Apple today announced the imminent opening of its eighth retail store in central Shanghai, China, which will be named Apple Jing'an.
Located on Nanjing West Road in the Jing'an District (named after its famous ancient Jing'an Temple), Apple Jing'an will become the 57th Apple store in mainland China and Apple says it's the company's second-largest flagship store after the Fifth Avenue location in New York City.
Embracing a floral theme, the storefront is currently draped in a veil of blooming flowers. To celebrate the opening, Apple has also made a special wallpaper for Apple devices available to download on its China website.
Apple has not yet revealed when the store will begin to welcome customers, but local reports suggest it will open its doors later this month.
Apple is currently grappling with a significant slump in demand for iPhone sales in the country, with a recent report by CounterPoint Research suggesting iPhone sales dropped by 24 percent in the first six weeks of 2024 alone.
Apple has ordered an initial 8.5 million OLED display panels from South Korean suppliers for its upcoming redesigned iPad Pro models, which are expected to arrive as soon as this month. The refresh will mark the biggest design update to the Pro lineup since 2018.
Apple is relying on different OLED display suppliers for the upcoming ~11-inch and ~13-inch iPad Pro models, with Samsung Display exclusively producing ~11-inch panels and LG Display making the ~13-inch panels. Based on current orders, Samsung will produce 4 million units in 2024, while LG will make 4.5 million units for the year, perhaps suggesting that the larger model is forecast to be slightly more popular.
Industry insiders claim the division of labor is due to changes in Apple's demand outlook for OLED iPad Pro models, as well as the unstable production capacity and yield of the two suppliers, which are both still getting to grips with Apple's requirement for new panel technologies.
Apple is rumored to be aiming for "unrivaled" display quality, as well as a design that cuts down on the thickness and weight of its iPad Pro models. Recent leaked CAD drawings of the upcoming models offer a better idea of just how thin the tablets will be. The larger iPad Pro, for example, will be over 1mm thinner.
The number of OLED panels Apple orders from Samsung and LG may change after production of the initial quantity, depending on fluctuations in production yield and possible adjustments to Apple's demand forecast for the new OLED iPad Pro models. Apple's latest shipments forecast is said to have been a decrease from the 10 million units that were projected for 2024 last year.
Apple's iPad Pro models are also expected to be upgraded with faster 3-nanometer M3 chips, and MagSafe charging is a possibility. Apple is also expected to sell the devices with a new Magic Keyboard and an upgraded Apple Pencil. For all the details, refer to our OLED iPad Pro guide.
Version 3.0.0.0 of the utility provides support for users looking to migrate their data from a PC running Windows 10 or later to Apple's latest Mac operating system. The assistant transfers users' contacts, calendars, email accounts, and more from a Windows machine and migrates the data to the appropriate places in macOS.
Version 2.4.5.0 remains available for users whose Mac is running macOS Ventura, macOS Monterey, or a version of macOS Sonoma earlier than 14.4. Versions of Windows Migration Assistant for macOS Big Sur and earlier also remain available. The macOS version of Migration Assistant lives in the Applications/Utilities folder.
Apple advises users to turn off any antivirus, firewall, or VPN software until the transfer of information is complete. For more information, consult Apple's updated support article.
Like iPhones, iPads, Macs, the Apple Watch, and the Apple TV, the HomePod and HomePod mini are updated with new software on a regular basis. The most recent update was released on March 7, and enables Siri to learn what your preferred media service is.
By default, updates are installed on your HomePod devices automatically, but there's also a way to force an update if new software is released. However, Apple's auto-update function isn't typically immediate, so it can sometimes be handy to have a way to manually install software when you know an update has become available.
Locating HomePod updates and checking on the software version you have installed is pretty simple, but it's not entirely intuitive because the update function is buried in the Home app.
The following steps show you how to update your HomePod on devices running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 and later.
Open the Home app.
Tap on the icon that looks like three dots in the upper right corner.
Tap Home Settings in the dropdown menu that appears.
Scroll down and tap Software Update to see if there are any available updates.
Once you've selected "Software Update," you'll be able to see the current version of the HomePod software that you have installed, along with available updates, and you can toggle off automatic updates if you want.
If there is an available update, you just need to tap the Install button to update your HomePod. If you have multiple HomePods in your home, each one will be updated at the same time through this software update feature. If you're registered for HomePod Beta Updates, a menu option will also appear here for updating individual HomePods.
Starting today, Apple's refreshed MacBook Air models with M3 chips are available for same-day or next-day pickup at Apple Stores, with no pre-order required. Online orders are also beginning to arrive to customers today.
Customers across the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and other regions can now place an order on Apple's website or in the Apple Store app and arrange for in-store pickup at a local retail location.
To order a product with Apple Store pickup, add the product to your bag on Apple.com, proceed to checkout, select the "I'll pick it up" option, enter your ZIP code, choose an available Apple Store location, and select a pickup date. Payment is completed online, and a valid government-issued photo ID and the order number may be required upon pickup.
In addition to the M3 chip, the new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models offer Wi-Fi 6E, Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes, enhanced voice clarity in audio and video calls, and a more fingerprint-resistant finish with the Midnight color option. They also now support up to two external displays when the laptop lid is closed, increasing from just a single external display on the previous Apple silicon models.
There are no major external design changes to the M3 MacBook Air models, which continue to be available in Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, and Silver colors. Pricing for the 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,099, while the 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299.
It is Friday, March 8 in New Zealand and Australia, which means customers who pre-ordered one of the new machines in those two countries are receiving their MacBook Air models.
Introduced on Monday of this week, the updated 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch MacBook Air models are equipped with the same M3 chip that was introduced in the MacBook Pro late last year.
There are no external changes to the MacBook Air, with Apple instead focusing on internal updates. The M3 chip is up to 30 percent faster than the M2 chip in terms of CPU performance, and there are notable GPU improvements with Apple adding support for Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and support for AV1 decode.
Other improvements to the MacBook Air include support for two external displays when the machine is used in clamshell mode, support for Wi-Fi 6E, enhanced voice clarity for audio and video calls, and a new anodization seal to reduce fingerprints on the Midnight finish.
Apple retail stores in Australia are selling the new MacBook Air machines, and there is plenty of stock for walk-in customers. Apple does not operate stores in New Zealand, so customers in that country need to order online.
Following New Zealand and Australia, sales and deliveries of the new MacBook Air models will launch in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and finally, North America.
We'll be sharing a hands-on review of the new M3 MacBook Air in the morning after picking up one of the new devices.
The new MacBook Air models that are set to be released tomorrow will have a day-one update, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.
Both the 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch MacBook Air models that are set to launch tomorrow are running a special build of macOS Sonoma 14.3, with a version number of 23D2057.
Users will be prompted to update to macOS Sonoma 14.4 tomorrow, as the software saw a public release today. Given the timing of the software's launch and the debut of the new MacBook Air models, Apple was not able to get the macOS Sonoma 14.4 update installed on them.
Apple's M3 MacBook Air models are priced starting at $1099 for the 13-inch version and $1299 for the 15-inch version. Customers who pre-ordered will receive their machines on March 8, which is also when the new MacBook Air models will be available in Apple retail locations.
With every operating system release, Apple aims to make apps more accessible and easier to navigate by providing a variety of new accessibility features and settings. iOS 18 (Codename Crystal) and macOS 15 (Codename Glow) will be no exception, and work on accessibility-related enhancements is well underway.
Through our industry sources, MacRumors has obtained information on some of the key accessibility improvements Apple has in store for its userbase. Apple is working on several new accessibility features along with improvements to existing settings, both of which should be available later this year.
Adaptive Voice Shortcuts
This feature will allow users to map a unique spoken phrase to an accessibility setting. Users will be given the option to create a custom phrase and select the accessibility setting they wish to toggle by speaking said phrase. By using Adaptive Voice Shortcuts, users will be able to toggle existing accessibility features such as VoiceOver, Voice Control, Zoom and so on.
New "Categories" Section for Live Speech
The Live Speech feature, which is already present in Apple's operating systems, will receive a new section for user-created categories. Users will be able to organize phrases into categories of their choosing. When creating a category, users will be given the option to name their category and choose from a selection of around 20 different icons. Once a category has been created, users will then be able to add their desired phrases.
More Apps Will Support Custom Font Sizes
Apple intends to expand app support for adjustable Text Size, which is an existing feature. Located within the "Display" section of the "Accessibility" settings pane, the option allows users to choose custom font sizes for individual apps and select their preferred font size for reading.
macOS Sonoma currently supports custom font sizes for the following five apps:
Calendar
Finder
Mail
Messages
Notes
With macOS 15, this feature will expand support to five additional apps:
Books
News
Stocks
Tips
Weather
Speaking to MacRumors, sources familiar with custom font sizes have said that Apple is internally testing an option to alter the font size of the menu bar within macOS, but it is unclear if the company will make this option available to end users. We were also told that Apple has additional accessibility features in the works, one of which utilizes on-device eye tracking, though further details were not available at the time of writing. More information should come to light as OS development continues in preparation for WWDC 2024.
It is important to note that while these features are in development, it does not necessarily mean we will see them later this year. Apple has been known to cancel various projects that do not meet their standards, for one reason or another. For additional information on what to expect with this year's new OS releases, check out our dedicated rumor roundup for iOS 18.
In addition to adding support for alternative app marketplaces and alternative payment methods in the European Union, Apple is making several other changes to comply with the terms of the Digital Markets Act. Apple today outlined some of its upcoming plans in a DMA Compliance Report [PDF].
Apple is going to make it easier for iPhone users to switch over to another operating system in the European Union. Apple says it is working on a solution that will help mobile operating system providers create "more user-friendly solutions" for transferring data from an iPhone to a non-Apple phone. The solution will be available by fall 2025, after which point companies like Samsung and Google will be able to offer better tools for transferring data from an iPhone.
EU iPhone users will be able to remove Safari from their devices entirely starting at the end of 2024, with an alternate browser able to take the place of Safari. As part of this plan, Apple is developing a browser switching solution for exporting and importing browser data into another browser on the same device. Apple has already began supporting alternative web browser engines, another DMA requirement.
To improve interoperability between iPhone and other smartphone platforms, Apple is allowing third-party payment apps to access the iPhone's NFC chip for contactless payments that are not done through Apple Pay, plus it is allowing developers to submit requests for additional interoperability.
Interoperability requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they are under the scope of the DMA, and if an effective interoperability solution can be developed.
Developers in the EU are able to request additional mediation that goes beyond the standard App Review Board evaluation. Developers who want to contest unsuccessful appeals to the App Review Board can request mediation, a process that Apple says is "EU-based, easily accessible, impartial, independent, and free-of-charge."
All of these changes are limited to developers and users in the European Union as they are required by the Digital Markets Act.
Apple today released macOS Sonoma 14.4, the fourth major update to the macOS Sonoma operating system that launched last September. macOS Sonoma 14.4 comes over a month after macOS Sonoma 14.3, an update that brought collaborative Apple Music playlists.
The macOS Sonoma 14.4 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Settings. There's also a macOS 13.6.5 release for those who are still running macOS Ventura and a macOS 12.7.4 release for those who have macOS Monterey installed.
With macOS Sonoma 14.4, Apple is introducing new emoji characters and adding support for reading Podcast Episode text in full with search support. There are new features for Business Updates in Messages, along with a toggle for showing only icons for websites in the Safari Favorites Bar. Apple's release notes for the update are below.
macOS Sonoma 14.4 introduces new emoji as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.
Emoji - New mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji are now available in emoji keyboard - 18 people and body emoji support facing the opposite direction
This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes: - Podcasts Episode text can be read in full, searched for a word or phrase, clicked to play from a specific point and used with accessibility features such as Text Size, Increase Contrast, and VoiceOver - Business Updates in Messages for Business let you get updates that you've opted into, like order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions from trusted businesses - Safari Favorites Bar adds an option to show only icons for websites
Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.
For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
Apple today released watchOS 10.4, the fourth update to the watchOS 10 operating system that was released in September. watchOS 10.4 comes over a month after watchOS 10.3, a minor update that brought a new watch face.
watchOS 10.4 can be downloaded for free through the Apple Watch app on an iPhone running iOS 17 or later by opening it up 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 10.4 adds support for new emoji characters that were also added to the iPhone, including lime, edible brown mushroom, phoenix, broken chain, shaking head vertically (as in a "yes" nod), and shaking head horizontally (a "no" head shake).
There is also a Setting to disable the Double Tap feature on Apple Watch when using Vision Pro, and an option to double tap to show an expanded notification. Apple also included a fix for a bug that could cause some users to experience "ghost touches" on the display, a problem that was affecting the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.
Apple's release notes for the update are below:
watchOS 10.4 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including: - Tap to Show Full Notification setting now allows you to double tap to expand the notification - Using Apple Pay with Confirm with AssistiveTouch will require a passcode for additional security and will not support double clicking the side button - Resolves an issue that causes some users to experience false touches on the display - Fixes an issue that prevents contacts from syncing to Apple Watch for some users
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
Apple today released new software for the HomePod and the HomePod mini, debuting HomePod Software 17.4. The update comes over a month after the last HomePod software release.
With HomePod Software 17.4, Siri is able to learn what a user's preferred media service is, eliminating the need to set a third-party app as the default or include an app name when asking Siri to play content.
This update enables Siri to learn your preferred media service, so you no longer need to include the name of the media app in your request.
Apple has removed the Home app option that let users select a default media service as a result of the new feature addition. The change brings the HomePod in line with the iPhone and the iPad, which already offer the option to provide a default music service selection to Siri when making a song request for the first time.
Third-party apps that work directly with the HomePod include YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio. Streaming music services need to support HomePod for the feature to work, and not all do, such as Spotify. You can play Spotify content on the HomePod by asking Siri, but it routes the song through the iPhone to the HomePod over AirPlay.
Along with Siri support for a preferred music service, the HomePod 17.4 update also includes performance and stability improvements.
Apple today released visionOS 1.1, marking the first major update to the visionOS operating system that was launched alongside the Vision Pro in February.
visionOS updates can be installed by going to the Settings app on the Vision Pro, selecting the General section, and choosing Software Update. The Vision Pro headset will need to be removed to install new software, with a progress bar available on the front EyeSight display.
Apple is making several improvements to the Vision Pro with the visionOS update. Mobile Device Management is available for businesses, and Persona and EyeSight look better than before.
The virtual keyboard has been updated to address bugs and make cursor positioning more accurate, and there are also bug fixes for the Mac Virtual Display. Apple's release notes for the update are below.
Mobile Device Management - Enables account-driven device and user enrollment using Managed Apple IDs - Support for device configuration (Wi-Fi, VPN, email accounts, single sign-on, and more) - Support for deploying apps in volume including iPhone and iPad compatible apps, visionOS apps included in a Universal purchase, and proprietary in-house visionOS apps - Support for remote erase via MDM and device inventory data
Messages - Adds support for iMessage Contact Key Verification
Accessibility - Closed captions can be anchored to the playback control while viewing Apple Immersive Video
Persona (beta) and EyeSight - Adds an option to enroll your Persona hands-free - Improves hair and makeup appearance - Improves neck and mouth representation - Improves rendering of the eyes for EyeSight
Virtual keyboard - Cursor positioning for text input is now more accurate - Resolves some instances where the virtual keyboard placement obscures the text input field - Fixes an issue where in some cases, the text preview on the virtual keyboard may appear out of sync with the text field in the app - Fixes an issue where the edit menu may appear unexpectedly
Mac Virtual Display - Improves the reliability of discovering and connecting to a Mac using Mac Virtual Display - Resolves an issue where Universal Control may stop working - Addresses a connectivity issue that occurs when a previously paired Bluetooth device cannot be found
Captive Network Support - Ability to set up your device while using a captive WiFi network such as those found at hotels, cafes and airports
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
The first year of the Vision Pro will see plenty of feature refinements, so expect quite a few more updates. Apple is also already working on visionOS 2, which will be previewed in June.
Apple today released tvOS 17.4, the fourth major update to the tvOS 17 operating system that came out last September. tvOS 17.4 comes over a month after the release of tvOS 17.3.
tvOS 17.4 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the Apple TV. Go to System > Software Update to get the new software. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to tvOS 17.4 automatically.
Compared to other operating system updates, tvOS 17.4 updates are often minor in scale, focusing on bug fixes and other small improvements. We did not find new features during the tvOS 17.4 beta testing process.
Apple shares release notes for tvOS in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each new version of tvOS comes out.
Apple today clarified that iPhone users in the European Union can continue to update and use apps from alternative app marketplaces for a 30-day period when leaving the EU.
With the release of iOS 17.4, Apple published a number of support documents, and one of the pages outlined what happens when an iPhone user with apps installed through an alternative app marketplace leaves the EU. At the time, the document said that there would be an unspecified "grace period," but Apple has now updated it to provide exact timing.
EU iPhone users who travel outside of the area can expect to be able to update apps installed through alternative app marketplaces for a 30-day period, but after that, apps will not be able to be updated.
Installing alternative app marketplaces and the apps in those marketplaces is restricted to the European Union at all times, so travelers will not be able to install new apps through a marketplace while out of their home country or one of the 27 countries in the EU. Apps that have been downloaded can continue to be opened and used, even if they can't be updated.
If you leave the European Union, you can continue to open and use apps that you previously installed from alternative app marketplaces. Alternative app marketplaces can continue updating those apps for up to 30 days after you leave the European Union, and you can continue using alternative app marketplaces to manage previously installed apps. However, you must be in the European Union to install alternative app marketplaces and new apps from alternative app marketplaces.
Apple makes it clear that iPhone users who want to install apps outside of the App Store must be physically located in a country in the European Union and their Apple ID must also be set to a country or region in the EU. Apple uses privacy-focused on-device processing to determine whether a user is eligible to install an alternative app marketplace.
PayPal today announced that Tap to Pay on iPhone is now widely available for businesses that use the Venmo and PayPal Zettle apps in the U.S., allowing them to accept contactless payments directly on an iPhone, with no additional hardware required.
More details from the announcement:
With Tap to Pay on iPhone, Venmo business profile and PayPal Zettle users in the U.S. can get set up in minutes and begin securely accepting contactless cards and digital wallets directly on their iPhones. They can also add taxes, accept tips, send receipts, and issue refunds. In addition, funds from sales will settle quickly into a business's Venmo or PayPal Zettle account, helping to streamline operations and manage cash flow.
PayPal had already been testing Tap to Pay on iPhone with an early access program, and the feature is now available to all merchants.
Launched in the U.S. in 2022, Tap to Pay on iPhone allows for iPhone-to-iPhone contactless payments, with no additional point-of-sale hardware from companies like Square or Clover required. The feature allows customers to tap their iPhone or Apple Watch, credit card, or other contactless payment option on the merchant's iPhone. Payment is securely completed using the same NFC technology behind Apple Pay.
Apple has gradually expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to additional countries, such as Australia, France, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and the U.K. Other popular payment platforms that support the feature include Square and Stripe.
Accessory maker Satechi today announced the launch of a new USB-C adapter that's designed to work with Apple's products, including the new MacBook Air. The USB-C Multiport Adapter 8K with Ethernet V3 includes four USB-C ports, an 8K HDMI 2.1 port, an Ethernet port, a UHS-II SD card slot, and support for passthrough charging.
According to Satechi, the Multiport Adapter offers display options that include 8K/30Hz, 4K/120Hz, 2K/144Hz, and 1080p/240Hz. Three of the USB-C data ports support USB 3.2 Gen 2 transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s, while one offers 5Gb/s.
For Macs, up to 85W passthrough charging is available, which can power either the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro. Satechi is offering the new Multiport Adapter in space gray, silver, and midnight, matching Apple's color options, and it is made from aluminum.
Woot today has a big sale on Apple accessories, including low prices on the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger. Additionally, Amazon has steep discounts on AirTags and iPhone 15 cases.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Woot and Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Both of the MagSafe Chargers in this sale are in brand new condition and come with a one year Apple manufacturer limited warranty. The MagSafe Charger comes in bulk packaging. You'll find an estimated delivery between March 19 and March 21, although those dates may change depending on your location.
The highlight of the sale is the MagSafe Duo Charger for $74.99, down from $129.00. This is a new all-time low price on the accessory, beating Woot's previous discounted price by about $5. The MagSafe Duo Charger can simultaneously charge an iPhone via MagSafe and an Apple Watch.
Woot also has the MagSafe Charger for $26.99, down from $39.00. This beats Woot's previous price on the accessory by $3 and is one of the lowest prices that we've tracked so far in 2024.
Over at Amazon, you can find solid discounts on AirTags, including the AirTag 1 Pack for $24.00 and the AirTag 4 Pack for $78.99. The deal on the AirTag 4 Pack matches the best price we've seen so far this year, and is just about $4 higher when compared to the all-time low price.
Amazon also has a large collection of FineWoven and Silicone Cases on sale for the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. You can find these for as low as $17.65 right now on Amazon, and no coupon codes are required to get these deals.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Woot and Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
