It was another big week for Apple news this week, with Apple launching its annual Back to School promotion and taking the opportunity to update some of its lower-end Mac notebook lineup. The refresh saw a lower price and a minor update for the MacBook Air, an updated entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, and the discontinuation of the 12-inch MacBook. The moves help streamline Apple's notebook lineup while also providing a bit more differentiation for customers.

Other news included rumors about new iPhones, iPads, and AirPods, the release of a new iOS 13 public beta, and a significant issue with the Walkie-Talkie app for Apple Watch. Read on for all of the details on the week's top stories.

Apple Launches 2019 MacBook Air and New Entry-Level 13" MacBook Pro With Touch Bar and Touch ID

Apple this week launched its annual Back to School promotion, offering free Beats headphones with the purchase of select new Mac or iPad models to qualifying students and educators for a limited time.

macbook pro air 2019
As part of its back-to-school announcement, Apple also introduced a new MacBook Air with a True Tone display and a lower $1,099 starting price, as well as a new $1,299 entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro with faster 8th-generation Intel Core processors, a Touch Bar, Touch ID, and more.

Both the new MacBook Air and base 13-inch MacBook Pro have the same butterfly keyboards as higher-end 2019 MacBook Pro models, including an "updated material" for improved reliability. Early benchmarks show some nice speed gains for the new MacBook Pro, while iFixit performed one of its traditional teardowns to see what's inside.

Apple has also dropped the prices of several high-end storage upgrade options across the Mac lineup.

Apple Discontinues 12-Inch MacBook

In addition to refreshing the MacBook Air and lower-end 13-inch MacBook Pro, Apple quietly discontinued its ultra-portable 12-inch MacBook.

2016 12 inch macbook
Introduced in March 2015, the 12-inch MacBook had not been updated since June 2017. Over time, it became increasingly unclear whether the notebook had a future in Apple's product lineup, especially after the MacBook Air was overhauled last year with a similar design.

Apple also no longer sells a MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar to the disappointment of those who prefer a physical Esc key.

Apple Temporarily Disables Walkie-Talkie App for Apple Watch Due to Eavesdropping Vulnerability

Apple has abruptly disabled the Walkie-Talkie app for Apple Watch due to a bug that could allow users to eavesdrop on others.

walkie talkie pair
Apple said it had just become aware of the vulnerability and immediately disabled the app while it works on a fix as quickly as possible. Apple is not aware of any use of the vulnerability against a customer.

The issue is reminiscent of a serious Group FaceTime bug discovered early this year that could allow callers to hear the recipient's audio without the call being accepted. At least in this case, Apple has taken quicker action.

Four New iPhone Models Expected in 2020, Possibly One With Full-Screen Touch ID and No Notch

We're likely just two months away from a trio of new iPhones for 2019, but rumors are already looking ahead to 2020 and even 2021.

iphone xs 5g
A new JPMorgan report predicts four new iPhones next year, including higher-end 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch models and a new lower-end model without 5G support or an OLED display.

Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has hinted at 2020 iPhones having slimmer notches as well, while a sketchier rumor out of China suggests that both the notch and Face ID could be completely removed on at least one 2020 iPhone, and on all new iPhones by 2021 -- full-screen Touch ID instead?

We did get a few 2019 iPhone rumors this week, including leaked logic board photos and another report of 3D Touch going away.

Apple Registers Five New iPad Models Running iPadOS in Eurasian Database

New iPads could be on the horizon, based on Apple regulatory filings uncovered in the Eurasian Economic Commission database this week.

ipadairgold
A recent rumor suggested that mass production of a new 10.2-inch iPad was set to begin this month, so a launch could be near. The 10.2-inch model is expected to replace the low-cost 9.7-inch iPad.

Looking ahead, there are rumors of two new iPad Pro models entering mass production between late 2019 and early 2020, while a sketchier rumor calls for a foldable iPad with 5G support by as early as next year.

Apple Releases Second Public Betas of iOS 13 and iPadOS

This week has seen a wave of software updates, including the second public betas of iOS 13 and iPadOS and a revised third developer beta of iOS 13 and iPadOS.

test iOS 13
There's also a sixth and hopefully final beta of iOS 12.4. This update is widely expected to include support for the Apple Card, which will likely launch soon. Finally, Apple released new developer betas of macOS 10.14.6 and watchOS 5.3, which should publicly launch alongside iOS 12.4.

AirPods 3 With Water Resistance Expected to Launch Later This Year

Apple will release third-generation AirPods with water resistance and possibly a new design in late 2019, a fresh rumor suggested this week. Other reports say they will also feature noise cancelation.

airpods
Earlier this year, reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said two new AirPods models will likely enter mass production between late 2019 and early 2020, with one featuring an "all-new form factor design" — and a higher price.

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!

Popular Stories

AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases Firmware Updates for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Monday November 11, 2024 11:28 am PST by
Apple today released firmware updates for both AirPods 4 models (version number 7B20) and the AirPods Pro 2 with both Lightning and USB-C charging cases (version number 7B21). All of these AirPods models were previously on firmware version 7B19. It is not immediately clear what new features or changes are included in firmware versions 7B20 and 7B21, but we will update this story if we find...
General Final Cut Pro Feature

Apple Likely to Announce Final Cut Pro Update This Week With These New Features

Sunday November 10, 2024 12:13 pm PST by
In its announcement video for the new Mac mini last month, Apple teased an "upcoming" version of Final Cut Pro for the Mac. Apple will likely announce the update during the annual Final Cut Pro Creative Summit, which begins this Wednesday. The conference is held in association with Apple, and attendees will be visiting Apple Park on the first day. Apple already teased four new features...
iphone 6 thickness

iPhone 17 'Air' May Not Be Much Thinner Than iPhone 6

Monday November 11, 2024 5:18 am PST by
Next year's iPhone 17 "Air" model may not be as thin as Apple planned, according to a rumor originating in Korea. According to the news aggregator account "yeux1122" on Naver, citing industry sources, Apple has run into problems making the new iPhone 17 model sufficiently thin. The device's reduced thickness is apparently dependent on manufacturing a battery with a thinner substrate, but...
new mac holiday

The Best Early Black Friday Mac Deals

Monday November 11, 2024 7:45 am PST by
Black Friday is getting closer, and prices on MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini computers have started to drop as the shopping holiday nears. These deals include the latest models of the M4 MacBook Pro and iMac. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site...
best buy holiday

Best Buy Reveals Black Friday Plans With Sitewide Sales Available Now

Friday November 8, 2024 10:05 am PST by
Black Friday sales are continuing today with Best Buy kicking off early Black Friday deals that will last for the next few days. Similar to other retailers, Best Buy's early Black Friday event includes sitewide savings on Apple products, headphones, TVs, monitors, video games, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may...
iOS 18 2 Share Item Location

Apple Announces iOS 18.2's New AirTag Location Sharing Feature Coming to These 15+ Airlines

Monday November 11, 2024 8:18 am PST by
Last week, we reported on a new feature in the Find My app on the iOS 18.2 beta that allows you to temporarily share an AirTag's location with a trusted person, and soon with airlines. Apple today announced the feature, providing more details. Apple said more than 15 airlines will offer the feature "in the coming months," including Delta, United, Air Canada, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, ...
iOS 18

Here's Everything New in iOS 18.2 Beta 3

Monday November 11, 2024 4:53 pm PST by
Apple seeded the third betas of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 to developers for testing today. While the third betas of each update are minor relative to the first two betas, there are still a handful of changes across the Photos app, TV app, and more. A corresponding iOS 18.2 public beta with these changes will likely be released later this week, and Apple previously confirmed that the software...
Next Generation CarPlay Porsche 1

Apple Continues to Prepare for Next-Generation CarPlay in iOS 18.2 Beta

Monday November 11, 2024 12:42 pm PST by
It has been nearly two and a half years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Fortunately, though, Apple continues to work on the software system. Within the code for the third beta of iOS 18.2 seeded to developers today, there are redesigned "Climate" and "Media" app icons for next-generation CarPlay,...