MacRumors

Ring today announced a new Ring Video Doorbell with improved night vision, updated motion zones, support for 1080p HD video, and a new solar charger accessory. The new Ring Video Doorbell still does not support Apple HomeKit.

Similar to previous models, the new doorbell can be hardwired into an existing doorbell spot, or powered by batteries. It connects to the Ring smartphone app, allowing you to keep track of who is at your door. The new device also supports two-way talk with noise cancellation, three preset modes (Home, Away, and Disarmed), and Privacy Zones to exclude areas of the camera's field-of-view.

A classic is a classic for a reason––it’s tried and true, reliable, and delivers on its promise. Yet every now and then, a classic deserves an upgrade. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce you to the new and improved Ring Video Doorbell. With 1080p HD video, better image quality in day and night modes, and updated motion zones, this second generation Ring Video Doorbell takes your home security to the next level. And all for the same affordable price.

Additionally, a new Solar Charger device can be purchased separately. This accessory is installed first on the frame of the door, and built-in solar panels can provide charge to the Ring Video Doorbell, as long as your front door is in a sunny spot.

The new Ring Video Doorbell can be pre-ordered today for $99.99, and it will begin shipping on June 3. It's available in Satin Nickel and Venetian Bronze on Ring's website and on Amazon. The Solar Charger isn't up for pre-order yet, but it will cost $49.99 and launch sometime in July.

Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi recently spoke with TechCrunch's Matthew Panzarino about the iPad's new cursor functionality, introduced alongside trackpad and mouse support in iPadOS 13.4.

Federighi said the iPad's new cursor experience was inspired by the Apple TV:

"There was a process to figure out exactly how various elements would work together," Federighi says. "We knew we wanted a very touch-centric cursor that was not conveying an unnecessary level of precision. We knew we had a focus experience similar to Apple TV that we could take advantage of in a delightful way. We knew that when dealing with text we wanted to provide a greater sense of feedback."

And:

"Part of what I love so much about what's happened with iPadOS is the way that we've drawn from so many sources. The experience draws from our work on tvOS, from years of work on the Mac, and from the origins of iPhone X and early iPad, creating something new that feels really natural for iPad."

When using a trackpad, the cursor displays as a circle on the screen, popping up only when you have a finger on the trackpad. The circle then morphs into various other shapes when interacting with various elements of iPadOS:

"So we came up with a circle that elegantly transforms to accomplish the task at hand. For example, it morphs to become the focus around a button, or to hop over to another button, or it morphs into something more precise when that makes sense, like the I-beam for text selection."

And:

"We set out to design the cursor in a way that retains the touch-first experience without fundamentally changing the UI," Federighi says. "So customers who may never use a trackpad with their iPad won't have to learn something new, while making it great for those who may switch back and forth between touch and trackpad."

MacRumors recently went hands-on with the cursor experience, providing a closer look at various trackpad gestures and more.

iPadOS 13.4 introduced the new cursor experience and trackpad support on all iPad Pro models, the iPad Air 2 and later, the fifth-generation iPad and later, and the iPad mini 4 and later. Keyboards with built-in trackpads released so far include Apple's Magic Keyboard, Logitech's Combo, and Brydge's Pro+.

Lamborghini today announced that all iPhone and iPad users will be able to view the new Huracán EVO RWD Spyder using Augmented Reality and Apple's AR Quick Look.

Apple users can visit the Lamborghini website from tomorrow on their iPhone or ‌iPad‌, tap "See in AR" next to the announcement of the Huracán EVO RWD Spyder, and then the vehicle will be viewable in AR. Users can rotate and expand the size of the car in order to look more closely at interior and exterior details, and take pictures of it in their environment.

According to Lamborghini, this AR Quick Look feature will soon be available for its entire range of vehicles. Apple SVP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller commented on the launch of the AR feature, mentioning that the companies wanted people to be able to view the new Lamborghini model without having to leave their homes.

“Apple cares deeply about the people of Italy and our friends at Lamborghini. We are inspired by their commitment to return to work safely during this critical time,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing.

“Apple and Lamborghini share a great passion for design and innovation. We are excited to support the launch of the new Lamborghini with Apple’s augmented reality technology, so that their fans around the world can experience it from the safety of their own homes.”

To use AR on an iPhone and ‌iPad‌, you'll need iOS 11 or later and a device with an A9 processor or later. This includes the iPhone 6 and later, iPad Pro, ‌iPad‌ (5th generation or later), iPad mini (5th generation or later), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPod touch (7th generation).

In recent months, some AirPods Pro users have been complaining about reduced noise cancellation and crackling or static sounds, particularly since the release of firmware version 2B588 for the earphones in November.

As noted by 9to5Mac, Apple has now addressed these potential issues. in two support documents, providing affected users with troubleshooting advice.

For users experiencing noise cancellation issues, Apple first says to make sure that you have the latest software installed on your connected iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. Apple has also just released a new firmware version 2D15 for the AirPods Pro, which should automatically install after the earphones are connected to an Apple device for a short period.

Next, Apple says to place both AirPods Pro in your ears and perform the obvious step of making sure that Active Noise Cancellation is turned on.

If noise cancellation still isn't working as expected, Apple says to clean the mesh located on the top of your AirPods Pro, noting that sometimes noise cancellation can be affected if debris or earwax builds up in the area highlighted below. In particular, Apple says this buildup could result in a loss of bass sound or an increase in ambient noise.

As for crackling or static sounds, Apple again says to make sure that you have the latest software on your connected iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, and to ensure that there are no wireless interference or obstructions between you and your device. Apple also recommends listening to audio from a different app to see if a particular app causes the issue.

If all else fails, Apple says to contact its support representatives.

Since the release of firmware version 2D15 yesterday, there has been mixed feedback about noise cancellation, with some users noticing an improvement, some noticing no change, and some noticing further degradation.

Apple has significantly added to the data available through its Mobility Trends Reports tool using information collected from Apple Maps.

Apple's reports are designed to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by providing helpful insights to local governments and health authorities, although anyone can use the tool to search by country, region, or city to see specifics trends for an area.

When Apple released the tool last month, it included data from major cities and 63 countries or regions. As noted by Asymco's Horace Dediu (via 9to5Mac), Apple has added approximately 580 new sub-regions to its database.

According to Dediu, all U.S. states and 530 other provinces are now represented in the data. Apple generates the data by counting the number of requests made to ‌‌Apple Maps‌‌ for directions.

The data sets are compared to reflect a change in the number of people who are driving, walking, or taking public transit, and Apple says that data availability in a particular place is subject to factors like minimum thresholds for direction requests made per day.

With the tool, users can search to see how routing requests have shifted since January 13, 2020, leading up to today. Apple also provides a complete downloadable data set that features daily changes in requests for directions by transportation type for all available countries and cities.

Last month, Apple introduced a Mac Pro Wheels Kit designed for the Mac Pro that adds wheels to the machine after purchase. The kit is priced at $699.

For anyone interested in what it's like to get their hands on the wheels kit, popular YouTuber Unbox Therapy has posted a dramatically staged, tongue-in-cheek unboxing video.

It's an admittedly lengthy watch at 7 minutes and 45 seconds, but its irreverent take on unboxing may appeal to viewers who would balk at the prospect of splashing that much cash on a set of computer wheels.

When adding wheels to the ‌Mac Pro‌ when making an initial purchase, Apple charges $400, but the standalone kit to be used after purchase is $300 more because the pre-purchase price includes the price of removing the $300 feet.

Mac Pro‌ users who want to purchase the wheels add-on kit can do so from Apple's online store.

The Apple TV app for the ‌Apple TV‌, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices now features an AFI Film Club section highlighting movie picks and recommendations from the American Film Institute.

As noted by Variety, the AFI's picks in the ‌Apple TV‌ app can be found in the "Browse by Collection" section, and the movie selections are updated on a daily basis. The AFI Film Club is not a subscription service and is instead just recommending content that can be purchased through iTunes or that is available through a streaming service like HBO, Hulu, or Disney+.

Today, for example, the AFI Film Club's recommendation is "Spartacus," which can be rented for $3.99 from iTunes or purchased for $14.99. Past movie picks include "Star Wars: A New Hope," "La La Land," "Roman Holiday," "Shawshank Redemption," "Moonlight," "The Sound of Music," and more.

Along with daily movie picks the AFI Film Club has a section that includes the AFI's top 100 greatest films of all time, recommending titles like "Gone with the Wind," "The Wizard of Oz," "Toy Story," "Pulp Fiction," "The Sixth Sense," and others.

The AFI Movie Club collection can be found on the ‌Apple TV‌, iPhone, ‌iPad‌, Mac, some Samsung and LG Smart TVs, Roku devices, and Amazon Fire TV devices.

Disney+ now has 54.5 million subscribers worldwide, a new total announced today during the company's quarterly earnings call.

That means Disney has gained 4.5 million Disney+ subscribers since April 8, when it said that Disney+ had 50 million subscribers. Disney+ launched in November and has grown to almost $55 million subscribers over the course of the last six months.

Disney's significant growth earlier this year came from launches of the service in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, France, Switzerland, and India, but the service has also seen a boost with everyone sheltering in place and working from home.

54.4 million subscribers is well ahead of Disney's projected figures for the growth of Disney+. When the service launched, Disney estimated that it would see 60 to 90 million subscribers worldwide by the end of 2024, but if the current growth rate keeps up, Disney will hit that goal this year.

Apple has not provided subscriber numbers for Apple TV+, so there's no direct comparison to make to Disney+. Apple has been providing a free year of service to everyone who purchases a new Apple device, so it will take some time before Apple has large numbers of paying subscribers.

Disney+ has a major edge over ‌Apple TV‌+ because Disney has an established catalog of content along with many popular Star Wars and Marvel franchises to offer. "The Mandalorian," the key show Disney+ premiered with, received more attention than any of ‌Apple TV‌+'s launch shows, including "The Morning Show," "Dickinson," "See," and "For All Mankind."

Though Disney+ growth is solid, Disney lost about $1 billion in operating income in the March quarter due to the shuttering of its theme parks worldwide, including Disneyland in Anaheim, California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek today told Bloomberg that he expects Apple to further "open up" in long term following the antitrust complaint Spotify filed with the European Union last year.

In the complaint, Spotify said that Apple enforces App Store rules that "purposely limit choice and stifle innovation at the expense of the user experience," and that Apple acts as "both a player and referee to deliberately disadvantage other app developers."

Spotify specifically took issue with Apple's 30 percent fee collected on ‌App Store‌ purchases, which has forced Spotify to charge subscribers through the ‌App Store‌ $12.99 per month for its Premium plan instead of the $9.99 per month fee it normally collects.

The European Union subsequently launched an investigation into Apple, even though Apple claimed Spotify's complaint was "misleading rhetoric."

Apple has since made a few changes, launching a feature that allows Siri to work with non-Apple Music services, and Spotify has also introduced new Apple Watch and Apple TV apps. Ek said these moves have been encouraging.

"We're very encouraged about being able to now finally use Siri as a way of building in voice support and also being available to build products for the Apple TV and Apple Watch, something that we haven't been able to do until very recently," Ek said in the interview. It's unclear if Spotify was actually prevented from launching an Apple TV app as the platform has had other music services for multiple years as App Store apps.

Earlier this year, Bloomberg said that Apple is working on a new feature that will allow third-party apps like Spotify to run natively on the HomePod, and there may be an option that will allow users to change the default music app on iOS and iPadOS 14, further leveling the playing field between Apple and its competitors.

Apple, said Ek is "moving in the right direction," but there are "many, many steps" still to go before Spotify will consider Apple an "open and fair platform."

Security researchers are scared to use, buy, or even talk about iPhone emulation software Corellium after Apple levied a lawsuit against the company, reports Motherboard.

Apple in August 2019 filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Corellium, a mobile device virtualization company that works with iOS. In the lawsuit, Apple claimed that Corellium had illegally replicated the operating system and apps that run on the iPhone and the iPad.

"Corellium has simply copied everything: the code, the graphical user interface, the icons - all of it, in exacting detail," reads Apple's lawsuit.

Corellium initially responded by suggesting that its software helps Apple by making it easier for security researchers to track down iOS bugs, but later said that Apple was waging war on jailbreaking and that the lawsuit should concern security researchers, jailbreakers, and app developers.

Though the legal battle between Apple and Corellium is ongoing, it has successfully scared people away from Corellium's software because Apple has sought information from companies that have used Corellium's software and those companies are afraid of retribution.

"Apple has created a chilling effect," a security researcher familiar with Corellium's product, who asked to remain anonymous because he wasn't allowed to talk to the press, told Motherboard.

"I don't know if they intended it but when they name individuals at companies that have spoken in favor [of Corellium], I definitely believe retribution is possible," the researcher added, referring to Apple's subpoena to the Spanish finance giant Santander Bank, which named an employee who had Tweeted about Corellium.

Some security researchers told Motherboard that they're afraid to use Corellium because of the possibility of retribution from Apple, while others refused to comment at all. One security researcher said he'd have a legal look into it if he needed Corellium's software, while another said he'd get legal advice before using it in the future.

Not all security researchers, however, are worried. One researcher, Elias Naur, told Motherboard that he uses Corellium to test code written in the Go language for iOS devices. With Corellium, he no longer needs to test on two old and broken iPhones.

Security researchers have complained that Apple's lawsuit against Corellium is about Apple wanting control over research done on iOS and the bugs that are found.

Apple is continuing to pursue the lawsuit, and on April 20, asked Chris Wade, Corellium's founder, for all documents and communications related to him obtaining valuable dev-fused or prototype iPhones, which are designed for internal testing but sometimes escape Apple's clutches. Wade has denied using dev-fused iPhones for the development of Corellium.

It remains unclear how the lawsuit will ultimately turn out, but Apple is successfully making researchers think twice about using Corellium's tools amid the legal dispute.

Apple today released a new firmware update for the AirPods Pro, upgrading the previous firmware, version 2C54 or 2B588, to the new firmware, 2D15.

There is no word on what's new in the refreshed firmware at this time, though there have been some complaints from AirPods Pro users about Active Noise Cancellation issues with the prior firmware.

There's no clear cut way to upgrade the firmware of the AirPods Pro, with the new firmware installed over-the-air while the AirPods are connected to an iOS device. Putting the ‌AirPods‌ in the case, connecting the ‌AirPods‌ to a power source, and then pairing the ‌AirPods‌ to an iPhone or an iPad should force the update after a short period of time.

Check your AirPods Pro firmware by following these steps:

1. Make sure the ‌AirPods‌ are connected to your iOS device.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Tap General.
4. Tap About.
5. Tap ‌AirPods‌.
6. Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."

Apple in December released the 2C54 firmware update, but later pulled it, so some people who updated have the 2C54 firmware while others are still on 2B588.

AirPods Pro firmware updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and feature tweaks, but we may not find out what's new as Apple does not provide any kind of release notes for ‌AirPods updates. There is no update for the standard AirPods at this time.

Apple's virtual WWDC event will start on June 22, Apple announced today. It will be hosted in the Apple Developer app and the Apple Developer website and it will be free for all developers. Apple does plan to hold a keynote event, presumably on June 22 when WWDC begins.

"WWDC20 will be our biggest yet, bringing together our global developer community of more than 23 million in an unprecedented way for a week in June to learn about the future of Apple platforms," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "We can't wait to meet online in June with the global developer community and share with them all of the new tools we've been working on to help them create even more incredible apps and services. We look forward to sharing more details about WWDC20 with everyone as we get closer to this exciting event."

As with the standard WWDC that Apple has hosted in past years, WWDC's 2020 digital event will span a week. Apple normally charges $1,599 for a ticket to attend WWDC, but this year, millions of developer will be able to participate.

Apple will be hosting a Swift Student Challenge as part of the event, and is taking applications as of today. In a typical year, the Swift-based challenge is used to determine who will get a scholarship to WWDC. Apple says that though the event is digital, there's still an opportunity to recognize the creative contributions of young developers.

"Students are an integral part of the Apple developer community, and last year WWDC saw attendance from more than 350 student developers spanning 37 different countries," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "As we look forward to WWDC20, although our gathering will be virtual this year, we want to recognize and celebrate the creative contributions of our young developers from around the world. We can't wait to see this next generation of innovative thinkers turn their ideas into a reality through the Swift Student Challenge."

Student developers from all over the world can enter the Swift Student Challenge by creating an interactive scene in Swift Playgrounds that can be experienced in three minutes. Winners will receive an exclusive WWDC20 jacket and pin set, with more information available on Apple's website.

Apple says that developers should download the Apple Developer app where additional WWDC program information, such as details on the keynote, the Platforms State of the Union, sessions, and lab schedules will be shared in June. Apple will also make this information available on the Apple Developer website and by email.

At WWDC, Apple will unveil iOS and iPadOS 14, watchOS 7, tvOS 14, and macOS 10.16. There's no word whether we might see new products introduced around the event, but Apple is working on AirTags, Tile-like Bluetooth tags that could come out around that time.

There's also a new 23-inch iMac in the works, along with high-end over-ear headphones, some kind of wireless charging mat, a new iPad Air, an updated Apple TV and more, with details on what Apple is developing available in our upcoming products guide.

Ahead of the upcoming Mother's Day holiday, some companies have begun offering discounts and bargains to shoppers who may be looking for gifts. Although Mother's Day isn't until this Sunday, May 10, all of the sales listed below have already started, and some will be ending ahead of May 10.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Below you'll find discounts from Twelve South, Satechi, Moment, Belkin, Tile, and more. Some retailers are promising shipping estimates to arrive in time for Mother's Day, but with shipping constraints still in place you may have to pay extra for priority shipping in time for Sunday.

Amazon

Amazon is discounting a wide variety of iPhone cases, which always make for an easy and solid gift throughout the year. You'll find Silicone and Leather Cases for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max on sale, and even more discounts can be found on Amazon.

• iPhone 11 Silicone Cases - $29.99, down from $39.00
• iPhone 11 Pro Silicone Cases - $29.99, down from $39.00
• iPhone 11 Pro Leather Cases - $39.00, down from $49.00
• iPhone 11 Pro Max Silicone Cases - $29.99, down from $39.00
• iPhone 11 Pro Max Leather Cases - $34.50, down from $49.00

B&H Photo

B&H Photo is discounting a variety of cameras and photography equipment for Mother's Day this year. You'll find cameras from Canon and Panasonic on sale, along with cheaper devices like the Fujifilm Instax Mini.

There are also a few discounts on the Google Nest Hub ($50 Off), Acer Aspire 5 Series Laptop ($50 off), and Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 ($50 off). Head to B&H Photo for more deals.

Belkin

Belkin has a series of five wireless chargers on sale this week, with sale prices starting at $23.99 for the Boost Up 5W Charging Pad. All of the Qi-compatible accessories are 20 percent off with coupon code WIRELESS20.

The biggest savings you'll find are on the Boost Up Wireless Charging Dock for iPhone + Apple Watch. This device is on sale for $111.99, down from $139.99, and it has room to wirelessly charge your iPhone and Apple Watch.

Moment

Moment and a few notable brands are holding an "Upgrade Mom's Purse" sale this week, offering 25 percent off hand bags, iPhone cases, and more. You can use the code MAKEHERDAY to see the discount.

The full sale has accessories from Nomad, Moment, DJI, and more. You'll find discounts on USB-C cables, wireless chargers, iPhone gimbals, AirPods cases, and travel bags. Visit the full sale right here.

Satechi

Satechi is offering 15 percent off sitewide for Mother's Day this year, with the code TREATMOM. Satechi offers a wide variety of useful Apple-related accessories, including USB-C hubs, wireless chargers, keyboards, and more.

Twelve South

Twelve South's "Marvelous Multitasking Mother's Day Sale" is discounting a few of the company's products. You can get the PowerPic Charger for iPhone at $39.99, down from $59.99; and the HiRise Wireless is $59.99, down from $79.99.

The new ColorKit for MacBook has been discounted to $24.99, from $29.99, while the AirBag for AirPods is at $44.99, down from $49.99. There are quite a few other deals going on during Twelve South's new sale, so head to the retailer soon to check out the full sale.

Hyper

Hyper is taking 20 percent off select products with the code MOM20. You can save on USB-C Hubs, portable batteries, and Lightning cables. Hyper also sells a line of compact makeup mirrors that double as portable chargers, ranging from 1,600 mAh to 3,000 mAh battery capacity.

Miscellaneous

• Adorama - Save on Digital photo frames, smart watches, and more.
• Nimble - Save on Nimble's new limited edition Mother's Day portable charger.
• Tile - Shop limited editions of the Tile Mate themed around Mother's Day.

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.