MacRumors

Twitter will not be moving forward with an "Official" label that would be used to identify companies, major media outlets, public figures, and others who are in danger of being impersonated on the social network, Twitter CEO Elon Musk said today.

Just hours after Twitter began rolling out the "Official" checkmark that was provided to some accounts alongside the standard white and blue verification badge, Musk said that he has "killed" the feature.

"Blue check will be the great leveler," Musk added in another tweet. The white checkmark on a blue background was traditionally provided to higher-profile accounts that went through a verification process, but with Musk's takeover of Twitter, the badge will be provided to all Twitter Blue subscribers who pay $7.99 per month for a Twitter Blue subscription.

When the checkmark becomes available to any Twitter subscriber who pays, there will no longer be any kind of identity verification system on Twitter, which some users have expressed concerns about.

Twitter product executive Esther Crawford explained the two-badge system just yesterday, explaining that Twitter would add an "Official" label to select accounts. Government accounts, commercial companies, business partners, major media outlets, publishers, and some public figures were going to be provided with the now-defunct "Official" label.

It is not clear if Twitter will implement some other method for differentiating between account types and providing identity verification, but it sounds like Musk will not allow such a feature. Musk has said that any Twitter handles "engaging in impersonation" without a clear parody label would be "permanently suspended," a move he enacted after verified users began changing their names to Elon Musk.

Update: Crawford now claims that the official label is still going out as part of the launch of Twitter Blue, but Twitter is focusing on "government and commercial entities to begin with. She says that what Musk meant is that Twitter is not focusing on giving the "Official" label to individuals. As of right now, though, the official labels that were provided to some accounts earlier today have been removed and have not been reinstated as of yet. There is no word on when the labels will return, nor if this is indeed what Musk meant.

Spotify today announced it is rolling out a redesigned Apple Watch app with a "new and improved listening experience" that allows users to more easily browse music and podcasts in "Your Library" and more quickly download music for offline playback.

In a blog post, Spotify said the new design includes larger artwork, new animations, the ability to swipe to like a song, a blue dot next to new podcast episodes, and more. The new design will require an updated version of the Spotify app rolling out on the App Store — it doesn't yet appear to be available for all users as of this writing.

As noted by The Verge, Spotify remains silent about its Hi-Fi audio tier that it promised to launch back in 2021. Apple Music offers lossless audio at no additional charge.

Like many retailers, Best Buy is offering hundreds of deals as part of an early Black Friday shopping event during the first few weeks of November. Unlike Walmart, which is dividing up its early Black Friday sale into three events, Best Buy's sale is one massive ongoing sale leading up to November 25.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Best Buy's sale covers basically everything on the retailer's website and stores, including TVs, computers, video games, cell phones, appliances, headphones, tablets, smart home, and more. You can keep track of our ongoing seasonal deal coverage in our dedicated Black Friday roundup.

TVs

• LG 50-inch LED 4K UHD Smart TV - $299.99, down from $379.99
• LG 65-inch LED 4K UHD Smart TV - $449.99, down from $519.99
• LG 48-inch OLED 4K UHD Smart TV - $569.99, down from $1,299.99
• Samsung 75-inch 4K UHD Smart TV - $579.99, down from $849.99
• Samsung 85-inch LED 4K UHD Smart TV - $999.99, down from $1,399.99
• Sony 65-inch Bravia 4K HDR LED TV - $999.99, down from $1,299.99
• LG 55-inch OLED 4K UHD Smart TV - $1,299.99, down from $1,599.99
• LG 65-inch OLED 4K UHD Smart TV - $1,699.99, down from $2,099.99

Audio

• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 - $89.99, down from $149.99
• Beats Studio Buds - $99.99, down from $149.99
• Bose Sport Earbuds - $129.00, down from $149.00
• JBL Wireless Over-Ear Headphones - $99.99, down from $199.99
• Powerbeats Pro - $179.99, down from $199.99
• Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones - $149.99, down from $349.99

Streaming Devices

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K - $24.99, down from $49.99
• Roku 4K Streaming Stick - $24.99, down from $49.99
• Roku Ultra 4K - $69.99, down from $99.99
• Chromecast with Google TV 4K - $39.99, down from $49.99

Computers

• HP 14-inch Chromebook - $399.00, down from $699.00
• Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ - $799.99, down from $1,229.99
• M2 MacBook Air - $1,049.00, down from $1,199.00
• Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro Touch Screen Laptop - $1,149.99, down from $1,649.99

Tablets

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 - $99.99, down from $159.99
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 - $149.99, down from $229.99
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE with S-Pen - $449.99, down from $679.99

Wearables

• Fitbit Luxe - $79.95, down from $129.95
• Samsung Galaxy Watch4 - $169.99, down from $279.99
• Fitbit Sense 2 - $199.95, down from $299.95
• Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Aluminum - $229.99, down from $279.99
• Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro - $399.99, down from $449.99

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.

LG has started supplying Apple with OLED displays for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, according to Korea's ETNews. It's unclear how many orders LG will split with Samsung, which was the exclusive supplier of the displays for these devices until now.

The supplier diversification reduces risk and will likely allow Apple to negotiate lower costs in the future, as LG and Samsung compete for orders.

It's unclear when iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models with LG displays will start being shipped by Apple, but it's unlikely that customers will be able to notice a difference between models with LG and Samsung displays. Apple has routinely relied on multiple suppliers for some other iPhone components, ranging from storage to batteries.

iPhone 14 Pro displays use low-power LTPO technology for ProMotion, enabling a variable refresh rate between 10Hz and 120Hz. The display can also ramp down to an ultra-low-power 1Hz when in an optional always-on display mode.

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus displays are reportedly supplied by Samsung and China's BOE.

John Gruber joins us this week on The MacRumors Show podcast to discuss the key features of macOS Ventura and upcoming Mac models.

John is a technology blogger, UI designer, and the inventor of Markdown. He has written for his Apple and technology-focused blog, Daring Fireball, since 2002, and hosts The Talk Show Podcast, which has featured high-profile guests from Apple such as Phil Schiller, Eddy Cue, and Craig Federighi. See John's work on daringfireball.net and follow him on Twitter @gruber.

In this episode, we take a closer look at new features in macOS Ventura like Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, and the redesigned System Settings app. We discuss the current state of the Mac lineup and our favorite models, whether the launch of new Mac models is delayed, and upgrades from next-generation MacBook Pro models. With Apple now passing the initial timeframe it set out to transition the entire Mac lineup to Apple silicon, we also take a look at what to expect from the upcoming Mac Pro.

Listen to The MacRumors Show using apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Google Podcasts, or subscribe by copying our RSS feed directly into your podcast player. You can also watch a video version of the podcast on the MacRumors YouTube channel.

If you haven't already listened to the last episode of The MacRumors Show, be sure to catch up for a deep dive into iPadOS 16 and ‌Stage Manager‌ with Federico Viticci.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for more episodes, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by exciting guests like Sara Dietschy, Luke Miani, Sam Kohl, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, iJustine, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, Jon Rettinger, Rene Ritchie, Andru Edwards, Jon Prosser, and Mark Gurman. Remember to rate and review the show, and let us know what subjects you would like the podcast to cover in the future.

Apple is working on a new "Custom Accessibility Mode" for iPhone and iPad, according to evidence uncovered by 9to5Mac in the second iOS 16.2 developer beta.

Apple released the second betas of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 to developers on Tuesday, including camera bug fixes, support for 5G in India, a Medication widget, and references to the new Custom Accessibility Mode, which 9to5Mac found "under the hood."

Within those references, Apple describes the new mode as offering "a customizable, streamlined way to use your iPhone and ‌iPad‌," although how the feature works isn't completely clear, as it is not yet enabled for developers to test.

That said, screenshots suggest the new mode will allow users to replace the typical Lock Screen and "Springboard" Home Screen with more accessible UI elements, as well as remove the Dock, set much larger app icons, larger hardware interface elements, allowed contacts, and a simpler interface for Messages.

Given the dearth of references, it's not certain that the Custom Accessibility Mode will go live with the release of iOS 16.2. Apple could be just laying the groundwork, with the feature still in the early stages of development. For everything else in the second beta of iOS 16.2, be sure to check out our roundup of changes.

Twitter on Tuesday revealed details about the way its new verification scheme will work, with some originally verified accounts set to get an "Official" label, while users who pay the $7.99 monthly subscription for Twitter Blue will get a blue checkmark that isn't tied to identity verification.

"A lot of folks have asked about how you'll be able to distinguish between @TwitterBlue subscribers with blue checkmarks and accounts that are verified as official, which is why we're introducing the 'Official' label to select accounts when we launch," said Twitter product executive Esther Crawford in a tweet.

"Not all previously verified accounts will get the 'Official' label and the label is not available for purchase. Accounts that will receive it include government accounts, commercial companies, business partners, major media outlets, publishers and some public figures."

Crawford shared a screenshot of what the "Official" label would look like on the profile page for the @Twitter account, and went on to say that the new Twitter Blue is an opt-in paid subscription that does not include ID verification. "We'll continue to experiment with ways to differentiate between account types," she added.

Traditionally, the blue checkmark let other Twitter users know that an account with the badge had provided Twitter with verification details like employer information, a phone number, or a copy of their driver's license.

Under new owner Elon Musk's plan, the new Twitter Blue checkmark will simply indicate that an account is a paying subscriber. Why the company still plans to continue calling it "verification" is, however, unclear at this time. Twitter Blue is reportedly launching on Wednesday, November 9, following a delay in rollout until after the U.S. midterm elections.

The new subscription service has been widely criticized in the past few weeks, with Musk promising it will cut down on spam and impersonation on the platform. Musk himself has fallen victim to impersonation by several comedians and influencers who changed their Twitter display names on their verified profiles to "Elon Musk" without indicating that they were parodying his account. Some of the users were locked out of their own accounts until they changed their names back.

"Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying 'parody' will be permanently suspended," Musk later tweeted, adding that there would be "no warning" before suspensions are imposed and that any name change would result in people losing their original blue checkmark.

Apple chip supplier TSMC plans to build another fabrication plant in Arizona alongside the $12 billion factory it has already committed to in Phoenix, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The second plant will be located north of Phoenix and investment is expected to be roughly similar to the $12 billion the company committed to in 2020, according to people familiar with the plans who spoke to WSJ.

The original plant was originally expected to exclusively mass-produce 5nm chips, but it is now gearing up to also produce more advanced 4nm chips with larger capacity at the facility, according to WSJ's sources. The plant is expected to start mass production in 2024.

Meanwhile, the second plant is expected to manufacture cutting edge next-generation 3nm chips, a process that Apple is rumored to be moving its custom silicon to starting with the M2 Pro or M3 chip. Both Apple's M3 chip for Macs and A17 chip for iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to be manufactured based on TSMC's enhanced ‌3nm‌ process. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said he expects the M2 Pro to be used in the 14-inch MacBook Pro, 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, and a high-end Mac mini.

The news about TSMC's unannounced plans follows attempts by the Biden administration to attract investments in U.S. chipmaking by offering companies billions in financial support to become established in the country. The efforts aim to counter China's tech sector ambitions and secure components considered vital to national security. The efforts were accelerated after the chip shortages in late 2020 and 2021 underlined how important semiconductors have become in the world of consumer electronics.

TSMC's main factories are located in Taiwan, but it already operates a factory in Camas, Washington, as well as design centers in Austin, Texas and San Jose, California, meaning that the second Arizona facility will be its third manufacturing site in the United States.

Southern California grocery store chain Ralphs today began accepting Apple Pay at all of its 184 locations across the state, according to a company spokesperson, allowing customers to easily pay with an iPhone or Apple Watch at checkout.

Ralphs accepting Apple Pay is notable given that the chain's parent company Kroger has largely refused to accept the payment method since it launched in 2014, despite frequent customer requests. The company instead offers its own service called Kroger Pay, which allows customers to scan a QR code at checkout to pay with a card stored in the Kroger app. The only other Kroger subsidiary to accept Apple Pay is QFC in the Northwest.

In a press release earlier this year, Apple said that Apple Pay is accepted at more than 90 percent of U.S. retailers, with some major holdouts including Walmart, The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Kroger. We've reached out to Kroger to see if the company has any plans to expand Apple Pay acceptance to other grocery store banners within its portfolio and we will update this story if we receive any additional information.

Update: Kroger has also started accepting Apple Pay at its King Soopers locations in Colorado and Wyoming, according to a spokesperson.

(Thanks, Corey Kielan!)

Apple is moving forward on development of its mixed-reality headset with Pegatron set to be the exclusive partner for final assembly, according to DigiTimes. Based on the headset's current status in the manufacturing validation process, the report predicts that mass production is likely to begin in March 2023 with an unveiling possibly being held the following month.

Initial production is said to be very limited, with a high price point limiting Apple's first headset mainly to commercial markets.

Industry sources stated this XR headset mainly targets the commercial markets. The price is higher and the shipment quantity is limited. Previous estimates said that the annual shipment for this device would reach 2.5 million units. However, right now, rough estimates placed the annual shipment at around 0.7 to 0.8 million units. For supply chain manufacturers that benefit from quantity, this is not a particularly profitable order.

Despite low profitability on production of the initial headset, Apple's manufacturing partners are said to be willing to work with Apple on the project to prove their technical capabilities so they will be well positioned for future AR/VR products. Apple's brand recognition also makes it easier for the firms to raise money in capital markets to fund their activities.

Apple has been working on augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality headsets for a number of years, but has reportedly faced some development struggles that have slowed its progress. While earlier rumors had suggested Apple might show off the headset at some point during 2022, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in June that Apple would likely target a January 2023 introduction.

Today's report from DigiTimes may not necessarily significantly differ from Kuo's, as Kuo suggested that pre-orders would not begin until the second quarter of 2023 with shipments beginning by WWDC in June.

Consequently, both Kuo and ‌DigiTimes‌ appear to be citing similar time frames for mass production, with differences in expected introduction timing (January for Kuo and April for ‌DigiTimes‌) coming down to Apple's preference for how much lead time to give developers before the headset begins shipping.

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.

The FOLD Laptop Stand can be purchased from the Native Union website for $40.

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."

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.

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.

(Thanks, Michael Steeber!)

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.