Downloads of the visionOS software development kit (SDK) apparently surpassed Apple's expectations, despite previously reported concerns about developer interest in the Vision Pro headset.
In an interview with Digital Trends, Apple executives indicated that there has been a high level of interest in Vision Pro from developers. The affirmation comes on the heels of concerns highlighted by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman last month claiming that the developer labs have been "under-filled with small amounts of developers." Apple is not offering U.S. developer labs outside of Cupertino, which means any developer that wants to try the Vision Pro must travel to Apple's headquarters in California.
Apple refrained from directly addressing these reports, but Apple vice president of worldwide developer relations Susan Prescott pointed out that there was an "extremely high, three-digit customer satisfaction for the labs that we've run so far."
Steve Sinclair, senior director of product marketing for Apple Vision Pro, also told Digital Trends that "the number of SDK downloads has exceeded our expectations," purportedly indicating that Vision Pro has been very popular among developers. The visionOS simulator has been available since late June, allowing developers to begin building and testing apps for the device ahead of its launch in early 2024.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max could see a "major price hike" compared to their predecessors, according to DigiTimes' senior analyst Luke Lin.
While the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are expected to maintain their pricing similar to the current models, the Pro models could see significant cost adjustments due to their new titanium chassis and periscope camera technology on the larger model.
The price increase comes amid a broader softening of global smartphone demand projected for the latter half of 2023. According to Lin, Apple has ordered between 80 to 90 million iPhone 15 units for this period, a downturn from the 90 to 100 million units placed for the iPhone 14 models last year. Leading the order share is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, followed in succession by the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15, and the iPhone 15 Plus.
Previous forecasts suggested the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be at least $100 more expensive than their predecessors. The iPhone 14 Pro starts at $999 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1,099, meaning the iPhone 15 Pro could start at $1,099 to $1,199 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max could start at $1,199 to $1,299.
Earlier this year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was contemplating raising the price for both the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Analyst Jeff Pu has also said that the iPhone 15 Pro models could be more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro models. He believes the iPhone 15 Pro will be priced starting at $1,099, up from the $999 starting price of the iPhone 14 Pro. The entire iPhone 15 lineup are widely expected to be unveiled at Apple's "Wonderlust" event on Tuesday, September 12.
Lin added that upstream supply chain information indicates that Apple will increase the display sizes of both Pro models next year, mirroring other rumors claiming that the two devices will increase from display sizes of 6.1- and 6.7-inches to 6.3- and 6.9-inches.
A future "iPhone Ultra" model could capture spatial photos and videos to be displayed in Apple's Vision Pro headset, according to a rumor shared by a Weibo account with a proven track record for disclosing accurate information about Apple's plans.
The camera configuration of a future "iPhone Ultra" model will reportedly "lead the market to rethink what kind of photos and videos a mobile phone should take." It seems highly likely that the information refers to the capture of spatial photos and videos, a unique feature of the Vision Pro that uses outward-facing cameras to record immersive 3D content.
Spatial videos and photos are designed to have "incredible depth," according to Apple, allowing the user to "see into a moment." Apple says that the feature is designed to allow users to relive their memories like never before. From Apple's press release announcing the Vision Pro headset:
Featuring Apple's first three-dimensional camera, Apple Vision Pro lets users capture, relive, and immerse themselves in favorite memories with Spatial Audio. Every spatial photo and video transports users back to a moment in time, like a celebration with friends or a special family gathering. Users can access their entire photo library on iCloud, and view their photos and videos at a life-size scale with brilliant color and spectacular detail.
Standard photos and videos from an iPhone or another device can still be viewed on the headset, but the 3D images and videos are considerably more immersive and can only be captured using a Vision Pro itself. The feature is so central to the Vision Pro experience that the device has a dedicated mechanical button on the top to activate it.
Spatial video playback in visionOS.
The Weibo user cautioned that additional information about the new iPhone capability is currently incomplete, suggesting that there may be more to follow. It is also worth noting that the "iPhone Ultra" moniker has been frequently used across Chinese social media platforms when discussing a future "Pro Max" model following rumors that Apple was planning to rename the device earlier this year. The change is no longer expected to occur this year, but according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple could release a new high-end device called the "iPhone Ultra," sitting above the "Pro Max" in the lineup, as soon as next year. The Apple Vision Pro headset is set to launch in early 2024.
Apple will offer next year's OLED iPad Pro models with a 4TB storage option, according to a new rumor coming out of Asia.
According to news aggregator account "yeux1122" on the Korean Naver blog (via @Tech_Reve), Apple will double the storage capacity of the next-generation iPad Pro models compared to its current 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which both max out at 2TB of storage. The rumor is said to come from a parts company in Apple's supply chain, but otherwise no other information is given.
The Naver blog account has a mixed track record when it comes to accurate rumors, therefore we are filing this particular claim under "questionable." That said, the idea that Apple will up the storage for its next-generation iPad Pros is not out of the question. Apple first offered a 2TB storage option with the previous fifth-generation iPad Pro, but the current sixth-generation iPad Pro models additionally support ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30fps (1080p at 30fps on models with 128GB storage).
If Apple upped the max storage of its forthcoming OLED iPad Pro models to 4TB, it would likely also increase the base storage to 256GB to maintain five capacity categories, making all seventh-generation models capable of recording ProRes in 4K at 30fps.
It's also worth noting that iPad Pro RAM is variable based on storage capacity, so iPad Pro models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage come with 8GB of RAM, while iPad Pro models with 1TB or 2TB of storage feature 16GB of RAM. Whether that means a 4TB iPad Pro would feature 24GB or 32GB of RAM is unknown, but not improbable.
The new iPad Pros will be the first major update to the product since 2018, adding the M3 Apple silicon chip, OLED displays, and slightly larger 11- and 13-inch size options.
Apple's annual fall event takes place on Tuesday, September 12, when it is expected to unveil the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineup, an Apple Watch Series 9, and a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra. It may also make some additional new products available, but there are a handful of rumored upcoming devices that we don't expect to make an appearance this month.
To help set expectations ahead of Apple's "Wonderlust" event, we've compiled a list of products that Apple is unlikely to announce in September, but rather later on in the year or in 2024 and beyond.
M3-Powered Macs
Apple is developing new Macs powered by the company's next-generation M3 chip, which is built on chipmaking partner TSMC's 3nm process, resulting in significant performance and power efficiency improvements over the 5nm-based M2 chip that Apple's most recent Mac models are based on.
The first of Apple's new M3-powered Macs are expected to arrive later in the year. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman's sources, an October event will follow Apple's iPhone 15 series announcement in September, and the state of Apple's current product lineup suggests it will focus on new Macs with M3 chips. However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says no M3 Macs will be unveiled until 2024, so it's unclear what might happen.
Given that Apple launched new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in January, and more recently new 15-inch MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro models in June, Gurman believes the first beneficiaries of the new M3 chip will be the next 24-inch iMac, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Looking further ahead, new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3 chips are expected to arrive in early 2024, featuring M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, according to Gurman. Apple is also believed to be actively testing an M3 version of the Mac mini, although it is not expected to arrive until sometime next year.
New iPads
Apple is expected to release new M3-powered iPad Pro models with OLED displays and a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory, but these devices are not expected to debut until the spring or early summer of 2024.
As for the iPad mini, which was last updated in September 2021, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in January said the next model would likely enter mass production in the first quarter of 2024. At the time, he also said there may be no new iPad releases in the following 9-12 months.
According to Gurman, Apple is developing a new iPad Air with improved specs, and he also believes there is a possibility that a new iPad Air will be released in 2023. If so, we could perhaps see it in October. Apple last updated the iPad Air in March 2022.
The best chance of seeing a new tablet from Apple this year could come in the form of an 11th-generation entry-level iPad. The 10th-generation iPad was released in October 2022, and Apple has updated the entry-level iPad on an annual basis since 2017, so we could see a new spec-bumped model in October 2023, although rumors are still thin on the ground.
iPhone SE 4
Rumors regarding Apple's plans for the next-generation iPhone SE have been mixed at best, with a lot of back and forth on when and indeed if we'll see a fourth-generation iPhone SE.
The latest rumors suggest the iPhone SE will be similar to the iPhone 14, featuring an all-display design with Face ID instead of Touch ID, a USB-C port, a single rear camera, and an "Action" button to replace the mute switch. There's also a possibility that it could include OLED display technology.
We are not expecting a new iPhone SE to debut this year or even next year, and it's looking like it will launch in 2025 at the earliest. It could perhaps be one of the first devices to feature an Apple-designed modem chip.
Vision Pro Headset
Vision Pro marks the company's first entrance into a new product category since the 2015 Apple Watch, with the so-called "spatial computing" device announced at WWDC 2023 in June. According to Apple, the Vision Pro will go on sale in early 2024, which likely means January to late April, with an outside chance of it arriving in May.
However, it's worth noting that by that time, new Macs with M3 processors will have likely launched, and the fact that the $3,500 Vision Pro uses an M2 chip that is inferior to those in cheaper 2024 Macs may seem strange to the average consumer.
Other Upcoming Products
Apple's HomePod mini will be three years old in October. Gurman was first to highlight Apple's work on a second-generation HomePod mini in August 2022. Gurman has since expressed skepticism about what a new HomePod mini could offer since "the latest HomePod doesn't include any major new functions that aren't already in the $99 mini."
In February, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple will begin mass shipments of the second-generation HomePod mini in the second half of 2024.
Apple is also believed to have third-generation AirPods Pro, a refreshed Apple TV with improved specifications, and other "home equipment" such as smart displays in early development, but none of these products are expected to arrive in the short term.
Apple is expected to release major software updates for iPhones and iPads simultaneously this month, unlike last year's staggered release of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.
That's according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The well-connected reporter's sources within Apple tell him the company is considering the eighth betas of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to be the final versions in all but name, "barring any unforeseen circumstances."
The eighth beta versions were released to developers and public beta testers last week, hot on the heels of the sixth and seventh betas, indicating that Apple is fast approaching the final hurdle as it prepares to install iOS 17 on iPhone 15 models coming off the assembly line.
Last year, Apple released iPadOS 16 on October 24, over a month after iOS 16 officially went public. The decision to release its iPad software until later in the fall was to allow it more time to refine Stage Manager, its then-new app window management system, which was subject to much criticism in the beta development phase.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will likely appear shortly after the iPhone 15 series is announced during Apple's "Wonderlust" event on Tuesday, September 12. Apple plans to stream the fall event live on its website, on YouTube, and through the Apple TV app. For those unable to watch, MacRumors will be providing full event coverage on MacRumors.com and the MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
Apple "got close" to releasing an all-new 14-inch iPad model this year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.
In his most recent "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that Apple has been exploring the concept of an even larger iPad since 2021 and almost released a 14-inch model, in what would have been the biggest iPad to date, this year. Now, there is apparently no such product in Apple's imminent product pipeline.
One complication was apparently the transition to OLED displays in the iPad lineup, which could invoke considerably higher costs on larger tablet displays. As previously rumored, the first iPad Pro models are expected to top out at 13 inches when they go on sale in the first half of 2024.
Gurman was first to float the rumor of Apple designers and engineers exploring iPads with bigger screens that could further "blur the lines" between a tablet and a laptop. In January 2022, this was followed by the news that multiple suppliers, including BOE and LG, were converting factories to be able to supply Apple with OLED displays around 15-inches in size suitable for future iPad models.
The leaker known as "Majin Bu" then claimed that Apple was working on an iPad with a 14.1-inch display and the M2 chip – a rumor corroborated by oft-accurate display industry analyst Ross Young, who added that the device would have a mini-LED display but no ProMotion for variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. In July last year, he amended his forecast, saying that Apple had switched to an LCD display for the device, the likes of which are used on the iPad mini and iPad Air.
In October 2022, The Information's Wayne Ma reported that Apple was developing a 16-inch iPad that it hoped to release in the fourth quarter of 2023. The prospective device would have approximately the same screen size as a 16-inch MacBook Pro, providing users with a significantly larger canvas to work with. Finally, Young said in December that Apple had shelved its plans to launch a 14.1-inch iPad.
Despite the tumultuous state of rumors about larger iPad models, Apple could still be interested in the prospect of launching such a device in the future. The biggest iPads that have been available since 2018 have been the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. This means that the largest iPads are still smaller than the smallest MacBooks, the M1MacBook Air and M2 MacBook Pro, which feature 13.3-inch displays. Since the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is already in a similar range to the 13.3-inch MacBooks and is rumored to increase to 13-inches next year, it seems like just a matter of time before Apple offers a significantly bigger iPad model.
Bloomberg has repeatedly discussed Apple's interest in bigger iPads and although the 14.1-inch iPad model that was in the works is now believed to be canceled, the 16-inch model last reported by The Information could still be in active development, although we have not heard anything about it for quite some time.
Apple plans to update AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case during its "Wonderlust" iPhone 15 event on Tuesday, September 12, but no other hardware changes to the earbuds are expected, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman.
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says he believes Apple will eventually add USB-C ports to all AirPods in its lineup, but he suggests that AirPods Pro will be the first model to receive the updated charging case.
Gurman previously reported that Apple will announce updated AirPods with a USB-C charging case alongside new iPhone 15 models, all of which are expected to transition away from Lightning to USB-C, but it wasn't clear if he was referring to the standard AirPods and/or the AirPods Pro.
New AirPods Pro features are still expected to arrive with the release of iOS 17, but they will be software-based. In addition, new hearing aid capabilities are expected over the next year or so. Gurman said he also expects price cuts to eventually come to the lower-end AirPods models when USB-C spreads to the rest of the lineup.
Apple's next-generation iPad Pro will launch alongside a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory that makes the device more laptop-like, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Last week, Gurman outlined how Apple was working on a redesigned Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro that makes it "look even more like a laptop than the current setup" thanks to a larger trackpad. Now, in the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman reveals additional information about the extensive redesign of the accessory. The area around the keyboard itself will apparently be made of aluminum, resembling the top case of MacBooks, to provide a sturdier structure. Apple purportedly hopes that the changes will address criticisms of the current model.
The exterior shell of the keyboard will retain the silicone cover material used on the current model and a single USB-C port. Gurman mused that the redesign using more premium materials could lead Apple to raise the accessory's $299 price point.
The redesigned Magic Keyboard is expected to arrive alongside the next-generation iPad Pro models next year, which Gurman says will introduce "fundamental changes" and be the first major update to the product since 2018, adding the M3 Apple silicon chip, OLED displays, and slightly larger 11- and 13-inch size options.
Apple's upcoming "FineWoven" cases for the iPhone 15 lineup, designed to be a replacement for its leather cases, will match a new Apple Watch band and be available in ten different color options, according to the device collector and leaker known as "Kosutami."
In a recent tweet, Kosutami explained that the new line of cases will be available in Black, Mulberry, Taupe, Evergreen, Pacific Blue, Wisteria, Antique White, Butter Yellow, Orange, and Pink color options. As illustrated by several of the alleged pictures of the new cases that have recently circulated online, Kosutami added that the cases have rubber-wrapped edges that are a little darker than the color of the rear "woven" part of the case. The leaker believes that "FineWoven" is Apple's officially chosen name for the new material.
Kosutami previously claimed that Apple is planning to release a new woven fabric band with a magnetic buckle alongside the Apple Watch Series 9. Now, the leaker has clarified that the band is set to be made out of the same material as the new line of premium iPhone cases. The magnetic band will apparently retail for $99, the same price tag as the Braided Solo Loop, and could be similar to the Modern Buckle in terms of design.
Earlier this month, rumors suggested that Apple plans to eliminate leather cases for the iPhone 15 lineup, and subsequent information pointed toward the possibility of a leather alternative with a woven fabric look, with some reports pointing to the name "FineWoven."
Images of iPhone cases with the "FineWoven" name have been shared online in recent weeks, but the pictured accessories are almost certainly Chinese clones. As such, they are likely based on legitimate information about what Apple is expected to release, but could deviate from the final product in unexpected ways.
Apple will host a special event on Tuesday, September 12 with the tagline "Wonderlust." It is expected to see the official unveiling of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and a range of new accessories such as a USB-C AirPods Pro MagSafe charging case, "FineWoven" iPhone cases, and a new Apple Watch band.
Apple's most important event of the year has finally been confirmed, and we're looking forward to new iPhones, Apple Watch models, and more.
In the run-up to the event, we're continuing to hear more tidbits about what to expect for the major new hardware, as well as some other smaller announcements Apple may have in store, so read on for all the details!
Apple Announces 'Wonderlust' Event Expected to Feature iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9 and More
Apple Reportedly Plans to Unveil New AirPods With USB-C Charging Case at iPhone 15 Event
All four iPhone 15 models are widely expected to be equipped with a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port. Alongside this change, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week reported that Apple plans to announce updated AirPods with a USB-C charging case during its event on Tuesday, September 12.
It's unclear if Apple will announce any other changes for AirPods beyond the switch to USB-C.
iPhone 15 Rumors: New Colors, Production Issues Resolved, and More
Kuo corroborated previously rumored color options for the Pro models, including gray, silver/white, black, and blue. He also said the switch from a stainless steel frame to a titanium frame will result in the iPhone 15 Pro models weighing less than iPhone 14 Pro models.
6 New AirPods Pro Features Coming in iOS 17
Apple should release iOS 17 to the public in September. The software update includes at least six new features for the AirPods Pro, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and others.
iOS 17 is compatible with the iPhone XS and newer, and currently remains in beta testing for developers and public beta testers. Apple released the eighth beta of iOS 17 this week, with testing now nearing completion.
Redesigned Magic Keyboard Expected to Accompany New iPad Pro
Apple is rumored to be planning new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models with OLED displays and an M3 chip for release in the first half of 2024.
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Apple satellite partner Globalstar is paying Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch new satellites that will be used to update the communication network for the Emergency SOS via Satellite iPhone feature, reports Nola.
Globalstar will pay SpaceX $64 million according to the details of the arrangement, which were disclosed in an SEC filing. Payments will be made from 2023 to 2025, which is when SpaceX plans to launch the satellites.
Apple introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite last year alongside the new iPhone 14 models. The technology allows the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max to contact emergency services when no WiFi or cellular connection is available.
Globalstar is Apple's partner for the initiative, handling the satellites that allow the feature to function. Apple at launch said that Emergency SOS via Satellite would be free for two years, and so far has not provided insight into what it might eventually cost.
The $64 million that Globalstar is paying SpaceX is likely just a fraction of the cost of running the satellites, and that cost is being passed along to Apple, so it stands to reason that Apple will eventually be charging at least a small fee for those who want to use the SOS option.
Globalstar has agreed to allocate 85 percent of its current and future network capacity to Apple's iPhones, with Globalstar providing and maintaining all personnel, software, satellite systems, and more, while also maintaining minimum quality and coverage standards. Prior to when the iPhone 14 models launched, Globalstar bought $327 million worth of satellite equipment from a Canadian company, with Apple loaning Globalstar $252 million.
Emergency SOS via Satellite is available in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the UK, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal.
Apple today dropped the price of the MLS Season Pass to $29 for the rest of the season, allowing soccer fans to get access at a discount.
As noted by TechCrunch, MLS is $14.99 per month or $29 for the remainder of the 2023 season. Apple TV+ subscribers can get the MLS Pass for $13 per month, or $25 for the rest of the season. When the season began in February, access was priced at $79 for Apple TV+ subscribers or $99 for those without a subscription.
The 2023 Major League Soccer season will run through October 21, and the MLS Season Pass will also include live coverage of the playoffs that are set to take place from October 25 to December 9.
If you're in the market for a new iPad, you might want to go ahead and hold off. Apple hasn't introduced updates to any of its iPad models in 2023 so far, and rumors suggest that refreshes aren't coming until 2024.
MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera recaps all the latest iPad rumors in his latest video, so watch that to get an overview of the current status of each iPad.
Basically, iPad Pro, iPad mini, and iPad Air refreshes are coming in 2024, so if you can hold off on buying a new tablet, you should. This is especially true for the iPad Pro, because we're expecting a major overhaul soon.
OLED displays are coming to new 11 and 13-inch iPad Pro options in 2024, plus the tablets are going to get Apple's latest M3 chip with more power and improved efficiency, so it's worth waiting.
As for the iPad mini, it hasn't been updated since 2021, and the iPad Air has been around since March 2022, so both are on the older side. The standard iPad was refreshed last year and Apple has thus far updated it every year, so it's the one tablet we might possibly see updated in 2023, though rumors have said nothing about it.
Unless you have an urgent need for an iPad or come across a great deal, it's worth holding out for updated hardware at this point. For more on what to expect from future iPads, check out our recent rumor recap.
Apple in recent months began providing customers in the U.S. with an extended opportunity to purchase AppleCare+ coverage for their iPhone after a qualifying out-of-warranty repair at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, according to internal Apple documentation reviewed by MacRumors.
The so-called "AppleCare+ Enrollment Exceptions" policy began in late 2021, but it was originally limited to one year after an iPhone's original purchase date. Now, the eligibility window has been extended to two years after purchase for iPhones in the U.S. only. Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers can only inform customers that this policy exists after an iPhone has been serviced, and customers have 10 days to act on it.
Normally, a customer has only 60 days after purchasing an iPhone to add AppleCare+ to the device in the U.S., but this policy gives customers who experienced a costly out-of-pocket repair a chance to reconsider AppleCare+ coverage for future repairs. The repaired iPhone must pass a visual and mechanical inspection in order to qualify.
MacRumors confirmed this policy with multiple sources, but given it is not publicly announced by Apple, we cannot guarantee that it will always be honored.
A few months ago, Volvo and Polestar announced updates for their infotainment systems to support dual-screen Apple Maps displays from CarPlay, allowing a supplementary Apple Maps view to appear in the driver display separate from the main infotainment screen.
While an increasing number of vehicles are supporting text-based Apple Maps navigation prompts in the driver display and/or head-up display, Volvo is one of the first to adopt a full map view on a second screen, and I recently had a chance to test it out in a 2024 S60 Recharge.
The driver display Apple Maps screen is only active when there is a navigation route running in CarPlay, and it provides a familiar Apple Maps view with your vehicle position and your route, including upcoming traffic lights as well as surrounding streets, points of interest, and other features. At the bottom of the screen is a thin black box displaying your arrival time plus the time and distance remaining in the current trip.
This secondary Apple Maps screen doesn't show a visual text prompt of your next turn or exit, the distance until that movement, or lane guidance, but with Siri voice prompts and the visual representation of your route, you shouldn't have much trouble staying on course even if you don't have navigation up on the center infotainment screen. It also would be nice if the turn prompts were sent to the Head-Up Display, but they are not for Apple Maps.
With Apple Maps taking up residence in the driver display, that frees up the main infotainment screen for other functionality, whether it be for another CarPlay app like Music or Podcasts or for the native infotainment system. And if you're in another CarPlay app, you'll still get pop-up text instructions for upcoming turns from Maps just like when when you're in a non-Maps app while using single-screen CarPlay.
Volvo is notable for its portrait infotainment screens typically measuring 9 inches diagonally, although other manufacturers are increasingly adopting the form factor, particularly in electric vehicles. CarPlay on the main screen adapts to the portrait aspect ratio, with the usual sidebar containing status items and recent apps moving to the bottom and individual apps adjusting their layouts to fit.
The CarPlay Dashboard view looks particularly nice in portrait orientation, with a horizontal view from the Maps app taking up the full width at the top and then plenty of room for generously sized tiles from other apps appearing below.
At least on this Volvo model, Apple Maps in the driver display appears in dark mode at all times, regardless of whether the main CarPlay screen is in light or dark mode. While it initially seemed a bit jarring for the two screens to display differently, it does make sense to always use dark mode in the 12-inch driver display to match the rest of the display elements like the speedometer. It results in a more cohesive look for the driver display and means you don't have a bright screen almost directly in your line of sight.
Native Google Maps on the driver display
The native Volvo infotainment system now runs on Android Automotive from Google, so it features built-in Google Maps support that also shows up on the driver display, complete with upcoming turn prompts and lane guidance. The overall infotainment system was a bit sluggish to use at times, but Google Maps routing and features are solid, so it works well once you've got your route going. And with access to the Google Play Store, additional Android apps can be installed right on your vehicle's system.
Volvo SiriusXM Now Playing screen
I have some mixed feelings about the overall look of the Volvo infotainment system. While individual app screens are generally fine, the application manager view in particular has a rather dated look with app icons broken up into sections by type. It's functional and you can rearrange apps however you like, but it just doesn't look very slick or modern to me.
Volvo infotainment application view
Thankfully, the main home screen sports a more modern look. It offers quick access to frequently used functions upon first entering the car or when pressing a hardware button below the display, although it could stand to be a bit more informative given all of the available screen real estate.
Volvo infotainment home view
Volvo has also unfortunately embraced one of my pet peeves in the form of software climate controls on the main infotainment screen. They reside in a strip along the bottom of the display that remains visible even while in CarPlay, but I do wish at least the main controls such as temperature adjustments were hardware buttons and/or knobs to make things easier to adjust by feel.
There is a strip of hardware controls below the main screen with buttons for the defrosters, hazard lights, and basic audio controls like play/pause and track skipping, plus a knob for controlling the volume. I appreciate the inclusion of these, although they are a bit awkwardly placed low on the center stack with the shifter a bit in the way. Of course, steering wheel buttons or voice control can be used to perform many of these functions as well.
CarPlay in Volvo vehicles remains wired-only for now, although wireless CarPlay will be arriving in the upcoming EX90 and EX30 models. There have been rumors of a future software update to enable wireless CarPlay in some existing models, but Volvo hasn't officially confirmed its plans for that.
With a wired connection currently being the only CarPlay option at the moment, that means you need access to a USB port, and the S60 Recharge has a pair of USB-C ones inside the center console. One is outlined in white to designate it as the data port for CarPlay, while the other is charge-only.
The storage compartment in the center console of the S60 is incredibly shallow and not very large, so I couldn't even fit my wired-up iPhone 14 Pro Max inside and had to route the cable out of the compartment and leave my phone in a cupholder. I do typically prefer to have my phone available to grab if needed, even if only for convenience when entering and exiting the vehicle, so it wasn't a huge deal to me, but the option to tuck everything away in the console compartment would have been really nice.
For rear-seat passengers, there are two additional charge-only USB-C ports behind a spring-loaded cover on the back of the console.
Overall, the dual-screen Apple Maps CarPlay experience is a nice enhancement, and I'm glad Volvo has embraced it. A few other manufacturers including Jaguar Land Rover also appear to be adopting it, but it's of course only a teaser for what's to come with CarPlay given Apple's WWDC 2022 announcement about the next-generation CarPlay. With that, CarPlay will be able to essentially take over a vehicle's entire screen setup and bring both native vehicle functions and CarPlay functions into a single interface.
Volvo is one of over a dozen car brands announced as initial partners for the CarPlay revamp, and Apple said the first announcements of vehicles supporting it should come late this year.
Following Anker and Belkin, accessory maker Mophie today announced its upcoming lineup of products that will support the Qi2 wireless charging standard.
The accessories will include a 5,000 mAh magnetic battery pack with an aluminum kickstand for $69.95, a 3-in-1 charging stand for an iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch for $129.95, and two car vent mounts for an iPhone for $29.95 and $69.95. The battery pack and car mounts will be available to order later this year on Mophie.com and at select retail stores worldwide, while the stand will be available in the first quarter of 2024.
Qi2 is based on the MagSafe standard that Apple introduced with the iPhone 12. However, accessories that support Qi2 are not required to use Apple's official MagSafe module or be certified under Apple's Made for iPhone program, which should effectively result in availability of more affordable MagSafe accessories.
All four iPhone 15 models will support both Qi2 and MagSafe, according to ChargerLAB, a reliable source of charging-related information. Qi2 accessories will likely be able to charge iPhone 15 models at up to 15W, just like official MagSafe accessories. First-generation Qi chargers are limited to 7.5W charging speeds on current iPhones.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 series during its September 12 event.
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk over Apple's recently announced "Wonderlust" event and some of the latest news about what to expect.
Apple plans to hold a special event on Tuesday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple's September event is always an iPhone event, and this year, we are expecting the 6.1-inch iPhone 15, the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max to be announced. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to come in black, pink, yellow, blue, and green, while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are rumored to be available in black, blue, gray, and silver.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up with our discussion with Jon Rettinger about the iPhone 15 lineup and what it will take to make the iPhone exciting again.
Spatial video playback in visionOS.
Native Google Maps on the driver display
Volvo SiriusXM Now Playing screen
Volvo infotainment application view
Volvo infotainment home view
