MacRumors

Hulu today updated its iOS app to add support for offline viewing for the first time, which will allow Hulu content to be downloaded so it can be viewed when you don't have an internet connection available for streaming.

Hulu rival Netflix has long offered offline viewing as an option, but until today, Hulu didn't offer the feature.

huluofflineviewing
According to Hulu, downloading of offline content is available to subscribers of the more expensive ad-free Hulu plan. Those with the ad-supported Hulu plan will not be able to download shows for offline viewing as it would presumably be easier to skirt commercials.

Downloaded content can be accessed through a new Downloads tab in the Hulu app, and there's an option to "See What's Downloadable" to browse through available downloadable content.

Up to 25 titles can be downloaded across five different devices, and users will have 30 days to watch downloaded content. Content that's been watched will expire two days after playback has begun, and downloaded content can be renewed by accessing Hulu over an internet connection.

Downloadable shows are available on Hulu for iOS starting today, with an App Store update required.

Tag: Hulu

Sprint is continuing to offer new and existing customers a few select iPhone and Apple Watch-related discounts this month. Below we've rounded up each of these offers and explained how you can get them, so be sure to check out each deal before they expire.

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

iPhone XR

Sprint has an ongoing flash sale on the 64GB iPhone XR, priced at $8 per month when you sign up for an 18-month Sprint Flex lease and add a new line of service. Within two bills you'll see a bill credit of $17 per month added onto your account.

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This offer will end on October 10.

iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro

For the latest iPhone 11, Sprint is offering the 64GB iPhone 11 for $0 per month with eligible device trade-in, an 18-month lease, and new line activation. After this, you'll get $29.17 credited to your account every month.

iphone 11 and 11 pro no background
The same offer can be applied to the more expensive 64GB iPhone 11 Pro and 64GB iPhone 11 Pro Max, which would end up priced at $12.50 per month and $16.67 per month, respectively.

These offers will expire on November 7.

iPhone 8

You can get the 64GB iPhone 8 for $10 per month or the iPhone 8 Plus for $14.17 per month, when you sign up for an 18-month lease and add a new line of service. Both iPhone 8 models will see a credit of $8.75 added to your bill each month, beginning within two bill cycles.

iphone8applead
This offer will end on November 7.

10.2-Inch iPad

If you're looking to add a tablet to your Sprint account, you can get the 32GB 10.2-inch iPad for $4.17 per month once you agree to a 24-month billing agreement, add a new line on a qualifying plan, and have one active handset on your account.

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At this discounted rate, the total cost of the new 7th generation iPad is reduced to $99.99. The deal is available in all three iPad colorways: Space Gray, Gold, and Silver.

This offer will end on October 24.

Apple Watch Series 5

Finally, Sprint has discounted the Apple Watch by 50 percent off this month, including the new Series 5 models. The offer requires you to sign a 24-month Installment Billing agreement, activate a new watch plan, and have one active handset on your Sprint account.

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Once you meet all of these criteria, you'll see 50 percent off your cellular Apple Watch model of choice (excluding the 44mm Stainless Steel case with Milanese Loop band) via monthly bill credits. For Series 5 models, this means you can pay as low as around $10 per month for the device.

This offer will end on October 17.

Our full Deals Roundup has even more information on all of the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals
Tag: Sprint

Intel today launched new W-2200 Cascade Lake-X Xeon chips that are potentially suitable for a new iMac Pro should Apple be planning to refresh the machine in the near future.

Right now, Apple uses custom Intel Xeon-W chips for its ‌iMac‌ Pro models, but could use a stock version of the W-2200 Xeon chips or a custom version.


There are up to 18 AVX 512 enabled cores in the new W-2200 chips, along with up to 48 PCIe lanes, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, and AI acceleration (Intel Deep Learning Boost) for visual effects, motion graphics, 3D rendering, and more. The chips are similar to Intel's X-Series chips but with Intel vPro for support for up to 1TB ECC RAM, VROC, and RAS (reliability, availability, and serviceability) features.

According to Intel, its new chips offer 2x faster 3D architecture rendering, 97% faster 4K video editing, and 2.1x faster video game compile times.

xeonchipfeatures
Intel is introducing a new, more affordable pricing structure for the updated chips, dropping prices by up to almost 50 percent compared to prior-generation Xeon chips. The pricing cuts could drive the cost of future ‌iMac‌ Pro models down should Apple pass those savings along to consumers.

intel2200processors
Apple released the ‌iMac‌ Pro in 2017 and hasn't updated it since then, so it's due for a refresh. There are no rumors that an updated model is in the works, but we often don't hear much about minor Mac refreshes, so upgraded processors and other hardware could still come in a 2019 update.

Intel says the new Xeon W-2200 chips will be available starting in November.

Tag: Intel

Alongside macOS Catalina, Apple today announced the launch of an updated version of Final Cut Pro X, which is optimized for the upcoming Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR that goes along with it.

The new version of Final Cut Pro X has a new Metal engine that's designed to take advantage of the power of the new ‌Mac Pro‌ while also delivering performance gains across a wide range of Mac systems.

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Apple says the new Metal-based engine improves playback and accelerates graphic tasks like rendering, real-time effects, and exporting.

On the 15-inch MacBook Pro, which Apple says is the most popular system for Final Cut Pro X users, the software is up to 20 percent faster. On the iMac Pro, the software is up to 35 percent faster.

As for the ‌Mac Pro‌, Final Cut Pro X is 2.9 times faster at rendering than the previous 12-core ‌Mac Pro‌ and 3.2 times faster at transcoding. Final Cut Pro X also takes advantage of the Afterburner card in the new ‌Mac Pro‌ for "unparalleled performance" when working with ProRes and ProRes RAW.

Final Cut Pro X works with the Sidecar feature in macOS, which is designed to allow the iPad to work as a secondary display for a Mac.

Other new features added to the software are listed below:

- Grade high dynamic range video with enhanced color mask and range isolation tools.
- View high dynamic range video tone-mapped to compatible standard dynamic range displays when using Final Cut Pro, Motion or Compressor on macOS Catalina.
- Select which internal or external GPU is used to accelerate graphics processing.

Apple is also releasing updates to Motion and Compressor with the same new refreshed Metal engine that offers performance optimizations for the ‌Mac Pro‌ and Pro Display XDR.

Final Cut Pro 10.4.7 is a free update for existing users, while new users can download it for $299.99 from the Mac App Store. [Direct Link]

Motion and Compressor are each priced at $49.99. [Direct Link: Motion] [Direct Link: Compressor]

Apple today released the newest version of its operating system for Macs, macOS Catalina, to the public. macOS Catalina comes after several rounds of beta testing and months of refinements.

macOS Catalina can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for free, and it is available to anyone who has a compatible Mac.

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macOS Catalina brings some major changes to the Mac, eliminating the iTunes app in favor of new Music, Podcasts, and TV apps. The three apps offer similar functionality to iTunes, but are split up by feature.

iOS device management is still available on the Mac, but it's done through the Finder instead of iTunes, and accessing your Apple ID is now done through the new profile setting in System Preferences.

macos catalina apple music
The TV app offers up access to TV and movies with support for 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos, the Music app offers access to Apple Music and your iTunes library, and the Podcasts app offers up the Podcasts library with features for browsing, viewing top charts, and more.

A new Sidecar feature lets you turn your iPad into a secondary display for your Mac with just the click of a button, and you can even use your Apple Pencil to turn the ‌iPad‌ into a drawing tablet when using apps like Photoshop and Illustrator.

sidecarmacoscatalina
With macOS Catalina, the Apple Watch can be used to approve security prompts for passwords, and Macs with a T2 chip now support Activation Lock, making them more secure.

A new Find My app is available on the Mac for the first time, and it lets you track your devices even when they're offline, or in the case of notebooks, closed.

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Screen Time is available on the Mac in addition to iPhones and iPads in macOS Catalina, so you can track your device usage across all of your devices for a better picture of how you're spending your time.

macoscatalinascreentime
Project Catalyst, a new Apple initiative, is designed to let developers easily port their ‌iPad‌ apps over to the Mac to increase the number of Mac apps available.

A new Photos interface surfaces your best photos organized by day, month, or year, there's a new start page in Safari, Mail has new tools for muting email threads and blocking senders, and the Reminders app has been overhauled.

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Security has been enhanced in macOS Catalina and Gatekeeper, Apple's security protocol, checks all of your apps for known security issues. New data protections require apps to get your permission before accessing your documents.

The update also supports Apple Arcade, Apple's new subscription-based gaming service that first began rolling out on the Mac last week. With macOS Catalina, Mac users can access ‌Apple Arcade‌ games on their Mac, as well as on iOS devices and the Apple TV.

apple arcade catalina
Prior to installing macOS Catalina, Mac users should be aware that 32-bit apps no longer work, so some older apps may no longer work after installing the update.

For more on what's new in macOS Catalina, make sure to check out our macOS Catalina roundup.

Related Forum: macOS Catalina

Apple today shared a trailer for the film "The Elephant Queen" ahead of its November 1 debut on Apple TV+.

apple the elephant queen
Acquired by Apple at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, "The Elephant Queen" centers upon Athena, a matriarch of an elephant herd, as she is forced to lead her family across the African savanna in search of water:

Embark on an epic journey of love, courage and coming home. Join Athena, the majestic matriarch of an elephant herd, as she is forced to lead her family across the unforgiving African savanna in search of water. This family-friendly adventure is a cinematic love letter to a threatened species. Narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, The Lion King), The Elephant Queen won the Cinema for Peace International Green Film Award of the Year.

The trailer was shared on Apple TV+'s official YouTube channel:


Apple TV+ is Apple's upcoming subscription-based streaming video service, launching November 1 in over 100 countries and regions. The platform will eventually offer dozens of original TV shows and movies, such as "The Morning Show," "Dickinson," "See," "For All Mankind" and "The Elephant Queen."

Apple TV+ will be available on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and other platforms, including online at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. Since September 10, customers who purchase any iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, or Mac can get one year of Apple TV+ for free.

The trailer can also be watched on tv.apple.com.

Apple is in early discussions with record labels about bundling Apple Music and Apple TV+ as part of a "super-bundle of media content" for one flat monthly rate, according to a report from the Financial Times.

apple tv plus and apple music
While some record labels are said to be open to the idea, the report claims at least one big label has voiced concerns, adding that the industry is growing more wary about its relationship with Apple. In particular, the report claims record labels are worried that the bundle would lead to lost revenue.

The report adds that the two sides have not yet discussed a pricing formula, so it is unclear what Apple would charge for its Apple Music and Apple TV+ bundle. It is also unclear if the bundle would extend to Apple's other subscription-based offerings like Apple News+, Apple Arcade, AppleCare+, and iCloud storage.

Apple Music costs $9.99 per month for individuals in the United States, with a $4.99 tier for students. Apple TV+ will cost $4.99 per month, with a free one-year subscription available to customers who purchase any iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, or Mac as of September 10 and later.

The total cost of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade rounds to $30 per month, so the bundle would presumably undercut that amount to incentivize customers to subscribe to all of the services.

Apple TV+ launches November 1.

The U.S. Supreme Court today declined to hear the University of Wisconsin's appeal in its patent fight with Apple, according to Reuters.

ipad iphone ios 8
In July 2017, a U.S. district court ordered Apple to pay $506 million to the University of Wisconsin's Alumni Research Foundation for infringing on a patent related to computer processing technology with its A7, A8, and A8X chips.

In September 2018, however, the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals threw out the damages that Apple had been ordered to pay, ruling that no reasonable juror could have been able to find infringement based on the evidence that was presented in the liability phase of the original 2015 trial.

The decision comes on the first day of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2019 term.

New deals out today include low prices on Apple's 9.7-inch iPad and Smart Battery Case for the iPhone XS, as well as one of the first major discounts we've seen on the new Powerbeats Pro wireless headphones.

deals october 7Note: 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.

Powerbeats Pro

Amazon has introduced a discount on the Powerbeats Pro, which you can purchase for $199.95, down from $249.95 ($50 off). This 20 percent off sale on Apple's new wireless headphones is one of the first notable discounts for the Powerbeats Pro that we've tracked online.

powerbeatsproblack
The retailer has every color on sale, so you can get the Powerbeats Pro in Black, Ivory, Moss, or Navy at the new discounted price of $199.95. These models are shipped and sold by Amazon and are brand new, and you can opt to include AppleCare+ for headphones at $29.00 to your order.

Additionally, Apple itself has marked down the Powerbeats Pro to $199.95 on its website.

2018 9.7-Inch iPad

Amazon has Apple's previous generation 32GB cellular 9.7-inch iPad from 2018 at the low price of $349.00, down from $459.00. At $110 off, this matches the lowest price we previously tracked for this model across the major Apple resellers online.

new 9
Only the Gold color is on sale at this price. If you're looking for a little more storage, Amazon also has the 128GB cellular model of this iPad at $449.00, down from $559.00 ($110 off). All three colors are available on sale for the 128GB model.

iPhone XS Smart Battery Case

To round out the Amazon deals kicking off the week, the retailer also has Apple's Smart Battery Case for the iPhone XS and XS Max at $102.00, down from $129.00 ($27 off). The iPhone XS version is only on sale in Black, while the iPhone XS Max version is on sale in both Black and White colorways.

smartbatterycasehandson
While we've seen slightly lower prices on the iPhone XS Max Smart Battery Case, today's deal matches previous low prices on the accessory for the iPhone XS model. The Smart Battery Case for the iPhone XR has not been discounted this week on Amazon.

Head to our full Deals Roundup to stay updated on all of the latest Apple-related sales and offers.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

MacRumors reader Daniel Marcinkowski has uncovered a reference to an unreleased Sleep app for the Apple Watch.

In the App Store listing for Apple's preinstalled Alarms app on the Apple Watch, there is a screenshot of an unreleased version of the Alarms app with a "Sleep" label and fine print that reads "set your Bedtime and wake up in the Sleep app."

apple watch sleep app in alarms app
Similar functionality is available on the iPhone through the Bedtime tab of the Clocks app.

There is no Sleep app or references to a Sleep app in the Alarms app on watchOS 6.0.1 or watchOS 6.1 beta, but MacRumors uncovered evidence of Apple working on a Sleep app for the Apple Watch in an internal build of iOS 13 last month, so Apple likely shared this screenshot too early by accident.

The new Sleep app on the Apple Watch will provide users with an overview of their sleeping patterns, as well as send users bedtime and battery charging reminders. Apple Watch users will be recommended to have at least 30 percent of battery life to wear it to sleep, according to an iOS 13 string seen by MacRumors.

Apple's sleep tracking functionality is referred to as "Time in Bed tracking" based on internal iOS 13 code, with one string noting that "you can also track your sleep and get woken up silently by wearing your watch to bed."

When released, the Sleep app may have a dedicated watch face available, according to the internal iOS 13 build.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman was first to report that Apple was testing sleep tracking on the Apple Watch. Back in February, he said Apple plans to roll out the feature by 2020 if the testing is deemed successful. This follows Apple's acquisition of the iPhone-connected sleep tracking accessory Beddit in 2017.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Tag: Sleep
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

The official Twitch app for Apple TV has just dropped. The live game-streaming service has offered iOS and Mac apps for some time, but a version for Apple's set-top box has only been in testing over the last month. From today though, gamers can watch their favorite streams on the big screen.

twitch apple tv
The Twitch app for ‌Apple TV‌ offers the same features found on the iOS and Mac apps, so users can 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.

twitch app apple tv
The ‌Apple TV‌ app rollout is currently underway. If the Twitch app isn't showing up for you in the tvOS App Store, launch the Settings app on your set-top box and enable Apps -> Automatically Install Apps, then download the iOS app to your iPhone or iPad (or remove it and then install it again), and it should appear on your ‌Apple TV‌'s Home screen.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Tag: Twitch
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

spotify logoSpotify today updated its mobile app to include Siri support, which means iPhone and iPad users running iOS 13 can now use ‌Siri‌ to control their favorite music streaming service, just like Apple Music subscribers.

After updating the app, users simply need to invoke ‌Siri‌ on their device and ask the voice assistant to play an album or song "with Spotify." Commands for playing playlists work the same way.

According to Spotify's release notes, ‌Siri‌ support is compatible over connected AirPods and also extends to CarPlay and HomePod via AirPlay. On iPhones and iPads running iOS 13, Spotify will also now turn on its Data Saver feature when a device has Low Data Mode enabled.

In addition, the streaming service says Spotify is "now available on Apple TV," although it isn't showing up in the tvOS App Store as of writing, so rollout is likely scheduled for later in the day.

Tag: Spotify

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 next year's launch of the "‌iPhone‌ SE 2," claims Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in his latest research note, seen by MacRumors.

iphone 11 and 11 pro

We expect that combined iPhone shipments in 1Q20 will grow around 10% YoY thanks to the iPhone 11's replacement demand boosted by more affordable prices and iPhone SE2's shipments starting in 1Q20. We estimate that iPhone shipment in 1Q20 will be 45–50mn units (iPhone 11 Pro series and iPhone 11 to be 13–15 and 22–24mn units, respectively), which is better than around 42mn units of iPhone shipments in 1Q19 (iPhone XS series and iPhone XR to be around 12 and 14mn units, respectively).

The TFI Securities analyst estimates that ‌iPhone‌ 11 series shipments will reach between 70 and 75 million units in 2019, and he believes that figure may have been higher but for supply constraints. A Nikkei report previously claimed Apple has upped orders from suppliers after stronger-than-expected demand for its latest flagship phones.

Specifically, Kuo estimates that shipments of the ‌iPhone‌ 11 Pro in 2019 will be around 37-40 million units, and shipments of the ‌iPhone‌ 11 will be around 36 to 40 million units.

If those figures are accurate, Kuo says Pro series shipments will be lower than last year's equivalent ‌iPhone‌ XS shipments, but only because of a tighter supply caused by "increased production difficulties" of specific ‌iPhone‌ 11 Pro components. Meanwhile, shipments of ‌iPhone‌ 11 will be higher than 2018's ‌iPhone‌ XR, mainly because the ‌iPhone‌ XR didn't start shipping until the middle of the fourth quarter.

Kuo says Apple has increased some suppliers' shipment forecasts or capacity requirements in the fourth quarter to ensure that shipments going into next year meet demand. Boosted by more affordable prices, the high replacement demand for the ‌iPhone‌ 11 could run into the first quarter of 2020, the analyst believes. As a result, Kuo estimates that "‌iPhone‌ 11 shipments in 1Q20 (22–24mn units) will be better than those of ‌iPhone‌ XR in 1Q19 (14mn units) significantly."

Kuo has previously claimed that Apple plans to release a lower-priced "‌iPhone‌ SE 2" in the first quarter of 2020. Earlier this month, he said the device will feature a similar form factor design and specifications as the ‌iPhone‌ 8, with a faster A13 chip and 3GB of RAM.

Related Forum: iPhone

This week saw quite a few leaks and rumors, including Apple itself leaking an icon of what appears to be next-generation AirPods with ear tips that would presumably assist with rumored noise cancelation capabilities. We also heard rumors about an "iPhone SE 2" that would actually be more like an updated iPhone 8 and future high-end iPad and MacBook models equipped with Mini-LED displays.

Read on for a look at this week's biggest news, including our thoughts on a potential October media event and what Apple might introduce at one.

iOS 13.2 Beta Released With Deep Fusion for iPhone 11 and 11 Pro

Apple's wave of software updates continued this week with the release of the first iOS 13.2 beta for developers and public testers. With it brings Apple's promised Deep Fusion camera feature for iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro models, which takes advantage of machine learning techniques for even better pixel-by-pixel optimization of photos.

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Apple also seeded the Golden Master of macOS Catalina to developers, which is equivalent to the final version of the operating system that will be released for all compatible Macs soon, as well as the second beta of watchOS 6.1 and the first beta of tvOS 13.2.

For users who aren't on the beta track, Apple has released iOS 13.1.2 with several bug fixes and improvements.

iOS 13.2 Beta Includes Icon Depicting New AirPods Design

In the first beta of iOS 13.2, MacRumors has discovered an icon depicting in-ear AirPods, lending credence to rumors that Apple plans to release a new version of the wireless earphones with active noise cancelation and a new design later this year.

AirPods b298@3x
We've also rounded up everything else that is new in the first iOS 13.2 beta, including the return of "Announce Messages with Siri" for AirPods and select Beats headphones, a new "Transfer to HomePod" feature for media, HomeKit grouping, and more.

'iPhone SE 2' With Similar Design as iPhone 8, A13 Chip, and 3GB RAM Expected in Early 2020

Apple plans to release a so-called "iPhone SE 2" with a similar design as the iPhone 8 in early 2020, but with a faster A13 chip and an extra, third GB of RAM, according to reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

iphone se and iphone 8
Kuo is at least the fourth source that expects a new lower-cost iPhone to launch early next year. Earlier reports claimed the device will have a 4.7-inch display like the iPhone 8, so it might not be the 4-inch smartphone that some are hoping for. Touch ID is also expected instead of Face ID.

High-End iPad and MacBook With Mini-LED Displays Said to Launch Between Late 2020 and Mid 2021

A new iPhone SE wasn't the only prediction to come from Ming-Chi Kuo this week.

The well-known analyst also expects Apple to release high-end iPad and MacBook models with Mini-LED-backlit displays between the fourth quarter of 2020 and the second quarter of 2021.

ipad pro and macbook pro
Kuo believes one of Apple's suppliers will be Epistar, the largest LED manufacturer in Taiwan. Just this week, without getting specific, Epistar's president revealed that some of the company's clients are working on products with Mini-LED backlighting systems. One of those clients could certainly be Apple.

Mini-LED displays would have many of the same advantages as OLED displays on the latest iPhones, such as high contrast.

iPadOS Tips and Tricks: Gestures, Home Screen Tweaks, Keyboard Options, and More

In one of our latest videos over on our YouTube channel, we go over some must-know iPadOS tips and tricks that are useful to those who have recently updated and want to get more familiar with the changes.

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Tips and tricks range from quick screenshots and a floating keyboard to new gestures for selecting text and cutting, copying, and pasting.

We also went hands-on with an iPad Pro dummy unit this week, showing off what the next-generation version of the device might look like if equipped with a triple-lens rear camera like the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max as rumored. Rumors are rather unclear, however, on whether such a camera system could come in a refresh as soon as this month or if might not be until next year.

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

Apple in October: 16-Inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro Refresh, New Apple TV, and More?

With last month's iPhone 11 and Apple Watch Series 5 event in the rearview mirror, and several more Apple products in the rumor mill, we can now look ahead to what might come later this month.

tim cook wwdc19
There certainly appears to be enough on Apple's slate for an October media event, with rumors of a 16-inch MacBook Pro, an iPad Pro refresh, a new Apple TV, new AirPods, and possibly even the "Apple Tags" if they are ready.

In our article, we explain why Tuesday, October 29 would be a fitting date for a potential Apple event this month.

MacRumors Newsletter

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

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

Eight years ago today, Steve Jobs passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 56, one day after somewhat subdued Apple executives introduced the iPhone 4s at a media event on the company's Infinite Loop headquarters campus.

jobs
As he traditionally does, Apple CEO Tim Cook today marked the anniversary of Jobs' death with a tweet, sharing a Jobs quote and a photo of him at the iconic cube at Apple's Fifth Avenue retail store in New York City.


Apple continues to maintain its "Remembering Steve" page highlighting a few of the over one million submissions from people around the world who "shared their memories, thoughts, and feelings about Steve."

Apple today flipped the switch to launch Apple Arcade for users currently running the macOS Catalina beta, which itself was updated to the golden master version just yesterday.

apple arcade catalina
The launch of ‌Apple Arcade‌ on Mac will complete the rollout of Apple's subscription gaming service, with the service already up and running for all users on iOS, iPadOS, and Apple TV. While Apple touts ‌Apple Arcade‌ as having 100+ games overall, not every game is available on every platform and the Mac version of ‌Apple Arcade‌ currently offers about two dozen titles including Sayonara Wild Hearts, Operator 41, Big Time Sports, Card of Darkness, and more.

apple arcade feature mojave
‌Apple Arcade‌ requires macOS Catalina, and users currently running macOS Mojave are being presented with a "Welcome to ‌Apple Arcade‌ on Mac!" feature story in the Mac App Store. The feature outlines the ‌Apple Arcade‌ service and offers a "Check for Update" button, suggesting a public macOS Catalina launch may be imminent.

‌Apple Arcade‌ is priced at $4.99 per month across all platforms, with Family Sharing allowing up to six members of a single family to access the service at no additional charge. A one-month free trial is also available.

Apple today launched a new repair program for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices that may fail to power on due to a faulty component. Affected devices were sold between October 2018 and August 2019, and users can check their serial numbers on Apple's support site to see if their devices are part of the affected batches.

iphone6s 6sp select 2015
Customers with an eligible iPhone model can have their device repaired free of charge by Apple or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Affected customers can contact Apple support for a mail-in repair, visit an AASP, or visit an Apple retail store.

Affected devices are covered for two years from the date of first retail sale of the unit. Repairs may be limited to the original country or region of purchase.

London's National Portrait Gallery has announced its latest commission: a portrait of Apple's departing design chief Jony Ive at Apple Park, shot by internationally renowned photographer Andreas Gursky.

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Ive is pictured in a nearly all-white outfit on an outside ledge of the main Apple Park building, which he played a major role in designing.

National Portrait Gallery:

Jony Ive is one of the leading figures in contemporary design. Described by founder Steve Jobs as 'his creative partner' Ive joined Apple in 1992. From his early cutting-edge designs for the iMac and iPhone to realising the vision of Apple Park in 2017, his role has been central to Apple's progressive ambition and success. As one of a few portraits by Andreas Gursky and the only portrait commission he has undertaken for a public museum, this newest addition to our collection reflects a long-standing professional admiration between two leading creative figures.

Ive:

I have been obsessed with Andreas' work for a couple of decades and vividly remember the thrill of our first meeting seven years ago. His very particular and objective presentation of what he sees, whether voluminous landscapes or the rhythm and repetition of supermarket shelving is both beautiful and provocative. Mindful that he rarely makes portraits, this is a conspicuous and particular honour for me.

Gursky:

It was fascinating to take photographs in the new Apple HQ, a place that plays such a historically crucial role in our present and future. And above all, it was inspiring to work with Jonathan Ive within this setting. It was he who found the form for the technological revolution that was initiated by Apple and his aesthetic has left a mark on an entire generation. I admire his immense visionary power and have tried to express this energy in my portrait.

Ive's portrait is on display in room 32 of the gallery. Entry to the gallery is free, but some special exhibitions cost money.

Ive has led Apple's design team since 1996. In his current role as Chief Design Officer, he has been responsible for all design at Apple, including the look and feel of Apple products like the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch, packaging, and major architectural projects such as Apple Park and Apple Stores.

In June, Apple announced that Ive will depart the company as an employee later this year to form an independent design company named LoveFrom. Apple said it will remain one of Ive's primary clients.

"Jony is a singular figure in the design world and his role in Apple's revival cannot be overstated, from 1998's groundbreaking iMac to the iPhone and the unprecedented ambition of Apple Park, where recently he has been putting so much of his energy and care," said Apple CEO Tim Cook.