Apple accessory maker Native Union today announced the launch of the FOLD MacBook Stand, which is designed for both use at home and on the go thanks to its compact, collapsible design.
The FOLD is designed to prop up a MacBook to an ideal tilt level to improve posture and also to improve airflow for the machine. It is thin and lightweight, and it folds down so it can tuck into an included carrying case that fits into a bag.
Native Union's stand is compatible with all 13-inch to 16-inch MacBook models, along with 10.2-inch to 16-inch tablets. It can hold up to 3kg, and it also works with laptops and tablets from other brands.
Apple recently indicated that its product lineup is "set" heading into the holiday shopping season, suggesting that there won't be any new Macs or other devices announced through the remainder of 2022. Nonetheless, there are still at least five notable items on Apple's agenda to expect before the end of the year, as outlined below.
iOS 16.2
iOS 16.2 is currently in beta and is expected to be released in mid-December. The software update includes several new features for the iPhone, including Apple's new whiteboard app Freeform, new Home app architecture, Live Activities for select sports games via the Apple TV app, new Sleep and Medications widgets for the Lock Screen, unintentional Emergency SOS call reporting, 5G support in India, and more.
Apple also plans to release iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, watchOS 9.2, and tvOS 16.2 in December. On the Apple TV, tvOS 16.2 enables multi-user Siri voice recognition for a more personalized experience, with support for up to six family members.
Emergency SOS via Satellite
All four iPhone 14 models support a new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that will allow the devices to connect directly to a satellite, enabling users to send text messages to emergency services when outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. In a support document, Apple says the feature "will be available with an iOS 16 software update coming in November 2022," but the company has not shared a specific release date.
Given that iOS 16.1 was released in late October, and that iOS 16.2 is expected to be released in December, Emergency SOS via Satellite will likely be enabled with iOS 16.1.1, which is already in testing. There's also a chance that Emergency SOS via Satellite will be enabled with iOS 16.1.2, but there is no evidence of such an update yet and Apple would likely want to get the feature launched before the week of U.S. Thanksgiving.
At launch, Emergency SOS via Satellite will be available in the United States and Canada only and will be free for the first two years. Apple reportedly confirmed that it plans to expand the feature to additional countries by the end of next year.
Apple Music Classical
In August 2021, Apple announced the acquisition of classical music service Primephonic. At the time, Apple said it planned to launch a dedicated classical music app in 2022 that combined Primephonic's user interface with additional features.
While there is still no sign of the Apple Music Classical app, evidence of the app was spotted in both iOS 15.5 code and in an XML file on Apple's servers earlier this year. Few other details are known about the app, including whether it will be a built-in app or released on the App Store as a standalone download given its niche purpose.
Even if Apple Music Classical is not a preinstalled app, it appears that the app will have system-level integration, so its release will likely come alongside a software update such as iOS 16.1.1 or iOS 16.2 later this year if Apple meets its 2022 deadline.
Self-Service Repair Program Expansion
In August, Apple indicated that its self-service repair program will be expanded to additional countries in Europe and to additional Mac models with Apple silicon chips before the end of the year, so Apple has under two months left to meet that promise.
The program first launched in April, providing customers in the U.S. with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and manuals to complete do-it-yourself repairs of iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and third-generation iPhone SE models. The program was expanded in August to include MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with the M1 series of chips.
Black Friday Shopping Event
For many years, Apple has held a four-day Black Friday through Cyber Monday shopping event across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and select other countries, offering customers a free Apple gift card worth anywhere from $25 to $200 with the purchase of an eligible new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, AirPods, or other product.
Black Friday is on November 25 this year and is one of the few occasions per year that Apple offers deals on its products, but better deals are often available through resellers like Amazon, so make sure to check out our Black Friday roundup throughout the month.
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri today announced several new features that are coming to the social network, including an overhauled website. Instagram is debuting a new Instagram.com design, as many users take advantage of Instagram on the web for multitasking purposes.
The updated design is described as cleaner, faster, and easier to use, with a layout that has been designed to take advantage of larger screened monitors. Mosseri said that Instagram is aiming to make the website "as great of an experience as possible."
🎉 New Features 🎉
Some “finally features” that I think you’re going to be excited about…
- Schedule Posts (coming soon) - IG Web Updates pic.twitter.com/5tyMxWh1n8
— Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) November 8, 2022
Instagram today also announced the addition of scheduled posts, a feature that is aimed at creators but available to all users. With the new option, Instagram users can schedule a post up to 75 days in advance.
Instagram can be downloaded from the App Store for free, or accessed on the web through Instagram.com.
Apple today announced a new session of its "Ask Apple" feature that is designed to let developers get help with app development from Apple engineers and experts. Apple debuted Ask Apple in October, and is now introducing a second week that runs from November 14 to November 18.
With Ask Apple, developers are able to get information on implementing new features that were added in iOS 16 such as Live Activities and Dynamic Island.
Developers can ask Apple team members questions through Q&As in Slack or in 25 minute one-on-one "office hour" sessions. Apple evangelists, engineers, and designers are available to developers, with office hours focused on creating apps that take advantage of the latest technologies.
Ask Apple is a free program with registration available to all members of the Apple Developer Program and the Apple Developer Enterprise Program. Signups for Ask Apple are available on Apple's developer website.
A Chinese YouTuber has gone to great lengths to construct a foldable iPhone out of existing parts, merging the internal components of an iPhone with the foldable chassis of a Motorola Razr. The resulting device is an iPhone that is able to be folded in half.
The video is in the Chinese language with subtitles, and walks through the process used for deconstructing both devices. All of the internal components of the iPhone X were removed and re-enginereed to fit inside of a foldable Motorola Razr chassis.
Called the "iPhone V," the foldable iPhone is functional, running iOS, and the display clearly bends in half. Several iPhone models appear to have been torn down and converted into the foldable design, though the walkthrough focuses on the iPhone X.
Rumors suggest that Apple is working on foldable iPhone prototypes, but as of right now, there is no solid word on what an Apple foldable might look like or when it will launch.
Apple today announced that it will be opening an impressive new street-facing store in Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday, November 18.
Credit: Apple
The new Apple Pacific Centre store is positioned diagonally on the corner of West Georgia and Howe Streets and faces the Vancouver Art Gallery. To celebrate the grand opening of the store, the glass facade is wrapped in colorful artwork created by prominent Canadian designer Mo Bofill in collaboration with Musqueam weaver and artist Debra Sparrow.
The two-floor outdoor location will replace Apple's existing store inside the adjacent Pacific Centre shopping mall, which originally opened in 2008. Apple shared a photo of the new store today, providing a closer look at the temporary artwork, wood plank ceiling, green wall backdrop, and terraced plaza.
Throughout the store's grand opening weekend, visitors can participate in free Today at Apple sessions, including a live performance by Vancouver-based rapper and musician Boslen, a Q&A moderated by Apple Music radio host George Stromboloupoulos, a live performance by award-winning choreographer Chloé Arnold, and more.
Apple Pacific Centre will become Apple's third street-facing store in Canada, joining Apple Saint-Catherine and Apple DIX30 in the Montréal area.
Apple today debuted a new firmware update for the second-generation AirPods Pro, marking the second update that the earbuds have received since their fall launch.
The existing 5A377 firmware has been updated to version 5B58.
There is no word on what features might be included in the refreshed firmware, so we don't know what's new. Apple also does not provide instructions on how to upgrade AirPods software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air while the AirPods are connected to an iOS device. Putting the AirPods in the case, connecting the AirPods to a power source, and then pairing the AirPods to an iOS device or Mac should force the update.
You can check your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware by following these steps:
Connect your AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap About.
Tap AirPods.
Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."
If we learn about any features in the firmware update, we'll update this article with details, but the software likely offers only minor bug fixes.
Apple today released new firmware updates for the Powerbeats Pro, Beats Fit Pro, and the Beats Studio Buds. The Powerbeats Pro firmware is version 5B55, up from 4A394, the Beats Studio Buds firmware is version 10M2155, up from 10M359, and the Beats Fit Pro firmware is version 5B55, up from 4E64.
Apple does not provide details on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the Beats earbuds or for the AirPods, so we are not sure what improvements or bug fixes the new firmware brings.
There's no standard way to upgrade the Beats software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air while the earbuds are connected to an iOS device. Putting the Beats in the case, connecting them to a power source, and then pairing them to an iPhone or iPad should force the update after a short period of time.
If we find notable changes after the firmware update is installed, we'll share details, but the software likely includes performance improvements and bug fixes rather than outward-facing changes.
Update: Apple appears to have added a Beats Studio Buds option that allows users to cancel a call by pressing the on-device button once or twice.
The only new feature I have noticed is that you can choose to cancel the phone call by pressing the button once or twice.
— Robert Martinka (@robertmartinka) November 8, 2022
Apple today released the second betas of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 to developers for testing purposes, with the update tweaking some features and addressing some bugs that were discovered in the first beta.
We've outlined all of the changes found in the second betas of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 in this article.
Lock Screen Camera Bug Fix
Apple has fixed an annoying bug that did not allow you to exit out of the Lock Screen camera with a swipe. The swipe gesture has been re-enabled, so it is no longer necessary to lock the iPhone to get out of the Camera interface if it is accessed from the Lock Screen.
5G Connectivity in India
The second beta of iOS 16.2 adds 5G support in India for select carriers including Airtel and Jio. Users in India who are running the beta and who use supported carriers can connect to 5G networks.
The first beta of iOS 16.2 added a Sleep widget, and the second beta adds a Medication widget. There are two options, one that is a single pill icon and a second that lets you know when you need to take a medication. It will alert you if all your medications are logged or if you have no more medications for the day.
More Features
Know of an iOS 16.2 beta 2 feature we left out? Let us know in the comments below.
Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming macOS Ventura 13.1 update to developers for testing purposes, with the beta launching two weeks after Apple seeded the first macOS Ventura 13.1 beta.
Registered developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center and after the appropriate profile is installed, the beta will be available through the Software Update mechanism in System Settings.
With macOS Ventura 13.1, Apple has debuted the Freeform app, which is aimed at creative collaboration. It can be used for brainstorming, planning out ideas, jotting down thoughts, sketching, and other creative purposes.
Users can insert drawings, sticky notes, shapes, text boxes, photos, videos, PDFs, links, and other documents, with Freeform serving as a blank canvas. Freeform "boards" can be shared with other people and discussed over FaceTime, with updates from all participants synced to everyone in real-time.
macOS Ventura 13.1 also introduces support for an updated Home app architecture that improves performance for smart home devices, with these features also available in iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2.
Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the betas coming two weeks after Apple seeded the first betas of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2.
Registered developers are able to download the iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 profiles from the Apple Developer Center, and once installed, the beta is available over the air.
iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 include the Freeform app, which can be used for jotting down notes, sketching, drawing, brainstorming ideas, creating mood boards, and more. Multiple people can work on the same Freeform board, with changes synced for all participants in real time.
For the iPad, iPadOS 16.2 brings external display support to the Stage Manager multitasking feature, allowing up to eight apps to be used at once. External display support is available for the M1 and M2 iPad models.
Apple has added a new Home app architecture coming in iOS and iPadOS 16.2, which Apple says is designed to bring faster, more reliable performance, especially in homes with a lot of smart home accessories. The new architecture requires the HomePod 16.2 beta software, and it causes the Home app not to work with devices updated to iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, or macOS Ventura 13.1.
Unintentional Emergency SOS calls can be reported to Apple in iOS 16.2, there's a new Sleep widget, live sports scores are back for the TV app, and more, with full details available in our iOS 16.2 feature guide. iOS 16.2 is expected to see a release in mid-December.
Apple appears to have instructed Chinese supplier Goertek to suspend assembly of the second-generation AirPods Pro due to production issues, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a series of tweets shared today, Kuo said that Chinese supplier Luxshare has expanded production of the second-generation AirPods Pro to fill the gap and is now the exclusive supplier of the wireless earbuds for the time being.
"Goertek's suspension of production is more likely due to production issues rather than demand issues," said Kuo, without elaborating on what the specific issues may have been. Kuo said it's unclear when Goertek will resume production of the AirPods Pro. It's also unclear if the issues affect any second-generation AirPods Pro already sold.
The new AirPods Pro were released in late September and are currently in stock on Apple's online store in the U.S. — it remains to be seen if the loss of one supplier will have any impact on availability heading into the holiday shopping season.
The new AirPods Pro feature up to twice as much active noise cancellation as the original, charging case improvements, and more.
Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming watchOS 9.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new beta coming one week after the launch of the first watchOS 9.2 beta.
To install the new watchOS 9.2 update, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center.
Once installed, watchOS 9.2 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update. To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it has to be placed on the charger, and it will need to be in range of the iPhone it is paired with.
watchOS 9.2 introduces support for a new Home app architecture that has also been added to iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura. No other features that are Apple Watch specific have been found as of yet.
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 16.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming one day after the second tvOS 16.2 beta.
Developers can download the tvOS 16.2 beta by downloading a profile onto the Apple TV using Xcode.
tvOS updates are often minor in scale, focusing on internal bug fixes and improvements rather than notable outward-facing changes, but there are some noteworthy features in the tvOS 16.2 update. It adds support for the new Home app architecture, which is designed to make Home setups faster and more reliable.
tvOS 16.2 also adds a new Siri voice recognition feature, allowing the Apple TV to recognize each person in the household by voice, swapping over to the appropriate profile. This makes it easier to switch between Apple TV users, getting to the correct music, TV shows, recommendations, and more. Voice recognition supports up to six family members.
Apple's Beats by Dre brand today announced the upcoming launch of a new set of limited edition Powerbeats Pro earbuds that have been designed in collaboration with fashion designer Melody Ehsani.
Available in two split colorways that include pink/red and blue/yellow, the earbuds both have a little eye logo and a saying: "If you can read this you're too close."
The Powerbeats Pro are set to launch on Friday, November 11, and they will be available on Apple's website. Apple has not shared pricing, but standard Powerbeats Pro are priced at $250.
Powerbeats Pro are fitness-focused earbuds for athletes, featuring silicone ear tips and earhooks to hold the earbuds securely in the ears.
An H1 chip is included for features like spatial audio, fast device switching, automatic connection, and more, and they feature IPX4 sweat and water resistance.
The earbuds offer nine hours of listening time, which can be extended to 24 hours with the included charging case. There are on-device volume and track controls, along with "Hey Siri" support, a fast charge feature, and Find My integration.
Anker brand Eufy recently introduced a new SmartTrack Link item tracker with support for the Find My app, providing iPhone users with a cheaper alternative to the AirTag. The item tracker also works with the Eufy Security app, available on the App Store.
The SmartTrack Link can be added to the Items tab of the Find My app, allowing its location to be tracked in the app just like the AirTag. And if another iPhone user around the world comes close to your lost item with a SmartTrack Link affixed to it, the Find My network securely relays an approximate location of the item back to you.
The SmartTrack Link has many similarities to the AirTag, including a built-in speaker that can play a sound if lost, water resistance, and a CR2032 battery that lasts up to a year. The main advantage is cost, with an individual SmartTrack Link priced at $19.99 and currently on sale for $16 at checkout on Eufy's website with discount code WS24SM. By comparison, an individual AirTag costs $29 and a four pack costs $99.
Eufy's item tracker is also cheaper than the Chipolo ONE Spot, which was released last year for $28 and also supports the Find My app.
Other benefits of the SmartTrack Link vs. the AirTag include full compatibility with Android smartphones, a QR code on the back side that provides the owner's contact information, and a hole for attaching a keyring without an additional accessory.
You can get multiple all-time low prices on on Apple's 2022 M2 MacBook Air today on Amazon, starting at $1,049.00 for the 256GB model. This sale is only available in Space Gray, and it's a match of the lowest price we've ever seen on the new MacBook Air.
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Apple launched the redesigned MacBook Air this past July, and it comes with the new M2 chip, a 13.6-inch LCD display, MagSafe, and an entirely new design. For the 256GB model, Midnight, Silver, and Starlight colors are available at $1,099.00, which is a decent second-best option as well.
Additionally, you can get the 512GB M2 MacBook Air for $1,349.00, down from $1,499.00. This one is available in Silver and Starlight, and it's another record low price on the 2022 MacBook Air.
We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2022.
Apple's efforts to replace its former design chief Jony Ive have been hindered by increased turnover within the company's product design team over the past few years, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The report claims that Apple has lost the majority of senior designers who worked under Ive, with many of them jumping ship to his new design firm LoveFrom, which he started after leaving Apple in 2019.
At least 15 senior Apple designers have left the company since Ive moved to a part-time role in 2015, whereas turnover was rare between 2000 and 2015, according to the report. Only a "small handful" of senior designers from the Ive era are said to remain.
Last month, Apple confirmed that its vice president of industrial design Evans Hankey plans to leave the company next year, although the report claims that she currently has no plans to join LoveFrom. Hankey has served as Apple's de-facto design chief since Ive's departure, reporting to Apple's operations chief Jeff Williams.
Even before Ive left, the report claims that Apple's operations department had started to gain more influence over the design team, resulting in an increased "focus on costs" rather than "purely on look and features."
"The strength of the team was that we were a nucleus bound together by the incredible environment that there was and the things we could do in a fairly unconventional way for a large company," a longtime Apple designer told Bloomberg, on condition of anonymity. "It was a special team. It wasn't easy after Steve passed — things started to become a lot more complicated. There were more pressures and outside distractions."
The report goes on to examine potential successors to lead Apple's design team, ranging from veteran industrial designer Richard Howarth to software design chief Alan Dye to an outside hire. Apple said Hankey plans to stay on during the transition.
"Apple's design team brings together expert creatives from around the world and across many disciplines to imagine products that are undeniably Apple," an Apple spokesperson said last month, in response to Hankey's planned departure. "The senior design team has strong leaders with decades of experience. Evans plans to stay on as we work through the transition, and we'd like to thank her for her leadership and contributions."
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