Anker has debuted its latest Gold Box deal of the day on Amazon, offering ten charging accessories for up to 35 percent off. The Gold Box includes discounts on Lightning Cables, car chargers, USB-C hubs, and more.
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.
As with all of Amazon's Gold Boxes, the Anker sale will last for one day only and expire later tonight. Each accessory has been automatically discounted so you won't need any discount codes in this sale.
Ahead of the launch of its new flagship smartphone, the Pixel 4, Google has been sharing details on the device to get ahead of leaks.
The design of the Pixel 4 was unveiled in June, and today, Google offered up a look at some of the features that will be included in the new smartphone, including Face Unlock and Motion Sense.
Face Unlock is designed to unlock the Pixel 4 much like Face ID unlocks modern iPhones, and the Pixel 4 is even using a 3D sensing camera similar to the iPhone X and later.
There are two Face Unlock IR cameras, an ambient light/proximity sensor, a Soli radar chip that powers Face Unlock and other features, a dot projector, and a Face Unlock flood illuminator.
The Face Unlock feature on the Google Pixel 4 will support secure payments and app authentication, which is unique as most Android devices do not have a secure enough facial recognition system to allow it to be used for payments.
Google says that it is designing its facial recognition system differently than Apple's, making it a more fluid experience that works in any orientation.
According to Google, when you reach for the Pixel 4, the face unlock sensors are activated, recognizing that you want to unlock your phone. If the face unlock sensor recognizes you, the phone will open as you pick it up, all in one motion.
Google suggests this is superior to other methods such as the Face ID unlocking sequence on iPhones. "Other phones require you to lift the device all the way up, pose in a certain way, wait for it to unlock, and then swipe to get to the homescreen," read's Google's blog post on the feature. "Pixel 4 does all of that in a much more streamlined way."
As with Face ID, Face Unlock works on device, so no facial recognition data is shared with Google or Google services. Google says that face data is stored in the Pixel's Titan M security chip, which sounds similar to the Secure Enclave used in Apple's iPhones.
The aforementioned Soli radar chip is designed to sense small motions around the phone, which enables the sensors to activate when you reach for the device and also powers a new Motion Sense feature. Motion Sense will allow users to skip songs, snooze alarms, and silence phone calls by waving a hand in front of the phone.
Rumors have suggested that Apple is also working on iPhones that will incorporate touchless gesture controls for release in the future, though we've heard little about the feature and it's not known when iPhones with this functionality might launch.
As with Google's Motion Sense feature, rumors about Apple's work on gesture-based controls indicate that iPhone users would be able to navigate the operating system by moving their finger close to the screen without actually tapping it.
There's no official word on when Google will launch the Pixel 4, but past Pixel devices have come out in October, so it's likely that this year's launch will also be in October. That'll allow Google to release its new flagship device approximately a month after Apple unveils its new 2019 iPhone lineup in September.
We're likely just six weeks away from Apple unveiling a trio of new iPhones, and on cue, the supply chain is preparing for the new devices.
As it has for the past several summers, Apple's primary manufacturer Foxconn is ramping up its seasonal hiring spree, according to the Economic Daily News. The report claims Foxconn is offering a one-time bonus of 4,500 Chinese yuan, or roughly $650, to employees who renew their contracts right now.
Foxconn needs as many hands on deck as possible at its factory in Shenzhen, China to assist with mass production of the upcoming iPhones, as Apple's first-week sales will likely be in the millions of units as usual.
Apple is widely expected to debut three new iPhones in September with the same 5.8-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.5-inch sizes as the 2018 lineup.
B&H Photo and Best Buy are discounting the new 13-inch MacBook Pro by as much as $250 this week, providing a few new low prices for the 2019 notebook.
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.
The sale starts with the 13-inch MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM and a 128GB SSD for $1,199.99, down from $1,299.00. When it comes to 15-inch models of the 2019 MacBook Pro, Amazon also has some notable discounts.
2019 MacBook Pro
13-Inch
1.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD - $1,199.99, down from $1,299.99 [B&H / Best Buy] ($100 off, lowest ever)
1.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD - $1,299.99, down from $1,499.99 [Best Buy] ($200 off, lowest ever)
2.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD - $1,649.00, down from $1,799.00 [B&H] ($150 off)
2.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD - $1,849.00, down from $1,999.00 [B&H] ($150 off)
15-Inch
2.6 GHz 6-Core, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD - $2,149.99, down from $2,399.00 [Amazon] ($249 off)
2.3 GHz 8-Core, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD - $2,549.00, down from $2,799.00 [Amazon / B&H] ($250 off)
Apple updated the MacBook Pro in May with new 8th and 9th-generation Intel processors and an upgraded butterfly mechanism made from new materials. Apple also just updated the entry-level MacBook Pro with 8th-generation Intel processors, a Touch Bar, Touch ID, and a T2 Security Chip, just like the more expensive 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pros.
Our full Deals Roundup has more of the best discounts and bargains going on right now.
16-inch MacBook Pro rumors continue to surface, with hit-or-miss industry publication DigiTimes today reporting that the notebook will feature an "ultra-narrow bezel" design and launch in September.
The report suggests that the narrow bezels will allow for the 16-inch MacBook Pro to be roughly the same overall size as the current 15-inch model. Taiwanese contract manufacturer Quanta Computer is expected to assemble the notebook, according to the unnamed supply chain sources cited.
Last week, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the 16-inch MacBook Pro will also feature a scissor mechanism keyboard, as Apple finally begins to transition away from its troubled butterfly mechanism keyboard design.
16-inch MacBook Pro rumors are beginning to consolidate, but there are still a few conflicting details. This is the second report to mention a September release date, for example, but Apple typically unveils new Macs in October. Either way, it looks like the notebook is coming in the fall.
Kuo believes the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro will live on with refreshes in 2020.
The three iPhones expected to launch in 2020 will feature support for 5G, according to a new note to investors shared today by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and obtained by MacRumors.
Kuo originally said that two of the three new iPhones coming in 2020 will support 5G, but now believes that Apple will offer 5G in all models to better compete with lower-cost Android smartphones that will support 5G. Kuo also says that following Apple's acquisition of Intel's smartphone modem chip business, Apple has more resources for developing the 5G iPhone.
We now believe that all three new 2H20 iPhone models will support 5G for the following reasons. (1) Apple has more resource for developing the 5G iPhone after the acquisition of Intel baseband business. (2) We expect that the prices of 5G Android smartphones will decline to $249-349 USD in 2H20. We believe that 5G Android smartphones, which will be sold at $249-349 USD, will only support Sub-6GHz. But the key is that consumers will think that 5G is the necessary function in 2H20. Therefore, iPhone models which will be sold at higher prices have to support 5G for winning more subsidies from mobile operators and consumers' purchase intention. (3) Boosting 5G developments could benefit Apple's AR ecosystem.
Kuo says that he expects all three new iPhone models coming in 2020 to support both mmWave and Sub-6GHz spectrum to meet the requirements of the American market, but it is not clear if Apple will launch a 5G iPhone that only supports Sub-6GHz, which would allow for a lower price. He says Apple may not have enough development resources for such a project.
Apple may have the intention to launch the 5G iPhone, which only supports Sub-6GHz, to gain market share by lowering the cost/price for markets which only support Sub-6GHz (e.g., Chinese market). However, 5G iPhone, which only supports Sub-6GHz and the version which supports mmWave & Sub-6GHz are regarded as different projects even though they share the same form factor design.
For those unfamiliar with 5G networks, there are actually two different kinds of 5G. mmWave technology is the super fast 5G that's most often talked about, but not all 5G networks are going to use mmWave technology in all areas because it's best suited to denser urban areas.
In rural and suburban areas, 5G technology will be on mid-bands and low-bands, called sub-6GHz 5G. It's still faster than 4G, but not as fast as mmWave. When 5G finishes rolling out, there will be some areas with mmWave technology where data transfer speeds will be lightning quick, coupled with other more expansive areas that are closer to 4G LTE speeds.
Over time, low-band and mid-band 5G speeds should also get much quicker, but at launch, won't be as fast as mmWave, which is most often in the spotlight.
Apple is planning to use modem chips from Qualcomm in its 2020 5G iPhone lineup, despite its recent acquisition of Intel's smartphone modem chip business. Apple is working on its own modem chips, but that technology isn't going to be ready until 2021.
Along with 5G technology, the 2020 iPhones could be available in new sizes. In a previous note, Kuo said that Apple is going to release 5.4 and 6.7-inch high-end iPhones with OLED displays along with a 6.1-inch model with an OLED display. More information on what to expect in the 2020 iPhones can be found in the dedicated what's next section of our 2019 iPhone roundup.
Apple today registered two unreleased iPad models in the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) database, using the model identifiers A2200 and A2232, according to listings uncovered by MySmartPrice and confirmed by MacRumors.
Both iPad models are listed as running iPadOS, suggesting the devices will launch this fall.
The two identifiers follow five other new iPad model numbers that were added to the database earlier this month. As with the previous identifiers, it's unclear which models these numbers refer to, but it's worth noting that Apple has already released a new iPad mini and 10.5-inch iPad Air this year.
There's also the prospect of a potential successor to the entry-level $329 iPad: A recent rumor suggested mass production of a new 10.2-inch iPad was set to start this month, so a launch could in the offing this fall.
In addition to today's iPad filings, Apple also registered several Mac models, but all of them reference machines that are already available, suggesting the filings are simply being updated to reflect models shipping with macOS Catalina, also due to be released in the fall.
Similar EEC filings have preceded the launch of new Apple products on numerous occasions, including multiple iPad, iPad Pro, iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods models. The filings are legally required for any encrypted devices sold in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.
This week saw some big news stories including the release of iOS 12.4 with a neat new wireless data migration functionality to easily and securely set up a new iPhone, rumors about a 16-inch MacBook Pro and upcoming iPhones, the 20th anniversary of the iBook, Apple's acquisition of Intel's modem business, and more.
Read on below for a recap of all of this week's most significant news.
Apple Releases iOS 12.4 With New Wireless iPhone-to-iPhone Data Migration Feature and More
16-Inch MacBook Pro With Scissor Keyboard Expected to Launch Later This Year
Rumors point to Apple releasing a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an all-new design in October, and according to reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the notebook will include a scissor mechanism keyboard.
Looking further ahead, another rumor this week suggested that 2020 iPhones will feature "ProMotion" displays with a faster 120Hz refresh rate. This technology debuted on the iPad Pro in 2017.
The original iBook featured a unique clamshell-like design and a colorful rubber coating. Initial colors included Blueberry and Tangerine, with later models available in Graphite, Indigo, and Key Lime.
Notably, the iBook was the first mass consumer product with support for wireless networking, aka Wi-Fi. To go wireless, customers needed to purchase an optional $99 AirPort wireless card and a $299 AirPort base station.
Apple Confirms Plans to Acquire the Majority of Intel's Smartphone Modem Business
Approximately 2,200 Intel employees will join Apple, and Apple will also gain intellectual property, equipment, and leases. The transaction is valued at $1 billion and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Hands-On With the New July 2019 13-Inch MacBook Pro
Apple earlier this month refreshed its entry-level $1,299 13-inch MacBook Pro, bringing its features more in line with higher-end models.
On our YouTube channel this week, we went hands-on with the new model to take a look at what's new, including a Touch Bar, Touch ID, a processor bump, an updated keyboard material, 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.
Safari is one of the most important apps on the iPhone and iPad, allowing iOS users to access the web on their devices. Safari is one of the apps that routinely gets updated when new versions of iOS are released, and iOS 13 is no exception.
Safari in iOS 13 offers a whole range of useful updates, from an updated start page to a new download manager. Below, we walk through all of the new and important features in Safari in iOS 13.
Safari in iOS 13 has a revamped start page (the page that's available when you open a new Safari window or tab) that now incorporates Siri Suggestions and other features.
The start page includes access to your favorite websites as usual, but Siri Suggestions also surface relevant websites in your browsing history along with frequently visited sites, links sent to you in the Messages app, and more.
The new start page is designed to let you get to what most interests you quickly, and it makes sure you don't forget to check out websites recommended to you by friends and family.
In the Smart Search field where you can search or type in URLs, there's a new icon on the left denoted by two As.
Tapping on this icon opens up the new Website View menu, where you can access the following controls:
Text Size Options - Adjust the size of the text on the website you're on.
Enable Reader View - Enable Reader View on the website you're on, which gets rid of ads and formatting for a clean book-style reading interface.
Hide Toolbar - Eliminates the Toolbar so you can see the webpage you're on full screen.
Request Desktop Website - Loads the desktop version of a website instead of the mobile version. This feature is for the iPhone, as the iPad now automatically loads desktop versions of websites instead of mobile versions. This turns into "Request Mobile Website" if the desktop site is already loaded.
Website Settings - Provides access to individual settings for each website. You can set the site you're on to load in Reader view automatically or to always load as a desktop website. You can also enable or disable content blockers on a per-site basis, and toggle access to the camera, microphone, and your location. You can view sites where you've customized the settings in the Safari section of the Settings app under "Website Settings."
Website Settings
In the Safari section of the Settings app, there are new per-site controls that let you adjust everything from page zoom to privacy settings for all of the websites you visit (with settings for individual sites customizable using the View Menu mentioned above).
Custom settings you've set will also be listed here along with the toggles to control all websites by default. Available settings:
Page Zoom - Sets the page zoom level for all websites from 50 percent to 300 percent. The default is 100 percent.
Request Desktop Website - Lets you enable Request Desktop Site for all websites by default.
Enable Reader View - Lets you enable Reader View for all websites by default. Sites with a Reader mode will always load in that view.
Enable/Disable Content Blockers - Lets you toggle on or toggle off content blockers for all websites.
Camera Access - Controls camera access. Available settings are Ask, Deny, and Allow.
Location Access - Controls location access. Available settings are Ask, Deny, and Allow.
Microphone Access - Controls microphone access. Available settings are Ask, Deny, and Allow.
If you've enabled some of these settings on a per-site basis using the View Menu, such as turning on Request Desktop Site for MacRumors.com, you can disable the presets or delete them in the Website Settings section using the Edit menu for each category.
There's also an option to clear all settings when using this view.
When uploading a photo to a website in Safari, you can now choose what size image to upload. Options include Actual Size, Large, Medium, and Small, with each option providing the file size at the bottom of the display once it's selected.
Safari in iOS 13 includes a new feature that lets you bookmark all of your open tabs. To get to it, long press on the bookmark icon at the bottom of the Safari window, and then choose "Add Bookmarks for [x] Tabs."
Selecting this will provide you with an interface where you can choose a new folder name and location for the bookmarks to be saved.
You can open up all the bookmarks that you've saved into new tabs (or bookmarks from any other folder) by opening up the Bookmarks interface, long pressing on the folder, and selecting the new "Open in New Tabs" option. There's also an option to copy the contents, which has also been added in iOS 13.
When you start typing the address of a website that's already open in another tab, Safari will direct you to the open tab in iOS 13 rather than opening up a new tab. This makes sure you don't open unnecessary tabs.
Automatically Close Safari Tabs
If you want to set your Safari tabs to automatically close after a set period of time, there's a new option to do so in the Safari section of the Settings app.
Open up Settings, choose Safari, scroll down to where it says "Close Tabs" and select the option that you want. The default setting is manual, which means tabs won't close unless you close them yourself, but you can also set tabs to clear automatically after one day, one week, and one month.
The Share Sheet in iOS 13 has been redesigned, making options like Copy, Add to Reading List, Add Bookmark, and more easier to get to with a new list-style view.
Multiple contact suggestions are also included in the Share Sheet now, including people you've recently spoken to in Messages and AirDrop devices that are nearby.
There's a new feature for sharing an entire web page as a link, a PDF, or in Reader view from the Share Sheet, and through the "Options" interface, you can choose whether to send content as a PDF or a Web Archive. By default, though, iOS 13 will pick "the most suitable format" for each app or action.
Sign In With Apple
Apple in iOS 13 introduced a new Sign In with Apple feature that's a privacy-focused alternative to existing sign-in options from companies like Twitter, Google, and Facebook.
Sign In with Apple is designed to let you sign in with various apps and websites using your existing Apple ID as an authentication method. Unlike sign in options from Google, Twitter, and Facebook, Apple's new option doesn't track or profile you when using Sign In with Apple.
With Sign In with Apple, there's no need to create a login name or email address when signing up for a new website account. Sign In with Apple is authenticated via Face ID or Touch ID, and your information is further protected with two-factor authentication.
If you don't want to share your email address with an app or service that uses Sign In with Apple, Apple has created a "Hide My Email" feature to let you create unique single-use email addresses that forward to your real email address while keeping it inaccessible to third-party apps and services.
Sign In with Apple is designed to work in Safari on iOS, Safari on Mac, in apps, and on other platforms.
Weak Password Warnings
When signing up for a new website account, if you attempt to use a weak password, Safari gives you a warning and suggest a stronger password.
Stronger Encryption
In iOS 13, Safari history and open tabs that have been synced to iCloud are protected with end-to-end encryption, which means that no one but you can access your browsing history.
Enhanced Anti-Fingerprinting Protections
Apple has bolstered anti-fingerprinting protections in Safari in iOS 13, adding new protections related to browser fonts. Anti-fingerprinting techniques prevent companies from tracking your web browsing activities from website to website.
Download Manager
Safari features a new Download Manager that matches the Download Manager in Safari for desktop. When you choose to download a file, such as an image, a little download icon is displayed in the top right corner of the display.
Tapping on the icon will let you see a list of files that you've downloaded, and tapping on the magnifying glass next to any file opens its enclosing folder.
By default, your downloaded Safari files are saved in a "Downloads" section of the Files app, but you can customize the file storage location by opening up the Settings app, selecting the Safari section, and tapping on the "Downloads" section.
You can choose to save files in iCloud Drive, on your iPhone, or in another location such as a different iCloud folder, Dropbox, or another cloud service.
Items in your Safari Download Manager can be set to be deleted after one day, upon successful download, or manually. One day is the default.
While all of the above features are available on both the iPhone and the iPad, there are some additional changes and updates that were added into iPadOS, the version of iOS 13 that's designed to run on the iPad.
Desktop Websites
All websites on the iPad now display in desktop mode rather than mobile view, better mimicking the viewing experience that you get on a Mac.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Safari on iPadOS introduces 30 additional shortcuts that can be used when browsing, similar to the shortcuts that can be used for Safari on a Mac.
The new keyboard shortcuts work with the Smart Keyboard from Apple or any third-party Bluetooth keyboard.
Use default font size in Reader (Command + 0)
Open link in background (Command + tap)
Toggle downloads (Command + Alt/Option)
Open link in new window (Command + Alt + tap)
Use selection for Find (Command + E)
Email this page (Command + I)
Open link in new tab (Command + Shift + tap)
Decrease Reader text size (Command + -)
Zoom in (Command + +)
Zoom out (Command + -)
Save webpage (Command + S)
Change focused element (Alt/Option + tab)
Focus Smart Search field (Command + Alt/Option + F)
Dismiss web view in app (Command + W)
Increase Reader text size (Command + +)
Download linked file (Alt + tap)
Add link to Reading List (Shift + tap)
Close other tabs (Command + Alt/Option + W)
Scroll around screen (arrow keys)
Paste without formatting (Command + Shift + Alt/Option + V)
New Private tab (Command + Shift + N)
Actual size (Command + 0)
Open search result (Command + Return)
Toggle bookmarks (Command + Alt/Option + 1)
Full Toolbar in Split View
When using Safari in Split View, the full toolbar is now displayed. In iOS 12, the search bar was visible, but none of the additional tools for doing things like accessing bookmarks, getting to the Share Sheet, and more.
Creating New Windows
iOS 13 supports multiple windows from the same app in Split View, and to create two Safari windows, you can drag a link from one Safari window into to another to open Split View or Slide Over.
Dragging a link into a multitasking window with another app already open will open Safari as the secondary window. So, for example, you can open up Messages, receive a link, and drag it to create a Split View interface that has Safari (with the webpage in the link) and Messages open.
Contractors that are working on Siri regularly hear confidential medical information, drug deals, recordings of couples having sex, and other private information, according to a report from The Guardian that shares details collected from a contractor who works on one of Apple's Siri teams.
The employee who shared the info is one of many contractors around the world that listen to Siri voice data collected from customers to improve the Siri voice experience and help Siri better understand incoming commands and queries.
According to The Guardian, the employee shared the information because he or she was concerned with Apple's lack of disclosure about the human oversight, though Apple has several times in the past confirmed that this takes place and the practice has been outlined in past reports as well.
The whistleblower said: "There have been countless instances of recordings featuring private discussions between doctors and patients, business deals, seemingly criminal dealings, sexual encounters and so on. These recordings are accompanied by user data showing location, contact details, and app data."
In a statement, Apple confirmed to The Guardian that a small number of anonymized Siri requests are analyzed for the purpose of improving Siri. A small, random subset (less than 1 percent) of daily Siri activations are used for grading, with each clip only lasting for a few seconds.
"A small portion of Siri requests are analysed to improve Siri and dictation. User requests are not associated with the user's Apple ID. Siri responses are analysed in secure facilities and all reviewers are under the obligation to adhere to Apple's strict confidentiality requirements."
Apple has not made its human-based Siri analysis a secret, but its extensive privacy terms don't appear to explicitly state that Siri information is listened to by humans. The employee said that Apple should "reveal to users" that human oversight exists.
The contractor who spoke to The Guardian said that "the regularity of accidental triggers on the watch is incredibly high," and that some snippets were up to 30 seconds in length. Employees listening to Siri recordings are encouraged to report accidental activations as a technical problem, but aren't told to report about content.
Apple has an extensive privacy policy related to Siri and says it anonymizes all incoming data so that it's not linked to an Apple ID and provides no information about the user. Still, the contractor claims that user data showing location, contact details, and app data is shared, and that names and addresses are sometimes disclosed when they're spoken aloud. To be clear, Apple says that all Siri data is assigned a random identifier and does not include location or contact details as stated by the contractor.
As well as the discomfort they felt listening to such private information, the contractor said they were motivated to go public about their job because of their fears that such information could be misused. "There's not much vetting of who works there, and the amount of data that we're free to look through seems quite broad. It wouldn't be difficult to identify the person that you're listening to, especially with accidental triggers - addresses, names and so on.
While Apple's Siri privacy policy and security documents do not mention human oversight specifically, they are detailed and provide information on how Siri recordings are used.
As stated in Apple's security white paper, for example, user voice data is saved for a six-month period so that the recognition system can use them to better understand a person's voice. The voice data that's saved is identified using a random identifier that's assigned when Siri is turned on, and it is never linked to an Apple ID. After six months, a second copy is saved sans any identifier and is used by Apple for improving Siri for up to two years. A small number of recordings, transcripts, and associated data without identifying information is sometimes used by Apple for ongoing improvement of Siri beyond two years.
Apple's privacy website has a Siri section that offers up more info, explaining that all Siri queries are assigned a random identifier not associated with an Apple ID. The identifier is reset whenever Siri is turned off and then on again, and turning Siri off deletes all user data associated with a Siri identifier.
When we do send information to a server, we protect your privacy by using anonymized rotating identifiers so that searches and locations can't be traced to you personally. And you can disable Location Services, our proactive features, or the proactive features' use of your location at any time.
Those concerned about Siri triggering accidentally on devices like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and HomePod can turn off the "Hey Siri" feature and can instead activate Siri manually, and Siri can also be turned off entirely.
Following more than a year of regulatory scrutiny, the U.S. Department of Justice today announced that it has approved the $26 billion merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, although with several conditions attached.
T-Mobile and Sprint will join together as "New T-Mobile" to become a dominant third carrier in the United States alongside Verizon and AT&T. Together, the companies have committed to building out a nationwide 5G network covering 97 percent of the U.S. population within three years and 99 percent within six years.
T-Mobile and Sprint earlier promised that they will not raise prices for three years following the completion of the merger.
Under the terms of the proposed deal, T-Mobile and Sprint must divest a substantial package of assets to Dish Network, including Sprint's prepaid subsidiaries Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile and some 800MHz spectrum. Dish will also gain access to at least 20,000 cell sites and hundreds of retail locations.
The deal paves the way for Dish to become the fourth nationwide facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States, ensuring a competitive landscape. Dish has announced that it plans to deploy a 5G broadband network capable of serving 70 percent of the U.S. population by June 2023.
FCC chairman Ajit Pai:
I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement with T-Mobile and Sprint. The commitments made to the FCC by T-Mobile and Sprint to deploy a 5G network that would cover 99% of the American people, along with the measures outlined in the Department's consent decree, will advance U.S. leadership in 5G and protect competition.
T-Mobile CEO John Legere:
The T-Mobile and Sprint merger we announced last April will create a bigger and bolder competitor than ever before -- one that will deliver the most transformative 5G network in the country, lower prices, better quality, unmatched value and thousands of jobs, while unlocking an unprecedented $43B net present value in synergies. We are pleased that our previously announced target synergies, profitability and long-term cash generation have not changed.
The merger remains subject to remaining regulatory approvals and certain other customary closing conditions. Additionally, a number of states filed an antitrust lawsuit in U.S. federal court in June to block the proposed transaction; that lawsuit remains on the docket and must be resolved before the merger can go forward.
Regardless, T-Mobile and Sprint expect to receive final federal regulatory approval in the third quarter of 2019 and anticipate that the merger will be permitted to close by the end of the year.
Apple will not be given Tariff waiver, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China. Make them in the USA, no Tariffs!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2019
Earlier this month, Apple requested the Trump administration to exclude components for the new Mac Pro and various accessories like the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad from being subject to a 25 percent tariff on Chinese imports, according to filings with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
In all of its exclusion requests, Apple indicated that "there are no other sources for this proprietary, Apple-designed component."
The new Mac Pro will be assembled in China by contract manufacturer Quanta Computer, according to The Wall Street Journal. The current Mac Pro, released in 2013, has been assembled in Texas since its release and is Apple's only major hardware product manufactured in the United States.
Last month, an Apple spokesperson said "final assembly is only one part of the manufacturing process," adding that the new Mac Pro is designed and engineered in the United States and includes some U.S.-made components.
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.
MacRumors and Mophie have partnered up again to offer our readers a chance to get 20 percent off any one item sitewide on Mophie.com. With this deal, you can save money on Mophie's portable batteries, battery cases, charging cables, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Mophie. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
To get the discount, head to Mophie.com, browse for an item, add it to your bag, and when you do you'll notice a pop-up in the top right corner where you can view your bag. Here you can enter the promo code RUMORS20 and click apply to see the 20 percent discount on your order.
This discount is only good for one item, and will not be applied to multiple items in your bag. You'll have until the end of September to use the code, so this is a great opportunity to purchase back-to-school charging gear before the school year kicks off. To get an idea of how much you can save, we've listed some of Mophie's best accessories below.
Understandably, the acquisition may enable Apple to accelerate development of its own 5G modem, with Reuters citing a source who claims the iPhone maker wants to have an in-house chip ready for use in some of its products by 2021, compared to previously reported timeframes of between 2022 and 2025.
New details lower down: Apple has partnered with Global Unichip, a design house connected to TSMC, on a modem design effort, and has an aggressive goal of 2021 for a working chip (vs the 2025 estimate previously reported by @aatilley ) https://t.co/h7106MAPgy
— Stephen Nellis (@StephenNellis) July 25, 2019
Apple's transition to custom 5G modems will likely happen in phases, starting with lower-end and older models of devices, according to the report. Apple has a multiyear chipset supply agreement with Qualcomm, and a six-year patent license agreement, so it certainly does not have to rush the process.
The report does not explicitly mention the iPhone, so the first product with an Apple-designed modem could very well end up being an iPad. In any case, the transition away from Qualcomm will likely take years, as its modems lead the industry in performance and worldwide compatibility.
In the interim, Intel is expected to supply LTE modems for 2019 iPhones, with Apple returning to Qualcomm for the first 5G-enabled iPhones in 2020.
Amazon has kicked off a big sale on the 2018 iPad Pro in both 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes. Prices begin at $649.99 for the 64GB Wi-Fi 11-inch iPad Pro, and discounts reach to as much as $449 off for the 1TB cellular 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
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The sale includes a few lowest-ever prices, across both Wi-Fi and cellular models. We've rounded up the full sale below, and many of the prices are being matched at Best Buy.
2018 iPad Pro
11-Inch
Wi-Fi, 64GB - $649.99, down from $799.00 ($149 off, lowest ever)
Wi-Fi, 256GB - $774.99, down from $949.00 ($174 off)
Wi-Fi, 512GB - $949.99, down from $1,149.00 ($199 off)
Wi-Fi, 1TB - $1,299.00, down from $1,549.00 ($250 off)
Apple's highly anticipated launch of Apple Card is on schedule and will launch in the U.S. in just a few weeks, reports Bloomberg this morning.
The Apple Card is targeted to launch as early as the first half of August. That timing means the project is on schedule for the summer release date that Apple first announced in March.
According to the report, iPhone users will be able to sign up for the card in the Wallet app, which will have built-in Apple Card support as part of the latest iOS 12.4 update.
Apple is partnering with Goldman Sachs for the card, which is going to be optimized for Apple Pay but will still work like a traditional credit card for all of your transactions. Apple's virtual credit card will also be available as a physical titanium card for use at merchants that don't accept Apple Pay.
According to today's report, Apple expressed misgivings in May about the underlying technology Goldman Sachs had developed to power the credit card, and Apple asked the bank for changes to be made.
However, Apple Card's summer launch still appears to be on track, so Goldman Sachs presumably allayed Apple's concerns in time. The bank is responsible for the underlying infrastructure, managing payment disputes, handling transaction data and collating information for monthly statements.
Thousands of Apple employees have been testing the Apple Card, which offers 3% cash back on Apple purchases, 2% cash back on all Apple Pay transactions, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
According to Apple, signing up for Apple Card will be as simple as opening up the Wallet app, tapping on the Apple Card interface, and walking through the activation steps. Purchases are tracked in the Wallet app, providing a breakdown of spending across different categories like health, food, shopping, and more.
Bloomberg says Apple has also been discussing an expansion into Europe with financial regulators.
For a look at the Apple Card and what to expect when it launches, make sure to check out our dedicated Apple Card guide.
Apple in March revealed its redesigned TV app, and with it a new "Apple TV Channels" feature, which lets users sign up for third-party subscription services and pay only for those that they want to watch on iOS and tvOS.
During its March event, Apple said that users would be able to sign up to CBS All Access as an a la carte subscription option in the new TV app, but the service wasn't included when it launched with iOS 12.
However, CBS All Access on Thursday quietly announced via its Twitter account that it will arrive on Apple TV Channels from July 29.
Hi! Thank you again for your interest! We wanted to update you and let you know that the CBS All Access Channel will launch on Apple TV Channels on 7/29! Happy streaming! 😊
— CBS All Access Help (@cbsaahelp) July 25, 2019
Other subscription services available now through Apple TV Channels include Cinemax, EPIX, HBO, MTV Hits, Showtime, Smithsonian, Starz and Tastemade. Upcoming services include Nickelodeon, Mubi, The History Channel Vault, Comedy Central Now, and more.
Users can subscribe to the channels à la carte within the TV app and then watch them there, without having to jump between apps, sign into a new account, or enter another password.
Apple may be planning to start offering a one month free trial of Apple Music instead of three months, according to a new banner on Apple's webite.
On Apple's page for accessories, there's a banner that offers up a one month free trial of Apple Music rather than a three month free trial.
This could potentially be a mistake or a new change that Apple is rolling out. Clicking on the banner still brings up a prompt for a three month free trial in iTunes, and there are no mentions of a one month trial instead of a three month trial on Apple's dedicated site for Apple Music.
Apple has been offering three month trials of Apple Music for new customers since Apple Music launched in 2015, but Apple has to pay royalties on all songs played during free trials even when customers aren't paying.
It's not yet clear if Apple is making a permanent change to its free trial length, but we'll update this post when we hear more information.
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