mode is great for zooming in on a single person, pet, or other item.
The iPhone 11 doesn't have a telephoto lens, so it is limited to the wide-angle lens and no zooming in is possible.
Wider Selfies
The front-facing camera has also been updated with an option that lets you get more in the frame, which is perfect for group selfie shots.
With the front-facing camera activated, tap on the little arrow towards the bottom of the screen to zoom in or zoom out. Zooming in and out only works in standard Photo mode, and you can't use it with front-facing Portraits.
For more on what's new in the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro, make sure to check out our dedicated roundups (linked above) that go over all of the features in the new devices.
Guide Feedback
Have questions about iPhone 11 and 11 Pro camera features or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here.
Apple in August filed a lawsuit against Corellium, a mobile device virtualization company that supports iOS, with Apple accusing Corellium of copyright infringement for replicating the operating system that runs on the iPhone and iPad.
As noted by Motherboard, Corellium today filed its response to Apple's lawsuit, accusing the Cupertino company of owing $300,000 and claiming that its software helps Apple by making it easier for security researchers to track down iOS bugs.
A virtual iPhone on Corellium's website used as evidence in Apple's lawsuit against the company
According to Apple, Corellium's product infringes on its copyrights by creating digital replicas of iOS, iTunes, and other apps and software. "Corellium has simply copied everything: the code, the graphical user interface, the icons - all of it, in exacting detail," reads Apple's lawsuit.
Corellium designed its software to create virtual iOS devices able to run iOS, and has encouraged researchers and hackers to use it to find and test vulnerabilities.
According to Corellium, Apple's code in its product is "fair use" and the software makes the world better by allowing security researchers to look into iOS, find flaws, and inform Apple so the bugs can be fixed.
Corellium argues it's easier for researchers to find and test bugs in iOS using virtual instances of iOS rather than physical devices. With this lawsuit, says Corellium, Apple is aiming to control who is allowed to find vulnerabilities in its software. This is a position that is also supported within the security community, according to Motherboard, and many security researchers were surprised by Apple's initial lawsuit.
Through its invitation-only research device program and this lawsuit, Apple is trying to control who is permitted to identify vulnerabilities, if and how Apple will address identified vulnerabilities, and if Apple will disclose identified vulnerabilities to the public at all.
One of Corellium's key arguments is that its customers are seeking bugs with the intention of alerting Apple of their existence, which Motherboard points out is just an assumption and, based on evidence, not true. One customer highlighted in Corellium's legal response, for example, is Azimuth, a company that does not report bugs to Apple.
Instead, Azimuth sells hacking tools based on those bugs to law enforcement and intelligence agencies in countries like the United States and Canada.
Corellium also argues that Apple has known about the company for years and has been friendly to Chris Wade, one of Corellium's founders. Corellium says that Wade was invited to join Apple's bug bounty program. Wade has since reported seven bugs to Apple without receiving payment, which is why Corellium argues that Apple owes $300,000.
Apple declined to provide Motherboard with a comment on Corellium's legal response. Apple is continuing to seek a permanent injunction to prevent Corellium from offering a product that replicates iOS. Apple also wants Corellium to destroy all infringing materials that it's collected, and pay Apple damages, lost profits, and attorney fees.
As live TV streaming services continue to increase prices and make viewers look toward lower-cost services, or return to cable altogether, Sony today announced that it's bowing out of the race completely. PlayStation Vue's servers will shut down for good on January 30, 2020, nearly 5 years after soft launching in March of 2015.
According to Sony's Deputy President of Sony Interactive Entertainment, John Kodera, the company has decided to "remain focused" on its core gaming business and step away from OTT streaming services. "Unfortunately, the highly competitive Pay TV industry, with expensive content and network deals, has been slower to change than we expected," said Kodera.
We are very proud of what PlayStation Vue was able to accomplish. We had ambitious goals for how our service could change how people watch TV, showcasing PlayStation’s ability to innovate in a brand-new category within the Pay TV industry. We want to thank all of our customers, some of whom have been with us since PlayStation Vue’s launch in 2015.
PS4 owners will still be able to rent and purchase films and TV on the PlayStation Store, and the console will still support media apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The only thing going away is PlayStation Vue, which includes all of its connected apps, including those on iOS and tvOS.
In other live TV streaming news, AT&T this month announced that it would be increasing the price of its AT&T TV NOW grandfathered plans by $10 per month. Additionally, AT&T will increase the price of the new PLUS and MAX plan tiers by $15 per month, all starting on November 19, 2019 (via Cord Cutters News).
For the new tiers, this means that AT&T TV NOW will start at $65 per month for PLUS and increase to $85 per month for MAX. This is the second major price hike for the service in 2019, after another $10 per month increase back in March, when it was still called DirecTV Now.
Apple today released macOS Catalina 10.15.1, the first update to the macOS Catalina operating system that was released in October.
macOS Catalina can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for free using the Update feature in the System Preferences app, and it is available to anyone who has a compatible Mac.
macOS Catalina 10.15.1 is a fairly significant update, introducing new emoji characters that were added in iOS 13.2 earlier this week, adding support for the AirPods Pro that are launching tomorrow, and bringing Siri privacy controls to the Mac to allow users to opt out of sharing their Siri recordings with Apple.
HomeKit Secure Video support is included, as is support for adding AirPlay 2-enabled speakers in scenes and automations in the Home app. There are also quite a few bug fixes for Photos, Messages, Contacts, and more. Apple's release notes for the update are below:
The macOS Catalina 10.15.1 update includes updated and additional emoji, support for AirPods Pro, HomeKit Secure Video, HomeKit enabled routers, and new Siri privacy settings, as well as bug fixes and improvements.
Emoji - Over 70 new or updated emoji, including animals, food, activities, new accessibility emoji, gender neutral emoji, and skin tones selection for couple emoji
AirPods - Introduces support for AirPods Pro
Home app - HomeKit Secure Video enables you to privately capture, store, and view encrypted video from your security cameras and features people, animal, and vehicle detection - HomeKit enabled routers let you control how your HomeKit accessories communicate over the internet or in your home - Adds support for AirPlay 2-enabled speakers in scenes and automations
Siri - Privacy settings to control whether or not to help improve Siri and Dictation by allowing Apple to store audio of your Siri and Dictation interactions - Option to delete your Siri and Dictation history from Siri Settings
This update also includes the following bug fixes and improvements: - Restores the ability to view file names in the All Photos view in Photos - Restores the ability to filter by favorites, photos, videos, edited, and keywords in Days view in Photos - Fixes an issue where Messages would only send a single notification when the option to repeat alerts was enabled - Resolves an issue that caused Contacts to launch to the previously opened contact instead of the contact list - Adds a two-finger swipe gesture for back navigation in Apple News - Resolves issues that may occur in the Music app when displaying playlists inside folders and newly added songs in the Songs list - Improves reliability of migrating iTunes library databases into the Music, Podcasts, and TV apps - Fixes an issue where downloaded titles were not visible in the Downloads folder in the TV app
macOS Catalina is a major update that eliminates iTunes in favor of new Music, Podcasts, and TV apps, nixes support for 32-bit apps, adds a new Find My app, brings a new Photos interface, and includes multiple privacy enhancements and other app refinements.
Apple today released watchOS 6.1, the first major update to the watchOS 6 operating system that's designed to run on modern Apple Watch models. watchOS 6.1 comes more than a month after the launch of watchOS 6.
watchOS 6.1 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.
No major changes were found during the watchOS 6.1 beta testing period, but according to Apple's release notes the update introduces support for the AirPods Pro and brings watchOS 6 to older models that didn't get it yet.
watchOS 6.1 introduces support for AirPods Pro and includes improvements and bug fixes. This update also brings watchOS 6 to Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2.
watchOS 6.1 works with the Series 1 and Series 2 Apple Watch models and is the first version of watchOS 6 to run on those devices.
When watchOS 6 launched, it was limited to the Series 3 Apple Watch and later, with Apple promising watchOS 6 for older Apple Watch models at a later date.
Apple has also released watchOS 5.3.3 with security improvements for Apple Watch models not updated to watchOS 6. watchOS 6 requires a newer iPhone that can run iOS 13, so Apple Watch owners who do not have a compatible iPhone must continue to use watchOS 5.
This article explains how to delete your Siri audio interaction history and opt out of sharing audio recordings with Apple on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Earlier this year, it was discovered that Apple hired contractors to listen to a small percentage of anonymized Siri recordings to evaluate the virtual assistant's responses with the purpose of improving accuracy and reliability.
The Guardianrevealed that Apple employees working on Siri often heard confidential details while listening to the audio recordings. Apple was subsequently criticized for not making it clear to customers that some of their Siri recordings were being used to improve the service.
Soon after the report, Apple suspended its Siri grading practices and promised users that it would introduce tools in a forthcoming update that would allow them to opt out of sharing their audio recordings.
With the release of iOS 13.2 in October, those new tools arrived. Apple now includes an option on iPhone and iPad that allows users to delete their Siri and Dictation history and opt out of sharing audio recordings. The following steps show you how to do both.
How to Opt Out of Siri Audio Sharing
Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Scroll down and tap Privacy.
Scroll to the bottom of the Privacy screen and tap Analytics & Improvements.
If you don't want to let Apple review your recordings, toggle off the switch next to Improve Siri Dictation.
Note that you can tap the link under the toggle for more information relating to Apple's Siri analytics policy.
How to Delete Your Siri Audio History
Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Scroll down and tap Siri & Search.
Tap Siri & Dictation History.
Tap Delete Siri & Dictation History.
Apple will inform you that your request was received and that your Siri and dictation history will be deleted. That's all there is to it.
In addition to these new Siri and Dictation-related privacy features, Apple also says it is making further changes to its human grading process that will minimize the amount of data that reviewers have access to.
If you lose or damage the AirPods Pro, the left and right AirPod will cost $89 each to replace in the United States, totaling $178 for a pair. The wireless charging case is also $89 to replace if lost or damaged.
The fees are lower if a customer has purchased AppleCare+ for Headphones. The plan costs $29 upfront, plus charges a $29 fee to replace a pair of damaged AirPods Pro or their case. This coverage applies for up to two years from the date AppleCare+ is purchased and is limited to two incidents.
AppleCare+ for Headphones does not cover lost or stolen AirPods Pro.
The reviewers were all impressed with sound quality and active noise cancellation, with Brownlee saying noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro is roughly on par with the new Beats Solo Pro. As for fit, Ahmedmia found the AirPods Pro with in-ear tips to be more comfortable than the regular AirPods.
Brownlee's video provides a first look at the new Ear Tip Fit Test, a feature that checks the fit of the AirPods Pro in your ear to determine which size ear tips provides the best seal and acoustic performance. Ear Tip Fit Test can be accessed by tapping the info icon next to your AirPods Pro in Settings > Bluetooth.
Apple says advanced algorithms work together with the inward-facing microphones in each AirPod to measure the sound level in the ear and compare it to what is coming from the speaker driver. In just seconds, the algorithm detects whether the ear tip is the right size and has a good fit, or should be adjusted.
AirPods Pro come with a Lightning to USB-C cable in the box, compared to USB-A for the regular AirPods. Also included in the box is a wireless charging case, silicone ear tips in three sizes, and documentation.
AirPods Pro feature several improvements over the regular AirPods, including active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and water and sweat resistance. The higher-end earphones are now available to order for $249, compared to $159 for the regular AirPods, with deliveries beginning Wednesday.
Apple unveiledAirPods Pro on Monday via press release, and speculation is now rife that Apple plans to trickle out further product announcements this week, with Apple's widely anticipated 16-inch MacBook Pro rumored to be next.
Apple's plans to release a 16-inch MacBook Pro were first revealed by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo back in February. Kuo said Apple was working on a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an all-new design, including the return of a more reliable scissor mechanism keyboard, for release by the end of 2019. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also reported that the notebook is coming in 2019.
On Monday, Gurman noted that Apple's new AirPods require macOS 10.15.1 to work on Macs, but Apple hasn't released this to the public, despite launching iOS 13.2 with AirPods Pro support. Gurman speculates that Apple could be holding back the next macOS update until later today because it may contain references to the 16-inch MacBook Pro that Apple doesn't want to draw attention to just yet.
The AirPods ship Wednesday and require macOS 10.15.1, which was not released today despite iOS 13.2 launching. So it probably has some 16-inch MacBook Pro references that Apple wants to hide. So the Pro should be tomorrow? Keyboard is a “delight,” though we’ve heard that before.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 29, 2019
Technically, that horse bolted earlier this month, when icons likely depicting a 16-inch MacBook Pro were found in the first two betas of macOS Catalina 10.15.1 released to developers. Still, it's possible Apple doesn't want to let the cat out the bag completely by shipping the update to the general public.
Stoking expectations further last week was hit-or-miss industry publication DigiTimes, which cited supply chain sources claiming the 16-inch MacBook Pro will be available by the end of October.
DigiTimes' sources said Quanta Computer had already begun volume shipments of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which would have an "ultra-thin bezel design," the aforementioned scissor keyboard, and Intel's latest Coffee Lake Refresh or Ice Lake processors (although Intel has yet to announce Ice Lake chips appropriate for a high-end MacBook Pro).
MacRumors confirmed files likely referencing a new MacBook Pro in the second beta of macOS 10.15.1 b2
The slimmer bezels would result in the 16-inch MacBook Pro being around the same size as the existing 15-inch model, despite having a larger display. IHS Markit analyst Jeff Lin believes the notebook's resolution will be 3,072x1,920 pixels.
Apple is expected to position the 16-inch MacBook Pro at the high end of its notebook lineup, with existing 15-inch and 13-inch MacBook Pro models remaining available and following suit with scissor keyboards in 2020, according to Kuo.
In his latest tweet, Gurman says he has heard that the new scissor keyboard on the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro is a "delight," although he also notes that "we've heard that before" in relation to Apple's much-derided butterfly mechanism keyboard. Hopefully it won't be long before the public can gauge any improvements themselves.
In March of this year, Apple quietly trickled out new AirPods, iPads, and Macs over the course of three consecutive days. Does the company have more staggered releases in store the same week it announces its September-quarter financial results? Could we see the new Mac Pro, so-called "AirTags," or something more in the lead-up to the official launch of Apple TV+ this Friday? Watch this space.
Apple has reportedly boosted component orders for the iPhone 11 after better-than-expected demand but reduced those for the iPhone 11 Pro Max after flat sales of the larger device, according to sources from Taiwan's supply chain (via DigiTimes).
Apple has increased iPhone 11 components orders by 15%, and cut those for iPhone 11 Pro Max by about 5%, the sources said.
Today's report corroborates a similar report earlier this month that said iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro are seeing the strongest demand, with Apple revising orders for the iPhone 11 Pro Max down slightly to balance production with demand.
DigiTimes' sources speculate that brisk iPhone 11 sales could influence Apple's 2020 iPhone plans, suggesting the company could choose to keep an LCD-based smartphone in next year's flagship lineup instead of adopting OLED wholesale.
According to reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple intends to complete its transition to an all-OLED iPhone lineup in 2020 with new 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch devices.
Kuo also believes Apple will sell around 10 percent more iPhones in the first quarter of 2020, thanks to strong replacement demand for its iPhone 11 series devices and the launch of the "iPhone SE 2" in March.
In addition, sources in today's report indicate that King Yuan Electronics (KYEC) continues to see strong demand for Intel baseband chips that Apple uses for the iPhone 11, iPhone 8 and iPhone XR.
At the beginning of October, Apple reportedly asked suppliers to increase production of its new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro lineup by up to 10 percent, adding up to 8 million units to its earlier production plans as it sought to meet better-than-expected demand.
Apple today released new 13.2 software for the HomePod with long-awaited features like Handoff and voice detection for different family members, but unfortunately, some users are running into problems with the update.
According to multiple people on the MacRumors forums and Reddit, the 13.2 update "bricked" their HomePods, rendering them unusable. Users who are seeing problems are experiencing a "white swirl" on both of their HomePods, or an endless reset loop. From the MacRumors forums:
I have two HomePods with the same issue you describe after the update 13.2. HomePods both stopped responding after the update. I reset both HomePods hoping to fix the problem, but now I have a white swirl on top of both, and the install pop-up does not work on either HomePods, and I can no longer reset both HomePods because the long press on top no longer functions. Just an endless white swirl. I will wait a while to see if others have similar issues before contacting Apple support.
Some people had issues immediately after installing the new software, while others have had problems after resetting their devices following the update. Some users have also reported that the problem happened installing the 13.2 software before updating to iOS 13.2. From Reddit:
Updated HomePod remotely through HomePod before updating phone, once back at home updated phone to 13.2. Now the phone update was complete I never saw the new features splash screen so started looking through menus to see if new features were showing, although maybe nothing had change in menu anyway on 13.2, either way I removed the HomePod from the home app to begin a hard reset. On powering back up to begin red ring reset, HomePod appeared to be constantly reboot every 8-10secs not allowing enough time for the red ring to reset.
We thought that the perceived HomePod issues may have been linked to an Apple Music outage lasting for a few hours today right after the 13.2 software came out, but that may not be the case.
Some people with affected HomePods have already contacted Apple Support and have been able to arrange replacement devices. From Reddit:
My update worked but the voice recognition wasn’t working so I removed it from Apple home. Then I tried to factory reset it and boom. Hit a brick wall. Quite literally. Home pod is now bricked. Been into support earlier this evening and they are sending me a box to send it in for repair.
Given the multitude of reports about malfunctioning HomePods, those that have not updated to the new software should avoid doing so. If you have updated, you should avoid resetting your HomePod at the current time or removing it from the Home app.
Update: It appears that Apple has pulled the 13.2 update, and in a support document, is recommending that those who have already upgraded to 13.2 avoid resetting their HomePod or removing it from the Home app. Those who have reset their HomePods will need to contact Apple support for help.
Earlier today, the public release of iOS 13.2 revealed information suggesting Apple may be planning to call its rumored Tile-like item tracking accessory "AirTags."
Looking into the status of any trademark activity surrounding the term, we've come across some curious recent developments that could be signs of Apple acquiring the trademark rights, although we've yet to find a smoking gun concretely linking Apple to the activity.
Citing an international application made in June 2016, a Russian entity known as "Intelligent Systems of Business Control" Ltd in October 2018 filed a trademark application on the AirTag name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The description of the goods and services to be covered by the trademark bear a remarkable similarity to Apple's rumored AirTags:
Systems of radio frequency identification comprised of RFID tags, RFID tag readers, and downloadable software for operating RFID readers; radio frequency identification (RFID) labels; RFID tags in form of cards, tags or key rings; RFID markers in the form of RFID signal receivers; RFID tag bracelets; RFID tag disks; RFID tag stickers; RFID tag stamps; RFID printed circuits; RFID tag boles; RFID ear tags; RFID tags in plastic or glass flasks; RFID tags in the form of keys; flexible cases especially adapted for RFID tags with a graphic image; RFID readers; blank smart cards with integrated circuit cards; computer software, recorded, for maintaining a record of issuance and control of RFID tags; all of the above designed to allow users to automatically identify them to obtain keyless access control for interlocking doors, access to various services, such as public transportation, banking, social events and various loyalty programs and not designed to work with data loggers
After an initial denial and some back-and-forth between the applicant's attorney and trademark examiners, the application was approved in August 2019 to be published for opposition, which gives third parties 30 days to object to the proposed trademark.
On August 28, the same day the USPTO officially served notice that the trademark application would be published for opposition on September 17, the attorney on the application was changed to the Moscow office of Baker & McKenzie, a major law firm that Apple has worked with on a number of occasions in several countries.
A month later, on October 1, ownership of the trademark application was officially transferred to GPS Avion LLC, a company that was only just created in July 2019 and appears to have no public presence. GPS Avion was created in Delaware through the Corporation Trust Company, which is a process Apple has used quite a few times to create shell companies in order to hide its identity when dealing with intellectual property issues.
So while there's no evidence directly linking Apple to this AirTag trademark application, the timing of the ownership change and the acquisition by a company seeking to remain anonymous certainly raise suspicions. The use of Baker & McKenzie as the new attorney is also consistent with Apple's past behavior, and at a minimum hints that a major player is behind the acquisition given the firm's prominence.
While we've seen increasing signs of Apple's work on AirTags in recent months, we still don't know when they will debut. An October event would have been a good opportunity to introduce, perhaps as an iOS 13.2 feature, but with that software having been released today and Apple apparently not planning a media event until early next year, it doesn't necessarily look like an AirTags launch is imminent.
Apple is planning to host an Apple TV+ premiere event for "The Morning Show" in New York City, according to a stage and banners that have been erected at the Lincoln Center plaza in Manhattan.
Based on multiple images shared on social media, Apple has a stage and multicolored signs that alternately highlight Apple TV+ and "The Morning Show," an upcoming series starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carrell. The show is set to premiere tonight, with additional premiere events happening later in the week.
Apple TV+ reviews came out this morning and critics were not particularly kind to "The Morning Show" despite its all star cast. The Hollywood Reporter, for example, called the pilot "brutally dull," while Variety said Witherspoon and Aniston couldn't "salvage this politically muddled, underthought, and underwhelming streaming misfire."
Apple appears to be planning to hold a red carpet launch event at the Lincoln Center plaza tonight along with additional showings at the Paley Center tomorrow evening, which will also include a Q&A session with Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston.
A recent Instagram story from "The Morning Show" suggests Apple TV+ is going to debut at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time or 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, though earlier reports suggested the service would be launching at midnight Pacific Time on November 1.
Apple TV+ will also launch with "See," "Dickinson," "For All Mankind," "Ghostwriters," "Snoopy in Space," and more.
Update: Apple has shared details about the official New York premiere of "The Morning Show" in a Newsroom article.
The outage has been ongoing since 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time, and Apple says that some users may be experiencing issues with "certain features of the music service."
According to multiple reports on Twitter, there are a good number of users who appear to be unable to access the entirety of the Apple Music service at this time.
There's no word on when full Apple Music functionality will be restored, but we'll update this post when the outage ends.
Update: According to Apple, the Apple Music outage has ended.
LIFX earlier this year teased the Candle Color, a candelabra bulb that uses Polychrome Technology, which is a fancy way of saying it can display more than one color at once. Now the Candle Color is available for purchase.
LIFX has used Polychrome Technology in the Tile, Beam, and Z Strip light strip, but this is the first time the color blending feature has been available in a light bulb.
The Candle Color is a candelabra bulb that fits in E12 sockets, which are on the rarer side as far as home lights go. These are often in smaller table lamps or chandelier-style hanging lamps, but aren't as common as standard A26 bulbs.
LIFX uses multi-colored LEDs inside of the Candle Color to create different lighting zones, which is what allows for the multiple colors and the different lighting effects that are available like mimicking a real candle. There are 26 customizable color zones inside the tiny bulb, which can be set to one of 16 million colors.
Design wise, the Candle Color looks like a standard candelabra bulb, so there's not much to look at before it's added to a compatible lamp. After it's powered on, setup is as simple as scanning a HomeKit code in the included manual. The Candle Color requires a 2.4GHz connection, which is something to be aware of before attempting to set it up.
This is a WiFi connected bulb, so it can be controlled over WiFi and no hub is required for it to function. Using the capabilities in the LIFX app, the Candle Color can be set to multiple different colors at one time, with an option to "paint" the bulb as you see fit.
I put the Candle Color into a small candelabra lamp with a soft white lampshade that I bought on Amazon to test how it works in a lamp. In general, it's difficult to see more than one color in any kind of lamp that diffuses the light. When painting different colors on each area of the bulb, it was hard to tell that there was more than one color involved just because it's such a small bulb.
Blues and reds, for example, blend together into purple, and the same goes for other color combos - it tends to make a blend of light. It's easier to see a slight difference in person with colors that are opposite, but for the most part, the lighting effects aren't super impressive when the bulb is obscured.
The same is not true for a naked bulb. With the bulb sans shade, it's easy to see the different colored areas, so I think this is the kind of light bulb that's going to work best in a lamp with no shade, such as a chandelier or similar style. I loved the look of the multicolor bulb when it was just the bulb itself -- it's easy to see the different color zones and it's fun to paint on different colors.
Due to a lack of brightness, this is more of an accent lighting option that anything that you're going to want to use to put off significant light, though if you paired up several in a multi-bulb lamp it could put off enough light to be more than just a special effect bulb. You can set these lights to be either colored or various shades of white, so they can be used like more traditional bulbs.
Along with being able to be painted different colors, the LIFX app supports different animated modes like a fire (shifting reds), a spooky theme (the light flickers off and on), morphing colors (shifts through different colors), candle (mimics a flickering candle), and more.
There are options in the app for changing colors, swapping between white and color, setting the aforementioned effects, selecting different colored themes that are available (which are just preset colors), and setting the light to a schedule to turn on and off at specified times.
Most of the control for the LIFX Candle Color will need to be done in the LIFX app because it's the only location that supports the bulb painting options and effects. That said, this is a HomeKit-enabled bulb so you can use Siri or the Home app to turn it on/off, dim it or brighten it, or set it to a solid color.
I had no problems with connectivity with the LIFX Color Candle, and the app worked well for control purposes. It stayed connected to my HomeKit setup, worked with Siri, and offered a painless setup process.
Bottom Line
As someone who has a whole Hue setup, multiple Nanoleaf products, and other smart home lighting installed, I'm a big fan of the Candle Color. I love the way that the naked bulb looks when different colors are painted on, and the effects are a neat bonus that look awesome in any lamp.
This is a bulb that works best in a lamp where it can be shown off, and it's fun to change the colors and the available animation options. That said, it's still usable when a lamp shade is involved, but the different colors won't be quite as visible.
Unfortunately, this is a candelabra bulb so it's not going to go in just any lamp, but I'm hoping LIFX will come out with additional bulbs that offer the same color painting features in the future. That said, you can get an E12 to E26 adapter if you want to use it in a larger lamp, but I also think the color painting feature will ultimately work better in a bigger bulb.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
