The iPhone 14's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature last week saved a trio of students who went canyoneering in Utah and got stuck in an area with no cellular signal. Introduced last September, Emergency SOS via Satellite is designed to let iPhone 14 users access satellite communications to get help in emergency situations.
The students who were involved spoke to Utah's KUTV and described their dangerous ordeal. One of the students, Bridger Woods, said that the three had heard about a "pretty cool canyon" that they decided to check out because they had been canyoneering for approximately a year.
Inside the canyon, they encountered an area that had unexpectedly deep water, potentially caused by a wet winter in Utah. Woods and another student, Jeremy Mumford, were stuck in the pool for over an hour, but they ultimately were able to get out and continue deeper. They encountered another pool where the water was chest deep, and they could not get out.
Two of the students were experiencing symptoms of hypothermia, and because of the location of the canyon, there was no cellular signal, but the third student, Stephen Watts, had an iPhone 14. According to Mumford, every 20 minutes, a "satellite would line up" to their location, and holding the phone up, they were able to get enough satellite signal to text 911.
While waiting for emergency services, the trio were able to leverage themselves out of the deep pool using rope and carabiners. With Woods going into hypothermic shock, they were still unable to get out of the 10 to 15 foot hole that they were in. Instead, they located driftwood and began a fire to warm up while emergency crews came to their rescue.
A helicopter crew from Salt Lake City arrived, as did paramedics from Arizona, and all three students were ultimately unharmed. The group told KUTV that they recommend taking a satellite phone on adventures in case of an emergency situation.
Emergency SOS via Satellite has already been used in several other life-threatening situations, including when an Alaskan man was stranded in the wilderness and when people were involved in a serious crash in the Angeles National Forest in California.
Emergency Satellite via SOS is available to all iPhone 14 users in select countries, and it can be activated when an emergency situation occurs and there is no WiFi or cellular connection available. The feature is free to use for two years, and Apple has not yet provided detail on how much it will cost going forward.
The Google Authenticator app used to store one-time access codes for account security now supports backups and syncing across devices using a Google Account, Google announced today.
With Google Account support, one-time passwords can be saved in the cloud, so if you lose the device with your Google Authenticator app installed, you won't lose access to all of your authentication codes. Prior to the integration of Google Account support, all codes in the Google Authenticator app were stored on device, which is problematic when a device is lost.
Google says with one-time passwords available in a Google Account, users are "better protected from lockout," increasing convenience and security. Google Account integration for Google Authenticator is available on both iOS and Android devices. Adding Google Account support will require signing into the account in the Google Authenticator app, and once that is done, codes will be automatically backed up and restored on any new device where you sign in to your Google Account.
The latest version of the app is required, and on iPhone and iPad, it can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Epic Games and Apple have been fighting over Apple's App Store rules since 2020, when Epic Games opted to blatantly violate the guidelines that prevent apps from avoiding the in-app purchase system. Epic Games did so with the aim of kicking off a long legal battle, but it has not gone in Epic's favor.
In 2021, the judge overseeing the case sided with Apple, concluding that Apple was not violating antitrust law and was not a monopolist. Epic Games almost immediately appealed the ruling and claimed that the original court "reached the wrong answer" and "made multiple legal errors." Unfortunately for Epic Games, the appeals court today sided with Apple, upholding the original ruling.
According to Bloomberg, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Epic's claims that the App Store rules violate federal antitrust law by not allowing for third-party app marketplaces. This is largely a win for Apple, but the court did also uphold the original court's decision on Apple's anti-steering rules.
Apple was ordered to implement App Store changes that will allow developers to use metadata buttons, links, and other calls to action to direct customers to purchasing mechanisms outside of the App Store, paving the way for developers to implement alternate payment options.
"There is a lively and important debate about the role played in our economy and democracy by online transaction platforms with market power," said the appeals court. "Our job as a federal court of appeals, however, is not to resolve that debate -- nor could we even attempt to do so. Instead, in this decision, we faithfully applied existing precedent to the facts."
Apple has been able to put off making App Store updates until the conclusion of the appeals trial, as Apple had appealed the portion of the ruling that did not go in its favor. Apple will presumably need to make changes to the App Store at some point in the near future to comply with the court's ruling.
According to Apple, the proposed App Store changes could "upset the careful balance between developers and customers provided by the App Store," resulting in irreparable harm to Apple and consumers. Apple also said that it needed time to figure out the "complex and rapidly evolving legal, technological, and economic issues" that the update would cause.
In a statement to MacRumors, Apple said that the decision reaffirms its "resounding victory" against Epic Games.
Today's decision reaffirms Apple's resounding victory in this case, with nine of ten claims having been decided in Apple's favor. For the second time in two years, a federal court has ruled that Apple abides by antitrust laws at the state and federal levels. The App Store continues to promote competition, drive innovation, and expand opportunity, and we're proud of its profound contributions to both users and developers around the world. We respectfully disagree with the court's ruling on the one remaining claim under state law and are considering further review.
Though Apple said that it support the court's decision, the company does disagree with the ruling on the App Store changes, and says that it is "considering further review."
Anker and its audio brand Soundcore have a few new discounts today on Amazon, including solid deals on earbuds, headphones, and a pair of MacBook Pro-compatible USB-C chargers.
Anker
Starting with the Anker chargers, you can get the 150W 4-Port USB-C Charger for $87.99, down from $109.99. This one doesn't require a coupon code of any kind, and is in stock on Amazon via Anker's storefront.
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 running.
The second charger on sale is the 100W 2-Port USB-C Charger for $45.99 on Amazon, down from $89.99. Prime members will be able to get this charger for an even better price of $36.79 when logged into their accounts.
Lastly, over on Anker's own website there are a few deals still going on from the company's Earth Day sale event. These include portable chargers, USB-C hubs, Lightning cables, and wall chargers, all of which you can find below.
For all of these accessories, you'll need to click the "copy code" button next to the discount offer on each product page. You can then paste this code into the box on the checkout screen and then you'll see the final discount price.
CarPlay is now available in more than 800 vehicle models sold in the U.S., according to a recently updated page on Apple's website. Until last week, the page said the in-car software platform was available in more than 600 vehicle models. Apple added many 2023 and 2024 vehicle models to the list as part of the update.
The updated figure comes after GM announced that it plans to phase out CarPlay in future electric vehicles in favor of its own in-car software platform, developed in partnership with Google. The decision led to backlash from some customers given the immense popularity of CarPlay, but GM doubled down on the plans in an interview with The Verge last week, saying it is building a "holistically integrated" operating system with a "much-improved navigation and charging experience for future EV owners."
At WWDC last year, Apple stated that 79% of U.S. buyers would only consider a vehicle that works with CarPlay, and said the platform is available in 98% of vehicles sold in the country. "It's a must-have feature when shopping for a new vehicle," touted Apple.
Apple plans to introduce the next generation of CarPlay later this year, promising support for multiple displays across the dashboard, instrument cluster integration, built-in climate controls, an FM radio app, widgets, increased personalization, and more. Apple said the first vehicles with support for the new CarPlay experience will be announced later this year, with over a dozen automakers committed to offering it.
In related news, code on Apple's servers suggests that British automaker Lotus is planning to support Apple's digital car key feature in the Wallet app, which would allow future vehicles to be unlocked, locked, and started with an iPhone or Apple Watch.
A new all-time low price has appeared for the 2023 14-inch MacBook Pro (10-Core M2 Pro, 512GB), now down to $1,749.99, from its original price of $1,999.00. Only Amazon has this deal in the Space Gray color right now, and the retailer provides an estimated delivery date of as soon as May 3 for fast shipping.
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.
This beats the previous record low price on this model by about $50 and is now the best price we've ever tracked on the computer. Given that this notebook is now just about three months old, Amazon's $249 markdown is a great option for anyone wanting to buy a MacBook Pro this week.
Additionally, you can get the 12-Core M2 Pro, 1TB 14-inch MacBook Pro on sale this week, available for $2,249.00, down from $2,499.00. This is another all-time low price and Amazon has this one in stock in both Space Gray and Silver.
There are also a few sales on the 2023 16-inch MacBook Pro on Amazon, starting with the 12-Core M2 Pro, 512GB model for $2,249.99, down from $2,499.00. For more storage, you can get the 12-Core M2 Max, 1TB notebook for $3,249.99, down from $3,499.00.
You can find even more discounts on other MacBooks by visiting our Best Deals guide for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. In this guide we track the steepest discounts for the newest MacBook models every week, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often if you're shopping for a new Apple notebook.
Apple's mixed reality headset will have two ports including a USB-C interface for data transfer and a new proprietary charging connector for the external battery, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple mixed reality headset concept by David Lewis and Marcus Kane
Most AR/VR headsets on the market have an integrated battery, but reports suggest that Apple's headset will connect to a separate, external battery that is worn at the waist, which allows the headset to be lighter and more comfortable.
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman revealed that the charging cable that goes from the battery pack into the headset has a round tip that inserts magnetically.
According to Gurman, the round tip must be rotated clockwise to lock it in so that it doesn't fall out during use, while "the cable itself connects to the battery pack, and those two pieces aren't separable."
The external battery pack is said to look like an iPhone MagSafe battery pack and is "about the size of an iPhone but thicker," reports Gurman. It is designed to be charged via USB-C, and can be powered up using the same adapter included with the MacBook Pro.
The battery will power the headset for approximately two hours, and it will be able to be swapped out for continuous usage while a second battery charges. Given the short battery life, the presumption is that Apple will offer additional battery packs for sale separately.
Apple's headset is rumored to be called "Reality One" or "Reality Pro" and is expected to debut at WWDC in June, along with xrOS, Apple's new mixed-reality operating system. For more information on the purported features of the headset, be sure to check out our most recent breakdown.
Apple in iPadOS 17 will drop support for the first-generation 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro as well as the fifth-generation iPad, according to French tech website iPhoneSoft.
This is the second time we have heard claims regarding iPad device compatibility for the next operating system Apple is developing. Early last month, a source with a proven track record for upcoming software updates said the same three models will not be supported.
iPhoneSoft's information is said to come from an internal Apple source. If accurate, that means the following devices will be compatible with iPadOS 17 when it's released in the fall.
iPad Pro (2017 and later)
iPad Air (third generation and later)
iPad (sixth generation and later)
iPad mini (fifth generation and later)
It's worth noting that just because an iPad makes Apple's compatibility list doesn't necessarily mean it will fully support everything the software has to offer. For example, iOS 15 is compatible with all devices that can run iOS 14, but some features are not available on older iPhones.
As for which iPhones will run iOS 17, we've heard conflicting reports. The same source that first revealed which iPad models would be dropped from iPadOS 17 also claimed that iOS 17 will drop support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
However, this was immediately disputed by another leaker who has shared accurate information in the past. According to a post on the MacRumors forum by the anonymous tipster, all iPhones that support iOS 16 will support iOS 17, including all devices powered by A11 chipsets (i.e. the iPhone X and iPhone 8/8 Plus).
Last year, iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 dropped support for quite a few devices, including the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, original iPhone SE, final iPod touch, second-generation iPad Air, and fourth-generation iPad mini.
With roughly six weeks to go until WWDC, rumors are continuing to fly about what we might see at the event. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman joined us on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show to give us his take on things, but there's still lots up in the air.
This week also saw the launch of the savings account companion to Apple Card and the promised smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sound recognition feature for HomePod, while Tim Cook was surprised by one user's vintage Mac as Apple opened its first two retail stores in India, so read on for all the details on these stories and more!
Apple Card Savings Account Launches With Over 4% Interest Rate
Six months after being announced, the Apple Card's savings account is now available in the United States. With a competitive 4.15% APY, the account allows Apple Card users to earn interest on their Daily Cash cashback and money deposited from a linked bank account.
The savings account is offered by Goldman Sachs and can be completely managed in the Wallet app on the iPhone. The account has no fees and no minimum balance requirement.
15-Inch MacBook Air to Offer Two M2 Chip Options, No M2 Pro Configuration
The first Macs with the M3 chip are likely still months away. Kuo said Apple's next-generation M3 chip will enter mass production in the second half of 2023, slightly ahead of higher-end M3 Pro and M3 Max chips destined for the next 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
The MacRumors Show: Mark Gurman Talks WWDC 2023, Apple Headset, and New Macs
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman joined us on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show to talk through all of the latest rumors about the software updates and new hardware expected to be previewed at this year's WWDC, which starts on June 5.
watchOS 10 Described as Apple Watch's Biggest Software Update Since 2015
watchOS 10 will be the Apple Watch's biggest software update since the initial version of the operating system was released in 2015, according to Mark Gurman. Apple is expected to announce watchOS 10 at WWDC in June.
Gurman expects watchOS 10 to include an updated interface, with an anonymous leaker claiming that the Home Screen will be redesigned, though Gurman says he does not expect the core design of the platform to change.
HomePod Can Now Alert You If Your Smoke Alarm Goes Off
As promised earlier this year, Apple has now expanded the Sound Recognition feature on the second-generation HomePod and the HomePod mini to be able to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sounds and send a notification to the user's iPhone.
Sound Recognition was first introduced on the iPhone in 2020 and can detect a wide variety of sounds, including a doorbell, a baby crying, a car horn, a door knock, and others.
Watch Tim Cook's Reaction as Fan Brings Vintage Macintosh to Apple Store Opening
Cook has been touring India this week, meeting with the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many other prominent local figures during his trip.
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.
Apple will transition almost all of its iPad, MacBook, and external display models to OLED displays by 2027, according to technology research firm Omdia.
Omdia's latest IT OLED display forecasts, seen by OLEDInfo, claim that worldwide OLED shipments will rise rapidly from around 9.7 million units in 2022 to over 70 million in 2028. Most of this growth will be driven by laptops, but the number of OLED tablets will also increase sharply during this period.
The main contributor to this expected increase is said to be Apple's expanded use of OLED displays across its devices. In line with other rumors, Omdia believe that Apple will begin using OLED panels for the iPad starting with new iPad Pro models next year, followed by an OLED MacBook Pro in 2026. Apple will almost entirely phase out LCD and mini-LED displays on mobile devices by 2026. The report also mentions a foldable 20-inch iPad Pro model with an OLED around this time frame.
In 2027, Apple will apparently begin using QD-OLED or WOLED panels for 32-inch and 42-inch displays, likely for future iMac or external display models. The Pro Display XDR is Apple's only existing product with a 32-inch display and there is no currently 42-inch device.
Three new Mac model identifiers were recently added to a Find My configuration file on Apple's backend, as discovered by Nicolás Álvarez (via @aaronp613).
The new identifiers are Mac14,8, Mac14,13, and Mac14,14, and they appear in a list alongside Mac14,3 and Mac14,12, the identifiers for the latest M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini models. The list in Apple's configuration file relates to overriding "separation monitoring," which suggests these could be desktop Mac models that do not need to be actively tracked via Find My for separation from the user as portable Macs do.
Exactly what these new Mac models are is unclear, as Apple has recently shifted from using more specific model identifiers like "MacBookAir10,1" to generic "Mac"-based ones that can apply to any member of the family. The most imminent desktop Mac update we're expecting is the Mac Pro, although Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes it won't be ready to launch at WWDC in June.
Gurman also believes the Mac Studio will not see an update until high-end members of M3 chip family are ready, and that seems unlikely until perhaps early 2024. With the Mac mini having just been updated in January, the only other apparent possibility for a desktop Mac update is the iMac, but that too isn't expected to be updated until M3 chips are available in the latter part of this year at the soonest.
It is also unclear just how many product lines these three new model identifiers represent. As seen with the Mac mini and other recent Macs, models with multiple chip options can have several identifiers, so it's possible these new identifiers could represent three variants of a single product, or something like two variants of one product and a single variant of a second product.
We'll likely hear more about the potential for Mac updates as we get closer to WWDC, but for now it appears the most likely Mac launch expected at the event is a new 15-inch MacBook Air, not a desktop Mac.
Apple in less than two months is planning to enter a new product category, debuting its first mixed reality headset. Rumors suggest that the upcoming headset will support both AR and VR technology, and that it will have a number of features that will outshine competing products.
Render created by Ian Zelbo based on rumored information
With the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, Apple's hardware and software led it to dominate those categories within a few short years after entering a new market, and it's possible the same thing will happen with augmented and virtual reality. We've rounded up 10 features rumored for the AR/VR headset that will set it apart from competitors.
4K Micro-OLED Displays
Apple plans to use two high-resolution 4K micro-OLED displays from Sony that are said to have up to 3,000 pixels per inch. Comparatively, Meta's new top of the line Quest Pro has LCD displays, so Apple is going to be offering much more advanced display technology.
Micro-OLED displays are built directly onto chip wafers rather than a glass substrate, allowing for a thinner, smaller, and lighter display that's also more power efficient compared to LCDs and other alternatives.
Apple's design will block out peripheral light, and display quality will be adjusted for peripheral vision to cut down on the processing power necessary to run the device. Apple will be able to reduce graphical fidelity at the periphery of the headset through the eye tracking functionality being implemented.
Integrated Cameras
Apple is outfitting its AR/VR headset with more than a dozen cameras, which will capture motion to translate real world movement to virtual movement. It is said to have two downward-facing cameras to capture leg movement specifically, which will be a unique feature that will allow for more accurate motion tracking.
The cameras will be able to map the environment, detecting surfaces, edges, and dimensions in rooms with accuracy, as well as people and other objects. The cameras may also be able to do things like enhance small type, and they'll be able to track body movements.
Iris Scanning
For privacy and security, the AR/VR headset is expected to integrate an iris scanner that can evaluate the pattern of the user's eye, allowing for an iris scan to be used for payment authentication and as a password replacement.
Iris scanning on the AR/VR headset will be akin to Face ID and Touch ID on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It could allow two people to use the same headset, and it is a feature that is not available on competing headsets like Meta's new Quest Pro.
Facial Expression Tracking
The cameras in the AR/VR headset will be able to interpret facial expressions, translating them to virtual avatars. So if you smile or scowl in real life, your virtual avatar will make the same expression in various apps, similar to how the TrueDepth camera system works with Memoji and Animoji on the iPhone and iPad.
Control Methods
3D sensing modules will detect hand gestures for control purposes, and there will be skin detection. The headset will support voice control and the AR/VR headset will support Siri like other Apple devices. Apple has tested a thimble-like device worn on the finger, but it is not yet clear what kind of input methods we'll get with the new device.
Air Typing
For text input, the AR/VR headset will support "in-air typing" functionality, with the headset recognizing the fingers as they move using the built-in cameras.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says air typing is "finicky," but Apple will offer the feature when the headset launches.
Thin and Light Design
Apple is aiming for comfort, and the AR/VR headset is rumored to be made from mesh fabric and aluminum, making it lighter and thinner than other mixed reality headsets that are available on the market. Apple reportedly wants the weight to be around 200 grams, which would be significantly lighter than the 722 gram Quest Pro from Meta.
In March 2021, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said current prototypes were around 200 to 300 grams, but it is not clear if Apple was able to stick to that weight later in the development process.
External Battery Pack
Most of the AR/VR headsets on the market have an integrated battery, but Apple is planning to have the headset connect to a separate, external battery that is worn at the waist. The external battery will power the headset for approximately two hours, and it will be able to be swapped out for continuous usage while a second battery charges.
App Experiences
The headset is going to run a new operating system called xrOS, aka "Reality OS." Apple is designing unique apps made specifically for a virtual reality experience. Apple is said to be planning for a VR FaceTime-like experience with Animoji, where you might see a 3D Animoji or Memoji character version of a person instead of the person itself. The aforementioned facial expression detection would allow the headset to read facial expressions and features, matching that in real time for a lifelike chatting experience.
Apple is working with media partners for content that can be watched in VR, and it will integrate with Apple TV+. Users will be able to watch movies and TV shows in a virtual reality environments, with the display over a background like a desert or a mountain.
Sports content will be a focus, with Apple providing immersive viewing experiences for MLB and MLS content. Apple is working with third-party developers on gaming experiences, and there are 3D versions of standard iPhone apps like Safari, Calendar, Contacts, Home, Files, Messages, Notes, Photos, Music, Reminders, and more in development.
There will be a Fitness+ app that will allow users to work out while watching Fitness+ instructors in 3D, and Apple is creating a meditation app that will guide users through meditative experiences. A Camera app will be able to snap photos, a Books app will allow for reading in virtual reality, and a version of Freeform will be available for working on collaborative projects with others.
The headset will also be able to run thousands of existing apps that are designed for the iPad, with the apps showing up in a 2D format on the headset.
Apple Silicon Chip
Rumors suggest that Apple will use two Mac-level M2 processors for the AR/VR headset, which will give it more built-in compute power than competing products. Apple will use a high-end main processor and a lower-end processor that will manage the various sensors in the device.
With two Apple silicon chips inside, the headset will not need to rely on a connection to an iPhone or a Mac for power, and it will be able to function on its own.
The Apple silicon Mac Pro will not be among the new hardware announcements at WWDC 2023, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes.
Speaking on the latest episode of The MacRumors Show, Gurman explained that while he still expects the new Mac Pro to launch this year, it is unlikely to emerge at WWDC in June. This is a significant delay over when the machine was originally expected to launch.
He added that the next-generation Mac Studio will likely not contain M2-series chips, with Apple postponing a refresh of the device until the M3 generation to avoid cannibalizing the new Mac Pro.
Gurman also said that the new 15-inch MacBook Air, which will contain an M2 chip, was originally supposed to launch last year. This apparently means that the 13-inch MacBook Air could run on a separate chip upgrade cycle to the 15-inch model, with the smaller device potentially set to receive the M3 chip well before it comes to the larger model. How Apple plans to align the chip upgrade cycle of the two devices in the long term remains to be seen.
Following up on an earlier report, Gurman said that he now expects the "in-air typing" text input method to be present on Apple's mixed-reality headset when it launches, despite its "finicky" experience. He added that the device's two-hour battery life may be likely to remain through successive generations of the mixed-reality headset, much like how the two standard Apple Watch model sizes have had no battery life improvements since their announcement in 2014.
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with DearMob to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an iPhone 14 Pro and a lifetime licensed copy of the DearMob iPhone backup software. While there are iPhone management tools available from Apple in the form of iCloud, Finder, and iTunes, DearMob goes above and beyond the built-in tools with the iPhone Manager.
The DearMob iPhone Manager is a robust app for iPhone backups, management, and switching. Unlike iTunes or iCloud, you can choose selectively what you want to back up or transfer from your Mac to your iPhone and vice versa, with encryption included and conversion tools built in for changing file types.
You can transfer all kinds of iPhone and iPad files, like photos, videos, movies, TV shows, songs, contacts, ringtones, books, documents, and PDFs, plus you can save data from apps. DearMob's aim is to make it simple for anyone to manage an iOS device, importing, exporting, and dealing with files with useful customization options.
With the backup tool, you can back up everything on an iPhone or iPad, or opt to export specific categories like photos or movies. Backed up content can be migrated from iPhone to iPhone, including at the file level. So if you have a collection of music on one device and want to transfer it to another, you can use DearMob. With complete backups, you can do a one-click restore for an iPhone or an iPad.
For photos, 100 4K photos can be transferred in approximately eight seconds, and it can handle thousands of photos within minutes, allowing you to free up iPhone storage. You can even transfer photos by day, month, year, or album, change Live Photos into videos, and convert HEIC photos to JPG. There are also tools for deleting photos by media type like Recently Deleted, Hidden, and Selfies. Videos transfer just as quickly, and you can move video content from your iPhone to your Mac for storage purposes or transfer videos from your Mac to your iPhone to watch on the go. Built-in conversion software will auto convert any video into a type compatible with iOS devices.
File transfers can be done over WiFi or a USB connection, and the management tools are useful if you have contacts, music, playlists, photos, and albums that need to be edited. You can export, add, create, modify, delete, and edit all of your content, and export files by metrics like day, week, month, artist, folder, and more. Contacts can be exported in a number of formats, and you can import videos, music, and ebooks, all of which will be converted to a file type readable by your device.
According to DearMob, the software uses military-grade encryption for photos, videos, contacts, and device backups to keep your data safe while storing it or transferring it between devices. Local files can be encrypted as well, and password protected so your content is inaccessible to someone who might get ahold of your computer.
More information on the DearMob software and how it works can be found on the website. We have one iPhone 14 Pro to give away to a lucky MacRumors reader, along with a lifetime copy of DearMob. To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner and send the prize. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (April 21) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on April 28. The winner will be chosen randomly on April 28 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
iOS 17 will feature changes and improvements to the Wallet app and Find My, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
On The MacRumors Show podcast, Gurman said that he would compare iOS 17 to iOS 15 in so far as it will focus on updates to core system apps, rather than revolutionary changes or standout new features like iOS 14's widgets or iOS 16's Lock Screen redesign.
In addition to changes to the Wallet app, Gurman emphasized that there will be improvements to Find My amid a bigger push on location- and Find My-related features. He added that he has more to share on iOS 17 in the coming weeks.
Gurman also said that he expects sideloading to be a Europe-only feature to comply with the Digital Markets Act, that developers may have to incur an additional fee to make apps available via a third-party service, and that these features will likely not be mentioned during the WWDC keynote. Instead, Apple is likely to deal with the implementation similar to how it quietly accommodated regulatory changes in the Netherlands that forced Apple to allow third-party payment systems in dating apps, Gurman said.
Gurman has previously said that watchOS 10 will be the most significant update to watchOS since its introduction. In spite of this, Gurman remarked that he would not compare the update to scale of the leap from iOS 6 to iOS 7 in 2013. He does not expect the core design of the platform to change, but there will apparently be many new ways to use and interact with the system. He also said that he has not heard any information to support the presence of app folders.
Finally, Gurman suggested that macOS 14 will not be a "groundbreaking or significant" update. Instead, he believes Apple is focusing on simply baking in support for features brought to its other operating systems for a consistent cross-platform experience.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman joins us on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show to talk through all of the latest rumors about the software updates and new hardware expected to be previewed at this year's WWDC, which starts on June 5.
Mark is known for his accurate insider knowledge about Apple's plans and he is behind many of the major reports covered here on MacRumors. He expects watchOS 10 to be the most significant update to the operating system since its debut, so he tells us more about what to expect and Apple's tradition of offering major hardware and software updates in tandem. He also gives us a clearer picture of what to expect from iOS 17 and macOS 14.
We dissect some of the major questions surrounding the two major hardware announcements anticipated for WWDC this year: the 15-inch MacBook Air and the "Reality Pro" mixed-reality headset. We also touch on the status of the Apple silicon Mac Pro, which has been rumored for over two years but has yet to emerge.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion some of the top features and changes we would like to see in the next major update to macOS.
This week we saw a wide variety of Apple products on sale, reaching from the AirPods to the M1 iMac and brand new 14-inch MacBook Pro. Highlights of these sales include a return of the $99 discount on the AirPods Max at $449.99 and the Apple Watch SE available from $219.00.
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 running.
AirPods
What's the deal? Take up to $99 off the AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods 2
All of Apple's current AirPods models are available at a discount this week across Verizon and Amazon. This includes solid deals on the AirPods Pro 2 ($199.99, $50 off), AirPods 3 ($149.99, $20 off), and AirPods 2 ($99.00, $30 off). We're also tracking the first $99 discount of 2023 on the AirPods Max, priced at $449.99 in multiple colors on Amazon.
Apple Watch
What's the deal? Take up to $70 off the Apple Watch SE, 8, and Ultra
We're tracking a large selection of Apple Watch discounts on Amazon today, including a few record low prices on the Apple Watch SE ($219.00, $30 off) and Apple Watch 8 ($329.00, $70 off). There's also the Apple Watch Ultra for $749.00 in numerous configurations, which is $50 off and a solid second-best price.
MacBook Pro
What's the deal? Take $200 off the new 14-inch MacBook Pro
Earlier in the week, Amazon and B&H Photo introduced a new deal on the 14-inch MacBook Pro, available for $1,799.00, down from $1,999.00. This deal on the 10-Core M2 Pro, 512GB notebook is a match of the best price we've ever tracked on the notebook.
Following the MacBook Pro, Amazon also introduced an all-time low price on the M1 iMac this week. You can get the 8-Core, 256GB computer for $1,199.99, down from $1,499.00, and it's still available in multiple colors as we head into the weekend.
Additionally, there are a few other 24-inch iMacs on sale today on Amazon, including the 7-Core GPU, 256GB model for $1,099.99, down from $1,299.00. Lastly, the 8-Core GPU, 512GB M1 iMac is on sale for $1,499.99, down from $1,699.00.
iPad Air
What's the deal? Take up to $119 off the 2022 iPad Air
Nearly every model of the 2022 iPad Air saw a discount on Amazon this week, and they're still available right now. Prices start at $499.99 for the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air and $649.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air. If you head to our full article on the sale, you'll also find discounts on both cellular devices.
Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
Aqara this week released the Presence Sensor FP2 – a brand new millimeter wave sensor that goes far beyond the capabilities of more conventional motion sensors to facilitate powerful automations, with support for Apple HomeKit.
The sensor uses millimeter wave radar technology to detect human presence in a room with greater precision than traditional passive infrared sensors, allowing for more specific automations and a more reliable experience. Aqara says that FP2 detects even the slightest movement, such as breathing, to ascertain human presence. This level of precision means that users can set up automations to turn on lights and keep them on when someone is in an area, even when there is very minimal motion that more conventional sensors would not be able to sense, for example.
The sensor comes with a two meter USB-A to USB-C power cable, two adhesive magnetic mounting plates, a screw, a wall anchor, and an instruction manual. You need to provide your own USB-A wall adapter to power the device.
Design
The sensor sports an extremely compact design with a rounded body and matte white finish. At the top, there is a pairing button and an ambient light sensor. The design is sufficiently discreet to tuck in the corner of a room or leave on a tabletop.
The base of the sensor swivels out and fully extends, helping you to position it exactly as you wish. The base is magnetic, allowing you to adhere it to one of the included magnetic plates if you plan to install the sensor on a wall or ceiling. Swivelling out the base also reveals the USB-C port required to power the device and a HomeKit pairing code sticker.
The FP2 is IPX5 rated against water and dust, which allows it to be installed in humid environments like bathrooms or even some outdoors areas.
Set Up, Functionality, and HomeKit Support
While the Presence Sensor FP2 can be used with an Aqara hub, of which there are multiple options to choose from, such as the M1S or M2 hub, the device can operate without a hub via wi-fi. Setting up the FP2 follows the same process as many other Aqara accessories. Simply connect the FP2 to a power source, open the Aqara app, hold down the small button on the accessory, and follow the on-screen instructions.
To take full advantage of the FP2's features, you need to use the Aqara app. The sensor has separate modes depending on where you plan to position the sensor, each with subsequent options for fine-tuning to your exact needs. Users can set up various detection zones and targets, as well as exclude certain areas from the sensor to prevent movement in these areas triggering automations.
The app allows you to define up to 30 zones within a room, each with their own automations. After setting up these zones in the Aqara app, the configuration can be synced to Apple's Home app as multiple motion or occupancy sensors, allowing you to use the FP2 natively in a HomeKit setup and create automations. The built-in light sensor is also exposed to HomeKit.
The sensor can detect presence up to eight meters away and pinpoint the exact location of individuals in the room with extraordinary accuracy, as visible in the Aqara app. It can also track up to five people at once, allowing for the control of different zones based on the real-time location of each individual. The detection of presence is impressively instantaneous and noticeably more accurate than simpler motion sensor accessories.
The FP2 also offers some unique features such as fall detection in the Aqara app. Other capabilities, including posture, standing, sitting, and lying detection, are set to be added with an update to the device. The FP2 may even be able to support sleep monitoring and respiratory rate detection in the future via an update, according to Aqara.
Bottom Line and How to Buy
With its range of advanced features, Presence Sensor FP2 is one of the most precise, versatile, and unique smart home sensors available on the market. At $82.99, it is costlier than a simple motion sensor, but it offers far better functionality.
The FP2 can function as up to 30 individual motion sensors in Apple's Home app with an extremely high level of sensitivity and accuracy, making it easy to recommend over buying a more limited motion sensor. Matter compatibility is set to come to the FP2 Presence Sensor via an over-the-air update, and Aqara has more features planned for the device in the future, making it a good choice for any smart home setup.
The need for constant power via USB-C is virtually the only caveat to the FP2, since many of the less capable motion sensors on the market use battery power, which makes it easy to place them exactly where you want them. The need for wired power means you just have to think a little more carefully about where you plan to use the FP2.
The Presence Sensor FP2 is available from Amazon in North America and Europe, as well as selected Aqara retailers worldwide. Aqara is currently offering a 15% discount on the new device on the Amazon through April 22 with the following discount codes:
Amazon North America: FP2USCA1 (applicable to Amazon US & Canada)
Amazon Europe: EU5PSFP2 (applicable to Amazon France, Germany, Italy, Spain & UK)
Note: Aqara provided MacRumors with a FP2 Presence Sensor for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
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 running.
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.
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 running.
