Two websites that provided download links for pre-release Apple software like iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and tvOS 16 have shut down in recent weeks, including BetaProfiles.com and IPSW.dev. Both websites are no longer accessible.
In a tweet, BetaProfiles.com said it shut down to avoid a "legal battle with Apple," but it's not clear if the website (or IPSW.dev) actually received any threat of legal action from Apple or if the websites shut down on a precautionary basis. Apple, BetaProfiles.com, and IPSW.dev did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that BetaProfiles will be shutting down soon, I just don't want to get into a legal battle with Apple. BetaProfiles social media will remain as a place to discuss beta updates. Thanks guys so much ❤️
— Beta Profiles (@BetaProfiles) August 10, 2022
In addition, lawyers representing Apple at Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP allegedly provided Twitter with a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice related to over a dozen tweets containing links to websites like IPSW.dev. The alleged notice claimed that the tweets infringed on Apple's proprietary beta software. All of the tweets listed are no longer visible "in response to a report from the copyright holder."
IPSW.dev provided users with access to IPSW files for the iOS 16 developer beta and other pre-release Apple software, with download links via Apple's servers, file sharing website WeTransfer, and torrents, while BetaProfiles.com provided links to both beta profiles and IPSW files. BetaProfiles.com said users must be enrolled in Apple's Developer Program in order to download the profiles, but users could avoid this warning.
Apple's developer betas are only intended for members of Apple's Developer Program, which costs $99 per year in the United States, and it appears that Apple is attempting to uphold this policy by cracking down on websites like BetaProfiles.com and IPSW.dev.
Update: When reached for comment, BetaProfiles.com said it received a letter from lawyers representing Apple and shut down the website to avoid potential litigation.
A new analysis of the Instagram app has suggested that every time a user clicks a link within the app, Instagram is capable of monitoring all of their interactions, text selections, and even text input, such as passwords and private credit card details within websites inside the app.
The analysis conducted by Felix Krause found that both Instagram and Facebook on iOS use their own in-app browser, rather than the one offered by Apple for third-party apps. Most apps use Apple's Safari for loading websites, but Instagram and Facebook have been using their own in-app browser to load websites within the app.
With their custom-built browser, still based on WebKit, Instagram and Facebook inject a tracking JavaScript code named "Meta Pixel" into all links and websites shown. With that code, Meta has total freedom to track users' interactions without their explicit consent, Krause finds.
This allows Instagram to monitor everything happening on external websites without the consent from the user, nor the website provider.
The Instagram app injects their tracking code into every website shown, including when clicking on ads, enabling them monitor all user interactions, like every button & link tapped, text selections, screenshots, as well as any form inputs, like passwords, addresses, and credit card numbers.
As Krause points out, it takes reasonable effort for companies like Meta to develop and maintain their own in-app browser rather than to use Apple's built-in Safari. On its developer portal, Meta claims "Meta Pixel" is designed to "track visitor activity on your website" by monitoring all events a user does within their custom-built browser. There is no evidence that Meta, which owns Instagram, has actively gathered the user data it's capable of collecting. As Krause writes:
Does Facebook actually steal my passwords, address and credit card numbers? No! I didn't prove the exact data Instagram is tracking, but wanted to showcase the kind of data they could get without you knowing. As shown in the past, if it's possible for a company to get access to data for free, without asking the user for permission, they will track it.
However, this practice is in violation of Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policy. ATT requires that all apps ask for user consent before tracking them across apps and websites owned by other companies.
Meta has repeatedly pushed back against Apple's goal of giving users a choice on whether or not they wish to be tracked. In December 2020, Meta took out a full-page newspaper ad attacking Apple for the change. Krause says he shared his findings with Meta, which responded by saying they've confirmed the "issue" but have not responded since. Krause says he gave Meta a two-week notice before deciding to go public with his findings.
Earlier today, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed iPhone 14 Pro models will be more expensive than iPhone 13 Pro models. Kuo did not reveal exact pricing, but he said that the average selling price of all four iPhone 14 models will increase by about 15% overall.
While higher prices would be disappointing for customers, it is possible the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will offer increased storage in return for the extra cost. In June, Taiwanese research firm TrendForce predicted that iPhone 14 Pro models could start with 256GB of storage, compared to 128GB for iPhone 13 Pro models. However, the chart said the storage amounts were still "TBD" at the time, so we'll have to wait and see.
In the United States, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max start at $999 and $1,099 respectively with 128GB of storage. With around a 10% price increase, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max could start at $1,099 and $1,199 respectively, which would be the same prices as the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max with 256GB of storage. However, the exact price increases if any remain to be seen.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 14 lineup in September as usual. It's unclear if the standard iPhone 14 models would also see a price increase given they are still expected to have an A15 chip and lack many other upgrades rumored for the Pro models. A sketchy rumor claimed the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 will continue to start at $799.
One of iOS 16's most useful new features is Live Activities, which are essentially live notifications on the Lock Screen. The new feature will allow users to keep track of things happening in real time, such as the score of a sports game, the progress of an Uber ride, or the status of a food delivery order, right from the Lock Screen.
Live Activities will be available for NBA, MLB, and Premier League games in select countries, according to fine print on the iOS 16 features page. Apple says Live Activities for the NBA and Premier League games will be available in the U.S. and Canada, while Live Activities for MLB games will be available in a wider group of countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., Brazil, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea.
During its WWDC keynote in June, Apple also previewed Live Activities for the Uber and Nike Run Club apps, and Apple shows a Live Activity for Starbucks on its iOS 16 page. On the iOS 16 beta, there is also a Live Activity for timers set in the Clock app.
Live Activities will not be available in the initial public release of iOS 16. Apple says the feature will be added in an update coming later this year, which suggests that it could be included as part of iOS 16.1 or iOS 16.2. When the feature launches, developers will be able to submit apps with Live Activities to the App Store.
Last month, Apple released a new ActivityKit framework that allows developers to begin testing Live Activities in their apps. Apps with Live Activities integration can currently only be distributed via TestFlight for testing by iOS 16 beta users.
Apple is expected to release iOS 16 alongside the iPhone 14 in September. The software update is compatible with the iPhone 8 and newer.
Apple plans to increase the prices of iPhone 14 Pro models compared to iPhone 13 Pro models, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo did not reveal exact pricing for the iPhone 14 Pro models. However, in a tweet today, he estimated that the average selling price of the iPhone 14 lineup as a whole will increase by about 15% compared to the iPhone 13 lineup.
In the United States, the iPhone 13 Pro starts at $999 and the iPhone 13 Pro Max starts at $1,099. If there were to be a 10% price increase to the Pro models, the iPhone 14 Pro could start at $1,099, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max could start at $1,199. However, the exact price increase for the Pro models remains to be seen.
(1/2) Hon Hai/Foxconn is one of the winners of the increased ASP of iPhone 14 series. I estimated iPhone 14 series ASP would increase by about 15% (vs. iPhone 13 series ASP) to $1,000-1,050 (USD) due to two iPhone 14 Pro's price hikes & higher shipment proportion. https://t.co/UgiW0kom4F
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 10, 2022
Increased prices could be due to inflation, the many new features expected for iPhone 14 Pro models, and other factors. It has also been predicted that iPhone 14 Pro models could start with an increased 256GB of storage, up from 128GB.
Amazon is discounting Apple's 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air (2022) down to $559.00 in four colors, from $599.00. This deal has been applied automatically and does not require a coupon code.
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.
The 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air is available in Blue, Pink, Purple, and Space Gray at this price, and Starlight is slightly higher at $569.99. We've tracked a better deal on the 2022 iPad Air earlier in the year, down to around $549, but today's deal on Amazon has been far more consistent of a sale and it's still a solid second-best price.
Apple updated the iPad Air lineup this past March, with the M1 chip, new color options, Touch ID, and a 10.9-inch edge-to-edge display. 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.
Samsung today announced the launch of its next-generation foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Samsung has been producing foldable devices since 2019, so these new smartphones represent four years of development.
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 features a 120Hz 6.7-inch AMOLED display and it folds out vertically. When closed, there is a 1.9-inch AMOLED display for showing the time, notifications, and other at-a-glance information. There's a fingerprint sensor at the side for biometric authentication, and compared to the prior-generation model, the Z Flip 4 offers a more slimmed down hinge, straighter edges, and a glossy metal frae with a hazed back glass.
The Z Flip 4 features a dual rear camera setup with 12-megapixel wide-angle and ultra wide-angle cameras, along with a 10-megapixel front-facing selfie camera. A built-in "FlexCam" feature allows for hands-free video, group selfies, and more when the Z Flip 4 is partially folded, and selfies can be taken from the cover screen.
The Galaxy Z Fold has a 120Hz 7.6-inch AMOLED display that opens out like a book, and when closed, it has a 6.2-inch AMOLED display. There's a triple-lens camera setup that includes a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel ultra wide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera that supports 30x Space Zoom, plus there's a 10-megapixel selfie camera and a 4-megapixel under display camera. The main camera features a 23 percent brighter sensor and enhanced processing power for improved images.
The Z Fold 4 is the first smartphone to ship with AndroidL, a version of Android designed for large-screen experiences. There is a new Taskbar that's designed to make multitasking simpler and more intuitive, and Samsung has partnered with Google and Microsoft to create apps that take better advantage of the screen space.
Both devices use Gorilla Glass Victus_ and Samsung's Armor Aluminum frames for durability. Inside, the two smartphones feature 5G connectivity and are equipped with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chips that can reach speeds of up to 3.2GHz, along with high-capacity batteries that support fast charging and Wireless PowerShare for charging other Qi-based accessories.
Other features include an IPX8 water resistance rating, WiFi 6E support, up to 12GB RAM and 1TB of storage, and Android 12 support.
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is priced starting at $1,000, and the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is priced starting at $1,800. Pre-orders are available starting today, and customers who pre-order one of Samsung's new foldable smartphones will get a complimentary memory upgrade to double their storage space.
Samsung today is also announcing updated $230 Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with Hi-Fi 24bit Audio, a smaller design, and improved Active Noise Cancellation, plus new Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro devices.
The smart watches measure heart rate, blood oxygen level, and stress level, and support ECGs and temperature sensing, a feature rumored for the Apple Watch Series 8. Body composition, sleep tracking, and smart home integration are also included. The Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro are priced starting at $280 and $450, respectively.
Apple has been granted a patent for a temperature sensor suitable for the Apple Watch, just weeks before the company is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 8 with body temperature sensing capabilities.
The newly granted patent, spotted by MyHealthyApple, was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and is titled "Temperature gradient sensing in electronic devices." While the wording of the patent suggests that it can apply to any device, the only device depicted in the patent's illustrations is clearly the Apple Watch, potentially hinting what specific application Apple has in mind for the technology.
Apple's patent protects an electronic device housing that encloses a temperature sensing system comprising a temperature sensor and a differential temperature probe. The system works by calculating the difference between two ends of a probe. One end touches the surface to be measured, while the other is connected to a temperature sensor. The difference in voltage across the different ends of the probe can then be correlated to a differential temperature measurement.
The temperature probe is configured to generate a voltage corresponding to a temperature gradient between a first end of the probe and a second end of the probe. The temperature sensor can be disposed within an electronic device housing. A first end of the probe can be coupled to the temperature sensor and a second end of the probe can be coupled to any suitable surface, whether internal or external, of the electronic device... In this construction, the temperature sensor can be configured to measure a temperature, at any given sampling time or sampling rate, of any surface or volume to which the sensing surface is exposed.
The patent goes on to explain in technical detail how the temperature sensing hardware works. Crucially, while the patent covers how a dedicated temperature sensor could be used inside a device to monitor the temperature of a component like the processor, it says that the sensor can be used to measure "absolute temperature" of an external surface, such as skin.
Most notably, Apple explicitly mentions how the location of the external probe may be located on a "back surface such as a back crystal of a smart watch" and says the system includes a "high-precision and high-accuracy absolute temperature sensor." The patent outlines several potential shapes and arrangements for the temperature sensor, with one of the more striking designs being a cross-shaped temperature probe.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple originally intended to offer a body temperature measurement feature with the Apple Watch Series 7 models, but the company shelved the plans when the body temperature algorithm it had developed failed to meet requirements before the device entered the engineering validation testing (EVT) phase last year.
The problems Apple has experienced relating to body temperature measurement purportedly relate to the fact that skin temperature quickly varies based on the environment, and since a smartwatch cannot monitor core body temperature using hardware, the feature is heavily dependent on an algorithm that produces accurate results. This patent only covers the hardware setup for a temperature sensing system, rather than the algorithm required to produce accurate results.
While Apple's patent filings cannot be taken as concrete evidence of the company's exact plans since many of its patents are never used, they do show its areas of research and development, and sometimes reveal impending products, such as the AirTag.
In this case, it is difficult to look past the plethora of reports about the Apple Watch Series 8 offering a body temperature sensor – something that has long been rumored by sources like Kuo. Reports indicate that while the device is unlikely to offer exact body temperature measurements, the sensor will be used to provide at least two new health monitoring features.
The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman state that the body temperature sensor will aid fertility planning, giving women insights into their ovulation cycle. Apple has focused on women's health in recent years, so expanding features in this area seems to be in line with the company's objectives.
Moreover, the body temperature sensor could be used to improve the detection of patterns when tracking sleep. Apple leveraged blood oxygen sensing capabilities during sleep starting with the Apple Watch Series 6 and significantly bolstered the Apple Watch's sleep tracking in watchOS 9, meaning that further improvements in this area aided by hardware this year seem very plausible.
Apple is also said to have plans to enable the body temperature sensor to detect when a user has a fever, but it seems unlikely that this feature will be available upon the launch of the Apple Watch Series 8. Gurman believes that further in the future, Apple Watch models could determine if a user has a higher than normal body temperature, but it is still unlikely to show an exact measurement.
In the latest iOS 16 beta, Apple has updated the status bar battery icon on iPhones with Face ID to display the exact percentage remaining rather than just a visual representation of battery level, and while the change has been largely welcomed, some users are unhappy with the way it has been implemented.
In iOS 15 and earlier, battery percent has not been present on iPhones that have Face ID because of the lack of space on either side of the notch that houses the TrueDepth camera hardware. The new design adds the specific battery level to the battery icon, providing a better idea of battery status at a glance.
In Apple's latest design, the white battery icon remains completely filled in as the battery level gradually depletes. When the semi-transparent percentage reaches 20% or lower, a fifth of the battery icon turns red and the rest of the icon becomes semi-transparent, while the percentage inverts to white.
Apple appears to have chosen this abrupt change in styling to ensure that the central percentage number remains legible as the battery level depletes – if a white bar depleted behind the number then it would be harder to make out at a glance, Apple's UI designers likely concluded.
Some users disagree with this approach, while others have suggested their own alternative designs for a battery status indicator with percentage level.
The new iOS battery percentage feature is a bit confusing. It’ll take time to get used to it. Seeing a filled battery icon with the numbers and half of the battery are two different understandings of how much battery is left. pic.twitter.com/eSA9ppiQv8
— Rokas (@samuolisr) August 9, 2022
Nothing wrong with what Apple released but I think I might’ve preferred something like Alternative A for the battery indicator pic.twitter.com/a44879RIFk
— Mikael Johansson (@michaelnevernot) August 10, 2022
Perhaps Apple didn't anticipate that such a small design change would be so controversial, or that some users have a very clear idea of how they want their iPhone's battery level to be represented.
For some, it's simply a case of calling out what they consider to be poorly thought-out UI design. For others, it plays into low-battery anxiety, a major trigger of nomophobia. Either way, it's become a surprisingly heated topic, while it's easy to forget that the percentage display is optional (caveat: It's enforced when in Low Power Mode.)
Of course, the battery level indicator design isn't set in stone, and Apple well could change it in a later beta of iOS 16 or the final release. Whether you're testing the latest public beta or not, what do you think about the way it's been implemented? Let us know in the comments.
The launch of the new iPhone 14 is just a few weeks away, meaning millions of iPhone customers will soon upgrade their existing iPhone or perhaps get an iPhone for the first time.
Exclusive MacRumors iPhone 14 Pro renders by graphic designer Ian Zelbo
Whether upgrading from an older model or this is your first iPhone, we've rounded up a few tips to help you prepare for the next flagship iPhone and whether or not you'll want to upgrade.
Consider Your Trade-In Options
One of the most common ways customers purchase a new iPhone is through trade-in, which lets them receive credit for purchasing a new phone. How much credit you'll receive depends on several factors, including the model of your current phone and its condition.
Apple itself offers trade-in for older iPhones and even flagship Android devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Google Pixel. Apple provides a list of how much it estimates devices may be worth, but it's crucial to note that those value estimations will drop due to the addition of the iPhone 13 family to the trade-in program after the iPhone 14 launches.
It may be a good idea to consider your trade-in options if you are eyeing an iPhone upgrade this fall. You can learn more about Apple's trade-in program here.
Check Up On Your Carrier Plan
Beyond a trade-in, many customers receive new phones through their carriers under installment plans that spread the device cost out over up to 36 months. As you consider your buying options, check what your carrier currently offers and how it stacks up to other possibilities such as trade-ins.
Last year following the launch of the iPhone 13, Apple partnered with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile/Sprint to offer specific promotions and deals for the new iPhone lineup.
Consider Whether or Not You'll Upgrade
If you currently have an iPhone 13, you're probably not considering jumping to the iPhone 14. An upgrade may seem more appealing if you're rocking an older iPhone.
There have been plenty of rumors and leaks about what new features and changes the iPhone 14 will include. Using what we know, we've compiled a few helpful comparison guides for iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro customers compared to the iPhone 14 Pro and what we're expecting.
For a quick rundown of the iPhone 14 series: we're expecting four models with two 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes, improved cameras, a new design with no notch for the higher-end variants, and more.
Constant pop-ups, annoying forms, and frustrating website behaviors can make browsing and using the web an unpleasant experience. Thankfully on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, several Safari extensions help turn the experience around.
We've listed some Safari extensions that you may not have known about that can help remove annoyances and make a pleasant Safari experience.
No More Cookies
Perhaps the most universally dreaded web pop-up is: "This website uses cookies. Accept or Reject?" Virtually every website shows users a form to consent to using cookies as they browse that website. While it may be helpful for some to have granular controller over the use of cookies on each website they visit, there is likely to be a better solution for many.
Super Agent for Safari is an extension that automatically fills out the cookies consent form on each website you visit, meaning you'll no longer see those annoying pop-ups. The Super Agent for Safari app lets you customize how you would like websites to use cookies.
Users can choose whether they want to accept or reject advertising, functional, performance, and other cookies. The settings are applied universally to all websites.
Super Agent for Safari is free with no in-app subscription and can be found in the App Store.
'Open in App?' No Thanks.
Some websites with accompanying apps on the App Store love to bombard users with pop-ups and banners to push them to use their app rather than the website.
StopTheMadness, as the name suggests, is a general-purpose privacy protection extension with several nifty features. Within the extension's settings page, StopTheMadness includes several toggles that users can enable and disable, including:
Bypassing Google's AMP webpages
Protects the ability to copy, cut, and paste on websites
Gets rid of link trackers and clickjacking in Google search results, and others
Stop autoplaying videos
Stop all audio and video on websites
StopTheMadness is a one-time purchase of $7.99 with no in-app subscription and can be found in the App Store.
Dark Mode For All
Spearheaded by the introduction of systemwide dark mode in iOS 13, many websites on the web now have the option of light and dark themes. For those websites that don’t have a dark mode option, however, there is a solution.
Noir is a Safari extension that automatically turns a website into dark mode, even if it doesn’t support it. Noir only kicks in if the website doesn’t have a native dark mode theme built-in. This can be especially helpful when your phone is in dark mode, but a website isn’t and you’re suddenly blinded by a bright white webpage.
Apple is in talks to secure a deal for a Big Ten college football and basketball streaming package, according to The Athletic. Both Apple and Amazon are said to be vying for the streaming rights, with Apple joining the negotiations following news that USC and UCLA will join the league in 2024.
Big Ten media rights are expected to go to CBS and NBC in addition to Fox for live games, but the streaming package could potentially go to Apple or Amazon. At the current time, there's no word on how a streaming package will be structured, but it could be similar to Friday night MLB games or the NFL's weekly Amazon Prime package.
Apple has been investing heavily in live sports in recent months to increase the appeal of Apple TV+. Apple has launched Friday Night Baseball in partnership with the MLB, and in 2023, it will be the exclusive home of Major League Soccer.
Apple today seeded the third beta of macOS Ventura to its public beta testing group, allowing non-developers to test the new macOS Ventura operating system ahead of its release. The third beta comes two weeks after the second public beta and it corresponds with the fifth developer beta.
Public beta testers can download the macOS 13 Ventura update from the Software Update section of the System Preferences app after installing the proper profile from Apple's beta software website.
macOS Ventura introduces Stage Manager, a new multi-tasking option for focusing on a task while having other apps waiting in the wings. Stage Manager puts your main app front and center, tucking your other apps to the side for quick access.
Continuity Camera allows you to use your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac, offering much better camera quality than the built-in Mac camera. Apple is building special stands to hold the iPhone with a Mac, and there are neat features like Desk View, which uses the Ultra Wide lens.
Handoff now works with FaceTime so you can answer calls on the Mac and then transfer them over to another device, and Messages is gaining undo, edit, and mark as unread features. SharePlay now works in Messages in addition to FaceTime, and the Mail app has been overhauled. Search is more relevant, emails can be scheduled, and there's even an option to undo an email for up to 10 seconds after it's sent.
Apple brought the Weather and Clock apps to the Mac, redesigned System Preferences and renamed it System Settings, and added support for Shared Tab Groups. Passwords are being replaced with more secure Passkeys in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, and there are updates to Spotlight, Visual Lookup, Live Text, and more.
There are a ton of other features in macOS Ventura, and we have a full rundown available in our dedicated macOS Ventura roundup.
Apple today seeded the third betas of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 to public beta testers, opening up the iOS 16 beta testing process to the general public. Today's beta comes two weeks after the second public beta, and it corresponds with the fifth developer beta.
Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's free beta testing program can download the second iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 betas over the air after installing the proper certificate from the Public Beta website.
iOS 16 brings an overhauled Lock Screen with customizable wallpapers, time, and widgets, plus notifications have been updated to roll in from the bottom of the display. Multiple Lock Screens are supported and can be linked with Focus modes.
The Messages app supports editing and deleting messages as well as marking messages unread. SharePlay is no longer limited to FaceTime, so Messages can be used for communication between people sharing content with one another. FaceTime calls can be handed off from one device to another, and the Health app gains a new Medications feature for tracking the vitamins and medicine that you take.
Apple is replacing passwords with Passkeys, and Safari now supports Shared Tab Groups for collaborating. In the Mail app, you can schedule emails, cancel sending, and receive follow-up reminders, and the Maps app supports multi-stop routing.
iCloud Shared Photo Library offers a convenient way to share a photos with family members, and Apple Pay Later will let users pay for Apple Pay purchases in fee-free installments. For the iPad, iPadOS 16 brings a Weather app and a new multi-tasking system called Stage Manager, but it's only for iPads with Apple silicon chips.
The fifth developer beta of iOS 16 added the battery percentage back to the status bar on iPhones that have a notch, plus it introduced new sounds for locating an iPhone via Find My or the Apple Watch, a mini visualizer for the Lock Screen Music player, and more, with full details on what's in the update available in our guide.
Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming watchOS 9 update to its public beta testing group, allowing non-developers to experience the new watch software ahead of its fall release. The new beta comes two weeks after the second beta, and it corresponds to the fifth developer beta.
The watchOS 9 update can be downloaded after upgrading your iPhone to the public beta version of iOS 16. After installing iOS 16, the proper watchOS 9 profile from Apple's beta software website must also be installed.
The software can be accessed by going to General > Software Update in the Apple Watch app on iPhone. To update, Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it must be placed on the charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone.
watchOS 9 expands the sleep tracking feature to add sleep stages, allowing the watch to track when users are in REM Core, or Deep sleep, plus it supports a Medications app for managing and getting reminders for medications, vitamins, and supplements.
There are four new watch faces, including Lunar, Playtime, Metropolitan, and Astronomy, and the ECG app supports AFib History for tracking how long a person has been in atrial fibrillation.
Custom workouts have been added to the Workout app, and there are fitness improvements for runners, triathletes, and swimmers. Other new features include a CallKit API that allows VOIP calls to be answered on Apple Watch, Apple Watch Mirroring for controlling the Apple Watch with an iPhone, Quick Actions for doing more with a double pinch gesture, and updates to the Reminders and Calendar apps.
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.
Satechi
Starting with Satechi, you can get 20 percent off sitewide with the code B2S20. This sale will run through August 14.
Satechi is known for its wireless chargers, USB-C hubs, keyboards, cables, and other accessories, many of which are compatible with Apple products like the MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iMac, and iPhone. Satechi has a hub showcasing all of its newest products to give you an idea of what can be bought with the discount, but remember that the B2S20 code will work sitewide.
Next, Anker has a wide collection of "Power Deals" on its website this week. You'll find a "copy code" button on the product page of each accessory, and by clicking this you can automatically copy the code to paste it into the discount code box on the checkout page.
There are a wide variety of products on sale during Anker's event, including wall chargers, portable batteries, MagSafe-compatible chargers, wireless chargers, power strips, USB-C cables, and more. Be sure to check out the landing page for the sale to see all of the markdowns.
Das Keyboard
At Das Keyboard, you can get 20 percent off the 4C TKL and 4Q keyboards through August 10. The 4C TKL Keyboard is priced at $111.20, down from $139.00. It features PBT keycaps, Cherry MX Brown switches, and a 2-port USB hub.
The 4Q Keyboard is priced at $159.20, down from $199.00. This one is only compatible with Windows and Ubuntu, and features Cherry MX RGB brown mechanical key switches, a durable aluminum panel, and a two-port USB hub.
ZAGG
Finally, ZAGG is offering a BOGO free on smartphone cases for back to school season. You can buy any smartphone or tablet case and get the second one free. You'll need to add both cases to your cart and afterwards the promo will automatically activate.
To browse the full list of protective cases that you can get during this event, head to ZAGG's website. You'll find cases for iPhone 13 devices as well as Android smartphones. Shoppers should note that this sale excludes all keyboards and keyboard case style products.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
The popularity of the Apple Card caused Apple partner Goldman Sachs to struggle to deal with customer service issues, according to a new report from CNBC. The problems have in part led to a Goldman Sachs investigation by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Goldman Sachs was subject to more disputed transactions than it had anticipated, with customers seeking chargebacks for products and services. When a customer asks for a chargeback, Goldman Sachs must follow regulations to reach a resolution within an acceptable timeline, and apparently failed at doing that. A source that spoke to CNBC said that customers were provided with conflicting information or were subject to long wait times.
Apple Card business created long queues that needed to be cleared out, and Goldman Sachs was unprepared. There was no streamlined process in place for resolving customer complaints.
The bank hadn't initially accounted for what insiders deemed "edge cases," or situations that break from the norm among the vast majority of transactions, they said.
"We were making the case that we have a seamless way to dispute transactions," the source said. "But we got no credit for the front end, and we had some failures on the back end."
The CFPB is now examining how Goldman Sachs handled customer refunds, billing error resolution, refunds, reporting to credit bureaus, and more. Regulators are looking into customer complaints from the past several years, many related to attempted chargebacks. Goldman Sachs has now devoted more resources to automating additional parts of the chargeback process, and it is cooperating with the CFPB inquiry.
Apple is rumored to be working on an upgraded "pro" version of the Apple Watch that will be sold alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 models. The Apple Watch Pro will feature a different design, a larger size, and a more expensive price tag.
This guide aggregates everything we know about the Apple Watch Pro, which is expected to launch in September alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 and the new iPhone 14 models.
Design
While the standard Apple Watch Series 8 models are not going to get a design update, we are expecting a new look for the Apple Watch Pro. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has indicated that the Apple Watch Pro will feature a design that is an "evolution of the current rectangular shape."
There were 2021 rumors about a flat-edged design for the Apple Watch, but no such device ever materialized. The flat-edged design is not expected to be used for the Apple Watch Pro, and so it's not going to look like those Apple Watch Series 7 mockups that we saw ahead of the Series 7 launch.
CAD images of the Apple Watch Pro indicate that it will feature a flat screen, a revamped Digital Crown, and a button on the left hand side of the watch.
Durability
The Apple Watch Pro has also been described as a "rugged" Apple Watch that's aimed at those who do extreme sports. It will feature a casing that is more durable and better able to hold up to abuse, with the device targeted toward athletes, hikers, and others who expose their watches to more extreme conditions.
The titanium Apple Watch Series 7 models
In addition to being larger, the display will also be made from a shatter-resistant material that will provide more durability.
Casing Material
Apple is planning to use a new titanium metal alloy that is stronger than aluminum and better able to hold up to extreme use.
Physical Buttons
The Apple Watch Pro is expected to feature physical buttons that will be able to be used for workout-related functions, with a new button on the left side. The button may be able to be programmed by the user, and it could be set to do things like launch an app, launch a workout, and more.
Size
The Apple Watch Pro will be larger than the current 41mm and 45mm sizes. In fact, Gurman has said that it will be a "good bit bigger" than the current Apple Watch models and in fact so large that it may only appeal to a "subset of customers." Japanese site Mac Otakara has said that the Apple Watch Pro will feature a 47mm case size, making it 2mm larger than the current largest 45mm Apple Watch model.
The display is expected to measure in at two inches diagonally, which will provide seven percent more screen area than the 1.9-inch diagonal screen size of the 45mm Apple Watch Series 7 and the Series 8, as that device will feature the same casing as the Series 7. Other rumors have said the Apple Watch Pro could be as large as 49mm.
It is said to feature a display resolution of 410 x 502 pixels, and the extra display area could potentially be used to display extra fitness metrics on a single screen.
Band Compatibility
The Apple Watch Pro is expected to be compatible with older Apple Watch bands, but the fit might not be as seamless as it is with existing watches due to the size of the wearable.
New Bands
Apple may create special fitness-focused bands for the Apple Watch Pro, with the bands expected to play into the extreme sports theme of the device.
Battery Life
As the Apple Watch Pro will be larger, it will likely fit a larger battery inside to accommodate longer workout times. With a rumored low-power mode that is coming to Series 8 models, the Apple Watch Pro could even last for multiple days before needing to be recharged.
Health Features
Aside from a larger, more durable casing, the Apple Watch Pro is expected to offer the same functionality as the Apple Watch Series 8, so it will get all of the features rumored for the Series 8.
The Apple Watch Series 8 models are rumored to be gaining a temperature sensor that will allow them to be able to determine whether a user has a higher than normal body temperature. The temperature sensor is unlikely to feature an exact temperature reading, but it will be able to show fluctuations.
Because the Apple Watch will be using skin temperature, it will not be as accurate as a thermometer that is able to monitor core body temperature. At launch, Apple is likely to use this for fertility planning and monitoring.
Other Possible Features
Rumors have indicated that the next-generation Apple Watch and iPhone models could include a car crash detection feature that would use the accelerometer to detect accidents when they occur by measuring a spike in gravitational force. When a crash is detected, the Apple Watch could automatically call emergency services.
Apple is working on an S8 chip for the Apple Watch Series 8 models, but current information suggests that it won't offer much in the way of performance improvements over the S7 in the Apple Watch Series 7. There have also been rumors of updates to activity tracking, though specifics are not available at this time.
Price
With a larger body and a titanium casing, the Apple Watch Pro will not be cheap. It is expected to be priced around $900 to $999, which would make it more expensive than the current titanium Apple Watch Edition, which is available for $849.
Apple will sell the Apple Watch Pro alongside the Apple Watch Series 8, which is expected to retain the same price points as the Series 7. It is not yet clear if the Apple Watch Pro will be replacing the current Apple Watch Edition models, which are made from titanium.
Launch Date
Apple is holding a "Far Out" event on Wednesday, September 7, where it is expected to unveil the rumored Apple Watch Pro.
Guide Feedback
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