An official Twitch app for Apple TV is on the way. The live game-streaming service has offered iOS and Mac apps for some time, but a version for Apple's set-top box has been conspicuous by its absence (making third-party apps like Twitchy all the more popular). That's soon set to change though, with a beta Twitch app for tvOS now available on TestFlight.
The Twitch app for Apple TV offers the same features found on the iOS and Mac apps, so users will be able to watch live streams, clips, and video on demand, as well as get involved in on-screen chat. Twitch also hosts a slew of additional broadcasts, including live Thursday Night NFL Games, so this news isn't necessarily just for videogame fans.
If you want to gain access to the beta, you'll need to install Apple's TestFlight app on an iOS device and an Apple TV logged in using the same Apple ID. On your iOS device, tap the public link, then tap Accept for the Twitch: Live Game Streaming beta. Next, launch TestFlight on Apple TV, install the beta app there, and you should be good to go.
"We don't want to be too prescriptive so explore the app, watch streams, and try out different features," Twitch says on its site. "If you find a bug, the app crashes on you, or you encounter other issues send us your feedback."
There's no word on when Twitch will be ready for official release on the tvOS App Store, but presumably the more users that get involved in the beta, the sooner any bugs will be ironed out and it'll be ready for launch. Twitch is also available on Windows PCs, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, NVIDIA Shield, and Chromecast.
Apple and manufacturing partner Foxconn have admitted to recruiting too many temporary staff in one of the world's biggest iPhone factories, following a report from a non-profit advocacy group alleging harsh working conditions (via Bloomberg).
China Labor Watch (CLW), which investigates conditions in the country's factories, published its report on Sunday accusing the two companies of breaching several Chinese labor laws, including one barring temporary staff from exceeding 10 percent of the total workforce.
CLW said undercover investigators worked in Foxconn's Zhengzhou plant in China and found that temporary staff, known as "dispatch workers," made up about 50 percent of the workforce in August, when the supply chain is usually ramped up ahead of new iPhone releases. Chinese labor law allows a maximum of 10 percent.
Our recent findings on working conditions at Zhengzhou Foxconn highlights several issues which are in violation of Apple’s own code of conduct. Apple has the responsibility and capacity to make fundamental improvements to the working conditions along its supply chain, however, Apple is now transferring costs from the trade war through their suppliers to workers and profiting from the exploitation of Chinese workers.
In a statement, Apple said it investigated the percentage of temporary workers among the overall workforce and found it "exceeded our standards," and said it was working with Foxconn to "immediately resolve the issue."
In addition, Apple said it had found that interns at a supplier facility worked overtime at night, something which violating company policy, but that it had corrected the issue. The company said the interns worked overtime voluntarily and were properly compensated.
Despite the admissions, Apple rebutted allegations of lapses in people management and declined to comment on whether the excess amounted to a breach of Chinese labor law.
"We believe everyone in our supply chain should be treated with dignity and respect," Apple said in a statement. "To make sure our high standards are being adhered to, we have robust management systems in place beginning with training on workplace rights, on-site worker interviews, anonymous grievance channels and ongoing audits."
Separately, Foxconn also admitted it had discovered an over-reliance on temporary workers dispatch workers and said it "immediately began a detailed process to ensure that all issues were addressed."
Around 12,000 iPhones are assembled per shift at the Zhengzhou factory, according to CLW's report. However, Apple's 2018 iPhone XS models were said to be more complex to build than 2017's iPhone X and therefore required more workers.
This isn't the first time Apple and Foxconn have come in for criticism over working conditions in Chinese iPhone factories. In 2017, the companies confirmed instances of high school students working overtime to assemble the iPhone X when they shouldn't have been allowed.
Both companies took remedial action over the issue, and Apple sent specialists to the manufacturing plant to work with management to ensure standards were properly followed.
In its latest annual supplier responsibility report, Apple said it conducted 44,000 interviews with supplier employees in 2018 to make sure they were properly trained and knew how to voice concerns. Apple also said it was taking new steps to prevent forced labor.
Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Apple will hold its annual iPhone-centric event at the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park campus on Tuesday, September 10. This year's theme is "By innovation only," which is the line that was on the invitations sent out to members of the media in late August.
This year's event will feature new iPhones with some of the best camera improvements that we've seen from Apple in years, Apple Watch models in new materials, and perhaps some other hardware and services updates. Below, we've outlined everything that we're expecting to see or might see at Apple's 2019 event.
The 2019 iPhone lineup is going to look a lot like the 2018 lineup, with Apple planning to continue offering three iPhones in 5.8, 6.5, and 6.1-inch sizes.
The former two devices, which are successors to the iPhone XS and XS Max, will have OLED displays, while the iPhone XR successor will continue to feature an LCD display to keep costs lower.
We don't yet know for sure what Apple is going to name its newest iPhones given the names of the previous-generation devices, but "iPhone 11" and "iPhone 11 Pro" are names that have been speculated for two of the devices.
According to Bloomberg, while the upcoming iPhones will look similar to the current models, they're going to be made from a more shatter resistant glass that's also matte instead of glossy. When it comes to the iPhone XR, it may be available in new colors, including lavender and green.
Better waterproofing is expected, which will also make the new iPhones more durable, and there is one significant design update and feature revision -- the rear cameras.
The next-generation iPhone XS and XS Max will feature triple-lens camera setups in a square-shaped camera bump. The camera setup is said to include a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, and a new 12-megapixel super wide-angle lens.
The three camera system will bring significant improvements to photo quality, especially in low lighting situations, and it will allow for photos that are more zoomed out, aka with a larger field of view.
Note: The final camera design is expected to be more subtle than depicted here, with a bump that better matches the rear color of each iPhone.
The iPhone XR isn't getting a triple-lens camera, but it will be upgraded with a dual-lens camera that features a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, much like the current iPhone XS. Though it has a dual-lens camera, Apple is still giving the XR a square-shaped camera bump so it will match up with the other 2019 iPhones.
Apple could bring a low light mode that would compete with the Night Sight feature available on Google devices, and there will be neat features such as an option to expand a photo in a situation where a key element got cut out thanks to that new super wide-angle lens.
Rumors suggest new video recording capabilities in the works, with Apple aiming to introduce a feature that will let users retouch, apply effects, alter colors and crop video right in real-time as it's being recorded.
The front-facing TrueDepth camera system is going to be largely the same and the notch isn't going to shrink down this year, but Apple is rumored to be adding a new flood illuminator and Face ID sensor upgrades that will allow the iPhone to capture a wider field of view. This will let the iPhone be unlocked with Face ID even when laying flat on a table.
You might have heard rumors about Apple Pencil support for the 2019 iPhones, but those rumors were all from sketchy sources and it's not a feature that we're expecting this year.
There are, however, quite a few new features that are coming that are worth highlighting. Bilateral wireless charging, which Samsung phones already have, will let a 2019 iPhone charge another Qi-based device, such as the AirPods. So you can use your iPhone to charge up your Wireless AirPods case, transfer power between two iPhones, or charge the Apple Watch.
iPhone rendering with new Apple logo placement by Ben Geskin
Apple logos on the new iPhones are expected to be relocated towards the center of the device, which is a departure from the current location more towards the top. The new placement is meant to be used as a guide for where to place the AirPods and Apple Watch for the bilateral charging feature.
Bigger batteries are coming, which could mean longer battery life, but that extra battery could also be eaten up by the new triple-lens camera system. We'll have to wait and see, but rumors suggest the next-generation iPhone XS could have a 3,200mAh battery, while the iPhone XS Max successor could have a 3,500mAh battery. The next iPhone XR is rumored to have a 3,000mAh battery.
Ultra-Wide Band support may be added to bring improvements to indoor positioning and navigation, and the new iPhones are expected to support the faster Wi-Fi 6 specification (802.11x).
The next iPhone XR may feature 4GB RAM up from 3GB, and it could also get 4x4 MIMO for LTE speeds that match the current XS and XS Max. Dual Bluetooth audio connection support for connecting two pairs of Bluetooth headphones to a single device is rumored too.
When it comes to the processor, the 2019 iPhones are expected to use A13 chips from TSMC. Chip upgrades bring improved performance and efficiency, and the A13 will be no different. Apple is also rumored to be adding a new "AMX" or "matrix" co-processor for handling some math-heavy computing tasks perhaps for augmented reality or some of the new camera capabilities.
3D Touch is rumored to be going away in 2019, which means the new iPhones will work like the iPhone XR. Long presses and haptic feedback will replace current 3D Touch gestures.
There were some early rumors suggesting Apple might use a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port in the new iPhones, but later rumors have solidified around a Lightning port, so don't expect port changes this year.
We still may be getting something USB-C related in the form of a new 18W USB-C power adapter and USB-C to Lighting cable that would enable fast charging right out of the box.
Apple's 18W USB-C power adapter for iPad, which could be expanded to iPhone
There have been some rumors indicating Apple is finally ready to upgrade from that 5W power adapter and provide fast charging capabilities without the need to buy extra accessories, but this rumor isn't a sure thing.
For more details on what to expect from the 2019 iPhones, along with more images of renderings, part leaks, and dummy models that have surfaced over the last several months, make sure to check out our 2019 iPhone roundup.
New Apple Watch Models
We've heard little about the new Apple Watch models expected in 2019, so this may not be the most exciting year for the Apple Watch.
There have been hints that new titanium and ceramic models are in the works, but beyond that, rumors have indicated that changes will be minor.
We can probably expect an S5 processor that brings speed and efficiency improvements if new Series 5 models are announced, but beyond that, we don't know if there are any other notable new features coming this year.
New versions of iOS (and now iPadOS), macOS, watchOS, and tvOS have been in beta testing since their debut at WWDC in June, and these updates could see a release not too long after Apple's event.
In fact, Apple typically provides golden master versions of new software following its September event, with the software launch coming just ahead of when new devices release.
With an event on September 10, we're expecting pre-orders on September 13 and a launch on September 20. Software releases typically happen two days before when new iPhones are released, so iOS 13, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS could see a launch on September 18. Catalina could also come at that time, but Apple occasionally releases its Mac software a bit later.
Apple Arcade, Apple's upcoming subscription gaming service, is set to launch this fall and it's likely we'll hear more about it, including a price point and a launch date.
Apple Arcade will let Apple users access over 100 games on iPhone, Apple TV, and Mac with one monthly price and no additional in-app purchases. Dozens of developers are on board, and we're expecting the service to debut right around when new iPhones launch.
Apple TV+, Apple's upcoming streaming service for movies and television, is also set to launch this fall. We may hear more about it at the September iPhone event, with Apple potentially sharing new trailers, details, and information on price.
Right now, rumors suggest Apple TV+ is coming later in the fall, perhaps in November, but we still may get new information.
New Accessories
With the launch of new iPhones and new Apple Watch models, Apple always introduces updated iPhones cases to fit new devices and new Apple Watch bands in fall colors.
This year should be no different, and we're expecting to see new iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and perhaps new iPad covers to match.
Possibilities for Either September or October
iPad Pro
Apple is rumored to be planning to release refreshed versions of the iPad Pro in 2019 with updated cameras and processors. There have been some rumors indicating a three-lens camera system, but it's not clear if that's going to happen.
Major design changes are not expected for the 2019 iPad Pro update, and Apple is going to stick with the same 11 and 12.9-inch sizes.
There's a new affordable iPad in the works to succeed the 9.7-inch iPad, and this one is expected to measure in at 10.2 inches, so it may feature slimmer bezels.
Apple Pencil support will be included, and it's expected to continue to use Touch ID instead of Face ID. Right now, the 9.7-inch iPad costs $329, and Apple is expected to keep costs low.
Apple introduced new MacBook Pro models twice this year in both May and July, but it looks like we're getting a third 2019 MacBook Pro - a 16-inch model.
Rumors suggest the 16-inch MacBook Pro will feature much slimmer bezels than the 15-inch MacBook Pro, which will allow it to have a larger display in a body that's approximately the same size as the 15-inch MacBook Pro. So think slimmer bezels rather than a bigger body when it comes to the new MacBook Pro.
A mockup of a 16-inch MacBook Pro
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is expected to have an all new design, and the display could feature a 3072 x 1920 resolution. Most notably, the new MacBook Pro may have an all new keyboard that does away with the butterfly mechanism, swapping back over to a design based on traditional scissor switches.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple has been working on this new keyboard for some time and plans to debut it first in the updated MacBook Pro. It is said to feature longer key travel and better durability thanks to the use of glass fiber to reinforce the structure of the keys.
Apple may be planning to use Intel's 9th-generation Coffee Lake Refresh chips in the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which are the same chips used in the high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro models.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is not going to replace the 15-inch MacBook Pro and will instead be sold right alongside it, presumably as a higher-end option. Given that rumors suggest the new machine will not replace the current 15-inch models at this time, we can likely expect a high price point.
Apple TV
Code found in an internal build of iOS 13 references a new Apple TV 11,1 model, suggesting Apple is working on an updated Apple TV. Little is known about the new device, but it could feature an A12 processor. There's no word on when we can expect a release, but it's possible this new Apple TV will debut at Apple's September event or later in October.
Apple Tags
Apple is working on an "Apple Tag" that would compete with products like Tile, offering up Bluetooth tracking for items like keys, wallets, cameras, and more. Apple Tags will integrate into the Find My app and will take advantage of offline tracking capabilities. There's no word on when the Apple Tag will launch, but it could come this fall.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the upcoming tags will feature ultra-wideband or "UWB" technology. Ultra-wideband is a short-range low-power radio technology able to provide more accurate indoor positioning than Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi. With UWB, Apple's tags may be able to more precisely pinpoint the location of lost items.
Conclusion
Apple's 2019 iPhones will bring some of the most significant cameras changes that we've had in years, which is something to look forward to.
Promises of better waterproofing and better shatter resistance could make the new iPhones more durable than ever, and then there are some neat additional features like bilateral wireless charging to look forward to.
If Apple follows past iPhone schedules (and we've heard no hint of delays this year), pre-orders for the new iPhones could begin on Friday, September 13, and a launch could follow on Friday, September 20.
Live Coverage
The "By Innovation Only" event will kick off on Tuesday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event on its event website and through the Events app on the Apple TV.
For those who are unable to watch, MacRumors will offer live coverage both here on MacRumors.com and on our MacRumorsLive Twitter account, along with continuing coverage throughout the rest of September.
It's almost here: Apple's annual iPhone event! We've been hearing rumors about the 2019 iPhones essentially since the 2018 models were announced, and we're finally about to see what Apple has to show off. We expect plenty more announcements beyond the new iPhones, so buckle up for Tuesday.
In the lead-up to the event, this week saw a host of rumors about Apple Watch sleep tracking, an upcoming Apple TV update, and more. We're even hearing about Touch ID potentially coming back to the iPhone in the next year or two. And if you've got an aluminum Series 2 or Series 3 Apple Watch and the screen has cracked, Apple may fix it for you free of charge. Read on for all of this week's top stories!
What to Expect at Apple's September 2019 Event: New iPhones, Apple Watch Models, Services Updates and More
We're just a few days away from Apple's annual iPhone media event, so we've put together a guide highlighting everything we think we'll see and a few things we may or may not see. The new iPhone is always the star of the show, but we can also expect new Apple Watch models, final details on all of Apple's upcoming software updates, perhaps more information on services like Apple Arcade and Apple TV+, and maybe a few more things.
And of course, tune in on Tuesday when we'll have full coverage of the event, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time at the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park campus.
Apple Watch Sleep Tracking, Schooltime Mode, and More Revealed in Leaked iOS 13 Code
It's unclear if all or any of these things will be ready for Apple's keynote, which takes place Tuesday, September 10 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. MacRumors will have in-depth coverage of the event, complete with a live blog on our website and live tweets via @MacRumorsLive.
New Apple TV With A12 Chip and 'One More Thing' Teased Ahead of Next Week's Apple Event
Apple is widely expected to announce new iPhone and Apple Watch models at its event next week, and last-minute rumors suggest there could be a new Apple TV with an A12 chip as well, although the timing is unclear.
Meanwhile, an anonymous Twitter account with a reliable track record has teased "one more thing," the iconic phrase used by Steve Jobs when he surprised the crowd with one more product or announcement. What could the "one more thing" be this time around? We'll have to wait and see...
iPhone With Both Face ID and Touch ID Under Display and New 'iPhone SE' Expected in 2020–2021
The fingerprint scanner would be embedded in the display, enabling users to unlock the iPhone by placing a finger almost anywhere on the screen, and it would complement rather than replace Face ID. This would give users the convenience of two biometric authentication options.
Potential Benchmark for iPhone XR Successor Shows 4GB RAM, Moderate Performance Gains
Apple is widely expected to unveil three new iPhones next week, including a 6.1-inch model that succeeds the current iPhone XR.
A potential benchmark for this device surfaced this week that suggests the device will have 4GB of RAM, up from 3GB, and moderate performance gains as a result of a faster A13 chip.
Apple Launches Screen Replacement Program for Aluminum Series 2 and Series 3 Apple Watch Models
Apple has found that under "very rare circumstances," a crack may form along the edge of the screen in aluminum Apple Watch Series 2 or Series 3 models. This includes both 38mm and 42mm sizes.
Apps designed for the Mac don't often receive as much attention as apps made for iPhones and iPads, so over on our YouTube channel this week, we have shared a new video highlighting five useful and interesting Mac apps worth checking out.
This month's picks include apps for revamping your dock, discovering new music, making GIFs, annotating and managing screenshots, and more.
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.
2019 iPhones will feature a centered Apple logo on the back of the devices, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
The centered logo will help users know where to place their Apple Watch or AirPods case to charge on the back of the upcoming iPhones, which are widely expected to have a new Qi-based device-to-device charging feature, similar to Wireless PowerShare on Samsung's latest Galaxy smartphones.
Gurman also reiterated that iPhone 11 models will have more shatter-resistant glass and improved water resistance, the iPhone XR will come in a new green color, and that this year's Apple Watch refresh will be relatively minor, with a focus on new ceramic and titanium casing finishes and watchOS 6.
We're just three days away from Apple's event at Steve Jobs Theater, which kicks off Tuesday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will be live streaming the event via its website, the Apple Events app on Apple TV, and YouTube. MacRumors will have full coverage of the announcements as they unfold — stay tuned!
For the first time, Apple will live stream its Tuesday, September 10 event on YouTube, Apple announced today using a placeholder video uploaded to the site.
Apple is allowing YouTube users to set a reminder to get a notification when the event begins. It is set to kick off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 10.
Cupertino calling. Join us for an Apple special event live from the Steve Jobs Theater on September 10 at 10 a.m. PDT. Set a reminder and we'll send an update before the show.
Apple usually uploads its events to YouTube a few days after they happen, but has not used YouTube to live stream an event before. Making the live stream available on YouTube will provide access to the event on consoles, computers, smartphones, and other devices.
Apple is expected to unveil new iPhones, new Apple Watch models, and perhaps other hardware, with a full rundown of what's coming available in our What to Expect article.
For those who are unable to watch the live stream on the Apple TV, Apple's website, or on YouTube, MacRumors will be providing live coverage here on MacRumors.com and on our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
Apple has acquired the worldwide distribution rights for "Dads," a documentary directed by actress Bryce Dallas Howard, reports Variety.
The film, which will include commentary from Bryce Dallas Howard, her father director Ron Howard and his partner Brian Grazer, is premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival today. The documentary is described as a "joyful exploration of contemporary fatherhood."
It will offer up anecdotes and wisdom from celebrities like Will Smith, Jimmy Fallon, Neil Patrick Harris, Kenan Thompson, Ken Jeong, and more, along with portraits of non-celebrity dads around the world.
If the old-fashioned father was stern and stoic, the contemporary one is more vulnerable and self-deprecating. Conan O'Brien sums up parenthood as "this incredible realization that you're not the most important person in the world." Patton Oswalt, who became a single parent after his wife's death, reflects on how quickly kids grow up: "You get the tiniest window and then it's gone just like that." Hasan Minhaj pays tribute to his immigrant father, whose short-term sacrifice was for his family's long-term gain.
Fathers can be close, distant, absent, or anything in between. Whatever your experience, this film warmly encourages conversations about how to be a better parent.
After its premiere at the festival, "Dads" will be available on Apple TV+ at some point after it launches, and a theatrical run is also a possibility.
There is no word yet on when Apple TV+ is going to launch, but we may learn additional details about the service at Apple's upcoming iPhone event, set to take place on Tuesday, September 10.
The U.S. government has ordered Apple and Google to disclose the names, phone numbers, and other information for "at least" 10,000 users of a gun scope app, reports Forbes.
An order filed from the Department of Justice requests info on people who use Obsidian 4, an app that controls rifle scopes made by American Technologies Network Corp. The app is designed to let gun owners get a live stream, take video, and calibrate their gun scope using a smartphone.
The Obsidian 4 application is here to enhance your experience when using the ATN X-Sight 4K and/or the ThOR 4 product lines. This application connects your smart phone, or tablet, to your ATN device via Wifi. This connection allows you to watch a live video stream of your hunt on your smart phone or tablet. The Obsidian 4 app lets you to adjust/change the various settings on your ATN Smart scope, and review the images and videos stored on your scopes microSD card.
On Google Play, the app has more than 10,000 downloads. Since Apple doesn't disclose iOS downloads, it's not clear how many iPhone users have downloaded it.
Edin Omanovic, the lead on Privacy International's State Surveillance program, told Forbes that the order had the potential to set a dangerous precedent, giving the government access to "huge amounts of innocent people's personal data."
The data is being sought because the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a broad investigation into possible breaches of weapons export regulations, and is looking into illegal exports of the ATN scope used with the app. From the government order:
This pattern of unlawful, attempted exports of this rifle scope in combination with the manner in which the ATN Obsidian 4 application is paired with this scope manufactured by Company A supports the conclusion that the information requested herein will assist the government in identifying networks engaged in the unlawful export of this rifle scope through identifying end users located in countries to which export of this item is restricted.
Data on app users will allow ICE to determine where the scopes have been shipped, and the investigation comes after ICE intercepted illegal shipments on multiple occasions.
Apple, Google, and scope maker ATN did not respond to Forbes' request for comment. The government is seeking the names and IP addresses of anyone who downloaded the scope app from August 1, 2017 to the current date.
Apple hasn't received a similar request in the United States before, but an unnamed government previously requested data on 58 million users of a single app in a terrorist investigation, and Apple declined to provide the data. It's not yet clear if Apple and Google will comply with the request in this case.
Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Apple's iconic Fifth Avenue store in New York City has been undergoing renovations since 2017, with Apple having dismantled the glass cube building design that the location is known for.
The Fifth Avenue store, which was relocated nearby during the renovation period, is reopening soon and the well-known glass cube has been reconstructed. To celebrate the launch of the updated flagship location, Apple has covered the cube in an eye-catching rainbow film.
The rainbow cover of the cube obstructs what's going on below, but Apple has been working to double the size of its Fifth Avenue store, which is underground and accessed by elevator.
According to Quartz, a sticker on the outside of the rainbow wrap reads:
Apple Fifth Avenue Always Open to Open Minds
Beneath the surface of Fifth Avenue, you'll soon discover a reimagined space where creativity is always welcome. A 24-hour store with doors open to the bright lights and big ideas of this city, ready to inspire what you can do, discover, and make next.
There's no word yet on when Apple Fifth Avenue will reopen, but with the glass cube back in place and sporting rainbow colors, it could come at any time. Quartz saw a film crew nearby the cube, and one of the crew members said that Apple was filming "a new commercial" for the store's relaunch.
Unfortunately, the new rainbow look of the glass cube is temporary. An Apple spokesman told CNBC that the colors will eventually be removed and the cube will be clear again.
Apple Fifth Avenue is a major flagship store and its reopening will likely be a big deal, so it's possible Apple will share details on the location at its Tuesday, September 10 event.
For this week's giveaway, we're doing something special to celebrate the upcoming launch of the new 2019 iPhones. We're teaming up with trade-in site SellYourMac to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win one of Apple's new iPhones.
SellYourMac is a trade-in company that accepts all kinds of Apple products, from iPhones and iPads to Macs. Selling an old Apple device on SellYourMac is as simple as finding your serial number and entering it in.
The website tool will tell you just what your Apple device is worth with minimal hassle, drawing the specs from the serial number and then asking a few questions before offering up a quote.
SellYourMac offers up a free FedEx shipping label, provide packing materials at your request, and securely wipes the data from your device, making it easy to get some extra cash when upgrading to a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
As the name of the site suggests, SellYourMac specializes in buying and selling Apple devices, but with a focus on the Mac. The site's aim is to be the number one choice for selling Apple products, and to reach that goal, SYM offers a streamlined trade-in experience and fair prices to earn customer trust.
SellYourMac is offering an entry-level iPhone 11 Pro Max to a lucky MacRumors reader.
That means you'll get the larger version of Apple's new iPhone, which features a triple-lens camera for some impressive photography capabilities, an OLED display, a faster A13 chip, improved Face ID, and a body that's both more shatter resistant and more waterproof than the 2018 iPhones.
We'll pick the winner of the giveaway next Friday, which is when we expect iPhone pre-orders to take place, and we will arrange to provide the new iPhone to the winner as soon as possible after the conclusion of the giveaway. The winner can, of course, pick the color of the device.
To enter to win our iPhone giveaway, 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 MacRumorsFacebook 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 (September 6) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 13. The winner will be chosen randomly on September 13 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is picked.
If you're planning to upgrade to a new device soon, you can use SellYourMac for the trade-in and get a $10 bonus on any device worth more than $25. Just enter the promo code "macrumors" when checking out.
Google's Project Zero last week shared details about multiple serious iOS vulnerabilities that allowed malicious websites to access a victim's phone. There were a total of 14 vulnerabilities that were being exploited, and while those have now been fixed, some of the security holes were abused for several years.
Apple says the attack was "narrowly-focused" rather than a broad-based exploit of iPhones as described. Fewer than a dozen websites targeting Uighur Muslims were affected, according to Apple. Further, Apple says that Google created a false impression of mass exploitation, causing fear among iPhone owners.
Google also got the length of the attacks wrong. Apple says the websites were operational for approximately two months rather than two years, with the vulnerabilities fixed 10 days after Apple learned about them. Fixes were already in the works when Google approached Apple.
Apple's full letter is included below:
Last week, Google published a blog about vulnerabilities that Apple fixed for iOS users in February. We've heard from customers who were concerned by some of the claims, and we want to make sure all of our customers have the facts.
First, the sophisticated attack was narrowly focused, not a broad-based exploit of iPhones "en masse" as described. The attack affected fewer than a dozen websites that focus on content related to the Uighur community. Regardless of the scale of the attack, we take the safety and security of all users extremely seriously.
Google's post, issued six months after iOS patches were released, creates the false impression of "mass exploitation" to "monitor the private activities of entire populations in real time," stoking fear among all iPhone users that their devices had been compromised. This was never the case.
Second, all evidence indicates that these website attacks were only operational for a brief period, roughly two months, not "two years" as Google implies. We fixed the vulnerabilities in question in February -- working extremely quickly to resolve the issue just 10 days after we learned about it. When Google approached us, we were already in the process of fixing the exploited bugs.
Security is a never-ending journey and our customers can be confident we are working for them. iOS security is unmatched because we take end-to-end responsibility for the security of our hardware and software. Our product security teams around the world are constantly iterating to introduce new protections and patch vulnerabilities as soon as they're found. We will never stop our tireless work to keep our users safe.
According to Google, the websites in question that targeted iPhone users were able to steal private data like messages, photos, and GPS location in real time with little effort after a visitor went to an infected website.
Google believes thousands of visitors accessed these websites per week over two years, with the vulnerability present in iOS 10, iOS 11, and iOS 12. Apple addressed the issues in iOS 12.1.4 back in February 2019.
In a statement to The Verge, Google said that it stands by its original report despite Apple's comments.
Project Zero posts technical research that is designed to advance the understanding of security vulnerabilities, which leads to better defensive strategies. We stand by our in-depth research which was written to focus on the technical aspects of these vulnerabilities. We will continue to work with Apple and other leading companies to help keep people safe online.
Last week, MacRumors revealed new details about Apple's upcoming Tile competitor, with internal iOS 13 code suggesting that Apple plans to release small, circular "tags" that can be attached to electronic devices, backpacks, keys, and other personal belongings to keep track of their locations.
Apple Tags concept by MacRumors
Now, noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has thrown his weight behind this rumor. In a research note with TF International Securities today, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said he expects Apple's tags to feature ultra-wideband or "UWB" technology. As he has said previously, Kuo also expects all three 2019 iPhones to support UWB.
Ultra-wideband is a short-range, low-power radio technology that is able to provide more precise indoor positioning than Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi, suggesting that Apple's tags will be more accurate at pinpointing the location of lost items than Tile's current item trackers, which rely on Bluetooth LE.
The distance between two UWB devices — such as an upcoming iPhone and Apple Tag — can be measured precisely by calculating the time that it takes for a radio wave to pass between the two devices, according to Electronic Design, which notes that UWB is up to 100× more accurate than Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi:
In practice, UWB signals are able to effectively measure distance between two devicesNo with 5- to 10-cm accuracy, compared to roughly 5-m accuracy for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When implemented in a system of fixed beacons tracking tag locations, the locations can be calculated to within 10-cm accuracy.
It is unclear if Apple's tags will rely solely on UWB, which would seemingly limit their compatibility to 2019 and newer iPhones, or if they will also incorporate Bluetooth LE for use with older devices.
Last week, MacRumors revealed that Apple's tags will be closely integrated with the new "Find My" app in iOS 13, which merged the Find My iPhone and Find My Friends apps into one package. Specifically, Apple has been working on an "Items" tab in the app for tracking the location of Apple-tagged items.
iPhone users will receive a notification when they are separated from a tagged item, according to an internal version of the "Find My" app obtained by MacRumors. If necessary, users can then tap a button in the app that will cause Apple's tag to chime to help them locate the lost item.
"Safe Locations" can be set where the user will not be notified if this item is left in those locations, and users will also be able to share the location of items with friends and family members, based on internal iOS 13 code.
If users are unable to find an item, they can place the attached tag into a "Lost Mode." Then, if another iPhone user comes across the lost item, the owner will be instantly notified. The stranger will also be presented with the owner's contact information, possibly via push notification or in the Find My app.
Like the Pixie Tracker, the Find My app will likely incorporate functionality from Apple's ARKit platform. An internal build of iOS 13 includes an asset for a 3D red balloon that could help a user pinpoint a lost item after scanning a room with their iPhone. There's also an image of a 2D orange balloon.
"Walk around several feet and move your iPhone up and down until a balloon comes into view," a string in the internal Find My app bundle reads.
Apple is hosting an event at Steve Jobs Theater next Tuesday, where it is widely expected to unveil new iPhone and Apple Watch models. It certainly seems like development of Apple's tags has reached an advanced stage, but it is unclear if the product will be introduced at the keynote or later.
New sales for the brand-new 2019 MacBook Pro have emerged this week, with some all-time-low prices on a few different models. Discounts have hit both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro, and reach as much as $400 off.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Notable new low prices include the 13-inch MacBook Pro (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $1,599.99, down from $1,799.99; and the 15-inch model (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $2,399.00, down from $2,799.00. These sales and more can be found on Amazon and are all listed below:
Apple is working on a new Siri feature for release by iOS 15 in fall 2021 that will allow users to have a back-and-forth conversation about health problems, according to internal documentation obtained by The Guardian.
The report does not offer any further details about the feature, but Siri will presumably become more capable of responding to physical and possibly mental health questions. Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly said that Apple's health-related initiatives will be the company's "greatest contribution to mankind."
Apple has increased its presence in the health and fitness space over the past few years. In 2018, for example, it launched an ECG app for the Apple Watch that can detect signs of atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as stroke and cardiac arrest.
Also in 2018, Apple rolled out Health Records, a feature that allows patients to view medical records from multiple hospitals and clinics directly in the Health app on the iPhone, including allergies, vital signs, conditions, immunizations, lab results, medications, procedures, and other information.
Apple's Health app in iOS 13
Apple's internal documentation, which The Guardian obtained from a former Siri grader, also reveals the company's efforts to ensure that Siri responds as neutrally as possible to sensitive topics such as feminism:
In explaining why the service should deflect questions about feminism, Apple's guidelines explain that "Siri should be guarded when dealing with potentially controversial content." When questions are directed at Siri, "they can be deflected … however, care must be taken here to be neutral".
For those feminism-related questions where Siri does not reply with deflections about "treating humans equally", the document suggests the best outcome should be neutrally presenting the "feminism" entry in Siri's "knowledge graph", which pulls information from Wikipedia and the iPhone's dictionary.
In a statement, Apple said it aims for Siri to be "factual with inclusive responses rather than offer opinions":
Siri is a digital assistant designed to help users get things done. The team works hard to ensure Siri responses are relevant to all customers. Our approach is to be factual with inclusive responses rather than offer opinions.
Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Sphero today announced the launch of two new versions of its popular Sphero Mini robotic ball, debuting a new soccer-themed Sphero Mini along with an activity kit.
The Sphero Mini Activity Kit combines a clear Sphero Mini robotic ball along with several accessories. The Sphero Mini itself is equipped with a gyroscope, accelerometer, LED lights, and a rechargeable battery, and it can be used with the Sphero Play and Sphero Edu apps to play mini games, access drive modes, and more. The kit offers buildable mazes and tunnels, pins and cones, plus 15 Activity Cards to work with.
There are guided activities included on Activity Cards that can be used with the Sphero Play app, and the app is also gaining a new Block Drive mode. Block Drive mode offers an introduction to basic coding. Movement blocks instruct the Sphero Mini where to go, while Light Blocks add LED effects.
For more advanced users, there's the Sphero Edu app for programming the Mini to learn additional coding skills.
Sphero is also introducing the Mini Soccer, which is a Sphero Mini with a custom black and white shell that looks like a soccer ball. It comes with eight cones for creative challenges and it can be used with the Sphero Play and Sphero Edu apps.
The Sphero Mini Activity Kit, which launched on October 2, is priced at $80, while the Mini Soccer will be priced at $50 and launched on September 16. The new Sphero devices will be available from the Sphero website and through other retailers like Amazon.
Southwest Airlines has added Apple Pay support to its mobile app, enabling customers to pay for tickets, in-flight meals, baggage options, and other ancillary services using Apple's mobile wallet.
As an alternative payment method to debit and credit cards, Apple Pay offers more security by allowing customers to make transactions without storing their payment details in another commercial database.
In a press release announcing the support, Southwest said the airline's new Apple Pay integration would enable users to "purchase tickets from the carrier's app – with Apple Card if they so choose – and store it in the Wallet for redemption at the gate."
"Providing modern digital payment solutions to our Customers is critical," said Christopher Priebe, Director, Treasury, Payments and Risk at Southwest Airlines. "The launch of Apple Pay enhances our ability to sell flights, as well as ancillary products using one of the most widely-used digital wallets in North America."
The Apple Pay integration is the result of a partnership agreement with Southwest Airlines and digital commerce provider, CellPoint Digital, with help from airline-owned payment network UATP.
The partnership allows airlines to deploy new payment methods quickly using, including major global wallets like Apple Pay, Visa Checkout, WeChat Pay, Alipay, Google Pay or Pay Tm, along with bank transfer, installments and cash-based payment options.
Apple has inked a deal for an upcoming TV series called "Mr. Corman" written and executive produced by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, reports Variety.
The drama series follows an elementary school teacher "grappling with adulthood" in Los Angeles. It's not known if Gordon-Levitt also plans to star in the series.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is known for the long-running TV series "3rd Rock from the Sun" along with movies like "500 Days of Summer," "Inception," "50/50," "Looper," "and "The Dark Knight Rises."
There's no specific launch date available yet, but rumors suggest Apple is aiming to debut the service in November. Pricing is also unclear, but there has been speculation that Apple will charge $9.99 per month for Apple TV+.
The Apple Music website is similar to the Apple Music app on Macs, offering up dedicated "For You," "Browse," and Radio" sections, along with playlists, recommendations, and more.
Apple Music users can sign in to Apple Music to access their customized content, and Apple is offering free trials for those who are new to the service.
You do need to sign up for Apple Music through Android, iOS, or Mac, as at the current time, there is no option to sign up on the web. Apple does plan to offer web signups in the future.
Content played on Apple Music for web plays right in the web player, with access to the entire Apple Music library on the left side of the interface.
With Apple Music on the web, the Apple Music service is accessible on any device that has a web browser, including Windows 10, Linux, and ChromeOS machines. Apple is aiming to make Apple Music as widely available as possible, allowing the company to better compete with other services like Spotify.
According to TechCrunch, over the course of the beta testing period, Apple will be soliciting feedback from customers as it works to streamline features and take care of bugs.
Those who want to give the new Apple Music web experience a try can visit beta.music.apple.com.
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.
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