MacRumors

WhatsApp has announced a new option for disappearing messages conversations that lets recipients keep individual messages if the sender approves the request.

"Keep in Chat" enables users to long press a disappearing message and ask to keep it, which sends a notification to the sender: "Someone kept your message so they can refer back to it." The sender can then either allow the save to go ahead or veto the request.

From WhatsApp's blog post:

Today we're introducing "Keep in Chat," so you can hang on to texts you need for later, with a special superpower for the sender. We believe if you've sent the message, it's your choice whether others in the chat can keep it for later.

WhatsApp says that if a user decides their message can't be kept by others, their decision is final – no one else can keep it and the message will be deleted when the timer expires.

• How to Enable Disappearing Messages in WhatsApp

If a recipient asks to save a disappearing message and the sender allows it, the message gets a bookmark icon to indicate that it can be found in the user's kept messages folder, which is organized by chat.

WhatsApp says the feature is rolling out globally in the next few weeks.

United States Facebook users who had an active Facebook account between May 2007 and December 2022 can now apply to receive a portion of the $725 million that Meta paid to settle a class action lawsuit over the Cambridge Analytica data scandal.

Claims can be submitted on the Facebook User Privacy Settlement website through August 25. Facebook users who want to get a payout will need to supply information like name, address, phone number, and information about their Facebook account, along with selecting an option to receive the payment. Payout options include PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and a prepaid Mastercard.

There is no word yet on how much money each claimant will receive, but given the number of Facebook users, lawyer fees, and the fact that Meta only paid $725 million, it is likely that payments will be small. The payout will depend on the number of Settlement Class Members that submit claims and the length of Facebook usage during the time outlined in the lawsuit.

Following the Cambridge Analytica discoveries in 2018, Facebook was hit with several lawsuits. The company was accused of sharing user data and data about users' friends without permission. The information was provided to third-party app developers, business partners, advertisers, and data brokers with no oversight by Facebook.

Data firm Cambridge Analytica was one of the companies that collected data from tens of millions of Facebook users, creating targeted political advertisements with the information.

With the settlement, Meta denied all wrongdoing and says that it did not violate any laws. Both sides opted to settle to avoid the costs and risks of a trial. After the scandal, Facebook changed its data privacy practices to better protect user data.

Ahead of the unveiling of Apple's AR/VR product, there has been skepticism that the device will be well-received, both because of its rumored $3,000 price tag and the lackluster performance of competing products from companies like Sony and Meta.

At least one person testing the device is enthused about it, however. Leaker Evan Blass, who has provided accurate insight into Apple's plans in the past, claims to know a person who has had opportunities to "demo" the headset. Blass said that over the course of the last few months, the tester has gone from "lamenting its 'underwhelming' capabilities" to being "blown away" by the experience and the hardware.

"The leap they've made since [late last year] is giant," the Apple tester told Blass. "I was so skeptical; now I'm blown away in a 'take my money kind of way,'" they said. Blass shared the details on his Twitter account, which is private.

Apple has been working on the AR/VR headset for years now, and its debut has been pushed back multiple times as the company has aimed to solve development issues with the design and the software. Apple is now ready to preview it, and is expected to do so at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

Back in March, The New York Times reported that several Apple employees it had spoken to were skeptical about the headset's potential for success. The employees have questioned whether the headset is a "solution in search of a problem" and if it is "driven by the same clarity" as other Apple devices.

Apple CEO Tim Cook in April said that with everything the company has done, there have always been "loads of skeptics." It comes with the territory of doing "something that's on the edge," Cook said.

The AR/VR headset is shaping up to be similar to the Apple Watch in terms of early functionality. It will be expensive at over $3,000, and limited in usefulness to begin with. Apple plans to iterate on the headset over time, and there are already new models in development. With the Apple Watch, Apple made notable strides in its technical capabilities, and within a few generations, the device became indispensable to many.

Apple's headset will be its first new product category since the Apple Watch. Expected to be called the "Reality Pro" or "Reality One," the headset will feature dual 4K micro OLED displays from Sony, for 8K total resolution. It will be equipped with more than a dozen cameras for mapping the area around the user, reading facial expressions, interpreting gestures, and more.

Design wise, it is said to feature a sleek, curved visor made from aluminum, glass, and carbon fiber, with Apple aiming to keep weight low. In fact, it does not even have a battery built in, with the battery instead worn at the waist to prevent the headset from being too heavy.

Apple is working on updating its apps for the device, with a specific focus on communication and collaboration, television and sports, gaming, and health and fitness.

More on what's expected for the AR/VR headset can be found in our AR/VR headset roundup.

T-Mobile today announced "Phone Freedom," which it is calling its latest Un-carrier move. Phone Freedom includes multiple facets, such as a new upgrade plan and options to help customers get out of their smartphone contracts when switching.

Go5G Plus is T-Mobile's new wireless plan that includes an upgraded device every two years. T-Mobile says that it ensures new and existing customers will get the "same great device deals" along with $270 "in added value every month" for families that have multiple lines.

The Go5G Plus plan includes 50GB of hotspot data per month and 15GB of data in Mexico and Canada each month. Right now, T-Mobile is offering a promotion that includes a free 5G phone with an eligible trade-in, along with a free third line.

There are caveats, though. Go5G Plus is T-Mobile's most expensive plan at $90 per month for a single line with AutoPay enabled. Prices get cheaper with more lines, with two and three lines both priced at $150/month and a fourth line available for $185/month total for all four lines. It is on par with Magenta MAX at the three line level, but more expensive for four lines. T-Mobile's Magenta and Essentials plans are cheaper, as is the "Go5G, a plan that does not offer unlimited high-speed data.

For customers who want to swap to T-Mobile but who are locked into AT&T with a three-year device contract, T-Mobile says that it will pay off the old phone and give customers a new phone on the T-Mobile network through the "Easy Unlock" option.

There is also a "Go Back Guarantee" for switchers who try T-Mobile and then decide they want to return to their prior carrier.

T-Mobile says that it is making these changes because "millions of people" are locked into three-year device financing contracts with carriers like AT&T and Verizon, which means many people can only upgrade their phones every three years.

The Phone Freedom options will be available starting on Sunday, April 23.

Apple's next-generation M3 chip will enter mass production in the second half of 2023, according to info shared today by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a tweet, Kuo said M3 chip production will begin "slightly ahead" of the M3 Pro and M3 Max. Apple should use the M3 chip for future models of the 13-inch MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, 24-inch iMac, and Mac mini, while the higher-end M3 Pro and M3 Max chips are destined for the next 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects to be released in the first half of 2024.

The M3 chip is expected to be manufactured based on Apple chipmaking partner TSMC's latest 3nm process, compared to 5nm for the M2 chip. As a 3nm chip, the M3 should offer significant performance and power efficiency improvements.

As for the long-rumored 15-inch MacBook Air, Kuo said the laptop will be equipped with the M2 chip. Back in June 2022, Kuo predicted that the 15-inch model would also be available with the M2 Pro chip, but he no longer expects this.

The key takeaway from Kuo's latest information is that the first Macs with the M3 chip are likely still months away from launching. This makes sense given that the next Mac Pro desktop tower is rumored to feature the M2 Ultra chip, and it is likely that Apple would finish its rollout of the M2 series of chips before announcing the M3 chip.

Verizon and Amazon today have deals on Apple's AirPods, including the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods 2. As with all other Verizon deals, you don't need to be a Verizon customer to get these savings, and all orders receive free two-day shipping.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Verizon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Starting with the AirPods Pro 2, these are available for $199.99, down from $249.99 [matched at Amazon]. Last month we saw a discount to $194.99, but this rare deal never emerged again and today's deal remains a solid second-best price.

Secondly, Verizon has both models of the AirPods 3 on sale. You can get the AirPods 3 with Lightning Charging Case for $149.99, down from $169.99; and the AirPods 3 with MagSafe Charging Case for $159.00, down from $179.00. Deals on the AirPods 3 have been rare over the past few months, so this is a great chance to finally get some savings on these models.

Finally, only Amazon has the AirPods 2 for $99.00, down from $129.00. Although this is an overall second-best price, it is the most consistent deal we've tracked on the AirPods 2 in 2023.

We track sales for every model of the AirPods in our Best AirPods Deals guide, so be sure to bookmark that page while you shop around for the wireless headphones. Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.

Apple's upcoming 15-inch MacBook Air model will be configurable with two variants of the M2 chip, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a tweet shared earlier today, Kuo said that he expects the new ‌MacBook Air‌ to be available with two ‌M2‌ chip options that have different numbers of cores like the existing 13-inch model. The news comes as a revision of Kuo's previous forecast, which predicted that the 15-inch MacBook Pro could be configurable with either the ‌M2‌ or ‌M2‌ Pro chip.

The 13-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ with the ‌M2‌ chip that Apple launched last year is available in 8- and 10-core GPU variants, and the M1 model from 2020 was available in 7- and 8-core GPU options. The 15-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ is therefore likely to mirror the 13-inch model in terms of chip specifications.

Kuo also affirmed that the new model will explicitly be branded as a 15-inch ‌MacBook Air‌, rather than a new product line. He expects the device to reach five to six million unit shipments in 2023. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that the 15-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ will be announced at WWDC in June.

Voicemod, the popular voice changer and soundboard, has just landed on macOS, allowing Mac users to transform their voices and trigger sound effects in real time.

The AI-powered software features a wide range of features, with over 100 voice options, including natural and realistic human options, pitch-shifting, sound enhancement, and a variety of fantasy, funny, spooky, and musical voices.

Voicemod's virtual microphone includes support for Discord, Roblox, Minecraft, Riot Games, Fortnite, Zoom, and more. The software is also compatible with FaceTime and iMessage, bringing real-time voice changing to Apple's stock video and chat apps.

"We are excited to be the first company to offer a real-time voice changer and soundboard app to macOS users," said Jaime Bosch, CEO and co-founder of Voicemod. "Our app is designed to help users gain confidence, express themselves, or bring their character impersonations to life. With Voicemod, macOS users can now easily transform their voice and even add sound clips to create personalised soundboards relevant to their group of friends."

Voicemod has long been popular with Windows PC users, with more than 40 million gamers, streamers, content creators, and others seeking to find their voice online. Voicemod beta for macOS is available to download for free from the company's website, with the paid Pro version unlocking additional features and content.

The forthcoming 15-inch MacBook Air will indeed be equipped with an M2 chip, not the M3 that Apple originally planned, claims news aggregator account "yeux1122" on the Korean Naver blog.

According to the blog's Taiwanese supply chain source, Apple's decision to use an M2 chip was not down to production issues at chipmaker TSMC, but was due to a combination of factors, including market conditions and inventory adjustment.

A previous report out of Korea earlier this month claimed that Apple temporarily halted production of its M2 series chips at the start of 2023 following a pronounced slump in global demand for MacBooks.

The suspension is said to have continued through February, after which production of M2 series chips resumed, but they were "only half the level of the previous year," said the Korean-language report at the time, quoting a person familiar with the matter.

Last week, an unreleased 15-inch MacBook Air with a processor "on par" with the M2 chip was spotted in App Store developer logs. The MacBook Air configuration had an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, just like the M2 chip, along with 8GB of RAM. The new Air was also listed with a display resolution equal to that of the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

It's unclear exactly when the 15-inch MacBook Air will be released, but it will likely be announced by WWDC, which begins June 5. The existing 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip launched in July 2022 after being announced at WWDC a month earlier.

The release of an M3-powered Mac is expected to come at a later date, and will represent a transition to a 3-nanometer production process from the current 5-nanometer standard. The 3nm process, which is also being used in this year's iPhone 15 series, allows for significantly improved performance and more efficiency.

Apple will soon make it possible for users to fix App Store subscription payment issues within apps, rather than having to go into their device's Settings to make the necessary changes.

Currently if a third-party app has an issue with an auto-renewing subscription – if the payment method is no longer valid, for example – users must exit out of the app and make the changes in the Apple ID section of the Settings app.

This system often forces users to take out the subscription again, which can cause them to lose any in-app discounts or introductory subscription offers. However, that's set to change. From Apple's announcement on its developer website:

Starting this summer, if an auto-renewable subscription doesn't renew due to a billing issue, a system-provided sheet appears in your app with a prompt that lets customers update their payment method for their Apple ID. No action is required to adopt this feature.

The new in-app system should make it easier for users to resolve payment issues, says Apple, meaning developers should be better able to retain subscribers and benefit from in-app purchases.

When it goes live in the summer, Apple says the in-app billing issue resolution sheet will require iPhones and iPads to be running a minimum of iOS 16.4 or iPadOS 16.4, respectively.

Apple Watch's Running Track Detection feature has gone live in France and the Netherlands, according to French tech blog WatchGeneration.

With Track Detection, the Apple Watch uses an Apple Maps database and GPS to automatically detect when you step on to an outdoor running track.

In the Workout app, you can select which lane of the track you are running in and receive more accurate distance measurements and a more precise route map. There is also an option to receive lap alerts that show distance, time, and pace as you complete each lap.

The feature is available on Apple Watch models running watchOS 9.2 and later. watchOS 9.2 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 4 and newer.

• How to Use Running Track Detection on Apple Watch

The function was first available in the United States last year, and in February it rolled out to Canada, Australia, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Apple has yet to update its regional feature support page to reflect the latest additions.

Apple has announced the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone in Taiwan, allowing independent sellers, small merchants, and large retailers in the country to use ‌iPhones‌ as a payment terminal.

Introduced in February 2022, the feature allows compatible iPhones to accept payments via Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets, using only an ‌‌iPhone‌ - no additional hardware or credit card machine is required‌. Tap to Pay on ‌‌iPhone‌‌ uses NFC technology to securely authenticate the contactless payments.

China Trust Bank and TapPay are the initial payment platforms supporting Tap to Pay for their business customers (including major customers Taiwan Mobile and Taiwan Taxi Co). Taipei Fubon Bank will add support to its payment platform later in the year.

Tap to Pay on ‌‌iPhone‌‌ requires ‌‌iPhone‌‌ XS or newer models, and works for customers as any normal ‌‌Apple Pay‌‌ transaction would. Sellers just need to open up the app, register the sale, and present their ‌‌iPhone‌‌ to the buyer, who can then use an appropriate contactless payment method.

Tap to Pay on ‌iPhone‌ is available to over 700,000 additional businesses across the United States, and Apple Stores in the U.S. have also rolled out the feature. Taiwan is the second region to support Tap to Pay.

(Thanks, Lance!)

Elevation Lab, known for its range of accessories designed for Apple devices, today announced the launch of the TagVault: Fabric, its latest AirTag holder.

The TagVault: Fabric is, as the name suggests, made of fabric, and it features a fabric holder for the ‌AirTag‌ along with an adhesive base that can stick anywhere. The fabric mount can be used with luggage, purses, bags, jackets, and more, and it serves the purpose of keeping the ‌AirTag‌ tucked away, securing it to whatever it's attached to, and making its presence less obvious.

Elevation Lab says that the TagVault: Fabric is able to adhere to nylon, polyester, vinyl, rubberized fabrics, and GORE-TEX, and it will reach full adhesion strength after a 24-hour period. It is not designed to work with leather, fibrous fabric, suede, or stretchy fabrics, and while it can be safely removed, it is not meant to be reused once it is attached to an item. Note that the ‌AirTag‌ can be removed from the TagVault without having to remove the TagVault from the item.

When adhered to an item, the TagVault: Fabric is flexible and can move around without coming loose, as it is designed to conform and flex with the surface that it is mounted on. According to Elevation Lab, it was also created to withstand getting hit by items that are shoved in a bag.

The TagVault: Fabric can be purchased from the Elevation Lab website or from Amazon.com for $13.95. A pack of two is available for $19.95, and a pack of four is available for $29.95.

Apple in January 2023 introduced new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that are equipped with next-generation M2 Pro and ‌M2‌ Max chips. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera picked up a 14-inch ‌M2‌ Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ when the machines were released, and he's been using it daily for the past three months in preparation for a longer-term review on Apple's latest chip technology.

The 2023 14 and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models haven't changed in design since Apple introduced the M1 Max and M1 Pro models, so the main difference is the chipset. In terms of performance, there is a noticeable difference between the ‌M1 Max‌'s performance and the ‌M2‌ Max performance. The ‌M2‌ chip is able to handle intensive video editing tasks with ease, and it's not too far off from the M1 Ultra.

Dan's 14-inch machine has 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, and there are also noticeable improvements in SSD speeds. As for the size, the 14-inch form factor is better for travel, though it is nice to have the larger display real estate of the 16-inch machine, and you'll also notice thermal management deficiencies between the 14 and 16-inch models.

Dan has a lot of other thoughts on the ‌M2‌ ‌MacBook Pro‌ models compared to the prior-generation versions and other Mac options, so the full video is well worth watching.

Purdue University today announced that students can now add their ID to the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet apps, allowing them to use their iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android smartphone to securely access campus buildings, purchase meals, and more.

The digital ID is available in the Transact eAccounts app for undergraduate students on the West Lafayette, Indiana campus only, while graduate students, faculty, and other staff will continue to use physical ID cards, according to Purdue. The university said current students are still able to use their physical ID, or the digital version if they prefer, but incoming undergraduates will no longer be issued a plastic card starting this summer.

The digital ID can be used to access dorms, libraries, gyms, book stores, and other areas on and off campus, and to pay for meals and laundry around campus. Express Mode is turned on automatically for student IDs added to Apple Wallet, allowing students to simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a card reader to gain access. If this mode is turned off, authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode is required.

Apple Wallet has supported student IDs since late 2018, and the technology is now available at dozens of colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada. Purdue says it has around 50,000 students at its West Lafayette campus.

Apple today published its 2023 Environmental Progress Report, setting out the company's ongoing efforts to combat climate change and reduce its impact on the environment ahead of Earth Day on April 22.

The report explores Apple's chemical research, recycling and device recovery operations, energy efficiency improvements and use of renewable energy, reduction of waste, support of community action, and more as part of its ongoing goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. It also draws attention to Apple's recent announcement that it plans to accelerate the transition to recycled materials across its devices.

In addition, Apple highlighted its individual Product Environmental Reports, which break down the environmental impact of any current Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, Mac, external display, Apple TV, or HomePod with regards to source materials, manufacturing, packaging, shipping, use, and recovery. Apple vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives Lisa Jackson said:

This year, we've also made it easier to understand the carbon impact of your Apple devices, and the extraordinary steps we’re taking to reduce their emissions. In our Product Environment Reports, you can learn about recycled gold in your iPhone, the energy demands of your iPad, and the packaging around your Mac. We're transforming so many aspects of the way we make our technology, and with our Product Environment Reports, you'll see where we've made progress and where the hard work remains.

Visit apple.com/environment or see the full PDF version of Apple's 2023 Environmental Progress Report for more information.

Amazon today has discounts across every model of the 2022 iPad Air, offering numerous all-time low prices on these tablets in multiple colors. In total, you'll find up to $119 off the iPad Air, with record low prices available for both Wi-Fi and cellular models.

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.

Shoppers should note that for all iPad Air tablets listed below, you won't see the discounted price until you add the product to your shopping cart. Once you head to the checkout screen, Amazon will automatically apply a coupon to your cart, netting you these low prices.

Starting with the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air, this model is available in all five colors at $499.99 on Amazon, which is down from $599.00. This is a record low price for this tablet on Amazon, and most color selections are in stock now and can arrive as soon as April 21.

Secondly, the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air has hit $649.99 on Amazon, down from $749.00. This is another record low price, and it's available in three colors. Most of these models have an estimated delivery date between April 21 and April 25 for residences in the United States.

Moving to cellular models, the 64GB cellular iPad Air is available for $629.99, down from $749.00. This one is only available in Pink and it marks a new all-time low price on this model. You'll find most of the other colors at solid second-best $649.99 price tags.

Lastly, the 256GB cellular iPad Air has hit $799.99, down from $899.00. You'll find all five colors are available at this discounted price, which is also another all-time low price on the iPad Air.

For even more iPad deals, head to our full Best Deals guide for iPad. In that guide we track the best discounts online for iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.