Apple announced tvOS 17 earlier this week with a handful of new features for the Apple TV, including FaceTime and a redesigned Control Center. Another new feature is support for VPN apps, although it remains to be seen if there will be any limitations.
VPN apps could allow for Apple TV users to watch geo-restricted content from any location, such as the U.S. version of Netflix in another country. In its tvOS 17 press release, however, Apple focused on how the VPN apps can benefit enterprise and education users, so it is possible that Apple could restrict usage of the apps.
Apple:
Third-party VPN support, which enables developers to create VPN apps for Apple TV. This can benefit enterprise and education users wanting to access content on their private networks, allowing Apple TV to be a great office and conference room solution in even more places.
tvOS 17 will be released later this year, and is available in beta now for anyone with an Apple developer account. The software update is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models released in 2015 and later. The first VPN apps should begin to appear on the Apple TV's App Store over the coming months.
Coming away from all the press coverage and the demonstration videos that Apple released for its Vision Pro headset, most people would be forgiven for not realizing that there is an optional additional strap for the device that goes over the head.
Still from Apple's WWDC keynote video showing over-the-head strap in use
The additional strap is presumably used to better disperse weight and/or keep the headset from being easily dislodged when the wearer is moving around. It only appeared once in Apple's WWDC keynote, in a brief scene where a man stands and records a video of children playing with bubbles using the headset's outward facing cameras.
Otherwise, it is conspicuous only by its absence in Apple's marketing materials. Indeed, Apple has not even mentioned the optional head strap, but some of those who got to try the headset in person in Cupertino this week, such as MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera, did get to use it.
"A lot of people probably didn't know this just by looking at some press images, but there is another band that goes over the top of your head," said Dan in his initial impressions video.
In his opinion, with the additional strap attached, the Vision Pro is "not that far off from other headsets in terms of weight," but it does "a really good job of dispersing that weight" and making it not so front-heavy. "I do think most people will want to use it," he added.
Apple has not revealed the weight of the Vision Pro, but Apple's decision to offload the battery to an external pack speaks volumes about the need to keep the headset as light as possible. The braided headband that goes around the back of the head has a fit adjustment dial, but by offering an additional strap, Apple implicitly seems to be acknowledging that the one headband may not be comfortable or secure enough for some users, especially if the device is going to be worn for extended periods of time.
It's worth remembering that members of the press who got to try the headset did so only for around 30 minutes, which is some way off Apple's stated two-hour battery life (Apple even says it is designed for all-day use when plugged in to a power outlet). For example, in his own first impressions write-up, Daring Fireball's John Gruber did not mention any use of the additional over-the-head strap, but he did have this to say about the weight:
The single biggest downside from my demo experience is that Vision Pro feels heavier on your face than I had hoped it would. It's not uncomfortable — at least not for 30 minutes — but I never forgot it was there, and it just makes your head feel a bit front-heavy.
Since Apple hasn't discussed the existence of the additional strap, we don't yet know if it will be included in the box with the headset when it goes on sale next year. But given its relative absence in marketing materials, the likelihood is that it will be offered as a separate paid-for accessory for those who feel they need it.
Whether that will go down well with consumers considering buying a first-generation product with a $3,499 starting price remains to be seen.
Zuckerberg added that Apple's announcement "really showcases the difference in the values and the vision that our companies bring to this," noting that Meta's goal is to offer products that are "accessible and affordable to everyone." Vision Pro will be priced at $3,499, while the Quest 3 will be priced at $499 and the Quest Pro costs $999.
Meta's goal with the metaverse is "fundamentally social," whereas the Vision Pro appears to be more isolating, according to Zuckerberg. He admitted that Apple's approach "could be the vision of the future of computing," but is "not the one that I want."
Zuckerberg's full comments, as reported by The Verge:
Apple finally announced their headset, so I want to talk about that for a second. I was really curious to see what they were gonna ship. And obviously I haven't seen it yet, so I'll learn more as we get to play with it and see what happens and how people use it.
From what I've seen initially, I'd say the good news is that there's no kind of magical solutions that they have to any of the constraints on laws and physics that our teams haven't already explored and thought of. They went with a higher resolution display, and between that and all the technology they put in there to power it, it costs seven times more and now requires so much energy that now you need a battery and a wire attached to it to use it. They made that design trade-off and it might make sense for the cases that they're going for.
But look, I think that their announcement really showcases the difference in the values and the vision that our companies bring to this in a way that I think is really important. We innovate to make sure that our products are as accessible and affordable to everyone as possible, and that is a core part of what we do. And we have sold tens of millions of Quests.
More importantly, our vision for the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social. It's about people interacting in new ways and feeling closer in new ways. Our device is also about being active and doing things. By contrast, every demo that they showed was a person sitting on a couch by themself. I mean, that could be the vision of the future of computing, but like, it's not the one that I want. There's a real philosophical difference in terms of how we're approaching this. And seeing what they put out there and how they're going to compete just made me even more excited and in a lot of ways optimistic that what we're doing matters and is going to succeed. But it's going to be a fun journey.
Just days before WWDC, Meta previewed the Quest 3, its next-generation mixed reality headset. Launching later this year, the headset features a 40% slimmer and more comfortable design, a higher-resolution display, and up to twice the graphics performance as the Quest 2. The headset will start at $499 with 128GB of storage, and the company plans to share more details about it at an event on September 27.
Apple said the Vision Pro will be available in the U.S. in early 2024.
Popular third-party Reddit app Apollo will be shutting down as of June 30, Apollo developer Christian Selig announced today. The news comes after Reddit decided to start requiring developers to pay an unreasonable amount to access its API.
Selig said in late May that Reddit is charging $12,000 for 50 million requests, and given the number of people that use Apollo, that would result in a $20 million per year charge that is unfeasible for Selig to pay.
Apollo will close down on June 30th. Reddit’s recent decisions and actions have unfortunately made it impossible for Apollo to continue. Thank you so, so much for all the support over the years. ❤️ https://t.co/HOJaLMW8fx
— Christian Selig (@ChristianSelig) June 8, 2023
Reddit has not budged on its pricing plans despite protests from users and Reddit moderators who rely on third-party apps, and the change will make it impossible for Apollo to continue to operate. "Going from a free API for 8 years to suddenly incurring massive costs is not something I can feasibly make work with only 30 days," Selig wrote.
Apollo is the most popular third-party Reddit app, primarily because of the work that Selig has put into it. He regularly adds new features and updates, and interfaces with users to get feedback on new functionality. Reddit maintains its own app, but it does not have the same feature options as Apollo, and users who rely on the Apollo app will be undoubtedly disappointed by this turn of events.
Over the last several days, Selig has attempted to work out a deal with Reddit, but it has been clear that Reddit has no plan to offer more reasonable API pricing. Reddit has in fact claimed that Selig tried to extort money from the company and is operating Apollo inefficiently, but has been unable to provide Selig with more information on how the app can be improved to further cut down on API usage. Selig does believe he could rewrite code to make Apollo more efficient in the long run, but Reddit has provided just 30 days for him to implement code changes, switch to a subscription model, migrate users, and make other updates. In addition to the cost and the negative interaction that he's had with Reddit leadership, Selig says that the timing is another reason that he's not able to make Apollo work with Reddit's new API pricing.
Selig has provided full details on why he has made the decision to shut down Apollo, plus he has transcripts and audio of his discussions with Reddit and what led to this decision.
Apple Vision Pro, Apple's new "spatial computing" device, does not have a hardware-based control mechanism. It relies on eye tracking and hand gestures to allow users to manipulate objects in the virtual space in front of them. In a recent developer session, Apple designers outlined the specific gestures that can be used with Vision Pro, and how some of the interactions will work.
Tap - Tapping the thumb and the index finger together signals to the headset that you want to tap on a virtual element on the display that you're looking at. Users have also described this as a pinch, and it is the equivalent to tapping on the screen of an iPhone.
Double Tap - Tapping twice initiates a double tap gesture.
Pinch and Hold - A pinch and a hold is similar to a tap and hold gesture, and it does things like highlighting text.
Pinch and Drag - Pinching and dragging can be used to scroll and to move windows around. You can scroll horizontally or vertically, and if you move your hand faster, you'll be able to scroll faster.
Zoom - Zoom is one of two main two-handed gestures. You can pinch your fingers together and pull your hands apart to zoom in, and presumably zooming out will have a pushing sort of motion. Window sizes can also be adjusted by dragging at the corners.
Rotate - Rotate is the other two-handed gesture and based on Apple's chart, it will involve pinching the fingers together and rotating the hands to manipulate virtual objects.
Gestures will work in tandem with eye movements, and the many cameras in the Vision Pro will track where you are looking with great accuracy. Eye position will be a key factor in targeting what you want to interact with using hand gestures. As an example, looking at an app icon or on-screen element targets it and highlights it, and then you can follow up with a gesture.
Hand gestures do not need to be grand, and you can keep your hands in your lap. Apple is encouraging that, in fact, because it will keep your hands and arms from getting tired from being held in the air. You only need a tiny pinch gesture for the equivalent of a tap, because the cameras can track precise movements.
What you're looking at will let you select and manipulate objects that are both close to you and far from you, and Apple does anticipate scenarios where you might want to use larger gestures to control objects that are right in front of you. You can reach out and use your fingertips to interact with an object. For example, if you have a Safari window right in front of you, you can reach your hand out and scroll from there rather than using your fingers in your lap.
In addition to gestures, the headset will support hand movements such as air typing, though it doesn't seem like those who have received a demo have been able to try this feature as of yet. Gestures will work together, of course, and to do something like create a drawing, you'll look at a spot on the canvas, select a brush with your hand, and use a gesture in the air to draw. If you look elsewhere, you'll be able to move the cursor immediately to where you're looking.
While these are the six main system gestures that Apple has described, developers can create custom gestures for their apps that will perform other actions. Developers will need to make sure custom gestures are distinct from the system gestures or common hand movements that people might use, and that the gestures can be repeated frequently without hand strain.
To supplement hand and eye gestures, Bluetooth keyboards, trackpads, mice, and game controllers can be connected to the headset, and there are also voice-based search and dictation tools.
Multiple people who have been able to try the Vision Pro have had the same word to describe the control system - intuitive. Apple's designers seem to have created it to work similarly to multitouch gestures on the iPhone and the iPad, and so far, reactions have been positive.
In a video released today, Apple has outlined several improvements coming to the Wallet app and Apple Pay with iOS 17. The software update is currently in beta and will be released to the public later this year for the iPhone XS and newer.
A major redesign for the Wallet app that was rumored ahead of WWDC never materialized, with only modest changes made in iOS 17.
Apple Pay order tracking is getting several enhancements, including Apple Maps support, receipts for transactions, the ability to add an order to the Wallet app from an email attachment, and a new "Track with Apple Wallet" button for apps and websites.
If a user is tracking an Apple Pay order with a specified pickup time and location, the Maps app will now proactively suggest it through Siri Suggestions.
Merchants can now attach a receipt to Apple Pay orders as a PDF or image file, so the customer has a record of payment in the Wallet app. Merchants can also now attach Apple Pay orders to emails, such as the order confirmation email. The customer can then tap on the email attachment in the Mail app and add the order to the Wallet app.
Apple has also introduced a new "Track with Apple Wallet" button that merchants can add within their iPhone apps and websites.
As previously announced by Apple, iPhone users will be able to present a driver's license or ID stored in the Wallet app at participating businesses and venues starting later this year. Users will simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the business's iPhone to verify their age and identity for things like alcohol, rental cars, and more.
Apple calls this feature Tap to Present ID on iPhone and provides more details in its video.
The first macOS Sonoma beta was released to developers and early adopters this week, and changes in the newest version of Apple's macOS operating system are still being unearthed. Below are just a handful of notable differences that may have passed you by.
System Settings
In macOS Ventura, Apple replaced System Preferences with System Settings to align it with iOS and iPadOS, but the way controls were organized left many users wanting.
The same System Settings interface remains in macOS Sonoma, but it is now easier to navigate through different menu screens you have visited without continually scrolling through the side bar, thanks to the addition of backward and forward buttons.
FaceTime UI and Reactions
Apple has changed the way FaceTime integrates with the menu bar. The video effects options no longer appear in the Control Center, and instead have a new home in a dedicated green FaceTime menu bar item, which also includes a mini webcam view and buttons to trigger Reactions.
Reactions include Love, Like, Dislike, Balloons, Rain, Confetti, Lasers, and Fireworks. Some reactions are even triggered automatically by the user's physical actions: One thumb up triggers a Like, and two thumbs up are attended by Fireworks. Similarly, one thumb down counts as a dislike, and two thumbs down initiates a rain shower.
Safari Profiles
Safari has gained a new feature called Profiles, which is designed to help keep your browsing separate for topics like Work, School, or Personal.
Each profile gets its own icon and silos your history, Tab Groups, favorites, and cookies. You can even assign specific extensions to different profiles to optimize your browsing experience based on the task at hand.
Seamless Keyboard Input and Dictation
macOS Sonoma supports simultaneous use of keyboard input and Dictation, without any disruption in your flow of thought.
In other words, you can keep typing after hitting the Dictation shortcut. So whenever your fingers need a rest, you can complete the sentence you were just typing by saying it out loud.
Screen Sharing Improvements
When you're in a FaceTime or Zoom call, click-hold the green traffic light in the corner of an open app window and you'll see a screen sharing option, and a new Presenter Overlay feature can be used to keep you on screen and better able to point to details.
When on a video call, you can either place yourself inside a movable bubble in the corner of the window or desktop that you're sharing, or you can bring on-screen content into the background of your own environment so that it looks as if you're standing just in front of it.
Docked Web Apps
Thanks to a new option in Safari, you can now create independent web apps that can be added to your Dock.
All you have to do is visit a website and select File -> Add to Dock.... You can then give the web app a name and even change its icon. When you open a docked web app, it will open in its own separate window that includes back and forward buttons for simple navigation.
Other Notable Tidbits
New visual Caps Lock indicator
Mail search prioritizes upcoming travel-related emails
Use the Share button to send a note in Notes into Pages.
New Zoom and Pan controls for Continuity Camera
Developers are still learning what else has changed in macOS Sonoma, so be sure to check back for more coverage here on MacRumors.
Samsung is hosting a new sale for Father's Day, offering savings on monitors and TVs for a limited time. As is typical for these Samsung events, the popular Smart Monitor M8 is being discounted, now available for $449.99, down from $699.99.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This sale on the Smart Monitor M8 beats last month's deal by $50, and is overall a solid second-best price on the monitor. The M8 houses a 4K UHD flat LCD panel providing 400 nits of brightness, a 60Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and adaptive picture technology that automatically adjusts display brightness and color temperature for viewing comfort.
There are a few other monitors, memory, and storage accessories on sale during the Samsung Father's Day sale. This includes $400 off the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 Curved Smart Gaming Monitor, priced at $1,099.99 during this event.
In terms of TV sales, Samsung has a few options during this event, including up to $300 off select models. You can also get Samsung's Sound Tower portable speaker at 50 percent off during this sale, priced at $249.99.
Upon the launch of the latest Mac Pro, Apple's transition to Apple silicon across its entire Mac lineup is complete. The new Mac Pro features the M2 Ultra chip – the same chip offered in the refreshed Mac Studio – so why should some prospective customers buy the Mac Pro, despite its $6,999 starting price, and which performance-focused desktop Mac is best for you?
The Mac Studio starts at $1,999, substantially less than the $6,999 starting price of the Mac Pro. When configured with the same M2 Ultra chip as the Mac Pro, the Mac Studio starts at $3,999. There are several crucial differences between the Mac Studio and Mac Pro that justify their different price points and designs:
Mac Studio
Mac Pro
Integrated, non-upgradeable design with sealed casing
Modular design with openable casing and potential for SSD upgrades
–
Seven PCI Express expansion slots (six available slots; one slot comes with Apple I/O card installed)
Two impeller fans
Three impeller fans
Apple M2 Max or M2 Ultra chip
Apple M2 Ultra chip
Up to 24-core CPU
24-core CPU
10Gb Ethernet
Dual 10Gb Ethernet
Up to six Thunderbolt 4 ports
Eight Thunderbolt 4 ports
Two USB-A ports
Three USB-A ports
HDMI port
Two HDMI ports
SDXC card slot (UHS-II)
–
–
Rack-mounted version available
Starts at $1,999
Starts at $6,999
The main reason to buy the Mac Pro is to be able to use its seven PCIe expansion slots add the likes of digital signal processing (DSP) cards, serial digital interface (SDI) I/O cards, additional networking, and built-in storage. This also allows a user to change some of their Mac Pro's hardware over time, and Apple is offering additional do-it-yourself SSD upgrade kits and wheels for the device.
If you require multiple Ethernet ports, more than six Thunderbolt ports, or more than two USB-A ports to connect a large number of peripherals, only the Mac Pro can facilitate this. Otherwise, since the Mac Studio can be configured with the same M2 Ultra chip as the Mac Pro, there is no reason to buy the more expensive desktop machine, and most users will be better off buying the Mac Studio and saving $3,000.
Buy a Mac Studio if...
You prefer a smaller desktop machine that takes up significantly less space
The M2 Max chip offers sufficient performance for your needs and you do not need the M2 Ultra chip
You need a versatile, high-performance machine below the Mac Pro's $6,999 starting price
Buy a Mac Pro if...
You need the ability to upgrade the internal SSD
You need more than six Thunderbolt ports, more than two USB-A ports, more than one HDMI port, or more than one ethernet port
You need PCIe expansion slots
If you don't need the performance and number of ports that the Mac Studio offers, it is worth noting that Apple offers the Mac mini with the M2 Pro chip for $1,299. This high-end Mac mini offers a good balance of price and performance that should be more than sufficient for many users looking for a desktop Mac.
The Mac Pro is targeted at professionals with distinct hardware requirements and complicated workflows, often in production environments. These customers will know they need a Mac Pro to meet their needs. Considering the fact that the base model is $5,000 cheaper than the Mac Pro, the Mac Studio is now the best "Pro" desktop Mac for the overwhelming majority of prospective customers, with more than enough performance and versatility for most users.
WhatsApp today introduced Channels, a feed-style one-way broadcast service coming to the popular chat platform where admins can send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls to followers.
WhatsApp calls Channels "a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from people and organizations," and cites hobbies, sports teams, and updates from local authorities as examples.
The personal information of admins is kept hidden from followers, so things like phone number and photo profile aren't shown. Likewise, following a channel won't reveal your phone number to the admin or other followers. Admins will also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channel.
WhatsApp says it is building a directory where channels can be discovered, and you can also get to a channel from an invite link. Admins can decide who can follow their channel and whether they want it to be listed in the directory or not.
Channels can be found in a new tab called Updates, where your Status and any channels you follow will live, separate from your chats inbox.
Notably, channels aren't end-to-end encrypted by default, but WhatsApp is exploring it as a future option. Channel history stays on WhatsApp's servers for up to 30 days, and the Meta-owned company says it will add ways to make updates disappear even faster from followers' devices.
To begin with, WhatsApp is bringing Channels to Colombia and Singapore in association with "leading global organizations and select organizations," with more countries to gain channel creation "in the coming months."
Apple in iOS 17 has revised several elements of its stock apps, including the Podcasts app. There are a few noteworthy changes to the functionality and design of the app with the update, as detailed below.
The biggest change is a slick new design for the Now Playing screen, which allows the podcast's full show page art – or any episode chapter images – to take over the entire screen.
The playback controls on the bottom half of the screen have also been rejigged. The play speed button has been moved from the bottom left corner of the screen and now sits next to the rewind button.
Podcasts app in iOS 16 (left) versus iOS 17
The sleep timer button has also been moved from the bottom right corner and is now located next to the fast-forward button, so the main bank of controls is more compact with five buttons in the row instead of just rewind, play, and fast-forward. Some buttons also now take on a neat new glow when activated.
The queue interface has changed, too. Whereas previously you swiped up to see if anything was in the Playing Next list, now there's a dedicated queue button at the bottom next to the AirPlay icon.
Podcasts app in iOS 16 (left) versus iOS 17
Pressing it brings up a whole new screen showing any queued episodes as a list. You can swipe to remove an episode from the queue or clear the list, and if there are no episodes up next it will tell you that nothing is queued.
The Up Next carousel at the top of the Listen Now screen features redesigned cards that add a color shade to go with the podcast's art, and they feature a new three-dot options menu icon, a new compact playback indicator that shows if you have started a podcast but not finished it, as well as the episode's length.
Podcasts app in iOS 16 (left) versus iOS 17
The same indicator can also be found in the Up Next screen, where the "Play Next" and "Play Last" options have been replaced with "Add to Queue."
Podcasts app in iOS 16 (left) versus iOS 17
In iOS 16, if you've completed an episode in a podcast's episodes list, it just says "Played" below the episode summary. In iOS 17, that's been replaced by a replay icon and the episode length. A checkmark now also sits next to the date above the episode title, indicating that you've listened to it.
With the Apple Vision Pro not set to launch until 2024, there's a lot that we don't know about it. Apple has given us a rough overview of the hardware that's inside, but hasn't gone into detail on the different components or specifications.
What the headset weighs is unknown, for example, and there's no word on just how many cameras and sensors are inside. We aggregated the limited information that we do know about the headset's hardware for those who are interested.
Enclosure
There's a three-dimensionally formed laminated glass display that attaches to a curved aluminum alloy frame.
There is a thermal system that quietly moves air through the Vision Pro to deliver performance and keep heat down.
Displays
There are two custom micro-OLED displays that provide "more pixels than a 4K TV" to each eye (23 million total). Apple says they're the size of a postage stamp.
There is a three-element lens that makes the display feel like it's "everywhere you look."
An "EyeSight" external display shows other people when you're using a less immersive augmented reality mode by displaying your eyes, or lets them know you're fully immersed and unaware of your surroundings. This display also provides a recording indicator when you're capturing video with the camera.
There's a 90Hz refresh rate, with a special 96Hz refresh rate available for 24fps video.
For those who wear glasses, Zeiss Optical Inserts with your prescription can be magnetically attached to the lenses inside the headset.
Cameras
The headset has 12 cameras and five sensors for monitoring for hand gestures and mapping the environment. There were rumors that the headset would also look at leg movements, but that's not something Apple has mentioned. Two of the cameras transmit more than a billion pixels per second to the display to depict the world around you clearly, while others are for head tracking, hand tracking, and real-time 3D mapping. There are infrared flood illuminators that enhance hand tracking in low-light conditions.
There's a camera that's able to take 3D photos and videos.
LiDAR depth sensors can determine the size and location of the objects in the room around you, and can also scan your face to create a digital Persona that's used in FaceTime.
Inside the headset, there are four infrared cameras and LED lights. The lights project invisible light patterns onto each eye, and this system is used for iris scanning for authentication and also for accurate eye tracking so the headset can tell where you're looking for navigation purposes.
Straps and Bands
Audio straps on each side include speakers that support spatial audio. They are described as dual-driver audio pods that are positioned next to each ear, with the ability to analyze the room's acoustic properties to adapt the sound to match the space. Six microphones are included as well.
There's a detachable braided headband that has a fit adjustment dial.
The magnetic Light Seal, which comes in multiple shapes and sizes, holds the headset to the face and blocks out light.
Buttons
The Digital Crown on the top right of the headset can bring up the Home View when it's pressed, or control the level of immersion when turned. Immersion level can be adjusted when you're using "Environments," aka virtual reality scenes where you can do things like watch television. You can opt to use a full fake environment that makes the screen larger than life, or have the TV show you're watching overlaid in your real room for less immersion.
A button at the top left can be used to take spatial videos and spatial photos.
Cables
There is a single woven braided power cable that attaches to the left side of the headset. The cable can be plugged into a power source or plugged into an external battery for use on the go.
The headset seems to ship with an external battery so you don't need to be tethered to a power adapter while you use it. The battery is designed to fit in a pocket.
Chips
There are two chips inside the Apple Vision Pro. The M2, which is the same chip that's in the Mac lineup, is the main chip that handles the processing. The M2 runs visionOS, executes computer vision algorithms, and provides graphical content.
A second R1 chip is responsible for all of the information that's coming in from the cameras, sensors, and microphones. It is able to stream images to the displays within 12 milliseconds, and Apple has said this chip is able to provide a "virtually lag-free" view of the world.
As we get closer to launch, we'll likely learn more about the headset's capabilities and the specifics on the components Apple is using, but we may be waiting until after it becomes available for a full teardown and peek inside.
Apple in iOS 17 is adding a new feature to iOS that is designed to automatically block incoming messages and files that may have sensitive content like nudity.
Opt-in blurring can be applied to sensitive images sent in Messages, AirDrop, Contact Posters for the Phone app, FaceTime messages, and third-party apps. The feature will prevent adult iPhone users from being subjected to unwanted imagery. All nudity will be blocked, but can be viewed by tapping the "Show" button.
Sensitive Content Warnings work like the Communication Safety functionality that Apple added for children, with all detection done on device so Apple does not see the content that's being shared. Sensitive Content Warnings are an expansion of the Communication Safety options that Apple introduced for children last year.
Communication Safety detects and blocks nude images before children can view them, and with iOS 17, this too will expand to encompass AirDrop, the systemwide photo picker, FaceTime messages, and third-party apps.
Apple's new Vision Pro headset is controlled with eye and hand movements by default. For those with accessibility needs, however, features like VoiceOver, Pointer Control, and Dwell Control will allow users to interact with visionOS in other ways. In a WWDC session for developers, Apple has provided more details about these features.
Pointer Control
Pointer Control will allow the Vision Pro to be controlled based on head, wrist, or index finger position rather than eye tracking. Users will be able to adjust movement sensitivity to further fit their individual needs.
Dwell Control will provide on-screen options for Tap, Scroll, Long Press, and Drag, allowing for users to interact with the interface without using their hands.
Dwell Control
There's also Guided Access, an accessibility feature that will promote focus by restricting visionOS to a single app at one time. Apple says the feature aims to minimize distractions by backgrounding other apps, removing non-essential UI elements, and suppressing hardware button events that could be distracting.
Guided Access
Apple's screen reader VoiceOver will be available on the Vision Pro. Users will be able to set up a VoiceOver shortcut in the Settings app on visionOS that allows for the feature to be activated with a triple press of the Digital Crown.
Vision Pro is launching in early 2024 in the U.S. for $3,499, and more details about the headset are available in our Vision Pro roundup. For more details about the accessibility features, check out Apple's WWDC session.
Apple in iOS 17 has introduced a number of changes across its stock apps, including the Weather app. With the update, there are some minor changes to the functionality and design of the app.
Previous Day's Weather
The biggest update is an option to see yesterday's weather in the 10-day forecast. In iOS 16, you can only view the current day and the next 10 days, but in iOS 17, you can view current day, the next 10 days, and the weather from the previous day.
10-day forecasts show the chance of rain each day and offer a "daily summary" instead of a forecast.
Interface Tweaks
The main Weather interface has been updated with large "My Location" text for the weather forecast in at your current location, with the city underneath. In iOS 16, it simply said the city, which could be confusing when navigating through multiple saved cities.
Module Changes
Some of the weather modules have been relocated, with rain and hourly forecasts shown first. News and alerts are shown lower in the app, and there is a new "Averages" weather module that displays how the current temperature deviates from the historical average on that day. Apple has also increased the size of the wind speed module, showing information on gust speed, a daily comparison, and a wind scale.
Moon Module
Apple has added a moon module that shows the current status of the moon, the time until the next full moon, moonset and moonrise times, and a moon calendar.
Daily Comparisons
Daily comparisons are included for UV index, humidity, the "Feels Like" index, and visibility, and there are options to change units for wind speed, precipitation, pressure, and distance.
Data Updates
Apple does not appear to have made any changes to the data that is used for the Weather app, despite complaints of its inaccuracy following the incorporation of the Dark Sky app.
When creating a list in the Reminders app in iOS 17, you can select a "Groceries" list option that will cause your iPhone to automatically organize every food item added into categories for easier shopping.
Grocery items like produce, milk, and breads are automatically organized under different headers as you add them to your shopping list. Fruits and vegetables, for example, get organized under "Produce," while oatmeal and cereal go under "Breads & Cereals."
Categories include Produce, Breads & Cereals, Frozen Foods, Snacks & Candy, Meat, Dairy, Eggs & Cheese, Bakery, Baking Items, Household Items, Personal Care & Health, and Wine, Beer & Spirits.
Categories are customizable and you can add your own sections, or rearrange the order that sections are shown in the list.
If the iPhone doesn't recognize where an item should go, it remains uncategorized. It does recognize specific brands and types of food like "Sour Patch Kids," but some items like tofu are questionably categorized (Dairy, Eggs & Cheese).
While sections are turned on by default for the Grocery list option, any Reminder list that you create in iOS 17 can have sections added to it. You'll need to manually add sections and organize items into them, but the option exists for better list management.
There is a new column view that lets you see the sections you've created side-by-side, and this is in addition to the standard list view.
With interactive widgets in iOS 17, a reminder can be checked off directly from a widget without having to open the app, which is a convenient change. Other new additions include options to receive early reminders up to six months before a reminder becomes due, and tools for creating reminders from suggestions.
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi today announced his intentions to join MLS club Inter Miami. According to ESPN, Messi's proposed contract terms include a cut of revenue from new subscribers to Apple's MLS Season Pass streaming service.
MLS Season Pass costs $14.99 per month, or $49 for the remainder of the season, but Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for a discounted rate of $12.99 per month or $39 for the remainder of the season. Every MLS match is streamed live through the Apple TV app, as part of a 10-year partnership between Apple and the MLS.
Messi joining the MLS would be the league's biggest signing since David Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007, and his popularity could help to boost MLS Season Pass subscriber numbers for Apple in the service's inaugural season.
"We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer," the MLS confirmed in a statement shared on Twitter. "Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League."
CarPlay didn't receive much attention during the WWDC keynote, but the iPhone-based software platform did receive a few new features with iOS 17, including SharePlay support in the Music app and real-time electric vehicle charging station availability.
SharePlay support in the Music app allows all passengers in a car to control what music is playing from their own devices, even if they do not have an Apple Music subscription. The primary user can initiate a SharePlay session from CarPlay.
Apple Maps now provides electric vehicle drivers with real-time charging availability information for their preferred charging network, and this feature extends to the Maps app on CarPlay, making it easy to find an available charging location while driving.
CarPlay also includes a new interface for replying to messages, as seen in this screenshot shared by Will Sigmon:
The new CarPlay features are automatically available after updating an iPhone to iOS 17. The software update will be released to the public later this year for the iPhone XS and newer, and it is currently available in beta for developers.
The wait continues for the next generation of CarPlay that Apple announced at WWDC 2022. Apple said the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay support would be announced in late 2023, so more details should be provided in the coming months. New features previewed last year included integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster and climate controls, support for multiple displays, a built-in FM radio app, widgets, and more.
Apple said automakers committed to offering the next generation of CarPlay in future vehicles included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo.
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