MacRumors

Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.0.1, the first update for the ‌macOS Sequoia‌ operating system. The 15.0.1 update comes a week after Apple first released ‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.

macOS Sequoia Night Feature
Mac users can download the ‌‌macOS Sequoia‌‌ update by using the Software Update section of System Settings.

According to Apple's release notes, ‌macOS Sequoia‌ 15.0.1 fixes a bug that could cause the Messages app to crash when a message with a shared Apple Watch face was sent, and it improves third-party software compatibility. Apple's release notes for the update are below.

This update provides important bug fixes for your Mac including:
- Messages may unexpectedly quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face
- Improves compatibility with third-party security software
Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices.

Details on the features that are included in ‌macOS Sequoia‌ can be found in our roundup.

Related Roundup: macOS Sequoia
Related Forum: macOS Sequoia

Apple today released iPadOS 18.0.1 for the iPad, and it brings iPadOS 18 to the for M4 iPad Pro models for the first time since the ‌iPadOS 18‌ update was pulled for those devices. After ‌iPadOS 18‌ was released, it was found that a small number of M4 iPads were bricked when the software was installed. If you haven't been able to install ‌iPadOS 18‌ on your ‌iPad Pro‌, it is now available.

m4 iPad Pro Horizontal Feature Orange
The iPadOS 18.0.1 update can be downloaded over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. iPadOS 18.0.1 is available for all ‌iPad‌ models able to run ‌iPadOS 18‌.

Apple first released iPadOS 18 on Monday, September 16, but the update was removed the next day. Some M4 ‌iPad Pro‌ owners found that ‌iPadOS 18‌ rendered their devices unusable.

Apple in a statement said that it temporarily removed the update to fix a problem that was affecting only a small number of users.

"We have temporarily removed the ‌iPadOS 18‌ update for M4 ‌iPad Pro‌ models as we work to resolve an issue that is impacting a small number of devices."

The updated version of ‌iPadOS 18‌ addresses the problem and it should now be safe to install on an M4 ‌iPad Pro‌. The update also includes bug fixes available on all iPads:

- Messages may unexpectedly quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face
- Performance may be impacted due to an issue with memory allocation on some iPad models.

iPadOS 18 introduces new customization options for the Home Screen, a revamped Control Center, and new features for almost every app including Photos, Messages, Safari, Calculator, and Notes.

Full details on the what's included in ‌iPadOS 18‌ can be found in our iPadOS 18 roundup.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

Apple today released iOS 18.0.1 and iPadOS 18.0.1, the first updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems that debuted earlier in September. iOS 18.0.1 and iPadOS 18.0.1 come two weeks after the launch of ‌iOS 18‌.

Generic iOS 18
The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

According to Apple's release notes, the iOS 18.0.1 update addresses issues with several bug fixes for the touch screen, camera, and Messages app. Apple's release notes for the update are below.

This update provides important bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone including: - Touch screen may be temporarily unresponsive in certain circumstances on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models
- Camera may freeze when recording macro mode video on the Ultra Wide camera in 4K with HDR turned off on iPhone 16 Pro models
- Messages may unexpectedly quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face

Performance may be impacted due to an issue with memory allocation on some iPhone models. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/100100

There have been multiple complaints about these issues. iPhone 16 owners have been running into trouble with the touchscreen since the new models launched, with the display at times not responding to touch.

‌iPadOS 18‌ has been unavailable for the M4 iPad Pro models since shortly after the update came out because it was bricking some devices. Apple's full release notes are below.

For more on the features available in ‌iOS 18‌ and ‌iPadOS 18‌, we have a dedicated roundup.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

Apple today released watchOS 11.0.1, a minor update for the watchOS 11 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 11.0.1 comes three weeks after Apple released watchOS 11.

watchOS 11 Thumb 2 1
‌‌watchOS 11‌‌ can be downloaded for free on an iPhone running iOS 18 by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.

watchOS 11.0.1 introduces bug fixes for the Apple Watch. It fixes an issue that could cause the Music app to crash, plus it addresses a bug that could cause the battery to drain faster than expected. There's also a fix for a bug that could cause the touchscreen to be unresponsive on the latest Apple Watch models, and a bug that could cause unexpected restarts. Apple's full release notes are below.

This update includes bug fixes for your Apple Watch, including:

- Apple Watch may unexpectedly restart for some users
- Music app may unexpectedly quit when loading media
- Battery may drain more quickly than expected
- Touch screen may be temporarily unresponsive for some Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 users
- Messages may unexpectedly quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face

watchOS 11 introduces a new Smart Stack, the Vitals app, support for Live Activities, and more, with details available in our watchOS 11 roundup.

Related Roundup: watchOS 11
Related Forum: Apple Watch

Apple today released visionOS 2.0.1, a minor update to the visionOS 2 operating system that came out in September. visionOS 2.0.1 comes three weeks after the launch of visionOS 2.

visionOS 2 on Apple Vision Pro Feature
‌‌visionOS 2‌‌ can be downloaded on all Vision Pro headsets by navigating to the Settings app, selecting the General section, and choosing the Software Update option. To install an update, the Vision Pro headset needs to be removed, and there is a software progress bar available on the front EyeSight display.

The ‌visionOS 2‌ update fixes a bug that could cause YouTube in Safari to freeze, plus it addresses an issue with Safari Web Extension data. Apple's release notes for the update are below.

This update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.

- YouTube video player in Safari may freeze Safari
- Web Extension data may be lost after updating to visionOS 2
- Messages may unexpectedly quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face

visionOS 2 introduces 2D spatial photos, updates to Persona, a new version of the Guest Mode, and more, with additional information available in our visionOS 2 roundup.

The iPhone SE 4 that's set to come out next year could include a "quite ambitious" Apple-designed 5G modem that will incorporate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, according to a report from 9to5Mac. The next-generation ‌iPhone SE‌ is also expected to get the same A18 chip as the current iPhone 16 models, which would allow it to support Apple Intelligence.

5G Modem Feature Blue
Apple has been working on its own 5G modem technology for quite some time, and multiple prior rumors have suggested that the new hardware will first come to the ‌iPhone SE‌, giving Apple a chance to test it out with a lower volume product.

The 5G chip, codenamed "Centauri," is said to be more than just a modem, alleviating the need for separate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS components. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said earlier this year that while Apple was working on a modem that was part of a new wireless chip that also included Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, such a product would not be coming until a later date, so it is not clear which report is accurate.

It is Gurman's opinion that the first Apple-designed modem will not yield immediate improvements for users, and there won't be major benefits over Qualcomm modem technology. Over time, though, Apple plans to evolve its modem, more deeply integrating it into the iPhone's chipset.

Gurman has also said that the ‌iPhone SE‌ 4 will get Apple Intelligence, a claim echoed in 9to5Mac's report. The next-generation ‌iPhone SE‌ will reportedly include an A18 chip, which is the chip used in the ‌iPhone 16‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus. It is also expected to get 8GB RAM, the minimum for Apple Intelligence.

Prior rumors have suggested the ‌iPhone SE‌ 4 will have a design similar to the iPhone 14, with a 6.1-inch OLED all-display design and support for Face ID. When Apple introduces the ‌iPhone SE‌ 4, it will officially be the end for the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the ‌iPhone‌ lineup.

Though the ‌iPhone SE‌ 4 will have an ‌iPhone‌ 14-like design, it is expected to have a single-lens rear camera. Apple could use the same 48-megapixel Wide camera that was used in the iPhone 15.

Other features that could come to the ‌iPhone SE‌ 4 include a notch for the TrueDepth camera system (instead of a Dynamic Island), an Action Button, and a USB-C port.

The ‌iPhone SE‌ is expected to be introduced in early 2025, and it will be priced between $400 and $500.

Related Roundup: iPhone SE
Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPhone

Google today shared several updates to the Google Lens search feature that's available in the Google app for iOS. Google is adding support for asking questions about videos, so that users can get information about moving objects.

google lens update
For example, if you're at an aquarium and want to learn more, you can use Google Lens to capture a short video of a fish and get details about it. According to Google, Lens can interpret the video and the question, using the information to provide an AI Overview with additional web links to learn more.

The video feature can be used by opening Lens in the Google app and holding down the shutter button to record a video while also asking a question out loud.

Google has also added support for asking a voice-based question when taking an image with Lens. Users can point the camera, hold the shutter button, and ask a question.

For those who use Google Lens to find visually similar images for shopping purposes, Google says results will be "dramatically more helpful" with information about the product you want to buy, including price info across retailers and where to get it.

In addition to these Google Lens changes, Google is rolling out search results pages organized by AI in the United States. AI results will show first for recipes and meal inspiration on mobile devices, with research results showing relevant results organized by different recipe options, ingredients, and more.

A new look for AI Overviews is rolling out, with the updated design showing prominent links to supporting webpages within the text of an AI Overview. Google says that this layout better drives traffic to supporting websites. Google is also adding ads to AI Overviews, and the company says that people find ads in AI Overviews helpful because "they can quickly connect with relevant businesses, products and services."

The updated Google Lens features are rolling out to iOS devices starting today, as are the search changes.

Tag: Google

Rumors suggest that Apple plans to introduce a redesigned Mac mini this month, alongside updated MacBook Pro and iMac models. Most notably, the portable desktop computer is expected to receive its first major redesign since 2010.

M4 Mac mini Silver Ortho CoolerA concept of a smaller Mac mini that is closer in size to an Apple TV

Below, we recap rumors about the next-generation Mac mini.

Rumored Features

  • Smaller Design: Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects the next Mac mini to be nearly as small as an Apple TV.
  • M4 and M4 Pro Chips: The next Mac mini will be available with faster M4 and M4 Pro chip options, according to Gurman.
  • Front USB-C Ports: Both an Apple software leak and Gurman have pointed to the next Mac mini being equipped with five USB-C ports. Similar to the Mac Studio, Gurman said two of the ports will be located on the front of the new Mac mini. Technically speaking, at least some of these ports will likely be Thunderbolt 4 ports, which use the USB-C connector design. Note: It is possible that only M4 Pro configurations of the Mac mini will have all five USB-C ports.

Launch Timing

The new Mac mini is currently expected to be announced at an Apple event this October, alongside new MacBook Pro and iMac models with the M4 series of chips.

The current Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro chip options was released in January 2023.

In celebration of Diwali, Apple is offering free limited-edition Beats Solo Buds to customers who purchase a new iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus in India.

Beats Solo Buds Diwali
The special Beats Solo Buds and their carrying case come in an orange color that has never been available before, and the earbuds come in custom packaging designed by Indian art director Aaquib Wani. The offer runs through October 4 at Apple Store locations in India, and on Apple's online store at apple.com/in, while supplies last.

Beats Solo Buds launched in June, and the original color options include black, gray, purple, and a transparent red. The in-ear buds feature up to 18 hours of battery life, but they lack active noise cancellation, and the carrying case does not have a battery. As a result, the earbuds can only be charged when the case is connected to a power source.

The earbuds are priced at ₹6900 on Apple's online store in India.

For a limited time, Apple is also offering up to ₹10000 instant cashback on select products purchased with eligible American Express, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank cards in India. More details about this offer are available on Apple's website.

Ted Lasso will be returning for a fourth season, according to Sigmund Judge, a writer at MacStories and co-host of the Magic Rays of Light podcast.

ted lasso
In a social media post today, Judge said he has confirmed that pre-production of the smash-hit Apple TV+ comedy series will begin in January in London, England. Apple has yet to confirm the fourth season, and there is no set release date yet.

The third season of Ted Lasso ran from March through May of 2023.

Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, is a small-time football coach from Kansas who is hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching soccer. The series has won several major awards since it debuted in 2020, with its overall positive tone proving especially comforting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given how immensely popular Ted Lasso is, its long-rumored fourth season apparently being confirmed is a huge win for Apple TV+.

Apple has started to source OLED displays for its next-generation iPhone SE, according to Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes.

iPhone SE 4 Thumb 1
"According to industry sources, Apple has begun sourcing OLED panels from BOE and other Chinese manufacturers for its next-generation iPhone SE series," the report states. No further details about the display were provided.

This information aligns with multiple previous reports that indicated BOE would supply OLED displays for the next iPhone SE.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman earlier this week reported that the fourth-generation iPhone SE will be released "early next year." He expects the device to have a similar design as the iPhone 14, including an edge-to-edge screen with a notch, which suggests that it will support Face ID. He also expects the new iPhone SE to support Apple Intelligence, and this means the device would likely have an increased 8GB of RAM. Apple Intelligence is currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.

If the new iPhone SE is based on the iPhone 14, it would have a 6.1-inch OLED display, whereas the current model has a 4.7-inch LCD. Other features previously rumored for the next iPhone SE include a USB-C port and the Action button.

All three existing iPhone SE models were announced in March or April over the years.

Related Roundup: iPhone SE
Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPhone

A rare Apple Macintosh prototype from 1983, featuring the "Twiggy disk" drive, is expected to sell for over $100,000 at auction (via New Atlas).

mac auction
The piece of Apple history is set to go under the hammer at Bonhams in New York. The Macintosh prototype, model #M0001, is one of the few surviving pre-production units from 1983.

This version of the Macintosh originally used a 5.25-inch floppy disk drive known internally as the "Twiggy" drive. It proved to be unreliable, leading Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to order the destruction of the remaining pre-production units before the final commercial release. The use of this drive sets it apart from the first commercially available Macs, which would ultimately ship in 1984 with the more compact 3.5-inch floppy disk system.

mac auction popup
This particular prototype not only survived Jobs's directive but remains in very good condition. Included with the unit are several other prototype accessories, including a keyboard with a handwritten serial number, a prototype version of Apple's M01000 mouse featuring a unique connector, and a dual-density Twiggy diskette labeled "Mac Word." The prototype's software adds further intrigue to the lot; it runs early, unfinished versions of key Macintosh applications, and some of the notifications and instructions in the system are attributed to Steve Jobs himself.

The Bonhams auction is expected to reach a final selling price of $80,000 to $120,000. Given the rarity of Twiggy Mac prototypes and the historical interest surrounding Apple's early products, it is possible the final sale price could exceed expectations and become one of the most expensive Apple computers ever sold. A similar Twiggy model sold at auction in 2019 was fully functional and achieved a record price of $150,075. The auction is set to run from October 13 to October 23.

Apple on Wednesday pulled watchOS 11.1 beta 3 after some users complained that the update caused their Apple Watch to freeze or lock up until they restarted the device, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.

watchos 11 smart stack
This is the third software version that Apple has pulled over the past month. In September, Apple pulled iPadOS 18 for iPad Pro models with the M4 chip after the update prevented some of those devices from working, and it also pulled HomePod software 18.1 beta 2 after that beta caused some HomePod speakers to stop working.

While two out of three of these problematic releases were betas, which are meant to catch these sort of issues, this is still an unfortunate stretch for Apple.

Apple will likely make a new build of watchOS 11.1 beta 3 available in the coming days, or it might simply move on to watchOS 11.1 beta 4.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

‌Apple in October will release macOS Sequoia‌ 15.1, bringing to Macs the first Apple Intelligence features such as Writing Tools, new Siri features, Smart Replies, and more. In addition, macOS 15.1 adds a handful of welcome tweaks and improvements to existing Mac capabilities.

macOS Sequoia Feature
Here's what we can expect from the first major update to macOS Sequoia later this month. Note that Apple Intelligence features require Macs powered by Apple silicon.

iPhone Mirroring Drag and Drop Support

One of the most anticipated iPhone Mirroring features coming in macOS 15.1 is support for drag and drop. After updating to the new software, you will be able to drag files from an ‌iPhone‌ to a Mac and vice versa.

finder
‌iPhone‌ Mirroring makes file transfers between devices effortless, even when the ‌iPhone‌ is locked and charging. With an iPhone running iOS 18.1, you can drag files, such as photos, from your Mac directly to the open Photos app on your ‌iPhone‌, and they'll transfer instantly. For PDFs, open the Files app and drag the document from your Mac to the ‌iPhone‌. Transferring files from ‌iPhone‌ to Mac follows the same process — simply drag the file to your desired location on the Mac.

New Low Power Mode Toggle

Low Power Mode is a long-standing ‌iPhone‌ feature for conserving battery, and was introduced to the Mac with macOS Monterey. Since then, it has remained hidden in System Settings, but in macOS 15.1, Apple is simplifying access by adding a Low Power Mode toggle to the Battery menu for MacBook users, allowing it to be enabled or disabled in just two clicks.

Mac
The battery icon also now turns yellow when Low Power Mode is active, similar to iOS. It's worth noting that some advanced settings, like automatically enabling Low Power Mode when unplugged, remain within System Settings. When enabled, Low Power Mode optimizes the system to conserve energy by slightly reducing performance, suspending background tasks, lowering screen brightness, and capping ProMotion display refresh rates at 60Hz where applicable.

Writing Tools

Apple Intelligence

You can select any text on your Mac and use Apple Intelligence to access Writing Tools for summaries and other features. The proofreading feature scans your text for spelling and grammar errors, providing suggestions for word choice and sentence structure improvements. You can quickly accept all recommendations or review them individually with accompanying explanations.

writing tools macos 01
If you're looking to refine your writing style, the rewrite function allows for tone adjustment without altering the core content. You can choose from options such as Friendly, Professional, or Concise to tailor your message to your intended audience.

writing tools macos
Additionally, the update introduces versatile summarization capabilities. You can select text and generate concise summaries in various formats, including paragraphs, key points, lists, or tables. This feature seamlessly integrates with apps like Mail and Messages, making it easier to distill and share written information.

Enhanced Siri

Apple Intelligence

The Siri window now offers greater flexibility, allowing you to position it anywhere on their screen. A new responsive glow animation provides visual feedback, indicating when Siri is actively listening without disrupting ongoing tasks.

siri
If you prefer typing, the Type to Siri feature can be quickly accessed by double-pressing the Command key, and it now includes suggested requests. Siri's improved contextual awareness also lets you ask follow-up questions without repeating previously established information.

The update also brings more natural language processing capabilities. Siri can now better understand and interpret you if you stumble over your words or change direction mid-sentence, making interactions feel more conversational and less rigid.

Lastly, Siri's knowledge base has been expanded to include comprehensive information about Apple products and support, so you can inquire about device features and settings. Siri can even locate specific settings even if you're unsure of their exact names.

Smart Replies and Mail Summaries

Apple Intelligence

To facilitate faster responses, Mail and Messages now include a Smart Reply feature. This intelligent system offers contextual quick-tap responses based on the content of received messages, allowing you to reply promptly with minimal effort.
mail smart reply

In Mail, a new summarize button allows you to quickly distill the content of incoming emails, providing concise overviews at a glance. This feature also extends to multiple Messages notifications and your Mail inbox, where brief summaries replace the first few lines of each message. Mail also prioritizes time-sensitive communications by automatically elevating them to the top of your inbox.

Photos Cleanup Tool

Apple Intelligence

With macOS Sequoia 15.1, Apple is bringing a powerful new feature to the Photos app called Clean Up. Thanks to advanced object detection algorithms, this editing tool can automatically identify potentially unwanted objects in your images, allowing you to effortlessly remove them.

macos 15 1 cleanup tool1
At the same time, users retain full control over the editing process, with the ability to manually select objects for removal by clicking, circling, or brushing over them.

photos
You can zoom in on images to meticulously remove smaller blemishes or imperfections using brush strokes. Notably, Clean Up is designed to preserve the integrity of main subjects like people, even if they are inadvertently selected during the editing process.

Transcription Summaries

Apple Intelligence

In macOS Sequoia, Apple added a transcription feature to Notes that lets you capture audio recordings and automatically generates a verbatim transcript of the content.

notes
In macOS Sequoia 15.1, the feature also provides a concise summary of the transcribed text, offering a quick overview of the recorded material. The transcript is useful for recording lectures and meetings as it ensures that no important details are missed, while the addition of a summary provides a quick reference for key topics, action items, or main discussion points.

Focus Modes

Apple Intelligence

A dedicated new Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode filters out all but the most important notifications, ensuring you only see those that require your attention.

reduce interruptions focus
When customizing or creating a new Focus mode, there's a new option to enable Intelligent Breakthrough and Silencing. This feature lets critical notifications come through while muting less important ones, similar to how the Reduce Notifications Focus works.

Related Roundup: macOS Sequoia
Related Forum: macOS Sequoia

Aqara today announced the launch of the Aqara Smart Lock U300, which is a smart lock that's designed for doors that have a lever or knob but no deadbolt.

aqara u300 1
Many homes have non-deadbolt doors for side entries, garage doors, home offices, basements, and storage rooms, and these kind of door setups do not work with traditional smart locks that require a deadbolt. The U300 lever lock is one of the first smart locks created for these types of doors.

The U300 replaces a traditional lever or knob, offering smart functionality and the ability to keep an eye on who is coming or going.

The U300 is built with the latest Thread protocol and it is Matter-enabled, so it can be added to an Apple HomeKit setup. It can be used alongside other smart home products in the Home app, or it can be used with additional features in the Aqara app.

Like Aqara's U100 and U200 smart locks, the U300 is compatible with Apple Home Keys, so a digital key can be stored in the Wallet app on iPhone or Apple Watch for unlocking the door over NFC with a tap.

aqara u300 2
Along with Apple Home Keys and the Home app, the U300 can be unlocked using a fingerprint reader or a PIN with the included number pad. Aqara also offers NFC cards that can be used to unlock the door, and mechanical keys are provided in case of emergency like a power outage.

Digital keys can be provided for guests, and the U300 has a built-in feature that automatically locks the door behind you after a short period of time. Available in black or silver, the Aqara U300 has an IPX4 water resistance rating and is suitable for use indoors and outdoors.

The battery in the U300 lasts for up to 10 months before it needs to be swapped out, and it takes 4AA batteries. There's also a USB-C Emergency Port. While no hub is required to use the U300, the Aqara M3 Hub is recommended because it enables automations and remote access.

The Aqara Smart Lock U300 can be purchased from Amazon and other Aqara retailers.

Apple Maps has expanded the availability of cycling routes in the southern hemisphere by adding support for New Zealand.

maps cycling directions new zealand
Apple first added cycling directions to ‌‌Apple Maps‌‌ in iOS 14, providing specific directions for bike riders with bike lanes, bike paths, and bike-friendly routes that highlight steep inclines, stairs, and other obstacles.

Prior to this expansion, cycling directions in ‌Apple Maps‌ were primarily available in select countries and major cities across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. As for Oceania, the feature was previously limited to Australia, so the addition of New Zealand significantly enhances its coverage in the region.

Apple typically rolls out new features gradually, so users across New Zealand may see the cycling directions become available in stages. The company has not provided details about coverage within the country, but it is expected to include major urban areas and popular cycling routes. Apple maintains a list of all of the areas where cycling directions are available on its website, but New Zealand has not yet been added.

(Thanks, Josh!)

Oura today announced its latest smart ring, the all-titanium Oura Ring 4, featuring improved accuracy and a redesigned companion app.

oura ring 4
The Oura Ring 4 introduces "Smart Sensing" technology, which the company claims enhances data accuracy by adapting to the specific contours of an individual's finger. This new algorithm reportedly improves blood oxygen sensing accuracy by 30% over the Oura Ring 3, and reduces gaps in heart rate tracking. The ring's sensors are also now recessed, which is said to provide a more comfortable fit for all-day wear.

The new wearable boasts a slimmer profile and expanded size options to cater to a wider range of users. There are now twelve sizes, ranging from 4 to 15. (Oura Ring 3 was limited to sizes 6 to 13.) The expanded size range comes as Oura reports a shift in its user demographics, with women in their 20s now representing its fastest-growing segment. The company says battery life has also been extended to up to eight days, depending on the size of the ring.

Alongside the hardware update, Oura has also overhauled its companion app with a new three-tab interface: Today, Vitals, and My Health. The redesign aims to simplify navigation and provide clearer insights into both daily and long-term health metrics. New features include automatic activity detection for over 40 activities, enhanced stress tracking, and a "Fertile Window" prediction tool for users trying to conceive.

Priced at $349, the Oura Ring 4 will be available in six colors: Gold, Rose Gold, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Black, and Silver. Shipping starts from October 15, but it's worth noting that Oura Ring 4 continues to be available via the company's controversial subscription model, with membership priced at $5.99 per month or $69.99 annually after the included one-month trial.

Apple Ring Rumors

Earlier this year when the first reports of Samsung's Galaxy Ring began to circulate, rumors about Apple's potential entry into the wearable ring market also started swirling. Several patents suggest Apple has explored the concept, and recent reports indicate that the company's industrial design team has presented a health-focused smart ring idea to executives.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in February said the ring could be a lower-cost alternative to the Apple Watch that could sync health and fitness data with a paired iPhone. However, Gurman at the time also said that active development was not underway, so it currently remains unclear if it will be released in the near-term, if indeed ever.

Now that Apple doesn't include power adapters with new iPhones, you have to supply your own, and it can be a little confusing figuring out what you need specifically to get the fastest charging speeds. Apple added another layer of complexity this year with upgraded MagSafe charging for the iPhone 16 models, a feature that also requires specific hardware.

iphone 16 pro colors 1

USB-C

All of the ‌iPhone 16‌ models can charge from 0 to 50 percent in approximately 30 minutes. You need Apple's $19 20W adapter or better for fast charging, and if you already had an iPhone that could fast charge, you probably have the hardware you need.

iPhones charge fastest when the battery is low, and then charging slows down, so you'll see the most rapid charging at lower battery levels.

There was speculation that the ‌iPhone 16‌ models support up to 45W charging, but testing from ChargerLAB has proven that to be inaccurate. Charging maxes out at 30W, which is similar to last year's iPhone 15 Pro charging speeds.

Some people have seen sporadic higher maximum charge levels over 30W, but that seems to happen only when you're playing a game or doing something else that drains battery quickly. The extra power boost seems to be aimed at making sure the ‌iPhone 16‌ is able to maintain its fast charging speed even when it's using extra power. With prior ‌iPhone‌ models, charging would slow down if you were doing something that used up a lot of battery.

PhoneArena did a charging test and when playing a game, the ‌iPhone 16‌ was able to charge at up to 39W for a short period of time while it had under 50 percent battery. In other tests where the ‌iPhone‌ wasn't in use, PhoneArena did not see charging speeds over 20W for the ‌iPhone 16‌ or 27W for the iPhone 16 Pro.

PhoneArena and ChargerLAB didn't test charging speeds, so we did a quick test. An ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max charged from 0 to 55 percent in 30 minutes with a 30W charger, and from 0 to 45 percent in 30 minutes with a 20W charger. A third test with a 140W charger saw the 16 Pro Max charge from 0 to 56 percent in 30 minutes. Tests all used the USB-C to USB-C cable that comes with the ‌iPhone‌ and Apple's power adapters.

For the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ models, it looks like you can get slightly faster charging speeds with a 30W or better charger, even though Apple only recommends a 20W or better charger for fast charging. Going over 30W doesn't seem to make much of a difference. The standard ‌iPhone 16‌ models seem to max out at around 20W, so they don't need a 30W+ charger.

If you've already got a 20W charger and have an ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ or Pro Max, there's no real reason to upgrade. You'll still hit close to 50 percent in 30 minutes with a 20W charger. If you're often charging while also playing games, or want to optimize you might want to consider investing in a 30W+ charger for faster sustained charging speeds.

Note that you can also use higher-watt chargers -- 20W is just the minimum for "fast" charging.

MagSafe

The ‌iPhone 16‌ models can charge at up to 25W over ‌MagSafe‌, up from 15W. 25W charging via ‌MagSafe‌ is also fast charging, so for the first time, the new iPhones can fast charge wirelessly.

new magsafe charger
To take advantage of the faster ‌MagSafe‌ charging, you need a 30W or higher power adapter, which Apple sells for $39. Of course, you can use a higher powered power source or a third-party power adapter as long as it delivers at least 30W.

You also need one of Apple's new ‌MagSafe‌ chargers, which were released alongside the new ‌iPhone‌ models.

Older ‌MagSafe‌ Chargers from Apple will not charge your ‌iPhone 16‌ model at above 15W, nor will older third-party ‌MagSafe‌ chargers. If you have a ‌MagSafe‌ stand or multi-device charger from a company like Mophie or Belkin, it's now outdated and can't charge your new ‌iPhone‌ at its maximum wireless charging speed.

The new ‌MagSafe‌ Chargers from Apple will only charge the ‌iPhone 16‌ models at 25W, and while you can use them with your older iPhones, charging will be limited to 15W.

Qi2 chargers are equivalent to the prior 15W ‌MagSafe‌ Charger and can only charge ‌iPhone 16‌ models at 15W.

At a Glance

If you don't want to read the accessory explanation, here's what to buy for ‌iPhone 16‌ fast charging:

  • USB-C for iPhone 16: 20W or better power adapter paired with the charging cable the ‌iPhone‌ came with. 30W is better for the fastest speeds, especially if you charge while using your ‌iPhone‌.
  • USB-C for iPhone 16 Pro: A 30W or better power adapter will get you the best fast charging speed.
  • MagSafe: 30W or better power adapter paired with Apple's new $39 MagSafe Charger.

Bonus: Faster Data Transfers

If you want to transfer files from your ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ to another device quickly, you're going to want to pick up a USB 3 cable for 10Gb/s transfer speeds.

The cable that comes with your ‌iPhone 16‌ is limited to USB 2 speeds of 480Mb/s.

Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro