Verizon plans to become the first U.S. carrier to include Apple One as a free perk with an eligible plan alongside the launch of iPhone 14 models later this month, according to information obtained by MacRumors from a carrier source.
Apple One will likely be included with Verizon's most expensive "5G Get More" unlimited data plan, which costs $90 per month for one person. The fully-loaded plan already includes Apple Music, the option of Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, 600GB of Verizon Cloud storage, and more as free perks. It's unclear if existing subscribers will receive Apple One or if the offer will be for new customers only.
Following in the footsteps of British carrier EE, Verizon will likely offer Apple One's individual tier, which normally costs $14.95 per month and includes Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, and iCloud+ with 50GB of storage.
It's unclear exactly when Verizon plans to share this news, but the carrier will likely make an announcement at some point in September alongside Apple's introduction of iPhone 14 models. Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 14, Apple Watch Series 8, and more during an event at Steve Jobs Theater on September 7, and the devices should go on sale by September 16 in the U.S. and many other countries.
Verizon offering Apple One with an eligible plan could help to attract customers to the carrier heading into the holiday shopping season. The deal could also further bolster Apple's services business, which set a June quarter record with $19.6 billion revenue and was the company's second largest revenue source behind iPhone sales.
The iPhone 14 Pro is expected to mark the beginning of the end for the notch on the iPhone, as it's expected to feature a pill-shaped cutout at the top of the display. While we may be only days away from the launch of the new iPhone, some users might be interested to get an early feel for what the new cutout will look like in person, and now you can do just that.
Despite plenty of concepts and leaks about the pill-shape notch replacement on the iPhone 14 Pro, there is nothing like seeing and feeling what it looks like right in your hand. Thanks to images created by concept designer Ian Zelbo, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users can get a sense of how the iPhone 14 Pro with the new display cutout will look and feel in the hand.
Shared on Twitter, images include a rough estimate of what rumors suggest will be the size of the pill-shape on the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, respectively. The images are sized to allow iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users to view their respective images full-sized, flip their phone, and get an early hands-on iPhone 14 Pro experience.
An image for the iPhone 13 Pro Max can be found below, and an iPhone 13 Pro image here (note that the image has a slightly wider aspect ratio based on leaked iPhone 14 Pro schematics).
While it may look like a single large pill-shaped cutout in the display, there are actually two cutouts in the physical display. Credible rumor suggests that Apple will digitally merge the pill-shape and hole-punch cutouts to create one larger pill shape at the top of the display. Apple is reportedly planning to use the space between the two physical holes to add useful information such as iOS privacy indicators, while a rumored redesign of the Camera app will wrap controls around the new cutout.
Every flagship iPhone since the iPhone X has featured a notch, with the iPhone XS, iPhone 11, and iPhone 12 all featuring the same sized notch. Apple made the notch smaller with the iPhone 13, and it's expected to move on completely from the notch design in just a few days. Other than the pill-shaped notch replacement, Apple is planning other significant new features for the high-end iPhone 14 models, including an always-on display, a 48MP camera, better battery life, and more.
Apple is widely expected to announce the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Pro, and an entirely new Apple Watch lineup during an event planned for Wednesday, September 7, with the tagline "Far Out." For a full rundown of everything we expect from Apple's fall event, check out our guide.
Labor Day deals kicked off this week, and remain ongoing as we head into the long weekend. Alongside these discounts, we've got a few all-time low sales on Apple products like AirPods Max, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air to highlight in this week's best deals.
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.
Labor Day Sales
What's the deal? Save on Apple accessories this weekend.
Where can I get it? Nomad, Pad & Quill, Twelve South, more.
Labor Day is coming up on September 5, and many retailers have kicked off sales that you can shop over the long weekend. You can find the full list of the sales in our original article, but we've collected a few of the best sales below as well.
The AirPods Max hit their Amazon all-time low price of $429.00 this week, down from $549.00. You can get this sale in four colors: Green, Pink, Silver, and Sky Blue.
The popular Apple TV 4K summer discount has continued into September, with Amazon offering the 32GB model for $119.99, down from $179.00. You can also get the 64GB version for $139.99, down from $199.00.
Massive $400 discounts arrived for most of the 2021 MacBook Pro models this week, including both 14-inch and 16-inch notebooks. You can get the 1TB 14-inch MacBook Pro for $2,099.00, the 512GB 16-inch MacBook Pro for $2,099.00, and the 1TB 16-inch MacBook Pro for $2,299.00. All of these sales represent $400 markdowns and lowest-ever prices.
Similar to MacBook Pro, this week we also saw a match of the record low price on the M2 MacBook Air. The 256GB model is on sale for $1,099.00, down from $1,199.00 on Amazon. B&H Photo is matching this price in both Space Gray and Midnight colors.
Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.
Apple's annual iPhone-centric fall event is set to begin on Wednesday, September 7, and unlike last year, there will be an in-person component with members of the media invited to test out new devices. We've been hearing rumors about the next-generation iPhones for many months now, so we know the ins and outs of what to expect.
This guide highlights everything that we're expecting to see (and some more distant possibilities) at the September event based on rumors that we've heard so far.
The biggest change to the iPhone 14 is the elimination of the 5.4-inch iPhone mini, which is being discontinued due to lackluster sales. The iPhone 13 mini will be the last iPhone at the 5.4-inch size, but there are still four iPhones coming this year.
Apple is replacing the 5.4-inch iPhone with a larger 6.7-inch model, so we can expect to see the 6.1-inch iPhone 14, the 6.7-inch "iPhone 14 Plus" or "iPhone 14 Max," the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max. For much of the rumor cycle, the standard 6.7-inch iPhone in the works was assumed to be called the iPhone 14 Max after the Pro Max naming scheme, but rumors now suggest that it could instead be called the iPhone 14 Plus.
Aside from the new size, the standard iPhone 14 models are going to look almost identical to the iPhone 13 models, with most of the changes reserved for the more expensive Pro models. There will be no design changes and the Face ID notch will remain, nor are the iPhone 14 models expected to adopt ProMotion technology.
In fact, rumors suggest the iPhone 14 and 14 Max aren't even going to get an updated A-series chip, and will continue to use the A15 that was in the iPhone 13 models. The iPhone 14 models are more of an iPhone 13S refresh, but there are a few new features that are coming.
The iPhone 14 models are getting the upgraded Ultra Wide camera that came to last year's iPhone 13 models, and they'll also have an upgraded front-facing camera with wider f/1.9 aperture and autofocus capabilities.
We're expecting 6GB RAM, up from 4GB, and all of the iPhone 14 models are rumored to feature an updated Snapdragon X65 10 Gigabit 5G modem from Qualcomm. The X65 modem enables some satellite connectivity features, so there have been rumors that Apple is going to implement satellite-based emergency features that will let users send texts in emergency situations and report major emergencies in areas where there is no cellular coverage.
WiFi 6E support is coming, and there's rumored to be a new purple color that will join black, white, red, and blue. Pricing is expected to stay the same, starting at $799.
While minor changes are coming to the standard iPhone 14 models, the Pro line is getting a much more significant update. The 6.1 and 6.7-inch sizes aren't changing, but Apple is rumored to be getting rid of the notch.
Rather than the notch, Apple is implementing a pill-shaped cutout and a hole-punch cutout, both of which will house the front-facing camera and the TrueDepth system needed for Face ID. Though these are two distinct cutouts, Apple plans to combine them into one long pill-shaped notch using software.
The space between the two cutouts will be blacked out when the iPhone is in use, making the cutouts indistinguishable from one another. With this design, it will look like one cutout rather than two different-sized cutouts, which will make for a more streamlined look.
Rumors suggest that Apple will use the space between the cutouts for microphone and camera indicator lights, but the area between the cutouts will otherwise be black and will appear as a single cutout.
The iPhone 14 Pro models are rumored to include a 1Hz to 120Hz ProMotion display, which will enable a long-awaited Always-On Display function that's expected to work similarly to the Apple Watch always-on display.
The front-facing camera will feature the same wider f/1.9 aperture and autofocus capabilities as the regular iPhone 14. There will be a larger, more prominent camera bump to accommodate a new 48-megapixel Wide lens with a 21 percent larger sensor that supports higher-resolution images and 8K video recording, marking one of the biggest camera updates we've seen on the iPhone line in years.
The telephoto lens will be upgraded from a 6-element lens to a 7-element lens, and we could also see improvements to the Ultra Wide camera. 6GB RAM is expected, the same as the iPhone 13 Pro models, and we are counting on a faster Snapdragon X65 10 Gigabit 5G modem, WiFi 6E, and up to 2TB storage space. A new purple color could join the graphite, gold, and silver options.
With so many upgrades, the iPhone 14 Pro models could have a higher starting price, with Apple perhaps increasing prices by approximately $100. If that happens, the iPhone 14 Pro would start at $1,099 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max would start at $1,199, but no specific details on pricing are known at this time.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to look like the Apple Watch Series 7, with no notable design changes. Apple will continue to offer 41 and 45mm size options, and the S8 chip inside is expected to offer the same performance as the S7.
What we may get is a new temperature sensing feature that's able to detect changes in body temperature. To start with, it'll be used for fertility planning, but future versions of the Apple Watch could alert you if you have a higher than normal body temperature.
Measuring body temperature from skin is not as accurate as getting a core body temperature reading so the Apple Watch Series 8 is not likely to provide a specific temperature number, instead just monitoring changes over time.
Car crash detection may make it into the Apple Watch Series 8, with the feature mirroring fall detection. The accelerometer would detect a spike in gravitational force and would then alert emergency services if necessary.
There could be updates to activity tracking, though what specifically we don't know, and Apple is working on an updated low power mode. The updated low power mode would allow more functions to work while battery life is being preserved, rather than simply limiting all features.
Apple Watch Pro
Alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 models, Apple is planning to launch a higher-end "Apple Watch Pro," though it may sport a different name. The "pro" version of the Apple Watch will have an updated design that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has described as an "evolution of the current rectangular shape."
It will be larger than the current 45mm Apple Watch Series 7, and will feature a display that measures in at two inches diagonally, up from the 1.9-inch diagonal screen size of the 45mm Apple Watch. The display will have a resolution of 410 x 502, and the extra display area could be used to show additional fitness metrics on a single screen.
The Apple Watch Pro isn't just a higher-end version of the Apple Watch, it's also more rugged and is aimed at those who need more protection for extreme sports and other intensive activities. It will be made from a titanium alloy that is better able to hold up to abuse, and it will have a shatter resistant display.
Because the Apple Watch Pro is expected to be larger than the Series 8 models, it will accommodate a bigger battery and could thus support longer battery life for longer workout times. With the low power mode, it could even last for more than one day before needing to be recharged.
Aside from the new design and the larger body, the Apple Watch Pro is expected to include all of the same features as the Series 8. It will be more expensive, perhaps priced somewhere in the range of $900 to $1000.
Apple Watch SE
A new version of the affordable Apple Watch SE is in the works and is expected to debut alongside the Apple Watch Series 8, but there's no word on what new features it might include. We can perhaps expect a faster processor and an always-on display, a feature originally introduced with the Series 6.
The AirPods Pro haven't been refreshed since their 2019 launch, but a new version is in the works for 2022. While there has been uncertainty about when the new AirPods Pro will launch, a late rumor from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says they will be appearing at this week's event.
Early rumors suggested that Apple might go with a smaller, stemless design, but more recent information has indicated a design that's similar to the current design with silicone ear tips and a stem.
The charging case is rumored to have speaker holes so it is able to play a sound when the AirPods are lost, and that will go along with improved Find My integration. The AirPods 3 acoustics will bring improved sound, and there's going to be an updated H1 chip with self-adaptive noise cancellation capabilities.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the AirPods Pro will feature support for Apple Lossless (ALAC) audio. No AirPods have Lossless audio support because the AirPods function over Bluetooth, so for the AirPods to play higher-quality Lossless audio files, Apple would need a non-Bluetooth solution.
Apple is rumored to be transitioning to USB-C across its product lineup, but this year's AirPods Pro are expected to continue to feature a Lightning port.
Other Possibilities
While new iPhones, Apple Watch, and AirPods already should make for a jam-packed event, there also new iPads in the works, but it is not clear if Apple will introduce these devices at the September event or save them for a second event that could potentially happen in October.
Apple is developing a new low-cost iPad, which could have an updated design that brings it more in line with the iPad mini 6. Rumors and leaked renders suggest the tablet will have flat edges and rounded corners, though it will continue to have a Touch ID Home button and thicker bezels than other iPads.
A mockup of the potential 10th-generation iPad design by Renders By Shailesh
It will include a 10.5-inch display, a USB-C port, a faster A14 chip, a single-lens rear camera, 5G connectivity, and a front-facing camera, but no headphone jack. Pricing is expected to remain affordable.
The 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are expected to see a refresh this year, and the main update will be a faster M2 chip. The M2 chip was first used in the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and it will bring speed and efficiency improvements over the M1 in the current iPad Pro models.
There were rumors that the 11-inch iPad Pro might get a mini-LED display, but it doesn't sound like that's going to happen because of cost issues and supply constraints.
The iPad Pro is rumored to feature a version of MagSafe wireless charging much like the iPhone, perhaps through a larger glass Apple logo that could facilitate the charging feature. Reverse wireless charging is also a possibility, so the iPad could be used to charge other devices as well.
Rumors of a new Apple Pencil have popped up here and there, but it's not looking like we're going to get a refreshed Apple Pencil this year as there hasn't been new information on that front for quite some time.
How to Watch
The iPhone 14 event will take place on Wednesday, September 7 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event on its website and on YouTube.
For those unable to watch, MacRumors will have live coverage of the event both on MacRumors.com and through the MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
For this week's giveaway, we're once again teaming up with ColorWare to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a set of custom-painted third-generation AirPods, available in hundreds of unique color combinations.
ColorWare is a customization company that's been offering custom painted devices, electronics, and accessories for many years. ColorWare provides unique painting options and skins for everything from consoles to iPhones to earbuds like the AirPods.
Custom-colored third-generation AirPods can be purchased from ColorWare for $319 for just the AirPods, or $369 for the AirPods and the Wireless Charging Case together. There's a premium price tag for ordering from ColorWare, but it's the only way to get AirPods in a color other than white because Apple doesn't offer alternate color options like black.
ColorWare offers both solid and metallic color options, with gloss and matte finishes to top it off. You can get the traditional black, gold, or silver colors to match Apple's devices, but there are also colors in every shade of the rainbow. If you want AirPods in yellow, orange, teal, green, deep purple, blue, pink, or one of dozens of other colors, ColorWare is the company to go with.
ColorWare even has an Illusion finish for the AirPods in multi-chrome colors that shift depending on the lighting in the room, and a holographic black glitter SuperNova version.
Each AirPod can be custom painted in the same color as the case or you can order the case and the earbuds all in different colors, so there are tons of color combinations to choose from.
ColorWare has been offering custom painted devices since 1998, so the company has perfected the painting process. ColorWare uses a multi-step coating process that includes a primer, the application of a proprietary color formula, and an X2 liquid plastic coating that protects the color. The custom painting is guaranteed for 12 months or 24 months with the purchase of an additional warranty.
ColorWare uses standard AirPods from Apple and paints them, which leaves the full AirPods functionality intact. There's an H1 chip for quick and easy pairing, and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, and more.
We have three sets of custom-painted third-generation AirPods and Wireless Charging case to give away, with each winner able to choose the color and finish of their choice. 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 winners and send the prizes. 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 (September 2) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 9. The winners will be chosen randomly on September 9 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
Apple Watch Series 7 models are currently widely unavailable from Apple's online store, with only a handful of model and watch band configurations available to order as Apple clears stock of existing models to make way for new Apple Watches next week. Depending on case size, finish, and watch band, customers may find a few select Apple Watch models available for purchase.
The widespread unavailability of the current latest Apple Watch comes just days ahead of when Apple is expected to significantly expand the Apple Watch lineup with the addition of the Series 8, a new "Pro" Watch, and an updated second-generation Apple Watch SE. Alongside new Apple Watch models, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro during its "Far Out" event on Wednesday, September 7.
Content creator Sam Kohl, known as "iupdate" on YouTube, returns on The MacRumors Show podcast this week to talk through our final expectations for Apple's long-awaited "Far out" event.
We discuss the iPhone 14 Pro's rumored pill-shaped cutout, always-on display mode, satellite connectivity, and 48-megapixel Wide camera with 8K video recording. We also explore some of the key rumors around the "iPhone 14 Plus," Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch "Pro," second-generation Apple Watch SE, and tenth-generation iPad, and touch on debates around Apple event invites, naming conventions, USB-C replacing the Lightning port, and more. See Sam's work on his YouTube channel "iupdate" and follow him on Twitter @iupdate.
Today we're tracking a set of deals on accessories for the iPad and iPad Pro, including the best-ever price on the Apple Pencil 2, as well as solid markdowns on the Magic Keyboards for the iPad Pro.
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.
Apple Pencil 2
The Apple Pencil 2 has returned to $99.00 on Amazon today, down from $129.00. This remains the best price we've ever tracked for the Apple Pencil 2, and right now only Amazon is offering the discount.
The accessory is available to ship today, with a delivery estimate between September 4 and 7 for most places in the United States.
Magic Keyboard
Additionally, a few Magic Keyboard accessories for the iPad Pro lineup are on sale on Amazon. You can get the 11-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard for $249.00, down from $299.00.
You can also get the 12.9-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard for $299.00, down from $349.00. Both of these accessories launched in 2021 and feature a trackpad, USB-C port, backlit keys, and a floating cantilever design.
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.
We're just a few days away from when Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch "Pro," an entirely new Apple Watch explicitly designed for athletes and customers who want a more robust and durable Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch "Pro" has been described as a "rugged" Apple Watch that will feature a new design, a larger display and battery, and more durable materials to make it more suitable for athletes and those who are active. Those improvements won't come without an additional cost, however, with the new model priced above most versions in the current lineup.
The new Apple Watch will likely sit at the higher end of the Apple Watch lineup, likely replacing the Apple Watch Edition as the more expensive model in the lineup. To make things easier, we've put together a quick comparison chart comparing the Apple Watch Edition and the Apple Watch "Pro" below.
Apple Watch Series 7 Edition
Case Material: Titanium
Case Design: Rounded edges and curved display around the sides
Sizes: 41mm or 45mm
Display Material: Sapphire front crystals
Health Features: ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate notifications
Special Features: None
Price: $799 - $849
Apple Watch 'Pro'
Case Material: Stronger titanium alloy with improved impact resistance
Case Design: "An evolution of the current rectangular shape," according to Bloomberg'sMark Gurman
Knowing what you know now, we want to know how much you would be willing to pay for an Apple Watch "Pro." Let us know in the comments below, and check out our guide for everything we know about the upcoming Apple Watch lineup.
Some Apple Studio Display owners have taken to online forums to complain that their monitors make a high-pitched buzzing sound that appears to be emanating from the top of the screen or behind it, and may be being caused by electrical interference.
There are complaints on Twitter, Reddit and the Apple Support Community dating back to June, and more recently on the MacRumors forums, about the issue, which is variously described as an "electrical buzzing" and "constant ringing" that is "loud," "high-pitched," and "very annoying."
Several owners have found that the sound is not fan-related and only happens when a MacBook Pro or iPad is plugged into the Studio Display. Some have also noted that the noise can vary in intensity and pitch depending on the time of day, suggesting an electrical shielding issue may be the cause of the fault.
"I'm experiencing a very annoying high-pitched buzzing sound with my Studio Display, I've spoken to others on Twitter who also have the problem and I've had Apple support on the case but nothing was resolved.
[...]
"It's not the fans, it's a distinct (and very annoying) sound that emanates from the rear area of the display, roughly where the power supply is positioned.
"I'm 90% certain the display is picking up interference from somewhere and amplifying it, maybe through the house power circuit but I can't be sure. Someone I spoke to believes the PSU is poorly shielded but I have no idea if that's true either."
Some users have suggested the Apple Studio Display picks up interference from electric car chargers. In the case of MacRumors reader Indominus, they tracked the source of the interference back to Lutron Caseta light dimmers that are installed in their house.
"Whenever the dimmer is turned on, the buzzing noise starts coming out from the ASD. The dimmers are not even on the same breaker as my ASD. The only thing I can think of is that the dimmers are creating electrical noise that is propagating to the electrical panel which then propagates to the ASD.
Now it's one thing that the dimmers are creating electrical noise. But it's another thing that only the ASD is reacting to this noise. I don't hear this electrical noise coming out of any other thing in my house. It appears to be an issue with the ASD power supply. Whether it's a problem with the specific display I have or the choice of components in the design of the ASD power supply, I do not know.
MacRumors reader uller6 relayed a similar experience:
"I had the same issue unfortunately. I spent a couple hours on the phone with Apple support/engineering, and we came to the exact same conclusion you did: the ASD is poorly shielded against dirty RF line noise, which is propagated through the power supply to the fan control circuit, producing an audible buzz. In my case running my air conditioning on a different circuit caused the ASD to buzz loudly. I ended up returning my display and have not purchased another."
Other users say they have tried electrical power filters to resolve the issue but to no avail, and some have received one or more replacement units from Apple that were similarly affected.
It's not clear how widespread the issue is, but Apple appears to be aware of the problem affecting some Studio Display owners, although a solution has not yet been found. It's worth noting that this is a separate Studio Display issue to the widespread speaker problem that Apple eventually fixed with a firmware update. Have you found the display to be over-sensitive to electrical interference? Let us know in the comments.
Apple's iPhones have overtaken Android devices to account for more than half of all smartphones used in the United States, according to data from Counterpoint Research (via Financial Times).
The active installed base of iPhones passed the 50% landmark in the quarter ending in June, while around 150 other mobile brands using Google's Android operating system, led by Samsung and Lenovo, accounted for the rest.
"Operating systems are like religions — never significant changes. But over the past four years the flow has consistently been Android to iOS," said Counterpoint's research director, Jeff Fieldhack. "This is a big milestone that we could see replicated in other affluent countries across the globe."
Compared to annual sales, the active installed base is an even more significant competitive marker representing Apple's slow burn in the smartphone market, as it takes into account users brought into the Apple ecosystem through the used phone market as well as those who use iPhones that were purchased years ago.
Android phones appeared on the market in 2008, a year after the iPhone debuted, and overtook the iOS-installed base in 2010, according to NPD group. In the three years previous, phone sales were dominated by the likes of Nokia, Motorola, Windows, and Blackberry.
The iPhone has made Apple the largest company in the world, with a market capitalization of $2.5 trillion. In 2020, the installed global base for iPhones surpassed 1 billion devices. CEO Tim Cook recently said that Apple had "set a June quarter record for switchers," or consumers leaving Android for iOS.
Apple will unveil the next-generation iPhone 14 series at its "Far Out" media event on Wednesday, September 7, where it is also expected to debut the Apple Watch Series 8. We are expecting a 6.1-inch iPhone 14, a 6.7-inch iPhone Max, a 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, and a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max. There will be no 5.4-inch iPhone "mini" this year, with Apple instead opting for larger devices.
In a new ad, Samsung is throwing shade toward the lack of "innovation" on the iPhone while promoting features such as a 108-megapixel camera and 100x "Space Zoom" available in its latest devices.
The ad, titled "Buckle Up," is aimed toward current iPhone users and promotes the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the new Z Flip 4, and features not available to iPhone customers. "Buckle up for Apple's latest launch," the ad says. "As you enter a world where heads will turn, just none in your direction." A world where "the highest resolution in a smartphone will be in someone else's pocket. And that epic moon shot that's getting all the likes won't be yours." "This innovation is not coming soon to an iPhone near you," the 30-second ad concludes.
The ad comes just six days ahead of Apple's "Far Out" event, where it's expected to announce the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. Apple is planning major new features on the Pro camera systems for its higher-end devices, including an all-new 48-megapixel camera and possible 8K video recording. Alongside camera improvements, the iPhone 14 Pro is rumored to feature an always-on display and a new pill-shape notch replacement.
Prominent developer Kosta Eleftheriou has settled his 2021 lawsuit against Apple over its App Store review actions that he said hindered his ability to distribute apps on the platform while allowing copycat competitors to flourish, reports TechCrunch.
In his lawsuit, Eleftheriou complained that Apple repeatedly threw up "roadblock after roadblock" against his FlickType keyboard app for the Apple Watch, only to then allow copycat apps from other developers onto the store. Eleftheriou said that he had been in discussions with Apple about the company acquiring FlickType, and he believes Apple was intentionally targeting his app in the review process to try to force him to sell it at a discount.
Following the filing of the case last year, the two parties participated in court calls with a judge, the court docket shows, including as recently as this spring. A request for dismissal of the lawsuit was subsequently filed on July 21, 2022, after Apple and Kpaw (Eleftheriou’s business) came to an agreement.
Eleftheriou was unable to comment on the terms of the settlement. Apple was not immediately able to comment on the dismissal either.
Eleftheriou has been one of the higher-profile critics of Apple's App Store policies, repeatedly pointing out App Store scams that have slipped through the review process and even into the store's charts of top-performing apps without Apple taking action.
Apple has taken some steps to improve the ability for users to flag problematic apps, such as by bringing back the "Report a Problem" button on App Store listings, but Eleftheriou says he continues to find scam and copycat apps with only minimal effort.
USB4 Version 2.0 is in the works and when launched, it will allow for double the speeds of the current USB4 specification with existing USB-C cables. It will support up to 80Gb/s operation with both 40Gb/s USB-C passive cables and newly defined 80Gb/s active cables.
The updated specification was announced today by the USB Promoter Group, comprising Apple, Microsoft, Intel, HP, STM, and others. USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery specifications will be updated to enable the higher level of data performance, and updates are being made to enable higher performance USB 3.2, DisplayPort, and PCIe data tunneling to better take advantage of the bandwidth improvement.
As outlined in the announcement, the updated USB4 specification will include the following:
Up to 80 Gbps operation, based on a new physical layer architecture, using existing 40 Gbps USB Type-C passive cables and newly-defined 80 Gbps USB Type-C active cables.
Updates to data and display protocols to better use the increase in available bandwidth.
USB data architecture updates now enable USB 3.2 data tunneling to exceed 20 Gbps.
Updated to align with the latest versions of the DisplayPort and PCIe specifications.
Backward compatibility with USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3.
The USB Promoter Group says that the updated specifications are expected to be published ahead of the USB DevDays developer events that are planned for November. The update is targeting developers at this time, with branding and marketing guidelines to be updated at a future date to include USB 80Gb/s for identifying certified products and cables.
As part of a limited time promotion, Apple Card users can receive 6% Daily Cash on select Nike purchases through October 15.
In an email to customers, Apple said 6% Daily Cash is available for Nike shoes, apparel, and sports equipment purchased with the Apple Card via Apple Pay at Nike stores, in the Nike app, and at Nike.com. The extra cashback is applied automatically.
Nike usually offers 3% Daily Cash, which is already higher than the standard 2% Daily Cash for Apple Card purchases completed via Apple Pay.
Apple's credit card launched a little over three years ago and remains exclusive to the U.S. The card can be managed completely through the Wallet app on the iPhone, with a physical version available for use at stores that do not accept contactless payments.
Last minute rumors have suggested that the two planned cutouts on the iPhone 14 Pro will be displayed as a single large pill-shaped cutout, with Apple also using that space for the green and orange camera and microphone privacy indicators.
The privacy indicator information comes from a source on the MacRumors forums who appears to have inside knowledge on what the display will look like. The source provided additional details to MacRumors on what the indicator lights will look like.
The indicator dots are described as "much brighter than the rest of the display," something that will be noticeable specifically in bright situations. The source describes the indicators as being "some sort of HDR content" to make them easy to see even when it's sunny outside and the display is at maximum brightness.
The dots will appear in the space between the two cutouts that Apple is using for Face ID hardware, and the overall look will be much like the green indicator light that is displayed on the Mac when the webcam is activated. Apple uses a bright green indicator light for Macs and it sounds like the indicator lights on the iPhone 14 Pro models will be at a similar brightness.
At the current time, the green privacy indicator for the camera and the orange privacy indicator for the microphone are displayed to the right of the notch on iPhones that have Face ID. The lights are not particularly bright and can be easy to miss, so making the indicators brighter and moving them to the middle of the display will make them easier to see.
When the indicator lights are not on, the space between the two hardware cutouts will be black, merging them into a single cutout. The pill-shaped cutout will take up a similar amount of screen space as the notch, but it will not connect to the top of the display and it gives Apple extra real estate for indicator lights.
Withings, known for its range of health-related smart devices, today announced the launch of the Body Comp scale. The Body Comp is described as a complete body assessment scale that is able to measure a number of different biomarkers. Withings says that it offers novel sensors, exclusive algorithms, and patented electronics for accurate weight and body composition measurements.
It is able to determine full body composition, including weight, muscle mass, fat mass, water percent, bone mass, BMI, and visceral fat (the fat around organs), plus it provides a cardiovascular assessment that determines standing heart rate and provides a vascular age based on Pulse Wave Velocity, a measurement based on arterial stiffness. It also includes a nerve health assessment that offers a nerve health score computed from electrochemical skin conductance through the feet.
Withings says that this is the first scale that is able to measure body fat, visceral fat, vascular age, and nerve health in a single consumer device.
The Health+ service that Withings is launching alongside the scale is designed to unlock additional features in the Health Mate app used with Withings smart devices. It offers new details and metrics for a more complete overview of health, along with six-week habit building modules to help users achieve health goals.
Health+ can be used for logging mood, food, and sleep, with Withings providing daily plans that include suggested recipes and workouts. Health+ also allows users to correlate data to see how and when different metrics evolve when using the information obtained from the scale.
The Body Comp scale with Health+ integration will be available from the Withings website starting on October 4, and it will be priced at $209.95. That price point includes the scale and a 12-month Health+ subscription.
At least one major retailer is preparing for the launch of 2022 iPad Pro models by adding the device to its systems, MacRumors has found.
Apple's current 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models launched in April 2021, making them the longest-lasting iPad Pro models to date. Refreshed iPad Pro models have been rumored for some time, and now, Australian carrier Optus has added 2022 iPad Pro models to its internal stock keeping system, distinct from 2021 iPad Pro models. For example, SKUs for a Space Gray fourth-generation 11-inch iPad Pro with 512GB of storage and cellular connectivity have been added to Optus's system. At present, there is no fourth-generation 11-inch iPad Pro, with the latest model from 2021 being a third-generation model. The current, third-generation models are still listed as expected on Optus's system.
According to Optus staff, the 2022 iPad Pro models are not currently in stock. Despite this, order invoices seen by MacRumors show that some staff have accidentally placed orders for the 2022 iPad Pro instead of the 2021 iPad Pro for some customers. One such customer told MacRumors that two days after receiving order confirmation for the 2022 iPad Pro model, they were contacted by a customer service representative who said that the fourth-generation 11-inch iPad Pro was out of stock, and that Optus could only offer the third-generation 11-inch iPad Pro at the current time – resulting in the creation of a new order confirmation for the 2021 model.
This customer was initially told that the first iPad Pro model, believed to be the 2022 model, that had been ordered for them would take two weeks to arrive at a local store – but it is not clear if this is meaningfully related to the device's launch date or simply a standard timeframe given by employees for orders sent to retail locations.
Optus's system does not yet have specifications for the new iPad Pro models, but staff are anticipating an update that will provide further information. They have not been notified of when this update will occur and do not yet have visibility of a date when the device will come in stock.
Optus is listing 2022 iPad Pro models at a higher price point than 2021 models with the same amount of storage. For example, the listed total monthly installments come to around $2,100. This is approximately $200 ($137 USD) more than the $1,899 price of the current equivalent iPad Pro model in Australia. It is not clear if these prices represent a price hike for the upcoming iPad pro or are simply provisional figures on Optus's system.
It is not unusual for retailers to quietly add placeholder listings for upcoming Apple devices before they are even announced, but the confirmation that 2022 iPad Pro models are now in major carriers' systems could indicate that the devices will launch sooner rather than later. Apple is now expected to launch updated iPad Pro models at an event in October, not least because the official release of iPadOS 16 has been delayed until October.
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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.
